THE BLESSED by Ann H. Gabhart - Book Review

Trapped by obligation, one woman longs for the freedom of true love.

It is 1844 and Lacey Bishop's life is a tangled mess. When circumstances move Lacey to a nearby Shaker village, she is not prepared for the new life that awaits her. In the midst of her deep loneliness, Lacey works to fit in with this odd group. But everything shifts when she finds herself drawn to a Shaker man in a village where such relationships are forbidden.

Can Lacey ever find true happiness in this mysterious place?

My Review: The fourth in Ann H. Gabhart's series, this book unfolds more of the Shakers religious beliefs and lifestyle. Living just 30 miles from a restored Shaker village in Kentucky gives the author a rreal sense of what life in the community would have been like in the 1800's. She includes an historical note at the beginning of the book in order to place readers in the time and setting of her novel.
It is clear that this is a well researched rendering, and the characters come to life from page one. I loved the character of Lacey, and rooted for her as she faced challenges and dilemmas. The idea of a traditional family was particularly challenging. What is the true way? Lacey had been raised to believe one way, but those beliefs are then challenged by the Shakers. The theme running through the book is "What does it mean to be blessed?" How could she bring the feelings of her heart in line with the strange ways of the Shakers? The author leaves us with this dilemma until the end. That is what keeps readers turning the pages!

Each of the Shaker books is stand-alone, but once you've read one, you will be longing for more!

About the author:

Ann is the author of over twenty novels for adults and young adults. Contact Ann at www.annhgabhart.com, and connect with her on Facebook and Twitter. The Blessed is published by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

I'm so excited! As part of Booksneeze, a program for bloggers sponsored by Thomas Nelson, I am among those chosen to attend the live event in Rochester, NY in November! This will be my first Women of Faith Conference. I will share more information as the date approaches. In the meantime, why not consider joining me there?

For further information regarding Women of Faith events in various cities, see the Women of Faith website. www.womenoffaith.com

Money Secrets Of The Amish by Lorilee Craker - Book Review

Author and journalist Lorilee Craker was just like the rest of us, feeling the pinch from the financial fallout of 2008. As a freelancer, her income was going the way of the dodo-family dollars seemed like an extinct myth, the bank account some archeological evidence of past prosperity.

Then, inspired by a news segment covering the Amish and how they emerged from the economic crisis unscathed, she realized it was time to learn a thing or two about their time-tested approach to personal finances. While the middle-class was wringing its hands over the family budget and the wealthy were weeping over their slashed portfolios, the Amish were content as always, spared from the cares of the world and worldliness. They not only had financial health to support their lives, they exuded a wholeness that eludes so many when the financial bottom drops out.

In Money Secrets of the Amish, readers go on an "Amish money makeover," learning the choices, secrets, and disciplines that safeguarded the contentment and the coffers of America's favorite plain folk by spending less, saving more, and getting happier doing it.

Lorilee Craker is the author of eleven books, including the NewYork Times best seller Through the Storm with Lynne Spears. When not shuttling her three children to hockey, gymnastics, and everywhere in between, Lorilee moonlights as an entertainment and features writer for the Grand Rapids Press in  Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has written for magazines such as Parents and Parent and Child.

My review: The subtitle, Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving sums up the message of this book. I enjoyed Lorilee's stories and examples gleaned from conversations with members of the Amish community. These "Plain" people are certainly an inspiration for all of us. The Amish model delayed gratification as they admonish us to use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without. They also share their philosophy on bartering, keeping it simple when it comes to gift-giving, paying on time and keeping out of debt, second-hand shopping and recycling, to name a few. And perhaps most importantly, the best things in life are free.
Although we can't all live as Amish, we can learn the value of family, and although we probably don't have a cow to barter, we can share with friends and neighbours our goods and expertise. It is win-win when everyone takes home something useful. Many of the ideas in this book were already familiar to me, but what I took from it was encouragement to implement the things I already know. Challenging indeed in our affluent society.

This book was provided by the publisher, Thomas Nelson,  and C. Grant & Co.in return for an honest review.

Today's "Inspiration" from Waterbrook Multnomah is taken from Embrace Grace by Liz Curtis Higgs. Click on link to read entire article, as well as chapter one of the book. May you be blessed today, knowing that you are embraced by God!


Inspired: 7/14/2011 - Embraced by God

‎"When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy." Titus 3:4–5

The forgiven life. The grace-filled life. It begins with an embrace, which is more than an elegant word for hug. Hugs are short-lived and friendly, handed out like after-dinner mints to acquaintances and strangers alike.

An embrace is more intentional. Longer. Warmer. Far more personal. We gather someone close--a spouse, a child, a friend, a sibling--and murmur words of comfort and affection. Or we simply let the strength of our embrace express the depth of our thoughts and feelings.

Wherever you are spiritually, whatever you have been through emotionally, you are already wrapped in the Lord's embrace. Held close by nail-scarred hands. Enfolded in the arms of One who believes in you, supports you, treasures you, and loves you.

He is waiting for you to embrace him in return. To accept the gift he's offering you. To listen for the whispered words you've longed a lifetime to hear:

You are loved. All is forgiven.

— Excerpted from Embrace Grace by Liz Curtis Higgs

Daily Reflection:

How do you feel God "embracing" you?





Read Chapter 1 of Embrace Grace
Read Chapter 1 of Embrace Grace
Read Chapter 1 of Embrace Grace

A GREAT CATCH by Lorna Seilstad - Book Review

She wants to change the world.


He wants to change her mind.

It's the beginning of a new century at Lake Manawa resort in Iowa, but some things never change. When Emily Graham's meddlesome aunts and grandmother take it upon themselves to find her a husband among the resort guests, the spunky suffragist is determined to politely decline each and every suitor. She has neither the time nor the need for a man in her busy life.

Carter Stockton, a recent college graduate and a pitcher for the Manawa Owls baseball team, intends to enjoy every minute of the summer before he is forced into the straitlaced business world of his father.

When their worlds collide, neither Emily nor Carter could have guessed what would come next. Will Carter strike out? Or will Emily cast her vote for a love that might cost her dreams?

The perfect summer novel, A Great Catch will enchant you with its breezy setting and endearing characters.

My review: This is the first of Lorna's books that I've read. Now I want to read book one in the series, Making Waves, and also look forward to the third installment. Thankfully, they are all stand-alone books, so I could read book two without having read book one.

Lorna sets her stories in her home state, and her own family has historical connections with Lake Manawa area. I LOVED the setting. Immediately, Lorna's brilliant writing wisks us off to another time and place. I could relate to the characters from the beginning. They are endearing. Lorna has researched the subject of equal suffrage for women, and she brings the struggles of women in that time to life.

The story contains all the elements I look for in a good read - history coming to life, biblical truth presented in a non-preachy way, real struggles to understand God's plan for our lives, a liberal dose of humor, and a sweet romance. Well done, Lorna. I look forward to reading more of summers at Lake Manawa!

I highly recommend this book as the perfect summer read. Pack it in your beachbag along with the sunscreen!

About the author:

A history buff, antique collector, and freelance graphic designer, Lorna Seilstad is the author of Making Waves and draws her setting from her home state of Iowa. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing awards and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Visit Lorna on her website, http://www.lornaseilstad.com/


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


Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf - Book Review

A Reluctant Queen is a love story, based on the biblical story of Esther, a young Jewish woman who was influential in the delivery of her people from annhilation. We are told that this is a work of fiction, the focus being on the relationship of Esther and the Great King, and therefore, one could expect that the author will not follow the biblical account to the letter.

I enjoyed the characterization, the beautiful setting, the relationships - love, intrigue, trust, honor all woven together.  Esther is thrown into a very difficult situation, and questions if she is really the right choice. Was her uncle's dream really God's message for her? The dilemma which she faces has her seeking God and His will for her life. She seems an unlikely candidate, but this shows that God can and will use anyone for His purposes when they makes themselves available.

The relationship between Esther and the king makes her question if he really loves her, when he has other women in his life, and has fathered children. Will he leave her once she has borne him a legitimate heir? But in spite of everything, her love for him continues to grow.

This book is an interesting 'take' on the story of Esther. Being a lover of all things historical, I read this book with interest. Well done, Joan Wolf!

For further information on the author, please visit http://www.joanwolf.com/.

Joan will be wrapping up the blog tour and Kindle giveaway promotion during her A Reluctant Queen FACEBOOK party on her FB author page. During the party she'll announce the winner of the Kindle, host a book chat discussion, test your trivia skills (Is Esther's story in A Reluctant Queen fact or fiction?), and more. Don't miss this chance to meet the author and make some new friends!

A Reluctant Queen is published by Thomas Nelson. I received a copy for review purposes from Litfuse Publicity.

Available through http://www.amazon.com/ and other retailers

Rise and Shine by Liz Curtis Higgs

Rise and Shine by Liz Curtis Higgs is a wonderful book, full of 2-3 page devotionals. Included is a Scripture for each day, followed by encouraging words that will uplift you and jump-start your day. Liz concludes each days reading with a prayer as our response to the truth which was shared.

 Liz writes as someone who has "been there" and "gets it. She writes from the heart, and her love for the Lord and His Wordis abundantly evident. It is Liz's desire to encourage her sisters, to let all of us know how much we are loved by God, and how He accepts us just as we are. Liz points us to the One Who puts the shine in our lives, and helps us to rise above our circumstances.

Liz writes in her inimitable style, injecting a healthy dose of humor as she shares biblical truth.

I highly recommend this book to all who are desiring a freshness in their spiritual life. It would also make a great gift. Rise and Shine is available through http://www.amazon.com/  and wherever you purchase Christian books.