Arms of Love by Kelly Long

The year is 1777. America is in turmoil. And Amish life is far different than today.

Pennsylvania in the late 18^th century, once called William Penn's Woods, was an assortment of different faiths living together for the first time in American history. Included in this tapestry was a small and struggling population called Amish.

Surrounding this peaceful people were unavoidable threats: both Patriots and the British were pillaging land and goods for the sake of the war, young Amish men were leaving the faith to take up arms and defend freedom. A simple walk in the untamed forests could result in death, if not from bullet or arrow, then from an encounter with a wild animal.

Amid this time of tumult, Adam Wyse is fighting a personal battle. To possibly join the war efforts and leave his faith, which would mean walking away from the only woman he's ever loved: Lena Yoder. But for that love he's made a promise that may keep them apart permanently.

When Adam withdraws from Lena, she's forced to turn to his brother, Isaac, for support. Must Lena deny her heart's desire to save Adam's soul? And will life in this feral and primitive New World be more than this peace-keeping people can withstand?

*******************************************************************************

My Review:
My two favorite genres are historical fiction and Amish fiction, so I was naturally drawn to a book that combines the two.
There were a few things I liked about the book. I enjoyed reading the historical detail of Revolutionary War times, and particularly the Amish view of it. It did seem that the author put a lot of research hours into this one.
However, I found the book to be very stilted. The growth in the characters happens very suddenly, rather than progressing through the book. Changes in the storyline also seemed very abrupt, which made it a little unbelievable.
The thing I most disliked about the book was the false inner-healing teaching. Now, I'm fine with ignoring theological error in fiction. It is, after all, just fiction. However, this book contains a "Bible Study" in the back that is designed to teach, and I was very disappointed in it both theologically, and in that it had nothing to do with the Bible - it was based on the book instead. Healing is not found in our past, but in Christs shed blood on the cross at Calvary.
Because of that, I cannot recommend this book.
I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Book Sneeze.

*For more information on Inner Healing I recommend Healing of Memories or Cleansing of the Conscience?

Review: The Messenger

Book DescriptionPublication Date: March 1, 2012

A Riveting Tale of Faith and Romance by an Acclaimed Novelist

Hannah Sunderland felt content in her embrace of the Quaker faith
...until her twin brother ran off and joined the army and ended up captured and in jail. Suddenly Hannah's world turns on end. She longs to bring her brother some measure of comfort in the squalid, frigid prison where he remains. But the Quakers believe they are not to take sides, not to take up arms. Can she sit by and do nothing while he suffers?
Jeremiah Jones has an enormous task before him. Responsibility for a spy ring is now his, and he desperately needs access to the men in prison, whom they are seeking to free. A possible solution is to garner a pass for Hannah. But while she is fine to the eye, she holds only disdain for him--and agreeing would mean disobeying those she loves and abandoning a bedrock of her faith.
With skill and sensitivity, Mitchell tells a story of two unlikely heroes seeking God's voice, finding the courage to act, and discovering the powerful embrace of love.

My Review:
This book is rich in historical detail of Revolutionary War era Philadelphia and also in detail of the Quaker faith. Clearly much research was done in regard to both.
The characters are intriguing and the setting is described in great detail.
The story moves a bit slowly, but its still overall a good piece of historical fiction.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House.

Read an excerpt here:
The Messenger I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House.

Review: Finding Our Way Home

Book Description:

When the road home becomes daunting—sometimes a very capable girl on a bicycle can help find the way.

When principal ballerina Sasha Davis suffers a career-ending injury at age thirty-eight, she leaves her Boston-based dance company and retreats to the home of her youth in Minnesota. But Sasha’s injuries limit her as much as her mother’s recent death haunts her. Concluding she can’t recover alone, Sasha reluctantly hires a temporary live-in aide.

Enter the übercapable Evelyn Burt. As large-boned as Sasha is delicate, Evelyn is her employer’s opposite in every way. Small town to Sasha’s urban chic, outgoing to Sasha’s iciness, and undaunted where Sasha is hopeless, nineteen-year-old Evelyn is newly engaged and sees the world as one big, shiny opportunity.

Evelyn soon discovers Sasha needs to heal more than bones. Slowly, as the wounds begin to mend and the tables tilt, the two women form an unlikely alliance and discover the astounding power of even the smallest act done in the name of love. Finding Our Way Home is a story of second chances and lavish grace.

My Review:

This book was charming, delightful, and overall fun to read. The characters are endearing and unique. The story moves along at just the right pace. Little pieces of the mystery revealed throughout the story make for just enough suspense.

The is the first book by Baumbich that I have ever read, but I will be looking for more.
I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy from Waterbrook Multnomah.

Resources:

Author's Web Site
More Info
Read Chapter One

Author Bio

Finding Our Way Home by Charlene Ann Baumbich (Chapter 1 Excerpt)

Review: The Truth About Grace

 

Book Description

“Is the experience of God’s grace in your life a thrilling thing? Just thinking about the fact that God, by His own sovereign plan, decided to be gracious to me is overwhelming. There is nothing greater than receiving grace upon grace.” —John MacArthur

Simple definitions can make grace feel like an obvious―even mundane―concept. Nothing could be further from the truth. Grace is the defining feature of the Christian faith. Once we understand how undeserving we are and how much favor we’ve been given, grace becomes shocking, thrilling, inspiring, and contagious.

Best-selling author and pastor John MacArthur illuminates this profound concept with verse upon verse of Scripture. He also shows that misunderstandings about grace have led to some of the church’s greatest problems, perhaps because grace is her most precious gift.

For decades, MacArthur has encouraged countless Christians to develop a deeper understanding of the Bible and a greater respect for God’s truth. In The Truth About series, he now gathers his landmark teachings about core aspects of the Christian faith in one place. These powerful books are designed to give readers a focused experience that centers on God’s character and how it applies to their daily walk of faith.

My Review:

Grace is a word we, as Christians, use a lot. But sometimes it seems we don't stop to consider what it really means. This book is an excellent resource for learning what grace truly is and for fully understanding this powerful truth. Packed with Scripture quotations, I was encouraged, uplifted, and edified reading this book.
It is short and very easy to read. Theological terms are defined, making it understanding even for new believers who may not know the "Christianeese."
I loved this book and it is one that I'm sure I will read again.
I did receive a complimentary review copy of the book from Book Sneeze.

Beauty for Ashes

Image Source

  Product Description:

She's a beautiful young widow. He's a Southern gentleman with a thirst for adventure. Both need a place to call home.


After losing her husband in the Civil War, Carrie Daly is scared she will never have the family she longs for. Eligible bachelors are scarce in Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, but Carrie has found love. Not the weak-in-the-knees kind, but something practical. Still, she isn't quite ready to set a wedding date with Nate Chastain.
Griff Rutledge is a former member of Charleston society, but has been estranged from his family for years. He's determined to remain unattached, never settling in one place for too long. But when asked to train a Thoroughbred for an upcoming race in Hickory Ridge, he decides to stay awhile.


Despite objections from the townsfolk, and her fear that true happiness has eluded her, Carrie is drawn to Griff's kindness and charm. It will take a leap of faith for them to open their hearts and claim God's promise to give beauty for ashes.


My Review:
This was a nice, easy-to-read and relaxing book. The story moves along at a very comfortable pace and there is just enough twists in the plot to keep it interesting.
I found myself very able to relate to Carrie and her struggles. The author has done a great job making the characters very real and easy to identify with. 
There is just enough description of the setting to give you a feel for the area without overloading the reader with boring details.
What I most appreciated about the book is how we see Carrie grow in grace as she learns to trust the Lord through the difficult providences of life, and how she strives to show His love to difficult people.
Overall, this is a very nice piece of Christian historical fiction.


I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this ebook through BookSneeze.

Saving Grace by Annie Jones

*Image Source

Book Description:



Every year on the night of New Bethany's annual Splendor Belle Gala, reclusive Sera Grayson appears on the porch of her aging antebellum home dressed in a tattered ball gown. Legend holds she is reliving the greatest disappointment of her life: waiting endlessly for the man who stood her up more than fifty years ago. Rosemary, Naomi, Gayle, and Lucy, first introduced in Jones's Prayer Tree, together decide to help out the eccentric old woman-partly to strengthen their own special bond, threatened by time and the demands of everyday life. Will their joint project instead tear them apart forever?
*Description Source

My Review:
I found this book to be rather slow reading. The plot moves along at a snails pace, and I really had trouble connecting with the characters. I was about half way through the book before I felt like I knew who each character was and what their background was.
I was also disappointed in that the book really had little to do with helping the older lady. I felt that the book description given by the publisher did not really convey what the book was about.
Perhaps those who have already read "The Prayer Tree" will enjoy the continuing story of these ladies more than I did.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this ebook from Waterbrook Multnomah. That in no way influenced my opinion of it.

An Amish Wedding

Book Description

Three Amish women yearn for the perfect wedding.


"A Perfect Plan" by Beth Wiseman


Priscilla King has been planning to marry Chester Lapp since she was sixteen years old, and when Chester proposes on Priscilla’s nineteenth birthday, wedding plans begin immediately. What wasn't planned was all the problems the couple encounters as their big day approaches. A house disaster, a ruined wedding dress, and a sick attendant all make the couple wonder if God's sending them signs to call things off.



"The Perfect Match" by Kathleen Fuller

Naomi Fisher has had great success at matchmaking her family members and friends. Now with her sister’s wedding right around the corner, Naomi wonders why she’s able to find husbands for her friends and family, but not one for herself.



"The Perfect Secret" by Kelly Long


Rose Bender has recently become engaged to handsome but somber Luke Raber. She agrees out of a sense of duty and a willingness to settle for solid friendship as a basis for the engagement. But as she watches her friend's excitement over her soon-to-be wedding, Rose wonders if there shouldn’t be more to her relationship with Luke. She begins to examine Luke and his life more closely and is amazed when she stumbles upon an exciting, secret side of him that engages her mind and heart.


My Review:

These three novellas fit together almost seamlessly. The three authors did a great job of making three individual stories flow together and compliment each other. The characters each cross into the next story, and yet there really aren't even subtle differences in them, as sometimes happens in a group writing project.

Each one of the stories had an interesting storyline with enough twists in the plot to keep them interesting, though "The Perfect Secret" was my favorite. I do hope there is a sequel to this one!

"The Perfect Plan" was a little bit predictable since some of the story was already alluded to in the previous stories, but it was still interesting. ***Note: the description of above is from the publisher and is how it appears on the back of the book. However, the stories are actually in the reverse order in the book, making "The Perfect Plan" last.

Overall, I think Amish fiction lovers will enjoy this book.

I must mention that a received a complimentary review copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through their Book Sneeze program.