The Promises She Keeps by Erin Healy

Thomas Nelson- January 12, 2011

Book Synopsis

Promise, a talented young vocalist with a terminal illness, is counting on fame to keep her memory alive after she dies. Porta is an aging witch and art collector in search of the goddess who will grant her immortality.

When Promise inexplicably survives a series of freak accidents, Porta believes that Promise is the one she seeks. But Chase, an autistic artist who falls in love with Promise and opposes Porta, comes between the women with his mysterious visions and drawings, and plunges everyone into a flesh-and-blood confrontation over the true meaning of eternal life.

A Note From Wanda:

Ever since I was a child, I wanted to be a writer. When I was in the second grade, I wrote my first poem about a moth. Luckily, I received encouragement from my teacher. During my teen years, I wrote skits that my church teen group performed during special holidays. It wasn’t until 1980, that I took a course on writing for children and teenagers. I became serious about a career as an author. Soon after that, I began to write stories, articles, poems, and devotionals, which appeared in a variety of Christian publications. Later, I had 5 books of puppet/ventriloquist scripts published. *These books are currently available by contacting me. ([email protected]) My first novel was released by Barbour Publishing’s book club, Heartsong Presents, in Dec. 1997. I have now written nearly fifty books, with over 4 million books in print. Many of the novels I've written are Amish-themed.

Widowed and jobless, Lydia King moves her son and herself to Charm, Ohio, to be close to her mother and help with her grandfather. Menno Troyer, a furniture store owner, is also recently widowed and the father of four energetic boys.

Levi Stutzman, another newcomer to the area, is the only one in his family not handicapped by dwarfism and has dedicated his life to caring for them. As fall colors the countryside, will anonymous gifts left for Lydia bring her hope for a new life and romance, or will another tragedy flood her with infinite despair?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Lydia's Charm, go HERE.

Review

This is a lovely written and intriguing story of one Amish woman's journey through stress, heartbreak and finding love again......(this is not my full review...will be posted later)

The Clearing by Heather Davis

April 12th 2010 by Graphia

Paperback, 228 pages

Review Copy

Book Synopsis

Amy, a sixteen-year-old recovering from an abusive relationship, moves to the country to start a new life with her aunt–all she wants is for everything to be different. In the clearing at the back of Aunt Mae’s property, she makes an amazing discovery—Henry, a boy stuck in the endless summer of 1944. Henry and his world become Amy’s refuge and she begins to learn that some moments are worth savoring. But when the past and present come crashing together, both of them must find the courage to face what is meant to be, even if it means losing each other forever........(Goodreads)

Review

When Amy leaves her home and school to live with her aunt in a small town, she only has one goal in mind: get through school and forget about her x-boyfriend Matt who used his hands to hit her more than love her. What Amy doesn't expect to find is a clearing along aunt Mae's property, a clearing that is enveloped in fog...a fog so thick you cant see through it or over it. At first the clearing frightens Amy, but feeling depressed and lonely Amy has thoughts of just disappearing into the fog...and that's just what happens when she enters the clearing. Crossing over Amy steps into a different world...one that is in a holding spot of 1944. And there she meets Henry, a beautiful farm boy who lives with his mom and grandfather. At first Amy doesn't realize the time difference, she thinks the family is very old fashioned. Not until Amy begins falling in love with Henry and notices time moves differently on his side, does she piece together the truth. By this time however Henry and Amy are already in love and each of them knows the impossibility of the relationship. 

Henry was just the one for Amy, after coming out of an abusive relationship and accustomed to 21st century boys, meeting Henry was like a breath of fresh air. She found him awkward but yet was able to build complete trust with him. He dressed different, spoke different and his manners all  but forgotten in the current society. Henry on the other hand thinks the same of Amy, she talks different and the way she dresses is odd. Henry cant figure out why she wears pants and why such the plan clothing, but he still thinks Amy is beautiful. I loved watching these two fall in love and seeing the simple and easy relationship form between them.Things aren't so simple though in the real world, Amy and Henry realize that a decision must be made, one of them has to make a choice, one that could tear one or both worlds apart, the question is which one will make the first move.

I really loved reading this story, I thought Davis created a magical, young and dramatic read. I also feel her writing since Never Cry Werewolf has defiantly flourished, her simple style creates an entertaining story filled with just enough drama and depth without going overboard. A beautiful story of timeless love......

Rating

The Clearing is recommended to mature teens/adults (16 and up) and contains: Violence, abusive relationships, lying, sensuality, teens engaging in sex, sexual discussions and mild if any language.

4/5- YA- Time Travel- Romance

Thanks to Publisher for Review Galley

Paperback, 352 pages

June 20th 2009 by Northern Sanctum

Review Copy

Book Synopsis

Fourteen-year-old Adya Jordan is too good to be true. Her skills with people, information, and technology make her the perfect new intern at megacorp Three Eleven, the company which covertly controls the world in an alternate 1985. Could this be because this is not her first lifetime? Or even her second? Or does it have more to do with the strange sequence of DNA in her cells? Find out what makes Adya tick as she and a group of elite scientists strive to prevent a global disaster....(Goodreads)

Review

Adya Davies is a 40-yr old happily married mother of six. Not only does she have the corner on baby making, she also has a Doctorate in Child Development and has the ability to work and raise her children as a stay-at-home mom.--(I love SAHM’s)--- Adya’s world is literally shattered after a car accident, everything she was is gone, all her accomplishments, her marriage her children, gone in flash as she awakens in her 14 yr old body. Its 1985, but Adya trapped in this new world still retains all her 40 yr old memories and speaks and acts like the woman she really is. Family and friends believe her condition to be a part of the accident and no one will believe her….that is until a company known as 3-11 tracks her down. Soon Adya realizes she is not crazy, she is not some freak reincarnation of herself but a scientific breakthrough……….

Bell’s idea offers an interesting premise, I didn’t know if I was going to get a Sci-fi Benjamin Buttons or a time traveling ride of suspense. The first few chapters were very good and actually pulled me in, but after spending time with Adya waking up in her 14 year old body and the horrific event that happens at the carnival I disconnected to the story immediately. I didn’t understand her reactions or the event itself (until much later, which was still a bit confusing) and unfortunately for me due to the lack of connection with the main character, I just couldn’t get back into the story. While I admire that Bell used a woman who had multiple children and choose to stay home and raise them, it was still hard to relate to her even on a mom level with all the RESPECT ME, because I’m a woman. Another issue I had with the book was all the man-boys who were working along side Adya during the whole “Regression” research. They resembled your typical stereotype chauvinistic who couldn't handle a smart woman. None of them proved to savvy in the "gotta get that female"...most of them just ogle Adya's 14 year old body, trying to outdo each others crude talk and not until Adya addresses the men’s over charged testosterone, involving the removal of her shirt and whip cream do the fella’s back off............



The ending left me confused and I really didn’t understand where the story was going, perhaps it was the many unresolved issues or the lack of explanation on certain things…or maybe I’m just a picky reader who asks to many questions……………Although Regression was not for me, many hardcore sci-fi lovers out there and dedicated dystopian lovers may enjoy this adventure into the world of reincarnation/regression, time travel and science.

Rating

Regression is recommended to adult readers. Contains: Violence, sexual dialog, rape, death and mild if any language.

2.5/5- Sci-fi-Time Travel

Thanks to Pump up Your Book for review copy.

Paperback, 311 Pages
Review Copy

Book Synopsis

Jorie King has been waiting for Benjamin Zook to return home to Lancaster County so they can marry. When news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie finds comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. That friendship ripens into love, and it seems that they are meant to be together. But when the unexpected happens, their worlds are turned upside down once more. Will Jorie trust God to lead her into the arms of a new man? A multifaceted story about complex people living the simple life, The Waiting is the second book in the LANCASTER COUNTY SECRETS series. Readers will find themselves transported into the world of the Amish and deeply invested in these wonderful characters...................(Goodreads)

Review

The Waiting takes place during the sixties, at a time when the country is torn apart by the Vietnam War. Without taking the liberties in her story to bash the US or speak against any political party, Woods simply shows the effects of war drama in a small Amish community. One gal being Jorie King, who is waiting for the man she loves Ben Zook to return from his deployment. Even though he has the impression she wont be waiting……she is doing just that….waiting……Jorie turns down suitors, while getting on with her life taking a job as the communities schoolteacher. She battles her own loneliness with the help of her grandfather and close friends including Caleb Zook, Ben’s brother and his wife Mary Ann.

When news comes to the family that Ben has been killed, it of course devastates everyone. Healing from her loss, Jorie pours herself into the school and farm. Caleb also grieving over his brother is hit with yet another devastating blow- and only Jorie will help with the healing of his heart and realizing that friendship may just be love.

Woods has created a very engrossing story, with well developed characters and side plots that fit in so well with the dramatic theme of the novel. This one was a finish until its done book, that’s how immersed I became with Jorie’s story. I have read a lot of Amish story's this year and I must tell you all.....The Waiting is one of the best one's Ive read!!!  Full of drama, twists, laughs and tears, Suzanne's words sucked me in and didn't let go until the last page.

Rating

A lovely novel suitable for most readers and recommended to those who like Amish fiction, wholesome romance or Christian fiction. Content is wholesome, and touches on subjects including, war, sickness, death, romance, rowdy school kids, Amish living, speech impediments and family drama.

4/5- Amish Romance

Thanks to Litfuse and Revell for review copy

But while Julianna is crazy for her new fellow classmate, Bryce is horrified of this insanely annoying girl with a huge crush on him. Now here they are in the 8th grade, Julianna still crazy in love and Bryce still trying to run away from her every chance he gets. In their last year of middle school together Julianna is loving it! She gets to talk to Bryce (whenever he’s not hiding from her), gets to help him with his work, and gets to sniff his hair all she wants. But on the other hand Bryce can’t stand another minute with her. She never leaves him alone and weirdest of all, she won’t stop sniffing his head! But just as Julianna thought middle school with Bryce couldn’t get any better, she starts realizing what type of person he really is, while Bryce begins to realize maybe Julianna isn’t so bad after all…

This book was really cute, and I personally thought it was a super easy reader! I would recommend this for 6th grade and up or for anyone who is in the mood for a story about young first love. It has mild-swearing, but nothing close to being inappropriate. This was just over all a really enjoyable book.

 

 P.S. Can’t wait for the movie to come out! =D

 

4/5 - Kids-Realistic Fiction

While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin
October 1st 2010 by Bethany House

Paperback, 400 Pages 

Review Copy

Book Synopsis

In an unassuming apartment building in Brooklyn, New York, three lives intersect as the reality of war invades each aspect of their lives. Young Esther is heartbroken when her father decides to enlist in the army shortly after the death of her mother. Penny Goodrich has been in love with Eddie Shaffer for as long as she can remember; now that Eddie's wife is dead, Penny feels she has been given a second chance and offers to care for his children in the hope that he will finally notice her and marry her after the war. And elderly Mr. Mendel, the landlord, waits for the war to end to hear what has happened to his son trapped in war-torn Hungary. But during the long, endless wait for victory overseas, life on the home front will go from bad to worse. Yet these characters will find themselves growing and changing in ways they never expected--and ultimately discovering truths about God's love... even when He is silent.

If you would like to read the first chapter of While We're Far Apart, go HERE.

Review

Three families. Three tragedy's. And love that will heal all their hearts...........

Its 1943 during WWII, Eddie Schaffer and his two children, Esther and Peter live in a small apartment upstairs from their Jewish landlord, Jacob Mendel. Both men are dealing with the loss of their wives, who were killed together in a car accident a year ago and Jacob is also grieving over his missing son, last seen in Hungary. Jacob is so angry he blames everything on God and stops practicing his faith. Eddie having trouble coping with Rachel’s death go's a different way to escape his pain and in the hopes that his mother will take over caring for Esther and Peter enlists in the Army. Of course when Eddie springs the news on grandma Schaffer she  freaks, already having her other two sons in the war, she cannot bear the thought of Eddie leaving or caring for two small children.

Fortunately for Eddie, Penny a long time friend and girl who has always loved him steps forward and offers to watch the kids while he’s away. Eddie agrees and Penny moves in to take over the home and the care giving once he deploys to England. Penny has her own set of problems though, not only does Esther resent her, but Peter has gone mute and will not speak. Her parents who are controlling, demeaning and demanding are angry with her for moving out and she loves a man who doesn’t love her back. Terrified of the outside world and what it means to really be on her own, taking care of Eddie’s kids is a shock and a wake up to reality, a reality she has never been able to enjoy due to her parents short leash. When troubling secrets begin to come out about Penny’s life, she finally begins to grow as woman, facing the issues and standing up for herself change her dramatically throughout the story and the outcome you would expect happens for her once she is able to see what a special gal she is and is able to bond with Esther and Peter.

There's no denying the lovely writing of Austin’s pen and the story certainly held strength in the coming of age theme with Penny and Esther, both different ages one 13 one 24, but seemingly at certain life changing points, they both go through a growing up period and getting over the grief in their hearts. The beginning of the novels pacing is pretty slow and there is a lot of character development throughout the story. The introduction of three main characters and a countless number of side characters the reader deals with: Racism, violence, hoarding, emotional baggage, emotional and verbal abuse, Jewish and Christian doctrines, war, abandonment, severe grief, PTSD and teen pregnancy. That right there with all the struggles going on made for a very in-depth look at the lives of these people......however with all the personal journeys happening, there was so much to get through that I felt many side plots were left unresolved and the ending too rushed. Regardless of that issue I had with the book, While We're Far Apart was a lovely story that essentially bound the characters together through the pain of loss. While spending time together looking for the missing and feeling lost without a family, they soon realize the family they built amongst themselves. A story that will make you smile, make you want to smack some of them and even shed a few tears.

Rating

While We're Far Apart is suitable for all readers and recommended to those who enjoy Christian Fiction or wholesome drama. While remaining free of graphic content, topics include: War, Violence, Arson, Death, Rape, Abandonment, grief, adoption and romance.

4/5- Christian Fiction

Thanks to Bethany House via the CFBA for Review Copy

About the Author

It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority. Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge. Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels. She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row. In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests. Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books.

Embers of Love 

The logging industry in eastern Texas is booming, and Deborah Vandermark plans to assist her family's business now that she's completed college. Unexpectedly, her best friend, Lizzie Decker, accompanies her back home--fleeing a wedding and groom she has no interest in. Deborah, the determined matchmaker, puts her sights on uniting her brother and dear friend in a true love match. Deborah soon meets Dr. Christopher Clayton, a much-needed addition to the town. As their lives intersect, Deborah realizes that she has a much greater interest in medicine and science than the bookkeeping she was trained in. But when typhoid begins to spread and Lizzie's jilted fiance returns, Deborah wonders if true love can overcome such obstacles...for those dearest to her, and for herself.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Embers of Love, go HERE.

Review

We start our story with the drama of an unwanted marriage, Lizzie about ready to marry a good-looking scumbag is having second thoughts about her hasty attempt to upset her mother. Deborah, Lizzie’s bff knows that getting married just to make your mama mad spells trouble with a capitol T and talks Lizzie out of the mistake of her life. The two with the help of Lizzie’s father sneak away from the wedding and Philadelphia and head back to Deborah’s home town in Texas………...

Its 1885, women’s rights are still nonexistent and women who have been educated like Lizzie and Deborah are looked down on by other women and many men who think women should cook….not speak. When Lizzie settles in with Deborah’s family who run a successful logging company, she discovers the culture and simple way of living to be a pleasing fit. Not to mention Lizzie finds Deborah’s brother G.W. a seemingly pleasing fit as well. Any type of budding romance between them is put on hold though when the man she ditched at the alter shows up at the front door………

Deborah glad to be with her family, is having a difficult time blending back in with her hometown. She wants to do more in her life than be a housewife or run the books for the company. What she truly desires is the medical field. When young and handsome Dr. Clayton arrives, the two strike up a friendship that subtly turns into love. When troubles with a superstitious community and a terrible disease breakout, Deborah is faced with truly making up her mind with her career path.

I thought this was a nice wholesome read, while it took awhile to get into the dialog (think Little House on the Prairie) I did enjoy the manners and southern aspects the story offered. Peterson’s writing was strongest in her presentation of Deborah, a strong independent woman, who still believed in true love and women’s rights without man hating. A lovely, simple story that would be well read on cold day in your Pj's snuggled in a blanket in front of a fire. 

Rating

Embers of Love is suitable for most readers and recommended to ones who love romantic time pieces that have wholesome content. Includes topics on: Women's rights, slavery, education, romance, marriage, mild violence and medical injury's/diseases.

4/5- Christian Fiction- Historical Romance

Thanks to Bethany House via the CFBA for review copy