Ann H. Gabhart's The Innocent

"Keep praying."     When you feel like giving up......keep praying.  When you are hopeless and scared...keep praying.  This book had such a powerful message.  Keep praying.  Carlyn continued to pray even when it was difficult to do so.  She couldn't give up.  There were many times she wanted to but she refused to.  During those trying times, she would hear her mother's voice in her head telling her to continue to have faith and pray.

It is very rare to find a character in a book like Carlyn.  She was loyal even when it wasn't easy for her to be.  Her relationships with her husband, her Shaker sister and her dog were warm and loving.    She could have been a very bitter woman due to her upbringing....her situation with her husband,  her struggles...Curt Whitlow's demands..Sister Edna....but Carelyn survived and was better for it.  Mitchell saw Carlyn's strengths and was drawn to her very early in their relationship.   Carlyn and Mitchell were respectful of each other's choices.  Mitchell was willing to wait until Carlyn was ready to move forward.

I loved this book!   Interesting storyline and historical information about Shakers.

A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

Enjoyable- Yes. Great to take on vacation - yes! This is an inspirational romance book but I found it was much more than that. It was about opening yourself to others, trusting others even when you are scared to and knowing God is there guiding your way. The main characters are Charlotte and Stone. i enjoy a book where the woman is strong and has a warm heart. Charlotte takes it upon herself to "mother" three children that are not hers. She loves them and will stop at nothing to protect them. Stone enters her life and Charlotte isn't sure how to protect her heart from his irresistible charms. Can she trust him? Will Stone let her down? Read this book and find out......

Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund

Another excellent book by Jody Hedlund! I literally consumed this book in one day. I anxiously turned one page after another to see what was going to happen with Caroline and Ryan. I was not disappointed. I can't wait to read more by this wonderful author. I highly recommend this book.

The Heart of the Amish by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Forgiveness as the subject manner is a difficult book to get through.  Everyone holds on to anger or resentment about something.  But the key is to learn how to forgive and move on with your life.  I particularly enjoyed how each chapter started with an Amish proverb.  We have a lot to  learn from the Amish.   It did make me think of the events and people who I still had not forgiven.   To not to forgive is "a choice".   

I need to rethink my choices to hold on to grudges, to be revengeful and to be angry.  Life can be so much better to let go and just "FORGIVE".   This is not an easy task.  

Easy to read book.   Examples of forgiveness were excellent.   I loved the study guide after each chapter.  Powerful subject matter.  

Love's Rescue by Christine Johnson

"To be forgiven,we must forgive."  

I couldn't put this book down.   Elizabeth's journey into womanhood teaches her compassion and forgiveness.  She must learn to forgive herself as well as others.  A wonderful love story with a very important message.  Rourke and Elizabeth's love story is one I will remember for awhile.

This book is part of the Keys of Promise Series.  I can not wait to read the next one.  I highly recommend this book!

As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad

An enjoyable book. I had no clue this was part of a series. I didn't read the first two books but it didn't really matter. It brings us to a time when women could not vote and were limited in career choices. Should a woman not be her true self in order to marry? The women characters in this book had to make difficult choices and sometimes suffered the consequences. Tessa was very adventurous and ambitious. She tried so hard to be true to herself and others. It didn't always work out as she planned.

After A Fashion by Jen Turano

I was ready for a good story and laugh.  I got both in this book.  I was even quite surprised how the book ended.  Oliver and Harriett's story was a delight.  I read this on a cruise and I was so happy I packed this book.  I enjoyed every page.

Buford is a great addition to the story.......he is an unexpected hero!  I'll be looking for more books by Ms. Turano in the future....maybe a sequel with Harriett's  friends?

The Creole Princess by Beth White

This was a delightful book of mystery and intrigue.  I learned so much about that time period....I didn't know that much about this subject manner.  Lyse And Rafa had a love that slowly developed over time.  Enjoyed their story as well as the historical background.  Beautifully written.  I have never read anything by Beth White before but I will in the future.

Great Read!

Anna's Crossing by Suzanne Woods Fisher


I go through spells where I don't pick up a book for a few days....maybe weeks. This book was sitting on my nightstand and I had every intention to start it. How I regret that I took so long to start this remarkable book about Anna. I was swept away by her journey. God had a plan for Anna. She trusted the Lord with all her being and he was faithful. I read this in two days. Great book. Highly recommend!

Where Trust Lies by Janette Oke

Just finished a delightful book by Janette Oke.  It is a story that the  Hallmark’s When Calls the Heart series is based on.   I read this in one night.  I didn’t want to put the book down.   I love Beth and her concern for others.  Jarrick is what every girl dreams for in a beau and he even wears an uniform.  The book took a turn that I didn’t expect.  It had me turning page to page hoping for a good outcome.  I highly recommend this book.

I received this book free from Revell to review.  I’m so glad I was lucky to get my hands onthis one.

Important life stories - It's Not Who You Know, It's Who you Are From Winners

I received this book free to review. I had never heard of Pat Williams. I am not a basketball fan. I enjoyed reading this book. I felt that the stories were relevant to anyone's life. You didn't have to be a sports enthusiast to enjoy reading this. I would recommend this for young people.