When Mockingbirds Sing - by Bill Coffey - a book review

Leah is an unusual child who at the beginning of the book has no friends because she is new to the small town and stutters.  Her parents throw her a big birthday party hoping the town folks will come and begin to accept her. Instead she develops an imaginary friend who she calls the Rainbow man who tells her how to paint pictures, which seem to be prophetic.  The town goes into an uproar as she shows her pictures which seem to be dark and foretell danger that might be coming. 

This is an amazing book.  It reminded me a bit of “the Shack.”  It is certainly thought provoking.  I didn’t know whether to believe Leah or not.  The question is, do you believe in the unseen or not.  Her friend Allie believes in her, but even she questions at times.  The parents’ marriage was in trouble, an older couple whom they loved struggled with the wife having serious health problems, and even the pastor of a church in the town struggled with his faith.  This book made me think about how I might respond in certain situations. 

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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.”

A Bride for All Seasons The Mail Order Bride Collection

By Margaret Brownley, Robin Lee Hatcher, Mary Connealy, and Debra Clopton - a book review.

The bride in each story had responded to an ad in “the hitching post” but each was surprised when she reached her destination where she was to meet the man she was to marry.  The editor of the hitching post, with his creative writing, made sure that each man who posted an ad was successful in finding a wife.  Each story had a different strange twist of fate.  In the first story the bride arrived and when no one met her at the station, she was sent to the church, only to find her husband to be in a casket at his funeral.  In another story, the husband thought he was dying. In another one the bride arrived with three children, her nieces and nephew and the groom was not happy with her – at first.   They are all very cute stories I enjoyed reading them.  It is a little difficult for me to write a review of this book as it is not the kind of book that I usually read.  However, it is a very good read for light entertainment.  The stories are interesting and I enjoyed reading about the details of living in the 1800s. 

 I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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.”

A Book Review - Days Like These Even In The Darkest Moments, Light Can Shine Through By Kristian & Rachel Anderson

Days Like These Even In The Darkest Moments, Light Can Shine Through

By Kristian & Rachel Anderson

This is a wonderful story of Kristian Anderson and his journey of living with cancer.  This is a story of hope.  He wanted to leave a legacy for his children so documented his journey from his diagnosis until his death.  He created a video to tell his wife how much he loved her on her birthday and it went viral on youtube.  Even Oprah saw it and invited them to appear on her show.  She helped provide the funds for their vacation of a lifetime – visiting the US and taking the family to Disney World.  His story gives hope even in the midst of extreme suffering.
This was a little difficult to read with all of the raw emotions that came through his blog posts as well as the additions written by his wife.  However, it tells of his amazing journey and his relationship to God through all of it.   It took me a few days to even be able to write a review.  But I was inspired and my faith increased through reading this book.  This book is not for everyone, but it could be the perfect read for the right person at a difficult time in life.
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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.”

Semi Serious: An Unexpected Journey to a Deeper Faith by Charlotte Stone - a book review

Semi serious

Most people by the time they reach their fifties begin to look forward to when they can retire.  Not Charlotte Stone.  She was a middle school teacher, frustrated with long hours and paperwork her trucker son-in-law suggested she become a trucker.  She felt a nudge from God in that direction and began a new phase of life.  She writes about her love of the farm, wild animals and the outdoors from her high-up view behind the windshield. She also writes about the peace she finds and her ministry of quietly passing out crosses, just sharing conversations, and following God's leading in many unusual circumstances. 

I totally enjoyed reading this book and suggest it for anyone in a crisis or going through difficult circumstances as it would be a great encouragement that God is is in control of the smallest details of our lives.  It would be a great gift book for a friend who is struggling with a difficult circumstance or a little book to take along on vacation to draw closer to God. I highly recommend this book. 

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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.”

A Pretty Age By Barbara Mueller - a book review

A Pretty Age By Barbara Mueller

This is a turn of the century mystery revolving around women’s rights, and the use of the new technologies of that day.  Two friends from very different backgrounds attend a convent boarding school; both leave school early, but for very different reasons.  A missionary visitor comes to speak for a few days at the school and Sophiny Mumm is fascinated by him – Antoinette Dominguez is not.  Sophiny’s mother dies and she has to go home while Antoinette’s mother has disappeared.  Antoinette leaves to search for her mother and leaves clues for Sophiny hoping she can help. 

This book is very different from what I usually read but I enjoyed it.  It is very detailed with lots of historical facts given.  It was a little hard to get into it but ultimately I found it hard to put it down – as the many twists and turns of the plot kept me reading as fast as I could.  There were many characters to try to keep up with but in the end it all fit together and I wanted to know more about the future of Sophiny and the missionary.

This book was provided for my review by Booksneeze.  I was not required to provide a positive review.  The opinions are my own.

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"Letters to Katie," by Kathleen Fuller - a book review

"Letters to Katie," A Middlefield Family novel,  is the latest Amish novel written by Kathleen Fuller and this book in a winner! 

It is past time for Katie to be married, and most of her friends are already married, but she is in love Johnny, who does not seem to return her love. Then a new young man appears on the scene and Katie wonders if she should  accept his attention, but he abruptly leaves town and begins writing to her. Johnny has his own distractions with deciding to buy his own farm without his father's approval and struggles to make his own way and find himself.  Then a sudden illness leads them both realize they must make their own decision about the future. Their problems and discontent with life leads both of them on a search for God.   There are several other characters and story lines which keep you reading.

I enjoyed this book and the way several people from outside their community affect their lives. I always enjoy reading about someone's search for God, particularly the prayers and scriptures that lead them to making the right decisions. There are quite a few characters to keep up with which could be confusing - but at the same time add interest it the story.  I enjoyed seeing how relationships developed and the different ways people came to a decision on moving forward in their life. 

This book was provided at no charge by Booksneeze for my review.  A positive review was not required.  The opinions are my ow.

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When Jesus Wept - Jerusalem Chronicles, The Volume: 1 By Bodie and Brock Thoene

When Jesus Wept

Jerusalem Chronicles, The Volume: 1

By Bodie and Brock Thoene

What a wonderful book about Lazarus and his life at the time of Christ. It is based on scripture but adds Lazarus as attending or being involved in many of the New Testament miracles and happenings in the life of Jesus.   The story is really about life as a Jew in Roman times.   Lazarus owned a vineyard and spent a lot of his time tending the vines - then Jesus touches his life - and changes everything.  Jesus walks in and out of Lazarus’ life during his years of ministry and all the way to the resurrection.

I loved this book – the way they use scripture to tell parts of the story is wonderful.  I loved the history included regarding Roman times, the oppression of the Jews, John the Baptist and many other historical and biblical events. So many parables and people we briefly read about in the Bible are expanded upon to give greater understanding.  This is not your traditional Christian fiction book but I think would be of interest to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers 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.