"A Cup of Dust"

(A Novel of the Dust Bowl)

by Susie Finkbeiner

5+ stars 

Description

Where you come from isn't who you are.

Ten-year-old Pearl Spence is a daydreamer, playing make-believe to escape life in Oklahoma’s Dust Bowl in 1935. The Spences have their share of misfortune, but as the sheriff’s family, they’ve got more than most in this dry, desolate place. They’re who the town turns to when there’s a crisis or a need―and during these desperate times, there are plenty of both, even if half the town stands empty as people have packed up and moved on.

Pearl is proud of her loving, strong family, though she often wearies of tracking down her mentally impaired older sister or wrestling with her grandmother’s unshakable belief in a God who Pearl just isn’t sure she likes.

Then a mysterious man bent on revenge tramps into her town of Red River. Eddie is dangerous and he seems fixated on Pearl. When he reveals why he’s really there and shares a shocking secret involving the whole town, dust won’t be the only thing darkening Pearl’s world. 




Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

http://www.christianbook.com

http://www.deepershopping.com

Biography

Susie Finkbeiner is a novelist and short story writer from West Michigan. Her first novel PAINT CHIPS released in 2013 and her second novel MY MOTHER'S CHAMOMILE in 2014. She worked with WhiteFire Publishing on both novels.

Her third novel A CUP OF DUST is set to release in 2015 with Kregel Publications.

Susie is a wife, mother of three, and avid reader. She enjoys time with her family, coffee dates with her good friends, and quiet moments to read and write.

Find her at www.susiefinkbeiner.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Susie-Finkbeiner-191087155015/timeline/

My Thoughts ~

Without a doubt, A Cup of Dust is one of the most captivating and impressive reality-based novels I have read to date. This is a story to be absorbed. Pearl's journey is thought-provoking and gripping, a heartrending and emotional journey through oppressive conditions caused by relentless, merciless dust. The author has researched her topic thoroughly, and weaves a haunting tale of Pearl's youth and the atrocities that she witnessed and experienced. The realities of the Oklahoma's Dust Bowl were oppressive and grievous.

Detailed and pictorial depictions revealed the enormity of the conditions in that area, where the earth was depleted and the rains never came. The dust ultimately took the lives of many, and caused others an unending fight for life. Pearl and her family exemplify the strength of the human spirit through events I can't imagine. Atrocities invaded Pearl's worst nightmares, as well as the barbarities that affected her youth and innocence. 

Character portrayals are described in depth with a familiarity and sensitivity that is tangible. I loved Pearl from the very beginning, and heard her voice throughout this extraordinarily touching novel.

A Cup of Dust is written with passion and eloquence, mature attributes of this young author. I will undoubtedly read it again. It is a novel of epic proportion. Thought provoking and intense, you'll want to slowly absorb Pearl's story. I couldn't begin reading another book until my mind finished processing the intensity of this composition.

FYI: There is some violence depicted in this book that may offend some readers; however, this is reality fiction and without those scenes the story would not be complete.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

CONTEST GUIDELINES: Please leave a comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address. Giveaways are limited to residents of the continental US only, please. I am not responsible for loss or damage through the postal service. Winners have one week to claim their prizes. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate all of your comments!

Optional: For additional chances to win this giveaway, share this contest through either Twitter or Facebook, and sign up to follow my blog. Please let me know what you did for extra chances to win. Deadline for this giveaway is Wednesday, November 4, 2015.

"The Dog That Saved Stewart Coolidge"

by Jim Kraus

Description

A light-hearted love story about a young couple brought together by a four-legged bandit.
 

When a stray dog helps himself to a bone from a display in the supermarket, he doesn't know his actions will brand him a criminal and spark a romance between two humans. Stewart Coolidge works as a bag boy at the store, and his outraged boss offers a reward and demands Stewart catch the thieving animal. He fails at that, but now he finally has the perfect excuse to talk to his cute neighbor, Lisa.

Lisa has always dreamed of being a journalist and asks Stewart if she can interview him for the local paper. As she gets to know Stewart, she likes him more and more, and she's delighted to learn he shares her Christian faith. Stewart can't bring himself to tell her she's mistaken, that he's not religious at all. And that's not Stewart's only deception. When the dog shows up on the doorstep of their building, Stewart decides to harbor the furry fugitive. But this is no ordinary dog, he has a divine sense of how things should be--and recognizing how much Stewart needs Lisa, he decides to do all he can to bring them together.

Purchase at the following locations: 

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

http://www.christianbook.com

http://www.deepershopping.com

Biography

Jim Kraus grew up in Western Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. He attended the Paris-American Academy in 1971 and has spent the last twenty years as a vice-president of a major Christian publishing house. He has written more than 20 books and novels (many with his wife, Terri) including the best-selling The Dog That Talked to God (Abingdon Press, 2012). His book, The Silence, was named as one of the top five releases in 2004 by the Christian Book Review website. He is also an award-winning photographer. He and his wife and 14-year-old son live outside of Chicago with a sweet

miniature schnauzer and an ill-tempered Siberian cat.

Website: http://www.jimkraus.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.kraus.18?fref=ts

My Thoughts ~

Jim Kraus spins a yarn that I found charming and humorous! I had read the author's book entitled "The Cat That God Sent" several months ago, and found his writing to be very entertaining! I'm a cat person, but with my admiration for the author's writing I broke down and decided to read a story about a very special dog. I certainly was not disappointed! In fact, I intend to add more Jim Kraus books to my collection. 

Very special characters come to life through the entertaining capers depicted in this very amusing book. Two young people with less than satisfactory careers are drawn together by a mischievous stray dog who earns the title, Hubert. A budding romance develops, with Hubert the common denominator. Hubert is a naughty dog, but his humans love him enough to keep his existence concealed in order to protect him. There is much diversity and hilarity described throughout the development of this story, with some pretty quirky characters and some not-so-nice characters to stir up the mix.

Many redeeming factors evolve in this comical story of a developing relationship between individuals with questionable differences in lifestyles. Ultimately faith and forgiveness prevail. This refreshing story is endearing, charming and a delightful experience!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review. 


 

"The Bones Will Speak"

(A Gwen Marcey Novel)

by Carrie Stuart Parks

5 stars!

Description

A forensic artist becomes the target of a serial killer who believes he’s God’s anointed executioner.

In present day Copper Creek, Montana, Gwen Marcey is struggling to put together her life after cancer and divorce. When her dog retrieves a skull of a murder victim and leads her to the victim’s grave, Gwen has a chance to use her forensic art ability to identify a serial killer. She is horrified to discover all the victims look like her fourteen-year-old daughter.

What she soon learns is the murderer is a 'lone wolf,' a member of the terrorist group Phineas Priesthood—and he has a score to settle with her. Unraveling the tangled Christian Identity movement, where race, not grace, provides salvation, Gwen is in a frantic rush against time. She must use all her skills to uncover the killer before he can carry out his threat to destroy herself and everyone she loves. 

This book can be purchased at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

http://www.christianbook.com

http://www.deepershopping.com

Biography 

Carrie Stuart Parks and Rick Parks met in the romantic hallways of the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. They married in nineteen eighty-nine and formed a dynamic and successful team in their fine and forensic art, working on major national and international cases and creating exquisite watercolors and stone carvings. They travel internationally, teaching forensic art to a variety of participants: from the Secret Service to the FBI, from large law enforcement agencies to the smallest two-man departments in their one-week classes. They welcome civilian artists to attend their courses as well. Carrie has won numerous awards for her innovative teaching methods and general career excellence and is a signature member of the Idaho Watercolor Society. Rick has received national recognition for his exquisite art placed on musical instruments.
 

Carrie began her fiction writing career while battling breast cancer. Mentored by NY Times bestselling author, Frank Peretti, Carrie's debut novel garnered immediate interest by major publishing houses and landed her a three book deal at HarperCollins Christian. 

Website: http://www.carriestuartparks.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieStuartParksAuthor

My Thoughts ~

The Bones Will Speak is one superb suspense thriller! I'm not a nail biter, but believe me, this book caused me to hold my breath, shake my feet and rock my chair faster and faster as the story progressed! I had the worst time putting this book down in order to get some sleep, and when I picked it up again I was riveted to my chair.

Carrie Stuart Parks is a new author to me, but I intend to follow her career as she composes future novels. I've already purchased her previous suspense novel, but have to catch my breath and allow my heartbeat to return to a normal rate before attempting to read it!

The descriptive elements in this book are artistic, and characters are well defined. This author has done her homework. The amount of research that went into this book is commendable. Of all the possible suspects  that ran through my mind, I was unable to narrow down who the serial killer might be. 

This book is not for the fainthearted, but a strong theme of inspiration was woven into the story that exhibited faith and forgiveness. I highly recommend this suspense-filled thriller!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Wynn-Wynn Media in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

"Lilacs for Juliana"

(The Christy Lumber Camp Series #3)

by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Blog Hop #10

 

 Description

Petite Juliana Beauchamps possesses a vivid imagination, which comes in handy as a librarian. When a handsome giant of a lumberjack comes to town and rescues her from possible tragedy, she’s shaken by the event. A dashing beer baron, from Milwaukee, also pursues Juliana’s attention. Meanwhile, a library trustee determines to push out the female librarians.

Set in 1891, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Book Three in The Christy Lumber Camp Series focuses on Richard “Moose” Christy, the youngest of the sons, as he prepares to manage his first lumber camp. When Yost hires Juliana to organize his personal library, and her letters from Wisconsin suggest foul play, will Richard need to save her once again? And will his secret need to be revealed to win her heart?

Purchase a copy of this book here: http://www.amazon.com

Biography

Former "Yooper" Carrie Fancett Pagels writes Christian historical romances about overcoming. Possessed with an overactive imagination, that wasn't "cured" by twenty-five years as a psychologist, she loves bringing characters to life. Carrie and her family reside in Virginia's Historic Triangle, which is perfect for her fascination with history. Carrie enjoys reading, traveling, baking, and beading--but not all at the same time! 

Website:  http://carriefancettpagels.blogspot.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Carrie-Fancett-Pagels-317053071710640/timeline/

My Thoughts~ 

The third short novel in The Christy Lumber Camp Series, Lilacs for Juliana is an overlapping tale of family and life in the rustic upper peninsula of Michigan. I recommend that you read the first two installments in this series in order to be able to understand past events and characters throughout these stories. Without that background information some portions of the book would be confusing. 

Much takes place in this story that parallels the developing romance between Juliana and Richard. As the story develops family members become closer, and friends play an important role in one another's lives. This is a sweet story of romance, overcoming obstacles, forgiveness, and proceeding forward even with uncertainty for the future. Characters are likable and the plot is charming. Life with the Christy family is never dull.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Review & GIVEAWAY!
"The Birdhouse"

(The Amish of Jamesport #3)

by Laura V. Hilton

5 stars!

TWO opportunities to win a copy of Laura V. Hilton's latest release!


Win a copy of Laura V. Hilton's latest book, The Birdhouse (Amish of Jamesport #3) by entering the Goodreads' Giveaway. 12 copies will be given away (winners chosen randomly by Goodreads). Enter by Oct. 6, then be sure to rate and review! https://www.goodreads.com/…/enter_choose_a…/155605-birdhouse

Description

Twenty–year–old Greta Miller's daed has been injured in a farming accident during the summer. The supportive Amish community tries to help out, but Greta and her sister must work outside the home to make ends meet, and so Greta rents a booth at the farmers' market. Because Greta is still in her rumspringa and free to explore the world, her family selects her to sell her homemade jams, jellies, and preserves to Englischers. 

Josh Yoder wants to court Greta, but years ago, he made the mistake of rejecting her during a seemingly innocent game; which resulted in him leaving the Amish. Three years later, he's back, but Greta wants nothing to do with him. Josh struggles to fit in and rebuild relationships he destroyed. Knowing Greta's family needs help, he steps in, hoping to win her back. 

When Greta admires one of his birdhouses, he gives it to her, hoping that it will open the door to more. But as their friendship begins to grow, a series of unfortunate events pull Greta away from the Amish, leaving her rejected by those she loves. Will Greta get beyond her family's distrust and return home? Will she prove her innocence? Or will she remain outside her Amish community?

Available at -- http://www.amazon.com/Birdhouse-Amish-Jamesport-Laura-Hilton/dp/1629115665/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435082060&sr=8-1&keywords=the+birdhouse+hilton

Biography

Laura Hilton graduated with a business degree from Ozarka Technical College in Melbourne, Arkansas. A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, she is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews published on the Web. The Birdhouse is book two in Laura's latest series with Whitaker House, The Amish of Jamesport. Her first series with Whitaker was The Amish of Seymour, comprising Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (2012 Laurel Award winner, first place in the Amish Genre Clash), and Promised to Another, and her second was The Amish of Webster County, comprising Healing Love, Awakened Love, and Surrendered Love. 

Laura and her husband, Steve, have five children, whom Laura homeschools. The family makes their home in Arkansas. To learn more about Laura, read her reviews, and find out about her upcoming releases, readers may visit her blog at http://lighthouse–academy.blogspot.com/ & Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512?fref=ts

My Thoughts ~

Laura V. Hilton has pulled out all the stops and outdone herself with "The Birdhouse!" She will wrap you right around her little finger with the characters and action in this fantastic Amish fiction book from The Amish of Jamesport series. Emotions run deep and the action flows. Realism is a strong point in this book. Life isn't sugar coated or depicted as saccharine. Amish life is difficult, as life is for all of us. Losses are significant and missed opportunities are heartbreaking, and these events are well described and touch the heart.

Lost faith and hope are sad components in this story of struggling in adversity. Loss of trust is tangible. Misunderstandings and lies leave Greta despairing, but Josh keeps hope alive in his heart. Is his faith and love alone enough to overcome despair in Greta's life? His attraction and love for Greta have never waned, and his growing passion for her only escalates in this poignant and romantic novel of unbridled desire. I loved Greta and Josh and the journey they traveled throughout this enthralling story.

Faith, hope, love and forgiveness are prominent components in "The Birdhouse." This book will literally take your breath away! You'll be swept into a heart pounding adventure of unknown proportions!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

CONTEST GUIDELINES: Please leave a comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address. Giveaways are limited to residents of the continental US only, please. I am not responsible for loss or damage through the postal service. Winners have one week to claim their prizes. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate all of your comments!

Optional: For additional chances to win this giveaway, share this contest through either Twitter or Facebook, and sign up to follow my blog. Please let me know what you did for extra chances to win. Deadline for this giveaway is Wednesday, October 7, 2015.

"Christmas Mittens"

by Laura V. Hilton

Description

Gracia Dykstra enjoys her job at the Senior Center, especially at Christmas time when the seniors have an annual craft shop. Desperate to raise funds Gracia asks for donations of Christmas trees to sell in order to raise much-needed funds, but Christmas tree donations are scarce. Jake Trivett has quit his job in California to come home and help his dad who runs a struggling tree farm. A friendship with Gracia, who he’s always admired, intrigues him. Gracia’s heart flutters with more than Christmas spirit when Jake, an old flame, answers her phone call regarding tree donations. Will Gracia receive more than Christmas trees this year?

Purchase here:
http://www.amazon.com

Biography

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor's wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as the Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press' Quilts of Love series. Laura is contracted for another three book Amish series set in the Jamesport area, with the first book, The Amish Firefighter, planned for April 2016.

She has indie published a Christmas novella, Christmas Mittens.

Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer.

Website: http://www.lauravhilton.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Laura-V-Hilton-161478847242512/timeline/


My Thoughts ~

Those Christmas mittens were truly a gift of love! One of the ladies from the senior center lovingly knitted those red mittens, and Gracia had her eye on them. They were the perfect match to her winter apparel. 

Filled with innocence and dreams for the future, Gracia felt that kind of life was far out of reach. Her lack of self esteem held her back from those things that every girl desires. There were times I wanted to shake her and other times I loved her. She demonstrated such a warm Christian spirit, and I admired her willingness to step forward and take on tasks that most young women would balk at.

Jake was a bit aloof and hard to read, and his attitude frustrated me at times, but I loved his character, devoted to his father and the farm he loved. His devotion and compassion for family and community are definite assets to this hardworking young man's character.

Sparks flew as these two characters clashed and misunderstood each other, yet the atmosphere sizzled as a flash of attraction smoldered beneath the surface. Is this relationship going anywhere? Is there even a relationship to question? Pick up a copy of this sweet Christmas novella and find out for yourself if the sparks ignite and light a fire under Jake and Gracia!

Disclaimer: I received a PDF copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Trial by Twelve

(A Murder in the Mountains #2)

by Heather Day Gilbert

Description

Tess Spencer loves her low-key job at the Crystal Mountain Spa, which allows her plenty of down-time with her one-year old daughter and lawyer husband, Thomas. But when a pool installation turns up eight skeletons in the spa's back yard, Tess becomes entangled in a sleuthing job destined to go awry.

As the investigation gets underway, someone dumps a fresh body near the excavated burial site, confirming unspeakable fears. A serial killer has returned to Buckneck, West Virginia...a skilled hunter with a unique taste in prey.

When Tess agrees to help the cunning Detective Tucker gather clues from the inside, she discovers the posh spa hides more than dead bodies. Even as she sifts through layers of deceit, Tess realizes too late that the killer's sights have zeroed in on her.

Unpredictable psychological mystery replete with memorable characters, Trial by Twelve is Book Two in A Murder in the Mountains series.

This novel is written from a Christian worldview.

This book can be purchased at the following locations: 

http://www.amazon.com 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

Biography

HEATHER DAY GILBERT writes novels that capture life in all its messy, bittersweet, hope-filled glory. Born and raised in the West Virginia mountains, generational story-telling runs in her blood. Heather is a graduate of Bob Jones University and is married to her college sweetheart. Having recently returned to her roots, she and her husband are raising their three children in the same home in which Heather grew up.

Heather's Viking historical novel, God's Daughter, is an Amazon Norse Bestseller. She is also the author of A Murder in the Mountains mystery series, and the Indie Publishing Handbook: Four Key Elements for the Self-Publisher.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/heatherdgilbert
FB Author page: https://twitter.com/heatherdgilbert
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/heatherdgilbert/boards/

My Thoughts ~

This is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last. A fast-paced and unpredictable mystery, I wasn't able to lay this book aside for any length of time. A Trial by Twelve was unlike what I expected, and I was pleasantly surprised.

With a serial murderer on the loose Tess' life turns into a whirlwind of questions and dangerous situations. A number of people in the community are suspect as Tess works with Detective Tucker in unraveling numerous frightening and ambiguous clues. Murder victims continue to mystify the residents in this small mountainous community, and Tess endangers her life while attempting to uncover evidence that could lead to the murderer.

Throughout the book, letters composed by a father to his child in foster care are revealed, adding to the suspense. It isn't clear who this person is and what role he plays in this mystery, but the fact that these letters show up throughout the story indicates that the originator of those letters could be a suspect. The letters gave me shivers as I read between the lines. Numerous characters throughout this book became suspect in my mind, and as Tess encountered these individuals my heart raced!

Family is a very strong component throughout this well written story. I could relate to those wonderful, loving family ties. Each member watched out for the others, and the bonds between friends and family are commendable. Love is a strong force.

Rather than give you more details, let this mystery unravel for yourself, and pick up a copy of Trial by Twelve. You won't be disappointed! 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

"Luther and Katharina"

A Novel of Love & Rebellion

by Jody Hedlund
5 stars!

 Description

Katharina von Bora has seen nothing but the inside of cloister walls since she was five. In a daring escape, Katharina finds refuge with Martin Luther and seeks his help to pair her with the noble, wealthy husband she desires.

As class tensions and religious conflicts escalate toward the brink of war, Martin Luther believes that each day could be his last and determines he will never take a wife.

As the horrors of the bloody Peasant War break out around them, the proud Katharina and headstrong Martin Luther fight their own battle for true love, in one of the greatest love stories of history.

Purchase at the following locations:
http://www.amazon.com 
http://www.barnesandnoble.com
http://www.christianbook.com
http://www.deepershopping.com

Biography

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling author of inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.

As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she's not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories.

She loves reading almost as much as she loves writing, especially when it also involves chocolate and coffee.

Website:  http://jodyhedlund.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJodyHedlund?fref=ts


My Thoughts ~ 

Luther and Katharina is one of the most impressive books I've read this year. Based on fact, with a compelling historical account of one of the most powerful and influential men in the Protestant Reformation, the author has created a captivating story. Martin Luther brought to light the truth of scripture, advocating the power of God's grace. Romance is the furthest thing from Luther's mind, but thoughts of Katharina haunt him. Katharina's strength of character, intellect and competence as an herbalist are well documented, making her a significant benefaction to Luther.

The rebellion in the 16th century is described in magnificent detail, raw, authentic, brutal and commanding. This is history through realistic fiction, the factual account of life and the bloody persecution as a result of Luther's doctrines. His relationship with the beautiful Katharina is depicted as intense and agonizing.  

The descriptive elements in this novel are highly commendable with an intricate attention to detail. The Reformation brought religious, political, intellectual and cultural upheaval, with violence the norm for that period in religious history. Hedlund paints a vivid portrayal through a masterful account of the lives of Luther, Katharina and those who were a part of their lives, and their attempts to inform others to the significance of grace through faith.

This well researched and impressive novel is a masterpiece in religious history and romance through fiction. I was engrossed in this literary work as I followed the characters through the events and atrocities of the time. Suspense was another strong feature as this unpredictable story unfolded. Luther and Katharina's story had a profound affect on me, one that is unforgettable. I highly recommend this masterfully written novel! 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Review & GIVEAWAY!
"Anna's Healing"

(Plain & Simple Miracles #1)

by Vannetta Chapman

5 stars!

Description

Anna’s Healing is the first book in a brand-new collection from popular author Vannetta Chapman. These stories of love and family and Amish community in Oklahoma tell of the miracles that can happen when lives are lived in service to God and to one another.

When a tornado strikes the farms surrounding Cody’s Creek, Anna Schwartz’s life is changed forever. She suffers a spinal cord injury and suddenly finds herself learning to live as a paraplegic.

Three people—Chloe Roberts, Jacob Graber, and Ruth Schwartz—join forces to help Anna through her darkest days. Chloe is an Englischer who writes for the local paper. Jacob has recently arrived in town and stays on as a hired hand at her uncle’s. And Ruth is her grandmother, a woman of deep faith and a compassionate spirit.

Then one morning Anna wakes and finds herself healed. How did it happen? Why did it happen? And what is she to do now? Her life is again turned upside down as the world’s attention is drawn to this young Amish girl who has experienced the unexplainable.



Purchase at the following locations:
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.barnesandnoble.com 
http://www.christianbook.com
http://www.deepershopping.com

Biography

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She has published more than one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather's birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her novel Falling to Pieces was a 2012 ACFW Carol Award finalist. A Promise for Miriam earned a spot on the June 2012 Christian Retailing Top Ten Fiction list. Chapman was a teacher for 15 years and currently writes full time. She lives in the Texas hill country with her husband. 

For more information, visit her at www.VannettaChapman.com 
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks/photos_stream


My Thoughts ~

Anna's Healing made an extraordinary impact on me as I grew to love the characters in this book! There were moments while reading this story that my emotions got the best of me. Each character represents someone real, someone in our lives, loved ones, friends, community. A freak tornado not only broke Anna's back, it also broke her spirit. Her entire world collapsed around her. Difficulty accepting help from others isn't an unusual reaction in the event of major life changes, but Anna fought her reality with ferocity even through her miraculous healing. 

Those involved in Anna's life became heroes in my sentiments. Her close Englisch friend, Chloe, Jacob Graber, her church community and most of all, her grandmother, were very strong components in this poignant story. I felt a tangible closeness to Anna's grandmother, a woman of strong and unwavering faith. Her life represented a deep peace and inner strength. She became my hero throughout Anna's story. Always a balm to Anna, she spent long hours reading scriptures and praying for Anna. I was deeply affected by that devotion. Jacob is an extraordinary character, a man of character and devotion. I connected with him immediately as he sought peace and harmony in his own life and eventually demonstrated that devotion to Anna.

Every day Anna awakened with her grandmother at her side, reading scriptures and praying. "Do you believe in miracles, child? Our Gotte is a Gotte of miracles." Reticent, Anna is reluctant to take on that conversation. Haunted with recurrent dreams, Anna struggles to comprehend their meaning. Her grandmother, always attentive, always at Anna's side through the worst of the storms, had an understanding of those dreams. She believed.

Are miracles real? Do you believe in miracles? It has been written that miracles do exist with examples to substantiate those theories. Anna's Healing is a pinnacle in faith, a faith that is so well represented in this story that my own beliefs were charged. This book is written with such depth of feeling that it stirs the soul and awakens the senses. I highly recommend this restorative depiction of how an entire community is affected by the events in one person's life.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

CONTEST GUIDELINES: Please leave a comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address. Giveaways are limited to residents of the continental US only, please. I am not responsible for loss or damage through the postal service. Winners have one week to claim their prizes. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate all of your comments!

Optional: For additional chances to win this giveaway, share this contest through either Twitter or Facebook, and sign up to follow my blog. Please let me know what you did for extra chances to win. Deadline for this giveaway is: Wednesday, September 30, 2015.
  

"The Lopsided Christmas Cake"

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

& Jean Brunstetter!
5 stars!

Description 

Join the Hochstetler twin sisters on stage as they bumble their way through baking a cake for a charity auction in front of a live audience. The take-charge Elma and the klutzy optimist Thelma manage to entertain their audience—and attract the admiration of two bachelors, an outspoken woodworker and a shy harness maker from a neighboring Amish community. As fall leads into the Christmas season, could romance be blossoming for one or more of the Hochstetler twins? Find out in this brand new romance from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, writing with her daughter-in-law Jean Brunstetter.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com

http://www.deepershopping.com

Biographies

Wanda E. Brunstetter

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 60 books with more than 7 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today. Wanda’s books have been translated into four foreign languages.

Wanda’s fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda’s desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda’s novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda’s primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern “Englishers.” Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too.

Wanda E. Brunstetter currently resides in the state of Washington. 

Jean Brunstetter

Jean Brunstetter, Wanda E. Brunstetter's daughter-in-law, enjoys writing about the Amish and takes every opportunity to visit her Amish friends in many communities.

My Thoughts ~

Getting to know the Hochstetler twins is an experience to be enjoyed! Elma and Thelma plunge into their first major life change with some trepidation, but the sense of excitement compels them to leave their home in Illinois for the farm they've known all of their lives. Killed in an Amish buggy accident, their grandparents left their estate in Topeka, Indiana to their twin granddaughters. 

Elma and Thelma are identical twins except for their very different personalities. Discovering the quirky and somewhat contrary personalities of these young women is not only interesting, but very entertaining! Familiar temperaments reminded me of people in my own life! Identical doesn't count where their identities are concerned!

The fact that life isn't always what it seems comes to play in this adventure of discovering what befalls them as they take over the farm. The activities that ensue on the farm are a bit overwhelming, but humorous to say the least! I thoroughly enjoyed the predicaments these young women found themselves in, and had a few laughs at the comedic episodes that ensued.

A sweet autumn season leading up to Christmas, I found this book to be a charming story of the devotion these women held for one another, and their discoveries about who they are as individuals. Romance is in the air, and the innocence of new love is endearing!

Be sure to add this book to your collection and enjoy another wonderful book by Wanda E. Brunstetter with the assistance of her daughter-in-law, Jean Brunstetter!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.