The Inn at Hidden Run

This book tugs at the heart strings.
The Inn at Hidden Run by Olivia Newport is the first of a series.
Nolan Duffy and Jillian Parisi-Duffy are father and daughter. He is a lawyer and she is a genealogist.
In this book the past and present are presented in a pleasing way, with humor and faith. The story line from the past shows how a generation were able to deal with an epidemic with faith. The past generation deals with Eliza in 1878, the present story deals with Meri but they are blended in a way that shows skill and love for the story.
I truly enjoyed this book and recommend it to all readers.
I received this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This review reflects my opinion on this book.

Book Review: Colors of Christmas

This book, Colors of Christmas, has two stories set for the contemporary book reader. Christmas in Gold tells about an older woman who faces the changes moving into a community housing center can bring. She grew up during the time of Hitler, in Germany. She tells about the fighting and not being allowed to ask or say anything. The tale is from her perspective and how her life has brought her closer to others, especially the physical therapist. She also shares Jesus and her telling shows how this was how she broke through to her therapist.

Christmas Blue features Angela who lost her best friend eight months ago and still misses her. Her friend had the joy of Christmas. She would lead decorating and all the special traditions that made this time of year special. Now Angela is expected to take her friends place, which she accepts. Unfortunately, misfortunes keep appearing - a broken wagon, water damage on ornaments that were stored in the basement of the church when a pipe broke and so on. When someone arrives to help, things begin to look better.

Both of these stories are good Christian fiction without being preachy. They each deal with loss and love during Christmas. I enjoyed both of these books. tremendously.

I was given these book by NetGalley and Barbour Publishing Company in exchange for my honest review. 

These book may be found on Amazon HERE
or
at Barnes and Noble HERE

Devotional Review: One: A Daily Devotional

This was an enjoyable, reflective devotional. I enjoyed the length and the content of each entry. Plus it was remarkable how so many of the entries went hand-in-hand with what my life was dealing with at the time.

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

Book Review: Once Upon a Christmas Rosanne Croft, Linda Reinhardt, Sharon Bernash Smith

I am embarrassed to say that I found this little jewel in my list of book I have already read. I guess I forgot to review it when I finished. 

Once Upon A Christmas  is a charming collection of 55 short stories written by Rosanne Croft, Linda Reinhardt and Sharon Bernash Smith. Each of stories are centered around Christ and the Christmas season. The stories also range from the 18th century to the present time and from a variety of countries. These were enchanting books to read at the holidays and I would recommend it to any lovers of that season.

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

Book Review: The Glass Castle

Avery was kidnapped on her thirteenth birthday and taken to a castle where there were other thirteen-year-old children from the kingdom. It seems that every castle in the area had dark secrets and Avery needs to find out what these are so she can find her father and brother.

The authors attracted me to the book originally. I knew that I would be drawn in and feel like the I was in the story. They did not disappoint, I felt like I was in the story and the events were surrounding me. The characters were so well-developed and there is enough mystery to keep its audience engaged.

I feel like this book would be enjoyed by a wide audience, including middle school children.

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

Book Review: A Sherlock Holmes Devotional

I enjoy reading Sherlock Holmes mysteries so when I came across this devotional I thought that I would try it. My husband, who shares my love for all things Sherlock, would sit with me as we read the readings which came directly from the characters, stories and more of the books. Then there would be the way that these readings relate with our journey with God, and His mysterious ways.

I loved this way of looking at the Scriptures and Sherlock. How ingenious.

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

Book Review: Beautiful Star of Bethlehem

I loved this book. From the cover to the story itself, Beautiful Star of Bethlehem, made me happy to be reading it.
Arlene Santana has had a traumatic brain injury and she has lost her husband all in a flash. Due to her injury, she does not have any memories of previous days, other than those from before the brain injury. This creates a homesickness in her, so that each Christmas she just wants to go home.

Lori Copeland has such a gift with words. Even though the subject matter can bring one down, she includes moments that make you chuckle as they are read. I felt like this is a touching, unique Christmas story. 

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

Book Review: 40 Days to Complete God Confidence

This book is a 40 day devotional which is based on 1 John 5:13-15. When we are faced with challenges it is sometimes hard to turn to God but this is what God wants us to do. This book helps us to see that all we need is "Complete God Confidence." This book shows, through the devotions encouragement, to each of us how our faith in God will grow as we turn more and more over to Him.

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

Book Review: The Lopsided Christmas Cake

The Hochstetler twins, Elma and Thelma are leaving Illinois to go back to a familiar place, their grandparents' farm. The farm was left to them when their grandparents were killed in an accident.

Each of the girls in this book are so much fun to meet and to get to know. I think I started smiling when I first began to read the book and I was able to keep that smile through most of the book.

The girls do not know exactly what is going to be facing them when they take over the farm, and the fact that they are different personalities just add to the adventure.

This is a wonderful book about family closeness and the adventure of the new.

Wanda E. Brunstetter knows how to keep readers coming back. She has such a talent for writing and when I see her titles on the shelf I know that it will be a good read.

I received this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Your Best Happily Ever After

We all know those ...happily ever after stories. This book looks at some of these, such as Cinderella, Snow White and Rapunzel. We know that these kind of endings don't happen on their own. This book takes these stories and Godly teachings to help guide each of us to our own happy endings. There will be obstacles, after all each of these stories had these to overcome, We can overcome our own obstacles by turning to God and see the purpose in what is happening.

I believe this book would be great for all readers. It helps to remind them that, yes, there will be problems but we will also have our share or good things also. These are the times that give God joy also.

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

Book Review: Everyday Peace and Comfort.

I catch myself wanting to use the words that are in the title. This beautiful year-long devotional helps to ease each woman's life. Each entry begins with a verse that brings meaning as they are reflected upon throughout the day. I can see myself reading this devotional again.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Barbour Publishing in return for my honest review.