Audible Book Review: When the Morning Glory Blooms by Cynthia Ruchti

I enjoyed the three character lines of this touching story.

When the Morning Glory Blooms
By: Cynthia Ruchti
Narrated by: Melinda Sward

Length: 9h 27m
Release date: 08-05-15
Publisher: Audible Studios
Gender: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Becky rocks a baby that rocked her world. Sixty years earlier, with her fiancé, Drew, in the middle of the Korean Conflict, Ivy throws herself into her work at a nursing home to keep her sanity and provide for the child Drew doesn't know is coming. Ivy cares for Anna, an elderly patient who taxes Ivy's listening ear until the day she suspects Anna's tall tales are not the ramblings of dementia. They're fragments of Anna's disjointed memories of a remarkable life. Finding a faint thread of hope she can't resist tugging, Ivy records Anna's memoir, scribbling furiously after hours to keep up with the woman's emotion-packed, grace-hemmed stories. Is Ivy's answer buried in Anna's past? Becky, Ivy, Anna - three women fight a tangled vine of deception in search of the blossoming simplicity of truth.
©2013 Cynthia Ruchti (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Review:
This story follows the lives of three women who have connections through babies born to teens out of wedlock. The reader first meets Becky who is a current day grandmother raising her grandson while her teen daughter finishes high school. Becky loves her grandson but wasn’t expecting to be homebound at this time of her life. The little life they are nurturing impacts the whole family as they struggle with finances, time schedules, and prejudices of even close friends.

Ivy is a young woman in the 1950s whose boyfriend has gone off to war in South Korea. She is afraid to tell him the truth in a letter and can only dream and hope that he will come back and want to marry her. Ivy moves away from her former home to move in with her less than embracing father. She gets a job as a caregiver in a nursing home where she meets Anna.

Anna, a woman in her 80s is the first person to suspect that Ivy is pregnant and alone. Anna has a history that gives her insight into these matters, and she asks Ivy to write down her wonderful story of God’s fulfilling the dream of her youth and how her dram touched so many young mothers – her morning glories.

This was on my list for "Time of Day" goal and I saw that the free audio was expiring. I am glad to have read this sooner than later. The story seemed a little slow, dramatic, and depressing at first, but once I got to the second character, it pulled me in. I wanted to know what happened to each life and how they were connected in the end. I especially loved Anna’s story and how she encouraged Ivy. This is a story of God’s love, personal relationships, redemption, and second chances. I recommend this to readers who enjoy good Christian based, family stories.

Audio Notes: I was comfortable with the narration by Melinda Sward. The voices were distinct and the emotions well conveyed. I note some other reviewers mentioned mispronounced words, but I did not notice this problem. I appreciated having this audio, especially as a free title.

Source: 10/9/2021 Audible Plus Catalog title. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Time of Day reading goals.

Audio Book Review: Her Cowboy Deputy by Lacy Williams

I totally enjoyed this easy listen romance, which I went through in one day.

Her Cowboy Deputy
Written by Lacy Williams
Narrated by Lara Asmundson

Run Time 6h 27min
Release Date: February 22, 2017
Publisher: Lacy Williams Books LLC
Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Romance, Western
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher Description
She’s a reclusive homesteader who hoped to never see him again. But when she rescues the deputy, she might just be stuck with him…
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She rescued him from drowning…will the cowboy rescue her heart?
In the aftermath of a terrible storm, sheriff’s deputy Matt White is injured and becomes stranded on a remote homestead with a lovely young woman and her grandfather. The reclusive duo intrigues him, but he’s got a duty to the town. He can’t believe it when they refuse to help him return to Bear Creek.
Catherine Poole stays away from town for a reason. She has no time to play nursemaid to the injured lawman-but she also can’t let him suffer. As she cares for the man who stirs up old memories, she discovers Matt’s kind heart and love for his family.
But there’s no hope for a relationship with a man so tied to town…is there?

Review:
Sheriff’s Deputy Matt White is out tracking some suspicious characters when he gets caught in a river during a storm. He is rescued by a young boy who turns out to be a young woman he barely remembers from a time when she came to school. Catherine lives a very reclusive life tending a small farm with her grandfather. Matt asks them to help him get back to town, but they are afraid to leave each other or leave their property unprotected from neighbors who want to take control of their crops.

Catherine has painful memories of her few days at school, where she first met Matt. And then there was the awful day in town with her mother before she died. It suits Catherine fine to stay away from others as she cares for her grandfather who suffers from rough flashbacks and confusion dating back to the Civil War.

Catherine is willing to care for Matt as he recovers from his injuries. She learns of his love for his family, but that is a world she couldn’t know. Matt realizes that Catherine is a hardworking, caring young woman and he regrets how she was treated years ago at school. Now he wants to help her and even protect her…maybe he is growing to care for her.

I enjoyed the relationship of these characters who grow in friendship. There is tension with bad neighbors and a lovely charm with Matt’s strong family. This was a breath of fresh air for me between space battles and murder thrillers. I will look for more from this author and I recommend this to readers who enjoy sweet western romance.

Audio Notes: Lara Asmundson does a good job with the narration. She delivers distinct voices with fitting emotion. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of this sweet story.

Source: March 2021 Chirp Purchase $0.99. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Occupation goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The White City by Grace Hitchcock

This is a very sweet historical romance.
The White City
by Grace Hitchcock

File Size: 810 KB
Publisher: Barbour Books (March 1, 2019)
ASIN: B07HYKQBDP
Genre: Christian Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Mysterious Disappearances Taint the Chicago World’s Fair
Step into True Colors -- a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime
While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for bodyguard.
Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?

Review:
Winnifred Wylde is the nineteen-year-old daughter of a top Chicago police inspector. After the death of her mother when Winnie was ten, her Aunt Lillian stepped in to help guide the family. Winnie wants to enjoy her reading and visits to the Chicago World’s Fair, but Aunt Lillian wants Winnifred to decorously attend social events and secure a marital match. Inspector Wylde is happy to leave the socializing to Aunt Lillian as he is determined that Winnie marry someone other than a law man.

Winnie is at the Fair when she sees a young woman taken off by a man. Her father isn’t willing to call the police out to investigate because she made a previous allegation that turned out groundless. Inspector Wylde agrees to allow Winnie to continue to visit the Fair but only with a police guard, a new man on the staff, Jude Thorpe. Jude has a good reputation from New York and has secretly come to Chicago to investigate the death of his brother-in-law.

Winnie soon spots the man she suspects and wrangles a job interview so she can learn more undercover. Jude has already been on hand to ‘rescue’ Winnie from the drudgery of a suitor she wants nothing to do with. Now he is standing by to protect her if needed as she works undercover. As they share time together investigating, their easy friendship grows. Assuming Winnie can come through the assignment safely, is there any chance for a continued relationship with family (and boss) set against them?

I liked the characters right away. They are cheery, bright and imaginative. Winnie loves books and gets to meet her favorite author in a surprising element of the story. The mystery plot develops slowly, but this allows the relationship, with conflicts, to develop. I found the author’s afterward interesting as she explained this story was based upon a true crime event.

The author uses fun quotes from Jane Austin books and others to introduce the chapters. I also liked the light scripture and faith references. During a frightening situation, Winnie pulls on her memory verses for support. The story reads easily and moves along at a good pace. There is a good mix of mystery, suspense and romance. I would like to read more in this series and recommend this to readers who enjoy clean, historic romance/mystery.

Source: NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Book Review: Ransomed Dreams (Side Roads Book 1) by Sally John

This is a very good portrayal of PTSD in an invalid and his caretaker and life issues they face.

Ransomed Dreams (Side Roads Book 1)
by Sally John

File Size: 4545 KB
Print Length: 402 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (July 16, 2010)
ASIN: B003VWBXW8
Genre: Christian Fiction, Women's Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Sheridan Montgomery leads a charmed life as the wife of Eliot, U.S. ambassador to Venezuela. But an attack on their lives cripples Eliot, and they retreat to a remote Mexican village. As Sheridan quietly cares for her husband, she sees her dreams slipping away. Luke Traynor shatters their reverie when he arrives to tell Sheridan of her father’s heart attack and the evidence implicating him in a conspiracy. Sheridan returns to Chicago to untangle the web of her father’s past and is forced to confront her feelings for Luke, a trail of deceit, and the truth about her marriage.

Review:
Sheridan and her husband are traumatized by an attack that has left Eliot crippled and in pain. They have hidden themselves away in a remote Mexican village. Sheridan serves as secretary for the few hours he works on his memoirs and as caretaker in his frustrated, angry moments. The rest of the time Eliot withdraws into his own world or sleeps for hours in a drugged state. Sheridan tries to accept the situation, but she is becoming tired of being isolated and frustrated that Eliot will rarely leave their home. At least she finds solace in prayer and talks with the wise local Padre.

Their quiet, hidden life is disrupted when Luke, the CIA agent who saved her during the attack, hunts them down. Luke and Sheridan formed a fragile friendship as her ‘angel Gabriel’ supporting her at the hospital while they waited to see if Eliot would survive and then helping her make the transition to the secluded life. Luke was not supposed to come back into her life, but he arrives with a message from Sheridan’s sister: their father is dying. Sheridan has reason to not want to go to her father’s side. Still, she cares enough to go to share her sister’s pain.

Sheridan again leans on Luke as she makes the traumatic trip back to Chicago. There she learns that her sister has uncovered evidence that their politician father has secrets of years of corruption. As Sheridan tries to regain her balance in the ‘real world’, Eliot surprisingly travels from the house with the Padre and begins to show unexpected improvement in his condition.

Sheridan doesn’t understand why her leaving has helped Eliot’s condition. Eliot is afraid that Sheridan won’t return … especially if she learns of a secret in his past. Will their marriage be able to survive the strains of their PTSD and revealed secrets?

The story circumstances lead to the need for forgiveness and restoration in several relationships. I was very impressed by the author’s clear handling of complex emotional and physical issues. She does a good job portraying both the patient and caretaker struggles and frustrations. I liked how the levels of faith of the characters helped them deal with the real-life situations and temptations they faced. The faith elements are shown through the lives of the characters and are not just preachy add-ins.

My ladies book club all agreed this was engaging fiction with good messages. I recommend this to readers who like stories that deal with family and faith issues.

Source: Kindle 2011. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Alphabet goals.

Book Review: On the Run (The Elijah Project) by Bill Myers

This includes zany action that should fit great with 9-12 year old readers.
On the Run (The Elijah Project)
by Bill Myers (Author), James Riordan (Contributor)

File Size: 1157 KB
Print Length: 128 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (August 30, 2009)
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishing
ASIN: B002SKZBGI
Genre: Children, Christian Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 (based on audience age)

In book one, On the Run, Elijah’s supernatural gifts have drawn the attention of dark forces. Separated from their parents, Zach and Piper (with a lot of help from heaven) must protect their little brother.

Review:
Elijah is a six year old with gifted talents. His teenage brother, Zach, is pretty clueless but his 13 year old sister, Piper, is careful to watch over him. Their parents have had to move several times to protect the family, but especially to protect Elijah. Not only would the public be interested in his abilities but evil people want to use him … or stop him.

Piper has a small crush on one of Zach’s cute friends, Cody. Although she doesn’t think Cody would even know who she is, she learns that he is kinder than his looks would indicate. One of his good friends, Willard, is a young ‘mad scientist/inventor’.

An accident before school brings out Elijah’s talent and puts him in the eyes of the media. Mom and Dad immediately make arrangements to move but they must sneak out of the house to draw away bad guys before the kids come home. The bad guys, a witchy woman, a mindless brute and a skinny, ambitious and evil man, are stumbling but determined.

Zach, Piper and Elijah dodge the bad guys as they head out to find their parents. Cody and Willard show up with the help of some of Willard’s wacky inventions to help the fleeing trio. A mysterious stranger appears unexpectedly just in time to help with a few narrow escapes. During the flight, Zach, Piper and even Elijah, share some Biblical wisdom, learned from their faithful parents.

The story is zany with gruesome, but comical, villains and the fun of Willard’s inventions. I appreciated the clues but thought some of the actions were “duh” or “idiot” moments. However, this is written for an audience age of 9 to 12 and I do think that it would be engaging and fun for that reading level. Not so great for adults unless you really just want some silly antics to enjoy. Also, this book has an open ending as it is just the beginning book in a series that continues with more danger and adventures.

This is another TBR title in my free Kindle library since 2010. It is one of my TBR Pile Challenge books.

Book Review and Print Giveaway: Dying to Read (The Cate Kinkaid Files Book #1): A Novel by Lorena McCourtney

This story is a light, fun cozy mystery with a Christian foundation.
Dying to Read (The Cate Kinkaid Files Book #1): A Novel 
by Lorena McCourtney

• File Size: 1449 KB
• Print Length: 321 pages
• Publisher: Revell (August 1, 2012)
• Publication Date: August 1, 2012
• ASIN: B0073UPRD0
• Genre: Cozy Mystery, Christian Fiction

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

"Lorena McCourtney's lively cozy mysteries hit all the right notes for me, and her newest doesn't miss a chord. A quirky, likable heroine, a handsome guy, and oh, a murder. Don't miss Cate Kinkaid's first case as a PI. It's a killer."--Lyn Cote, author of La Belle Christian

All she wanted was a paycheck. What she got was a murder.
Cate Kinkaid's life is . . . well, frankly it's floundering. Her social life, her career, her haircut--they're all a mess. Unemployed, she jumps at the chance to work for her PI uncle, even though she has no experience and no instincts. After all, she is just dabbling in the world of private investigating until she can find a "real" job.
All she has to do for her first assignment is determine that a particular woman lives at a particular address. Simple, right? But when she reaches the dark Victorian house, she runs into an hungry horde of gray-haired mystery readers and a dead body. This routine PI job is turning out to be anything but simple. Is Cate in over her head?

Review:
Cate has struggled from one job to another. Her family makes her feel like she cannot do anything right. Her PI uncle kindly, if reluctantly, agrees to hire her on a trial basis. Her first task is supposed to be an easy assignment: find a young woman named Willow. Cate arrives at the address where Willow is supposed to be and she is greeted by a handful of elderly ladies meeting for mystery reader book club known as the Whodunit Club. When they enter the house they discover no lunch, no maid (Willow) and a deceased hostess.

Cate doesn’t want to tell her Uncle that she hasn’t found Willow, especially when she learns he has been hospitalized. Cate returns to the house looking for clues to Willow’s whereabouts. There she meets the deceased woman’s niece who is worried Willow may have taken jewelry. The niece isn’t worried about the abandoned cat and Cate ends up taking the cat home to take care of her temporarily. Although the death appears to be a tragic fall down a back, rickety stairs, Cate begins to investigate on her own. She has plenty of suspects with Willow, the Whodunit ladies, the niece and her husband and a recent boyfriend of the deceased who has also disappeared.

As Cate is hunting down Willow she meets Mitch, a young man helping an elderly woman whom Willow used to work for. Mitch offers to help but Cate doesn’t want to accept help from anyone and she suspects that he may have nefarious motives too.

Cate bumbles along in her search, with Mitch appearing unexpectedly to rescue her from dangerous situations. Mitch is a great, nice character and I was rooting for Cate to give him a chance. Meanwhile, Willow, a tree-hugging activist, the Whodunit quirky ladies and other suspicious characters make for a fun investigation. Even the fluffy cat adds to the story.

The writing is very easy and I appreciated that Ms. McCourtney shared the faith of several characters in a gentle, sure manner. I enjoyed the growing friendship between Cate and Mitch, which ends at a stage that would allow further development in the series. The story is a light, fun cozy with a Christian foundation. I recommend this to readers who enjoy light cozy mysteries, and/or light Christian fiction.

(We waited almost six weeks to discuss this at book club so we had to remind each other of the details. Everyone agreed it was an enjoyable, easy read.)

The was my ladies’ book club read in July. It has been in my Kindle Library since 2013 so I count it as a TBR read.

ONE (gently read) PRINT COPY GIVEAWAY

US Only

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries (a) comment on the review, OR

(b) Visit the AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you learned or like there.

* This contest is open to US only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) September 12, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after September 12, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Book Review and Giveaway: Love in Disguise by Carol Cox

This historical romance is gentle, fun and engaging with mystery and intrigue. 

Love in Disguise
by Carol Cox

• File Size: 832 KB
• Print Length: 352 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (June 1, 2012)
• Publication Date: June 1, 2012
• ASIN: B0073UPP78
• Genre: Historical Romance, Christian
• My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Can she solve the crime before they uncover her true identity?

Jobless and down to her last dime, Ellie Moore hears about a position with the Pinkerton Detective Agency and believes it's the perfect chance to put her acting skills and costumes to use. Reluctantly, the agency agrees to give her one assignment, one chance to prove herself. Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie travels to Arizona to begin her investigation. When the need arises, she also transforms into the dazzling Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.

Mine owner Steven Pierce is going to lose his business if he can't figure out who's stealing his silver shipments. In his wildest dreams, he never expected to receive help from a gray-haired widow...or to fall in love with her beautiful niece.

Then the thieves come after Lavinia and Jessie. Ellie isn't safe no matter which character she plays! Should she give up and reveal her true identity? What will Steven do when he realizes the woman he's falling in love with doesn't really exist?

Set in 1880s Arizona, Love in Disguise blends romance, humor, and mystery for a can't-put-down read.

Review:
Ellie grew up in the theater with her acting parents until they died in a theater fire. She continued on as a makeup assistant to a star. When her employer realized a dream to travel to London to act there, she left Ellie behind. Ellie didn’t have other friends in the industry and didn’t have the looks to be on stage herself. She is desperate to find a job when she hears that the Pinkertons are looking for a female to cover an investigation in Arizona.

Ellie is sure this is something she can do but at her initial interview she learns that she doesn’t have the right qualities. Using her ingenuity, and tricks she learned in the theater, she returns the next day and convinces them to hire her. She sets out to meet her partner but discovers another stumbling block along the way. Once again she pushes on with every intent to keep her new job.

She arrives at her destination as Lavinia, a middle-aged widow, and begins to meet the men and women of the town. She needs to talk with more members of the town so she transforms into her characters niece, the sparkling young, red-haired Jessie. She is careful to take notes of her observations and conversations each day but she doesn’t fully know how to uncover those responsible for thefts from the silver mine shipments.

Ellie is attracted to one of the mine owners, Steven, who has been helpful to Lavinia and hopes that she will invest in his mind. Steven escorts Lavinia to church where she begins to renew her lost beliefs in God. Steven also becomes entranced by Jessie, creating lots of conflicted feelings in Ellie. Now Ellie has to juggle her two characters as well as her fears and disappointment that Steven would not be interested in the true person she is...assuming she can figure out who she is.

The story is sweet and fun with a little mystery and danger. Ellie is a lovely character and uses good smarts to gain a job and pursue the investigation. I loved the Pinkerton element that added interest as well as a plausible situation for the storyline. The writing is smooth and made for very easy, quick reading. Most of the ladies in book club enjoyed the story. The one who thought it was just so-so is not a big fan of romance and prefers our mystery reads.

I'm glad I selected this title which I enjoyed. (I liked the cover too.) I would like to read more by Ms. Cox. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a gentle historical romance.

I read this book for Ladies’ Book Club.

ONE (gently read) PRINT COPY GIVEAWAY

US Only

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries (a) comment on the review, OR

(b) Visit the AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you learned or like there.

* This contest is open to US only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 7 PM (Central) July 25, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after July 25, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Audiobook Review: Time and Again: Book 1 in the History Mystery Series by Deborah Heal

There are wonderful history and faith lessons woven into this interesting story.

Time and Again: Book 1 in the History Mystery Series
Written by: Deborah Heal
Narrated by: Michelle Babb

Length: 5 hrs and 12 mins
Series: History Mystery, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-17-14
Publisher: Write Brain Books
Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian, Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
An old house + A new computer program = The travel opportunity of a lifetime...to another century.
Abby Thomas is spending the summer in a run-down old house with a bratty pre-teen named Merrideth she is supposed to tutor. Not a dream job. But it does come with perks.
There's John Roberts, a devastatingly attractive neighbor who is almost too wonderful to be real.
And there's the new computer program Beautiful Houses--also too amazing to be real. No one knows how it works, but with it she can rewind and fast-forward the lives of all the people who ever lived in the house, including Charlotte Miles.
In 1858, the house is a train stop on the Alton & Chicago Line. And Charlotte is stuck there serving meals to the passengers, wondering if she'll ever get to have any fun. And then she meets two travelers who change her life forever.
There's James McGuire with whom she falls in love. And there's his boss, a young Springfield lawyer named Abraham Lincoln. His debate with political opponent Stephen Douglas catapults him onto the national stage. And it inspires Charlotte to take up the cause of abolition.
The House
A stop on the Alton & Chicago Line. A stop on the Underground Railroad.
Watching the house's history unfold, Abby and Merrideth gain a new perspective on their own lives as time and again they see God's loving hand in the lives of its inhabitants.
©2013 Deborah Heal (P)2014 Deborah Heal

Review:
Abby Thomas is a college student using her summer to earn funds and credits towards her degree. She is tutoring an 11 year-old resentful girl, Merrideth. Merrideth is upset by her parents’ divorce especially since her mother has moved them away from her home, friends and father in Chicago. Now they live six hours away in a small town in an old house which seems dull and isolated -- at first..

Merrideth’s expensive computer keeps turning on a program called Beautiful Houses, which Merrrideth is surprised to discover includes their house when it was in new condition. As Merrideth and Abby explore the remarkable program they are immersed in the life of Charlotte Miles, whose father was the original founder of the whole community. They are fascinated by Charlotte’s life in the years leading up to the civil war. Charlotte is also resentful of her father for not allowing her to go on the train to the Alton Fair with a local boy. Instead she must stay home and serve the meal as her home is the Station Way-Stop. But one of the guests is a nice young man, James McGuire, who works for a Springfield attorney, Abraham Lincoln. There are other interesting guests too that add to the charm and history of the house.

Abby and Merrideth are able to develop a friendship while learning that God has His hand on those who seek and trust Him. There is a charming young boy as an added character as well as a local fellow, John Roberts, who is smitten by Abby. The author does a smooth transition of scenes from present to past with the interesting twist of technology. She skillfully uses difficulties and problems from Charlotte's life, with wonderful depth of historical elements, to show Abby and Merrideth lessons that apply to their emotional struggles in the current day.

I really enjoyed the history and the way the author weaves in God’s care and love in both time lines. I was sorry the story ended rather abruptly, but I recognize it leaves room for more historical adventures. This is a good book for teens, adults and history lovers. I do recommend it in text however, as I was disappointed by the narration.

Audio Notes: Sad to say, I was not impressed by Michelle Babb’s narration. There was little variation of character voice and only a few attempts to add emotional impact. I felt this was more a reading than a narration and it detracted from my enjoyment. This is an occasion when I recommend the text rather than the audiobook. However, other listener's enjoyed the narration so test a sample and decide what you think.

I received this audio through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review. This qualifies for Audio challenge and T in Alphabet Soup. 

Book Review and Giveaway: Amish White Christmas Pie by Wanda E. Brunstetter

This is a very easy read and nice story.
Amish White Christmas Pie
by Wanda E. Brunstetter

• File Size: 459 KB
• Print Length: 306 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1616268662
• Publisher: Barbour Books (September 1, 2012)
• ASIN: B008MFOIQW

Genre: Christian Fiction, Amish
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 1, 2012
Step into Amish country for this bittersweet holiday romance. Here you’ll meet Will Henderson, a young man tortured by his past, and Karen Yoder, a young woman looking for answers. Add a desperate father searching for his son, and you have all the ingredients for a first-class romance that will inspire and enthrall.

Review:
Will Henderson was not born Amish but was raised by a good Amish couple after being left, ‘temporarily’, with them as a five year old. Will is now 22 and has chosen to live the “plain” life. He is soon to be married to a lovely young Amish woman, Karen. However, Will is tortured with abandonment issues and insecurities that threaten the serenity of his marriage, if his jealousy doesn’t forestall the marriage altogether. Even Karen begins to feel that Will is not ready for marriage if he cannot face this issues of his past and grow beyond them.

While Will struggles with his anger and bitterness, his natural father wonders where his boy might be and how he is fairing. He has a new wife and children but he has never forgotten the son he left behind when he went looking for a stable job. Is there any possible way he can find his son and if he does, could Will forgive him?

This is a nice story of forgiveness, acceptance and the importance of communication. The writing style is simple and this reads very easily and quickly. However I was a bit bored at a third in. I did like the ending but feel the beginning and middle of the book could have had less mundane dialogue (and running to the telephone) and more rich Amish setting and life-descriptions. These characters were almost too much like normal “Englishers”. Plus I found it hard to believe there would be so many horse and buggy accidents in such a short time.

I read this with my Ladies’ book club. Several of the ladies loved the easy read and fully enjoyed the story. A couple others were like me - we liked the ending but felt the book lacked the rich details we like in Amish stories. We did enjoy that there was more depth to the story than a simple romance but on the other hand, we were not fully pulled in by the characters or story. (Maybe we are action junkies.) The pie recipe was in the print copy but not the Kindle version. One of our ladies made it and said it was wonderful!

This is the second book I have read by this author and I think her writing is just not my cup of tea although her books are popular. This book has good ratings and is an example that confirms that not every author or every style of writing suits every reader the same. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy an easy style read with life issues facing Amish characters.

This was our Ladies' Book Club book for discussion 1/10/15.

Giveaway:

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for a gently read print copy

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review, OR

visit THE AUTHOR'S Website and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open US Only for Print Book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) January 18, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after January 18, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Print Giveaway: Seattle Cinderella: (Romancing America) by Gail Sattler

This is a collection of four light, happily-ever-after sweet romances.

Seattle Cinderella: (Romancing America)

by Gail Sattler

• Series: Romancing America
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc. (March 1, 2012)
• ISBN-13: 978-1616266417
• Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sweet

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: March 1, 2012
Cinderella lives—except her name is Cindy and she resides in Seattle! Cindy is forced to run her late father’s muffler shop. Will her step-sisters’ shenanigans and Luke Princeton’s charms only make her life even more unbearable? Cindy’s step-sister Annie has reformed her ways. But how will she prove it to the man she loves? Step-sister Zella is writing her own love story. But is she using a poison pen? Cindy’s godmother, Farrah, has caught the attentions of a younger man. Does she have the courage to love again? How far will God go to give these women a happy-ever-after?

Review:
This is a sweet collection of four HEA stories - one for Cindy and her two step sisters and one for her helpful Godmother.

Cindy and the Prince
Cindy is a mechanic extroadinaire having learned as a child from her beloved father. She rarely dresses in anything other than overalls in spite of non-stop criticism from her stepmother, Melissa. Of course it wouldn’t matter what she wore as Melissa would still find fault. Cindy doesn’t understand why her father left his auto shop and house in equal shares to Melissa and Cindy. This leaves Cindy stuck living at home with her unpleasant stepmother and not-so-nice stepsisters, Annie and Zella. Until the battles over the Will are resolved Cindy has to operate the shop, employ her stepsisters and hope she can save enough money to buy out her stepmother’s interest.

Luke Princeton operates a limousine rental shop across the way from Cindy’s shop. He sees her every day but can’t get her to agree to even a coffee date. He is the guardian of his teenage niece and when he realizes that Kat is interested in becoming active in the youth group at Cindy’s church, Luke grabs the opportunity to get closer to Cindy. Even though Cindy is willing to step in to help with orphaned Kat, can Luke get her to risk loving him too?

Love by the Books
Annie has worked half-heartedly as a receptionist and bookkeeper for Cindy while attending college. She has recently seen how unfair Melissa is to Cindy. Annie has decided to work more diligently and she is happy to help sort the books at Like a Prince Car Rentals by Luke and his co-owner, Brent, when their long time bookkeeper is unavailable. Annie finds some strange entries as she sorts through the data.

Luke had given Cindy a sporty convertible mustang which Annie admires. The mustang disappears one morning and is later found.by Brent.buried in Annie’s garage. With a past reputation that isn’t the best, how can Annie get anyone to believe she didn’t take the car and that she may be in danger herself?

Till Death Do Us Part
Zella is anxious to get away from her mother, Melissa, who wants to plan a big wedding for her remaining daughter. Of course Zella needs a boyfriend first. Zella decides to join a book club that meets on Friday nights so she won’t be available for the dates her mother keeps pushing her to.

Zella is surprised to learn the club is not a reading club but a writing club where the members help critique each other's works. She begins a relationship with one of the young men not knowing that he is in fact her new favorite mystery writer. How will Zella get beyond the hurt when she learns of TJ’s deception?

Never Too Late
Farrah is an attractive and energetic fifty year old teacher. She has accepted her single life-style after the death of her husband and hasn’t made any real effort to seek out a male companion.

Matt is a thirty-eight year old veterinarian who has avoided romantic relationships for many years because he knows he cannot have a normal family life. Matt had prayed and waited a long time for the right, special woman. He finds his friendship with Farrah enjoyable and his feelings growing. He is less interested in their age difference than in the fact that she fits an important criteria for a partner as she is beyond child-bearing age. Can Farrah see beyond her age to accept Matt’s suit?

Each of the stories have a connection to church and some references to faith but is not “loud” or preachy. These are not quite “fluff” but they are simply easy, light reading with a happily-ever-after ending. The ladies of bookclub enjoyed the book especially because it was light and they liked the short stories that could be read at separate sittings, which sometimes fits a busy life. We agreed this is a nice book for those who are in the mood for sweet, easy, quick-reading romance.

This was our book for Ladies Book Club.

Giveaway:

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my gently read print copy

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review, OR
visit THE AUTHOR'S Website and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open US Only for Print Book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) October 18, 2014.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after October 18, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway: Love Remains (The Matchmakers Book 1) by Kaye Dacus

A nice, second chance, Christian story.

Love Remains (The Matchmakers Book 1)

by Kaye Dacus

• Series: The Matchmakers (Book 1)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books (August 1, 2010)
• ISBN-13: 978-1602609891

Genre: Christian Romance

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: June 18, 2010

Every grandmother wants to see her grandchildren happy, especially when it comes to their love lives. Join five active senior ladies—and one gentleman—who take a great interest in the lives and loves of their single grandchildren and become The Matchmakers. Zarah Mitchell and Bobby Patterson become the first focus of meddling grandmothers when he moves back to Nashville to work for the Tennessee Criminal Investigations Unit. Will Zarah be able to forgive the man who years ago chose a military career over her—especially when she learns he is investigating the historic preservation agency for which she works?

Review:
Zarah Mitchell is a young woman with confidence issues. All her young years she was criticized by her father, the General. The same man idolized her older sister and later focused on his new family, but he never had time or approval for Zarah. As a senior, Zarah dated a young soldier behind her father’s back. When he disappeared from her life she went off to college heartbroken and men-shy.

Fourteen years later Zarah is still cautious of men. She is highly respected by her boss and peers at her work with the historical preservation agency. She is also a successful leader, and willing servant, in her church singles’ group. Things are secure, if in a rut, until her teen love, Bobby, sudden moves to town to work at the Nashville office of Tennessee Criminal Investigations Unit.

Bobby is glad to see Zarah again but sad to see that she seems to be taken advantage of by those around her. Bobby doesn’t understand how he lost Zarah fourteen years ago. He begins to wonder if they might have a second chance. But first he has to deal with the fact that his new assignment involves investigating the agency where Zarah works. Then he will have to convince Zarah to open up to him and take a chance on live beyond her routines.

There are some wonderful messages of forgiveness and second chances. The story also shows the need for balancing servanthood instead of being a doormat. Ms. Dacus edges in the issue of self confidence but I felt she missed a bit of a chance to emphasize that our true worth should be found in being creations and children of a mighty, heavenly God rather than in trying to please an earthly father.

There are parts of the story that seemed no more than filler, mundane actions. But most of the story is enjoyable and engaging. This is the second book we have read by this author and we liked the first one too. The writing in this story has an easy flow and makes for a quick, light read.

This was Ladies' Book Club reading for August and we all enjoyed the easy read.

Giveaway:

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my gently read print copy

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review, OR

visit THE AUTHOR'S Website and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open US Only for Print Book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) September 20, 2014.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after September 20, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway: Heading Home by John Robinson

This is a fast paced, exciting read with a timely Christian message.

Heading Home
by John Robinson

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Sheaf House (August 2, 2010)
• ISBN-13: 978-0979748585

Genre: Christian Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

The Bible makes it clear no one knows the day or the hour of Christ's return. But it doesn't say we won't know the month. Or the week. When every Christian simultaneously receives a message that Christ will return sometime in the coming week, the world is thrown into stark panic. Two old friends, hardened combat veterans from the closing days of the Vietnam War, set out on a suspenseful quest to redeem that time. What they don't know is that they and their entire church have been targeted for satanic annihilation.

Review:
The beginning of this book jumps the reader into an American military camp in Vietnam in 1972. The primary protagonist, Corporal Nick Castle, a rich boy soldier, is introduced with his three team mate doorgunners: ‘farm boy’ Dooley, imposing Mr. C. T. Barnes and bitterly angry Frankie. Their commander, Colonel ‘Mad Jack’ Rugg, advises Nick that a London news reporter, Trevor Ames, has been flown in to interview the team in a last ditch effort to raise awareness and funding. Ames ends up convincing the Colonel to let him fly on one of the helicopters to make a supply drop to a MASH unit and then a quick patrol. The lives of all of these men are greatly impacted when the routine run ends up in an emergency rescue of a unit under enemy attack.

C.T. Barnes got religion during his tour of duty and shares the message with Nick while he is recovering from injuries. When they returned to the States C. T. became the security chief in Nick’s family business, Castle Industries. Thirty-eight years later Castle Industries is on the edge of a corporate take over. Nick won’t give in to the ruthless demands but he doesn’t see a way to save the company either. Yet, he prays and trusts God to handle the situation.

A few days later Nick and C. T. are in church with their families when a disembodied voice speaks out the words “This Week”. This occurs not only in their church but all over the world. Many believe this to be a message from God announcing His return. Nick and C. T. determine that they must find the three team mates from their unit, as well as their commander and even Trevor Ames, to bring them the message of salvation before it is too late. Thus begins a fast track race to locate the men and reach them with the hopes of seeing acceptance and grace worked in each life.

While Nick and C. T. are intent on their mission their families and church at home are receiving unwanted attention. There is a very evil servant of Satan who seeks to wreck havoc at Nick’s church.

This wasn’t quite what I expected but I enjoyed the quick pace of the novel and the encouraging message with miracle responses. The plot line encourages me, and hopefully other believers, to be ready to share the gospel and not wait until the final hour. The story has good intensity and emotion. The results seemed almost too easy, so not quite real. But God is certainly able to work in such a fashion and that is part of what make this an uplifting book and enjoyable reading.

This was a book I won a while back.

Giveaway:

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my gently read Print Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review, OR

visit THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only for cassette audio book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) July 12, 2014.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after July 12, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Crossing, Last Cavaliers Series #1 by Gilbert Morris

This includes a sweet romance in a good history of the early part of the Civil War.

The Crossing, Last Cavaliers Series #1
by Gilbert Morris

BARBOUR PUBLISHING / 2011 / PAPERBACK

• Series: The Last Cavaliers (Book 1)
• Paperback: 366 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books; 1 edition (February 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1602609071

Genre: Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

In the years leading up to the Civil War, widower Daniel Tremayne leaves his wife's Cheyenne family and returns to the Virginia Amish settlement where he grew up. He joins the church and remarries, but his son Yancy has trouble conforming to civilized life and the rules of the church. He continues roaming the woods and hunting. When the war begins, he jumps into the fray, despite the community's pacifism. He is soon a lieutenant under General Stonewall Jackson. When Yancy rescues a Union soldier at Bull Run, he meets the man's sister, Lorena. Will Yancy finally find a home for his heart?

Review:
Yancy and his father, Daniel, had continued to live on the outskirts of his mother’s Cheyenne tribe after her death. But at age 13 Yancy is rejected by the tribe as a half breed. Daniel moves them back to his roots, an Amish community in Shenandoah, Virginia. Yancy quickly learns to love his strong hearted, but gentle in spirit, grandmother but he struggles with the restrictions of the strict Amish rules. Daniel agrees that Yancy can take a handy-man job in town working for Anna Jackson, the wife of Major Thomas Jackson. Yancy meets Major Jackson at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) where the Major teachers.

The job outside of the community creates a problem with the Amish leaders especially after Major Jackson includes Yancy in some field activities of racing and shooting. The military activities are particularly against the Amish views of nonviolence. Yancy is excited to be offered a scholarship to VMI and goes with the blessing of his father and grandmother rather than remain and cause difficulties due to being shunned.

The story follows Yancy’s training with four good friends. When Virginia joins the Confederacy the four move serve under Jackson, with Yancy and Peyton being favored couriers. The young men declare themselves to be the “Stonewall boys” after General Jackson earns that nickname. Yancy rescues a Union soldier and becomes friends with the family outside of Richmond. He begins to fall in love with the daughter of the family but she suffered through a deceitful relationship and is very wary of men.

The history is fascinating and I appreciated (“enjoyed” would be an awkward word) the Southern war strategies and scenes. This is not the first story of the Civil War that comments on the differences of the Confederacy and Union military leaders. There are hospital scenes as well which are interesting, although difficult.

There are circumstances and events that make one think regarding the various communities: Cheyenne, Amish, ‘English’ and military. Yancy struggles with his understanding and acceptance of faith but a stark event brings him to a point of commitment. The romance is sweet and natural and adds a softer element to the balance out the violence of war.

The story starts rather slowly as the characters are introduced and the settings developed. It isn’t until midway that the pace picks up. I did like the characters and I loved the historical elements. The romance is very nice too. The writing style is clear, straight-forward and easy to read.

Gilbert Morris has written many Christian fiction books. I have only read one before but I hope to read more. I own eight of the Seven Sleeper Series and plan to get the two missing and read them with my Grandson. The members of my ladies’ book club enjoyed this book too. I recommend it particularly for those who like Civil War history.

This was our Ladies' Book Club read for May. 

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my Print Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review, OR
visit THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE or Goodreads Link (where more books are listed) and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only for print.
* This contest will close 6 PM (Central) June 23, 2014.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after June 23, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review: Issachar's Heirs by Brian Chilton

My word to describe this story is "awesome"!
As the book was presented to me I share: "If you are concerned about anti-Christian intimidation growing in America, this one is perfect for you."

Issachar's Heirs
by Brian Chilton

• File Size: 2008 KB
• Print Length: 374 pages
• Publisher: White Feather Press (October 10, 2013)
• ASIN: B00GZY8UZC

Gerne: Political Thriller, Christian Fiction
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 10, 2013
The 20th century dawned with Evil’s perpetual whispering about Europe’s Jewish Problem. Decades passed, more listened, and Evil’s power grew. Evil soon demanded that listening was not enough, placing men into power also eager to act. Multitudes stood by, stilling listening, watching, while Evil’s Solution was imposed. Millions died.
Now at the dawn of the 21st century Evil’s murmur has begun again. But this time the whisper that grows ever louder complains of America’s Christian Problem . . . America’s Christian Problem . . . America’s Christian Problem . . .
In 2016, Nemesis, a small but powerful coalition, will follow Evil’s call to act . . . .
Will the nation founded for religious freedom now allow Christianity to be driven from her shores?

Review:
Issachar Stone objected to President Lincoln’s declaring martial law over the Supreme Court’s opposition but still he tried to warn of assassination plots. Issachar and others of his time formed a group to watch over the US Constitution to try to protect America from any future president who might try to take unilateral control.

Jack Stone isn’t aware of the dedicated and secret society his great ancestor was part of. But Issachar would be proud of Jack’s stand as a constitutional lawyer and firm believer in Christ and God’s sovereignty. Jack has watched with dismay and frustration as the rights of Christians have been eroded and trampled in favor of humanist agendas including legalized abortion, gay rights and liberal teachings in schools.

Now Christians have fallen under violent attack with three mega churches being bombed on July  3, 2016. The FBI receives a call claiming a domestic terrorist group called Nemesis, consisting of a 'high priestess', some Muslims, two gays and others, has targeted Christians with a “Vengeance Sunday”.  The newly appointed acting director of the FBI is told by White House officials, including the President himself, not to waste FBI resources on such an unlikely tip.

A conspiracy of powerful government and media forces twist the facts to make the public think that intolerant Christians are attacking gays with verbal hate mongering that must be stopped. Through treacherous lies and murders the conspirators pursue an attack that seeks to ultimately eliminate Christians from America.

Jack Stone and other Christians are protected and brought together, through divinely directed circumstances, to fight for Christianity and for the very foundation of American freedoms. They recognize that it is only with God’s help and direction they will have a chance against the out of control president who declares martial law and war against the Christian community.

There are strong characters and engaging plot action. There is excellent summary of the challenges that Christians have faced over the past fifty years as America has lost its moral foundation. There are practical examples and supporting legal documentation showing the moral decline and increasing control of humanist agendas. There are also uplifting Biblical quotes, hymns and messages of salvation. The only part of the story that I found lacking was the fact that the president did not target Jack, Lin and the others more specifically when he learned of their involvement. Also, I was disappointed that there was no resolution of what would happen to the president even after his lies and deeds were exposed.

I think this book is awesome and I totally enjoyed it even as I experienced chills, frustrated disgust and tears of sorrow and joy. The story is fiction but there is a factual history that makes it not too far fetched as a prophetic picture for the future of America. As the author notes, this book will most likely be read by Christians, but oh how I wish humanists, doubters and seekers would read this book and open their hearts.

I received this title for review through a publicist.

About the Author:

Issachar's Heirs is Brian Chilton's first novel, and he is currently completing the second and third novels in the series, One Nation Under God and The Keys of David. His non-fiction writing has previously been featured in Townhall.com, National Legal Center for the Public Interest, The Washington Post, Law Watch, Legal Times, Washington Business Journal, National Law Journal, the ABA's Criminal Justice magazine and Canadian Corporate Counsel magazine.

A 1992 graduate of University of Virginia School of Law, Brian represented the mother and daughter in the 2004 Supreme Court case, Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow, resulting in the words "under God" being retained in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Born in 1965, Brian was the unplanned baby of an unmarried teenage mother. By God's grace his birth preceded Roe v. Wade's expansion of abortionby eight years and he wasadopted into a Christian home. He and his wife Lori have been married twenty-seven years, live with their three children in Virginia, and attend McLean Bible Church.

Audible Review / Print Giveaway: The Harbinger: The Ancient Mystery that Holds the Secret to America's Future by Jonathan Cahn

This is a fascinatingly informative book, even though alarming.

The Harbinger: The Ancient Mystery that Holds the Secret to America's Future
by Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by Jonathan Cahn

    LENGTH    7 hrs and 42 mins
    RELEASE DATE    06-13-12
    PUBLISHER    Frontline

Genre: Christian Fiction
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

(See Study Guide information below review.)

Publisher's Summary
Is it possible that there exists an ancient mystery that holds the secret of America's future? That this mystery lies behind everything from 9/11 to the collapse of the global economy? That ancient harbingers of judgment are now manifesting in America? That God is sending America a prophetic message of what is yet to come? Before its end as a nation, there appeared in ancient Israel nine specific warnings and omens of national destruction - these same Nine Harbingers are now manifesting in America with profound ramifications for America’s future and end-time prophecy.

Hidden in an ancient biblical prophecy from Isaiah, the mysteries revealed in The Harbinger are so precise that they foretell recent American events down to the exact days: the 3,000-year-old mystery that revealed the exact date of the stock market collapse of 2008… the ancient prophecy that was proclaimed from the floor of the US Senate and then came true…and more. The revelations are so specific that even the most hardened skeptic will find it hard to put down. Though it sounds like the plot of a Hollywood thriller - IT’S REAL.

The prophetic mysteries are factual but revealed through a riveting narrative the reader will find hard to put down. The Harbinger opens with the appearance of a man burdened with a message he has received from a mysterious figure called The Prophet. The Prophet has given him nine seals, each containing a message about America's future. As he tells of his encounters with the Prophet, from a skyscraper in New York City to a rural mountaintop to Capitol Hill to Ground Zero, the mystery behind each seal is revealed. As the story unfolds, each revelation becomes another piece in a larger and larger puzzle, the ramifications of which are, even now, altering the course of America and the world.
©2012 Jonathan Cahn (P)2012 Charisma House

Review:
The entire premise of the book is to show a parallel in the blessings and punishments prophesied in the Bible that effected ancient Israel and can be seen now as effecting America, once considered a Christian nation. The Harbinger notes that Israel was a nation of people chosen by God and blessed for their commitment to Him. Even though they were disobedient many times, God was slow to punish. He sent prophets with warnings but the leaders continued to turn away. Finally God exiled the people from their own land, just as He said He would, to punish them for abandoning His ways.

Mr. Cahn sets forth in The Harbinger that America’s foundation was established on Christian beliefs. The book shares a speech from George Washington giving thanks to God at the founding of our nation. The speech was presented at the first capitol of the nation, New York City... at ground zero. America has been a blessed country, becoming a super power within 200 years. But over the past fifty years we have allowed God to be removed from our society foundations. The Supreme Court declared school-sponsored Bible reading and recitation of the Lord's Prayer unconstitutional in 1963. Over the past decades protests have caused the ten commandments and nativity scenes to be removed from public properties. In 2013 evangelical Christians were listed on terrorist “watch lists” as potential government enemies.

The Harbinger sets forth a reasoned argument showing how the events of September 11, 2001 were a warning to America to turn back to God. The book outlines shocking coincidences where our government leaders reacted in the same way that Israel leaders did saying  "The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild...." (Isaiah 9:10.) Unknowingly several important leaders used the exact Biblical phrase that Cahn argues was not intended as a phrase of comfort but was actually a statement of defiance as the leaders insisted they, not God, would come back stronger. Cahn identifies in this story nine harbingers that are connected to the 9/11 attack and a second warning, as was true for the nation of Israel. Seven years after the terrorist attacks there was a financial crisis in 2008 that signifies another warning and continues the remarkable parallels protrayed by the author.

The nine harbingers or warnings are told in the form of riddles given to Nouriel by a stranger and shared through a narrative story told by Nouriel to a publisher friend. The tale is presented as a fiction but it is documented with facts and details.  Although not all readers will embrace the book from a Christian viewpoint, hopefully it will make readers think hard on the points presented and what some might scoff at as being "mere coincidence." I recommend to every single American who cares about the direction our government is taking our country that they read one or a combination of these books in print, audio, or the companion study guide.

Our ladies book club all agreed that they could not put the book down when they started it. We often read mysteries or romance or light fluff for fun but all agreed that this was one of the best books we have read together. We discussed what we could do to change the course of America in light of the warnings portrayed in the book. We can certainly pray but we agreed that, as noted in the book, we each have a duty to be a 'watchman on the wall’ - to give warning to others. We need to tell others that they should beware and prepare for more difficult times to come. It is ominous as we do not expect our government to change in the current state of affairs. But we have the assurance that our God is in control. He will be with those that call upon Him even though there may be trials ahead. We can be a witness of hope by sharing the message of God’s love and redemption.

Audio Notes: The audiobook is narrated by the author. He did a good, if not great, job of narrating. He clearly knew how to give proper emphasis and tone as he had intended when writing the book. The audio was quicker for me to read but I was glad to have the Study Guide to refer to.

I selected this book to be read and discussed by my local Ladies's Book Club as our first book for 2014.

 
I already had the book in print, on Kindle and on Audible, but I purchased The Harbinger Companion with Study Guide in print to help me lead the book club discussion.

I listened to the book on audio which I really enjoyed. I was also able to get my husband to listen and he read along in the print book. My husband is not a reader but he sat in front of the fireplace listening for two afternoons to finish the book. I followed the audio with the Study Guide which is a wonderful asset with pictures and charts to support the text.

The Harbinger Companion With Study Guide: Decode the Mysteries and Respond to the Call that Can Change America's Future-and Yours by Jonathan Cahn
(The link provided for the Study Guide includes both books for a price that is better than if purchased separately.)

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the gently used print copy of The Harbinger (not the study guide which my husband and I are keeping).

ENTRY FORM HERE

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

For 3 Extra Bonus entries  comment on the review 

OR tell me why you think you would like to read this book.

* This contest is open to U.S. address Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 24, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after January 24, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway: Christmas at Harrington's by Melody Carlson

This is a charming story and lovely for Christmas.

Christmas at Harrington's
by Melody Carlson

• Hardcover: 167 pages
• Publisher: Revell (October 1, 2010)
• ISBN-10: 0800719255
• ISBN-13: 978-0800719258

Genre: Inspirational Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 1, 2010
Christmas is approaching, and Lena Markham finds herself penniless, friendless, and nearly hopeless. She is trying to restart her life after false accusations landed her in prison, but job opportunities are practically nonexistent. When a secondhand red coat unexpectedly lands her a job as Mrs. Santa at a department store, Lena finally thinks her luck is changing. But can she keep her past a secret?

This tender story about fresh starts will charm readers as all of Melody Carlson's Christmas offerings do. Full of redemption and true holiday spirit, Christmas at Harrington's will be readers' newest Christmas tradition.

Review:
Lena Markham was raised by a harsh, strict man who wanted to be a minister but didn’t quite make it. A charismatic man came as the new pastor to their community and Lena’s father decided that Daniel would make a good husband for Lena. Lena was happy with the idea of marrying Daniel and the marriage seemed okay at first. Lena was helping out by doing the financial bookkeeping for the church but then she realized that monies were missing...and she suspected it was her new husband. When the congregation learns of the embezzlement, Lena is blamed and convicted as her husband betrays her in court.

Eight years later Lena is released from prison and directed to start a new life in a new town. She is fortunate to make friends on the bus with a sweet elderly woman, Moira, who will be a neighbor in New Haven. After Lena gets settled in the boarding house she visits Moira who gives her some clothes, including a red coat with white fir trim. Lena is able to secure a job as Mrs. Santa at the local department store, Harrington’s. The children love her and she is a great success until a bitter woman from her old hometown recognizes her and threatens to reveal her pas.

The townspeople become divided as some want to condemn her for her past and others feel she deserves a second chance. Lena feels she has paid enough for crimes she didn’t even commit. She decides that she will stand up for herself and face the negative people. Lena finds courage, help and strength with the support of new friends. Two young girls, Moira’s granddaughter and the daughter of the owner of Harrignton, have an important influence and input in the story. Moira’s son, Sam, changes his tune from first judging Lena without knowing her, to seeking to clear her name.

My bookclub ladies and I found this story to be delightful. The only complaint was that it was too short as several wanted to know more of how Lena faired. The writing is very easy to read and the characters had warmth and depth. There were good discussions regarding judging others, how we react to those who have served time in prison and how even Christians can tear down people they should seek to help. We were glad that our second book by Ms. Carlson proved so much more likeable than our first read. Several of us are looking forward to reading more of Ms. Carlson, especially her Christmas stories.

This was our Ladies' Book Club read for December meeting.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for Hardcover Print Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest; OR tell me about another book by this author that you enjoyed; OR comment on the review.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on December 18, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after December 18, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.