Book Review: My Name Is River

From The Back:

It’s 1983, and twelve-year-old River Starling’s life is anything but normal. She was adopted on a whim and came without a birth certificate. Her adoptive parents gave her up to her grandmother when she was only two, but River is certain her parents will come back. River’s hopes fall apart when Gram uproots them from their farmhouse and decides to move to Birdsong, West Virginia, the most miserable town River has ever seen. There she makes an unlikely friendship with an unusual boy and learns about acceptance, hard work, forgiveness, and the love of Jesus. Discover the unforgettable story of one girl’s search for a place to call home. - See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/my-name-is-river#sthash.YG3IfNz8.dpuf

My Reflections:

The story River written by Wendy Dunham is a sweet, moving drama that will speak to the pre-teens and teens alike. It is the perfect springboard to deep discussions about your child's life and thoughts. 

There are some big issues raised in this book. Some of them include being abandoned, having a disability, Preconceived notions about people and our reactions to those beliefs. Lots of fodder for you to get into some great late night chats, and really connect with your young lady. I read this book first then gave it to my 13 year old to read. We had some great talks and I was able to gain an understanding of where she was at on some of these topics. 

Twelve year old River has not only been abandoned by her birth parents but also by her adoptive parents. Raised by her adoptive parents grandmother River must come to terms that she is loved and cared about, even without traditional parents. River faces being uprooted from her home and moves with her grandmother to Birdsong West Virginia. There she meets William Wippoorwill and the duo learn quite a bit about life and acceptance. Their adventures lead them into some dangerous situations, a friendship is bound and new experiences grow River in ways she never imagined.

A very touching story, I would have no hesitations in recommending this book to pre-teens and teens alike. 

I received this book free of charge in return for my honest review from Harvest House Publishers. Thank you Harvest house!


About the Author:

Wendy Dunham

Wendy Dunham is the author of My Name Is River and a registered therapist who works with children with special needs. Her desire is to honor her Creator with whatever it is she's writing about. Whether it's a poem, an article, a devotional, or a novel, her goal is to share hope, encouragement, and unconditional...

Read More > - See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/my-name-is-river#sthash.YG3IfNz8.dpuf

Book Review: Blossoms on the Roof

From the Back:

The year 1894 brings hard times to the Yoders. 

When Father reads that free land is available in faraway North Dakota, the family packs up, says goodbye to family and friends, and boards the train for what they believe will be a better life out West. 

As soon as they step from the train onto the windswept prairie, however, they realize they have much to learn about homesteading. They hurry to build their thatched-roof, sod house even as they plant a garden and till the fields. 

With each new experience—including the wildfire and long cold winter—they learn to trust God, embrace the pioneer spirit, and watch hardship turn into valuable life lessons.

Based on actual events from a time long ago, this unforgettable story from The Amish Frontier Series, perfect for ages 8 to 12, brings to life the Yoder family’s move from a close-knit community to a pioneer life where they quickly discover how God is faithful to help in every situation. - See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/blossoms-on-the-roof#sthash.YqRnepFP.dpuf

My Reflections:

My Daughter and I loved to read Rebecca Martin's book Blossoms on The Roof. What a wonderful way to bond and connect with your daughter, cuddled up taking turns reading a treasured story. Every time I brought out the book her eyes lit up and a smile graced her face. Oh the joys of childhood!
 
This story is filled with imaginative literature suitable for children 8-12. My 7 year old loved the character of eight year old Polly and the adventures she had. This book opened up a bevvy of conversations regarding pioneers, the realities of homesteading and valuable life skill discussions. 

I would absolutely recommend Blossoms on The Roof to anyone wishing to read a wholesome novel. I have the other books on order already! 

I received this book free of charge in return for my honest review from Harvest House. Thank you Harvest House!

About the Author:

REBECCA MARTIN

Rebecca Martin is a mother of four children, wife of Cleon, and author of numerous books. She and Cleon are members of the Old Order Mennonite Church, semi-retired, and together they enjoy helping their married children. Rebecca also enjoys quilting as a pastime.

Book Review: Nowhere to Hide

Nowhere to Hide

Sigmund Brouwer

William King and Blake Watt have just settled into their senior year of high school when they receive a call for help—the authorities need to use their computer skills to track down a father who has failed to make child-support payments. The invitation to become cyber bounty hunters is so tempting, they don’t stop to ask why they were chosen for this assignment.
As they learn more about the man they are searching for, they discover the true nature of their mission—to help the founder of a Seattle-based software company prove that he is innocent of a much different charge. But the scariest things they learn are why they were chosen and why they were supposed to remain in the background.
You’ll love following the surprising twists and turns in this fast-paced young-adult thriller from a gifted storyteller who has nearly three million books in print.

My Reflections:

When given the chance to review this book, it was a no brainier for me, after all we had met Brouwer at a local homeschooling course that he presented. Brouwer is a dynamic presenter. He gets the children excited about writing and has an encouraging and fun class. Everyone left feeling successful and energized.

Back to the book, having read the firs title in the series I was able to follow the plot with ease, although having said this I feel the reader would afford a greater understanding of the story, by reading the first book Dead Man's Switch.

King, MJ and Blake are teenage friends who live on a small Island. These three become entangled in a web of deceit and betrayal when Don Mundie offers them a chance off the island to become cyber hunters. People are not who they seem and danger is around every corner!

The perfect recipe of danger, drama, action and mystery. Be prepared to be surprised by the ending because it is anything but predictable!

If your teen is looking for a new series to read I think "Nowhere to Hide" would make an excellent choice!

I received this book free of charge in return for my honest review from Harvest House Publishers, Thank you Harvest House!

Sigmund Brouwer

Sigmund Brouwer is the popular author of more than 40 novels and numerous non-fiction books. He is coauthor of The Last Disciple series, which was featured in Time magazine and on ABC's Good Morning America. Sigmund inspires teens to read through speaking engagements at schools across North America and through his Coolreading.com programs. Sigmund is married to Christian recording artist Cindy Morgan, and they have two daughters.

Book Review: Dead Man's Switch

ISBN# 978 0 7369 1747 6

From the Back:

When a teen boy receives a written warning from his friend to avoid his church and leave his remote island town immediately, he’s terrified—his friend died weeks ago!

He knows danger is up ahead when he realizes that his friend’s dead man’s switch computer program has been activated. Unsure who to trust, he sets out alone to unravel a dark conspiracy. Soon, the seeker soon becomes the hunted in an unknown wilderness. The only hope for escape is a trigger-happy hermit—a man with his own secrets to hide.

Fiction fans who love a great mystery and the quest for justice will talk about and think about this book long after the last chapter is read.

My Reflections:
 
This book came in perfect time, as my two home schooled children had just attended a day long workshop on writing, presented by Sigmund Brouwer. You can imagine their excitement when the very next day the book I was reviewing came in the mail. You guessed it, it was Dead Man's Switch. I was super mom for the day! So needless to say both children were eagerly waiting for me to be finished with the book, just so they could be next to read it!

This book was filled with age appropriate drama, action and adventure. You will not find any foul language or young love scenes in this novel, a real breath of fresh air, it is clean and safe for tweens.

If your child is looking for an action packed story, on the edge drama, this book is for them. I was left on the hook until I flipped the last page. I would recommend "Dead Man's Switch" for grades 5 and up as some of the events can be a bit scary and confusing to the younger crowd.

Definitely waiting for the sequel, can't wait to see Sigmund Brouwer at the next writers workshop!

This book was provided free of charge from Harvest House Publishers in return for my honest review. Thank you Harvest House!

About the Author:

Sigmund Brouwer

Sigmund Brouwer is the popular author of more than 40 novels and numerous non-fiction books. He is coauthor of The Last Disciple series, which was featured in Time magazine and on ABC's Good Morning America. Sigmund inspires teens to read through speaking engagements at schools across North America and through his Coolreading.com programs. Sigmund is married to Christian recording artist Cindy Morgan, and they have two daughters.

Book Review: The Amish Canning Cookbook

 
ISBN: 978-0-7369-4899-9

From the Back:

Plain and Simple Living at Its Homemade Best

From the author of The Homestyle Amish Kitchen Cookbook comes a great new collection of recipes, hints, and Plain wisdom for everyone who loves the idea of preserving fresh, wholesome foods. Whether instructing a beginning canner or helping a seasoned cook hone her skills, certified Master Food Preserver Georgia Varozza shows people how to get the very best out of their food. Here, readers will find…

• a short history of canning
• lists of all the tools and supplies needed to get started
• basic instructions for safe canning
• recipes for canning fruit, vegetables, meat, soups, sauces, and more
• guidelines for adapting recipes to fit personal tastes

With its expert advice and warm tones, The Amish Canning Cookbook will become a beloved companion to those who love the tradition, frugality, and homestyle flavor of Amish cooking!

Here are some pictures of my canning journey: Pictured here is my home made Strawberry Rhubarb jam:

Mixing and cooking the jam

You have to love the satisfaction of "home made"

The final result Beautiful easy strawberry rhubarb jam!

 My Reflections:

As you can see by the pictures I absolutely love my new Amish Canning cookbook!
As soon as I received this book I read it front to back, devouring the abundance of information contained within its spiral bound pages.

I really didn't know there were so many "rules" to canning. In the past I have canned with my good friend and she was, to me the guru of canning. Not knowing the rules I just followed along. Our efforts always turned out beautiful delicious preserves, but I had no knowledge of what not to do.

Now that I have moved my dear canning buddy can not guide me in my efforts.
So as you can imagine I was thrilled to review this book, and even happier that it was easy to read, well organized and included everything I needed to know regarding canning.
With this book novice and seasoned cooks alike can prepare home canned products, with ease and safety, within their own homes.

I would definitely recommend this book!
This is one book that I will have for many years, and I am sure my family and I will delight in the abundance of our garden well into the winter months!

I received this book free of charge in exchange for my review, from Harvest House Publishers.
Thank you Harvest House!!

About the Author

Georgia Varozza

Georgia Varozza, author of the popular Homestyle Amish Kitchen Cookbook (more than 55,000 copies sold), is a certified master food preserver. She teaches people how to prepare and preserve healthy foods, live simply with integrity, and get the most from what they have. She works in publishing and lives in a small Oregon community. Georgia loves being with her kids and grandkids and enjoys cooking, spinning, and knitting. www.georgiaplainandsimple.blogspot.com

Book Review: Moms Raising Sons to be Men. By Rhonda Stoppe

 

Moms Raising Sons to be Men

By: Rhonda Stoppe

ISBN# 9780736949774

From the publisher:

Mothers of boys have the special calling to shape future men of God. Popular speaker Rhonda Stoppe, mom to two sons, knows this opportunity is a challenge, a joy, and probably the most important work of a woman’s life. Drawing from years of ministering to youth and to women and from her own parenting experience, Rhonda provides refreshingly relevant guidance, biblical and contemporary examples, and humorous insights to help each reader discover

    how to guide a son without hovering and smothering

    how every action and choice can serve a godly goal

    ways to communicate so a boy will listen and be heard

    God’s power and grace to become—and give—her best

Packed with practical help from parenting experts and other moms, this inspirational resource will revive the faithfulness and fortitude a woman needs to partner with God as they shape the character and heart of a future godly man.

My reflections:

This is Stoppe’s first book, and she has left the gate running!

I quite enjoyed the writing style of this parenting treasure. It is filled with godly advice from a mom who has been thorough the adventure of raising her boys.

One of the main themes of this book that struck me was the fact that my relationship with Jesus is an important part of parenting. I mean being a Christian I knew this fundamentally, but to really ponder this and let it soak into my soul, put a whole new light on my goals as a parent.

Our role in parenting our children is not to raise perfect adults, but adults who learn to love our Savior with all they have heart, soul, mind and strength! Parenting is fraught with error, because we are human. I loved the fact that this parenting book didn’t leave me feeling guilty, but empowered through God who gives me strength, I am well equipped. I am not on this journey alone but with God on my side.

One challenge for me while reading this book was the transparency the author shared with her children. I was not raised in the kind of family where my mom came to me and actually told me she was sorry for the little mistakes she made. It made me more aware of the actions I take and that my son is watching us very closely. So in being transparent and “real” with our children shows them that we are not perfect, asking forgiveness to them will hopefully draw them closer to a “real” relationship with God.

Another aspect of this book I appreciated was the various mothers from the Bible that she uses as examples in her writing.  I found this to be a great study to delve deeper into the subject of parenting from the bible itself. 

In closing I think this is a wonderful resource to any mother of sons. If you want to read an uplifting book imparted with the wisdom of one mother’s love for her sons.

  

Get ready to start a journey which may affect generations to come; with the Lord at the Helm anything is possible!

I received this book free of charge in return for my honest review from Harvest House Publishers. Thank you so much Harvest house!

About the author:

Rhonda Stoppe

Rhonda Stoppe is a popular speaker who fervently imparts the truth of God’s Word to her audience. She is an enthusiastic communicator who unfolds Scripture with a contagious passion for truth as she teaches women to connect with God in an intimate “love walk” of obedience and to live deliberately in their purpose. She and her pastor husband, Steve, are the grateful parents of four grown kids.

Book review: 30 Days to becoming a Woman of Prayer

30 Days to Becoming a Woman of Prayer

Stormie Omartian

ISBN:978-0-7369-5362-7

Harvest House Publishers 

Stormie Omartian has led millions to pray—parents, wives, husbands, women, teens, and kids. Each of her bestselling books have opened up the mystery of prayer and helped readers approach God with confidence and experience His power. With transparency and biblical depth, Stormie shares in a 30-day format what it means for women to connect with God deeply through every circumstance that presents itself.
With warmth and wisdom, Stormie helps readers understand how they can make their life work—with prayer. This book is for everyone who wants to:

• live free of guilt and fear
• experience and share forgiveness
• stand strong in the face of temptation
• know God’s love
• grow in faith, and much more

In 30 short chapters, one a day, Stormie helps women find the freedom, wholeness, and success they want as they discover the simple steps to powerful prayer.

Formerly titled The Power of a Praying® Life

 My reflections:

Who doesn't love Omartian books? Her books are always packed with prayer, and are informative, encouraging and uplifting. When I had the chance to review this book I was excited to have the opportunity to read another Omartian book (I own Power of a praying wife, Husband and parent)

The first thing I enjoyed about this book was its ample range of topics, it was so well thought out and complete that after reading it I felt ready to tackle a task I often found intimidating…prayer..in…public…

Some of the topics in the book include:

 Know who your father is, 

Welcome the Holy Spirit’s presence, 

Maintain a right heart, 

Fear God but don’t live in fear, and

Live in the freedom God has for you and take control of your thoughts.

I absolutely love the way Stormie Omartian writes, It often feels to me like she knows me and we are just sitting down to tea, on the back porch. 

She gets down to work, no beating around the bush here. Her book is very meaty, and took some time to digest and process. So don't be surprised if it takes you more than 30 days to become that prayer warrior, you are aspiring to.  :-) 

I think my favorite parts of this book were the prayer Power and Word Power sections. Every chapter has these and I found it was a great way to dig a little deeper into the Bible and it also gave me “pretty” words to pray, for the issues I was working on!

I would definitely recommend this book and all of Stormie Omartian’s works to anyone who wants to deepen their prayer life and ultimately their relationship with God and those around them. 

Great work Omartian, Thank you for helping change lives, one book at a time!

I recieved this book complimentrary from Harvest House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you so much Harvest House!

About the Author:

Stormie Omartian

Stormie Omartian is the bestselling author (more than 23 million books sold) of The Power of a Praying® series, which includes The Power of a Praying® Wife Devotional and The Power of a Praying® Woman. Her many other books include Just Enough Light for the Step I’m On, The Prayer That Changes Everything®, and Praying the Bible into Your Life. Stormie and her husband, Michael, have been married more than 39 years and are the parents of two married children.
www.stormieomartian.com

Book Review: A Quilt for Jenna By Patrick E Craig

From the Back

Amish + Quilts = readers delight!  And in this first book in Patrick Craig’s Apple Creek Dreams series, readers will follow Jerusha Springer’s journey out of tragic circumstances to a new life of hope.

Jerusha has spent months making the most beautiful quilt anyone in Apple Creek, Ohio, has ever seen, and she knows it’s going to take first prize at the Quilt Fair in Dalton.  The prize will be her ticket out of the Amish way of life—away from the memories of her dead daughter and her tormented husband.  But on the way to the Fair, she gets caught in the Storm of The Century and Jerusha’s driver crashes their car.  While the driver goes for help, Jerusha is led by someone, or something, to the side of a lost little girl.  By the time the storm clears, Jerusha finds there is a greater prize to be won than money and blue ribbons.
A beautiful story of loss….and redemption.

A Quilt For Jenna 

By: Patrick E Craig

ISBN# 978-0-7369-5105-0

My Reflections

 When I first decided to review this book I was thrilled to be able to review another Amish book, I love Amish!

 I have to say this book exceeded my every expectation. It drew me in and captivated my imagination, within mere pages.

 Craig masterfully paints the scenes with painstaking detail. You feel Jerusha’s angst so vividly, experience right alongside her the cold seeping into her being and the loss and bitterness are all consuming. 

 This author was able to shift back and forth from present to past and construct a cohesive and flowing story line that does not lose the reader in the process.

 I enjoyed how this book showed that love and forgiveness go a long way in helping someone heal and let go of the past, and how romance and love in a marriage can so quickly disappear and then return once more.

 I was pleasantly surprised that a male author could efficiently deliver this heartwarming and endearing tale of a quilt maker, and be able add enough sentiment to keep this romantic minded gal enthralled right up to the very last pages!

 Brilliantly done Patrick E Craig, I will certainly be watching for your next book in the Apple Creek Dreams Series! 

I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion, from Harvest House.

Thank you so much Harvest House Publishing!

About the Author 
 

Patrick E. Craig

Patrick E. Craig is a lifelong writer and musician who left a successful songwriting and performance career in the music industry to follow Christ in 1984. He spent the next 26 years as a worship leader, seminar speaker, and pastor in churches, and at retreats, seminars and conferences all across the western United States. After ministering for a number of years in music and worship to a circuit of small churches, he is now concentrating on writing and publishing both fiction and non-fiction books. Patrick and his wife Judy make their home in northern California and are the parents of two adult children and have five grandchildren.

Book review: Bible Study, Living in God's Will

Living in Gods will

Basic Bible Studies for everyone.

Stonecroft

ISBN978-0-7369-5266-8
Back of the book:

Living in God's Will

A Guide to Decision Making

Stonecroft Ministries

“What does God want me to do?” This study for small groups and individuals encourages people to stop being anxious about God’s will and instead turn to His Word. As participants consider the story of Ruth, they will come to understand that good choices come out of trusting a good God.
Each chapter includes helpful Bible passages, open-ended questions for discussion and thought, and straightforward explanations and applications, all of which work together to build freedom and confidence in the Father’s guidance.
About This Series: Stonecroft Bible Studies encourage people to know God and grow in His love through exploration of His life-transforming Word, the Bible. Each book is designed for both seekers and new believers and includes easy-to-understand explanations and applications of Bible passages, study questions, and a journal for notes and prayers.

My reflections:

This is a fabulous study for any small group or individual.

It’s thought provoking, jam packed with scripture readings and set out so that it is easy to teach and follow. Small group leaders will absolutely love the simple layout, easy to read language and thought inspiring questions and study sections.

There are seven chapters that include topics like: Can we know God’s will, Right Motive- Wrong Decision, Ruth’s Decision, Israel’s Custom, A new Beginning, Ruth’s Request, and The Result of Right Decisions.  
 During the reading portion of the chapter there are questions to ponder and scripture to look up to guide the reader to further delve into God’s word and find truth and meaning. After each chapter there is a section on personal reflection and application and a prayer. Along with the study you can opt to purchase the Abundant Life Bible, this paper back Bible uses the new living translation, with corresponding page numbers to each verse mentioned in the study, this is especially helpful to individuals who have trouble locating verses.

I thoroughly loved the layout of this little study, I especially enjoyed the questions that are peppered throughout the book, it really gave me a clear insight on what the bible had to say on the subject of living in the will of God.

I would have no hesitation to recommend this little gem to anyone looking for a good life changing bible study!

This book was given to me free of charge, for the purpose of reviewing by Harvest house Publishers. My opinions are my own and I was not encouraged to give a positive review.

Thank you Harvest House!