Book Review: Noelle

This book, Noelle, by Greg Kincaid, tugged at my heartstrings from the Prologue. It talked about the puppy mill where Noelle was born. My own dog was rescued at the side of the road from one of these places and would have froze to death if she were not saved.

I have not read the previous books in this series, but that was all right as they gave a good description of events and people that were in this book. Noelle was cast aside when she was born because she was not the perfect example of a Golden Retriever. However, she became the friendliest and most wonderful dog. Todd and Laura are two characters in the story.

Todd was born developmentally delayed. However, with the love and support of those around him he became a top dog trainer. In this book he and Laura move in together and look to the future. Todd becomes the manager of a new dog rescue facility.

Mary Ann, Todd's mom and outspoken library board member, has found herself in the new position of Mrs. Anna Claus.

Each of the characters is so easy to relate to, it was hard to believe that so much story could fit between the covers of this small book. This is definitely a book for those looking for a book for Christmas or for those who enjoy dog stories. I love both, so this fit in my life nicely. All the traditions of Christmas are included and put me in the mood for the season.

I was given this book by NetGalley and by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Cook Book Review: More-with-Less (40th Anniversary Edition)

I purchased an edition of this book 30 years ago and I loved it. When this edition came out, I was convinced that I would feel the same about it. I do.

This book has been filled with recipes used by the Mennonite people. It helps the consumer look at the food that we consume, like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes etc. Preferably, these should come from local sources. To show some of the missions that the Mennonite people serve they include pictures from around the world using local resources.

I found the recipes were easy to follow and, unlike so many other cookbooks, do not take forever to create. I enjoyed this version as often as I did the first one I owned.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Herald Press in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Life-Changing Miracles

James Stuart Bell brought together a book filled with stories that will inspire others. I feel that there is at least one or two stories that will speak to the reader's heart and sole. For myself I enjoyed A Walking Miracle, Circle of God's Arms, God Had Other Plans and Finding Faith in Foreign Land. Each one touched me and, in part, told a story from my own life.

I highly recommend this book to others. I give it 5 stars.

I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Managing Bubbie

Russel Lazega's grandmother escaped from a nursing home, which is pretty easy for someone that escaped a concentration camp. Her family help support her decisions. This was not always easy but the story made a wonderful, loving, humorous book. It will help to share with others that caring for loved ones does not have to be filled with problems.

I was given this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: The Trust

Liam Taggart had to return to Northern Ireland for his uncle's funeral. He was not happy to return as when he left there were bitter feelings with his family. He discovers that his uncle had foreseen his own murder and that his estate was left to a secret trust to be released when the killer is discovered. This left many questions. Liam decides to investigate which leads to many old secrets. He is now in a tempest as he has been named as sole trustee.

This is a well-written and intriguing book and even though this is the first book I have read in the series, I enjoyed it and was easily drawn in.  It was well-researched and each page was filled with twists and turns. I recommend this book to those that enjoy a good historical whodunit.

I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review: Loving Luther

Katharina von Bora was raised in a convent. It was easy for her to call her father God, after all this was her life. Eventually she takes her vows but soon an uneasiness comes upon her when she finds the writings of Martin Luther. This led her to wonder if this is all that she is supposed to have. She leaves the convent but not the trust she found in God. She finds a shelter through Luther's friends, but still she craves more...a home and a husband.

I have written works by Allison Pittman before and they have all been well-written. I found the research into the people to be well-done. I felt like I was living the life with Katherine. We find how she is shaped into the woman she becomes. I loved this story.

I was given this book by Tyndale House in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Perfectly Undone

Cooper has just proposed to Dr. Dylan Michels, a woman who has worked for the life she has. Instead of accepting the proposal, which would seem the most natural thing for her to do, she says no. She has spent her entire life trying to be perfect....as a daughter, partner, doctor, yet she has never been able to get over the death of her sister. In order to accept Cooper's proposal, Dylan must face the role she had in her sister's death as well as the information that Cooper sends her way.

This novel about forgiveness and looking-forward was so well-written, I had a hard time putting it down. The characters were rich and true-to-life.

When I first picked up the book, I did not like Dylan at all, but after she looks back at her life and decides to make some changes, she held more appeal for me. I found this book to be more enjoyable than I thought by the description and recommend it  highly.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Harlequin in exchange for my honest review.

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