Review: Passing Strangers

Passing Strangers by Angela Elwell Hunt

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Andie is a workaholic former child star whose boss has forced her on an all expense paid vacation. Matthew is a workaholic lawyer travelling with his two motherless children, whom he barely knows. Janette is a housewife whose family problems have escalated to the point that she leaves home. These three broken people meet on a 10 day train tour of southern cities. They become close and all begin to heal. We hear about each person’s past lives and what has led them to this point. One by one they meet the challenges in their lives and find their way back to God. At the beginning of the book, I wanted to tell Andie to get over herself, slap Matthew, and hug Janette. At the end I loved all three of them. They had to learn forgiveness & learn to trust again. I love Angela Hunt’s books and this one did not disappoint me. I listened to the complete audio book in 2 days. I highly recommend this book. If you can, get the audio book that you can listen too on your commute or while cleaning the house (as I did). Otherwise set aside a block of time to read, because you won’t want to put it down.

I was given this book by the author and bookfun.org for my honest review.




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Review: The Lady Fugitive

The Lady Fugitive by Ada Brownell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Jenny has escaped her abusive uncle (a well-respected judge) and is trying to outrun a bounty on her head posted by him. On her way to her aunt and brother , she keeps meeting a young peddler on her journey and they help each other out. This was such a fun book, I really wanted to keep on reading when it was over. The peddler is also showing a moving picture show about the Passion of Christ which I found very interesting. There are lots of adventures and twists and encounters that I really enjoyed in this book. If you are looking for something for an enjoyable afternoon, I recommend you give this book a try.

Thank you to bookfun.org for sending me this book for review purposes.





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Review: Forever Amish: A Novel

Forever Amish: A Novel by Kate Lloyd

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Sally Bingham’s mother left when she was a baby and Sally has lived alone with her father Ed who owns a car lot called “Honest Ed’s” Sally’s dad won’t really tell her anything about her mother, and Sally has always wanted to know more about her. She is also having 2nd thoughts about the man she is supposed to marry. She needs time away from it all. She has been emailing with a girl named Lizzie from Lancaster County and she decides to go visit. Her father is against her leaving and especially about going to Lancaster County, but she goes anyway. When she is notified about plumbing problems at the Bed & Breakfast where she had reservations, she accepts Lizzie's invitation to rent a room at her house. She is amazed by the way the Amish live, but soon comes to love the simple way of life, and feels very much at home. She studied German in school, so she even understands their church services. Then her father shows up, and everything changes.
This book is the third in a series, but I had no problem with reading it alone. I enjoyed the relationships that developed and also the storyline. I was drawn into the complexities of the relationship between Sally and her father and enjoyed how the relationship changed. This is a story with many secrets, lots of love, trust broken and restored and God’s grace through it all. This my first book by Kate Lloyd and she is now on my must-read author’s list. I highly recommend this book.

I was given this book from The Bookclub Network and publisher David Cook for review purposes. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read & revew.




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Review: Miranda Warning

Miranda Warning by Heather Day Gilbert

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Tess is pregnant with her first child and trying to protect her elderly friend Miranda. Miranda has just got engaged and received a warning letter – the handwriting is her new fiancé’s dead wife, Rose. I love the characters in this book – Tess and her husband and in-laws, her friend Miranda, the fiancé and the doctor. Tess’s in-laws are great fun and Tess is an awesome character. There is a mystery – who wrote the warning letter? What really happened to Rose? This a fun, fast read and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

As a personal side note – I was hooked on the book at the ring tone on Tess’s phone – my personal favorite nerdery! Get the book if you’re curious about it lol!

I was given this book by bookfun.org for review purposes




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Review: Pam

Pam by Sharon Srock

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



4 years ago Pam survived a horrible divorce and subsequent suicide attempt. She is now married and has got her life back together. Then ex-husband Alan moves back to town with his new wife and a secret, and Pam realizes that maybe she hasn’t completely got her life back together. Can Pam give him the forgiveness he wants? Does God really expect her to forget & forgive all that Alan did to her and their family?

This book is a wonderful book about forgiveness. It reminds us that God forgives us and expects us to forgive other in the same way. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but get tissues ready when you read this book. And go back and read the books in the series!

I was given this book by bookfun.org for review purposes.





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Review: Sky Zone: A Novel

Sky Zone: A Novel by Creston Mapes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Jack & Pam Crittendon are at a difficult stage of their lives –, Jack has lost his reporter job and is working in as an event staffer part time and part time stay at home Dad, Pam is pregnant and working full time, Pam’s mother is living with them and is suffering from early stage dementia.

Martin Sterling, a presidential candidate running on an anti-terrorist platform is hosting an event and Christian rock star Everett Lester is performing. Thousands are expected and threats on the arena are expected. Jack and survivalist co-worker Brian are working the arena tonight.

Before the concert even starts, terrorist take over the arena and hold several hundred people hostage. What follows is an action-packed story that will keep your eyes glued to the page. This book is exciting, suspenseful, full of faith and hope and love.

Creston Maples is one of my favorite authors and he didn’t disappoint me with Sky Zone. I have read the other Crittendon Files books and highly recommend the series. I look forward to the next one.

I was given this book by bookfun.org for review purposes





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Review: Essence of Evil

Essence of Evil by Barbara Ann Derksen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Essence of Evil is the second of three books in the Finders Keeper Series. I did not read the first one before reading this one and I had no problem reading it as a standalone novel. However, it is such a good book that I want to read the first one and can’t wait for the third.

Christine witnessed the murder of her parents 20 years ago. She has been in hiding since then, working as a finder of lost children along with her dog, Chief and her office-mate Jeremy. One morning Christine is left a “gift” on her lawn that sets in motion a search that involves child abduction and pedophilia – truly essences of evil. This book held me spellbound until the end. This book has a horrendous subject matter, but didn’t go into all the graphic details that are unnecessary. I couldn’t put it down. I love Chief and his relationship with the children. I like the relationship between Jeremy (a very devout Christian) and Christine who is not a Christian, but seems to be listening to Jeremy and slowly accepting what he says. I’m very intrigued by Dr John Belmont and by Denny Houghton. Maybe we’ll learn more about them in the next book?? I would give this book more than 5 stars if I could, but I can only give 5 and say it was one of the best books I’ve read all year.

I was given this book by bookfun.org for review purposes




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A New Resolution

A New Resolution

Item Description

Resolution Island is a safe haven for Anika Deumer.A chance to fulfill dreams, find her place in the world, and a new life for her and young son, Kye. But her dreams of a future are shattered when her son's security is challenged, and the rich and privileged Texan, Nate, sails into the bay. Now Ani must not only fight for her son, but also a growing attraction she has to the one type of man she loathes. Nate Hollingsworth is on a mission.He needs to fulfill his mother's last wish and change his life. Dropping anchor in the idyllic Resolution harbour, he didn't anticipate becoming involved in illegal fishing, a murder or an unexpected attraction to the most exasperating woman he has ever met. The Australian tropical Island, Resolution, sets the scene again for adventures, dreams and new beginnings. A New Resolution is the final book in the Resolution trilogy, following Back to Resolution and Beyond Resolution.

My Review

This book is the third in a series, but I had no problems reading it as a stand-alone novel.  It is set on a tropical island, and it is very much a romance(the author handles the sexual tension very appropriately in a Christian book). It also is full of intrigue and mystery, including illegal fishing, drugs and murder. It is full of action and held my interest until the very end.  I'm looking forward to reading the first 2 books in this series.

I was given this book by The Book Club Network, Inc. for review purposes

The Sinners Garden

The Sinners Garden

Publishers Description
In the small Lake Erie township of Benning, someone is at work cultivating a supernatural garden ...
Andy Kemp's young life has been as ravaged as his scarred face. Disfigured by an abusive father, the teenager hides behind his books and an impenetrable wall of cynicism and anger.
As Andy's mother struggles to reconnect with him, his Uncle Rip returns transformed from a stint in prison and wants to be a mentor to the reclusive boy, doing everything he can to help end Andy's pain. When Andy begins hearing strange music through his iPod and making near-prophetic announcements, Rip is convinced that what Andy is hearing is the voice of God.
Elsewhere, police officer Heather Gerisch responds to a late-night breaking and entering in one of the poorest homes in town. She soon realizes that the masked prowler has left thousands of dollars in gift cards from a local grocery store.
As the bizarre break-ins continue and Heather pursues the elusive "Summer Santa," Andy and Rip discover an enormous and well-kept garden of wildflowers that seems to have grown overnight at an abandoned steel mill.
Soon, they realize who the gardener is, and a spree of miracles transfigures this small town from a place of hopelessness into a place of healing and beauty.

My Review

This is the second book I have read by William Sirls and he has become one of my favorite authors.  I once again couldn't put this book down.  My heart broke for teenage Andy, and I loved the fact that God spoke to him through his iPod!  Somehow, in this book, that was absolutely believable.  I kept trying to figure out who the "Summer Santa" was, and I didn't get it until close to the end of the book.  This book is a story of hope, forgiveness and love.  It has mystery, romance and tragedy.  I highly recommend adding this book to your to-read list.

I was given this book by The Book Club Network, Inc. for my honest review.

The Reason

The Reason


Publishers Description
When facing the impossible, will you believe?
Storm clouds gather over a small Michigan town. As thunder shakes the sky, the lights inside St. Thomas Church flicker . . . and then go out.
All is black until a thick bolt of lightning slices the sky, striking the church's large wooden cross--leaving it ablaze and splintered in two.
When the storm ends--the search for answers begins.
James Lindy, the church's blind minister, wonders how his small congregation can repair the cross and keep their faith in the midst of adversity. And he hears the words "only believe."
Macey Lewis, the town's brilliant young oncologist, is drawn to Alex, a young boy who's recently been diagnosed with an aggressive leukemia. She puts her hope in modern medicine--yet is challenged to "only believe."
And Alex's single mom, who has given everything she can to her boy, is pleading with God to know the reason this is happening . . . to save her son. But she only hears silence and wonders how she can possibly "only believe."
"The Reason" is a milestone debut novel, opening with a thunderbolt and never letting up as it introduces us to everyday characters who are wrestling with the questions: Where is God when bad things happen? And does God ignore the prayers of the faithful? The answer each character receives will astound readers while offering an unforgettable call to hope, to change, to . . . only believe.

My Review
I don't believe I am up to the task of reviewing this book with any success.  I'm just not talented enough.  But here goes anyway.......
I loved, loved, loved this book.  The characters are very believable, the suspense is exhausting, the storyline is wonderful.  Did I say I loved this book?  The book brings unbelievers together with believers and shows them God's power and love.  Do you believe in miracles?  Is God there when tragedy strikes, or is He only there in the good times?  And what about those good times - do we really, really believe that a miracle could happen or do we just speak the words? Do we think think maybe WE are the author of our good times? I couldn't put this book down - and I cried - a lot!  I highly recommend this book.  It is definitely on my re-read pile and is a new favorite.

I was given this book by The Book Club Network for my honest review.

A Promise in Pieces (Quilts of Love)

A Promise in Pieces

Publishers Description
After the end of World War II, Clara Kirkpatrick returns from the Women's Army Corp to deliver a dying soldier's last wishes: convey his love to his young widow, Mattie, with apologies for the missed life they had planned to share.
Struggling with her own post-war trauma, Clara thinks she's not prepared to handle the grief of this broken family. Yet upon meeting Mattie, and receiving a baby quilt that will never cuddle the soldier's baby, Clara vows to honor the sacrifices that family made.
Now a labor and delivery nurse in her rural hometown, Clara wraps each new babe in the gifted quilt and later stitches the child s name into the cloth. As each new child is welcomed by the quilt, Clara begins to wonder whatever happened to Mattie and if her own life would ever experience the love of a newborn. Little does she know that she will have the opportunity to re-gift the special quilt years later and carrying even greater significance than when it was first bestowed.

My Review:
This was a very touching story.  Clara is now an elderly woman on a road trip with her family, and she is telling the story of the quilt to her grandson. Her story is full of love, heartbreak, forgiveness, faith.  The author made me really care for Clara and her life.  I would love to sit down and listen to her stories myself. I would definitely recommend this book as one to be read!

I was given this book by The Book Club Network, Inc. for my honest review.