Mine is the Night to Read Into the Night!

I can see why many people love Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs! I did not have the opportunity to read Here Burns My Candle before reading the sequel, however, it was fairly easy to pick up on what was going on. I really enjoyed reading this story and seeing how the characters developed. As always, I enjoy a good love story and anytime there is conflict involved with finding love, it is fun to figure out how the story will play out. I can’t wait to read the first book followed by this one again, in order!

Liz Curtis Higgs has taken the Biblical story of Ruth and written Mine is the Night in 18^th century Scottish text. As my father always tells me when I read a novel that has any historical fiction base to it, “It is a great way for you to learn your history!” Therefore, I truly enjoyed this story of love and hope.

Daily Devotions

I used A Conversation with God for Women, by Marcia Ford, as a devotional tool. Rather that reading it cover to cover, I found questions that pertained to me that day or things that were heavy on my heart. Recently, I have had many setbacks in my life and feel that I am full of worry all the time. I looked specifically for a section about worry titled; “How Can We Stop Worrying so Much?” This was a glorious section for me to read because of the many footnotes that accompanied it. I had my finger in the back of the book where the author has placed references to the Bible for each section. I constantly flipped back and forth to read what God had to say in his word. This not only was helpful for me to see how much God takes care of me and how little I need to worry, but it was a breaking point for me, helping me to realize that I needed to commit more of God’s word to memory. “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true” (2 Timothy 3:16).

I enjoyed having this book. While I did not read it cover to cover it was nice to see the reactions that might come from God and Jesus based on each question. While there were questions I wish the book would have contained answers to, I felt that it gave a good devotional outlook on many topics that women have concerns and struggles with.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of Conversations with God for Women through Book Sneeze. I received no compensation for my thought.

Another Read

The Bridge of Peace by Cindy Woodsmall, is an Old Order Amish story that is a continuation in a series. I did not have the opportunity to read the first book in the series, however, it was not necessary to understand the plot of this story. I always admire that in books, to be able to pick up a new title and not question things that have already occurred.

There were many characters in this story and I had to continually look to see how they were related in the back of the book, but each character was developed very well. I found that there were characters I was more excited to read about than others in the story, which I always enjoy having favorites. I enjoyed the story line also, however, it did take a bit to get into the book. The last 100 pages though were very good and kept my interest.

I enjoyed the obstacles that had to be overcome in order for the characters to develop into whom they were written to be. I can anticipate which characters are going to be emphasized in the next story, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to read it.

SpRiNg!!

I like to think that I am a good decorator....but that just isn't the case! However, I do love going to Kohls and finding festive holiday placemats! These are my latest ones for Spring. They do a great job brightening the room!

Laziness

I feel that in the past month I have been LAZY!!!

1. I have not posted on my blog...

2. I have not updated on facebook....

3. I have not been working out very hard....

4. I have been taking naps....

5. I have been reading A LOT (Which would explain all my book reviews!)

So, while it is GREAT to have time to RELAX, I will enjoy not being quite so LAZY!

(But it is enjoyable while it lasts!)

Read with Ease

Review of What the Heart Sees, A Collection of Amish Romances

In What the Heart Sees, a Collection of Amish Romances, by Kathleen Fuller, simple stories are brought to life and the message that God wants us to know and understand are evident in the message of each story.

Each story in this collection, A Miracle for Miriam, A Place of His Own, and What the Heart Sees are beautifully written stories that allow the reader to reflect on the simplicity of life as the Amish do. Growing up in Indiana I often came in contact with the Amish and was able to witness their basic lives, but without observing their humility and their dedication to the Lord and their work. Therefore, reading these stories, I was able to picture the characters in my mind as Kathleen Fuller did a great job bringing each of them to life.

I enjoyed reading all three stories, however, as a collection the stories began to reflect a similarity with the previous ones. While I enjoyed them, I would have enjoyed a little more complexity with each of the characters and the plots of the stories. Even so, I truly enjoyed the collection of stories and would read more books written by Kathleen Fuller if given the chance.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of What the Heart Sees through Book Sneeze. I received no compensation for my thought.

God is Love

Review of Blind Hope

Blind Hope, by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher, is a sweet story about a blind dog and her ability to change a woman just by being present in her life. I enjoyed reading this story as I have a very big heart for dogs in need of rescue. I have two dogs that I have adopted. My babies do not have any problems, they simply did not have a home. By letting them into my life, my life has changed because of who they are and how they love unconditionally. This is what Laurie Sacher, one of the authors found to be true with her dog Mia.

The story is written much like a memoir, which threw me off at first and actually kept me a little disinterested in the story itself. But once I started reading, I fell in love with this dog Mia and who she was. Also, interwoven in the story is the message that God is always with us, that God forgives all of our faults (just as a dog would), and God is ever loving no matter what our past might look like. It was a true reminder of God’s love and grace. And sometimes, just that message alone makes a book worth reading.

“No one ever warned me that when you rescue a dog, the life you save just might be your own!”