Starting From Scratch - Kate Lloyd

This is the first book I have read by Kate Lloyd.  It was a nice sweet tale of the life of an "old maid" by Amish standards.  Eva Lapp finds herself thrust in a new situation and has resolved to herself that this is her new life.  False rumors spread through the Amish community and somewhat tarnished her reputation.  She moves to a small cottage to perform a job she wants - or so she thought.

For an Old Maid she has 3 potential male suitors - only 1 of them is a member of the Amish church.  There may be 4 potential suitors.  The last - and oldest - one's intentions are really clear. 

She makes her way in her new job.  She befriends a somewhat prickly older woman.  She finds herself stuck in the middle of some difficult situations.  She has some hard decisions to make.

My thoughts:  I don't find a lot about this story believable....but what do I know?!  This book was a sweet tale.  I don't really agree with her final choice in a man.

I received this book as a reviewer with no obligation to post a review.

A Loyal Heart - Jody Hedlund

A Loyal Heart – Jody Headlund

A Loyal Heart is part of Jody Hedlund’s Young Adult series set in the Medieval time period.  I highly recommend not only this book - I recommend this whole series!  Each book has a theme  complete with wonderful discussion questions in the back!

This is the story of Lady Olivia and Sir Aldric.  Lady Olivia and her sister are taken captive by Lord Pitt’s knights – aka Sir Aldric.  She surprised all of his men with her ability to fight and defend herself.  She is extremely protective of her weaker younger sister.  Lady Olivia is trying to follow through with a plan to help her father.  She is asked to steal a sacred relic.  This plan get’s her in hot water with Lord Pitt’s wife. 

Sir Aldric was the one who took Lady Olivia as a captive.  He didn’t plan for her to be thrown into the dark dungeon.  Needless to say, there are many twists and turns in this story.

People aren’t always who they seem to be. 

Read this book!  If you haven’t read the other books in this series, read them too!

A Sea Before Us - Sarah Sundin

I have loved Sarah Sundin books for years.  The Sea Before Us, part of the Sunrise of Normandy series, takes place before D-Day in 1944.  Lt. Wyatt Paxton, an American Naval Officer,  has some issues he is running from in his family and doesn't believe he deserves forgiveness.  Dorothy Fairfax, a British Wren, believes some serious lies about her worth.  This is the story of Wyatt and maybe Dorothy.  There are several twists and turns!  I love stories of reconciliation, and this is one of them!

I was given this book, and I have no obligation to post a review.

The Accidental Guardian - Mary Connely

Trace Riley has taken on the responsibility of guarding a wagon train trail.  He has a personal interest in this job.  He basically raised himself and learned to live off the land.  When he comes upon 2 women and children, he doesn't quite know what to do. 

Deborah Harkness and her younger sister  along with 2 small children survive a wagon train attack.  They find themselves at the mercy of Trace. They are the only females for miles, and although they are more than thankful for the help they have been a little burned by men in the past - their father. 

This is their story.  It is very good!  READ THIS BOOK!

I was given this book and was under no obligation to post a review. 

Dreaming with God - Sarah Beth Marr

I am the mom of a son that is a dancer.  When he was in high school he wanted to follow his dreams and dance.  I didn't see that as a "doable" option.  However, God changed my heart and opened the door for me to come along side of him.  When I saw this book it sparked my interest!  This book is set up like a bible study with tons of inspiration.   One of the quotes in the book is, "God is at work in your life, guiding you to the dreams He has for you."  Such truth!  I haven't completed the study.  I just like the Dreaming WITH God.  I know the WITH is such an IMPORTANT part, and I believe this book encourages seeking God.

By the way, my son is a dance major with a REALLY great scholarship!

I received a complementary copy of this book from Baker Books and was under no obligation to post a review.

Amish Cooking Class Cookbooks

I love to cook!  I love the photography in this book.  The recipes I have tried are super yummy!  I can hardly wait to try more!  The steps are easy to follow.  The little outtakes of life in Amish kitchens are awesome!  I would highly recommend this book if you like to cook.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.  Thank you, Barbour Books!

Devotions for the Hungry Heart - Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

Devotions for a Hungry Heart -  Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

            I love a great devotional!  I love the title of this book.  I love the description of this book.  Unfortunately I don’t find Devotions for a Hungry Heart is a true devotional book.  Now, that being said, I think it is a well-written book of personal testimonies with a bible verse at the end of the day’s reading and some recipes in the middle that I believe must go along with the title.  (These recipes look AMAZING!)  My husband would call this devotional fluff, but I do think we can learn from other people’s stories. 

            I do believe the Shellie Rushing Tomlinson is chasing after Jesus with her whole heart.  I do believe this would be a great devotional for a new believer to show what faith can look like.  So there are plenty of redeeming things about this book.  I would read this book for the testimonies but not as a devotional.  Her stories are SUPER FUN!  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.  

Troubled Waters - Susan May Warren

Troubled Water – Susan May Warren

            Ian Shaw has basically lost everything.  His money.  His niece.  And the woman he loves.  He is stubborn for sure.  This is book 4 in the Montana Rescue series and I have wanted this store since maybe the novella -- before the series actually came out I think!  Susan May Warren has left me wanting more in the first 4 books about Ian’s story!

            Sierra has some guilt haunting her when it comes to Ian and his niece.  She also has some personal hardships she is facing.

            Through a series of events that threatens to close down PEAK Rescue Sierra finds herself leading a fundraising trip on Ian’s yacht.  This is where things get interesting.  You need to read the story for yourself to find out.

            I still think there are a few stories to tell in the Montana Rescue series, and I can hardly wait to read them!

            Read this book!