Where Courage Calls: A When Calls the Heart Novel Paperback

by Janette Oke (Author) , Laurel Oke Logan (Author)

 

 

Her courage and her heart will be tested in ways she never expected. . .Beth Thatcher has spent her entire life in the safe, comfortable world of her family, her friends, and the social outings her father's wealth provides. But Beth is about to leave it all behind to accept a teaching position in the rugged foothills of western Canada. Inspired by her aunt Elizabeth, who went west to teach school several years ago, and gently encouraged by her father, Beth resolves to put her trust in God and bravely face any challenge that comes her way.

But the conditions in Coal Valley are even worse than she'd feared. A recent mining accident has left the town grieving and at the mercy of the mining company. The children have had very little prior education, and many of the locals don't even speak English. There isn't even a proper schoolhouse. In addition, Beth's heart is torn between two young men--both Mounties, one a lifelong friend and the other a kind, quiet man who comes to her aid more than once.

Despite the many challenges, Beth is determined to make a difference in the rustic frontier town. But when her sister visits from the East, reminding her of all the luxuries she's had to give up, will Beth decide to return to her privileged life as soon as the school year is over?

My Review:

 It had been some time since I had read one of Janette Oke's books. I wasn't disappointed, She still can write the story in a way that draws you into the story line. The characters are interesting and evolve as the story unfolds. The authors daughter joins her in writing this book but the book flows easily without any interruptions. It will be great to see what these two authors put out next,
This is a interesting Christian based book with some romance, adventure and how one must grow in God's grace trusting that he alone knows what is best for us. I recommend this book!
 

 

 

 

I was given this book from Litfuse in return for an honest review on my blog.

 

 

Great Resource!

 

 

The A-Z of C S Lewis: A Complete Guide to His Life, Thoughts and Writings Hardcover

by Colin Duriez (Author)

 

A Complete Guide to His Life, Thoughts and Writings
Published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of C. S. Lewis’s death, this complete guide covers all of Lewis’ works, from his literary criticism to Narnia
C. S. Lewis’s work is widely known and regarded, but enthusiasts are often only aware of one part of his work—his children’s stories and his popular theology; and yet he wrote so much more, including science fiction and literary criticism. This volume brings together all aspects of C S Lewis’s life and thought. Arranged in alphabetical order, it begins with The Abolition of Man—written in 1943 and described as “almost my favorite”—to Wormwood, a character in The Screwtape Letters. This book will delight anyone who is interested in C. S. Lewis and wants to learn more about him, his thought, his works, and his life.

 

Colin Duriez was for many years a commissioning editor at Inter-Varsity Press UK. He has subsequently appeared as a commentator on DVDs of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings, and BBC television's The Worlds of Fantasy. He is also the author of "The Inklings Handbook" (with the late David Porter), "J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis: The Story of Their Friendship," and "Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings," and has contributed to definitive reference works relating to Tolkien such as "The Tolkien Encyclopedia" (Routledge).

 

 

 

My Review:

This is a nice book of the life and writing of one of the greats. This is strictly a reference book but covers everything. C.S. Lewis was a great writer and this book will only magnify that fact and you go through this book and realize the scope of his work.

It will encourage you to pick up one of C S Lewis's books that maybe you haven't read before. This would make a great gift for a Lewis fan.

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Litfuse Publicity Group for the purpose of this honest review.

 

A Road Unknown

 

A Road Unknown: Amish Roads | Book 1 Paperback Barbara Cameron (Author) 


Elizabeth is at a crossroad. She's been given the chance to experience life outside of her community, away from the responsibility to care for her eight younger siblings, but Elizabeth Bontrager can't decide which road to take. Goshen has its charms and pressures, but Paradise, Pennsylvania, sounds . . . well, like paradise. And it's also home to her Englisch friend, Paula. Decision made. Elizabeth is Paradise bound.
But will the small town live up to its name? When Elizabeth meets Paula's friend, Bruce, she quickly learns he wants more than a friendship. And the same might be true of Saul Miller, her new boss at the country story that sells Amish products to the Englisch community. As the two compete for her attention, Elizabeth is surprised to realize she misses her family and becomes even more uncertain about where she belongs. She has a choice to make: return home or embrace this new life and possibly a new love?
                                                                             

  

 

My Review: This is an interesting story of an Amish girl that has no life of her own but to care for her many younger siblings. Even thought she does have a job at a local fabric store she must give all her money to her parents. She is not allow to have any kind of life outside of caring for her family even though she is at an age when most Amish young people attend singings and start to court.

 

With an English pen pal offers her a place to live in another state she takes the chance and leaves her family. It doesn't take her long to settle end but then her overbearing Grandma  makes contact with the local bishop. The bishop demands she return home. Find out what  Elizabeth decides to do. Interesting story line.

 

 

I received this book free from Litfuse in return for my review.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

                   

 

Everyday Confetti: Your Year-Round Guide to Celebrating Holidays and Occasions Paperback

By Authors Karen Ehman & Glynnis Whitwer             

                                                            

 

 

When a busy woman looks at her calendar and sees a birthday, holiday, or special occasion, she has the best intentions for bringing joy to her family and creating lasting memories. Then reality hits. Amidst demanding responsibilities and an overloaded schedule, when is she ever going to have time to plan the perfect celebration or find the creativity to make it special?

In this go-to guide, Karen Ehman and Glynnis Whitwer give women the ideas and the motivation they need to make such occasions less daunting. They provide creative ideas and menu plans for
· Holidays
· Birthdays
· Special Events
· Everyday Occasions
Readers will even find suggestions for reaching out to others throughout the year through celebrations that are simple, doable, and stress-free.

.                        My Review: This is more than just your ordinary cookbook. It's a book of celebrations along with great recipes. The book provides ways to celebrate every holiday that you can think of along with stories and scriptures to enhance the ideas of making the day special. The book encourages us to celebrate spiritual milestones and ways to make the  everyday occasions special. Some of the things they mention is having a family honor plate, family day, and putting notes in your kids and spouse lunches. This book is about reconnecting to your family, making memories and treasuring each day. I was I had this book when my daughter was little to help create special memories. This book would be a great gift.     I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book

Hopeful

Hopeful: Return to Sugarcreek, Book One Paperback

By Author Shelley Shepard Gray

 

In the Amish town of Sugarcreek, love comes in many forms. But will it come at all for Miriam?
Miriam Zehr has worked at the Sugarcreek Inn longer than she cares to admit. The restaurant is a favorite of town residents as well as the many tourists who come to taste the famous Amish fare. Though she always tries to have a smile for every customer, deep down Miriam knows something's missing: a family of her own.
Miriam has never felt particularly beautiful, especially because she's always been a bit heavier than other girls her age. When Junior, the man she's pined for all her life, suddenly seeks her out, she's thrilled to be noticed . . . until she realizes he's only asking her to help get the attention of Mary Kathryn Hershberger, her pretty friend.
If Miriam helps Junior court Mary Kathryn, she'll get to spend a lot of time with him, but she might lose him in the process. Are these few stolen moments worth a lifetime of sacrifice? Is Miriam right to even hope for the life she dreams of?

My Review:
This was an interesting story. The author writes in a style that makes you feel the pain of some of the characters.Although the book centers around the Amish it does not feel so Amish centered as other books. The book touches on subjects we can relate to. Subjects such as rejection, loss, miscarriage, abuse and adoption.
As you read the book you will wonder if Miriam will ever find love. Will Junior finally get Mary Kathryn or will he realize the one for him has been right in front of him the whole time. And you will wonder what is the mystery that surrounds Mary Kathryn. The moral of the book is when you have difficulties look to God and open up to family and close friends.

 

 

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from  Litfuse Publicity as part of their Blogger Review 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”