A Rush of Wings by Kristen Heitzmann

When I requested this book for review, I didn't realize that it was a book I've read before. I have no complaints; it was well worth reading again!

I am a fan of Kristen Heitzmann and loved this book as well.

The story is of Noelle St. Claire who is running, but can't remember why. She comes from a wealthy family and has a fiance', Michael, who works for her father. Memories from her past, keep troubling her, but she can't seem to piece them all together.

Noelle finds peace at a ranch run by Rick Spencer. Trying to avoid being traced, Noelle refuses to use her credit cards and begins painting to raise money. Rick and his brother Morgan begin breaking down the barriers that Noelle hides behind. As conflict between the two brothers ensue, Noelle's life becomes more complicated. Her father's private investigator finds her just as her fiance' has discovered where she is hiding.

The suspence in this novel will keep you reading to the very end. I give it 5 out of 5 stars. Great book.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishing Group for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball - Donita K. Paul

Choosing Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita Paul as my first book to review for Waterbrook Multnomah seemed to be a no-brainer since I love everything Christmas. I loved the cover of the book and it drew me in. Unfortunately, I'm not rating this one very high.
In the story, Cora prides herself on shopping for Christmas early and avoiding the holiday shopping rush. She finds an unusual book shop and stops to purchase a book for a gift. She ends up on the receiving end of a matchmaking ploy as the owners of the shop (wizards) give her tickets to a Christmas ball. Co-worker Simon is shopping in the same store and also receives tickets to the ball. Simon loves his family, especially his sister, Sandy, and plans to give her a special treat by taking her to the ball. When driving to the store to get a ticket for Sandy, they can't find this enchanted street; only when walking can they seem to find this magical world. As the three are shopping for dresses for both Cora and Sandy, they meet some charming ladies who help them find the perfect outfit for the special night. The dresses, however, will turn into rags when worn by someone other than the intended customer.
I've not read many fantasy books, and I am very uncomfortable with Donita Paul's use of wizards and magic in this Christian novella. I do understand that it is meant as an allegory but I guess I just didn't get it. It had a lot happening in the story line for such a short book and I loved the characters, especially Sandy and her relationship with Simon. The book was an enjoyable read but just isn't one I would recommend to others. Maybe that is just because I'm new to the fantasy genre.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Press as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Amish in Israel

Wow - I think this is amazing!

Click on the above link to read the article in Israel Today Magazine.

A Path Less Traveled

This sweet lady and author went to Wayland with Mark. I've read the first chapter of her book and can't wait to read it all! If you go to her blog, she is giving away a print copy and an e-copy of A Path Less Traveled for every 20 comments (by different people). So get over there and leave a comment!

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Trish James is tired of being rescued. When a spooked horse claims her husband's life, she’s determined to blaze a path for herself and her traumatized son without outside help. But will that mean leaving the place etched on her heart?


Andy Tyler has had to struggle for everything, and starting a new law practice in Miller's Creek, Texas is no different. Though prepared for business challenges, he's not prepared for falling in love--especially with yet another woman who will probably abandon him for her career.


Will Andy and Trish be able to see past their limited human understanding to take . . . A Path Less Traveled?

To read the first chapter go here: http://wordvessel.blogspot.com/2010/10/enjoy-first-chapter-of-path-less.html





WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:

"This book was totally and completely enjoyable to read. I received the book on Friday and finished reading it on Sunday. I could hardly put it down. The storyline is very well written and grabbed my attention in the first chapter and never let me go....One of my favorite lines in the book is this: 'God doesn't waste any hurt you endure, Trish. What he allows into your life--even something as painful as Doc's death--He'll use for the days ahead...' I believe this is so true and have seen it played out in my life. I love it when I can read a really good fiction book and learn more about my relationship with Christ. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good story to read. I can't wait until Book 3 in the series comes out next year." ~Cathy at Tales of the TCKK Family

"...Cathy Bryant weaves an amazing story. She has a maturity in her writing skill that astounds me for only having two published novels. A Path Less Traveled is a must read. Cathy realistically captures the struggle of the heart." ~ Linnette at Linnette's Writing Corner


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cathy Bryant is a former public school teacher who handed in her chalk for a private music studio and writing career. Her passion is to write heart-stirring stories that show God’s life-changing grace. Cathy is the owner of the popular blog, WordVessel, and has written devotions for The Upper Room magazine, two devotional books, and online devotional sites. She’s the wife of a music minister, the mother of two grown sons and a beautiful daughter-in-love, and the Nana of Harrisen. A Texas gal since birth, she lives in a century-old Texas farmhouse with her husband and a phobia-ridden cat.


Texas Roads (her debut novel and a 2009 ACFW Genesis finalist) released in March 2010. The second Miller’s Creek novel, A Path Less Traveled, was launched in November 2010. The Way of Grace will be available in 2011.


Visit her website at www.CatBryant.com.


PURCHASE LINKS:

Print Edition

Print Edition ~ Amazon

Kindle Edition ~ Amazon

Other eBook Editions (including online reading, iPad, Nook, Sony reader, & PDF)

CHECK OUT THE SPECIAL "TWO-FER" CHRISTMAS PRICE FOR BOTH MILLER'S CREEK NOVELS (only through November 30, 2010)

Joy!

I am so grateful that my joy does not depend upon wealth or circumstances. It isn't about obtaining or possessing things. Joy is so much more! It is the elation, the contentment, the peace, the privilege of being in God's presence.

You make known to me the path of life;

in your presence is fullness of joy,

at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11

Father, thank You for Your power to bestow a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. May we as a family be as mighty oaks of righteousness planted by You simply used to bring You glory and display Your splendor. Help me to develop an outlook of gratitude and joy, may my life be spent in the joy of Your presence, praising You!

Amy Inspired by Bethany Pierce

After reading this book I have no idea how to rate it! On the one hand, it was comical and even engaging. At times I caught myself laughing and reading some great one liners out loud to my husband. Author Bethany Pierce had my attention early - in the prologue. I could easily picture a child with an over active imagination eating baby food all week while pretending to be an astronaut eating "moon food". Yet, on the other hand the book definitely had its faults. I felt blindsided with depressing information and a story line concerning breast cancer.

At times the author left me wondering what she was trying to say. For example, the main character Amy Gallagher believes that being opposed to two people of the opposite sex living together is legalistic. In the story, Eli, a 32 year old man is stranded and ends up staying in Amy's apartment. This temporary arrangement ends up being a semi-permanent set up. The story goes on to tell of the two sleeping together (no sex) and realizing the shame in that. But was the author showing that living together is a bad idea, or just using that situation to carry the story along? I'm not sure. There is at least one more example, but I'll stop there. Maybe the author simply failed to bring her points to a strong conclusion or maybe I just missed it. Is she trying to portray real life struggles with a Christian wrestling to do what is right rather than rebelling? Again, I'm not sure.

I'm disappointed that this book was labeled as a Christian novel. It falls short of being clear on the gospel and while there were no actual sex scenes it comes very close. One scene has Amy standing with only a bra and underwear, admitting to a boyfriend that she is a virgin. I will say that others are giving the book a very good rating so perhaps I'm being overly critical and prudish. You decide.
I must admit that I'm as ambiguous as Bethany Pierce because I think I can rate the book after all. Even though the book was entertaining and the author a good wordsmith I'd give it 2 out of 5 stars.
A big Thank you to Bethany House Publishing Group for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Hatteras Girl by Alice Wisler

Hatteras Girl tells the story of Jackie Donovan. Jackie is a journalist who has returned to her home at North Carolina's Outer Banks. Because she is nearing 30, her relatives have a goal to get an engagement ring on Jackie's finger by the end of the year. Jackie suffers through many blind dates trying to appease her loving, well meaning family. Jackie has a goal of her own, a seemingly impossible dream of owning and operating Bailey House, a million dollar bed and breakfast where Jackie and her best friend Minnie spent many delightful afternoons as school girls.

When Jackie is sent to interview Davis Erickson, she discovers that he owns Bailey House. Can she convince Davis that she and Minnie are the ideal people to run the bed and breakfast in the same loving way that his grandparents ran it?

I would give the book 4 out of 5 stars. I felt that parts of the tale (especially her love interests) were somewhat predictable. In the story Minnie faces the death of her husband and her mother's stroke while also raising her son alone. It at times feels a bit subdued with the responsibility she faces; yet it also portrayed friendship and their efforts to help and support each other in a positive light. All things considered, I would say it was well written and an enjoyable read.

You too can become a book reviewer! Go here to check it out!
Thank you to Bethany House Publishing Group for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Redeeming Love

I was excited when I was asked to choose any WaterBrook Multnomah title I have read and post a review. One of my favorite books of all time is Redeeming Love by
Francine Rivers. I'm sure it would make my top ten list! Even though I haven't read it in years , I still remember this story of God's enduring patience and grace.
The book is set in the 1850's of gold crazed California. Angel is sold into prostitution as a young girl and attempts to protect her heart by shutting down her emotions. Angel hides her real name as her own secret treasure . The fact that she learns to hate men is quite understandable. When she meets Michael Hosea he simply sits and talks to Angel. She is confused by his lack of ardor and uses scorn to guard herself. Michael, obeying God, marries Angel to protect her from further abuse and shows her unconditional love. After much prayer, he hears God tell him to "Feed my sheep". Michael sees what needs he has failed to meet in Angel and tries even harder to show his love.
As Angel begins to feel herself relax and trust Michael, she is hit with fear and overwhelming feelings of inadequacy and flees. Can she ever give the ultimate gift - the sharing of her real name, her trust? Her healing and ability to feel loved must ultimately come from God.

Redeeming Love is based upon the book of Hosea and is a wonderful picture of God's unconditional love. I must find my book and read it again soon!

Chili Pot Pie

I found a recipe online to try out tonight. I ended up changing it so much, that it looked almost nothing like the original. So, I decided I could call it my own and post it. I did use some of the puree's I had made before but you could leave them out and not notice the difference. It was a hit with my family - I made one larger pan instead of 2 pies (the crust ended up too thick because I didn't divide it out) and had meat left-over. We wrapped the left-over meat in flour tortillas and made burritos for a second meal.

Meat mixture:

1 lb. ground beef

1 cup chopped onion

4 cups fresh spinach torn into bite sized pieces

1 can (16 oz.) kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15 oz.) pinto beans, rinsed and drained

2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce

1 can (14 1/2 oz.) stewed tomatoes, undrained

1 pkg. taco seasoning mix

1 tablespoon molasses

1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

1/4 cup orange puree

1/4 cup white puree

Crust (or use your favorite pie crust recipe):

2 1/2 cups unbleached flour

2 cups whole wheat flour

4 tsp. sugar

2 tsp. salt

2 cups cold butter

12 to 14 tablespoons cold water

Directions: In skillet, cook the beef and onion (you could also add green bell pepper at this point) until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in remainder of meat mixture ingredients. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 - 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine flour, sugar and salt in a bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly. Gradually add water, mixing with fork until dough forms a ball. Divide into fourths; roll each portion into a circle. Cover w/ plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Line two pie plates with pastry. Divide meat mixture between the two crusts. Roll out remaining pastry to fit tops of pies; place over filling. Flute top and bottom crusts together. Cut slits in top. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 min. Reduce heat to 375 degrees; bake 30 to 35 min. or until golden brown. Let stand for 10 - 15 minutes before cutting. Yield: 12 servings

Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander

Just when I thought I was all out of books to read, Bethany House sent another one for review!

In 1877, Widow Rachel Boyd struggles to keep her small ranch going to provide for her sons as she had promised her husband. When the farm's cow is in trouble she is forced to put her trust in the town's doctor. Eventually the choice is laid before her, keep going as she has and the farm will fail, risk it all to buy a better breed of cattle, or sell out.

Dr. Brookston was literally saved by the bell as a soldier and nightly faces his fears from that experience. He knew he would be sacrificing a lot to turn down the city hospital's job offer, but wants to make a difference in lives by working in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The townspeople are slow in learning to trust the doctor. When the town's storekeeper is in need of medical attention, the good doctor turns to Rachel, a former Dr.'s daughter, for help in performing the surgery. Both Dr. Brookston and Rachel must face their greatest fears.

I completely enjoyed this book, but was confused about one part of the story. The novel alludes to a tale of Molly, Rachel's sister-in-law, not being accepted by the townspeople, but never really states why. However, upon further investigation, I realized that this is the 3rd book in a series called The Timber Ridge Reflections and the story of Molly is in another book by Tamera Alexander called Beyond This Moment. The novel can be read as a stand-alone book but would perhaps be better enjoyed if you read the whole series. You can read the first chapter of the book here.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishing Group for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.