Plain Pursuit... Book Review

After reading An Amish Christmas (by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Barbara Cameron) I was excited to get a chance to review another Beth Wiseman book. This book is about a young woman named Carley. She lives in Texas and has had some traumatic things in her life. Not long ago she and her Mother were in a automobile accident. The accident claimed the life of her Mother and left Carley with a terrible secret. When her work begins to suffer she is forced into a long vacation. She heads to Paradise, PA to visit her longtime friend Lillian. Lillian married into the Amish faith and way of life a few years prior. Carley's visit comes at a critical time for Lillian and her family. Lillian's step-son David falls ill and this starts the family into a series of faith-challenging situations. First is the dilemma of running into Noah, David's shunned uncle, who is a doctor in the ER where David is being treated. Next comes the bad news of David's condition and that he needs a specialist and extensive treatment. Noah who misses his family and cares about the well being of his nephew, tries to stay involved in the case....even when the family tries to avoid him.
All this puts Carley in a rough spot, especially when feeling develop between her and Dr. Noah. She feels torn between staying loyal to her friend Lillian and Lillian's family and spending time with a man who she is falling for. Things get even more complicated when they realize that Dr. Noah may be the only one who can actually save David. With every twist and turn, Carley and Dr. Noah become closer and closer. But just as things start to fall into place, Carley's secret may end all her dreams of love.

This story had me hooked from the first chapter on. It is the first Amish book that I have ever read that dealt with the Amish practice of shunning. It was fascinating to read about a part of their lives that we rarely hear about. Seeing how shunning affects both sides made me feel sorry for the families that have gone through this situation.
OK, back to the book.....I loved it. The characters were real and I got caught up in wondering how the story would end up. I didn't want to put it down. I hope I get a chance to read another Beth Wiseman book very soon!

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

One Year Devotions for Preschoolers 2

I have several daily devotional books that I read daily. I have one specifically for mornings, one for nights and one for anytime during the day. I love them. They give me a nice quick pick-me-up message from God right when I need them. I never realized they made Devotionals for kids until I was asked to review this book " The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers 2" by Carla Barnhill. This devotional is beautifully written and has beautiful pictures too. My boys know that each day has its own page and message and after reading it we discuss it. I don't know how much discussion the younger crowd would do, but it worked great for my 4 and 6 year olds. Its a great way to incorporate new scriptures into their day and it gives them new ways to look at life. Even though my kids are on the upper range of "preschool" they still love it and it completely holds their attention. That is a big deal when you are trying to find books to read to your kids. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with a baby, toddler or preschooler.

Title: The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers 2
by Carla Barnhill; illustrated by Elena Kucharik
Age range: 3-6 years old
Publisher: Tyndale
Price: $14.99 (hardcover)

This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by: Tyndale for this review."

The Sound of Sleigh Bells Book Review- GIVEAWAY

I love the Amish.
I love their food. I love their values. I love their farms, and I love their stories. OK, technically the Amish books I read aren't written BY Amish but lets ignore that fact, alright?
I recently got a copy of The Sound of Sleigh Bells from Multnomah Publishing. I read it in one night. I needed to put it down and go to bed but I couldn't. I just HAD to keep reading and see how the story ended. It is one of those stories that give you warm fuzzies and make you wish you could experience their life. Well, I take that back because the main character of this story is in a very dark place. Her fiancé died over a year ago and she is still in mourning. Everyone around her tries desperately and unsuccessfully to bring her out of that darkness, but she has build up walls that prevent anyone from touching her heart again. She plunges herself into her work and plasters a smile on her face. It isn't until she finds a piece of carved wood that fascinates her, that she and her loved ones realize she isn't a “lost cause”.
After seeing Beth so drawn to this carving, her aunt Lizzy concocts a plan to break through the shell around Beth’s heart. I wont tell you any more because I don’t want to ruin it. It is really a great story, and I recommend it anyone who loves Amish stories or any type of love story. You wont be disappointed. Plus the book is so easy to read. It just flows and you get so engrossed that you’re halfway through before you realize it.

And I do NOT regret staying up to read the whole book. It was worth the extra yawns this morning.

If you are interested in reading this book, go HERE. If you are interested in WINNING a copy please leave me a comment. Any comment will do, but I would love it if you told me whether or not you read Amish books regularly or let me know what type of books you do normally read. I will be picking a winner on Sunday, October 18th.

Good luck!!

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.