Almost Amish by Kathryn Cushman

Have you ever felt overwhelmed and over committed?  That is exactly what Julie Charlton is feeling. Too many obligations with her two kids' school schedules, her husband's business and keeping up her house have her ready to check out for a while.  When her Martha Stewart sister-in-law Susan offers her and her family a chance to spend the summer on a reality show where they will live as the Amish do, it seems the perfect opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle.

But the summer adventure turns out to be anything but simple.  Julie finds herself enjoying the slower pace while her Susan's drive for perfection leads to friction within the family.  Each new challenge raises new complications and each woman learns unexpected lessons about herself and her family.

This books was not what I first expected.  I have read many books about the Amish and expected this one to follow the usual pattern.  When I found that it was not about Amish at all, I didn't expect to like it much.  However, once I began reading, I truly got into the whole idea of getting back to basics.  I did really enjoy reading.  I don't think that it was very realistic - I don't see 3 teenage kids adapting to the Amish way of life quite so easily and without much complaint, but it made for a very enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers.

Wow - February is Almost Gone

I can't believe February is almost over.  Two months of 2012 are soon to be gone.  January and February have been busy as usual.  Tax season is upon us at work...lots of extra hours being put in.  We will survive it just like we always have, even though it seems very overwhelming at times.

Another season of Upward is about to go in the record books.  This  is Stephen's last year to get to play.  He wishes he could keep playing.  He has really stepped up this year.  He is a lot more aggressive on the court.  He made more shots in his first game than he even attempted in the last two years of play.  Skylar is still cheering.  She loves it and I think she will continue to cheer in the upcoming years.

I got an e-reader for Christmas and I have been putting it to good use.  I have found that I can get books free from www.christianbook.com, and I have been hoarding up almost everything they offer.  I have always loved reading, but I honestly didn't know whether I would like reading on an e-reader or not, so when I requested one, I asked for a cheaper no-name brand.  So far I love it more than I thought I would.  It doesn't have all of the bells and whistles that some of them have, but for just reading books it is great.  So far I have read Child of the Mist, The Help, Explosive Eighteen, and Directed Verdict.  I also just finished reading The Devil in Pew Number Seven in paperback.  Sometimes you just can't beat the feel of a real book in your hands especially when you receive it for free just for reviewing it.  I plan to review more of the books I read - especially the ones I download for free, but you know how plans are sometimes...we will see how that works out.

Book Review: The Devil in Pew Number Seven

Rebecca's entire childhood was riddled with terror.  Her father and mother moved to Sellerstown, North Carolina to pastor a church there.  Seems like the ideal family setting.  However, while most of the congregation  and community  welcomed him, one man was bent on running the pastor and his family out of town.  For years this man terrorized the Nichols family, but Robert refused to back down in the face of this terror, until one Easter weekend the unthinkable finally happened.  The family was torn apart when a man entered their kitchen and began shooting.

If anyone has a reason to hold on to anger, hatred and bitterness it would be Rebecca  But this is the true store of what forgiveness is truly about.  She explains how her upbringing allowed her to forgive those responsible for taking away from her the carefree days of childhood, stealing her mother and eventually her father from her.  By forgiving, she has been able to live a life pleasing to God and has enjoyed his blessings.

I truly enjoyed this book.  The fact that it was a true story was more than a little disturbing.  To think that anyone could treat a family - especially his own pastor - the way the Nichols family was treated is unthinkable.  Her ability to forgive the people responsible is a true testimony to her love of the Lord.

I received a free copy of this book to review from Tyndale.  I have not been compensated for this review.

Want Your Own Copy?

When I signed up to review Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher, I received an extra copy to give away. If you would like a chance to receive a free copy of this inspiring little book just leave a comment with your favorite proverb, bit of wisdom or family tradition. To celebrate Suzanne's Facebook Party on September 1, I will draw a random winner from those who leave comments. (Open to those in US and Canada only)

To get things started here is one of my favorites from the book:

Parents who are afraid to put their foot down usually have children who step on their toes.

Now lets hear your...

Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life Review & Giveaway

About Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life

Through firsthand research and personal relationships, Suzanne Woods Fisher has collected more than 200 proverbs that uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Plain People. These proverbs serve as teaching tools and maxims for practical living--but they're not just for the Amish. They're for anyone who seeks God's wisdom and truth for everyday circumstances.

Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with you through life's joys and sorrows. With beautiful full-color photos throughout, Amish Proverbs is the perfect gift for any occasion.

About Suzanne Woods Fisher: Suzanne Woods Fisher is the CBA bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, Amish Peace, and Amish Proverbs. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne is the host of a radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California.

Just My Thoughts: I truly enjoyed this book. It is broken into eleven chapters, each covering a different topic ranging from time to faith and even some just for fun items. Each of these chapters starts with a short story about the chapter topic. I found each of these stories to be thought provoking and enjoyable. Following the story are several pages of wonderful sayings and proverbs along with some gorgeous photographs depicting the Amish way of life. While some of the proverbs were familiar to me, many I had never heard, however all made me think about things in simpler way.

Enter Suzanne Woods Fisher's Simple Wisdom KINDLE Giveaway!

It has been said that if you want to know a people, know their proverbs. Suzanne and Revell Books have pulled the wisdom of the Amish into a beautiful gift book perfect for any occasion. Amish Proverbs is in stores now and to celebrate Suzanne is hosting the Simple Wisdom KINDLE Giveaway. One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle preloaded with Suzanne Woods Fisher titles. The Prize Pack (valued at over $205.00) includes:

* A brand new KINDLE, Free 3G, 6", Latest Generation

* Amish Peace by Suzanne Woods Fisher

* The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on September 1st.

Join Suzanne for a Wrap-up Party on September 1st! She’ll be announcing the winner of the Simple Wisdom KINDLE Giveaway, chatting with readers, and giving away copies of Amish Proverbs and The Choice! Be sure to join us on Wednesday , September 1st at 8PM EST at Suzanne’s Author Page.

For more reviews check out the blog tour at Litfuse.

Disclaimer: I received a book for myself and one to giveaway from Revell Books through LitFuse Blog Tour. No other compensation was received. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A Summer Secret by Kathleen Fuller

Every girl needs a secret hideaway, and Mary Beth is no different, especially since she shares her home with three brothers. In an effort to get away from their boyish pranks and irresponsibility, she is thrilled when she finds a place to hide from all the chaos: an abandoned bard in the field neighboring her family's home. It is dilapidated, not to mention her parents have forbidden her to go there, but she can't resist having a place to be alone.

She thinks the barn is her secret, until she starts finding clues that someone else has been there. She knows her secret is no longer safe and solving the mystery leads to something very unexpected.

While this book was written for a younger audience, I still enjoyed reading it. I have always been drawn to the Amish genre, so I truly expected to like this book. I did find that it didn't seem to explore the Amish way of life as much as some of the books I have read, though some of their customs were explained in simple ways. There were some good lessons taught in this book dealing with obeying, honesty, and caring for your fellow man. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys this genre of book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their ">BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Take it from the Top

It’s back to the basics in Take It from the Top, the long-anticipated 51st album of Adventures in Odyssey! Enter Whit’s new invention, the Inspiration Station, and find out why Connie wants to spend so much time in it. Solve mysteries with local sleuth Emily Jones, and learn why 10-year-old Matthew Parker doesn’t think being “target of the week” is such a good thing.
Catch up with Whit, Connie, Eugene, and Wooton, and meet two new families, as they learn lessons about responsibility, revenge, and God-given inspiration. Whether on a baseball field, at home, or at Whit’s End, there’s never a dull moment in the town of Odyssey!

My ten year old son absolutely loved these cd's. He has listened to them on a couple of occasions. They are filled with good messages and held his attention well. My six year old daughter however didn't find them as compelling, though she is a much more visual child. I would recommend these entertaining cd's for kids who like to listen to stories and will probably be buying additional sets as they are released in the future.

I received a free copy of this cd to review. I was not compensated in any way for this review.

Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman

Seventeen years ago, Josephine gave up her baby to an Amish couple at the urging of her family. Now, having been diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor, she longs to find the daughter she has never know before it is too late.

Linda, as her Amish parents named her, is seventeen years old and promised to her true love Stephen Ebersol, the bishops grandson. Her life is turned upside down when she learns that she was adopted as a baby. When her birth mother arrives at her family's farm, she is drawn to the world she has never known. Will she stay true to the convictions she has held since childhood, or will she change her path?

I have read several books in the Amish genre, and this one was quite different from the normal. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. While this was the forth in the Daughters of Promise series, I didn't feel a bit lost having not read the first three novels, and there were just enough allusions to some of the characters and their stories to make me want to read the rest of the novels.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Plain Paradise - Review Coming soon

The Flowering Cross by Beth Ryan

The Flowering Cross is the story of a six-year old Katie and her neighbor "Mean Old Jack" who after discovering the true meaning of the Cross is transformed by God's love into Papa Jack. Jack was known by all the neighborhood for his ill temper rather than his beautiful flowers. Katie and her family show him God's love by treating him with love and kindness in all situations. They take him soup when he is sick, help him in his yard, and Katie continually shares her bright smile with him. Eventually Katie and her family are welcome visitors. Katie invites Papa Jack to church on several occasions, but he always declines, until this Easter. While at church, Papa Jack finally realizes how much Jesus loves him, and that realization transforms his life.

I really liked this book, as did my six-year old daughter. The illustrations were well done. My favorite part was the Faith Imprints sprinkled through out the book. These Faith Imprints are cues for parents to share Scripture with their children giving parents a good teaching opportunity with this entertaining book. I would definitely recommend this book to others and will be sharing it with my friends and family.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255