A Wedding Song in Lexington, Kentucky - Jennifer Johnson

About the book...

What if the Right Choice Is the "Wrong" Guy?

The last thing Megan McKinney wants is a relationship.  As a secretary at a law firm, she sees the high volume of women who stop by to see her boss, Justin Frasure.  It's obvious the man finds pleasure in leading on women, a trait Megan finds revolting.

Justin is as frustrated as Megan.  He's only been a Christian for three months and has tried everything to keep the women from his past away.  He needs to find a church and finally visits Megan's, but he's surprised when she's less than enthusiastic about his decision.

In spite of her reservations, Megan begins to notice Justin's passions for his newfound faith, but she's also pulled toward a new man in her life, Colt Baker, a guy who's spent his life following the Lord. Ever since agreeing to teach Colt's niece piano, Megan finds herself looking forward to the lessons--and to time spent with Colt.

Can Justin's growing faith win Megan's heart?  Or will Colt's consistent character prevail?

My thoughts...

First of all, I'm a cover person.  Before I will even read the back of a book, or check out the title, the picture better grab my attention.  And what an amazing cover this book has!  I would love to be living in this house, with sprawling acres of land and horses in my fences!

 Although Jennifer Johnson has published many other stories, this was the first one I have read of hers, she is a "new-to-me" author, and she didn't disappoint!  The dynamics between Megan and Marianna (her twin sister) are phenomenal, and it reminded me of the way my own twin daughters interact.  Loyal to each other to the end, no one better mess with the other sister.  But, if that sister needs a little prodding or meddling, the other twin is just the one to do it! 

The relationship dynamics between the twins and their parents are as different as night and day...and  I found myself sympathizing with Megan and what she was going through.  At times Marianna seemed a bit insensitive, but human nature is usually about making choices, often selfish one's at that.

From the very start, I knew who I wanted Megan to "choose".  For me, it was quite obvious which gentleman would be the best choice, Colt or Justin, and I only hoped she would see it to!  Boy was I relieved when the ending turned out the way I wanted!  :)

This was a super fast read for me, I read it in 2 days whenever I could snatch some time!  I give this book 5 stars and would highly recommend it!

**I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion**

What A Pair! - Wanda Brunstetter

About the book...

Double Trouble --It's Just the Beginning!

Twins Mattie and Mark Miller are as different as night and day.  Mattie is ticklish; Mark isn't.  Mattie loves dogs; Mark loves cats.  Mattie is serious; Mark is a practical joker.  (And that isn't even the half of it!)  It seems there isn't anything these energetic nine-year-olds can agree on.

When their disagreements begin to cause big trouble in their Holmes County,k Ohio, Amish community, will Mattie and Mark call a truce before it's too late?

My thoughts...

As a mother of twins, I was really looking forward to reading this book.  Our identical girls are eight-year-olds, and are in to everything!  You name it, they've probably tried it!  Thankfully, their voices sound different, which helps in differentiating between the two of them!

I have always been a fan of Brunstetter's, although this is my first time reading and reviewing one of her children's books.  I have to say...I was not disappointed!

Between the antics of Mark and Matttie, and the dutch words sprinkled throughout the story, kids are bound to be entertained and educated by reading this!  I loved the dictionary page at the front of the book, allowing kids to see the meaning of the Pennsylvania Dutch words they would be reading.  But I really liked how Brunstetter worked the translations into the sentences while reading the story, allowing children (or parents) to understand the meanings, without having to flip to the front of the book to see what a word means.

I also loved the introduction in to the Amish way of life.  As a fan of the Christian Fiction/Amish genre, I loved how children are able to learn of the Amish faith and their everyday activities.  Even though we live in an Amish populated community, reading of the twins antics and how their community reacts to them is educating, in a subtle way.  It's a great starting point for children to learn about others and how they may differ from them!
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If your looking for a fun adventurous read for your child, make sure you check out this book!  I give this book 4.5 stars!

**I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.**

A Sister's Forgiveness - Anne Schmidt

About the book...

Could you forgive someone who killed your child? Jeannie must, to preserve her family. Sisters Emma and Jeannie are best friends, and so are their teenage daughters Sadie and Tessa. But when a tragic accident results in Tess’s death—and Sadie is responsible—both families are devastated. Each sister must find a way from heartbreak and anguish to solace and forgiveness—but is there anything to be salvaged from a world that lies in ruins?

My thoughts...

This book was a tad slow for me, it seemed to drag at some points.  As I've mentioned in previous posts, I'm not a fan of certain writing; switching back and forth between characters, each chapter coming from a different persons perspective. With that said, it was a good storyline.  Well...good in a sad, depressing sort of way!

I loved the family dynamics in the beginning.  Emma and Jeannie's families are so intertwined, it's hard to know where one begins and the other ends.  They spend time together, loving each other, sharing in this journey called life.  They care for each others children as if they were their own, and that is where the problems begin.

Jeannie has a hard time saying no to Sadie and her plain life.  She longs to give her what Tessa has, a bit more of the contemporary world.  She often oversteps her position in Sadie's life, forgetting that she is the Aunt, not the mother.  Emma is forgiving, knowing that Jeannie only wants what is best for Sadie.  It wasn't too long ago that Jeannie was Mennonite also, and understands the struggles of wanting to fit in.

What happens after the accident can only be described as pure devastation for both families.  My heart was breaking for Matt, Sadie's brother, while reading this.  Just as in real life, the siblings of the victims are often overlooked, as the adults involved are dealing with their own pain, their own emotions.  He was struggling in every area of his life, yet no one could see it.

Geoff, Tessa's father, is so filled with anger towards Sadie that he cannot see straight.  While I understand that this is a "normal" reaction to what happened, it is hard to understand the path he is traveling down, especially when it comes to Matt.  Although I have never been in the position he was in, I can only hope I would have more grace and forgiveness in my heart.  But I understand, these things take time.

While I did have a few issues with this book (as mentioned above), they were more to do with my own preferences, and the writing styles  I enjoy.  I have read several Love Inspired stories by this author, and have enjoyed those as well.

I give this book 4 stars.

**I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion **

The Key on the Quilt - Stephanie Grace Whitson

From the back cover...

From a distance, the building may resemble a castle, but it's the last place Jane Prescott, Mamie Dawson, and Ellen Sullivan thought they'd be, and the last place they expected to see love grow.

Broken in spirit and wondering if God has abandoned her, Jane is serving a ten-year sentence at the Nebraska State Penitentiary, even as she hides a startling secret.  how ill one caring physician help unravel the hidden meaning behind Jane's courthouse steps quilt?

Mamie told God she'd go anywhere, never dreaming He'd send her to nurture women the world had forgotten as a prison matron.  But while helping those around her, will she stubbornly keep the attentions of a kind guard at arm's length?

Ellen was never going to leave Kentucky, but then marriage made her a Nebraska warden's wife.  Can she reach past uncertainty and fear to find God's purpose in it all?

Together, these three women form an unlikely friendship that takes them to the end of themselves and, ultimately, on a journey that proves prison walls can neither frustrate God's plans nor keep love out.

My thoughts...

The first in the Quilt Chronicles series, The Key on the Quilt is a fascinating read. Not always one to read historical fiction, I did love the time period this book was set in, 1876.

Jane's story is spellbinding from the beginning.  From the onset of the incident, to the long awaited outcome, her story is ever gripping.  I seemed to go through an array of emotions with her, from that of sympathy, to that of sheer enjoyment. 

Mamie's story was a bit different, I wasn't sure what to think from the start.  I assumed she was an uneducated worker, one that few people would have contact with.  However, Mamie's strong, quiet presence was one the others would look too, often depending on, in hard times.

And then there was Ellen, whom I guessed to be a spoiled weakling, never coming through for anyone.  Little did I know the story she would tell throughout the book!

At times I found myself skipping through paragraphs, not out of boredom, but looking for answers that were yet to come.  I ended up enjoying this book more than I thought I would, and cannot wait for book 2!  Unfortunately, it will not be released until Spring 2013.

I give this book 4 stars!

**I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.**

Playing with Purpose: Baseball - Mike Yorkey

Book Info...

Just in time for the new baseball season, Playing with Purpose: Baseball chronicles the lives of several players who stand strong for their Christian faith on the professional diamond.  Veteran CBA author Mike Yorkey, whose Playing with Purpose biography of NFL rookies Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow, and Colt McCoy was a best-seller, now profiles majoy league stars both established and up-an-coming--including Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, Clayton Kershaw, Carlos Beltran, Stephen Drew, Adrian Gonzalez, Ben Zobrist, Mark Teixeira, Jeremy Affeldt, and Mariano Rivera.  Playing with Purpose: Baseball introduces readers to talented athletes with compelling faith stories.

My thoughts...

What a great book for the man in your life!  My husband waited for me to read this book, all the while asking, Are you done yet?  He could not wait to get his hands on it, I think it's now on the top of his reading pile!

I must admit, I am not a huge baseball fan, but even I recognized some of the names that were featured in this book!  Yorkey does an excellent job introducing the reader to each featured player, giving background information on them and sharing their story.  If you are short on time, look up a specific player you are interested in and read his story, or just work your way through one chapter at a time!

Father's Day is right around the corner...if you're looking for a gift for the baseball lover in your life, then this is the gift you'll want to get him! I give this book 5 stars! 

**I received this book free from the publisher for my honest review.**

A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island - Cara C. Pullman

From the back cover...

When Past and Present Collide, God Still Has a Plan

Attorney Alanna Stone vowed long ago to avoid Mackinac Island.  Although it may seem like the perfect place to heal, for Alanna it holds too many memories of a painful past.

But an exhausting high-profile case and an urgent plea from her parents have brought Alanna home.  Moving into the cabin next to Jonathan Covington doesn't help her.  Jonathan may have been her first love, but he was also her first lesson in betrayal.  Now Alanna must protect her privacy and her heart.  Then secrets and a murder intersect, and she's thrust into controversy again as tragedy turns public opinion against her and potentially her family.

For years, Jonathan has stubbornly resisted the urging of his family and friends to date, believing he's already found the perfect woman.  With Alanna's return, he begins to wonder if he's waited too long for someone who isn't the right one after all.

Will Alanna and Jonathan be able to lay aside the past and let God heal their hearts?

My thoughts...

I loved reading of the Mackinac Island area, learning of the unique secrets this place holds.  From different landmarks to visit, to more specific scenic routes to take, this book left me longing to visit the area!

When I first started reading the story, I didn't realize what I was getting myself into.  While there was definitely a "romance" storyline to follow, I was more intrigued by the mystery that kept unfolding!  The author, Cara C. Putman, does an excellent job in drawing the reader into the story.  At times, there were multiple mystery lines to follow...and while I was pretty sure I had the one figured out, the other two were not so easy!

I also loved how Putman brought Alanna's past to light, allowing her to work through some aspects of her teen years to allow for continued healing in her present life.  It's a great reminder to us that although the past is best left in the past, sometimes you need to go back in order to move forward! 

If I had to choose one drawback to this book, it would be this:  I am still unclear on how "Jonathan was Alanna's first lesson in betrayal", as the back of the book states.  If anyone would like to share some insight I may have overlooked, that would be great!

Never the less, I give this book 5 stars!

**I received this complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing for review purposes, all opinions are my own, I was not required to post a positive review.**

The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club - Wanda E. Brunstetter

From the back cover...

Lives Are Transformed...Once Stitch at a Time

As Amish widow Emma Yoder contemplates the task ahead, her thoughts center on one:  What if she fails?  Longing to remove a burden from her family by becoming self-sufficient, Emma has offered to hold quilting classes in her home.  But when she sees the patchwork of faces assembled for the first lesson, her confidence dwindles as doubt threatens to take hold.

There's Star Stephens, a young woman yearning for stability; Pam and Stuart Johnston, a struggling couple at odds in their marriage; Paul Ramirez, a widowed father hoping to find solace in finishing a quilt; Jan Sweet, a rough and tough biker looking for something creative to do; and Ruby Lee Williams, a preacher's wife seeking relaxation amid mounting parish problems.

While Emma grows to realize her ability to share her passion for quilting and her faith, the beginning quilters learn to transform scraps of fabric into beauty.  And slowly, their fragmented lives begin to take new shape--some in unexpected ways--with the helping hands of each other and the healing hand of God.

My thoughts...

Wanda E Brunstetter, once again, does what she does best--she brings to life a unique story about the Amish, with a touch of the English alongside them!  One of my favorite Amish authors to read, Brunstetter is not one to disappoint her followers!  And what an added bonus, I didn't realize the story was set in the surrounding small town area of where I live.  I loved being able to visualize the places she wrote of...the restaurants, landmarks, roads, etc.

The six people that came to take part in the quilting club are no more different than night and day, to say they come from different walks of life, is putting it mildly.  They are all struggling with their own issues, some privately dealing with their pain, while others are not afraid to air their dirty laundry.  At times I found myself cheering them on, while other times I just simply wanted to sign them up for counseling!

The one thing that ties them all together, the common thread of the bunch, is Emma.  While staying true to her Amish beliefs, quiet and mild-mannered, she is able to gently guide and comfort the hurting bunch during their 6 week class.  Her softly spoken words of wisdom, yummy and well timed baked goods for snacking, and the serene setting of her farm house, are all things that were used in her Ministry.  God definitely knew what He was doing when he brought this group together!

If this novel leaves you longing for more, make sure you visit the Blue Gate Theater in Shipshewana, Indiana where this book will be brought to life, August 24-December 8, in the Half-Stitched Musical!  I love watching performances at this location, and really enjoyed another musical,  The Confession, based on the novel by Beverly Lewis.

If you're looking for a great novel to read, while gleaming insight from a mismatched group of beginning quilters, this may be the book for you!  I enthusiastically, hands down, give this book 5 Stars!  

**I received this complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing for review purposes, all opinions are my own, I was not required to post a positive review.**