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)

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. 

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.