Book Review: The Refuge

From The Back:

Can the power of love and the bond of family triumph in a community that cannot accept either?
With the threat of a cholera epidemic at their heels, Darcie and Walter Goodwin join the Shakers, whose villages seem immune to the disease. It's meant to be temporary, but when Walter is killed in a riverboat accident, destitute Darcie has little choice but to stay with the Shakers. To complicate matters, she is expecting a baby conceived before she and her husband came to the Shaker village. Marital relationships are considered sinful in this celibate community, putting Darcie in a unique--and lonely--position. Can the arrival of widower Flynn Keller and his headstrong daughter offer Darcie the hope of happiness?

My Reflections:

Ann Gabhart can always be counted on to pen masterfully written stories that are completely unique and absolutely fantastic!
I love her Shaker series, such a fascinating group of people. I for one would be so much like one of the characters (Sister Mona) rebellious of all those rules and seriously grumpy with people dictating my every move! She was just a child though and troubled from so much abandonment.  

Darcie finds herself amongst the Shaker people quite by circumstance and not by choice. She and her late husband Walter flee from their home to outsmart Cholera, Walter parishes from an accident and Darcy finds herself in the family way. Imagine being pregnant in a community where the bond of matrimony is seen as a sin! Yikes. 
How on earth did the founder "Mother Ann" ever come up with that one? She was after all a mother and wife? It really fascinates me how people end up in these situations. It most likely stems from my childhood as I too found myself in a cult out of circumstances. The whole thing is truly a bit of a novelty to me because of my past. Luckily for me, it all worked out in the end. 

The plot moves along a nice gentle speed. I loved learning the ways of these people and their many rules and strict rituals. I sure wish a Shaker was my cleaning lady!
Many people seem to end up in places like these with little other options. It is good that the Shaker people will return everything the converts relinquish if they leave the community. I found it wonderful to see how the story progressed and the characters converge. I can't let too many secrets out but, Oh, dear Silas and his reckless schemes to help his son in law Flynn and granddaughter little Leatrice. He made such a mess of things, then the ending purely perfect! 

I could go on and on about this one but let's just say if you are interested in the Shakers, their "faith" and want a lovely story to go along with it this book is absolutely for you!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Ann H. Gabhart

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels--The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--as well as other historical novels, including Angel Sister, These...

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Book Review: When You Are Near

From The Back:

Come one, come all to the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza!
After her father's death, Lizzy Brookstone, a trick rider in the all-female Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, wants nothing more than to quit her role as the star of the show and live a quiet life on her family's ranch. But returning home would bring Wesley DeShazer, the ranch's foreman and the man who broke her heart, back into her life. In addition, the troupe's new manager fears that Lizzy's departure could doom the already cash-strapped show.

Hope grows in Lizzy during a stopover at Fleming Farm. Ella Fleming not only has a natural talent for trick riding and could easily replace Lizzy, but she's eager to join the show to flee a forced betrothal. However, while there, one of the show's wranglers is killed in a manner Lizzy finds suspicious. And during her escape from the farm, Ella stumbles across a secret that could affect all of their lives, as well as the future of the Brookstone Extravaganza.

My Reflections: 

I was lassoed from the start. Tracy Peterson is my go-to authours for spunky characters and strong female leads. This story takes us back to the 1900s where Lizzy Brookstone finds herself fulfilling the wishes of her departed father. Her passion has died alongside her dad and she just wants to settle down, even if it's not in the normal way with a husband. Experiencing her father's passing and watching her mother grieve seems like far too big of a risk to her tender heart. Will God have other plans for Lizzy? 

Though I know little about trick riding the descriptive narrative and authentic setting made this a joy to explore. Tracy Peterson had me from page one and on.  Another aspect of Peterson's work is her intense research, the time period and the characters were spot on. You become so entwined with each character and the pain they are going through that you really want the best outcome for all involved.

This is a richly illustrated novel depicting "the old west" perfectly, what else would you expect from this authour?

 If you are looking to start off your summer with a new series, "Brookstone Brides" is that perfect start. I am over the moon because book two "Wherever You Go" just landed in my mailbox. You won't have to wait for months for the next installment friends. I know, Happy summer!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family...

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Book Review: On a Summer Tide

From The Back:

Sometimes love hurts--and sometimes it can heal in the most unexpected way.
Camden Grayson loves her challenging career, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. "Moving on" is Cam's mantra. But there's a difference, her two sisters insist, between one who moves on and one who just keeps on moving.

Cam's full-throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine. Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island--a dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters. Certain Dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island. To Cam's surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, and so do the locals. One in particular: Seth Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher, who harbors more than a few surprises. 

My Reflections:

Suzanne Woods Fisher starts her new series "Three Sisters Island" off well, though I found the first parts of the book a little slower she makes up for the lacking start with a gusto not far in. Can you imagine buying an island with a decrepit old summer camp sight unseen, well that's exactly what Paul Grayson does? He has a plan though nutty as it sounds, but we will have to wait and see what can come of his last-ditch attempts at family unity. 

Three sisters with strained relationships and busy lives of their own fall right into their dad's scheme and rush to the island to assess if their father has dementia or just a broken heart. Since the passing of their mother their dad has not been the same, she was the "glue" that held them all together. Will Three Sisters Island be just what this family needs?

I adored this family the island and all the quirky island folk. It's reminiscent of my little town, and I felt akin to this place its people and the relaxed atmosphere. 
Times are tough all around in this story, we truly see the development of character and depth within each of the sisters. Although I have to admit the first bit with all the bickering between the three was too much for me. I like siblings to get along and be happy. (I know when does this ever happen, but It could!) 

There is much to love about this perfect summer starter, delightful twists and turns and a sprinkle of belly-busting humour. There is something to be said about a well laid out novel, "On a Summers Tide" sets us up perfectly for book two in this series, and I for one am pretty darn excited to find out in more depth what happens to the two remaining sisters!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than thirty books, including Mending Fences and Stitches in Time, as well as the Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop's Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, among...

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Book Review: Sex, Purity, And the Longings Of A Girls Heart

From the Back:

"This message of God-defined sexuality is one every woman needs."--Dannah Gresh, author of And the Bride Wore White

For the modern Christian woman, embracing God's design for sexuality can often feel like an impossible pursuit. As the culture around us seeks to normalize things such as lust, pornography, erotica, and casual sex, you may be feeling immense pressure to conform. In this relatable and encouraging book, Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal share honestly about their own struggles and victories and dig into topics such as

· how your longings for intimacy point to a deeper need
· why God's original design for love, passion, and sex is good
· how to deal with secret sexual struggles
· and much more

Kristen and Bethany invite you on a personal journey to discover and reclaim a biblical vision for your sexuality--one that is good and relevant and will lead you toward true hope and lasting freedom.

My Reflections:
This is a must read for any woman, teens, middle-aged, and beyond. We all struggle with some aspect of our sexuality. This world is a fallen world and the temptations to indulge in lustful images, twist our perception of sex from a very young age. Does the church come out and really answer the questions that need to be spoken... it's not feel good stuff it's not family friendly, we may offend someone the lists of excuses goes on. Sex sells, and it tarnishes God's beautiful design. We have God's grace and love.

These are heavy topics friends, this is a weighty read, but oh so needed. I absolutely applaud these authours and Girl Defined for producing relevant material for women to read. It reminded me that the struggle is real and my teens are faced with an uphill battle. We all are in the same battle just in different life stages. This book is the real deal, filled with the author's stories and readers excerpts sharing very real and close subject matter. 

In the end, we find a story of love, redemption and Grace. God is good all the time. He alone is able to restore us into a right and true relationship with him.

If you are looking for an honest open girlfriend type read look no further. This book is filled with relevant honest and deep conversations but always ends with Grace and God's love. 

I did wish there was more closure to some of the topics, sometimes a person would require more than a personal story and scripture, but an actual game plan. I'm thinking about young women and teens here, I think it would be wise to have a set-out plan included in the book designed especially with this age group in mind, perhaps an online support group, where teens and unmarried women can be accountable and get wise biblical counsel. It's such a confusing time in one's life, especially with the availability of porn on the internet. 
All in all this book was very good, and I will be sharing it with the church library, with the disclaimer that it is an honest and open book. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Kristen Clark

1. Kristen Clark is married to her best friend, Zack, and is the cofounder of GirlDefined Ministries. She is passionate about promoting the message of biblical womanhood through blogging, speaking, mentoring young women, and hosting Bible studies in her living...

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2. Bethany Beal

   Bethany Beal is head-over-heels in love with her best friend and husband, David, and is the cofounder of GirlDefined Ministries. She is passionate about spreading the truth of biblical womanhood through blogging, speaking, and mentoring young women. To her...

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Its's 10 PM: Times When I DON'T Like Autism

I can't sleep so here we are at 10 PM with another post!!! anyways here are times when I DON'T like Autism!!

1. I can't sleep because I don't have enough melatonin ( Did I spell that right...)
2. It's HARD for me to socialize 
3. I am slightly obsessed with my dog, Jovi (Ok maybe more than slightly)
4. I am terrified for... certain things...
5. I do not have a SLEEP PATTERN!!!!! this annoys me.

Ok, good night I'm gonna TRY to sleep... So next blog post is most likely gonna be at 12 AM
cause that's my tiny sleep pattern😴🛌😪🛌😴🛌😴😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡
thanks for reading

The Supper I Made

Book Review: The Intimate Connection Secrets To A Lifelong Romance

From The Back:

Get the marriage you dream of
Creating a happy, lifelong marriage is about much more than physical compatibility. It's about a lifestyle of 24-7 intimacy that bonds couples in a mutually satisfying relationship. In The Intimate Connection, New York Times bestselling marriage expert Dr. Kevin Leman explores key secrets to the love life couples crave. He helps you

· understand each other's needs, backgrounds, and personalities (and how those factors influence every marital interaction)
· talk so your spouse really listens
· turn negative game-playing into positive behaviors that help you grow closer
· create deep, long-lasting intimacy that's divorce-proof

Whether you are new to marriage or have been married a long time, Dr. Leman's time-tested strategies will create the kind of exciting intimacy, mutual respect, and fulfilling communication that will keep you in each other's arms for a lifetime.

My Reflections:

Kevin Leman is the go-to person for relationship-based training. I have been reading his works since his "The Birth Order Book" written years ago. His no-nonsense style and easy to read books are top sellers for a reason. His newest title, "The Intimate Connection" is the perfect gift for pastors, newly married couples or couples struggling with their relationship. 

I will be celebrating my 25th anniversary in a week and found that I could use some much-needed reminders in a few areas. This book could be the book that revitalizes your marriage! Filled with practical advice, interesting stories and bonus sections to dig a little deeper. You can't go wrong with this book. I found my favourite section to be page 97-106 "Secret #6", You will have to read it to find out why! If you know me you will guess pretty easily :-) 

So in closing, if you are looking to deepen your relationship, or are looking for that perfect gift this is your book. Biblically sound, practical applications and interesting stories will keep your passion and love strong throughout the years. Yes, even those years where you think you hate each other because let's face facts relationships all go through times like these. It's not over, just being refined. Enough said this is a fantastic resource for all marriages! 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Dr. Kevin Leman

Dr. Kevin Leman is an internationally known psychologist, radio and television personality, and speaker. He has made house calls through hundreds of radio and television programs, such as FOX & Friends, The View, FOX's The Morning...

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Book Review: The Tinderbox

From the Back:

I've marveled at Dat's ability to accept the Old Ways so readily, considering his modern upbringing. Mamma says it's like he was born to be Amish. Maybe so, but all the same, I wished I knew something more about his past.With her parents' twentieth anniversary approaching, eighteen-year-old Sylvia Miller finds her father's cherished brass tinderbox left unlocked. Against her better judgment, Sylvia opens the heirloom, not realizing that what she is about to discover will splinter apart her happy life and alter everything for her close-knit Old Order Amish family. As the long-kept secret emerges into the light of day, can the Millers find a way forward through the turmoil to a place of forgiveness?

My Reflections:
Beverly Lewis is the queen of Amish fiction, the very author who introduced me to this simple way of life. Though I don't live this type of lifestyle I admire the dedication and community they forge. The People really do want what is best for the entirety of the people, however, the means can be quite harsh. 

When Sylvia Miller opens a long-held heirloom she never expects her actions to change everything she knows to be true. The shock waves ripple throughout the whole community and no one is immune to its destruction. At its core are Sylvia's faith, determination and steadfast love, even when shaken to the quick. She holds dear to the anchor of her life, God.

I adore how this book weaves my favourite elements together into a patchwork of synergy, Faith, community, uncertainty, hardship and a dash of suspense for good measure! These qualities mixed with Lewis's renowned talent make this book another success. Unfortunately, this book leaves off with a few unwoven threads, however, book two (The Timepiece) will be released in September of 2019. I can't wait to unravel the mystery, gah I hate cliffhangers! 

Another great Amish tale, if you love Beverly Lewis, well enough said, go out and pick up your copy today!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Beverly Lewis

Beverly Lewis (beverlylewis.com), born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 17 million books in print. Her stories have been published in 12 languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York...

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