Cherished - Kim Cash Tate

Cherished by Kim Cash Tate

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I was a little worried as I started this book; it wasn't drawing me in like I want books to do. I am SO glad that I gave it a few more pages.



This book was so uplifting to me, to see how this group of people really trusts in God to answer all their prayers and believe that he will. They prayed about everything and watched God respond. They took the Bible verse Mark 11:24 to a whole new level for me: Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.



This book is about Kelli and her family. The hurt that surrounded them and the reward of believing in God no matter the answer, the healing that he rewards them with is something we all want - we all want to feel Cherished. I so want a copy of the Love Letters that this book is about.

It has been a long time since I have read a book that I was not ready for it to end, this was it. I could of read another 100 pages easily.







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A Time of Peace - Barbara Cameron

A Time for Peace by Barbara Cameron

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This was the third book in the Quilts of Lancaster County series, what I liked about it is even if you didn't read the first 2 books you would be able to read this one and not be lost.



Although this book was about the 2 previous couples from the other books.



I enjoyed this book but it was not my favorite, it followed the normal amish fiction of a miscomuication, a accident with someone getting hurt, and the happy ever after ending.



I just think something more could of been done with this book.



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Desert Gift - Sally John

This is a story of a couple who after 25 years of marriage talks divorce. The man comes home one day and says he wants out and totally floors the woman. This is about real life and what happens when we don't give God the control of our lives and try to handle everything ourselves. This is a story about growth and family and God.

http://jnut1-ilovebooks.blogspot.com


My review was also posted on goodreads.com

One Summer

One Summer by David Baldacci

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This was my first book by David Baldacci, although it was an easy read it didn't thrill me or excite me but it did keep me interested enough to finish it.



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Always the Wedding Planner Never the Bride

This is the second book in this series, the first being Always the Baker, Never the Bride.

Sherilyn moves from Chicago to Atlanta to work as a wedding planner at Tangelewood (see book 1), it just so happens that her finance is from there and willing to move back 'home'.

As she settles in things start going south as her wedding dress(es) go missing, her allergy to her fiance, old flames on both sides.

This is a fun read. A little Christian thrown in, a few surprises that you don't see coming, a few things that probably were not needed to make this book good but over all a very enjoyable read.

Looking forward to the next one.

Janet's book review: Already Home by Susan Mallery

Janet's book review: Already Home by Susan Mallery: "Really Really liked this book. Jenna moved back to her hometown from LA after her marriage didn't work out. This is the story of her, her..."

Wedding Promise - Thomas Kinkade

This was the second in the Angel island series By Thomas Kinkade and kathryn Spence. It did not disappoint and was an enjoyable read.

He brought in some of our favorites from his Cape Light series. I enjoy hearing about those character as that series has come down to a Christmas book only each year.

This book is about a young couple who wants to get married at the Inn, that was so prominent in the first book. Liza, who took over the Bed and Breakfast after her aunt died, reluctantly tries hosting the wedding of Jennifer and Kyle. Of course a lot of the regulars from book one are here in book 2, along with mother of the bride issues, Liza's own romance problems, and some great Christian truth thrown in.

A very enjoyable read.

Already Home by Susan Mallery

Really Really liked this book.

Jenna moved back to her hometown from LA after her marriage didn't work out.

This is the story of her, her employee, her parents both biological and adopted how it all comes together.

I love how it brought in the character, Robyn from her other books. I am hoping for more about both these stores and these people in future book.

A great read for sitting on the beach this summer.

Now Eat This Diet- Rocco Dispirito

Great idea and easy to follow, I just wonder about price and that fact that some of these things I don't like.

I really would like to try this diet when I can spend a little more time understanding, researching, etc. I think the pictures and the visuals are great and can really change the way we eat if we will just give this the time it needs to understand and use it properly.

Now Eat This - Rocco Dispirito

I thought this was done very well. Lots of great pictures and ideas to eat well. I am not sure how cheap these meals can be made, that is yet to be seen but I do know there are some I am axious to try.

Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Cookbook: Desserts

I just reviewed Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Cookbook: Desserts and enjoyed it very much. There are many recipes I am anxious to try and I loved the pictures of some of the food and also of the amish ways, traditions, etc.

I probably would have liked a few more pictures but the ones that were there were very well done.

Off to try to make the Oatmeal Cake now.

Simple Choices - Nancy Mehl

This is the 3rd book and final book in this series. It did not disappoint.

This was a great book to make you think about your christian life and how you should be living.

I loved how it came full circle with all the characters that were introduced, I didn't feel like there were too many that were brought in that were not needed, everyone had a good role and the character was developed. I didn't feel like this book was rushed or too long.

To me just a very well written book.

Another Dawn - Kathryn Cushman

Signs of a good book- they make you laugh, they make you cry and they make you think. All these were accomplished in this book.
My only question,and it is a question as it has been a long time since I have had a 4 year old, is could he really of thought and said all the things that he did. Should the boy have been a little older?

This is a story of a mom who decides not to vacinate her son, unbeknowst to her he comes in contact with someone with the measles. He then gets the measles and passes it on to the babies in the church nursery on Sunday. This is the story of her learning to stay and fight vs running away, it deals with relationships of Father/Daughter, Sisters, Communities, old school friends, Man/Women relationships.

Turn in the Road -

A Turn in the Road is the newest Blossom Street Book by Debbie Macomber. Instead of a little bit about everyone on Blossom Street this book focused on Bethanne Hamlin. We have previously met Bethanne and this allowed us to get to know her a lot more.

Bethanne takes a road trip with her daughter and her Mother in Law from Seattle to Florida so the MIL could attend her 50th high school reunion. Bethenne's husband has decided he made a huge mistake and wants Bethanne back. This book explores her thoughts and feelings as she works through this tough choice. There is humor along the way and some surprises. What Debbie book doesn't throw in all these elements.

It is a must read if you enjoy either her Cedar Cove Series or her Blossom Street series.

Jonah - Priscilla Shirer

What a great Bible study about how God using interuptions as divine interventions in your life!

Have you ever felt like God interrupted your life? This book shows you how really these interruptions are invitations from God to do something amazing. Something God thinks that you are the best person to handle. (reflect on that a minute)

I have never studied the book of Jonah and I loved it!

Priscilla has a way that draws you in and you can't wait for what she is going to share the next day, I highly recommend the DVD series that goes with this but it can definately be used alone.

A Time to Heal

A Time to Heal is Barbara Cameron's second book in the Quilts of Lancaster County

series.

I very much liked this book, it drew me in from the very beginning.

Chris, comes to visit Jenny (one of the main characters in book 1, A Time to Love) and stays to help on the farm once they become short handed. This is the story of Chris, a wounded solider, learning to accept himself and others for what they are willing to share not what they can get out of it, and of course falling in love.
Chris starts falling for Hannah but because of his past he will decides to leave once he realizes that the bad things that are happening around the farm are because he is there. He decided the best thing to do is leave but before he can things go from bad to worse.
I love the strong faith in God throughout this book - even in Chris who is dealing with some demons from the war.
There are a few questionable moments in this book but overall I loved it.

The Caregiver

The Caregiver by Shelley Shephard Gray is the first book in her Family of Honor series.

Lucy is traveling by train from her home to the home of her cousin who is fighting breast cancer. It comes out fairly quickly that Lucy was being abused in her marriage and that those in her community chose to look the other way. Her husband has an accident and dies and she must learn to deal with all of this.
On the train she meets Katie and her brother Calvin who are traveling back home after visiting their Uncle John. Calvin left home to mend his broken heart of his girl falling in love with his best friend.
On their way to Middlefield they run into some train trouble and enjoy a few hours together - they have some fun, they have some misunderstandings and they part ways.
This book is thier (Lucy and Calvin) story with a side story of Maddie, who is fighting brest cancer. There are many other people mentioned some with big parts - some with little. On occasion I had a time time remember who all the small part people were and how they fit it.
I hope to find some closure to some unanswered questions as I read the second book, The Protector.

Lilly's Wedding Quilt

Lilly's Wedding Quilt is the 2nd book by Kelly Long's Patch of Heaven Series.

Lilly is caught in a rain storm and stops at a barn where a man she has secretly liked is hiding after stealing a horse and being shot. What comes next is their story of stretching the truth to save Lilly's reputation and the joy that comes out of the relationship between Lilly and Jacob.

A few side stories of depression, brotherly love, teenagers need for rebelion and a speical needs child are all touched on in a way that make you hope Kelly's next book will be about one of them.

Plain Proposal

This is the 5th book in Beth Wiseman's Daughters of the Promise Series.

To refresh your memories about the family tree -- there are five Stoltzfus siblings. Samuel (Plain Perfect), Noah (Plain Pursuit), Ivan (several of the books, Katie Ann's husband), Mary Ellen (Linda's mother from Plain Paradise), and Rebecca. Miriam is Rebecca's daughter, and she has been mentioned briefly in prior books. Plain Proposal is Miriam's story.

What a wonderful book, it has everything you would want in a good book.

Miriam Raber for years has been smiten with Saul Fisher and he with you but both seen scared to act on it. This is their story - even though Saul is rumored to be leaving the Amish community for the English world, Miriam decides to trust Derr Herr and see if they have a future together.

This is well rounded story with small minor stories included - some of it ties in the previous 4 books (people that I have come to know and care about). It is a book that you want to keep reading vs turning out the light and going to sleep at night.
Well done Beth!

Angel's Song - Sheila Walsh

This book made me smile. I enjoyed it very much.

It started out a little sad when Sarah dies right before she is going to graduate with her masters degree in social work (this is what my daughter will be doing in a few short months so maybe it hit me harder than some) but the growth of Ann(ie) throughout this book is great. I especially like Keith and the huge role he played in this book. It shows that children with Downs Syndrome are amazing children just like every child that God created is.
I loved Ethan and how true he was to God and his beliefs.

I know there are only a few short pages for a story to be told in a book but sometimes the quickness of people falling in love throws me for a loop because I don't see life like that.

Well done!

Simple Deceit - Nancy Mehl

Simple Deceit is the 2nd book on a series about Grace. In this book she has given up her life in Kansas and moved to Harmony to live in her uncle’s house. She also found love in book 1 and this one continues on her path of true love with Sam. As with any good book there are some issues in that relationship along with issues happening in the town.

I enjoyed this book, she has left enough things dangling that I am anxious for the third one to come out. She covered most of the unanswered questions from book 1. I will admit to some of the back story people I had a hard time following when they showed back up, that could be just my age showing though.

I have not read any other Mennonite books so not sure if everyone in the Mennonite community is as different as all these people regarding electricity, etc but a book I would recommend.