The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson

I should have known that this book would be a joy to read by just the title.  I read this in one day but enjoyed the "ride" to the very last page.   Joy and Miranda despite their age difference needed each other.  Joy had a plan and Miranda, with some hesitation,  joined her.  This a great read for Christmas or anytime of year where you need an uplifting story of how two people spread Christmas cheer.  The ending was almost predictable but I didn't care.  I enjoyed every chapter.  This almost could be a continuing series and it really is not a bad idea, Melody Carlson.

I finished this delightful story with a smile on my face and a determination to spread some JOY of my own this holiday season.   I will start spreading joy by giving this book to my mother to read.  Highly recommend!

The Imposter by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The last page was turned and I wasn't ready to say goodbye to David, Birdy, Katrina and all the other wonderful characters of this book. But wait- there will be a sequel of the town of Stoney Ridge. I will be waiting to see how all the storyline play out. 

This is a great book with valuable lessons to be learned. You must stand firm in your beliefs. Don't take the easy way out. To forgive and to be forgiven is needed to move forward in a positive direction. GOD has a plan for you. He will guide you and protect you from harm if you let him. 

David knew that to be a good father he needed to read the Bible. He prayed to make the right decisions in his life and for everyone in his community. 

I felt a sense of peace reading this book. A joy to read.

The Memory Weaver by Jane Kirkpatrick

Eliza is haunted by her childhood.  Her mother died and her father remarried.  She couldn't shake the memories of being kidnapped as a child.  She was ready to leave home and start her life with her new love.  Her father tried to warn her to not rush into things but she didn't want to listen to him.  Things didn't turn out as she planned.  Her husband wasn't all she wanted him to be.    Life wasn't easy.  She wasn't prepared when her husband wanted to move to the very area that she was running from in her thoughts and memory.

Eliza had many lessons to learn on her journey.  I enjoyed reading about Eliza and her road to maturity.

The Chase by Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky.

I just had the opportunity to read the new book by Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky - The Chase.  I wish I had this book when I was younger.  Each chapter had the girl and boy's view of the subject matter.  I loved the message and the way it was presented.   This is a must read and I highly recommend it to anyone 12 and older.  They were very sensitive to their readers and they certainly didn't chastise anyone who may have already made an error in judgment.  I would to see this book given to youth groups for a book study.

The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz

Today is the release day for this wonderful romance between Seamus, Sophie and Little Cate.  Sophie opened her arms and heart to the Ogilvy Family.  She made Little Cate her own but kept to herself her feelings for Seamus.  As the story develops, Seamus could either pull away or gravitate towards Sophie in their time of sorrow and need.

I loved this book.  Sophie was so like others...she was afraid of being hurt again and she learned how to take care of herself.  She was proud and found it hard to rely on others.  Seamus was hurt and buried his feelings.  He had so much love to give but was reluctant after his first marriage.

It is a story of Seamus and Sophie's journey of discovery about themselves and each other.

FIVE STARS!!!!!!!

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......