Indelible By Kristen Heitzman

The Widow of Saunders creek

by Tracy Bateman I absolutely adored this book. Adored it.

I found out about this book through another favorite blogger/author of mine: Kristine McGuire. Kristine has answered many questions I've had about Christianity and ghost hunting. This book was recommended by her and I am so glad I read it.

I could NOT put this book down. It is very rare that I will finish 80% of a book in one sitting. I read it for several hours and could not stop.

As a Christian, who unfortunately has done authentic ghost hunting/paranormal activities in the past, this book hit the nail on the head. It held a very valuable lesson with a very sweet love story. It was balanced out superbly.

Demonic spirts can and DO mimic human behavior and I kept wanting to shout at Corrie, "Don't continue down this path looking for your husband!" Tracey definitely illustrated a great point: one would NOT experience a paralyzing fear while communicating with an actual departed loved one. (From experience, this is 100% accurate.) The departed would also not mention something to embarrass you, such as drinking to drown out your grief weeks before.

Eli was such a strong, Christian character that helped guide her down the right path. He was also such a joy to read and get to know.

I found myself crying several times throughout this book (the painting on the wall that Corrie worked on for Eli, to name one scene); which has not happened to me in a long time.

Thank you for writing such a wonderful, heartfelt book that addressed the real dangers of ghosts and what they really are.

When we first moved to Amish country, I was entralled with Amish fiction, hoping to glean some understanding about a people with whom I was previously unfamiliar.I'll admit it: I got burnt out. I felt like I was reading the same plots with different characters.I've been reluctant to pick up another one in quite some time, but I found a pleasant surprise in Cindy Woodsmall's The Scent of Cherry Blossoms. Though the story was slow to start, it soon picked up speed, and I was fully invested in the Romeo-and-Juliet plot set in the Plain community.Aden and Annie, the love protagonists, are separated by their faith communities, one Old Order Amish, the other Old Order Mennonite, and though they work side-by-side and have been friends for years, their relationship is not permitted to progress beyond a working one. The plot is almost frustrating because the line separating the two groups, from the outside, seems almost negligible. Woodsmall, however, writes from personal knowledge -- friendship with an Old Order Amish woman -- which lends credibility to the story and its characters.FAVORITES: Likable characters. Enchanting setting. Compelling story.FAULTS: Aden stutters, and Woodsmall writes that into his dialogue. It's an important part of his character, but it's hard to read at times. Distracting, almost. But I don't know how else you convey a stutter on the printed page. Also, the ending felt abrupt. After all the build-up, I thought, "that's it?" It wasn't a bad ending; the story just concluded hastily, I thought.IN A WORD: Redemptive. It's Christian fiction, so it ought to be, right? For me, The Scent of Cherry Blossoms redeemed Amish fiction. Maybe I'll try another one soon.I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers

Brush of Angles wings By Ruth Reid

in exchange fBook description: "Rachel and Jordan's feelings for each other are hostile at
first, but angelic intervention helps the two discover peace . . . and perhaps
love.The youngest and last unmarried of four sisters, Rachel Hartlzer spends
most of her time helping with barn chores. Her role abruptly changes when her
father hires Jordan Engles, the son he always wanted.As Jordan takes on
brotherly roles around the house, like escorting Rachel to the youth singing,
the enmity between the two grows. Besides, Jordan has one foot in the Englisch
world and is determined not to get involved with an Amish girl.Neither
realizes that God has sent an angel, Nathaniel, to help mend their hearts. The
angel's intervention helps them find peace and healing in accepting God's will
for their lives."My review: This is another book that I really enjoyed
reading, but I am not sure I like all of the book. I enjoyed the story as well
as the characters. I'm just not sure how I feel about the angels. They did add
some depth and understanding to the story. However, it would seem the author,
Ruth Reid, has attributed the work of the Holy Spirit to an angel. I think I
understand why she chose to include the angels, I just do not agree with the way
they are portrayed. I enjoy reading Amish stories and have read quite a few by
several different authors. I am looking forward to reading more by Ruth Reid. I
received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers
through their Booksneeze blogger program or an honest review. All
opinions are my own.