Child of Mine

I have always loved Beverly Lewis. This book is slightly different of hers from what she normally writes.

Instead of taking place in an Amish community, this book takes place in the "Englischer" world. It was a nice variation of hers.

I don't want to give too much away. This book has twists and turns all through it. It kept me guessing. It was a little slow to start for me, but once it got going, then I whizzed right through it. Normally, I can tell what is going to happen in the end with her books. I kept making the wrong guesses though.

Good, clean reading. Romance, suspense, and light hearted laughter from a little girl. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes to read about those things.

Butterfly and the Violin

This story has two stories that meet together: one from the past and one from present day. The past is about a promising violinist that helped smuggle Jews during the Holocaust and she too is taken to a prison camp. The other, is about a woman who is in the search of a rare painting of this promising violinist. 

The Butterfly and the Violin, is the first book in Kristy Cambron’s debut series "A Hidden Masterpiece". This book is about the story the painting tells, and the impact the story has on Sera James.

The book switches between both time periods with ease. I was never confused as to which era I was in. Kristy Cambron writes with a clarity and authority on her subject matter. Even though this book is classified as Historical Christian Romance, anyone, regardless of their reading preference, will certainly love this story. I am looking forward to the second book in the series when it releases.

**NOTE** I received this book for free in return for my honest review from BookLook Bloggers

Rebellious Heart

What does one do on a Christmas holiday? Catch up on reading, that's what I do at least.

I finally got around to reading Rebellious Heart. When I first got the book I was excited to read it. Then school started, and other things happened in the family that I had to put it off for months. I finally was able to catch up and read it.

I read a lot of reviews saying that they couldn't put this book down, and that it was an amazing read. While it wasn't the worst storyline I could have ever read, it wasn't on my top 10 reading list though. For me, the beginning was slow moving and I had a hard time getting in to it. The book is loosely based on the story of John Adams and I loved the HBO movie. When I first got the book, I had no idea that it was based on that. I don't know much about historical events, as in details, so I do not know how closely this story was really related to the story of John Adams. It was a pleasant read once I got into the book.

Trouble in Store

Little Miss Thing is feisty. When she comes to the West because of a letter she recieved from her deceased cousin to come and take over the part of the store that he left her, there was trouble waiting to brew. Murder, love, humour...all are included in this book. It is a true Romance Fiction. I've been on one of those kicks lately with stories like this (maybe it's my lack of romance happening in my life...) but I enjoy reading them.

The Secret Keeper

I love Beverly Lewis. I love Amish Romance.

This story came close to home. The story of Jenny Burns in "The Secret Keeper" brought back many memories of me growing up. I live in a small town in Wisconsin that is surrounded by the Amish. Being an Englisher, I've always wondered what it was like to be Amish: Do they allow the English to mingle with them? Help at home? "Hang out"?

The characters in this book were very believable. I felt Jenny's struggle and her sense of failure when she wasn't able to understand certain things. I fell in love with Andrew right away. He seemed sweet, funny, caring...everything you'd ever want in a guy.

It was a nice change to finally see what it's like for someone who doesn't feel like they fit in with "this" world. I know what it's like. I mostly don't feel like I fit in with my family because I love "old" stuff. I've been called "old" before. I think I just have an old soul. :)

Finding God in the Dark

Who hasn't been hurt by someone? Who hasn't felt the sting of doubt, fear, condemnation, guilt? I'm sure all of us can relate to something that has happened in our life where we have felt lost, alone, and in despair. I'm sure there have been plenty of times where you have felt like God wasn't around- especially when you needed Him to be.

Finding God in the Dark is a great book about learning to seek God when things don't seem to be going the way that you had your life planned to be going. I appreciate the men sharing their personal life struggles and feelings in the book. I enjoy reading books like this; it helps "bring it home" and make it more personal. The writing is easy and is a fairly quick read. It is written in a way that anyone would be able to understand. You don't need to be a philosophical genius to be able to read this and understand what God wants for you. 

Pocket Your Dollars

My parent's never showed my brother and I how to conserve our money and how to save for future years of emergencies and "fun" stuff. And so, I am years and years in debt (thank goodness no credit cards, but medical bills that I can't seem to get caught up on that have gone to collect and damaged my credit ratings). I

When I started reading this book I was optimistic. I never read things like this. However, as soon as I started reading it, I could help but think, "Holy cow.....Is she inside my HEAD?!?!?!" It was scary how she was describing situations that I have been in. 

I highly recommend this book. There are lots of great tips on how to start saving and make a change and take that step to get out of debt financially or save money for a "rainy" day. Carrie also has a really great website with tools and tips and tricks to get you started and continue on. You can visit it HERE.

Besides Dave Ramsey (I've never really cared for Suze Orman...), I think Carrie does a great job at connecting with the reader and explaining situations that SHE has gone through and problem that YOU can relate to. 

Definitely worth picking up!

****I have received this book for free in return for my honest opinion for Bethany House. All views are mine and mine alone. ****