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.