A Farmer's Daughter by Dawn Stoltzfus

About the Book:

Over 200 mouthwatering recipes--fresh from the farm

I'm Dawn Stoltzfus. Welcome to my kitchen! I was raised on a Mennonite farm where simple, wholesome food was a key ingredient of the good life. Now I'm opening up my recipe box, wiping away the crumbs and wrinkles from the well-loved recipe cards, and sharing them with you. From Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls and Strawberry Shortcake to Old-Fashioned Beef Stew and Chicken and Herb Dumplings, all the best comfort foods I learned to cook from my mother are here, along with some dishes that may surprise you!

In addition to the simple, wholesome recipes for starters, main dishes, sides, and desserts, I share favorite stories from my Mennonite upbringing, tips and tricks for easy meal planning and preparation, and ideas for serving with flair.

If you enjoy feeding your family hearty, wholesome meals made with fresh ingredients and lots of love, please join me in the kitchen! 

 My Review:

 5 Stars

 I love, love, love this cookbook. This is one my my new favorite cookbooks. There are so many recipes I want to try in it, that it can be hard to decide which one to do next. I have tried three recipes so far with many more flagged to try in the future. My favorite so far was the Chicken and Herb Dumplings. This dish was so delicious and made great leftovers, it had a great balance of veggies and chicken. The flavor was so good that it is hard to stop eating.

So many times I am disappointed in cookbooks. Either the recipes don't come out good or they are made of simply dumping cans together or using a box mix and adding something to it. When I want to cook I want to cook a real meal and this cookbook is great for that person. It is full of recipes that use fresh ingredients and are simple enough for the busy person or the new cook. I loved all the little notes the author includes which range from tips on making the dish or where the meal came from.

If you are tired of the same old cookbooks and want something fresh make sure you pick up this great cookbook. The only downside I can even come up with is there is no pictures, but everything else is so great that you will hardly care in the end.

 *I received this book from Revell books for the purpose of this review. Thank you!

A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs

About the Book:

All Margaret Campbell wants for Christmas is a safe journey home. When her plans for a festive holiday with her family in Stirling crumble beneath the weight of her brother’s bitterness, the young schoolteacher wants nothing more than to return to the students she loves and the town house she calls home.

Then an unexpected detour places her in the path of Gordon Shaw, a handsome newspaperman from Glasgow, who struggles under a burden of remorse and shame.

When the secret of their shared history is revealed, will it leave them tangled in a knot of regret? Or might their past hold the threads that will bind their future together?

As warm as a woolen scarf on a cold winter’s eve, A Wreath of Snow is a tender story of love and forgiveness, wrapped in a celebration of all things Scottish, all things Victorian, and, especially, all things Christmas.

My Review:

4 Stars

To start of with I just have to comment on how lovely this book looks. The cover is breathtaking, the fact that it is hardcover makes it so much better. This is on of those books that is great to read but also would make a great decoration for Christmas time. I received this book this afternoon and quickly jumped right into it. I was drawn in the setting, which is described in such wonderful detail, and the story so quickly that I knew I would finish it this evening . This is a short Christmas novella that will be cherished by many. I loved the the theme of forgiveness, both giving it and receiving it, and the sweet subtle romance that starts to bud at the end. In conclusion, this is a sweet story that will warm you heart during this Christmas season and many to come.

* I received this book through Blogging for Books for the purpose of this review. Thank you!

A Light in the Window by Julie Lessman

About the Book:

One Woman. Two Men.
One stirs her pulse and the other her faith.
But who will win her heart?

Marceline Murphy is a gentle beauty with a well-founded aversion to rogues. But when two of Boston's most notorious pursue her, she encounters a tug-of-war of the heart she isn’t expecting. Sam O’Rourke is the childhood hero she’s pined for, the brother of her best friend and a member of the large, boisterous family to which she longs to be a part. So when his best friend Patrick O’Connor joins in pursuit of her affections, the choice seems all too clear. Sam is from a family of faith and Patrick is not, two rogues whose wild ways clash head-on with Marcy’s—both in her faith and in her heart.

While overseeing the Christmas play fundraiser for the St. Mary’s parish soup kitchen—A Light in the Window—Marcy not only wrestles with her attraction to both men, but with her concern for their spiritual welfare. The play is based on the Irish custom of placing a candle in the window on Christmas Eve to welcome the Holy Family, and for Marcy, its message becomes deeply personal. Her grandmother Mima cautions her to guard her heart for the type of man who will respond to the "light in the window," meaning the message of Christ in her heart. But when disaster strikes during the play, Marcy is destined to discover the truth of the play’s message first-hand when it becomes clear that although two men have professed their undying love, only one has truly responded to “the light in the window.”






My Review:

5 Stars

What a great prequel to six fantastic books. A Light in the Window takes place years before A Passion most Pure and shares with us how Marcy and Patrick. I loved this book just as much as the rest of Julie's books. It was much shorter, sweeter and simple but still the book was filled with drama, romance and a great message. I love how Julie weaves into each of her stories a message about God and what he wants from us. Many of the times it is something that I or someone I know needs to hear and take to heart.

I greatly enjoyed watching Marcy deal with her feelings about Sam and Patrick and watching them fight over her. Even with knowing who she would end up with the journey to get there was worth every page. I absolutely loved the epilogue and it made me want for more and hear about the early years of their marriage. I personally do not think there could be enough books written about the wonderful and passionate O'Connor family.

This is a great book for those new to Julie's books and a great way to begin the journey with the wonderful O'Connors. For those that have read all her books, it makes a great prequel.

* I received a PDF copy of this book from the author for the purpose of this review. Thank you!

The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury + Giveaway

About the Book:

Number one New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury delivers an instant classic with this heartwarming Christmas story about a hundred-year flood, lost love, and the beauty of enduring friendships.

Molly Allen lives alone in Portland, but she left her heart back in Tennessee with a man she walked away from five years ago. They had a rare sort of love she hasn’t found since.

Ryan Kelly lives in Nashville after a broken engagement and several years on the road touring with a country music duo. He can still hear Molly’s voice encouraging him to follow his dreams; Molly, whose memory stays with him. At least he can visit The Bridge—the oldest bookstore in historic downtown Franklin—and remember the hours he and Molly once spent there.

For thirty years, Charlie and Donna Barton have run The Bridge, providing the people of middle Tennessee with coffee, conversation, and shelves of good books—even through dismal book sales and the rise of digital books. Then in May, the hundred-year flood swept through Franklin and destroyed nearly every book in the store.

 Now the bank is pulling the lease on The Bridge. Despondent and without answers, Charlie considers the unthinkable. Then tragedy strikes, and suddenly, everything changes. In the face of desperate brokenness and lost opportunities, could the miracle of a second chance actually unfold?

The Bridge is a love story set against the struggle of the American bookstore, a love story you will never forget.

My Review:

4 Stars

What a sweet and simple Christmas book from beloved bestseller Karen Kingsbury. The Bridge will remind you that miracles are possible and that there is still hope in the world. This is a great book to read this Christmas season and really throughout the year. It is nice how it is short and great for those so busy that longer books just never seem to get finished.

This book in many ways is a lot different than her normal full length novels as it is much simpler and sweeter. But, those that love Karen Kingsbury will still find joy in this book and will want to add it to their collection.

I really enjoyed reading the back story of Ryan and Molly and seeing where their lives went and how The Bridge bookstore brought them back together. I will admit reading about the bookstore made me wish we still had more of these small town bookstores that bring the community together and a place to share the love of books, both old and new.

Make sure you add this book to your reading list and enjoy in this story.

*I received this book through Howard Books for the purpose of this review. Thank you!

 Giveaway info:

1. Must live in US.

2. Leave a comment with your e-mail address.

3. Ends Tuesday,  October 30th!

 

Accidentally Amish by Olivia Newport

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Accidentally Amish Barbour Books (October 1, 2012) by Olivia Newport

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From The Author:

I’m imagining you. You walk past as I water my front flowerbeds and we wave. You check the time as we both stand in a long line at the grocery store. You sit in front of me in church. I’m at my table in the coffee shop and you’re at yours.

We may smile politely and move on with our separate lives. Or one of us may speak, a simple invitation to conversation, and the words flow between us.

Here the adventure begins. When we meet someone new, we never know where it might lead.

I’ve been married for over thirty years and have two twenty-something kids. We live in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where the day lilies in my back yard grow as tall as I am. (No short jokes, please.)

Not every piece of my life is pretty, though. Some days I want to throw out whole chunks. But I am living each day looking for the grace of God to me, in me, and through me. Having your companionship along the way will help uncover a lot of great stories.

Thanks for stopping by my site, where conversations and adventures begin with a click. I hope we’ll run into each other often.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Escape the helter-skelter of the modern culture and join software creator Annie Friesen, hiding at the home of an Amishman. With her high-tech career in jeopardy, Annie runs from fast-paced Colorado Springs—and straight into the hospitality of San Luis Valley’s Amish community. There she meets cabinetmaker Rufus Beiler, and the more time she spends with him, the more attracted she becomes. When Annie finds she shares a common ancestor with Rufus, she feels both cultures colliding within her. But is her love for Rufus strong enough for her to give up the only life she’s ever known?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Accidentally Amish, go HERE.


My Review:

4.5 Stars

Englisch collides with Amish in this first book in Olivia Newport's newest series, Valley of Dreams. Set in both present day and in the past this is a great read that has a little of everything. I really found myself enjoying this story. I just loved the historical part of the story as much as the main story. Many times when authors mix past and present I find myself more interested in one story or the other, but not with this book they were both great. I loved Annie and the journey she took and the decisions she made in the end. I am greatly looking forward to the next book in this series and hope I do not have to wait to long.

Cultures collide when Annie discovers a common ancestor with an Amish man, Rufus. Does this modern woman have family history in the Amish culture and how is she connected to Rufus. This and more you will find in this fast paced read.

* I received this book through CFBA and the publisher for the purpose of this review. Thank you!

You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren

About the Book:

A Deep Haven Novel

Sometimes the secrets we keep to protect ourselves can be our undoing.

To all who know her, Annalise Decker is a model wife and mother. She’s a permanent member of the PTA, never misses a sporting event, and is constantly campaigning for her husband’s mayoral race.

No one knows that Annalise was once Deidre O’Reilly, a troubled young woman whose testimony put a dangerous criminal behind bars. Relocated through the Witness Security Program to the quaint harbor town of Deep Haven, Deidre received a new identity and a fresh start, which began when she fell in love with local real estate agent Nathan Decker.

Twenty years later, Annalise couldn’t be more unprepared for her past to catch up with her. When Agent Frank Harrison arrives with news that the man she testified against is out on parole and out for revenge, Annalise is forced to face the consequences of her secrets. Will she run again, or will she finally find the courage to trust those she loves most with both her past and her future?

Meet Susan:


Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!.

Find out more about Susan May at http://www.susanmaywarren.com/.
My Review:

5 Stars

What a fantastic book this was! From the back cover to the first pages this book had me hooked and kept my brain thinking for days on end. I found this book to be a fast read since I couldn't wait to find out how it would all turn out. This is the type of book that really makes you think and wonder what it would be like to be in Annalise's shoes. Can you imagine having to change your name, identity, where you live, and how you do things? Well that is just what Annalise had to do years ago when she went into the witness protection program. No one could know her life as a kid and teenager, nothing from her past could be divulged since anything could potentially hurt her or those she loved. After finishing this book it kept making me think about that situation and how there could be someone you met in your life that could be part of the witness protection program and you would never know it.

I highly recommend this book to everyone, part suspense, part romance, there is something for all. While this book is part of the Deep Haven series it can easily be read as a standalone. Great job Susan May Warren on a thought provoking and excellent book!

*I received this book through Tyndale and LitFuse for the purpose of this review.



Giveaway Info:
 
Welcome to the campaign launch for Susan May Warren's latest offering in her beloved Deep Haven series, You Don't Know Me. Susan is celebrating with a $200 Weekend Getaway Giveaway and hosting a fun video Author Chat Party!

 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one and “Get to Know” your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
• The entire set of Deep Haven Books

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 22nd. Winner will be announced at the ”You Don’t Know Me” Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/23. Connect with Susan for an evening of book chat, Deep Haven trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be info about Susan’s BookShout read-along and a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of You Don’t Know Me and join Susan on the evening of the October 23rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

The Girl in Glass by Susan Meissner

About the Book:

Renaissance is a word with hope infused in every letter.

Since she was a child, Meg has dreamed of taking a promised trip to Florence, Italy, and being able to finally step into the place captured in a picture at her grandmother’s house. But after her grandmother passes away and it falls to her less-than-reliable father to take her instead, Meg’s long-anticipated travel plans seem permanently on hold.

When her dad finally tells Meg to book the trip, she prays that the experience will heal the fissures left on her life by her parents’ divorce. But when Meg arrives in Florence, her father is nowhere to be found, leaving aspiring memoir-writer Sophia Borelli to introduce Meg to the rich beauty of the ancient city. Sofia claims to be one of the last surviving members of the Medici family and that a long-ago Medici princess, Nora Orsini, communicates with her from within the great masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance.

When Sophia, Meg, and Nora’s stories intersect, their lives will be indelibly changed as they each answer the question: What if renaissance isn’t just a word? What if that’s what happens when you dare to believe that what is isn’t what has to be?

My Review:

After reading A Sound Among the Trees last year I just knew I could not wait to read Susan Meissnerr's next book and while the wait was not fun it was definitely worth it. I love Susan's ability to blend a contemporary story with a historical story, some authors try but do not succeed, but Susan has figured it out. I absolutely loved the setting of Florence, Italy, but who wouldn't in all reality. While I have been to Italy, I have not been to Florence but reading this book makes me want to go all the more.

I really enjoyed the stories of each of the women and how they all intersected. It really made it hard for me to put the book down since I just wanted to know more and more. I was almost a little sad when the story ended, but journey was so worth it.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who like contemporary, historical or both since the book has something for all. If you are looking for a strict romance this book may not be for you, but you should still give it a try.

* I received this book through Blogging for Books for the purpose of this review.