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Heart’s Safe Passage

Posted by html404 on March 12, 2012
in Books

Yep, read another book this weekend, however, I won’t have too many more book reviews to post as we get into gardening season. There just won’t be time to do much reading, not that there is now, but you know what I mean, right?

Heart’s Safe Passage is the second book in The Midwives series by Laurie Alice Eakes. I read the first one a year or two ago, I believe, and really enjoyed it. I am very pro-midwives, after all I have given birth at home with one for my last three births and have even studied midwifery at one point but had to put it aside when my husband got laid off. I find the history of midwifery compelling and dates back to the beginning of time in the book of Exodus in the bible.

I found this second book interesting as well, though again this novel was not so much about the midwifery as much as the spiritual and personal life of the midwife, Phoebe Lee. The story is set in the early 1800s and shares Phoebe’s story, which was only hinted at in the first book, as she helps her sister-in-law Belinda. Phoebe is a spunky little thing. I actually loved Phoebe’s spunk, she made up for Belinda’s character…one spoiled rich girl.

Even though this was a romance-y book, there were twists in the plot and a fair amount of guessing when it came to figuring out who was against Captain Docherty, what Phoebe would do in any given situation and how she and the two other female characters were going to survive their time on board a privateer brig (different than a ship).

Revenge, bitterness, forgiveness and healing are important elements in this book and when these are presented there is always something for everyone to learn.

Heart’s Safe Passage gets two thumbs up from me!

“Available February 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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Sarai Book Review

Posted by html404 on March 12, 2012
in Books

Sarai is the first book in the Wives of the Patriarchs by Jill Eileen Smith, who wrote the a Wives of King David series, of which I read two of the three in that series. What can I say? After the Wives of King David series, I have to say that Sarai really did not entice my interest as much for some reason. I felt that it was dry for lack of a better descriptive word.

I enjoyed what the book made me think about and consider – what it would be like to be married over 50 years and then decide to give your husband your handmaid to produce an heir. I could not fathom that at all. This isn’t something I thought about while reading the story in my bible.

It also made me question the kind of faith Abraham had to believe for years and years and years that God would provide him a son, but then throws it aside when Sarai’s faith falters. They could have saved themselves so much agony and kept their relationship exclusively magnomous if they had stayed strong together and waited for God’s timing. Easy for me to say. They are human, I know. Although it does say a lot of Abraham that he did not take another wife all those years when he and Sarai did not conceive, but again their faith faltered and they get themselves into a disastrous love triangle.

I could not relate to Sarai’s barrenness and wondered at the fact that women were blamed for not conceiving more so than men. I liked the fact that Ms. Smith portrayed Abraham as a kindhearted man who took into consideration that he might be the cause of Sarai’s barrenness. But wondered why God didn’t just tell them and others in bible times the man determined the sex of a child? Why do eastern countries still blame the woman for barrenness or the sex of the child? These are all questions I asked as I pondered Sarai and Abraham’s story.

I liked the thought provoking questions the book brought about in me and how accurate the story was to the biblical account, but otherwise it left much to be desired.

“Available March 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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Words Spoken True

Posted by html404 on February 25, 2012
in Books, Contests

Set in 1855, Words Spoke True is about a young woman who was raised in her father’s newspaper offices in Louisville, Kentucky. Shunning cultural norm, she was a newspaper woman in a man’s world. However, due to her father’s expectations, political and financial woes he puts her in more danger than anyone ever expected. Amidst the danger and political unrest Adriane Darcy is attracted to an unconventional new editor….her father’s rival newspaper.

I really enjoyed this book. I was an entertaining, suspenseful novel with a romantic twist. It was far from your predictable romance, which you may recall I am weary of. Adriane’s romantic life is filled with more than just controversy and not what you would call a dream romance. More like a nightmare run wild, but that’s all I’m saying!

It was interesting to learn just a little about life inside the newspaper office. What is intriguing is the idea that years ago, printing stories that were true could cost not only subscribers but also your life. It makes me wonder if there is still that risk today? Do reporters focus on truth or a story that will sell? Hmmm…..

Adriane’s father seemed to have lost sight of what was important in his life when he began flirting with a politician. A politician whose wealth and position had “pull” shall we say. I just couldn’t imagine being under the thumb of someone who had the power to control what I said and did. What a scary thought.

I admired Adriane’s grit. She had courage, strength and talent, all of which she used for the good of “her” newspaper. And the loyalty shown to her and her father from their trusted employees is something to envy. Loyalty and honesty among friends are rare gifts not to be taken advantage of, but to be treasured and held like a prized possession.

Two thumbs up for Words Spoke True!

The author of this book, Ann Gabhart, is hosting a fun contest that you can check out here.

“Available February 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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FREE Kindle Book!

Posted by html404 on February 9, 2012
in Books, Downloads, Free Stuff

Get The Keeper FREE TODAY only!

KINDLE NOOK

ONE DAY ONLY!

On Thursday, February 9th, Revell Books is giving away FREE copies of my new release, The Keeper for Kindle and Nook! This one day offer starts at 12 am and ends at 11:59 pm. Pass it on!

And grab a copy for yourself!

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Summer of Promise Blog Tour

Posted by html404 on February 4, 2012
in Books

The next book up is Summer of Promise by Amanda Cabot and thankfully not a predictable romance! It is romance with a little intrigue thrown in. I really enjoy Amanda Cabot’s books.

Summer of Promise is set during the summer of 1885, and Abigail Harding travels from her home in Vermont to the high plains of Wyoming to visit her sister.

I liked that this novel, while based at a Fort, focused on life inside not outside on a battle field. I have never really thought much about the kind of life soldiers lead while living at a fort. This story reveals the stark contrast between the service men on the battle field and those living at the fort.

It has it’s humorous parts. On the spiritual side, the lesson that stood out to me throughout the story was the fact that knowing God’s will and following are two very different things. Patience is needed to wait for God’s leading, so this book was a very good reminder, especially as it relates to my businesses and other things going on in our life right now.

Sisterly love and devotion is another theme that was presented. I am looking forward to the second book in the series! Two thumbs up from me!

“Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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Chasing Mona Lisa: A Revell Blog Tour

Posted by html404 on January 15, 2012
in Books

Just finished Chasing Mona Lisa over Christmas weekend. Yes, our Christmas was that low key! I started reading it the week before Christmas during my nursing sessions with my 16 month old and was able to get it done. I have obviously heard of the Mona Lisa, but I had not heard of its theft as mentioned in the book. It is quite the interesting tale.

This book is set in WWII. The year 1944. A member of the French resistance and two Swiss agents are tangled in a web of honor and deceit as they try to protect the Mona Lisa from Nazis and keep her in France.

The story line held me in suspense, as I kept waiting and waiting for the plot to get to chasing the Mona Lisa. I had to wait until chapter nine to find out that the hunt was about to begin! While waiting the plot was just thickening in preparation for the chase!

There seemed to be more characters than usual, for a paperback book like this one, so my mind worked hard to place everyone in their appropriate scenes and relationships. This actually created a bit more intrigue as I tried to figure out who was where, doing what, with whom…you know what I mean?

Chasing Mona Lisa is very mild in terms of the events occurring through out the story, especially considering all the heinous crimes committed during that time. Nevertheless, the authors conveyed these things through the hatred displayed by certain characters. The blood they shed and crimes committed by both sides because murder was committed by so called good people but usually in self-defense.

While Romance was hinted at throughout this book, this was not a gushy romance novel, it was a historical fiction filled with adventure. It was filled with secrets, bravery, espionage, loyalty and a love of art. A great change of pace! I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and characters. The way it ended left me thinking there wouldn’t be another book, yet the story line left me wondering about a couple of characters that I truly hope there is another book in the works!

I admired the loyalty, courage and commitment to the cause, which was liberating Paris and restoring the country’s extensive art collection. I was held in suspense with the twist on the art smuggling and sales. Chasing the Mona Lisa created a desire to learn more about the Mona Lisa and Paris. I also want to write the first book of this sequel, The Swiss Courier as it is based upon one of the characters in this book! Might have to spend some of my Christmas money on a copy! (Scratch that, my daughter bought it for me!)

This was a great read and I highly recommend it! A word of warning though, if you are looking for a book with a spiritual theme, you will not find it in Chasing the Mona Lisa. If you are looking for a clean plot about history, fiction and adventure, then this is your book.

“Available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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The Keeper: A Revell Blog Tour

Posted by html404 on January 14, 2012
in Books

As you may have noticed, life is busy here in our home and reading is something that I do just to relax and zone out. It helps me take a break from all the things pressing for my attention and allows me to escape only to have a better focus on what needs to be done. I certainly have more time to read during the colder months of the year than I do during the warmer months, as is evidenced by an almost weekly supply of book reviews lately! 😉

This next book review is by an author I have come to love. I get excited when I see Suzanne Woods Fisher’s name on an upcoming blog tour list! It is a contemporary romance but what I like about Suzanne’s books is the relationships and life lessons God is teaching her characters. There is always something for everyone in her books. Whether you are grieving, holding on to something that it has become an idol or plain need to slow down and take it easy The Keeper will teach you something.

I loved the Lapp’s family dynamics. Their love and care for one another is as it should be within a family unit. I loved how the character Fern seemed to know just how to bring out the best in each of the family members. I loved the sweetness and innocence of Menno, may we all have child-like faith and love like his.

I grappled with the heart transplant issue as I have never really come to a decision on what I believe about it. And I truly wonder what the Amish think about it all. I know all the finer points and the benefits of organ donors and transplants, but there is a fine line there in harvesting them and truly knowing the heart of God in a matter like this one. This is a whole can of worms, I know, but I am just being honest here.

Suzanne had me laughing and thoroughly amused through most of the book. Then towards the end I was crying. My oldest said, “You always cry in her books.” I snapped, “You would too if…….” Sorry I didn’t want to reveal a spoiler! You’ll just have to read the book yourself.

Two thumbs up from me!

“Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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That’s My Girl: A Revell Blog Tour

Posted by html404 on January 7, 2012
in Books, Family Stuff, Parenting

That’s My Girl is a book written parenting expert Rick Johnson, founder of “Better Dads”. This book maps out how dads can develop a healthy, closer relationship with their daughters, and gives moms insight into the important role a father plays in the life of their girls, including her relationship to her father.

The father-daughter relationship is very important in a girls life. According to Mr. Johnson, this is the one relationship that determines how she feels about herself, what kinds of men she is attracted to and how she expects to be treated by other men. I know as I read the pages of this book, I couldn’t help thinking about my relationship with my Dad, who passed away 6 years ago. He was a good provider, active in our lives as little girls (I have 3 younger sisters) but once we hit preteen and teen years he became much more distant.

I agreed with some of the things Mr. Johnson shared, but other things I didn’t. There are always exceptions to the rule and there is the God factor. I believe certain areas of my life could have been disastrous, were not because of God having my back so to speak. I loved the stories he shared about his teenager daughter. She was a character!

Mr. Johnson does a thorough job of showing Dads how to help map their daughters future. Overall I believe this book is a good resource for fathers especially, but mothers will benefit as well.

“Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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Remembering Christmas – A Revell Blog Tour

Posted by html404 on November 19, 2011
in Books, Holidays

It is hard to believe we are nearly through the month of November. We have had a beautiful fall here in Chicagoland. Now the holidays are upon us. First Thanksgiving next week and then Christmas within a month. Our family loves the Christmas season and Christmas stories. Remembering Christmas by Dan Walsh is one of those books that is all about family and what it means to be a part of one. It is a book to be read over and over again as a reminder of being a devoted son or daughter.

Remembering Christmas is not your typical, predictable romance. It does contain a few well placed twists and turns. What I liked about it is that a wealthy, successful, yet selfish son, Rick, comes back to his hometown during his mother’s time of need. He begrudgingly puts all his needs and wants on the back burner to be there for her. I admire his devotion to his mother.

I also liked that Rick’s trip home forced him to face his old hurts and repair broken relationships that should never have been broken in the first place. It is through the healing process he finds unexpected love and devotion of another kind.

This is a lovely story about relationships. Everyone could learn something from this book. It gets a two thumbs up from me!

“Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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Deeply Devoted – A Revell Blog Tour

Posted by html404 on September 29, 2011
in Books

Deeply Devoted by Maggie Brendan will resonate with those who have trust issues. I bawled my eyes out (no news there, I know!) in places as I felt the pain of Catharine’s past and her inability to fully trust in the present.

This book is set in the west during the era of mail order brides. I have always admired the strength and courage these women must have had to present themselves as brides to complete strangers. Catharine was no different.

I also admired the trust that Catharine and Peter had in God, as farmers, He was in control over whether their crops failed or made a profit for their livelihood. Farming is hard work as it is without considering the weather factor.

Maggie Brendan’s first book in her Blue Willow Brides series was a very enjoyable read for relaxation. It had all the good read qualities since it made me laugh, cry and feel the pain and hurt of the characters.

Two thumbs up from me!

“Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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