Indelible is light versus darkness

This review is from: Indelible: A Novel (Kindle Edition)

Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann was a very interesting book! I had never heard of eidetic memory-terrifying but still such a gift. The book was really a page a turner, plenty of action and tension between characters. It kept me up reading late at night. The author's use of Paradise Lost was very creative and effective. At times is was scary but never gory. There were so many dysfunctional families and damaged adults; might have been overkill on the drama, since Redford was such a small town. I can see many of these characters in their own novel. Piper was the only bright spot in the novel.Trevor's character developed to a mature supportive hero. Jay was interesting and could have given more depth. Neglected and abused children is a real problem in today's world, it was a worthy topic. Once people realize God is the only source of strength in so much despair, they can heal from their early childhood experiences. I really did like the book; it flowed well and integrated all the character. The ending was satisfying. Hopefully the author will write a sequel. Indelible: A Novel. This book was given to me by Multnomah Books for review.
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 547 KB
Print Length: 338 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1400073103
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (May 3, 2011)

The Scroll gives plenty of suspense

The Scroll by Grant R. Jeffery and Alton L. Gansky
Dr. David Chambers is a nationally known archaeologist and author. He spent most of his life trying to substantiate the truth of the Bible by uncovering artifacts.  After his greatest discovery, Herod tunnel that runs under Jerusalem, he has not been back to the Holy Lands. In fact, after his mother’s death, he has forsaken his biblical research. And he has given up on just about everyone, especially God. His friend and mentor, Abram Ben–Judah calls to try to pull him out of his depression. Abram is putting together a team for a once in a lifetime chance to search for the treasure listed in the Copper Scroll.  Stir in the mix is ex-fiancée, Amber, and you have a book filled with history, romance, danger, mystery, and murder.
Once I started this book, it was hard to put it down. The suspense of discovery ancient items, the danger in the underground tunnels, and the rich cast of characters made this a worthy read. Lots of factual history from the Bible is included in the novel. It is written in the future decade and the technology is astounding. You never know which technology is real or fabricated, but it is true to life and very realistic.  This copy was given to be by WaterBrook Press for review.

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (September 6, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0307729265
ISBN-13: 978-0307729262
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 1 inches

Great book for Christmas

The Christmas Singing: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country (Ada's House Series)

I read this book in one sitting. I could not put it down until I found out the ending. Cindy Woodsmall became a favorite of mine with the first series I read, Sisters of the Quilt. She is well-schooled in the traditions of the Old World Amish as can be proven by her non-fiction book Plain Wisdom.

The title The Christmas Singing drew my attention, since I knew Amish couples usually pair up for courting at their singings. Mattie is the main character runs her own bakery named “Mattie Cakes.” Yum! Two of cake recipes are included at the end of the book. She moved away from home after her childhood sweetheart, Gideon, breaks her heart. The drama of the story kept me flipping the pages or in this case scrolling through the e-book. Loved it, loved it! This book was given to me by Multnomah Books for review.

Good family values and faith in God makes this a wonderful book for Christian readers who are tired of vampires and paranormal romances.

File Size: 2047 KB

Print Length: 208 pages

Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0307446549

Publisher: WaterBrook Press (October 4, 2011)

Bravo for GW

Being a Christian and a leader in Community Bible Study, I have always admired the integrity of President George W. Bush and supported both of his terms in the White House. First let me tell you that I do not watch political campaigning, and I stay as far away from politics as possible. Too often people, Christians included, base their opinions of politicians by the slant of the news services and the biased flood of unfounded email slander. You will never see me forward emails with defamation of political opponents. I was very interested in reviewing this book and was not disappointed. Truth is often layered by underlying circumstances. Decision Points, George W. Bush helps discover the policies and investigations that precipitated key vetoes and war plans sanctioned by the Oval Office.

Bush admits his book will not be a chronological span of his administration as President. He focused chapters on the major decisions he had to make during his presidency. Stem Cell Research, Afghanistan and Katrina are three such titles. The first two chapters gave me insight into how George W. Bush decided to run for President of the United States. I was pleased to learn the vast number of personal opinions sought and pondered before making up his mind. The depth of the investigations that this president employed to make the best decisions was based on moral convictions not political or monetary gain. This book is best read by reading one chapter at a sitting because of all the details and the many parties involved require awhile to digest and to understand. This book was given to me by Multnomah Books for review.

Alcorn's 90 day devotional

This devotional was harder for me to get into than the 50 days of Heaven. Each day begins with a block of scripture. Alcorn uses personal stories to illustrate the topics of God's Goodness. Every devotion ends in a heartfelt prayer that was right on. While I enjoyed the book, I wish it had a topical index. Some days I need a specific Word from the LORD.
Ninety Days of God's Goodness

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah Books (February 8, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601423446
• ISBN-13: 978-1601423443
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches 

This book was given to me by Multnomah Books for review.

Plain Wisdom Insight into an Author

So glad I took a chance on reading this book. Most nonfiction books that I read are scripture commentaries and devotionals. Amish nonfiction has been a favorite of mine for the purity and simple lifestyle. Cindy Woodsmall has become one of my favorite authors since I have started Blogging for Books. This book gives me an insight into her early life as well as describing how she became friends with Miriam Flaud, a women of the Old World Amish community. Each chapter is headed with a Bible scripture, and they frequently refer to biblical texts which have given them comfort and encouragement. The personal experiences of both women present such wonderful illustrations that I jotted down the page numbers to reference in my own bible teachings. Dearly love all the recipes shared by the authors. What surprised me the most was the use of convenience foods in the recipes of the Amish: Jello, Cool Whip, and Bisquick. I plan to try the Christmas Salad recipe. Facts about the quilts were especially interesting to me since I have reviewed the three books the Sister of the Quilts by Cindy Woodsmall. The traditions for each mother to piece a quilt from their child's outgrown clothes and present it to them as a wedding gift. When the young couple begins to start a family, ladies get together to create a quilt for the baby. The book delivered what it promised plain wisdom and "a heartwarming celebration of God." I received this book free for review from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Finally Home for Hannah

When the Soul Mends, Sisters of the Quilt Series #3 Forgiveness is the major theme in this installment of the Sisters of the Quilt. Hannah returns home to the Amish Community who abandoned her, the sister who conspired against her, and her father who refused to believe the truth. When the Heart Cries (Sisters of the Quilt, Book 1)  In the second book Hannah blossoms and heals living with her Aunt Zabeth. When the Morning Comes (Sisters of the Quilt, Book 2) You will miss a great read if you skip the first two book. I loved the ending which restored my belief in true love. Woodsmall's relationship with the Amish world lends an authenticity to the series. She has become one of my favorite authors of Christian fiction.

I received this book free for review from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Hannah's time of healing

This review is from: When the Morning Comes (Sisters of the Quilt, Book 2) (Paperback) is the sequel to When the Heart Cries. When book one ended with poor forsaken Hannah, weak from delivering her stillborn baby girl, I rushed to the library to find the sequel. I had to know what would happen between her and her fiance Paul. My heart was broken for the main character as she was wrongly accused and deserted by family and community. From an old letter found in her father's room, Hannah learned of Aunt Zebeth, though the family never acknowledged her existence. She sets out to find her long lost relative. Through a series of divine appointments Hannah finds her aunt and she starts to heal. Cindy Woodsmall's insight into the Amish communtiy comes from her close friend, Miriam Flaud, a woman immersed in the culture of Old Order Amish. However, it seemed Hannah was mighty quick to shift from her Amish ways to her new lifestyle. Cars and cellphone and a spunky attitude gave me pause. Thankfully the third book in the series set the world aright.

31 Days of Power

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are in a spiritual battle against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 This book of daily readings will help use the divine power of  God that is available to each of us. Ruth Meyers has written several devotional books. The first I owned and used for devotions was 31 Days of Praise which was very good. This book is a 158 page paperback.  The writers have changed the format some and I like it. Part 1 of the book is Thirty-One Days of Power. The topics of these days are listed in the Contents. Each day has several prayers to God, praising and thanking Him for who He is. References to bible verses makes me fill that the words are from the WORD. Some days there are lines to write your own prayer with an appropriate prayer starter.  Don't know why some days have spaces to write, but others do not. Part 2 contains foundational truths in Scripture concerning spiritual and victory. Meyers keeps our focus on God and His purposes instead of Satan and his demons. Small but mighty is this book in the hands of a believer. I received this book free for review from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

When the Heart Cries Sisters of the Quilt

The last page of Cindy Woodsmall's When the Heart Cries immediately sent me searching for the second book in the Sisters of the Quilt series. When a dreadful catastrophe disrupts the life of young Hannah Lapp, Mamm and Daed convince her that the unmentionable must be concealed from everyone.  From the beginning, the reader is deeply sympathetic to the seventeen-year-old main character. At times I was so exasperated with the Ordnung, unwritten rules of the Old Order Amish, I wanted to reach out and comfort the teenager.  Compounding the agony of the situation, her Mennonite boyfriend, Paul, must return to the university to complete his final year. Their unsanctioned courtship must be kept hidden and lack of communication was difficult for the youngsters. Sometimes Hannah was careless in her action and actually provoked the discipline of the bishop.  Secrecy and rumors added to the frustration and heartache she and Paul must endure.  Woodsmall has a unique connection with women of the Amish community and her writing is authentic.
I received this book free for review from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group. 

What a Ride-Miracle of Mercy Land

After page 102 I could not but this book down, literally I carried it from room to room and ate with the book propped before me. Author River Jordan was not familiar to me. The main character, Mercy Land, and the community of Bittersweet in southern gulf waters of Alabama was unrealistic to me. My favorite character was Doc, the owner, publisher, and editor of Bay City's local newspaper the banner. He was faithful  to the memory of his beloved wife Opal and constant companion to  his dog Harriet. Doc Phillips was hardworking and ink surely ran through his veins. He could sniff out the truth while other were heading down the wrong trail. The night a mysterious book appeared on Doc's desk their lives would never be the same. His protection of Mercy and his will to correct the wrong he had done in his past made this novel a treasure. The battle of good and evil is taught without being preachy. So glad I didn't quit this book; it is worth sharing.
Ann Sanger

~I received this book free for review from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Cindy Woodsmall-Bridge of Peace a winner

The Bridge of Peace (Ada's House, Book 2) (Paperback)

My favorite character was Lena Kauffmann, a twenty-three year old unmarried school teacher in the Amish community of Dry Creek. Lena has a prominent birthmark on her cheek, and she feels this physical imperfection has kept the Amish men from calling on her. Her greatest fear is she will never know the love of a spouse and will be an Alt Maedel, old maid. Lennie has lived with whispers all her life. Now one of her older students, Peter, is not only disruptive, but makes cruel remarks about her face. Through the hurt and frustration, she is tenacious to her teaching and sincere in her love of her students. Lena chooses to see the good in every student, even the obstinate ones.  Her independence and knowledge of the outside world, however, sometimes pushes the limits of the Old Order Amish.  There were three romances going on in the story. I can't wait to read the sequel. Reading the previous book in the series will help readers learn more about the connections between the families in this Amish community. The characters are believable and deal with issues of acceptance and forgiveness. The analogy of building a bridge to peace was truly something all Christians can use to repair and strengthen relationships. Woodsmall passes along her knowledge of Old World Amish. The glossary of terms and Pennsylvania Dutch phrases used in this book, as well as the list of main characters, helps readers connect the families in the community.

~I received this book free for review from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group.