A Woodland Miracle by Ruth Reid

Overview: Grace feels like she can't measure up to those around her, and Ben could use a good dose of humility.

In their small northern Michigan district, where women outnumber men three to one, Grace doesn't believe she will ever attract a husband, especially with her limp. Tired of struggling both emotionally and physically, Grace is ready to see the specialist in Ohio, even if it means going against everything she's heard about God's grace being sufficient.

Ben Eicher is a young man from Pinecraft, Florida, whose carefree ways have caused him to lose his father's respect-again. According to Ben, though, life shouldn't be so serious that it suffocates all the fun. When he is sent to Michigan's Upper Peninsula to get his life back on track, he never thought it would mean working alongside a woman-especially a hardworking one like Grace. The last thing Grace wants is another friendship with a man who pities her.

Meanwhile, the Amish community becomes entangled with two potentially dangerous men on the run. When Ben discovers Grace has been kidnapped, he sets out to find the woman who has captured his heart and risks his own life when he attempts to lure the captors away.

Grace must learn that God's love is sufficient, and Ben is left to ponder whether he belongs back in Florida, or in the northern woods-with Grace.

ISBN-13: 9781401688301
Publisher: Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date: 1/6/2015
Series: Amish Wonders Series, #2
Pages: 352

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My Review: I can't even describe how fantastic this book was! Ruth Reid has a knack for pulling you in to a story and not letting you go until the very end. The plot was engaging, thrilling, and so good! The trouble that comes to the small community at Badger Creek is completely unexpected. Even though the action starts at the halfway point, the plot is still engaging up to that point. It gives you a better hint into the lives of the main characters.

Speaking of the characters... I LOVED Ben! I think that's how the author intended him to be. He was funny, kind, caring, and completely human. His view of himself, especially after all the mischief he'd made, was natural. His attraction to Grace didn't feel forced. Grace is hardworking, caring, and terrified of her future. Her view of herself, because of her limp, is disheartening. I think Ben is exactly the type of guy she needed to pull her out of her insecurities.

The message of the story, as stated on the back cover, is learning that God's love is sufficient. The verse used over and over in the story drives this point home: "And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness..." 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV). Anyone who has ever experienced any kind of weak moment or illness or disease can understand and cling to this verse. As my preacher said on Sunday, God doesn't always choose the strongest, most handsome person to use for His glory because He can see what's on the inside, not outward appearances that man sees. How comforting!

Overall, I loved this story and I certainly look forward to more from this amazing author.

**Thank you, BookLook, for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.**

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A Miracle of Hope by Ruth Reid

Overview: She’s heard about forgiveness all her life, but how far does God’s mercy truly reach?

Lindie Wyse thinks an arranged marriage is the only way to preserve a future for herself and her unborn child. Josiah Plank is certain he’ll never love again, but he needs someone to care for his deaf eight-year-old daughter, Hannah. The two take on their arrangement tentatively at first but soon realize they are each in for more than they imagined. After a short time, Lindie experiences a breakthrough with Hannah when she recognizes the child’s special gifts, but a risky pregnancy and serious health issues threaten to demolish the foundation Josiah and
Lindie are building—and the love that is growing between them.

Will their marriage survive their struggles, or will their hearts become as cold as the northern winter?

My Review: I have never read a book by Ruth Reid before, so I had no expectations about this book. The description aptly sums up the book. There is romance, mystery, and a good dose of a Christian message. Lindie's pregnancy is not as cut and dry as one might think. What really happened that night? Josiah and Lindie's romance is the biggest focus of the book. It progressed naturally. Hannah, Josiah's daughter, is deaf but has a wonderful gift from God. What will happen if Josiah doesn't do what his sweet daughter instructs him to do? Will Josiah and Lindie's fledgling love survive?

I loved Lindie and Josiah's characters. I love how compassionate and caring Josiah is, even though he's vowed to keep his heart to himself. Never once does he treat Lindie like an outsider for her circumstances. Josiah's character was a bit hard-headed and I really wanted to shake him when he wouldn't tell Lindie he was sick. Lindie's emotional struggle felt so real. I wanted to cry with her and laugh with her. I wanted to shake her and hug her all at the same time. Both characters were very well developed.

The message, focused especially on Lindie, is accepting the things God allows to happen in your life. He has a greater purpose for you that you realize. When trials come, don't run from them. Turn to God for support and He will help you through. The message is delivered in the form of Josiah's daughter's remarkable gift. She helps heal the families broken hearts. This was just a sweet, sweet story.

**Thank you, BookSneeze/BookLook, for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.**

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• Connect with Ruth: Facebook | Twitter
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