Fraying at the Edge- Book Review

I just finished reading Fraying at the Edge, by Cindy Woodsmall. This book kept my attention from front to back and was hard to put down! As with the first book in the Amish of Summer Grove series, Woodsmall leaves the reader in suspense at the conclusion. Unfortunately, book 3 hasn't been released yet but I will definitely be looking forward to reading it!

This series is about 2 girls who were accidentally switched at birth 20 years previously. Ariana Brenneman was raised Old Order Amish while the true daughter, Skylar Nash, grew up in the "Englischer World." When the discovery of the mistake became known, Ariana's biological father forces the girls to switch places for a year. As an atheist, he is appalled to learn his daughter has been raised in such a rigid, closed minded, religious society. The man creates a bucket list for his daughter in hopes of broadening her perspective of life. Skylar faces culture shock as well. Every modern convenience is stripped from Skylar and she must deal with her drug addiction and deep loneliness.

Fraying at the Edge deals with difficult subjects such as adultery, drug addiction, family expectations, blended families, and legalism verses love. Woodsmall is to be commended for her skillful handling of these topics while weaving a thought provoking story worth reading.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Saffire- Book Review

Saffire is a historic novel written by Sigmund Brouwer. The plot is set during the building of the Panama Canal. James Holt, the main character of the book, is requested to unravel a mystery and uncovers much more than he bargained for. Politics, intrigue, and even romance are themes woven throughout the story of Saffire.

 I previously did not have much knowledge about this time period so I enjoyed reading something with a fresh and unique feel. The story is a bit challenging to follow, but I am sure a second reading would bring more clarity. Overall, this was a pleasant read and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Room For Hope

Room for Hope is a great new book written by Kim Vogel Sawyer. Set during the Great Depression, the main character must choose her outlook and response to difficult life circumstances. Forgiveness, compassion, and love are themes found throughout the book. I was immediately drawn into the story and read through this book quickly.

From the back cover:

In a desperate time, can Neva find forgiveness for a grievous wrong—and make room for hope?
 
Neva Shilling has a heavy load of responsibility while her husband travels to neighboring communities and sells items from his wagon. In his absence, she faithfully runs the Shilling Mercantile, working to keep their business strong as the Depression takes its toll, and caring for their twins.
 
When a wagon pulls up after supper, Neva and her children rush out—and into the presence of the deputy driving a wagon carrying three young children. The deputy shocks her with the news that Warren and his wife have died, insisting it was their last request that the three children go live with “Aunt Neva.”
 
Neva’s heart is shattered as she realizes that Warren’s month-long travels were excuses for visits with his secret family. She wants nothing more than to forget Warren, but can she abandon these innocent children to an orphanage? Yet if she takes them in, will she ever be able to see them as more than evidence of her husband’s betrayal and love them the way God does?


Get your own copy of Room for Hope- you won't regret it!
I was given this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks Blogging for Books!

When You Lie Down Lullabies and Scripture Songs- Review

I am a huge fan of Seeds Family Worship. Their mission is to place God's Word into homes around the world.  I believe this is truly their passion and not just words alone. Seeds puts this goal into practice with their "buy one give one" policy. Each CD purchased includes 2 copies- one to keep and one to give away. I was pleasantly surprised to find this also true of the digital download version.

When You Lie Down Lullabies and Scripture Songs is the latest album released by this company. The songs are peaceful and soothing. The lyrics point to the rest we find in Christ. I  love that each song comes straight from Scripture (no fluff added). My kids only have to watch a movie one time and can sing lyrics from the songs. So what better way to instill God's Word on their minds and hearts than through music?

Many songs directed at children are annoying for the parent to listen to. Not so with Seeds! I enjoy the music as much as my children and perhaps even more. When You Lie Down Lullabies and Scripture Songs is a quality product that I am pleased to recommend to my friends and family. Well done, Seeds Family Worship!

Disclaimer: I received a free download of this album from Seeds Family Worship in exchange for an honest review of their product.

The Time Chamber- Review

I highly recommend The Time Chamber by Korean artist Daria Song. This is a very detailed coloring book that children and adults alike can enjoy. The story follows a red-haired fairy who enters the human world as the coo-coo clock strikes midnight. The story is very short, but the amount of coloring pages more than makes up for it.  It even has a gold-foil stamping on the cover and spine which lends an elegant appearance. The beautifully illustrated book would make a wonderful gift for a loved one. You won't regret this purchase! My only complaint is that the book does not lie flat. This makes it difficult to color the middle of the image that spans both pages. However, this is the most delightful coloring book I have every owned :)

Disclaimer: I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review

Amish Christmas at North Star- Review

Amish Christmas at North Star is a book containing four short stories by different authors. The main characters each having been born on the same day by the same Amish midwife is what ties these stories together. I had expected to see their lives entwined throughout the stories but instead each book stands on it's own. Only through the prologue and epilogue do the stories come together.

Guiding Star is the first story and it is written by Katie Ganshert. She writes about a man trying to find where one of the four babies born in that Amish birthing center ended up.

Mourning Star is authored by Amanda Flower. A mysterious death of an Amish friend is investigated. Who would have murdered the man?

Cindy Woodsmall wrote In the Stars. Kore and his ex-girlfriend end up working together to care for some children in need. Will they be able to overcome whatever obstacle broke up their relationship a year prior?

And finally, Star of Grace was written by Mindy Starns Clark and Emily Clark. This is a story dealing with the power of forgiveness.

It's hard to get much depth when the story is short, and I find that characters are not always believable. However, for some light reading this was an enjoyable book.

Thank you Blogging for Books! I received this book from them for an honest review of the book.

When Love Returns- Review

When Love Returns is the concluding book in Kim Vogel Sawyer's The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy. The story line builds in each book so I recommend reading the books in order. This series is about a Mennonite family and the struggles they face in dealing with a sin from the past. Sawyer does a great job wrapping up all the loose ends in this third book.  The book deals with themes of teenage pregnancy, adoption, forgiveness, and grace. I look forward to reading more books from this author in the future!

Thank you Blogging for Books! I received this book from them for an honest review of the book.