By knittingmomof3, on May 22nd, 2010
 Title: Life In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice
Author: Kristen Jane Anderson and Tricia Goyer
Publisher: Multnomah Books
Publication Date: May 4, 2010
Hardcover: 224 pages
ISBN: 978-1601422521
Genre: Inspirational/Non-Fiction
About the Book:
After her fatal choice… extraordinary hope.
Why does my life have to be so painful?
What’s wrong with me?
It’s not going to get better.
It could all be over soon, and then I won’t hurt anymore.
Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook on life. Once a happy child, Kristen’s world darkened after three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a depression that didn’t seem to have a bottom.
One January night, the seventeen-year-old made a decision: She no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited-for a freight train to send her to heaven…and peace.
Fear coursed through me. I squeezed my eyes tighter.
It’s going to be over now. The pain is going to end. I’ll be in heaven soon.
As the train whistle blew, the vibration of my body stilled.
The sound stopped. The wind stopped. The train stopped.
Am I dead yet?
Amazingly, Kristen survived her suicide attempt… but the 33 freight cars that ran over her severed her legs. Now she not only had to deal with depression; she also had to face the physical pain and life without legs.
But Kristen’s story didn’t end there. After her darkest days Kristen discovered a real purpose for living. Now, in her compelling book Life, In Spite of Me, Kristen shares her journey from despair to hope.
Includes letters from Kristen that share messages she wishes someone would have told her-when she was depressed and struggling with loss, shame from sexual abuse, and suicidal thoughts.
My Review:
Grab a box of tissues prior to settling in to read Life In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson and Tricia Goyer. Kristen was a healthy active 17-year-old with a loving family when a series of events beyond her control began to cascade down upon her making her feel no longer in control, no longer worthy, tired, and longing to go to Heaven. Life In Spite of Me speaks openly and candidly to the reader about Kristen’s experience, her thoughts on the evening she decided to end her life, the immediate hospitalization afterwards, and a flash back to what brought her to that terrible day by the train tracks and the rocky road to her physical, mental, emotional and spiritual recovery. Interspersed throughout the book are notes written by Kristen, speaking directly to the reader trying to reach out to those who despair, to let the reader know she understands as others do and it will be alright, but one must talk about their feelings and seek help. Life In Spite of Me is an extraordinary book about an amazing teenager who faced what many of us thankfully never shall, who overcame the obstacles and who grew to become a better person through her struggles and now reaches out to help others. I highly recommend Life In Spite of Me to all readers.
About the Author:
Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-four books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference in 2003. Tricia’s book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. For more info, please visit www.triciagoyer.com
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I received a complimentary copy of Life, Inspite of Mee by Kristen Jane Anderson and Tricia Goyer from LitFuse Publicity. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.
By knittingmomof3, on April 11th, 2010
 Title: A Distant Melody
Author: Sarah Sundin
Publisher: Revell
Publication Date: March 1, 2010
Paperback: 422 pages
ISBN: 978-0800734213
Genre: Historical Romance
About the book:
Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval–even marry a man she doesn’t love.
Lt. Walter Novak–fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women–takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and their love of music draws them together, prompting them to begin a correspondence that will change their lives.
As letters fly between Walt’s muddy bomber base in England and Allie’s mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart?
A Distant Melody is the first book in the WINGS OF GLORY series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II.
My Review:
A Distant Melody is the first novel in Sarah Sundin’s Wings of Glory series and what an extraordinary beginning. Sundin takes the reader back to the 1940s with her masterful command of lyrical prose and strong characters.
Allie Miller is taking her first trip north, a trip she is looking forward to, to her friend Betty’s wedding. Alone without the disapproving eye of her mother or her boyfriend Baxter Hicks, her parents adore him and expect Allie to marry him. In the same station, Lt. Walter Novak is departing for his last furlough home and is happy to soon be heading off to fly, to be useful, yet like Allie he feels as though he does not measure up. Walter and Allie meet on the train and soon learn they are going to the same city. Allie and Walter are drawn together during the delightful week leading up Betty’s wedding, and Allie assumes Walter knows about Baxter and thinks she is only risking her heart. Allie and Walter stay in contact through letters and their relationship continues to flourish, as do their lives. Allie begins to emerge into her own, but will she be able to grow or marry Baxter to please her parents? Buried secrets and mystery surround them both which lends toward a sweet and delightful plot which allows the reader to view the war from both sides of the ocean and what struggles each faced during those difficult years. A Distant Melody makes for a delightful, intriguing, and at times emotional read, which is rich with historical details, delightful characters and emotionally charged from fun and innocent flirtations to the grim realities of war. I would recommend A Distant Melody to anyone, especially those interested in historical novels, for Sundin has definitely done her research and takes the reader back to the time and climate of the 40′s. A Distant Melody would be an excellent choice for a discussion group.
About the Author:
Sarah Sundin is an on-call hospital pharmacist and holds a BS in chemistry from UCLA and a doctorate in pharmacy from UC San Francisco. Her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England during WWII. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. This is her first novel. For more info please visit her website.
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I received a complimentary copy of A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin from LitFuse Publicity Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.
By knittingmomof3, on March 24th, 2010
 Title: Songbird Under A German Moon
Author: Tricia Goyer
Publisher: Summerside Press
Publication Date: February 1, 2010
Paperback: 320 Pages
ISBN: 978-1935416685
Genre: Fiction
About the book:
The year is 1945. The war is over and 21-year-old Betty Lake has been invited to Europe to sing in a USO tour for American soldiers who now occupy Hitler’s Germany. The first nights performance is a hit. Betty becomes enthralled with the applause, the former Nazi-held mansion they’re housed in and the attention of Frank Witt, the US Army Signal Corp Photographer. Yet the next night this songbird is ready to fly the coop when Betty’s dear friend, Kat, turns up missing. Betty soon realizes Franks photographs could be the key to finding Kat. Betty and Frank team up against post-war Nazi influences and the two lovebirds’ hearts may find the answers…in each other.
But will they have a chance for their romance to sing? The truth will be revealed under a German moon.
My Review:
Songbird Under A German Moon by Tricia Goyer is set in post-war Germany. WWII ended 5 months ago and Germany is occupied by the allied troops to restore peace. 20-year-old Betty Lake has recently arrived on her USO tour and is stationed in Bayreuth, Germany and singing in Festspielhaus. Frank Witt an Army Air Corps photographer as well as an OSS agent has been assigned to cover Festspielhaus, which allows him a reason to be near Betty, whom he recently met but instantly fell for. Rumours have been going around that Festspielhaus is unsafe, some say haunted, for none can account for the mysterious things that occur there, especially in the evenings. Dierk has been sneaking into old ammunitions buildings to collect pieces he needs to stop the town of Bayreuth and Wagner from further being disgraced. Tricia Goyer has woven together a brilliant story told through the narratives of Betty, Frank, and Dierk. Songbird Under A German Moon will take the reader back to post-war Germany, combining historical accuracy with a sweet romance as well as a well laid out mystery, steeped in historical information. Goyer covers many areas superbly with her beautiful prose, historical accuracy and well designed plots making Songbird Under A German Moon a delightful and thoroughly enjoyable novel to read, reminding the reader that even under some of the most horrific circumstances, good does indeed prevail.
About the Author:
Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children’s book, 10 Minutes to Showtime. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference in 2003. Tricia’s book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like Today’s Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in the mountains of Montana. Find out more about her and her books at her website.
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WHAT ERA? CONTEST
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*Leave a comment on Tricia’s blog or send an email through her website CONNECT page and answer this question: “What era in history do you wish you’d lived in and why?”
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I received a complimentary copy of Songbird Under A German Moon by Tricia Goyer from LitFuse Publicity Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.
By knittingmomof3, on March 9th, 2010
 Title: Sons of Thunder
Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Summerside Press
Publication Date: February 1, 2010
Paperback: 320 Pages
ISBN: 978-1935416678
Genre: Fiction
and 1/2
About the book:
Sophie Frangos is torn between the love of two men and the promise that binds them all together. Markos Stavros loves Sophie from afar while battling his thirst for vengeance and his hunger for honor. Dino, his quiet and intelligent brother, simply wants to forget the horror that drove them from their Greek island home to start a new life in America. One of these sons of thunder offers a future she longs for, the other the past she lost. From the sultry Chicago jazz clubs of the roaring twenties to the World War II battlefields of Europe to a final showdown in a Greek island village, they’ll discover betrayal, sacrifice and finally redemption. Most of all, when Sophie is forced to make her choice, she’ll learn that God honors the promises made by the Sons of Thunder.
My Review:
Two brothers sharing a terrible past, faced with different views of the future, and both yearning for the same woman is just the beginning of Susan May Warren’s epic Brother In Arms novel, Sons of Thunder is a deeply heart-wrenching and astonishingly beautiful novel filled with tragedy, betrayal, love, hope and redemption. Markos and Dinos Stavros are being sent to America in the aftermath of their brother Theo’s tragic wedding reception. Their mother has chosen to stay behind in Greece and live with Theo’s widower Zoë on Ramone Island. Meanwhile, for their safety, Markos and his younger brother Dino must be sent off to America to live with their uncle in Chicago. Faius Frangos and Sophia escort the boys to America. Once in America Markos and Dino desperately try to put the past behind them. Markos, Dinos and Sophia capture the readers heart in Susan May Warren’s Sons of Thunder . Warren’s novel is so achingly beautiful and masterfully written one cannot help but read from cover to cover without end. I sincerely enjoyed reading the three-part epic novel, Sons of Thunder, the lives of the characters, the lessons this story has taught as well as astonishingly vivid prose. I cannot praise Warren’s Sons of Thunder enough and strongly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a beautiful, suspense-filled romance in a time long past.
 Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep’s Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader’s Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota. Learn more about Susan on her website.
- Contest: You can be entered to win a copy of Sons of Thunder by helping us Spread the Word during the blog tour!
TWEET THIS:(must use hashtag #SonsofThunder to be entered – no limit on entries! Tweet away!) Please RT! @susanmaywarren launches new Romantic Suspense #SonsofThunder. Share your story 2 win a fab prize pack! http://ow.ly/1digM
I received a complimentary copy of Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren from LitFuse Publicity Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.
By knittingmomof3, on March 1st, 2010
 Title: Life Lessons From A Horse Whisperer
Author: Lew Sterrett
Publisher: Monarch
Publication Date: January 12, 2010
Paperback: 192 pages
ISBN: 978-0825463167
Genre: Inspirational/Christian
 and 1/2
About the Book:
A champion trainer and true horse whisperer, Dr. Lew Sterrett has used patience and a firm but gentle hand to earn the trust of more than 3,500 horses. In this book, Lew tells the stories of his work with these horses and the lessons each one has taught him. Sometimes heartbreaking and often uplifting, Lew has condensed his lifetime of learning into messages for the Christian life. Today, Lew shares these messages with more than 50,000 people each year through horse training presentations at Miracle Mountain Ranch and nationally through his Sermon on the Mount Ministry.
The author’s engaging style and adroit mixture of well-tested anecdotes and thoughtful instruction make this a winning read-and not just for horse lovers.
My Review:
When I began reading Life Lessons From A Horse Whisperer I had not only not heard of the author but also had no idea he counseled and had a ministry. Dr. Sterrett uses his experiences with horses as an example of how humans can help one another and get through those rough times life has a way of throwing each and every one of us. As the beginning of the book mentions, Life Lessons From A Horse Whisperer is not simply a novel about horses. I was fortunate enough to read this book while watching a loved one die and the underlying theme of hope and inspiration helped bring me solace at a time when I did not think I could find much good in the situation I was facing. This compact novel is filled with inspirational and uplifting tales as well as valuable lessons on how each person can live a better life. Whether looking for suggestions on how to have better relationships, an uplifting novel, or direction in life, Life Lessons From A Horse Whisper is an excellent choice.
 A champion trainer and true horse whisperer, Dr. Lew Sterrett has used patience and a firm but gentle hand to earn the trust of more than 3,500 horses. Dr. Lew Sterrett (Ph. D) had little idea that his boyhood interest in horses would open doors internationally for speaking and training. During his years in 4-H, he savored many opportunities to train and show horses and earn national recognition. As a student leader at Penn State University he benefited from many mentoring relationships from which he received valuable training, experience and honors. This foundation provided a basis for an extensive horse career with a unique emphasis on training youth and community leaders.
Lew has served as the Executive Director of Miracle Mountain Ranch Missions, Inc. (MMRM) since 1977. MMRM, located in northwestern Pennsylvania, is home for a summer youth camp, and a leadership training center for youth, adult, and family groups. He has also promoted safety in public riding programs, serving as President of the Certified Horse Association for 7 years. A licensed pastor, certified Youth, Marriage and Family Counselor, he earned his PhD from North Tennessee Seminary in 2007.
- Find out more about Dr. Lew Sterrett on his website: http://www.sermononthemount
- Read an excerpt from the book.
- Enter the contest:Tweet the following to be entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card & signed copies of Lew’s book! TWEET THIS: (must use hashtag #lewsterrett to be entered – no limit on entries! Tweet away!) Life Lessons from a Horse Whisperer: not just for horse lovers! http://ow.ly/169ym RT to win $50 to @amazon #LewSterrett
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I received a complimentary copy of Life Lessons From A Horse Whisperer by Lew Sterrett from LitFuse Publicity Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.
By knittingmomof3, on February 25th, 2010
 Title: Nothing But Trouble
Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Publication Date: April 2, 2009
Paperback: 352 pages
ISBN: 978-1414313122
Genre: Fiction/Mystery/Christian
From the Publisher:
It’s not fair to say that trouble happens every time PJ Sugar is around, but it feels that way when she returns to her home town, looking for a fresh start. Within a week, her former teacher is murdered and her best friend’s husband is arrested as the number-one suspect. Although the police detective investigating the murder—who also happens to be PJ’s former flame—is convinced it’s an open-and-shut case, PJ’s not so sure. She begins digging for clues in an effort to clear her friend’s husband and ends up reigniting old passions, uncovering an international conspiracy, and solving a murder along the way. She also discovers that maybe God can use a woman who never seems to get it right.
My Review:
Nothing But Trouble is the first book in Susan May Warren’s PJ Sugar series. The reader is introduced to fun and quirky PJ Sugar who is finally returning home to Kellogg, Minnesota after being run out of town on her graduation day. Her homecoming is about as PJ expects, except running into her old boyfriend who is now a police officer, part of the reason she was run out of town. To make matters worse, PJ is left to care for her 4-year-old nephew, whom she has never met, while her sister goes off on her honeymoon, what could possibly go wrong in two short weeks? The reader is soon introduced to the quirky inhabitants of this charming small town and trouble seems to follow PJ wherever she goes. When her best friend’s husband is arrested for murder PJ decides to do some digging around on her own to uncover the identity of the true murderer. PJ Sugar is a loveable and rather sharp-witted character, the novel is quite engaging as well as endearing and I would recommend Nothing But Trouble to anyone looking for a charming cozy mystery, but be prepared to want to immediately follow-up with the next novel in the series, Double Trouble.
 Title: Double Trouble
Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Publication Date: January 11, 2010
Paperback: 352 pages
ISBN: 978-1414313139
Genre: Fiction/Mystery/Christian
From the Publisher:
With one solved case under her belt, PJ Sugar is ready to dive into her career as a private investigator. Or at least a PI’s assistant until she can prove herself to Jeremy Kane, her new boss. Suddenly PJ’s seeing crime everywhere. But is it just in her head, or can she trust her instincts? When she takes on her first official case-house-sitting for a witness in protective custody-Jeremy assures her there’s no danger involved. But it soon becomes clear that there is someone after the witness . . . and now they’re after PJ, too.
My Review:
Double Trouble takes up where Nothing But Trouble leaves off, with PJ training to become a Private Investigator and working alongside Jeremy Kane, PI. However, Susan May Warren makes the book easy enough to follow for those readers who have yet to read her first PJ Sugar novel, Nothing But Trouble. However, I strongly recommend reading the novels in order as it allows, in my opinion, for a better understanding of the dynamics between the characters as well as the growth of the characters. As usual, PJ Sugar tries so hard to be perfect and realizes at times quite painfully, that she is human like the rest of us. Double Trouble is without a doubt a page-turner and while I was secretly hoping for the book to head in a different direction toward the end, it is with anticipation that I await the third novel to read which direction PJ Sugar’s life will take. Then again, maybe by the time I am reading the third novel, Licensed For Trouble, my views will have completely changed or maybe PJ’s will, but either way, time will tell. As for Double Trouble, I highly recommend this book as well as the first in the series, Nothing But Trouble, for anyone looking for a delightful, witty, cozy mystery.
 Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of twenty-four novels with Tyndale, Barbour and Steeple Hill. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Book of the Year. Her larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: www.susanmaywarren.com
The full tour schedule is here.
I received a complimentary copies of Nothing But Trouble and Double Trouble by Susan May Warren from LitFuse Publicity Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.
By knittingmomof3, on February 18th, 2010
 Title: All Things Hidden
Author: Tricia Goyer
Publisher: Guideposts
Publication Date: 2009
Hardcover: 244 pages
Genre: Christian Fiction
About the novel:
Charlotte is cleaning out the basement of Bedford Community Church when she comes across a tattered and yellowed newspaper article. The clipping, published more than a century ago, implicates her great-great-grandfather in the loss of funds intended to help finish building the church. Charlotte has heard stories about the incident through the years, but now it seems the past has come back to haunt her. Is it just her imagination or are people treating her differently now that they think she’s descended from a crook? Will Charlotte be able to clear her family’s name once and for all?
Meanwhile, Sam is spending time with a new girl in town—and is keeping secrets from his grandparents about where they go. Christopher is trying to get an article published in the local paper, and Emily reluctantly partners with a foreign exchange student on a class project and eventually comes to see that they’re not that different after all. As old secrets are brought to light, the whole family is reminded that the truth is often more complicated than it seems.
My review:
All Things Hidden written by Tricia Goyer is the 18th novel in the Home To Heather Creek Series and it is one that will not disappoint long-time series fans or those new to this series. In All Things Hidden, Charlotte is part of the women’s group cleaning out the church’s basement in preparation for the 130th Anniversary when an old newspaper clipping is discovered. The newspaper clipping contained an article about her great-grandfather, Elijah Coleman, which featured him pleading not guilty to theft. Charlotte is at once humbled and embarrassed that this old family legend has been brought back into light. Charlotte grew up hearing the allegations and has decided to discover what actually did happen back in 1870 to her great-grandfather and the missing money allocated to build the Bedford Community Church. At the same time her granddaughter is struggling with friendships, her grandson is involved with a girl Charlotte knows nothing about, and her son is preparing to marry. Tricia Goyer writes a wonderfully touching novel of family love and honesty along with the beauty of friendships and the power of faith as well as trust. All Things Hidden speaks of past generations and how each generation impacts the next is such a tender and loving manner. I would recommend this book to any reader looking for a sweet and pleasant novel.
About the author:
Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-three books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children’s book, 10 Minutes to Showtime. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference in 2003. Tricia’s book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like Today’s Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in the mountains of Montana. Visit Tricia Goyer’s website.
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I received a complimentary copy of All Things Hidden by Tricia Goyer from LitFuse Publicity Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.
By knittingmomof3, on January 26th, 2010
 Title: The Choice
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Publisher: Revell
Publication Date: January 1, 2010
Paperback: 308 pages
ISBN: 978-0800733858
Genre: Fiction/Romance/Christian
About the Book:
Lancaster County has always been her home–but where does her heart belong?
One moment Carrie Weaver was looking forward to running away with Lancaster Barnstormers pitcher Solomon Riehl–plans that included leaving the Amish community where they grew up. The next moment she was staring into a future as broken as her heart. Now, Carrie is faced with a choice. But will this opportunity be all she hoped? Or will this decision, this moment in time, change her life forever?
A tender story of love, forgiveness, and looking below the surface, The Choice uncovers the sweet simplicity of the Amish world–and shows that it’s never too late to find your way back to God.
My Review:
The Choice is a beautifully told story of an Amish community and the secrets that people can hold in their hearts, and the ultimate healing powers of not only being forgiven but forgiving. Suzanne Woods Fisher tells the story of a young Amish woman, Carrie Weaver, and the series of events that lead her to becoming the woman she was always meant to be. The novel begins with Carrie intent upon running away with Sol, a young Amish man, whose dream to play professional baseball is becoming a reality. Carrie’s love for him is so strong she is set to leave behind her life and family until the fateful day her beloved father passes away. Sol, unwilling to give up his dreams and Carrie unwilling to leave her family, especially her young brother Andy, in the care of her stepmother, go their separate ways. Daniel enters the scene and Carrie sees this as her and Andy’s chance to leave her stepmother’s home for good. Daniel and Carrie marry, both holding onto deeply buried secrets and sadness. Their marriage of convenience begins a series of events no one could foresee. The Choice is expertly written, with beautiful prose, believable and loveable characters, as well as a delightfully simple and at the same time twisting plot to keep the reader engaged and delighted. The Choice makes for a lovely afternoon read and is the first in Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Lancaster County Secrets series. I am eagerly awaiting the second novel, The Waiting, which will be in stores in October, until then I am left to ponder what lies ahead for Esther, Andy, Sol, Mattie, Carrie, Abel, Emma and Steelhead.
About the Author:
Suzanne is a wife and mom, raiser of puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and an author of Christian books, both non-fiction and fiction.
Her relatives on my mother’s side are Old Order German Baptist Brethren, also known as Dunkards. That’s where her interest in Anabaptist traditions began. Suzanne’s grandfather was born into a family of 13 children, started his career as a teacher in a one-room school house in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and ended it as one of the very first publishers of Christianity Today. “We called him “Deardad” even though he was a very stern fellow. Still, Deardad’s life inspired me to write.”
After college, Suzanne was a freelance writer for magazines and became a contributing editor to Christian Parenting Today. Her work has been featured in Today’s Christian Woman, Marriage Partnership, Worldwide Challenge, among others. She took the plunge into books a few years ago and now she’s hooked. To learn more about Suzanne, visit her website.
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I received a free copy of The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher from LitFuse Publicity Group. Receiving a free copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.
By knittingmomof3, on December 25th, 2009
 What Really Matters
by Dawn Meehan
In the hustle and bustle and commercialism of Christmas, take time to remember the real reason why we celebrate – the birth of Christ, our Lord and Saviour. May you all have a blessed Christmas!
I had a VERY long day with the kids doing little but fighting. By the time we left for church, we were all short tempered, snapping at each other, and not at all in the Christmas spirit. Thankfully, once at church, we calmed down. Things were put in perspective for us. We sang Christmas songs and began to smile at one another again. The kids didn’t fight once while we were there. Well, they did use their battery operated candles as light sabers for a minute, but we’ll forget about that part.
I never sent out cards (sorry to all my family and friends). It just didn’t happen this year. I don’t think I ever completely finished my shopping, but it’s a little late now. Several items I ordered online have been back ordered. I just realized that the kids have eaten all the cookies I’ve made and there are none to put out for Santa now. I encouraged them to leave him a glass of wine instead. And I failed to read the Christmas story to the kids before they went to bed.
But you know what? None of that matters. It really doesn’t. Christmas is here! Christ is born! And He doesn’t care if we sent out Christmas cards. He doesn’t care if we ate all the cookies we baked. He doesn’t even care if we never got around to baking a single cookie at all! He loves us no matter how much we screw up.
 Now that’s worth celebrating!
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Dawn Meehan (aka mom2my6pack) grew up in Chicagoland where she began her writing career  at the age of 5 with her widely praised, The Lucky Leprechaun, an epic tale of a leprechaun who is- yes, you guessed it, lucky.
Dawn has six children, basically because she didn’t want seven. She is the author of Because I Said So and spends her days blogging at BecauseISaidSo.com, changing diapers, cleaning pudding off her ceiling, tackling insurmountable piles of laundry, and explaining to her kids why they can’t have a pet squirrel or an indoor slip-n-slide.
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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year’s Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is leave a comment here. Come back on New Year’s Day to see if you won!
12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls ®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info
By knittingmomof3, on December 24th, 2009
All Decked Out For Christmas
by Maureen Lang
One of the reasons so many of us love the holiday season is that it’s just so…pretty! Twinkling lights, shiny ornaments, packages that glisten with bows and fancy wrapping. Our houses are trimmed with wreaths and glowing trees, and the neighborhood lights up the night with strands of icicles and glimmering reindeer.
Even we get decked out for the holidays! Chances are most of us will attend at least one party this season, and if we don’t usually don clothing or jewelry with a bit of sparkle, now’s the time to take a chance with something that reflects the holiday.
Smiles are another reason this season is such a popular one. They accompany that familiar greeting-Merry Christmas! Smiles go with the gifts we give and with the gifts we receive. Smiles go with the old Christmas carols and classic movies we watch every year.
The holiday season is a time when everything can seem amplified. But what if we’re all decked out on the outside, from the sparkling clothing to our best effort at a smile, and on the inside we’re anything but happy? If life isn’t what we expected it to be, the gap between reality and our happy, hopeful expectations seem wider when everyone around us is laughing through the season.
I know there are as many reasons to be unhappy as there are to be happy, and I wouldn’t begin to have the answer to make this season bearable for everyone. But I do know a few things that have worked for me:
Slow down. What? During the busiest time of the year? Yep. I know when I feel completely overwhelmed it’s because I’m pressuring myself to do too much. So I try to plan ahead, settle for less than perfection, do my best without driving myself and everyone around me crazy. Choose what’s really important and let go of the other things. And I’ve adopted my aunt’s favorite saying: “However it turns out, that’s how we like it.” Works wonders on attitude!
Pray. As my pastor reminded me this weekend from Psalm 34:18: the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. God may not deliver us from our troubles, but He promises to stay beside us-in fact, closer than when everything seems hunky-dory.
Find a moment to give thanks for what you do have (without looking around at those who have more).
This last point deserves a moment of reflection, and is something I’m still learning to do. I have a child severely handicapped by Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic form of mental retardation. For years I thought I’d accepted his condition. I obediently said to God, “thank you even for this,” since it taught me many things about adjusting to the life I’ve been given rather than the one I might have chosen.
But as my son gets older, I see new forms of acceptance making that feeling of gratitude more genuine. I think I’m finally letting go of some of the hopes and dreams I had for him, my oldest son. I can no longer imagine him any other way than the way he is, even though I’d be first in line if a cure is ever found.
I still think it’s a good thing to give thanks in all things, even if it begins out of obedience rather than tender gratitude for whatever thorn we live with. But realizing it’s okay to grow into that gratitude was a blessing to me.
Maybe some of the bruises on our spirit seem tender during the holiday season, a reminder that all the glitter on the outside might not light us up on the inside. My prayer is trust Psalm 34:18. Let’s lean on Him this season-He’s right here beside us!
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Maureen Lang grew up loving to tell stories, and God has blessed her immeasurably to be able to tell them to a wider audience these days. For the latest goings-on, please check her blog!
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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year’s Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is leave a comment here. Come back on New Year’s Day to see if you won!
12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls ®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info
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Word Shakers Monthly Book Group
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Title: Life In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice 
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