When the Soul Mends by Cindy Woodsmall

When the Soul Mends by Cindy Woodsmall

Book Review: Returning to the home she fled in disgrace, will Hannah find healing for wounds of the past? 

After receiving a desperate and confusing call from her sister, Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community of her Pennsylvania childhood.

Having left Owl's Perch more than two years earlier, she finally has settled into a satisfying role int he Englischer world. Hannah has found love and a new family with the wealthy Martin Palmer and the children she is helping him raise; and her life-long dream of being part of the medical community is being realized. But almost immediately after her arrival, the disapproval of those who ostracized her, including her headstrong father, reopens old wounds. 

As Hannah is thrown together with former fiance' Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah's mental health, hidden truths surface about events during Hannah's absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the plain life--and perhaps to her first love. 

My Review: Cindy Woodsmall does it again!!! Immediately drawn into yet another Amish inspired book, this one being the Sisters of the Quilt, Book Three. The wonderful thing about these books are that you do not even have to read them order to know where everyone is coming from! Hannah Lapp has gotten used to the Englischer world after leaving the Old Order Amish community. She has fallen in love with a man, Martin Palmer, and his niece and nephew with whom she is helping raise. She receives a frantic call from her former home telling her that she must return quickly to help her sister Sarah. Once there, she finds herself back in touch with her former flame, Paul Waddell, who is helping work with Hannah's sister who has mental health issues. Will his help draw her back to him and leave all of those in the English world behind or will Hannah's wounds from a terrible past get in the way? A wonderful read!

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see don't see the whole staircase-Martin Luther King Jr.

The Beauty of Believing...365 Devotions that Will Change Your Life

BOOK Review: The Beauty of Believing...365 Devotions that Will Change Your Life

"I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers for this review”.

Book Review: Are you ready to blossom?

Faith is like a flower. In order to grow, it needs soil, water, and sun--food for the spirit. That's just what this devotional is: spiritual food to help your faith grow strong and beautiful. 

Featuring 365 days of wisdom from your favorite Faithgirlz! authors, this devotional offers pages of inspiration on everything from navigating friendships to taming the tongue and trusting God in everything, big and small. Growing up can be tough, but Jesus is guiding you every step of the way.

The Beauty of Believing combines the talents of Faithgirlz! authors Tasha K. Douglas, Mona Hodgson, Kristi Holl, Lois Walfrid Johnson, Allia Zobel Nolan, and Nancy Rue. Their world of wisdom will help your faith bloom and flourish as you grow into the girl God wants you to be. 

My Review: My daughter and I were so excited to receive this book! The cover leads you to a world of excitement even before you crack open the book! Colorful and fun! Although it will take us 365 days to get through these devotions, what we are reading now is awesome! Very easy to understand, put into terms that make a child want to read it! I, myself, cannot wait until bedtime....this is when my daughter and I sit down to read that days devotion. At that point, we have been through our day and are ready to read and discuss. Each of us feels better after reading these great devotions that are put into a story type of form. What fun for an 11 year old....and her mother too!!! If the authors were to put out the same type of book every year, I would, without a doubt, purchase it! Great book!!!!

Book Review: A Love Undone by Cindy Woodsmall

Book Review: A Love Undone by Cindy Woodsmall

"I received this BOOK FOR free from Blogging for Books for this review”.

BOOK Review: A husband and son abandoned to forge a path alone. A young woman who sacrificed her dreams. How will the God of grace and hope help them find their way?

At the age of nineteen, Old Order Amish Jolene Keim was on the brink of happily-ever-after when everything changed, stealing her future she expected and burdening her with an unbearable decision. For the next ten years, Jolene threw herself into family life--and then she meets Andy Fisher. The horse trainer and father to a sweet nine year old challenges her and holds up a mirror to issues Jolene has been unwilling to face.

Andy is cautious about his deepening friendship with Jolene, but he believes she knows the truth about him--that he is a grass widower. As a man whose wife abandoned him six years ago, he is unable to divorce or remarry according to the Amish ways. Andy wrestled with God concerning his reality and he had found peace with the solitary future facing him...until he met Jolene.

As Andy and Jolene find themselves confronted by difficult choices, will they trust in  God's guidance--or will the allure of their deepening friendship only lead to further temptation?

My Review: Being a Cindy Woodsmall fan, I was very happy to see another of her books ready to review! It couldn't have come at a better time either! Requested in the fall and arriving with a cover of Jolene pictured on a gorgeous cover of autumn colors; yellow, gold, red...breathtaking! The cover should always draw you in :) This is actually a branch of another book that has to do with this family that I once read about. What young Amish woman could bear a tragedy as big as this and be able to go on with her everyday life? This is Jolene's dilemma and puts her on the fence with a huge lifelong decision. Once she has chosen her life, everything she has known changes, but could it be for the better? Leading her in the direction of Andy Fisher, one that she does not realize is a grass widower, and can never divorce or remarry, she begins to develop very deep feelings. Andy feels he cannot return the feelings and keeps his distance, but can it be done? As the two become very close friends while working together, and become even closer...will they be able to continue on this path? A forbidden one? Anxious to find out? Buy this book!

Book Review: Best Party Book Ever!

BOOK Review: Best Party Book Ever

"I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers for this review”.

Book Review: Let's Celebrate! Whether you're throwing you BFF a surprise party or hosting a last-minute sleepover with your friends, we have everything you need to pull off the perfect party.

From the editors of Faithgirlz! and Girls' Life magazine, this book shows you how to throw 14 amazing get-togethers from start to finish, including an adorable Easter brunch for your family, a just-because garden soiree for your girls and a Christmas cookie bake-off that's extra sweet. 

The best part? We'll spill the secrets on how to have fun as a hostess--from the moment you begin crafting those cute invitations to when you hug your buds goodbye. Our darling decor DIYs and tasty recipes are easy to whip up, and they give your parties a pretty, personal feel. 

You're on your way to planning the ultimate party and making memories with your best friends that will last long after they've polished off the cupcake

My Review: Fun!!! I was so excited to receive this book just based off of the cover alone! From Hostess Hints to Anytime Parties to Birthday Parties and everything in between...there are lots of great ideas for every party you could possibly want to throw. There are craft ideas, recipes, etc... Have a pet? There are party ideas for them too! Holidays? Covered! Everything is written up on a checklist so the book does it all for you! Have no time, but need some great ideas all down in front of you...get this book! 

Book Review: Treat Yourself by Jennifer Steinhauer

Book Review: Treat Yourself..70 Classic Snacks you loved as a kid (and still love today). If you grew up on corner-store treats, memory lane is paved with Ho Hos, Yodels, Oreos and Ring Dings. And while your taste buds may have grown up a bit, chances are you still crave these classic flavors. Now you can re-create lunch-box delights that made you the envy of other kids, with all-natural home versions. 

After much obsessing and experimentation, Jennifer Steinhauer has cracked the code for 70 iconic treats to re-create in your own kitchen. There are cookies with a perfect crunchy base for cream filling, snack cakes with frosting so thick you can peel it off all at once, candies dipped in chocolate and dusted with sugar and ice cream pops so juicy that they drip down your arm. A self-taught baker, Jennifer had no interest in complicated techniques or chemical gunk, just easy hacks that break down and remaster these throwback snacks. So go ahead--treat yourself to your own homemade version of these favorites: 

Samoas, Pecan Sandies, Chips Ahoy! and other classic cookies.

Nutter Butters, Mint Milanos, Oatmeal Creme Pies, and other sweet sandwich cookies. 

Twinkies, Drake's Coffee Cakes, Devil Dogs and other snack cakes. 

Fig Newtons, Lemon Mini-Pies, Strawberry Pop-Tarts and other fruity, filled treats. 

Soft Pretzels, Pizza Pockets, Funyuns, and other salty, savory snacks.

Cracker Jacks, Goo Goo Clusters, Candy Dots and other candy favorites.

Orange Creamsicles, Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Pops, Nutty Buddies and other frozen treats. 

My Review: From the second I requested this book, I new I would be in heaven...and hungry!!! There is nothing more exciting than trying to recreate those favorite snacks..and then getting to eat them afterward! The idea of being able to make my own Oreos just set me off on a baking spree to make as many yummy snacks as I possibly can. Twinkies you say? Don't mind if I do remake the spongy goodness oozing with creamy centers! Jennifer has definitely grabbed my eye with the cover and back cover of this book and all the photos in between. Anything that can make a person this hungry just by looking at a few pictures is definitely on the right track. There will not be even one section that does not cover one of your favorite childhood snacks. Although the finished product is not completely identical, you can bet that they will be as close as it comes to tastiness! What a fantastic idea!!

Book Review: How to Pick Up a Stripper ...and Other Acts of Kindness by Todd and Erin Stevens

Book Review: How to Pick Up a Stripper ...and Other Acts of Kindness by Todd and Erin Stevens

"I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers for this review”.

Book Review: The starting and ending points for all outreach have to be love. The most effective way to reach people for Jesus is through servant evangelism--showing God's love in practical ways. This type of outreach is what Jesus modeled and invites people to take the next step from where they are.

Friendship Community Church, led by Pastor Todd Stevens, has experienced tremendous growth through acts of kindness. The church's most radical project is Nashville Strip Church, founded by Erin Stevens. Erin's life changed when God told her to "go feed the strippers." With home-cooked meals and gift bags in hand, Erin shows dancers that God loves them. How to Pick Up a Stripper and Other Acts of Kindness includes the story of a dancer who has come to know Christ, left the strip club industry through Erin's ministry, and is now serving with Erin to reach other strippers.

From feeding the homeless to Easter egg hunts for children with disabilities to ministering in a strip club, How to Pick to Pick Up a Stripper and Other Acts of Kindness provides exciting ideas for showing God's love in practical ways.

My Review: A very interesting title to a very different book. Todd Stevens definitely has a way with words and it shows in this book that begins with really funny jokes. I was very interested to hear how this couple, had many ways that they helped others in their volunteer work. I was a little disappointed as I got into the book to see that the volunteer projects that are noted on the back of the book are the only services that are in the book....it didn't seem to extend past those and I thought the book would be filled with ideas. Todd began to loose me around the 5th chapter as the writing began to bore me. Although Todd does very well here and there with his words, the writing does drag. I could not get back into the book so I did not finish. Sorry Todd and Erin...