Sunday, August 26, 2012

Book Review: Faithful to Laura (A Middlefield Family Novel) by Kathleen Fuller

This is an engaging story set in an Amish community that explores issues of life-style choices and forgiveness.

Faithful to Laura (A Middlefield Family Novel)
by Kathleen Fuller

File Size: 699 KB
Print Length: 303 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1595547762
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 7, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B008JOPLJE

Genre: Inspirational, Amish

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: August 7, 2012 |
Series: A Middlefield Family Novel

Laura’s Amish faith requires her to forgive, but she can only think of revenge.

Laura Stutzman leaves her Kentucky community for Middlefield, Ohio, with one purpose: to find Mark King, the man who pledged his love to her, then left. She can’t move on with her life until he explains why.

Sawyer Thompson wasn't born Amish, but has lived in their community for years. Now he must commit to the Amish church or return to the Yankee world. Having suffered loss at a young age, he understands Laura’s anger, but is determined to follow God’s will and forgive. As their friendship grows, Laura begins to let her guard down.

But new information surfaces about Sawyer’s past and threatens the couple’s budding relationship. Both Laura and Sawyer will need to release the anger in their hearts and forgive the people who’ve harmed them. As Laura struggles to trust God, can Sawyer remain faithful to Laura?

Review:
Laura Stutzman thought she had found the man who would be her husband and help mate in her family’s bakery. Instead the young man, Mark King, had deceived her, stolen her family’s life savings and even tried to kill her. He set a fire and glass that blew from a window has scarred her face. Those scars are healing but the scar to her soul and confidence has not healed. She moves to the Middlefield, Ohio Amish community seeking to find Mark and have revenge against him.

Sawyer Thompson is a young man who was adopted by an Amish family when he was 14. After the loss of his parents he suffered abuse in the foster care system. He loves his adoptive parents and is trying to decide if he is ready to leave the Yankee world behind and commit himself to the Amish lifestyle.

Laura takes a reception, clerical job at the woodcrafting store owned by Sawyer’s father. Sawyer sees the beauty behind her pain but she has built a wall to keep others out.

Sawyer’s extremely wealthy grandmother locates him and arrives to take him back to New York to become her heir. Sawyer is angry that she thinks she can walk in and that her money will lure him away from the parents who have taken him and sheltered him for the past six years.

Can Laura release her anger and find a way to forgive Mark? Can she open up to allow Sawyer’s interest or should she return home to her own parents? Will Sawyer stay with the Amish community or will he be drawn away by his grandmother’s money?

I really enjoyed the warm story as it developed around Laura and Sawyer. Ms. Fuller created strong characters in the Amish people and in the ‘Yankee’ grandmother. I was a little less enthralled with a side drama of betrayal in another family that required confession and forgiveness. It is a situation that acknowledges that we are human and sinners - all needing grace.

The writing flows well with clear descriptions. It was particularly interesting to me to see how the author portrayed the grandmother’s reactions to the simpleness of the Amish community. Since I was raised in 'Pennsylvania Dutch' country near an Amish community, it was strange to think there are people who have no idea of the Amish culture.

The faith based messages are expressed through the life choices of the characters as well as sometimes being shared outright. Anyone who enjoys inspirational themes set in the Amish world and developed around 'real people' should enjoy this story.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There are inner scars that are harder to treat than surface ones:

...the daily applications of Vitamin E oil were helping the scars fade. But there were deeper scars, invisible ones. No cosmetic treatments could heal a soul. Location 93.

I liked this message of sovereignty:

Once we accept that God is in control of our lives, then we can work on understanding his will. Location 1511.

Wise words on mercy:

“I don’t deserve it.”
Leona shook her head. “None of us do.... If we deserved it, it wouldn’t be mercy....” Location 1553.

Thank you to Ruthie at Thomas Nelson for providing this title through NetGalley. Please watch for a Giveaway with ALL THREE of the Thomas Nelson titles I reviewed this month. The Giveaway will post tonight or Tuesday depending on when I can complete the post (as I am still preparing for our trip). :-)

This story was set in Ohio for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also list this on my ARC and New Author lists.

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 26, 2012

Sometimes God speaks through His presence with few words! This morning we had a lovely communion service. A word of the Lord was shared declaring that He had all things - future, past and present - in His control.
Pastor ended up summarizing his sermon and I only had one paragraph of notes!

Whatever trail or tribulation you are facing, God is in control. He is with you in it and through it. Physical, mental, spiritual, our financial. He can and will handle it if you allow him control. Have you released your concerns to Him? As Paul says: 'His grace is sufficient...His Power is effective through my weakness' (see the verse below). God's Power rests on you; He has tented His presence over you. Satan, take notice: these are God's protected children.

This is a new worship song we have been singing.
It touches my spirit.

A Verse for Today

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

⁹But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

May I always acknowledge that I am weak (after all, I am nothing without the Creator's touch) and any strength I have is from God. May I give thanks and praise Him for His mercies and blessings.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Sharing Beyond Books #63 Comment Giveaway August 25, 2012

Welcome to another SBB!

Hello again on Saturday Night! I'm still scrambling to get everything done before we go. There is work left at the office (not too much); I have at least 8 posts to get the basics in to save internet time on the ship; I have to color my hair AND I still need to pack. I have 32 hours less about 12 for sleeping so the next 20 are going to be a push!

Thank you to all who shared last week.

Many of you do listen to the radio but most listen in their cars (or truck for Texas Book Lover). Many agreed that they listen to audio books in car or on mp3s.

I was pleasantly surprised that I am not the only one who doesn't want to read the Shades of Grey series. That one got the most "not interested" votes at 10. Twilight seemed like the next "not interested" in reading choice although Harry Potter was there too. Then Lord of The Rings and the Dragon Tatoo series. I have to admit that I found the Harry Potter series entertaining listening but I still have books 5-7 to finish. I loved the LOTR when I was in college...I read the Hobbit and other books by Tolkien too. I hope Abby does enjoy the 50 Shades of Grey as she reads it. :-)

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #62 comments is: #7 wanda There are still 6 'love' books to pick from and 1 Christmas choice (I guess I'll have to add some titles to that list soon). wanda please choose a book (or GC if international) from the remaining Love Books List for Giveaway, remaining Christmas Giveaway Book, OR pick from the Updated ARC/Review List and let me know your choice, your address and a choice of bookmarks by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #63 Questions

Q1. Faith Hope and Cherrytea asks: Do you read cookbook / recipe books? and if so, what are your fave categories? breadmaking, desserts, soups, salads, main course ... etc??

A: That is easy to answer for me. No. My DH is our cook and no one really lets me in the kitchen except to clean. So I'm not much into reading recipes. Although I think it is fun when a novel includes one and I sometimes try to get hubby to cook them. :-).

While trying to remember an author who has recipes at the end of their books I found this GREAT LIST:

Culinary Theme Mysteries: Cooking Mysteries.. A – D

Maybe I should try a young Foodie Primer?
Image found at Raising Foodies

Q2. To go with FHCT's Q1 I am pairing a question from nrlymrtl: How often in reading do you come across a food you are unfamiliar with and just have to give it a try in cooking it??

A: Again, since I don't cook, I don't have a big draw for food. However, if I see a food or dish that is new and the book isn't specific I might look up the food.

While looking for images this picture caught my eye!

Image found at Heage Windmill

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I will draw from the suggestions I used the month before and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions but some of you others might want to get in a question or two as we have a few people submitting most of the questions so far. Either way - it works for me. :-) The question list is being replenished! Thanks for sending in questions! Thank you to our contributors for August: Margaret, Birgit, Marjorie, Faith Hope Cherrytea and nrlymrtl. Random.org choose 2 so Birgit gets a book choice.

Your turn to share:

1. Faith Hope and Cherrytea asks: Do you read cookbook / recipe books? and if so, what are your fave categories? breadmaking, desserts, soups, salads, main course ... etc??

2. A question from nrlymrtl: How often in reading do you come across a food you are unfamiliar with and just have to give it a try in cooking it??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining Valentine and "Love" books or the remaining Christmas Giveaway Books - there are still about 7 books available to choose from. Also I have added the Updated ARC/Review List now.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower;
b) Share a comment on any (or all) of the two/three questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, August 31, 2012 at 10 PM central.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Trouble With Magic by Patricia Rice

A charming romance - likeable characters get caught, not too unhappily, in a marriage declaration.

The Trouble With Magic

by Patricia Rice

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (August 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402251955
ISBN-13: 978-1402251955

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: August 5, 2003

Is Her Magic a Gift or a Curse...?

All the Malcolms have some magic, but Lady Felicity's ability to read people's emotions simply by touching them or their possessions overwhelms her. She's reached a marriageable age, but how can she ever wed when she can see so clearly a man's guilty secrets?

Only He Can Tell the Difference...

Ewen Ives, itinerant rake and adventurous inventor, knows better than to underestimate the mischief of the Malcolms. But sparks fly when he encounters Felicity, and Ewen can't seem to refuse her plea for assistance...

Review:

Felicity is a “Malcolm” which means she is from a long lineage of women with special ‘gifts.’ Her gift, or curse as she deems it, is that she gets visions of strong emotions when she touches people and objects. This has distressed her most of her life to the point that she shields herself as much as possible from even normal touching. Her wealthy and elitist father hoped to wed her to an important banker until Felicity saw murder through the man’s eyes. She has escaped with her vibrant sister, Christina, to Scotland where they are to visit another sister.

Felicity hopes to make a secret side trip to try to locate a Malcolm journal that may explain how to rid herself of the unwanted gift. Detoured by a storm the young ladies unexpectedly encounter their brother-in-laws’ brother. Ewen Ives would rather not be involved with the young girls but his brothers would be upset if someone didn’t take responsibility to protect them.

Ewen has his own problems. He incurred debt to repair damage supposedly caused by a faulty gear he designed. The due date is fast approaching and it appears his only option is to marry a rich heiress. He has already decided upon a widow acquaintance although he isn’t thrilled with the idea.

Felicity and Ewen find themselves thrown together and Felicity discovers that his touch raises new and exciting sensations rather than fearful and hurtful ones. Ewen has a scientific mind and might have scoffed at Felicity’s gift until he realizes the truth of it. He encourages her to try to gain control intellectually over the gift rather than allowing the emotions to swamp her. Now she learns that she can uncover secrets using her touch.

When they are caught in a compromising situation Ewen declares that they are secretly married not knowing that in Scotland such a proclamation is binding. He must try to find a way out of the marriage trap that neither planned. Yet emotionally they continue to grow closer. Will Ewen’s financial woes force him to leave Felicity, especially in face of her father’s fierce disapproval? Can Felicity reveal mysteries that will help Ewen’s situation before it is too late for them to find a future together?

I loved this couple and the way his scientific brain and her pragmatic nature fit together like hand in glove. It takes them some time to see that they are stronger together than apart but it is good conflict to get there. The Ives’ ‘cousin’, Aidan, is an interesting side character with his deteriorating castle. This is the type of sweet to sensual story, with a little mystery, that first made me fall in love with historical romance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sense the warmth:

She could feel their mutual resistance as well as their longing for more. Page 141.
It had taken an earnest young woman to p259

He’d already recognized that Felicity offered him opportunities as wide as the horizon. A wife like that wouldn’t be a burden but a benefit. Despite his lack of wealth, he possessed a few qualities he could offer her in return. He balanced her, as she had said. Page 273

I have a collection of Ms. Rice's historical titles so I was thrilled to pick this off my TBR shelf to read when I was given the opportunity to share through a Sourcebooks giveawlay of the new re-release!

Sourcebooks shared this information:

As many of you know, we have a line of books called Casablanca Classics—these are beloved books by fabulous authors that have gone out of print. We are so excited to have the next book in Patricia Rice’s classic “Magic” Series back in stores this month: The Trouble with Magic!

Patricia Rice’s bestselling Magic series featuring the clash between science and magic has been off the market over 5 years. In The Trouble with Magic, Sparks fly when Ewen, the itinerant rake and adventurous inventor of the Ives family, catches Felicity, the most fey of the Malcolms, who is fleeing to Scotland to discover a way of ending her dangerous gift…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

With five million books in print and New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists under her belt, Patricia Rice’s emotionally-charged contemporary and historical romances have won RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice and Career Achievement Awards and have been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA finalists in the historical, Regency and contemporary categories. A former CPA, Patricia Rice is a native of Kentucky and New York, a past resident of North Carolina, and currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri. For more information on Patricia’s current releases, please visit www.patriciarice.com.

Amazon.com Widgets

SO - Wouldn't you love to win a copy of this newly released romance?

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for a Print Copy supplied by the Publisher:

ENTRY FORM HERE!

For 3 Extra Bonus Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on September 7, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on September 8, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 24, 2012

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome! Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

Is it Friday already??!! I have been juggling to get everything done as I always do before a vacation break. One big closing to fund tomorrow and then wrapping up loose files. We are looking forward to flying to Seattle to go on an Alaska cruise. :-)
Five books out this week puts the number of books given away on Friday Pick at over 400!! Sweeeet!
I'll be taking a picture of a new group of books to add next week

Thank you to all who entered the August 17 Pick. There were THREE Automatic winners this week! (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). Several books were blocked this week - and one (Threads of Destiny) was won.
Carol M picked Game Over four times for an automatic win;

Elizabeth L picked The Contrary Corinthian four times for an automatic win;
AND
Anita picked Cover Pursuit four times for an automatic win.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from August 17 Pick:

June M chose While My Pretty One Sleeps
and

bn100 chose Threads of Destiny

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks.

Isn't this a lovely picture? Although I'm glad I don't have to dress like that at poolside.

Image found at From the House of Edward

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

~~Dead Ringer by Lisa Scottline~~

The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)

~~Threads of Destiny by Arnette Lamb~~

A Dangerous Devotion by Barbara Kyle

~~Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts (some spine wear)~~

{An Independent Woman by Candace Camp} Shipping cost TBD

Wolf Mountain Moon by Terry C. Johnston

Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham

Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander

Virtue by Jane Feather

~~Don't Bargain with The Devil by Sabrina Jeffries~~

Mistress by Amanda Quick - Audio Cassettes

*Long Time Coming by Sandra Brown

*The Contrary Corinthian by Emily Hendrickson (spine wear)

*There Was a Little Boy by Claire Rainwater Jacobs

*On Thin Ice by Linda Hall

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology

~~The Promise by Kasey Michaels~~

Winning Ways by Barbara Boswell

Tomorrow's Promise by Sandra Brown

~~Midnight Rainbow by Linda Howard~~

~~Death's Door by Meryl Sawyer~~

~~Life Support by Tess Gerristen Audio Cassettes~~

~~Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich~~

~~Exit to Eden by Anne Rice~~

~~While My Pretty One Sleeps by Mary Higgins Clark~~

Gifts from the Heart by Jillian Hart

*Simon Said by Sarah R. Shaber

*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force

*Edwin of the Iron Shoes by Marcia Mueller

*Covert Pursuit by Terri Reed

*Close to Home by Carolyne Aarsen

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books suitable for international

Wanna Get Lucky? by Deborah Coonts

~~Game Over by Fern Michaels~~

~~Forever Victoria by Dorothy Garlock~~

Sleeping Alone by Barbara Bretton

~~Gentle From the Night Meagan McKinney (spine creased)~~

~~In Too Deep by Tina Wainscott~~

~~Wildflower by Jill Marie Landis~~

*Love and Other Four Letter Words by Caroline Mackler

*The Carousel by Rosamund Pilcher

*Shades of Grace by Barbara Delinsky (audio tapes)

~~The Heart of Justice by William L. Coughlin~~

~~Cross Country by James Patterson~~

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012
Some of the books on the right end are smaller and suitable for overseas mailing. :-)

Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris (spine damage)

~~Dear John by Nicholas Sparks~~

~~Midnight Hour by Debra Dixon~~

~~September Morning by Diana Palmer~~

~~Beneath the Surface by Annie White (slight spine wear)~~

*The Dream Horse by Virginia Campbell Scott

*Summer's Belle by Paige Winship Dooly

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)
These are Paired sets - two per author.
Four are parts of series the others are just singles by the same author.
Winners get both books if you pick these.

New Group #25 January 12, 2012

*Smaller books on the right would be okay for most international mailing.

Leopards Kill by Jim DeFelice

~~Category 7 by Bill Evans and Marianna Jameson~~

Hell's Belle by Jane Holleman

*Shadow Rider: Apache Sundown by Jory Sherman

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)
(The only Thanksgiving title I found is a Harlequin I'd like to read someday so no Thanksgiving titles for November.)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.

Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011

There are eight mysteries and I have asterisked nine books that are smaller and would be good for oversea choices if so desired.

Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

Stand by Me Anthology with Dallas Schulze, Roberta Leigh and Linda Randall Wisdom (spine creased)

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books

Group #20

Singles

Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books:

Group #19

Singles

Primary Colors - audio tapes

~~Note of Peril (black strip on cover)~~

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone)

Not all of these are two from a series but several are. Each pick gets two books.

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick in November 27, 2009 and in two years I posted 26 groups of 16 books to find new homes! (March 2012)

I have periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want! I am happy to say that so far about 404 books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $5.00 and $6.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.

WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

1/14/11 New List
#17
~~Moonfire by Judith Redman Robbins~~

12/3/10 Book Set:

#16

Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books!

Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix

This is a group of books I have had for several years but not gotten to read. Since it doesn't look like I will get to read them for another year (or more!) I am passing them on. Although as I type them part of me still says "But you may want to read that some day!" Yes, yes; along with the other 700 books I am housing! Must Let goooooo.....

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11

Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown

Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

~~Snow in April by Rosamunde Pilcher~~

Looking Back by Belva Plain

The Ring on Her Finger by Elizabeth Bevarly

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2

~~The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross~~

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4