Journeys Across Niagara by D. K. Levick

Having been raised in Western New York and visiting the Falls regularly while grown up drew me to choose this book. How very disappointed I was to find a “Christian book” to be written with such vulgarity and rudeness. I was shocked to read of the young boys in the story to actually refer to Jesus in a derogatory way. They spoke of African Americans in a way that I could never begin to describe, totally uncalled for. The boys continually use swear words and not just the standard ones you might expect to find in secular publishing. I had a very difficult time getting through the story because of the language.

Without a doubt I can’t recommend this book and since a zero star is unavailable I am only giving this book a one star rating.

I so wanted to like this book. I have spent a great deal of time at Niagara Falls and have enjoyed watching the water cascade over the edge. This is also the place where I became engaged to my husband many years ago. If you haven’t had the opportunity to see firsthand the splendor of Niagara Falls please don’t read this book, just go to Niagara Falls and see the real thing.

I received this book free from the publisher through BookSneeze.com.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

This story is so visible; I can see it unfolding before me. I can’t help but giggle while reading…so refreshing! I would love to see this as a movie.

Kate and Gran go back to Chapel Bluff to restore the family home. Gran hire’s Matt a local carpenter, to do the restoration. Matt is barely functioning with the large wall of protection he has built around himself.

As Kate tries to chip away the wall can Matt heal from his wife’s death? Will he recognize his need to return to the NHL and finish on his terms? Is there any chance for Matt & Kate? Will Gran and her friends help or hinder the situation?

I would highly recommend this for a book club selection from Women of Faith.

I am so looking forward to read more from Becky Wade. What a wonderful debut book! I am thrilled to give this book a five star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond

Sophia wants to be a woman of influence. When the man she has chosen announces his engagement to another, distraught Sophia leaves and becomes a missionary teacher to the Ponca Indians.

While there Sophia meets Will a carpenter. He is there to build homes for the Ponca Indians. The Ponca Indians have extremely little of anything. Sophia wonders if she can truly be of any help to them. Sophia takes to writing letters to attain help for the Ponca Indians. Over the next year she learns so much from them and they from her.

When the Ponca Indians are removed from their land and forced to relocate, the missionary’s must also leave. Will returns home to Omaha, NB and Sophia takes a job at a lady’s school, not realizing it’s also in Omaha. Can Sophia and Will remain in God’s will and be together? How will things work out for the Ponca Indians?

I am pleased to give this book a four star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through BookSneeze.com.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Visions Of The Coming Days by R. Loren Sandford

I appreciate how he is gray about when things will be taking place. He chooses to use words like probably, it might, gives a time frame, we are entering a time, transitioning from; versus must, it will, give an exact day, and now. This makes me think he is truly looking to God for guidance on what He is saying, not declaring! I found this to be very refreshing.

It’s a good reference book for youth leaders/pastors and for small groups. He uses scripture throughout the book as he talks about various things.

I usually don’t like books that refer to the end times; I find them to be very black and white. Since Sandford is so gray about timing of things it leads me to consider listening to what he is sharing with us. I am happy to give this book a four star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through Chosen Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis

Home to Hickory Hollow

A wrong turn in a rainstorm leads Englisher Amelia Devries to Michael Hostetler--and the young Amishman's charming Old Order community of Hickory Hollow. Despite their very different backgrounds, Amelia and Michael both feel hemmed in by the expectations of others and struggle with how to find room for their own hopes. And what first seems to be a chance encounter might just change their lives forever.

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I would love to see this as a movie!

This story line is very realistic. Two people who are unsatisfied with the path they are on meet in a most interesting way. An Amish man and an English woman form an instant friendship, but can it be something more?  Is it possible for a fiddler to be drawn into the lifestyle of the Amish?

I am very pleased to give this book a five star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Winning Balance by Shawn Johnson

2008 Olympic Gold Medalist  &
Dancing With The Stars Mirror Ball Trophy Winner

Gymnast Shawn Johnson shares with us her journey to Olympic Gold. Her down to earth story will inspire young girls to dream for their hearts desire. Shawn is very open about what it takes to compete in gymnastics, the time, energy, and practice necessary to becoming an elite gymnast. This is one of the most fickle sports in the Olympics.

She shares with us her poetry and lessons learned.

Shawn Johnson is no longer preparing for the 2012 London Olympics, due to a knee injury.

I am thrilled to give this book a five star review.

Check out her video below:

http://www.winningbalancebook.com

I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale Momentum Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Brush of Angel’s Wings by Ruth Reid

In the contents of this book there is a glossary for Pennsylvania Dutch words used throughout the story. They are always in italics. Since I was reading this on my kindle it was not convenient for me to look back at the glossary for clarification of words in italics. If read in book format this would not have been a problem.

I would consider this to be a basic Amish love story. Rachel and Jordan are both searching for answers and looking for forgiveness. Rachel is grieving over the loss of her brother when Jordan comes along and steps on Rachel’s feelings. Jordan is not Amish, but his mother was. He is trying to find his way. They both have an angel and demon watching over them. Who will they listen to?

I am pleased to give this story a four star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through BookSneeze.com.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255