Book Review: The Dilema of Charlotte Farrow by Olivia Newport

Charlotte Farrow has been working as a maid in a wealthy Chicago home for almost a year now. All while keeping a huge secret. She has a son. As servants are not allowed to have children, Charlotte has trusted the care of her son to another lady, and secretly visits during her every hour off. But when her son's caretaker must leave town, she abruptly drops the boy with Charlotte at the Banning's home leaving Charlotte with a huge dilema; should be claim the child as her own, to lose her job and means of keeping them both safe, or watch as the Banning family choses how her son will spend the rest of his life - away from her.

As a mother, this book had been on edge the whole time. I could never imagine having to face the choices that Charlotte had to make. I always enjoy reading about that time period and the difference between the servant's lives and the lives of the people they work for. A good read!

Thank you to Revell Publishers for a copy of this book to review.

Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Book Review: Waiting for Spring by Amanda Cabott

Widowed Charlotte Harding is starting a new life for herself and her baby boy in Cheyenne after a long, hard year. Fleeing her past, she works tirelessly at her new dress shop to build a safe and secure life away from the dangers she has known.

Barrett Landry needs to prove to himself and his family that he can make something of himself, and if becoming a wealthy cattle baron hasn't done it, surely becoming state senator will. He will need to marry well though - someone with a good social standing and connections he can use.

When Barrett visits Miss Harding's shop to meet his fiance, both of their plans for staying safe and building their lives take a turn. Will they let their friendship turn to something more, or let their fears of the unknown keep them to their separate safe paths.

I really enjoyed this story, I think especially because I really enjoy historical books that describe what people wear :-) I also enjoyed how the author added bits of history about raising children with special needs in the past, as well as what went on in the minds of states before they actually became one. I always enjoy when there are multiple facets to a book beyond just a romance story. This will be one I will read again.

Thank you so much to Revell Publishers for a free copy of this book to review.

Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

I Am

The other day, we were talking with the kids about the question "What is God?" I was pleasantly surprised when Eóin remembered that "God is Light" from one of our Christmas promises we went through as a family during advent.

It got me thinking about how God is just what we need for every situation. You see, I think one of the reasons this particular aspect of God stuck with Eóin is that he is afraid of the dark, so it's important to him that God is Light. It meets his heart's present needs.

I've always loved that when Moses asked God who to tell Pharaoh sent him to free the children of Israel, that God said to tell them "I Am" sent him. God cannot be put in a box. He is not just one or two things - He is EVERYTHING we need when we need it!
To the Israelites he would be "I Am the Deliverer" - to Pharaoh he was "I Am Just and Powerful." To sinners he is "I Am Merciful and Redeemer;" to the broken he is "I am Healer." The list goes on and on! To my son He is "I am Light;" to the lost He is "I am the Good Shepherd" or "I am the Way." Where there is a need in our world, it is God who can fill it - He is "I Am."

Just enjoying reflecting on that today - whether you are five or ninety five - God can meet you right where you are!

Book Review: Vanished by Irene Hannon

Reporter Moira Harrison is in the middle of nowhere on a dark, stormy night when out of nowhere a terrified girl appears in the middle of the road. There is no time to stop and as much as Moira tries to avoid her, she hits the scared girl and careens off the road hitting a tree before she comes to a stop.
Luckily for Moira, a good Samaritan is around and after checking on Moira, tells her he will call 911 and check on the girl she hit. Thats all Moira can remember before her world went dark. When she finally comes to, there is no ambulance, no good Samaritan, and weirder still, no girl! What's worse is that no one will believe her story.
Finally, unable to forget the look of terror in the girl's eyes, Moira turns to a private detective agency for help. Although skeptical, ex-homicide detective Cal Burke agrees to help and slowly clues unfold that reveal a deadly secret.
I always enjoy Irene Hannon's stories. They are easy to read, and I usually get through them in a day or two. Good twists and just the right amount of suspense without it keeping me up all night :-) The romance is a little predicable but that's ok for a light read.

Thank you to Revell publishers for a free copy of this book to review.

Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: The Lesson by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I will admit, I was watching my inbox very closely for the release of this book, hoping it would come up for review. I enjoyed the first two installments of the Stoney Ridge Seasons so much, and MK was my favorite character so I was looking forward to what was going to happen to her.

At nineteen years old, not much has changed in the life of Mary Kate. She is still a crazy troublemaker who likes to stick her nose in where it doesn't belong, and this time she has uncovered a murder she feels she needs to solve! When the murder co-insides with the arrival of a mysterious new man, well that is enough to send MK on a lot of crazy hunts for the truth.
At least it will keep her busy since her hopes of world travel have been delayed due to being assigned to help in the school house. Good thing she is still in school because apparently Mary Kate Lapp has still a lot to learn! (Oh and Jimmy Fisher is it it too which if you've read the other books like me you were probably wondering what would happen with him. But I won't tell you ;-) )

As usual, I really enjoyed Suzanne Woods Fisher's take on Amish life. It's not the quiet, serene, scene with seemingly perfect people that a lot of books portray. Real people, dealing with real issues who just happen to be Amish is what she writes about. My only down side to this book was that it seemed really short - I wish it would have been a little longer - It was the last book after all :-)

Thank you to Revell Publishers for a free copy of this book to review.

Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.