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.

THE CHRISTMAS SINGING

Gideon Beiler and Mattie Eash have been in love with each other since they were children and many assumed they would eventually marry. However, when Gideon gets devastating news he finds an excuse to break up with Mattie. Mattie's heart is broken but she moves on, opening her own cake decorating business and dating Sol Bender. Gideon too has gone on with his life but has never really stopped loving Mattie. Unfortunate circumstances have brought Mattie back home and into Gideon's life - will her return rekindle their romance or is it too late?Set in the Amish community, "The Christmas Singing" is a nicely done, at times poignant, novel about someone who loves his girlfriend so much he is willing to do whatever it takes to save her from hurt, even if it means ending their relationship. This would make an excellent novel for book clubs as Gideon's actions, while noble, are ripe for discussion. Author Cindy Woodsmall does an excellent job of showing just how much not only the reason for Gideon's decision has cost him but how the decision itself has hurt him. Woodsmall also does an excellent job with Mattie's character. She is a bit scatterbrained (at times devastatingly so), a talented cake decorator, and worried about her mother's health. People, including Gideon, seem to want to protect her and don't realize how strong she is - Woodsmall does an excellent job of developing that aspect of her character. Also well done, if a bit sad, are the reasons Mattie is dating Sol. Again, all of this would make a good book for a book club discussion. Finally, having the novel set at Christmas adds a lot of magic to the story."The Christmas Singing" is a nice romance.

Mine Is The night By LIZ CURTIS HIGGS

I was hooked from the beginning of Here My Burns My Candle and have been waiting for the end of Elisabeth and Marjory Kerr's story. Liz Curtis Higgs finishes it up and does a wonderful job. I love how the customs and laws of 18th century Scotland lend themselves so well to retelling the Biblical story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. When Elisabeth meets Admiral Lord Jack Buchanan, I saw how Boaz could have felt about Ruth. When Marjory began to love her daughter-in-law and esteem her, I felt how Naomi might have responded to Ruth's faithfulness. I'm only sorry the tale is over and I wonder which Bible stories and people will next picque Liz's imagination.

The pirate Queen by Patricia hickman

Well to do and unsatisfied. These words describe Saphora Warren, the main character in The Pirate Queen. Saphora is a southern woman who, after decades of marriage, has finally decided to leave her womanizing, plastic surgeon husband Bender. After Southern Living magazine visits their home to feature it in a future issue, Saphora packs her bags and leaves for their bungalow in Oriental on the Outer Banks, hoping to make sense of her self. Just as Saphora is about to leave for Oriental, Bender arrives home and says he's dying of cancer. With this monkey wrench thrown into her plans, Saphora agrees to care for him at their bungalow. Inwardly, she wants to kick herself for being such a pushover. Their bungalow gets more and more crowded when family members arrive and townsfolk stop by to check on them. Frustrated, Saphora asks God to show her the way back to herself. The Pirate Queen is a deep character study of Saphora who, after years of fulfilling her duties as a wife and mother, fights to discover Saphora. Hickman's poignant writing style allowed me to easily slip on Saphora's distinctive view of her marriage and family. In addition, the cast of characters in this story add dimension to the novel. This story courageously deals with the often unspoken expectations of womanhood, especially as women navigate their role in the home. The Pirate Queenhad me turning the pages, wanting to see how Saphora comes to terms with her life. A great story.

Indelible By Kristen Heitzmann

Trevor is former Olympian who now teaches skiing/hiking and suriving skills to kids along with whitewater rafting and rock climbing.On the side he is a local hero who is always helping local police find the missing or injured along the mountainside.He rescues his neighbor Natalie nephew from a lion,that is how they meet.Natalie owens the art gallery next to Trevor's store.Natalie has a gift or disabilty for sculpting but doesn't come without a coast.

This book reminded me a lot of the tv show Criminals Minds were you could and see things from many angles.
I loved the story line the most .I had never heard about this sort of disability with before and was every fascinted with her story.the ending is unprediectable and you never knew what was going to happen next.

both Trevor and Natalie were dealing with some pretty awful history and a lot of things about themselves but as this story unfolded they grew and mature in a accepting who god made them to be.

I recieved this book from WaterBrook press free in exchange for my honest review.

ASCENT FROM DARKNESS

By Michael Leehan
This book is a rather eye-opening look at man's descent to Satanism. What Ifound fascinating was that he almost rationally chose to turn his back on God, and to instead to Satan.Because he felt that God had dealt poorly with him,he made the decision to turn to what he saw as gods.'s"alter-ego.

This is a true story.and as the author says,it's not embellished or exaggerated to make for more exciting reading.Not that any embellished would be necessary in this story.

Saving Grace

By Anne Jones

Saving Grace is about a group of women who have become friends unexpectedly, they have formed the pray tree circle.
They soon begain to slip apart.Naomi has a plan.Each year on the night of the Splendor Belle Gala.The would start their own tradition.
The legend was that Grace GraysonWiley was stood up the night of the ball 50 years ago.Hard times had hit her family and it was up to her to go to the ball and try to meet a man that could save her family.
Naomi hope her plan would bring back the circle of friends and some lfe back to grace.

I recived this book free from WaterBrook/Multnamah plublishing for my review.

The Chocolate Diaries

By Karen Scalf Li namen
The chocolate diaries is a collections of fifteen tales of women's journeys on the rought roads of life.These are bits and pieces of wisdom and experiences tohelp the readers get answers to there questions.We all travel a rock road from time to time.But if we take time to enjoy the sweet things in life we will experience joy.
at the end of each chapter there is a list of questions that are perfect for jourding exercies.There are also recipes at the end of each chapter.

This bookwas provides women with everything they need to survive tough times with the help of family,friends,prayer,laughter, tears and of course plenty of chocolate.It has light humor as well as heart-breaking stories to keep it humors.

This book was sent to me free for my review from WaterBrook press.

Mercy come Morning

by Lisa Tawn Bergren

A Novel
ISBN 978-0-307-730107

Krista Mueller has a successful career as a professor. Her Mother Charlotte has had Alzheiners desease for years and Krista had to put her in a home.It is called Cimarron

The only problem is it is own by Dane McConnell who is a old friend from her past.Dane had feeling for her when they were younger.
Krista has not been close to her mother and had not seen her much over the years.

She is call to Cimarron because her mother id dying. This brings her back to a place and people she does not want to be around. But she does find things out about her mother she didn't know and back to Dane.Will they have a further to gather?

This is a very moving book and will pull at your heart strings.I am going throught some of these things with my own mother and can relate to this book.

This book was sent to me free for my review from WaterBrook Press for my review.

Stumbing into Grace

by Lisa Harper
Stumbing into Grace is part devotional and part diary.Lisa uses stories from her life to tell her story.There are 15 chapters and each chapter is perfect to turn into a daily devotion.
It also has group discussion questions.

It is casual and personal as Lisa deals with fear,abuse,mistakes,gifts,and spiritual growth to name a few.Lisa makes you laugh as well as brings you to tears as she talks about her daddy's last dayes and deals with death.It lets you know that christians life is not always easy and sometimes even are spiritually clumsy.

I recived this book free for by review from BookSneeze.

Robertas Place

Thunder Dog
By Michael Hingson with Susy Flory

You would think being blind would make Michael Higson disability.But in his case that is not so.Michael was born blind but has never let it stop him from doing the things he wanted to do.He learned to ride a bike,drive,and even to fly a airplane.
The book Thunder Dog tells his story of how he suriviedd the attack of the World trade Center with his guide dog Roselle.He only remembers the attack by sounds,smells and feeling
as he walked down 78 flights of staries with the help of Roselle.

He remembers hunders of other people,fire fighters on their way up as he slowly came down before the building collapses around them.Michael lets you know that anyone can overcome obstacles and anything is possible.

I received this book free from BookSneeze for my review.

The Canary List

By Sigmund Brouwer

Jamie Piper is a twelev year old who can sense evil.She tries to find safety with her teacher Crockett Grey.Crockett is getting drunk on the anniversary of his daughter death who died from cancer.
Jamie only brings trouble to him.He ia accused of child molestation and is arrested.Crocket tries to uncover what has happen to him and where Jamie has gone.
As the mess gets darker he finds the vatican is watching him and he doesn't know why.
The Canary list makes you wonder if demons are real or canwe explain all this.
This book was sent to me for free from WaterBrook/Multnomah Publishing for my review.

When the hurt Runs deep

By Kay Arthur
240 pages Hardback book

This is a book full of truth stories that should help anyone who is hurting.It will help you through these times. You learn how suffering can be used by God to discipline us.When we allow him to do this.
You learn it is better to listen to god and make the right decitions. god is only healer who can help us get throught these times.
If you are looking for healing and answers to a hurt this book is filled with healing for hurt and hope for hopeless.i did enjoyed this book and do recommend it.
I recived this book free from WalterBrook/Multnomah for my review.

Robertas place

Cure forthe Common Life
by Max Lucado
220 pages

This book gives the spiritual and bible based motivation which gives that extar something that make a wonderful differance.we can fulfill our desteny by finging out what we were created to do.By fulfilling the calling for our lives it gives so much more meaning to life and can be used to Gods glory an serves.
This book can also help put your life into perpective.Max Lucado makes you see the uplifing parts of life and how to uae them in a postive light.it focuses around working your life and being satisfied with what works for you and what makes you happy.

I received this book free from BookSneeze for by review.I was not reqiured to write a positive review.The opionions are my own.I do recommend this book.

Money secerets ot the Amish

by Lorilee Craker
ISBN 978-1-5955-5341-6

224 pages
IT's tough to imagine anyone in america who is not affected by the past few years of economic downturn.The Amish,however were in a better position than most with there simplicity,sharing,and saving. the amish stay out of debt,by not having credit cards,and not trying to keep up with the Joneses.
this book has advice for everyday people.Use it up.wearit out,make do or do without.Don't spoil your kids,shop secondhand stores.
This book is not magic but will help if you are willing to make some changes and are open to ideas.
I received this book at no charge from bookSneeze in exchange for my review.The opions are my own.