A Love Undone by Cindy Woodsmall

Overview: A husband and son abandoned to forge a path alone. 
A young woman who sacrificed her dreams.
How will the God of grace and hope help them find their way?

At nineteen years old, Old Order Amish Jolene Keim was on the brink of happily-ever-after when everything changed, stealing the future she expected and burdening her with an unbearable decision. For the next ten years, Jolene throws herself into family life—and then she meets Andy Fisher. The horse trainer and father to a sweet nine year-old challenges her and holds up a mirror to issues Jolene has been unwilling to face.

Andy is cautious about his deepening friendship with Jolene, but he believes she knows the truth about him – that he is a grass widower. As a man whose wife has abandoned him six years past, he is unable to divorce or remarry according to the Amish ways. Andy has wrestled with God concerning his reality, and he had found peace with the solitary future facing him…until he met Jolene.

As Andy and Jolene find themselves confronted by difficult choices, will they trust in God's guidance—or will the allure of their deepening friendship only lead to further temptation?

ISBN-13: 9780307730008

Publisher: WaterBrook Press

Publication date: 9/9/2014

Pages: 336

Read an Excerpt

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My Review: Cindy Woodsmall has a way of taking an ordinary Amish story and turning it into an extraordinary one. I devoured all 336 pages of this book. As I began to delve into the story, I immediately knew this wasn't going to be a typical Amish book. I highly enjoy learning more about the Amish faith and their day to day lives, but it can be a little redundant at times. It's refreshing to read a story that doesn't follow the typical "mold." 

I really enjoyed getting to know Jolene and her family. The obstacles she had to overcome were every bit as daunting as the author made them out to be, and I could feel Jolene's struggles right along with her. Ray added a different element to the story, offering insight from someone who Jolene had worked her best on, but couldn't quite let go of. I'll admit, I didn't quite like Andy when we first meet him in the story. I think the author did this on purpose, though, because as the story progresses, I fall in love with him just like Jo does. 

Both Andy and Jolene, and in some ways Ray, have a lot to overcome in this story.  Though Jolene is content and works her best to please God and follow His word, there are parts of herself she keeps hidden and struggles with fear, doubt, and anger. Andy accepts his position in life, until he meets Jo. Then he struggles to again overcome the reality of his situation. The imagery of the Dogwood blooming year round was beautiful in that it reminds the characters the God is there for them, watching over them, no matter what. His ways are perfect and flawless, and in time we will hopefully come to accept, and maybe understand them.

Overall, I highly recommend this story of "shattered dreams", of "love undone", and "God's unfailing grace."

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review.*

About the Author: Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author of numerous works of fiction and one of nonfiction. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media. She lives in the Foothills of the North Georgia Mountains with her family. - See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=72213#sthash.9oEUEhVN.dpuf

Connect with Cindy:  - Facebook  - Twitter  - Goodreads  - Pinterest  - RSS Feed 

Weekend Wrap Up (Nov 7 & 14)

 

This is the Weekend Wrap-Up, inspired by Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Review. This is where I will tell you what I've read in the past week, what I'm currently reading, and what I plan to read in the week ahead. I might also share some interesting events from the past week!

Current Giveaway: 

5th Annual Gratitude Giveaway Hop - Ends November 30 at Midnight!

What I've Read: 

Reviews Posted: 

Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot 

At Bluebonnet Lake by Amanda Cabot

Her Good Name by Ruth Axtell

What I'm Currently Reading: 

 

What I Plan to Read in November: 

 

5th Annual Gratitude Giveaway Hop

Hosted by I Am A Reader.

I have so much to be thankful for. God has been so good to me. I have been given a second chance at love and family. I have been given eternal life. I have a wonderful husband and family. I am so thankful for the chance to share my thoughts and book reviews with you, my faithful followers. This giveaway is for you! Leave a comment below telling me what YOU are thankful for this year and enter to win a book of YOUR choosing (value less than $12 at Barnes and Noble).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Her Good Name by Ruth Axtell

Overview: Lies and secrets can spoil a woman's good name.

A half-Portuguese fisherman's daughter doesn't stand a chance with Warren Brentwood, the heir of the local lumber empire, no matter how striking she is. In an effort to better her life, Espy takes a job at the local professor's home. He begins to tutor her and the rumors begin to fly.

After months working together on the church fundraiser, Espy and Warren share a passionate kiss. But Warren still believes the worst of her and she flees for the city as her childhood hero falls short of her ideal. Alone and penniless, she is taken in by a missionary and his wife before she is forced to sleep in a doorway. With nothing left but her faith she must discover the purpose God has laid out for her.

She longs to return home freed from the lies that surrounded her parting. But will anyone-particularly Warren-believe in her innocence?

ISBN-13: 9780802406279
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Publication date: 7/24/2012
Pages: 352

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: As the back of the book implies, lies and secrets can truly spoil a woman's good name. This story is about a woman who, in the face of disgrace, finds herself and her God. Ruth Axtell does an excellent job telling Espy and Warren's story. Her historical accuracy about how society was during that time period lent the story a deeper air.

I loved Espy's character. She is one of those people who is just genuinely happy, despite the circumstances. I admire that in her, and even when she was faced with difficulties, she kept her head up. Warren lends a new depth to the typical "male heir" character. Throughout the story, you can really see him struggle with what he was "born" to do and what the Lord is calling him to do. The emotions of each character were raw, which made the story more heartfelt.

Both characters had to learn to come to know the Lord on a whole new level. Espy struggled to escape the harshness and stigma of society. Yet, when she turned to the Lord for help, she found newness and cleanliness were with her all along. Warren's struggle to overcome what was expected of him and TRULY understand what God had in mind for him was inspiring.

Overall, I loved this book. If you're looking for a deep, heartfelt book about overcoming obstacles to find the grace and love of God, this is it!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Moody Publisher Blogging program in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.*

About the Author:
I discovered I enjoyed writing when my seventh-grade English teacher assigned our class to finish a story that began with one sentence, a “once upon a time” premise. My version ended up being a romance, and what amazed me most was when someone turned to me after my story was read aloud and told me how much she liked it.

I then went on to write a spy thriller—complete with my own illustrations—and knew I wanted to be a writer.

There were many detours along the way as I pursued more realistic goals. I studied comparative literature at Smith College, where I received a Bachelor’s degree; I spent my junior year in Paris; taught English and lived as an au pair in the Canary Islands; and worked in international development in Miami, Florida. It was there I met my future husband, a Dutchman from Suriname, who took me to the Netherlands to live for six years.

In Holland I began my life as a stay-at-home mom. For the first time in my life I was able to seriously pursue my dream of writing full-length historicals. During my six years there, I completed three manuscripts. The second one gained recognition when it was a finalist in the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Contest in 1994.

We moved back to the U.S., to the down east coast of Maine to a small village where I had spent childhood summers.

Maine has been a place of discovery—from discerning the varying faces of the sea and likening them to the color of my current hero or heroine’s eyes, to observing the changing seasons and the wonders of a flower or leaf or icicle, to simply learning how to say, “yes, Lord,” when I hear His still, small voice.

Connect with Ruth: Newsletter | Email | Facebook | Blog

Happy Veteran's Day!

From my family to yours,  thank you for your time, dedication, and service to this country. Without you, we wouldn't be the nation that we are. 

Make sure you THANK A VET today!

The land of the free, because of the brave.

History of Veterans Day

Credit: http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp 

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities.  This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on November 11, 1918, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"
The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and
Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and
Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."

President Eisenhower signing HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. From left: Alvin J. King, Wayne Richards, Arthur J. Connell, John T. Nation, Edward Rees, Richard L. Trombla, Howard W. Watts 

On that same day, President Eisenhower sent a letter to the Honorable Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans' Affairs (VA), designating him as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee.

In 1958, the White House advised VA's General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee's chairman.

The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.

The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

At Bluebonnet Lake by Amanda Cabot

Overview: Her life is set to warp speed. His is slowing to a crawl. But love has its own timing.

Marketing maven Kate Sherwood's world is fast-paced, challenging, and always changing. The last thing she wants to do is grind to a halt at Rainbow's End, a dilapidated resort in the Texas Hill Country. Still, she cannot deny her ailing grandmother's request to visit the place where she and her deceased husband spent one glorious week fifty years ago. There, Kate meets Greg, who appears to be the resort's unassuming handyman. But there's more to Greg than meets the eye--billions more, in fact.

Kate isn't looking for romance, but she can't deny the sparks of attraction that fly every time she and Greg are together. Could there be a future there? Or will Kate's long-sought promotion take her back to the big city?

Amanda Cabot invites you to step into a place away from the pressures of the day. You might be surprised by what you find at Rainbow's End.

ISBN-13: 9780800734343

Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Publication date: 10/21/2014

Series: Texas Crossroads , #1

Pages: 384

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

Book Extras: Excerpt | Discussion Questions

My Review: Amanda Cabot is an amazing author. She created a vivid picture of Rainbow's End and Texas' famed Hill Country. I felt as if I stepped through the pages of the book right into Rainbow's End Resort and ate some of Carmen's delicious Chocolate Pound Cake! From the descriptions to the characters, I was immersed in the story and didn't want to put the book down.

From the first page, I felt a connection with Kate and Greg. It was immediately apparent that the two were at a "crossroads" in their lives (whether they realized it or not) and I was glad I joined their journey through the pages of this story. Kate is a beautiful young lady (inside and out) whose priorities got mixed up along the way. Greg is handsome, charming, and at a point in his life where he doesn't know what to do. Their romance was swift and sweet. It didn't feel rushed or forced.

Each character is on a transitional journey in their lives. Kate doesn't realize her life is heading in the wrong direction until she comes to Rainbow's End and is forced to take a look at her life and the decisions and choices she's made. Greg has to overcome some painful memories from his past, so he can move on to the future God has prepared for him. 

Overall, I loved this story, and from the excerpt Amanda provides for In Firefly Valley, book 2 of the Texas Crossroads Series, this is going to be another amazing series!

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Revell Reads blogging program in exchange for my honest review.*

About the Author: Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, and Christmas Roses. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers Best. She lives in Wyoming. 

Follow Amanda: Facebook | Blog | Twitter | Website

Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot

Overview: Bath, England 1810.

At twenty-eight, Alethea Sutherton is past her prime for courtship; but social mores have never been her forté. She might be a lady, but she is first and foremost a musician.

In Regency England, however, the violin is considered an inappropriate instrument for a lady. Ostracized by society for her passion, Alethea practices in secret and waits for her chance to flee to the Continent, where she can play without scandal.

But when a thief ’s interest in her violin endangers her and her family, Alethea is determined to discover the enigmatic origins of her instrument … with the help of the dark, brooding Lord Dommick.

Scarred by war, Dommick finds solace only in playing his violin. He is persuaded to help Alethea, and discovers an entirely new yearning in his soul.

Alethea finds her reluctant heart drawn to Dommick in the sweetest of duets . . . just as the thief’s desperation builds to a tragic crescendo . . .

ISBN-13: 9780310320357
Publisher: Zondervan
Publication date: 8/5/2014
Pages: 352

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

 Read an Excerpt

My Review:  I loved this book. The author did an excellent job with every part of this book. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the music and how it affected the characters in the book. They lent an extra layer of interest to the story and allowed me to really connect with the characters, even though my interest in music is elementary at best.

The characters were very well written. I could feel the struggle Alethea went through in her life. The emotions she had and the anger and bitterness she carried were tangible. Lord Dommick's struggle with PTSD (though it was not identified as such back in 1800's) was also tangible and well-incorporated in the story. Their romance was swift, but sweet. 

The message of the story was also very well written. Alethea struggled to learn that the God of her childhood was not the God real-life. The verses the author chose to use to portray this message to Alethea were unusual and well appreciated. Lord Dommick's struggle to capture the trust of his childhood, before the war, was relatable and real.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable. I look forward to learning more about the rest of the phenomenal characters in this book!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via the BookLook blogging program in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.*

About the Author: Camy writes Christian romantic suspense as Camy Tang and Regency romance under her pen name, Camille Elliot. She grew up in Hawaii, where she started reading Regency romances when she was thirteen years old. Now she lives in northern California with her engineer husband and rambunctious dog.

She graduated from Stanford University in psychology with a focus on biology, and for nine years she worked as a biologist researcher. Then God guided her path in a completely different direction and now she’s writing full time, using her original psychology degree as she creates the characters in her novels.

In her free time, she’s a staff worker for her church youth group and leads one of her church’s Sunday worship teams. She also loves to knit Victorian and vintage patterns, spin wool into yarn, and is training to (very slowly) run a marathon.

Join me on my blog, Camy's Loft!