Book Review: Where We Belong

Where We Belong, by Lynn Austen is set in 1892 in Chicago. Rebecca and Flora Hawes are sisters in this Victorian Age. However, instead of enjoying balls at home they head to the Sinai Desert.

Their butler Soren Petersen and Kate Rafferty, a lady's maid in training, formerly from the street, are accompanying the sisters as they are looking for a biblical manuscript.

This is not an easy trip. They face many dangers, which cause each of them to look at their past and what has made each of them the person they are today.

I went on the journey with these travelers as I followed along page-by-page. It was also interesting to see how the author was able to instill her faith in God throughout the book. I enjoy books about history and all the adventures it took to create the world today. This was a wondrous book and I highly recommend it.

I was given this book by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: All Saints

When I first received this book, I did not realize that it was made into a movie. So first I read the book and then I saw the movie. They are both excellent.

A church of about 12 parishioners is preparing to close its doors by bringing in a newly ordained minister who is tasked with the job. Soon a family from Burma begins to attend the church because of the similarities between it and their home Anglican church. These Burmese attenders continued to come and they grew. Along with them came their needs. The pastor decides to challenge the church to help with their needs and to keep the doors open. This is the story.

I loved the story. Included was the background story of the Burmese and their journey to the Anglican church. I found myself pulled, much as the minister in the story was. Plus I found myself cheering for each person in the story.

I highly recommend this book.

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

Book Review: The Captain's Daughter

The Captain's Daughter is the first book in London Beginnings. I enjoy historical fiction. In this book, Rosalyn is leaving her employer, but ends up losing everything she owns, ends up in a brothel and employed at the London theater. While there she comes across a man, Nate, who has his own story. He was part of the army, serving in India when he suffered a hand injury. He goes back to London, his home. While there he agrees to fill in for his brother as a stage hand, as his brother recovers from a broken leg. He knows he will return to his regiment and to his future. The he meats Rosalyn.

I enjoyed this novel but I felt like the pace needed to settle down. the beginning felt rushed and then, partway through the book, I felt like it began to drag. The relationship between Nate and Rosalyn was lovely. It was a joy to share in their relationship.

I also enjoyed the theater story line, including the author bringing Gilbert and Sullivan into it.

For those that enjoy historical romance, I feel like this book is a good choice.

I was given this book by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

This book may be purchased HERE!

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Book Review: Threads of Suspicion

Threads of Suspicion is a part of Evie Blackwell Cold Case series. Written by Dee Henderson,  it continues the series with Evie Blackwell's appointment to the new Missing Persons Task Force. It is made up of others with excellent reputations. Her new partner is David Marshal and they are each working separate cases in Chicago. They each have their own investigative styles which produce results. Evie is looking for a missing college student and brings old feelings to the surface. David is looking for a private investigator.

Having read several of Dee Henderson's books in the past, I knew it would be engaging from the beginning. This is the first in this series which I have read, but I was pulled in from the first chapter. It was interesting to see how the cases of the two investigators intertwined and how they affected their personal lives.

This book was eye-opening to some of the behind-the-scenes work of those who do this type of job. I truly enjoyed this novel.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Can be found HERE!

Book Review: The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill

In The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, Jane is thrown into the running of the coaching inn, The Bell, when her husband dies expectantly. She has not run a business before and is facing the ruin of the town's economy as well as a loan that is coming due.

Because of these circumstances, Jane turns to the previous mistress of the inn, Thora, her mother-in-law. The two have not always seen eye-to-eye. Thora is also facing loss and trying to find a path for her future. The two work together, as well as others, some more well-meaning than others, to try to keep the inn open and successful.

Julie Klassen, the author, has a knack for telling stories. This book is not the exception. The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill is the first of a series, Tales from Ivy Hill. I enjoyed the book almost from the beginning and am now looking forward to future books in this series.

Klassen created believable characters which add charm to the entire book. The setting is beautiful, at least in my mind's eye, also.

I think that this is a great book to begin the year with.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.  

Book Review: The Wish

Beverly Lewis has such a talent for writing stories based on the Amish. In this story an Amish girl shows some interest in life away from the community.

Lewis creates believable relationships in her writing along with lessons. I was delighted that I was not able to tell how this story would end and was surprised. As with her other works, Beverly Lewis gives the reader a glimpse into a world they may not have been familiar with otherwise.

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

Book Review: Esther

Angela Hunt has made Esther come to life for me. Biblical stories, which are well-written, are a joy to find and read. Angela Hunt has the gift to do just this. Esther is brought in front of King Xerxes, when he called for beautiful women. Esther went though months of preparation before she won the heart of the king. However, she must not reveal her ethnic background to the king. Then she learned about a plan to exterminate all the Jews. Esther saves her people's lives while risking her own. 


I have not come across any of Angela Hunt's books which I have not liked.

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

Book Review: Answers to the Most Important Questions About the End Times

As the Bible begins to talk about the end of times, questions begin to arise in the most devout Christians. What is the Second Coming? Who is the Antichrist? Are there signs that we are there?

Each of these questions have been answered in many different ways over my life, however, I found the answers in Dr. John Hart's book to be straight forward and easy to understand, The book itself is not a large tome, which helps the reader see that the answers will be concise.

Prophesies have been a part of our history from the beginning of time, so it is not surprising to see that they are a part of the end of time. It is easier to look back and see how the prophesies have been true, but there is always that little doubt about the ones of the future. I found Dr. Hart's book to be enlightening in many different ways, I found that most of his theories aligned with my own.

This is a fascinating book and could give a different light on end times to those who are fearful or full of questions.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Jesus Talked to Me Today

Jesus loved children, so it makes sense that he wants to talk with them, This book is filled with stories of these times when children were blessed with times with God, Angels and miracles. What better ways to open the ears and hearts of others than to hear from a child how they spent time with God.

It serves as a confirmation that when we are open to him, He loves to take time to share with each of us. I enjoyed the format of this book, stories straight from the children to our hearts.

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys this acknowledgement that God wants to be with you.

I was given this book by Bethany House in return for my honest review.

Book Review: Courageous

Set during the Crusades, Courageous is the third book in Sleiman's Series Valiant Hearts. This book is written for Young Adult readers, however I found myself drawn to it after reading her previous books in the series.

This book is sure to hold the attention of its audience as it combines action, romance and history. This time period has never held great interest for me, but the research put into this book and the viewpoint of this book helped me to dive in. She covers the different reasons some chose to go on the Crusades and the different groups of people involved. She also showed us some of the background and difficulties encountered along the way.

Sleiman has such a gift in the way she writes and I have enjoyed this entire series. I know that hers will be a name I will look out for in the future.

I was given this book by Bethany House publishers in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review: Searching for Eternity

Emile E Bonnery was born in France, then in the 1960s he ended up on the other side of the ocean, in Atlanta. While there, he discovers many things about his father, some good, some not so good. Emile finds a friend in search of their own answers. Together they search together.

Searching for Eternity is such a well-written book. Set in the time of the French Resistance, Elizabeth Musser was able to make the time and the characters come to life. Her characters were well-rounded and very well defined. I feel like five stars is not enough for this book. Thank you for allowing me to read this book.

I was given this book by the author, Bethany House, and bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review: Spiritual Warfare for Your Family

Whether parent or grandparent, Spiritual Warfare for Your Family, helps guide families through protecting this valuable gem. This book discusses the reasons why the fight might feel like a losing battle to some and why the Enemy wants you to feel this way. Plus the author, Leighann McCoy offers practical advice to aid in the struggle and weapons to use.

I found this book helpful, even if I don't have any children still at home. I am a grandmother and as such I liked the way the author was able to address this relationship as well.

I think this is a wonderful resource to turn to again and again as different struggles surface throughout the family relationship.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: The Midwife's Choice

The Midwife's Choice, by Delia Parr, is the second book in the At Home in Trinity series. I had not read the first book, but I was able to keep everything straight easily.

This book is set in Trinity, Pennsylvania and is centered around Martha Cade, a midwife. I loved this story. The sacrifices a midwife, and her family, have to accept are daunting and rewarding. I caught myself in awe and amazed as the story continued. It is beautiful.

I would recommend this book to everyone. It is well-worth the read. I was given this book by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. Thank you.

Book Review: An Insider's Guide to Praying for the World

This book, An Insider's Guide to Praying for the World, is a wonderful resource for those who pray for others. I found this was informative, although I would have liked to have more information on each country mentioned.

Brian C. Stiller covers 52 prayer areas in 273 pages. Each country includes religious persecution, innovative work, mission and more. He does include his own knowledge as part of Global Ambassador of the World Evangelical Alliance throughout the book.

Included in each section are maps with the country's location, general information such as the population and religion statistics. Then there is a dispatch about the country, Bible reading and Items for Prayer. Then there is a prayer that can be prayed for the country

This is a good book for those that are beginning a global prayer ministry, but I felt like I wanted so much more.

I was given this book by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Dear Mary

Dear Mary: Lessons From the Mother of Jesus for the Modern Mom was an interesting book. I was a little confused by the title as I thought that there would be more from the viewpoint of Mary. Instead the book is a series of letters written to Mary by the author, Sarah Jakes. These letters help us to see our situations today in comparison to those that Mary dealt with.

It is well-written and I enjoyed reading this style of book.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: The Memory Weaver

Jane Kirkpatrick has a gift for writing books in this time period and about difficult subjects. Eliza is the daughter of American Indian missionaries. When she was 10 she was taken hostage by the Cayuse which took place over 39 days before the ransom was paid. This book is about her life after this time and as she marries and has children.

The story was so touching as it includes excerpts from her mother's diary and her memories, which did not always mesh.  

I loved this touching book. Thank you.

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