Book Review and Giveaway: When the Morning Comes by Cindy Woodsmall

This is another emotional story with engaging life journey.

When the Morning Comes, Sisters of the Quilt Series #2
by Cindy Woodsmall

Amazon Link
File Size: 1628 KB
Print Length: 338 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook (May 20, 2008)
ASIN: B0019O6J2O
Genre: Amish, Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Product Description
Her relationship with fiance Paul Waddell in tatters, Hannah Lapp has fled her secluded Old Order Amish community in hopes of finding a new home in Ohio with her shunned aunt. Hampered by limited education and hiding her true identity, Hannah struggles to navigate the confusing world of the Englischers. When the Morning Comes is a continuation of the lives of dearly loved characters from the best-selling novel and 2007 ECPA Finalist When the Heart Cries.

Review:
Hannah was facing rumors and ostracism by her Amish community. Dismayed by the refusal of her parents and friends to support her, Hannah left home seeking support and refuge with her shunned aunt in Ohio.

Hannah is a brave young woman to face a new town alone. She is blessed to find a friendly man to help her hunt for her Aunt. She is also looking for work but soon learns that having only an 8th grade education limits her options. A traumatic event leads to a serendipitous result.

Back home Paul continues to hope that Hannah will return in time. He decides to carry on with his studies and work opportunity while waiting. Also at home, Hannah’s sister Sarah is still struggling with what happened to Hannah and her leaving. Several neighbors find Sarah wondering in strange places but her father won’t acknowledge that she is having trouble.

This second story follows issues at home with Hannah’s brother, Luke, and his intended, Mary. Hannah’s good friend Matthew, who helped her get away is also having difficulties with his love interest.

Hannah is a lovely character and I am enjoying her growth journey There are several new characters who add to the tension and romantic entanglements. There is a bit more faith discussion in this book, which is fine by me. I recommend reading the books in order. I am looking forward to reading the final book in the trilogy.

Source: Chirstianabook.com 2016 for Ladies Book Club. This qualifies for 2018 TBR and March Take Control Challenges.

My Review of Book 1: When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall; rating 4.5 (Giveaway ends 5/17.)

GIVEAWAY:

One winner.

Paperback Book (US Only)

ENTRY FORM HERE

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

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review

or

(b) comment on the author's website

* This contest is open to US only for the paperback book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) March 24, 2018.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Book Review and Giveaway: When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall

This has good characters and an engaging story.

When the Heart Cries, Sisters of the Quilt Series #1
by Cindy Woodsmall

Amazon Link
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook (September 19, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400072921
Genre: Amish, Romance
My Rating: 4.5 0f 5.0

Hannah Lapp was raised in an Old Order Amish Family. Now seventeen, she is ready to get out and experience the world. She is thrilled to accept the proposal from her Mennonite boyfriend. If she were forced to live outside the community on her own, could she handle it? Will she turn to God for answers?

Review:
Hannah Lapp is a sweet, helpful young Amish woman who cares for her family and her community. Even so, she has developed a love for a young man of the Mennonite faith who works during the summers at a neighboring farm. They have been meeting secretly for the past three summers as their friendship grew. The day Paul is leaving to return to college she accepts his proposal of marriage. But as she is walking home her world is shattered. Her family chooses to minimize and hide the event and she is left to struggle with her trauma alone.

Hannah and Paul miss each other but have no way to communicate. Hannah has drawn into herself and rouses only when her brother and his hoped to be intended are severely injured in a buggy crash. Hannah devotes herself to caring for Mary at the hospital and at home she helps Mary rehabilitate making a past and future quilt for Mary's marriage. Meanwhile, Hannah’s younger sister becomes increasingly resentful and jealous of Hannah. She convinces herself she is doing the right thing to tell the Bishop of what she believes is wrongful behavior by Hannah.

Months go by and Hannah’s family relations continue to be strained and torn. Hannah suffers more tragedy with the community against her and a misunderstanding that makes her believe that Paul has abandoned her. Physically and mentally exhausted Hannah decides she must get away. She takes the train to a secret destination hoping to find help.

Can Hannah find peace away from her community? Will she look to God for healing and direction? The story continues in book two.

Ms. Woodsmall has created well developed characters and an engrossing storyline that tugs the heart strings. As much as I generally think fondly of the Amish faith, this story raises serious failings that result from the strictness, seclusion and limitations within this community. It was heart wrenching to follow Hannah’s trauma and suffering with no support, even – or especially – from her family. Just as in non-Amish communities some parents care more about their own reputations than the harm suffered by their child. The rules of law are more prevalent than the love of God.

Although our ladies’ book club did not get to discuss this fully, the feedback I got back from several who had finished it was very favorable. They were ready to follow Hannah’s journey in book two so I was glad I had that on hand to pass out. One member even asked me for book three after finishing the first two in two days!

I am a third of the way in book two and still fully engaged. I recommend this emotional and engaging story to readers who like Amish situations and personal growth.

Source: Chirstianabook.com 2016; purchased on sale for Ladies Book Club. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Alphabet Challenge. .

GIVEAWAY:

TWO WINNERS!

Paperback Book (US Only)

ENTRY FORM HERE

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

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review

or

(b) comment on the author's website

* This contest is open to US only for the paperback book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) March 17, 2018.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Sound of Sleigh Bells: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country by Cindy Woodsmall

This is a delightful story -- good plot, strong characters and well written.
The Sound of Sleigh Bells: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country

by Cindy Woodsmall

Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook; First Edition edition (October 6, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0307446530
AUDIBLE LINK
Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-06-09
Publisher: Random House Audio
Genre: Amish, Inspirational
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.
Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?

Review:
Beth Hertzler has tried to freeze her emotions since the unexpected, accidental death of her fiancé. She is beyond the time to set aside for mourning but she can’t move on. Her friends and especially her Aunt Lizzy struggle to pull her into social circles again.

Beth works as a sort of sales liaison between Amish Craftsmen and Englishcers. She discovers a beautiful carving and is determined to help the unknown artist find an outsource. Beth’s bishop is not inclined to give approval as he views such carvings as “idols”.

Aunt Lizzy takes it upon herself to find the artist, Jonah. Jonah is a mature young man who learned the carving skills from his grandfather. Jonah has suffered his own traumas as a youth and, although he is happy his siblings have found strong mates, he doesn’t see himself finding someone of his own.

Lizzy secretly nudges the two into a writing exchange where they begin to share their hurts and dreams with each other. Beth believes she is writing to an old grandfather. Jonah at first thinks he is writing to Lizzy, a woman older than himself. When he discovers the truth, he knows that they must reveal the deception but he doesn’t want to lose Beth when she learns the truth.

This is a charming story of the harm of secrets and forgiveness. It is also a well told plot revealing the need to trust – first in God and then in those who love us. The letter exchange is quite beautiful and the author does a wonderful job of developing the characters and their relationship through this connection. I really like both characters who have strength and vulnerability. The supporting characters add to the story too. The story moves at a nice pace and is a quick read.

All my friends in Ladies Book agreed that this was a well written, engaging and wonderful story. We plan to seek more titles from Ms. Woodsmall. We highly recommend this to readers who enjoy Amish stories, and/or clean romance with well-developed characters.

Audio Notes: Although I had this in print, I picked up the Audible to read (listen) quicker.
Cassandra Campbell does a lovely job with the narration. Her voice is soft and fits the tone of the story. Although the male voices are precisely male, Ms. Campbell manages to portray their rougher strength. She also captures the soft gentleness and loneliness of Beth as well as the quiet strength and tenderness of Jonah. I can recommend the print or audio version.

I won this book a number of years ago and picked it up for our Ladies Book Club. This qualifies for Mount TBR and 2016 Audio Challenge.

GIVEAWAY:

One (gently read) PRINT COPY

US or Canada 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 and Canada only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) January 21, 2017. Winner will be announced in the Sunday Post on 1/22/17.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Last Christian by David Gregory

This is a good thriller with a strong faith message.

The Last Christian: A Novel
by David Gregory

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press; 1 edition (May 4, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400074975
• ASIN: B006J3W9UG

Genre: Christian Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: April 26, 2010
In the future, it’s possible to live forever—but at what cost?

A.D. 2088.
Missionary daughter Abigail Caldwell emerges from the jungle for the first time in her thirty-four years, the sole survivor of a mysterious disease that killed her village. Abby goes to America, only to discover a nation where Christianity has completely died out. A curious message from her grandfather assigns her a surprising mission: re-introduce the Christian faith in America, no matter how insurmountable the odds.

But a larger threat looms. The world's leading artificial intelligence industrialist has perfected a technique for downloading the human brain into a silicon form. Brain transplants have begun, and with them comes the potential of eliminating physical death altogether—but at what expense?

As Abby navigates a society grown more addicted to stimulating the body than nurturing the soul, she and Creighton Daniels, a historian troubled by his father's unexpected death, become unwitting targets of powerful men who will stop at nothing to further their nefarious goals. Hanging in the balance—the spiritual future of all humanity.

In this fast-paced thriller, startling near-future science collides with thought-provoking religious themes to create a spell-binding "what-if?" novel.

Review:
Abby has lived her thirty-four years with the Papua New Guinea village tribe her parents came to as missionaries. When her village suffers a strange decease she struggles through jungle and rivers to seek aid but returns with a doctor to discover everyone is dead. Abby receives a 16 year old message from her Christian grandparents telling her that she is to bring the Christian message to America, a country where Christianity died many years before.

Abby has never been on an airplane, ridden in a car or experienced normal house facilities. It is a major cultural shock to deal with the surroundings but it is even more difficult to face a society (in 2088) where the majority of people live their lives -school, work, recreation and even experience sex- in VR, virtual reality.

Abby is not particularly welcomed by her Aunt Lauren who is a politician in the active weeks of campaigning. Lauren sees Abby as an embarrassment but at least her partner, Sabin, is nice and tries to help Abby. Abby is interviewed on a global media program but feels that her message -- that Jesus is the only way to eternal life -- falls flat. This message is particularly difficult considering that Bryson Nichols, a technological genius who is funding Lauren’s campaign, has just announced that he has reached eternal life by transferring his brain system into a technology based brain.

Abby’s isolated upbringing captures the attention of Creighton who is the one to share this story. Creighton is a history professor who is fascinated by Abby’s strength, determination and commitment to her faith. Creighton and Abby discover a warning message from her grandfather, Ray. Abby doesn’t understand how her Christian grandfather, a brilliant neuroscientist, could have partnered with Nichols. Bit by bit Creighton and Abby uncover clues that someone killed the villagers and that someone is trying to kill Abby. Could Abby’s message threaten someone so much that they would kill to keep her quiet?

The characters are well developed and represent different perspectives from evil to good. The author presents an interesting history and message of Christianity through a story of ruthless manipulations and mystery. Creighton’s college lecture discusses causes for the demise of Christianity while there is argumentative discourse as Abby presents and defends her faith. Abby also discovers a greater message with the help of Creighton and her grandfather.

The ladies’ book club members agreed that this was a good story. One member, who spent years overseas, questioned the extent of Abby’s education learned while in the jungle. However she agreed that the cultural shock returning to a country like America would be extremely difficult. We all liked the message the story conveys. The story raised a good discussion too of faith as more than head knowledge but also more than feelings. If you enjoy mystery and a good faith message I recommend you try this thriller.

We enjoyed this as our Ladies' Book Club selection for November.
This fit in with my church messages this morning which I have sumarized in my Sunday Words post today.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for TWO book copies - Print for U.S. or digital for International.

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.

* This contest is open to U.S. for print or International for digital ebook.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 15, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED after November 15, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway: These Boots Weren't Made for Walking by Melody Carlson

This is a light bit of fluff -- easy reading but not really stirring or inspiring.
These Boots Weren't Made for Walking
by Melody Carlson

• Paperback: 314 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press; First Edition edition (June 19, 2007)
• ISBN-10: 1400073138
• ISBN-13: 978-1400073139

Genre: Christian Chick Lit
My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0 (See more positive reviews at Amazon link.)

Book Description
Publication Date: February 19, 2009
Willing to make the necessary sacrifices–even skipping the occasional latte–to ensure career success, 31-year-old Cassidy Cantrell “invests” in a chic pair of boots, certain they’ll make a spectacular impression and help seal the deal on a long-anticipated promotion from her Seattle employer.

But reality tromps all over her expectations. Cassie’s job is abruptly eliminated–and her love life obliterated, when her longtime boyfriend dumps her for a “friend.” Her self-esteem in tatters, Cassie limps home to the resort town she once so eagerly fled–only to find her recently divorced mother transformed into a gorgeous fifty-something babe with a thriving social life. Cassie wrestles with envy and apathy as she considers the dismal shape of her own physique and romantic prospects. What will it take for her to jump back into life and regain her stride?

This sassy and hilarious novel leads readers on a romp through the wilds of relationships, romance, career, and spirituality, revealing that, while God’s plans may look drastically different than our own, it’ll always be a perfect fit.

Review:
As one of the ladies in my book club declared: “Cassie is a mess!” She just spent hundreds of dollars on a pair of Valentino boots which look stunning, but are sorely lacking in comfort. She winces off to work where she anticipates a promotion only to be told that her entire division is being cut. To add to that injury, her fiancé belatedly shows up to announce that ‘we’re just not making it’ and leaves Cassie stunned to learn he is dating someone they met in their church singles group.

Cassie falls into a depression, locked in her apartment and overeating to combat her sadness. As she drifts in this morass funk, she learns that someone, her neighbor ‘friend’ she thinks, has stolen her brand new, unsigned credit card, and maxed it out. When she barges next door to challenge the girl, she discovers that Monica has abandoned the apartment to her live-in, dead-beat boyfriend, Will.

Since misery loves company Cassie and Will strike up an unlikely friendship. Cassie is surprised to learn that Will is actually a great chef and he decides to clean up his act and get a job. When job searching is unsuccessful for Cassie she decides to move back to her resort community home until she can get her feet back under her. She figures that she can comfort her mother who has had to deal with rejection the past year when Cassie’s father left her for a younger woman.

Cassie arrives home, still struggling with her weight gain and scrambled life, only to discover her mother has made herself over into a svelte, toned woman. Cassie doesn’t want to think of her mom as a ‘cougar’ but she totally resents her mother for getting her life together and ‘hanging out’ with a man that Cassie went to high school with.

Cassie continues to flounder while some old friends urge her to get back to church. Another friend encourages her to find a job that suits her passion. Will Cassie find a suitable job and, now that she is looking for a new marriage mate, will she find the right guy?

There are some funny moments in the book – our favorite being Cassie in a bear costume tumbling down the ski slope - ouch! There are a few spot-on tidbits of inspiration – like finding a job that suits your passion. And there is the message that we have to get to a point where we let go trying to fix things and allow God to work things out. Unfortunately, the good messages are buried in a mess of poor self image, depression, obsessive behaviors (overeating) and misplaced priorities (shopping for new clothes to look and feel better). Most of my ladies book club members felt this book was a mix of fluff and soap opera and mostly not our cup of tea.

However, now that I am writing the review, I see that these negative behaviors served the purpose of showing the mess Cassie was in and showing the only way out was to stop focusing on those negatives and allow God to work with the positives. Maybe are group just had a hard time relating to the depression that Cassie experienced so it overshadowed the “sassy and hilarious” parts of the story.

Although we weren’t going to purposefully choose another book by Ms. Carlson it turns out that our December read, which I purchased for the group over a year ago, is also by Ms. Carlson. So we will be giving her a second chance to inspire us and show why she was recently honored with a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award.

We picked this up to read for Ladies Book Club.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my and another gently read copy:   TWO COPIES - TWO WINNERS.

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.

* This contest is open to those with US or Canadian address.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 18, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on or after October 19, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.