An Amish Wedding Review

Ah weddings, 3 of them! And all connected somehow! This book brings together the happy endings for 3 couples, written by 3 different authors, who intersect their 3 stories beautifully.

In every good romance you need a matchmaker. In this case her name is Naomi King. Naomi loves seeing happy endings come from her skills but will there ever be a happy ending for her? She thinks not, until her sister Priscilla's fiance's cousin comes to town for Priscilla and Chester's wedding. Totally befuddled by her feelings for Zeke, Priscilla does everything she can to downplay those feelings until she can no longer ignore them. Keeping busy planning her sister's wedding takes the edge off but sometimes feelings are too strong to be ignored. And speaking of Priscilla, will she actually make it to the wedding or will her nerves get the best of her? Then you have Priscilla's best friend Rose Bender who is all set to marry Luke until he starts acting strange and Rose, thinking he's hiding something, sets out to find out what the secret is. But at what cost?

All 3 of these authors have a wonderful way of weaving a story and blending each of their stories so the reader is looking at 1 story told from 3 different perspectives. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves romance done the Amish way.

Cherished By Kim Cash Tate

Wow did I have trouble with this one. I am not Black or urban so there were a lot of elements in this book that were "over my head" and I could not relate to. I must admit I had a hard time getting through this book because it didn't hold my interest right from the first page. It had too many characters to keep up with and seemed a bit disjointed at times. The book jumped around a lot and there were many times I felt I was walking into the middle of a conversation and had no idea what they were talking about.

This is by far not one of the best books I have ever read but, having said that, there is a particular market this book will probably appeal to. I was not familiar with the author and am not really sure if I will try another one of her books.

Books, books, and more books - and Facebook!

I have a wonderful bunch of "friends" on Facebook who are as avid about reading as I am. Now, mind you, I generally read  Amish and Christian fiction but sometimes stray into general fiction when one of my favorite authors like Danielle Steel releases a new book. Lately though, it seems like I can't keep up with all the new books coming out! FB friends will get an advanced copy and then post a review and of course I have to read the book, especially if it is the next one in a series! It just seems like I will never catch up. Of course, if I would stay off Facebook and spend more time reading, that might happen! Uh no. I love my Facebook friends and treasure the time I spend with them.

So, what is a person to do? My nightstand has about 8 books from the library sitting on it right now. These need to be read first since they have a due date. And I keep getting more of them all the time - especially now that the Nashville Public Library has increased the number of books you can put on hold! And I am keeping the librarians busy with book requests! I would love to have all of these books in my personal library but don't for two very strong reasons. First, they are expensive and I don't have any money, and second, when I buy them they just sit on my bookshelf until I have nothing to read from the library or I have to read the first book in a series before I can read the second!

I have 3 bookcases full of books, a lot of which I have read. One bookcase is entirely dedicated to my Danielle Steel collection. I have all of her books except for about 5 of them so you can imagine the room they take up. I think she has written more than 70 books! And then there's my Kindle for PC, Kindle for iPad, and Kindle for BlackBerry. There are well over 100 books on that which I haven't read yet! Fortunately all of them were either free or cost under $5.

So many books, so little time. I think maybe when, or if, hubby gets a new job, I will pray we live in a place that doesn't have a large library system and I don't have Internet right away. Oh wait! No, that won't work! I know there are book stores everywhere! Oh well. I guess if I had to be addicted to something I'm glad it's not harmful to my health - except fot the lack of exercise! Hmm, need to do something about that too!

Let's Help The Post Office!

We all know there have been rumors that the United States Post Office is going broke and may shut down. Do we really want to see that happen? I don't know about you but I enjoy seeing what the postman brings me every day. It's like a daily surprise, sometimes good, sometimes bad. In this age of digital technology we seem to be more comfortable with email and instant messaging than talking on the telephone or - oh heavens! - writing a letter!

So, here is my thought. If every person in the United States MAILED out at least 10 holiday cards this year, we might be able to help in some small way. I have created a Facebook page for this event. It starts today and goes through Christmas Eve. That's for the norm. I also want to include in this the other holiday expressions. People of other faiths and beliefs. Perhaps I shouldn't have titled it "Let's Help The United States Post Office By Sending Out Christmas Cards" and just used Holiday cards instead. Oh well, you get the idea. If you would like me to send you a Holiday card please email me your name and address at lynne.young@gmail.com. I will send you one back. If you have a particular belief or custom that you would prefer I use, like Jewish holiday, Kwaanza, etc. please let me know. I hope a lot of people will get on board with this. Maybe in some small way we can help. Thank you!

"Ella Finds Love Again" By Jerry S. Eicher Review

I was a little disappointed in the story line. I had assumed Ella would have a change of heart in her feelings toward Ivan but while she was resigned to marrying him for the love and well being of his children, she did not have feelings of love for him herself and no matter what she did, the feelings would not come. Until the day a stranger knocked on her door.<br/><br/>I felt the part of the story with Robert was a little too quick as were Ella's feelings for him. I was also confused as to why all of a sudden Ivan's late wife Lois became a promonent part of the story when he had so clearly stated in the past his feelings for Ella. Also the part about Ivan's involvement with the smoking and Baptist church issues was not well defined. <br/><br/>While I enjoyed reading the book, the story line seemed rushed in parts. I look forward though, to Mr. Eicher's next book!
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Book Review - The Doctor's Lady By Jody Hedlund

I had read The Preacher's Bride By Jody Hedlund so I was eagerly looking forward to her next book. I was not disappointed!

The two main characters, Priscilla White and Eli Ernest meet in the most unexpected place and take an instant dislike to each other. She wanting nothing more than to be a Missionary in India and he wanting, as a doctor, to travel back to the Oregon country to open a mission to the Nez Perce Indians. The problem with both of their dreams is that neither one of them is married and that is a requirement of the mission board. So, having been told she cannot go to India as a missionary because she is unmarried, Priscilla enters into an agreement with Dr. Ernest to be his wife in name only. Now mind you, a large part of this arrangement was from the result of Priscilla's very pushy mother. Having been told years earlier by the family doctor that she would never bear children, Priscilla felt she would never marry. This arrangement seemed perfect, IF they could get along.

The trip across country from New York to Oregon in the early 1800's was a difficult trip at best for a man and had never been attempted by a woman. If anyone could make it, it would be Priscilla. Or would it? Travelling with another couple, a Preacher, who also happens to be the man Priscilla was supposed to marry before she got her devastating news, and his pregnant wife was not what any of them, except Eli had counted on.

Through the words of the author we travel right along with them, in deplorable conditions, a cholera outbreak, heartbreak, the joy, and fullfillment of finally reaching their destination. The author does a wonderful job of helping the reader to understand what it was like during those times to travel across country and we experience every painful, fatigue filled moment of the journey. There were many times during the journey when Priscilla wanted to beg Eli to send her back to New York but her resolve to see it through was strengthened by the glimpses he gave her of the feelings that were growing. There is a lot of sexual tension in this book and it only enhances the story. The author takes us through many opportunities for both Priscilla and Eli to let their guard down and let the feelings show.

There is pain, doubt, and love in this book but most of all the need to rely on God to see them through. And see them through He does. The ending of this book was somewhat expected snd parts of it were not. There is a big surprise in the Author's Notes at the end of the book which only made the story richer. I am so glad the author chose not to put the Author's Notes in the beginning of the book. I highly recommend this book as it is not only a good story but is rich with history.

Thank you Ms. Hedlund for a wonderful book and a look into what life was like in the early 19th century. I look forward to reading your next book!

Well, I Did It!

I decided to reopen my Tupperware business! I really do love and believe in this product and that is why I keep going back to it. I have asked God to bless my business and I am confident He will. Just in case you might be inclined to take a look to see what's new, and believe me there is plenty, here is the link to my website - http://my2.tupperware.com/lynneyoung. I am still in the process of bringing it completely up to date but it's there! Anytime is a good time to be in Tupperware but especially now. Right now, for a limited time, you can join for just $5. Isn't that amazing! And then with your first party or 2 you can pay off the balance of your kit! With back to school and the holidays coming this is a great time. And Fundraisers, let's not forget about Fundraisers, and online parties! See the money making possibilities are limitless!

Other than that big news, I am now officially volunteering at the Nashville Public Library, Madison branch. I had to go down to their main branch to train and let me tell you, if you have never been to the Nashville Public Library Main branch, please go. There is so much more to see than just books!

Our God is an awesome God and I am so Blessed to have a personal relationship with Him. He gets me through more things than I can count and is the one constant in my life. I have been blessed with so many friends on Facebook who also love God and we have an amazing fellowship going. I am so glad we have this medium with which to encourage and love each other.

Well, guess that's it for now. I'll keep you posted on how things are going. For now I will leave you with something I read last night in Lori Copeland's new book "The One Who Waits For Me" that made me stop and go "wow". The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you.

Treasuring Emma - Part 2

I knew it would all come together in the end and wind up being a great book! As I said in the previous post, I wasn't liking all the secrecy, manipulation and negativity in the first half of the book but as is true with most good books, it all worked out in the end and left me wanting more. I truly hope there will be more books in this series!

Emma had the weight of the world on her shoulders in the beginning of the book, having just lost her mother and now caring for a farm and her aged grandmother. By the end of the book she is not so heavily burdened and is looking at things with a new perspective. Even her sister, who had pulled away from her husband, found her way back to happiness. The brother in law, well that's still up in the air, but it did bring in a new person in the form of his former love, or should I say victim. It will be interesting to see where the author takes that character. As for Emma's love life, it's looking up. Adam, the former love who decided to go English 2 years before, has been doing some thinking. Might there be a future for them yet? I think so. Let's see what the author thinks!

Kathleen Fuller has written another page turner. I found myself finished with the book before I wanted to be, and that's a good thing! Eagerly waiting for the next chapter in the lives of these Middlefield families to unfold. I highly recommend this book! You will not be disappointed!

Treasuring Emma By Kathleen Fuller - Part 1

I am currently on page 151 of 243, beginning Chapter 19, and this morning when I got up I felt led to do a "halfway through the book" review. I normally don't do that but I wanted to make a few comments.

While I am enjoying this book, as I do every book I read from this author, I have noticed some things that, while I know they make a good story, seem to take away from the "Amish" way of life I have come to expect in "Amish fiction." Right from page 1 Emma is the "needy" one. Having just lost her mother not too long after her fathers passing, and having been her mothers primary caregiver until the end, Emma is carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. Add to that her grandmother who is in advanced years and not moving quite as fast as she used to, a sister who has troubles of her own with her family and wants to take away everything that gives Emma comfort, an old love of Emma's who suddenly comes back into her life, and a scheming distant cousin of her brother-in-law who thinks courtimg Emma, while wanting her married sister, is a means to an end.

I realized last night as I was replaying what I had read through my mind, there is a lot of negativity in this book so far and not a lot of "Amish". For instance, Adam, the ex boyfriend, has been under the bann since he left for the English world 2 years earlier. He is not supposed to be allowed to eat at the same table and is supposed to be treated as if he is invisible. While he finds the Amish way of life is pulling at him again his own mother and Emma's grandmother both ignore rules and not only speak with him but eat with him as well. Now I understand authors being able to take liberties, I think it's called "poetic license", but I guess I am more used to authors of Amish fiction sticking more closely to the correct Amish way of life instead of it being a passing reference. If I am wrong, someone please correct me.

Now, having said all that, I really am enjoying this book, even though I don't like all the scheming and can't wait to see how it all plays out. I look forward to books by this author because she weaves a very interesting story of conflict, both personal and religious, as well as developing well rounded characters. This book however, has more conflict than I have encountered lately and I hope there will be other books in this series based on some of the other characters in this book. Maybe the depth of conflict in this book comes from the several story lines that are going on simultaniously.

So far, so good. I will post a final review when I finish the book. Who knows, maybe the author has a good reason for doing it this way. Can't wait to find out!

Heat etc.

Wow. I can't remember it ever being this consistently hot for this long - and I grew up in Florida! This heat is really taking it's toll on my electric bill not to mention my poor husband who has to work out in it.

So what is my solution for staying cool? Facebook, reading, cleaning. I have been reading a lot more lately. Just finished the Hannah's Heart series by Jerry Eicher. Really good series and gives you a lot of insight into the lives of the Amish and the struggles they deal with. Another series, well I guess it's not really a series but books with the same main character is the "silence" books by Linda Castillo. Police chief Kate Burkholder draws me in from page one in every book and it's riveting right up till the end.

I am a big admirer of Sherry Gore. Sherry is the author of A Taste Of Pinecraft Cookbook and more. Sherry has had the most amazing blessings come her way. If you get a chance go over to sherrygorebooks.com and read her blog. You'll be glad you did!

Birthday Weekend

Birthdays, some good some bad, some you just don't want to deal with anymore. I guess I'm at that age where they just don't mean as much as they used to - but don't you dare forget my birthday! I know, that sounds like an oxymoron but it's true for me. I don't care if we celebrate but I'll be hurt if you don't make some kind of an effort.

So for effort my daughter gets an A+++. She lives in Abingdon, VA and we are in North Nashville, TN which is about a 5 hour drive. She decided to come home this weekend just to celebrate my birthday, which isn't until tomorrow but she can't be here then. We had a lovely day yesterday. We did some things she had to do and then we went to the mall and window shopped. She then took me, and her father, out to dinner at Logan's Roadhouse, which is my favorite restaurant for low cost good food. However, this wasn't one of those positive dining experiences. The waitress was not at all attentive, nice but not attentive and my husband got sick soon after we came home. But the fact that my daughter (Sarah) was home made it all the more special. My son, on the other hand, will not remember his mother's birthday. He never does, nor does he care. My husband got me a birthday cake and we all enjoyed that. In continuation of the celebration my daughter made a "from scratch" crumb coffee cake which we had this morning. All in all it was a wonderful weekend.

Sarah has left to go home and the house is quiet again. Hubby is asleep in his chair, the cats and the dog are all asleep in various places and I'm where I enjoy being, on the computer. As for my birthday tomorrow, thanks for all the well wishes but it's just another day.

Thank you Lord for the blessing of another birthday and a family to celebrate with.

Busy Day

The Saturday after payday is always busy in my house. Bills to pay and, if there is money left, groceries to buy. Isn't it funny how groceries, food that sustains us, are the last thing on the list? Well, I was able to get a few things to keep us going till the next pay and hopefully there will be some money left then too.

Sarah, recently college graduated daughter, is coming home on the 15th to spend the weekend with her mom because Monday the 18th is my birthday. Hubby made a big deal out of wanting to go to Publix today to order me a cake. In the 22 years we have been married he has never wanted to order me a cake. Not that I'm ungrateful, I just thought it was strange. He asked me what I wanted and that's what I said BUT he never asked me what KIND of cake I wanted! Be interesting to see what I get!

I did get spoiled today though. Went to Logan's Roadhouse for lunch. I know what you're thinking, if she can't get food WHY is she eating out? We go for the house salad which is $3.99, the sweet tea which is $2.65 and the rolls which are free, oh, and the peanuts for hubby which are also free. Cheap meal that fills me up until dinner and it's semi good for me too, or at least that's what I tell myself.

Time to get off here and go finish a book. I hate reading two books at the same time. Few more pages left in "Pray For Silence" By Linda Castillo and then I can devote my time completely to "Treasuring Emma" By Kathleen Fuller.

Yay! A Book To Review!

Part of the reason I started this blog was so I could review ARC's. ARC's are advanced reader copies of books that publishers and authors give to people who are willing to read the book and write a review. Let's face it, we ALL read reviews of books before we buy them!

Now I, like you I'm sure, have my favorite authors and I will read and buy anything they put out because I KNOW the book will be good. But there are many people out there who might have never heard of an author I read and so this opens up a whole new reading adventure for them.

I recently joined www.booksneeze.com so I could review books for them. The first book I am doing is Treasuring Emma By Kathleen Fuller. Kathleen Fuller is one of my favorite Amish fiction authors so I know this will be a good book. Can't wait to get started on it! I don't even have to wait for it because this particular book came as an ebook and I downloaded it to my iPad! I'll keep you posted as I read.

WOW!

Now who would have thought starting a blog could be this easy! Not me, that's for sure! But, now that I have started one I plan to do book reviews, a day in the life of me, things I think are important. Hope you enjoy what your reading!