The Angel of Forest Hill by Cindy Woodsmall

Books are something that I am passionate about. I have loved them since I was a small child and remember spending much of my time with my nose buried in a book. As an adult my love for books is still there. Granted I don't get to read as much as I used to (hello four children), but on that rare occasion where I do get to read, I tend to devour the books. 

Fiction is my absolute favorite to read. There is something about escaping into the world the author has created and imagining myself as a little fly on the wall taking it all in. From the characters to the storylines to the setting, it's magical. While I do tend to stick to book series, I do occasionally pick up a stand-alone book, and I did that with my most recent read. I'm glad that I did too.

I have read a few books written by Cindy Woodsmall, so when I noticed The Angel of Forest Hill on the blogging for books website, I knew I had to grab this title. There is something about the way that Cindy writes that just draws me into her Amish fiction series. They are seriously that good. Her new release, The Angel of Forest Hill did not disappoint. I binge-read this book and finished it in two days. If I'm being honest, I could have finished it in one day, but I was trying to ignore my brain and it's request to read just one more page.

source: themetapicture.com

The book begins by introducing us to the Kurtz family in Perry County Pennsylvania. It is there that we find Rose, her parents, and their Bishop having a discussion about Rose traveling to West Virigina to assist the Dienner family. Joel and his wife Florence have two toddlers and a brand new baby, and things were not going well. Rose was needed to help care for the children as well as help Joel mend his broken heart.

Over the course of four years, we witness Rose and Joel's relationship change. It deepens and becomes more than what they expected. Of course there are still challenges that they must face and figure out how to work through. From jealousy to misunderstandings to bickering, there is a whole spectrum that they experience. 

The Angel of Forest Hill isn't just about Rose's relationship with Joel and the children though. It is also about Rose's relationship with her own Mamm and discovering how to repair what had happened during her time at home. Then there is the relationship with Erma, Florence's Mamm, and how to build that relationship so they can move past the hurt.

I find myself able to relate to Rose quite a bit. No, I'm not Amish nor did I marry a widower. What I mean is the way that she thinks of herself. She tends to not think highly of herself and it is a struggle for her. She doesn't want to be that way, it's the hurt of the past coming through and a constant loop of those negative thoughts playing in her mind. It's a challenge for her to change this, but as time progresses we see Rose making strides in this.

The relationship that Rose has with the children is quite wonderful. You can feel the bond that they have and how much the children care for her. Yes, they miss their Mamm, but Rose is doing a great job in that new role as their Mama. There are times in the book where you feel like you are right there participating. Especially when the rooster traps them in the barn. I know I'd be up a ladder too if a rooster was chasing after me and trying to attack my children.

Okay here comes the time for honesty. There are two things I didn't like about the book and I promise you they are really minor. First up is the oldest child's name. Wait, WHAT? What are you talking about Laura? Allow me to explain. The child's name is Mose and in my mind that just didn't seem to be correct. I thought for certain that it must be a typo, as in my brain the boy's name was Moses. (see minor issue) My other issue was that the ending didn't feel right. It felt kind of abrupt. I was expecting one more chapter to nicely wrap things up (and have a glimpse into the future to see how their lives had changed), but instead it just ended. It left me feeling a bit disappointed and wishing that the book was part of a series so I could connect further with these characters.

Other than those two minor issues, I really loved the book. From the storylines with the children, to the budding relationship between Rose and Joel, to Rose's relationship with her Mamm, it was all there. As I closed the book, I thought of the characters and how their lives had changed over the course of the story. I found myself wishing I could be there to see their day to day lives and witness what was to come in their futures.

If you are a fan of Amish fiction stories, or are the least bit curious about them, I highly suggest that you pick up The Angel of Forest Hill. If you do, please come back and tell me what you thought. I would love to talk with you about it.

Curious where to buy it? I have some links for you. 

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Lifeway

Target

FTC Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from Blogging for Books for this review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.   I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Forever Faithful Trilogy by Karen Kingsbury

This past Tuesday, as the UPS man was walking up the sidewalk leading to our townhouse, I was wondering what he could possibly be delivering to us.  I was trying to think back so I could remember if I ordered something.  A tight budget hasn't allowed me much room for nonessential purchases.  I couldn't think of what it could be.  Once Kevin told me who it was from though, I immediately knew.  UPS had just dropped off my latest Blogging for Books selection.  I quickly opened up the box and pulled out the book, "Forever Faithful" a trilogy by Karen Kingsbury.  I couldn't wait to get started and later that evening, I did just that.

This morning, not even 48 hours later, I finished the trilogy.  For my review I will, try to, give a brief synopsis without giving too much away and then my thoughts on the book.  Let me just say though, if you choose to read this trilogy (which I hope you will, if you like Christian fiction), have the tissues handy.  I shed many tears over these stories and my puffy eyes are proof of that. :)

In Waiting for Morning, we are introduced to the Ryan family.  Tom, a doctor, had married his childhood friend Hannah, and together they had two daughters, Alicia and Jenny.  When we meet the family, Hannah is at home waiting for her family to return from their annual weekend camping trip prior to the school year beginning.  As Hannah is waiting her mind starts wandering to reasons as to why her family is late.  A feeling, that she cannot shake, comes over her and the worry/anxiety continues.  Later on two police officers arrive at the door of her family home.  Immediately Hannah knew this couldn't be right, they had to be at the wrong home.  NOTHING like this could happen to her family.  Sadly it is true.  Her husband and eldest daughter died in a horrific car accident.  Their youngest daughter survived.  Waiting for Morning takes us through Hannah's journey of grief, resentment, anger, and the desire to see Brian Wesley, the man who killed her family, be placed in jail.  What about Jenny though?  She's withdrawing and dealing with all this as well.  Only, her mother doesn't notice.  Hannah hires a lawyer, Matt Bronzman, that is skilled at handling drunk driving cases and she also becomes involved with MADD at his prompting.  It is through MADD that Hannah meets a friend named Carol.  Carol walks Hannah through all this but there is one thing she isn't telling her friend.  One thing she cannot tell Hannah.  Not yet.  Will Hannah ever be able to forgive?  Will she continue to resent God and doubt his existence?  Will she return to Him?  What about Jenny?  Will she get the help she so desperately needs?  Will Hannah and Jenny be able to move forward with their lives?

My thoughts: The message behind this story is one that I think many people can relate to.  Not so much that we've lost loved ones to drunk driving but more so the heartbreak and questioning that is happening.  Even the doubt.  Could I remain strong in my faith if something like this were to happen?  Could I continue on and forgive?  I might be like Hannah and grow distant and be upset with God about these happenings.  I believe that for all who are struggling the bible verse Karen Kingsbury has atop chapter one, might be related to by many: I am in torment within, and in my heart I am disturbed. (Lam 1:20a)  I know I've felt that way before.  Maybe it's time for me to pay Lamentations a visit.

A Moment of Weakness, introduces us to Tanner, Jade, and their families.  They are childhood friends and Tanner knows Jade is the one for him.  Even at age 12, he knows this to be true.  Tanner's mom, Doris, she doesn't like Jade or Jade's parents.  She will not tell anyone why though.  Doris knows that Jade's Mom is having an affair with another man and that she will be leaving her husband and daughter.  Doris also knows that her son is meant for someone better than Jade Connor, after all she will end up like her Mother or a drunk like her Father.  A little ways into the story we find out that Jade and her Dad are moving to Washington.  Jade is convinced that her Mom will meet up with them there.  She doesn't know that her Mom has left them as her Dad only told her that Mom had to leave for a while but would meet up with them later.  Tanner tells Jade before she leaves, that he will marry her one day!  Fast forward 11 years, Tanner's Dad has passed away and his Mother (Doris) is now living in the Northwest!  Tanner is in Washington state for a summer internship and Doris is just praying that Jade no longer lives there.  Needless to say Jade does still live there and happens to meet Tanner again.  A summer love happens, dreams for the future are discussed, a line is crossed, distance happens due to a mission trip, and suddenly they are apart.  Believing lies, Jade goes to the man her Dad thinks she should be married to.  A quick marriage and she disappears from Tanner's life for another ten years.  So much has happened.  Jade is going through a divorce and her soon to be ex wants full custody of their son because his wife is a religious fanatic and, in his mind, hurting their son. Jade doesn't know what to do, so she does the only thing she can think of, she calls Tanner's law firm.  Next thing you know Tanner and Matt (Bronzman) are flying up to meet with Jade so they can handle this case.  Will Tanner and Jade reconnect?  Will Jade get her son back?  Will the truth about Ty come out? What will happen with Doris, will her secrets ever be revealed?

My thoughts: I'll be honest, parts of this story were predictable.  But that didn't matter to me.  This was a story of love, loss, hurt, shame, and reconnection.  The verse that plays over and over in this story is Jeremiah 29: 11-12, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."  Such a true verse.  God does know the plans he has for us.  He knows what our future holds and how much time on this earth we have until we are reunited with him again.  If it is His will to help us, it will happen.  We must first come to Him though.

Halfway to Forever brings back the characters we have grown to love: Matt, Hannah, Jenny, Tanner, Jade, and Ty. (Tom and Alicia are also mentioned.)  Matt and Hannah have since married and Jenny is getting ready for college.  Jenny is smiling again but Hannah knows there is still something missing for her daughter.  There have been talks between Matt and Hannah about adding to their family through adoption, will this work for their family?  Meanwhile, Jade and Tanner have now married and are busy raising Ty while praying for another pregnancy so they can add to their family.  They struggle with getting pregnant, have a miscarriage, but continue to pray with each other and the Bronzman's.  Jade isn't feeling well, there are frequent headaches, nausea, and tiredness, what is going on?  Everyone urges her to go to the Doctor.  She finally goes and gets great news, she's pregnant!  An answered prayer.  Around that time the Bronzman's receive good news also and are excited.  Great things are finally starting to happen for both families, or are they?  A pregnancy, a soon to be adopted child, great jobs, happy families, it's all so great but then it happens.  Jade has a seizure.  The adoption falls through.  Tanner works more to not deal with Jade's condition.  Everyone is emotionally hurt.  What will happen?  What will God do in their lives?  Will they remain faithful to Him?  Will the Bronzman's add to their family?  What will happen to Jade's unborn baby?  What about her health?  What about her marriage to Tanner?

My thoughts: I was a wreck reading this book.  I cannot lie.  I loved the story and it tugged at my heartstrings.  Be still and know that I am God, was the verse that kept playing on repeat throughout.  Was it predictable?  Yes and no, I mean obviously there are parts where you'll read it and say "I knew that would happen" but then there are those other moments where it takes you by surprise a little bit.  Things happen in our lives, and while they are not always good, they happen and it is how we respond to those events that will speak as to who we are and what we believe.  This book also furthers my desire to have a friendship like the Bronzmans and Eastmanns have.  To have that other family that you can share these life events with and know that they will be there to pray with you.  To have that type of friendship is something I can only dream of but I look forward to God putting people like that into my life.

I truly hope that you will check this book trilogy out.  It is worth reading.  The stories are good.  You will need tissues.  There are things that you can take away from this fiction series.  Give it some thought.  I'll gladly share my copy with my local friends if you want to read it.

Disclosure: I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books review program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  All thoughts listed above are my own.

Thank you God for blessing me by Max Lucado

Friday, after I finished my other book reviews, I was going through the book selections on BookSneeze and came across this adorable children's book by Max Lucado called "Thank you, God, for blessing me".  I knew right away that this should be the book (well e-book) that I pick to review.

The book is short, sweet, and easy for young children to sit through.  My son, L, sat with me while I read the book to him and he kept looking at the caterpillar and all the other characters, telling me what each one was.  (This is huge because it shows that my son not only can name each bug, but he can also recognize them even in cartoon form.)  Whether or not he understood what I was saying, well that's another story but one that I am hopeful on.

Here's the book description from the BookSneeze website:

Meet Little Hermie—the cutest baby caterpillar in the garden! Little Hermie’s thankful heart shows toddlers how to be thankful for God’s blessings.
Little Hermie is thankful for everything God has given him. He goes through his day thanking God for his many blessings in this adorable board book with flocking on the cover!

If you are looking for a cute, thoughtful, and short children's story, definitely check this one out.  This was the first Hermie book that we have read, but you can bet that I will be looking for more.  Thank you BookSneeze for allowing me to review this e-book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Departures by Robin Jones Gunn

A few months ago I received the young adult book Departures by Robin Jones Gunn, from Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program.

It took me a while to start the book.  Things happen in life and reading just wasn't at the top of my priority list.  ::gasp::  I know, right?  That just sounds so wrong.  But it's the truth.  Books temporarily got put on the back burner.

Let me preface this by saying, I have not read any of the books prior to this that feature each character.  This was a totally new "series" for me to read.  Will I go back and read the others?  Maybe.  It's hard to say right now.  There are so many books out there waiting to be read and even though I enjoyed these two novellas, I am kind of past the young adult stories.

Both stories, Now Boarding at Gate 10 and In the Event of a Water Landing, were quick and easy reads.  They were easy to follow along and get to know the characters.  I am guessing that had I read the previous books that feature Christy and Sierra, I might have had more insight into their relationships not only with others but also with God.

The novella about Christy was definitely my preferred story.  There was something there that just seemed so much more relatable as an adult or a teen.  Going back to your childhood city, hanging out with your crush (or childhood friend), and witnessing the love of your Grandparents as they celebrate 50 years together, all of that just drew me in.

Sierra's novella on the other hand, well I was just glad when it was done.  Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the other stories involving this character are probably good, but I couldn't get past the competition of friends and the whiny, negativity that Jana seemed to let off.  Was it just me that was turned off by that?  Possibly.

Do I recommend this book?  Maybe.  I only say that because if you've read the other books that contain these characters, well then you might enjoy it.  If you haven't read any of the other books, I'd say skip it.  Just my opinion though.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Lead, Serve, Love by Gregory Lang

About a month ago I requested a book through Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program.  I wanted something interesting, something informative, something that I could understand and something that I could use the knowledge from to put to work in my life.

The book I chose is Lead Serve Love by Gregory E Lang.  The tag line is 100 three word ways to be like Jesus.  That tag line is what really grabbed my attention.  Three words?  Really?  Yes really.  Lang makes a three word statement.  Then after that statement, he goes on to explain what he is referring to in a brief paragraph.  This description that he gives is where you learn how to implement the statement into your life.  Lang takes it one step further though and provides bible verses to back up what he is talking about.  Some could say that this stuff is common sense but you know what, sometimes we all need the reminder.

One of the three word phrases that stood out to me is number 52, which is "ask for help".  Lang goes on to say that "You cannot save yourself or conquer your own sin.  But Jesus can, and he waits patiently, listening for you to call on him."  There is more after this but it's that reminder, that we need to speak to the Father and ask Him for help and guidance.  He is waiting for us to ask.

Did I like the book?  Yes I did.  It is an easy read and there is so much in the book that you can take and apply in life.   Take a look at the book the next time you are at the store. Read a page or two and see for yourself what Gregory Lang has written and see how you can apply this in your life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”