Book Review: Destiny by Don Brown

Destiny is the powerful and inspiring prequel to the Navy Justice Series. In this book there are three characters, one American, one English and one German. Each faces the war in their own way. Throughout this book, Brown is able to express the family and individual perspective of facing war.

Walter, the American, was drawn in by loyalty and love for his brother, Billy, who served on the USS Arizona, which was located at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack.

Heinrich, the German, joins a group who acts in vengeance after a government official's assassination. He was then placed under Rommel in Africa.

Darwin, an English actor, was the son of a Royal Naval officer who wanted his son to follow in his steps. Darwin, though was a pacifist. To try to receive recognition from his father he joins the reserves and then the Royal Naval Commandos.

Each of these men face death in various battles as they make their way to the Normandy Invasion. Each is unsure of their destiny.

This is such a powerful book that is rich in details and facts, while it brings the war to a personal level of each of the men involved and the families that surround them.

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

Book Review: Miracle in a Dry Season

. Miracle in a Dry Season, by Sarah Loudin Thomas, and published by Baker Publishing is a book filled with superstition, prejudice, strength and love.

The main character, Perla became pregnant by a married man. This sent her to Wise, West Virginia where she was going to live with relatives. Unfortunately, her circumstances caused her to face judgment by someone that she came to care about.

This debut novel by Sarah Loudin Thomas has made her an author to watch.  

Book Review: When the World Was Young

When the World Was Young, by Elizabeth Gaffney, begins on V-J Day and is written from the perspective of Wally Baker. Wally, throughout the book, feels like a bit of a misfit. First of all, there is her name, which she feels is definitely a boy’s name. Then, even through she loves Wonder Women comics and ants, she feels like these items still separates her from others. Finally, there is her mother, who is not stable and the fact that the lives with her grandparents, but yet her best friends are Loretta, the housekeeper and Ham, Loretta’s son.

Wally is faced with different losses, conflicts, and prejudices throughout the book yet is able to find strength when she needs it.

This is a beautifully written, honest portrayal of human nature at this time as well as today. 

Book Review: Inescapable by Nancy Mehl

Inescapable, by Nancy Mehl, is an intriguing novel. With the main character, Lizzie, having lived in a big city and a small Mennonite village, the reader can sense there will be tensions between the two cultures will arise. These and other scenarios makes this book one that is difficult to put down until the end.

Mehl is a talented author and even though this is the first of her books I have read, I know it will not be the last.

Book Review: God in This Cave by Paul Yoder

For a first novel, Paul Yoder picked an immense topic. God in This cave sends the reader on a familiar journey set in modern time. I think Mr. Yoder did a fine job. There is additional editing that needs to be done but congratulations on this epic work. I look forward to reading more from you in the future.

Book review: The Song: The Ultimate Love Story by Thomas Lochnicht

Praise God!! That is what I wanted to say over and over as I read The Song; The Ultimate Love Story. The title does tell what this is about… God’s love for us is the ultimate love story. This was such an enjoyable read and I want to share this love with all of my friends.

I highly recommend this to everyone; it is the ultimate feel good read as the reader experiences God’s love through every word.

I am so glad that I was given this book by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for my honest and fair review.

Book Review: A New Resolution by Rose Dee

A New Resolution by Rose Dee is a book that has unexpected life issues throughout it. The story is set in Queensland and the two main characters show how being a Christian does not mean that their past lifestyles do not affect others they may meet. Each of them had had sexual partners before they became Christians and the way they face this can help others that may face this issue.

This was a well-written book that presented difficult subjects and how it is hard to come across the best decision at the time. Because of this, it is easy to identify with the characters, which helps the lessons taught to be more easily received.

I received this book from the author and bookfun.org in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Book Review: PDQ by Ronald Glanz

Ronald Glanz has written another book that will keep the reader on their toes. This book, PDQ, revolves around robberies and murders that have occurred at a few convenience stores in Madison, Wisconsin. Detectives Schultz and Finney are assigned to this case and their investigation takes some unpredictable twists and turns until they finally solve it.

I have become a Ronald Glanz fan with previous books that I have read. I look forward to his books to keep me on the edge of my chair and to grab my attention and keep it to the end.

I was given this book by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Book Review: Up From the Grave by Marilyn Leach

Marilyn Leach has a way with a mystery. In Up From the Grave she continues with the tradition. While having the ground-breaking for a garden at St. Aidan of the Wood Parish, a bone turns up. This set Berdie Elliot on the hunt to solve the mystery of the bone and how it ended up in this spot.

I enjoyed reading this book very much. Now I will need to check out this author’s other works. Thank you.

I received this book from bookfun.org and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Never Ending Night by Tanya Stowe

T.R. Sheridan fought and died during the Civil War. Or did he? During a re-enactment of the same battle, Sheridan came out of the woods and suddenly the world changed for several people. The photo-journalist who took pictures of the re-enactment as a part of her newspaper assignment, also took pictures of T.R. coming out of the woods. The gentleman who was in charge of the event, and he was a professor of Sheridan’s poetry. Then there was a dr. who wanted to observe this man from another time.

Never-Ending Night, by Tanya Stowe, tells the story of these people and makes it intriguing. Once I picked up this story I could not put it down. Stowe knows how to build a book to a wonderful climax and then finish it so that the reader is satisfied with the reading experience. I look forward to more work by this author.

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

Book review: Ashes in the Wind by Peggy Levesque

Sara’s life was turned upside down when her husband, a DEA agent, was killed. She was placed in witness protection, but that did not work, as someone tried to shoot her. With a myriad of other actions aimed at her and her late-husband, Sara did not know who to trust.

This is a suspenseful, action-packed book that was very hard for me to put down. Peggy Levesque, the author of Ashes in the Wind, is a talented writer and I look forward to anything else that she may write. I recommend this book highly.

Ashes in the Wind was given to me by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Mansfield Park

Every work by Jane Austen is loved by my family. This does not vary with Mansfield Park. I have read this book, as all of her others, many times and even though I know what happens throughout the story, I cannot put them down until I am finished with the story.

Due to the circumstances of the time, and being a member of a very large family, it is decided that Fanny Price be sent to live with a wealthy aunt. In this wealthy family, Fanny is treated as a poor relative.

Henry Crawford comes into the house and thus begins the romantic part of the Jane Austen story.

Jane Austen did an outstanding job in this novel and I know that I will continue to read it again, and again.

Surviving Henry is a terrific book

Erin Taylor Young is a terrific writer. “Surviving Henry” is such a wonderful read.

Henry is a boxer puppy; however, he is not just any boxer puppy. Henry has a stubborn streak and he wants what he wants when he wants it. This is the story of how Henry works his way into, and wins the hearts of Erin and her family.

Young takes the reader through obedience training, although it is never sure who is being trained Henry or the family. There are also road trips, boat rides, and boarding. Each of these events includes episodes that bring a smile. This could be because of the readers’ similar experiences or because the way Young and Henry bring these times into the heart.

I would read more by this author anytime. Thank you, Erin Taylor Young.

Book Review: Tested By Fire by Kelley Latta

In the book Tested by Fire by Kelley Latta, the readers are invited to discover and live God’s will throughout their lives. In this Scripture-based four-week study Latta leads the readers through the necessary building blocks that are needed to survive what is thrown at them.

This is an excellent resource to find God’s will in one’s life and to learn how to share His love with others.

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

Book Review: The Illusion of More

From the time of Adam and Eve, through today, people have always desired more than what they are given by God. In “The Illusion of More: The Trick to Finding Faith in a World of Deception” Harris III explores this desire that we have to for the unattainable, and quite often, the unneeded.

Through the use of Bible stories and verses demonstrates Satan role in this and how it was Satan’s downfall in the first place. Each chapter ends with reflection questions to see how the lessons within fit each person’s live and the paths we can take to avoid Satan in our lives and, instead, invite God in us.

This book was given to me by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Book Review: Fatal Exchange by Lisa Harris

Fatal Exchange, by Lisa Harris, is a modern-day suspense novel. Before beginning this book, find a comfortable seat and a nice cup of a favorite beverage, because once you begin to read this you will want to stay with it to the end.

Emily Hunt’s brother, a police officer, was killed. Whereby Emily and her family have their own suspect, it needs to be proven. The path that this book takes you on will keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

This is a very good book and I look forward to reading more by this author.

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

Light the Fire by Marry Manners

Light the Fire is the kind of book that readers have difficulties putting down once they begin reading. The characters are complex and the incidences in the book are down-to-earth.

Even though this sounds similar to other books of this genre there is a difference. God is interspersed throughout to help the characters develop. He also is there through the resolution of problems that are encounters.

Mary Manners is an excellent writer and I plan on reading more of her books now.

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

Unexpected Marriage by Carla Roassi

Unexpected Marriage by Carla Rossi is about two people who meet while working at a summer camp. Rocky is a strongly independent man who has learned to adapt to life in a wheelchair. At time he appears to be, almost, too independent.

Gia is the daughter of an evangelical minister. She became a rebellious teen who then became an adult that had trouble believing in herself or trusting others.

Both of these adults met and filled holes that the other had within their hearts. Along their paths they had to learn to trust in God more than themselves.

This is a book worth celebrating. As I read it I found myself recommending it to others, even before finishing it. Rossi made me feel as if Gia and Rocky were friends, yet I know their lives, after the book ended, would go on successfully.

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

Book Review: Down and Dead in Dixie by Vicki Hinze

Down and Dead in Dixie, by Vicki Hinze, is a fun read. Most of the people that the reader meets in this book are not what they seem. Or perhaps it is best said that they are more than they seem.

Hinze has a way of bringing the reader to the point that they think they will never unravel everything and, soon, one puzzle is unraveled and another presents itself.

I would have given it the highest rating, except that it was a little slow at the beginning, so I was not sure if I would stay with it. Soon, though, I could not put it down.

Anyone that enjoys an entertaining story to keep them involved and holding their breath to see what happens next will definitely enjoy this book.

I was given this book by the author and by bookfun.org in exchange for a fair and honest review.  

Book Review: The Sinners' Garden by William Sirls

The Sinners’ Garden by William Sirls spoke to me deeply. Sirls was able to reflect on his own life and bring the faith that he developed through his experiences into this book.

The characters in The Sinners’ Garden, Heather, Rip, Judi and Andy all needed God’s love through different difficulties in their lives. One was troubled by an unsolved murder, one was abused by a former spouse, her child was also affected by the abuse but did not know who to blame and the other was a rock for the others to turn to, even though he was a former convict.

Each had their heart touched by an iPod, the words of a boy, a “Summer Santa,” and a miraculous garden.

It has been a long time since I have felt a book touch me as this one has. Thank you Mr. Sirls.

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

Sincerely Yours: A Novella Collection consists of four stories, each involving a life-changing letter.

The first story is Moonlight Promises by Laurie Alice Eakes. This story begins with Camilla Renfrow, a titled gentlewoman from England, fleeing to a steamboat where she runs into a rakish, mysterious ship’s owner and captain.

Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey introduces the reader to a woman who writes for an advice column, Marigold Montgomery Bentley, known to her readers as MM, writes primarily marital advice, even though she is a single woman. The editor comes to meet this MM, who he thinks is a man and now Marigold has to come up with a plan to keep her job.

One Little Word is written by Amanda Cabot. An heiress, Lorraine Caldwell, is in danger of losing her money to a cousin. The only way to avoid this is to marry soon. While dealing with this, she discovers that her lost brother may still be alive. Searching for him leads her, to her surprise, to a carver of carousels.

A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick tells about Grace Hathaway. While rescuing a friend from a false clinic, she discovers lies and cover-ups which can endanger the lives of many people. She is unsure where to turn.

This book was give to me by the authors and bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review: The Icecutter's Daughter

A tomboy, yet wanting something more, Merrill Krause spends most of her time helping her father and her brother.

Rurik Jorgenson leaves home and a broken engagement, to help with his uncle's furniture business.

Rurik and Merrill meet and then have to rely on God to help them find His purpose for their future lives.

Tracie Peterson writes such true-to-life characters which makes the reader want to continue on at the end of the story. 

Inspirational story of how God works in two very different people's lives

God had plans for Claire Díaz-Ortiz and Sammy Ikua Gachagua. Neither one of them dreamt of how each life would influence the other.

In the book “Hope Runs: An American Tourist, a Kenyan Boy, a Journey of Redemption” the story of these two people unfolds as they meet in an orphanage in Kenya. Through the connection that they feel for each other an organization was formed to help this orphanage and school implement and run a running program for the children. Sammy was one of these children. Through their time together each was able to help the other in ways that neither of them could predict.

These two created a unique story where each tells their story in individual chapters throughout the book. It is interesting to see an action unfold from both perspectives. What a wonderful book, once I began it I did not want to put it down.

I was given this book by the authors and bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review. 

Picture of sock

As promised yesterday, here is the picture of the sock that I made for my friend. There is something satisfying about creating socks. I love the way the heel flares, so that you think there is no way that is going to work. But then it turns and it turns into a heel. I have made, probably two dozen socks so far and I still love making them.
They are also a ministry for me. I call my socks that I make for the soup kitchen, or for others, prayers for the soles. Each sock is filled with prayers for the person that may end up with them. Those that are at the soup kitchen get as meaningful a prayer as my friends do. I may not know exactly who the person is, or what their needs are but I know that God knows and he will find a way to minister to each person in the way that they need.
Anyway, I will get off of my soapbox and present the sock:

My works in progress

I love it when I am working on something and someone takes notice and comments on it, in a positive manner. This happened about 10 days ago. I was volunteering in our church office and during the down time, I work on socks for the local soup kitchen. I am making Southwestern Socks by Wendy D. Johnson out of SWTC Tofutsies. I love this yarn because it has chitin in it which has natural healing properties. I know when I wear them my arthritis in my feet does not hurt as much.
I have made some modifications to the pattern as the yarn works to a smaller gauge and I like using 2 pair of circular needles instead of double-pointed.
Anyway, back to my story. While working on the socks, 2 friends came in and commented on the yarn and when I told them about it, they both stated that this is great and they wished they had a pair. That is all that I needed to hear.
I am almost finished with a pair for one of the gals, then I will start on the other. I will post pictures when I can persuade my hubby to take some with his phone.
I am also working on a sweater for my sweet grand daughter. I have only finished one sleeve so far. It included using waste yarn for a crochet chain start. Then you folded the edge under to create a hem. I had never done either of these techniques before so I was excited and worried that I would goof it up. Instead the first sleeve looks great and this makes me want to try this on any sweaters that I make in the future. Once again, when I can persuade hubby to take pictures I will gladly post. Please keep checking in and let me know about what you are working on.

Dawnlight...When the World Is Changed Forever

Dawnlight…When the World is Changed Forever offers the opportunity to observe life during the time of Jesus’ ministry, from different viewpoints. There are those that are looked down upon because of where they were born, then there are the merchants in the temple, or a widow who cannot share her belief in Jesus without worrying about her world tumbling down on her.

Kacy Barnett-Gramckow has written a novel which helps the reader experience these viewpoints while making them also feel like they are a part of the story.

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

Touch My Tears

This book, a compilation of stories, is about the removal of the Choctaw Indians from their native home to a home thousands of miles away. While they traveled they underwent disease, miserable weather, derision from people in towns along the way and many deaths.

This book opens the eyes of the reader to the journey from many points of view. There is a young girl, animals, young man, a man who was to die in the new land and even a clay pot. Each story will break the heart as it opens the eyes to the way these people were treated when they were trying to fulfill their part of a promise. Sarah Elizabeth Sawyer did an excellent job in presenting the story of this journey. For the person who is interested in history of this country or the Native Americans I would highly recommend this book.

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

Pattern testing

I have been blessed to test knitting patterns for a friend that owns SWTC Yarn Company. The latest project that I made was the Eagle Twist Shawl from Grandeur and Vespera yarn. I thought it turned out lovely and look forward to trying other combinations in the future.

Carder is a family member of a dear friend of mine. He was born with many physical difficulties, so when they asked me if I could create socks that would shape around his foot just right, and that would stay up, I quickly said yes. I have prayed for this little boy many times over the past couple of years and I know that God has answered each of these prayers, but it is still nice to make these for him and include a prayer in every stitch.