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.**

Learn more about Ruth Reid
Connect with Ruth: Facebook | Twitter

Weekend Wrap Up (Feb. 6)

 

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!

 

February Goals: 

Share 20 blog posts

Complete the February Book Photo Challenge on Instagram (join us using #feb15bookchallenge)

Read 8 books (since this is a shorter month) total:

1 book toward my goal of 12 for 50 States Reading Challenge

2 books toward my goal of 24 for CBLH Re-Read Challenge

4 books toward the "It's A Love Story" Reading Challenge

What I've Read: 

Reviews Posted: 

Forget Me Not by Miralee Ferrell
When Dawn Breaks by Jennifer Slattery

What I'm Currently Reading: 

What's Up Next: 

Water Your Faith Wednesday - The Power of a Praying Wife (Part 7)

Hello everyone! Welcome to "Water Your Faith" Wednesday! How do you feel after spending your Sunday at church praising and worshiping our Lord? I know I feel great! I start my week fired up and ready to face what's in store. Oftentimes, however, by Wednesday, life begins to drag me down. My goal is provide a way to overcome the spiritual doldrums with encouraging words, scriptures, devotions, songs, etc. Let me know what you think!

 

  Week 1, the introduction: The Power.

Week 2, His Wife.  

Week 3, His Work. 

Week 4, His Finances. 

Week 5, His Sexuality. 

Week 6, His Affection. 

Week 7, His Temptation.

 

Today, we are continuing our devotions with the 7th chapter in The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian: His Mind. 

 

"To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." - Romans 8:6

 

My Thoughts: I know the mind is a powerful tool. I have suffered from depression, loneliness, and despair. I didn't realize that the devil will attack men and women's minds differently. It makes sense because we think and feel differently. Stormie raises a good point in the first paragraph of this chapter, "If he and I were one, than an assault on his mind was an assault on me as well." (pg. 75) What an eye-opening declaration! When we pledge our lives to our husbands in marriage, we become one with them. Everything we do directly affects them, and vise versa. So, by speaking "words of God and words of praise" (pg. 76) over our husbands, we can directly affect how they view these negative thoughts and give them power over them.  

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Can't Believe I Haven't Read From Contemporary Genre

For future Top Ten Tuesday topics & info on how to participate, click here!

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish 

This week's topic: Top Ten Books I Can't Believe I Haven't/Want To Read From (insert) Genre

In the last couple of years, I have branched into Contemporary Christian Fiction. I love it! There are some books, though, that I haven't been able to get my hands on that I really should read.

 

1. Firstborn Series by Karen Kingsbury - I really, really liked the Redemption Series by Karen Kingsbury, but for some reason, never went on to read more series by her.
2. The Sweet By and By by Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck - I really love Rachel Hauck as an author and I love Sara Evans as a country singer.. what book could be better?
3. The Mitford Series by Jan Karon - I have heard wonderful things about this series since I started reading Christian Fiction, I just haven't gotten around to reading it yet.
4. Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter - I've read two other books in the Chapel Springs series and LOVED them. I really need to read this one.
5. Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade - The covers for this series are so cute! I have heard many good things about this author and can't wait to delve into one of her books.
6. Take a Chance on Me by Susan May Warren - I've got a few of her books and have heard many great things about her, but haven't read them yet. 
7. The O'Malley Series by Dee Henderson - From the time I started reading suspense/mystery Christian fiction, everyone has recommended Dee Henderson.
8. Against All Odds by Irene Hannon - As with Dee, I've heard great things about Irene Henderson.

That's it! I was only able to come up with 8 authors I haven't read that I really want to read in the contemporary field. Any suggestions? What's your top ten books you can't believe you haven't read yet?!

When Dawn Breaks by Jennifer Slattery

Overview: As the hurricane forces Jacqueline to evacuate, her need for purpose and restitution forces her to head north to her estranged and embittered daughter and into the arms of a handsome new friend. Dealing with his own issues, Jacqueline isn’t sure if he will be the one she can lean on during the difficult days ahead. And then there are the three orphans to consider, especially Gavin. Must she relinquish her chance at having love again in order to be restored?

ISBN-13: 9781596694231
Publisher: New Hope Publishers
Publication date: 1/28/2015
Pages: 320

Read an excerpt.

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Thoughts: Jennifer Slattery is a new-to-me author. I enjoyed this story. It was unique to me, in that I've never read a book about what happens to the people after a natural disaster. It was heart-wrenching to read about Jacqueline and Gavin losing everything. The story was well-written and easy to follow, despite the fact that it was written from three points of view.

I felt like I only got to know the characters, with the exception of Gavin (maybe), on a surface level. I couldn't really connect with them. Jacqueline is a mother who, because of the hurricane, is forced to confront her past and face the daughter she abandoned. Her emotions were real enough, but didn't touch me for some reason. I should have been able to easily identify with Jonathan and his emotions, being in a very real, very similar situation, but I don't think the author dove deep enough for me to connect. Gavin, on the other hand, tore at my heart strings. I cannot imagine the horrors his young eyes saw, based on the information the author provides about his mother and up-bringing.

The message of the story was three-fold. For Jacqueline, learning to accept the grace that God gives freely after becoming a new Christian can be hard. For Jonathan, moving forward after a tragedy can be painful. But God doesn't want us to be alone, He wants us to be happy. For Gavin, accepting that YOU ARE worth something in God's eyes, when you've been told your entire life you're worthless is hard. The message was well-written and expertly weaved throughout the story.

Overall, I enjoyed this story despite the fact that I didn't connect with the characters and look forward to reading more by Jennifer Slattery.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via New Hope Publishing in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.*

About the Author: Jennifer Slattery is an inspiring contemporary novelist whose stories of hope, love, and grace resonate with real people. A Hurricane Katrina survivor, she also writes Christian living articles for Crosswalk.com and devotions for her personal blog, Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud; Internet Cafe Devotions; and Takin' It to the Streets, a ministry serving Omaha Metro's working poor and homeless. When not writing, she enjoys hanging out with her teenage daughter and real-life hero husband, as well as serving in her church. She is the author of Beyond I Do and When Dawn Breaks.

http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/

Forget Me Not by Miralee Ferrell

Overview: Can a Lost Love be Redeemed?
Baker City, Oregon, 1881

Seven years ago, Julia McKenzie rejected the man she loved, wanting to experience more of life. Now, at the age of twenty-four, she regrets that decision. What will Seth think of her, when they encounter one another hundreds of miles from home? Will the man she cared for understand the direction her life has taken and love her in spite of her choices?

Pastor Seth Russell has never completely forgotten the girl he once courted. When she shows up in his new home of Baker City, all those feelings return. But why is she sneaking around town late at night? Even more important, will she reject him and break his heart again, or can God heal the breach between them?

Forget Me Not is part of the historical romance, Love Blossoms in Oregon series, published by David C Cook. This book can stand alone, but is better enjoyed when reading the series and getting acquainted with the full cast of characters from the Love Blossoms in Oregon series.

ISBN-13: 9780996006811
Publisher: Mountain Brook INK
Publication date: 3/27/2014
Pages: 160

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My reviews of the Love Blossoms in Oregon series.

My Review: What a sweet story! Not only did this novella answer questions about the compassionate pastor we meet in Blowing on Dandelions, but it provided a way for me to visit with all the characters from the other books in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series. I really enjoyed the story and I wish it were longer! However, it was well-written and naturally flowing.

I loved Julia's character. Her devotion to her calling was admirable and her struggle in dealing with hypocrites and judgmental people was very real. Seth was just what she needed! His job as a pastor and his compassion and caring nature were soothing to Julia's stubborn and independent streaks.

The message of the story was about forgiveness. There is a whole conversation in the book between Julia and Mrs. Roberts that I would love to quote because there was so much wisdom and understanding in those pages. Forgiving others for what we perceive is wrong is hard, especially because we don't want to! Think about where we would be if Jesus had that attitude? He didn't have to forgive us, but He did, and He did it freely. Isn't that amazing!

Overall, this was a great short story and fits in nicely with the Love Blossoms in Oregon series.

About the Author: Miralee Ferrell is a speaker, accredited counselor, and multi-published, award winning, best-selling author of contemporary and historical romance novels. She enjoys horseback riding, gardening, and family gatherings around their eleven-acre property in Washington State. Miralee has had nine books release with a traditional publisher, and Blowing on Dandelions, her first book in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series made the ECPA Best Seller list in 2014. A family friendly, Christian movie production company is also considering one of her Love Finds You novels as a TV movie.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/miralee | Miralee Ferrell's Fan Page
Twitter: www.twitter.com/MiraleeFerrell

Weekend Wrap Up (Jan 30) - Month In Review

 

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!

What I've Read: 

Reviews Posted: 

At Home in Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong

Price of Privilege by Jessica Dotta

What I'm Currently Reading: 

What's Up Next: 

January Wrap Up: 

Finish the Series Reading Challenge: 2 series completed. My goal: 10

CBLH Re-Read Challenge: 2 books re-read. My goal: 24

50 States Reading Challenge: 1 book read - My goal: 12
This is my 21 post for the month! My goal for each month is to post at least 20 times! :D