Through Waters Deep By Sarah Sundin

Saran Sundin hit another home run with her new book - Through Waters Deep.   It is book one of a new series called Waves of Freedom.  I have never read any books before about World War II.  But after finding some books by Ms. Sundin last year, I am hooked.  Through Waters Deep is a book full of intrigue, romance and historical information.  The main characters are Mary and Jim.  They were childhood acquaintances but met unexpectedly years later in Boston at the Navy Yard.  Mary is a secretary and Jim is a naval officer.   The book explores their struggles and personal journeys that they must go through in order to conquer their fears.   As their friendship developed, their feelings for each other intensified.  I couldn't put this book down.  I loved it.  I am ready for the next book....it will be a long wait as it doesn't come out until 2016!

Another winner by Sarah Sundin!

In Good Company by Jen Turano

I hate when I come to the last page of a book I have enjoyed reading. This happened to me with this book. I loved Millie. She brought such joy to everyone she met. She had spunk and was not afraid to be true to herself. She was a strong character and not a weak female that is often portrayed in books. She opened her heart to all and she reaped the rewards later. In Good Company was a mystery, a love story and some comedy. This is a delightful book. I enjoyed reading this and I look forward to the next book of the series

Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason

Who doesn't love a love story but to have two in one book is utterly fantastic!   Two sisters....nothing alike.....who fall in love with the most unlikely men.  Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down.  I love that this book is about a family and the home that they love.  Their father is frustrating and stubborn.  Their mother is caring and loving.  The sisters, Brianna and Colleen have fire and spirit.  Each family member had to look closely at their decisions - past and present.  These decisions had major impacts on those they loved.  Each character had to learn to be true to themselves.  They had to learn to trust in themselves, with others and in The Lord.

Highly recommend.  I give it five stars.  I can't wait to read the next one about their brother, Adam, in 2016!

To Capture Her Heart by Rebecca Demarino

I just finished this wonderful book. It is rich in history and a joy to read. I was quite surprised how it ended. I did feel that I was at a disadvantage as I didn't read the first book. It took me a few chapters before I could catch onto the storyline and who was who. It is the story of Heather Flower's journey to recovery and being true to herself.

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?