When Hope Blossoms by Kim Vogel Sawyer

I love Kim Vogel Sawyer! She writes beautiful, faith filled stories that grab your heart and renew your faith. And this book is no exception.

I can honestly say I read this book in one day. I just couldn't wait to see how it all came out. Here you have a woman, Amy Knackstedt, a widow with 3 young children, who moves from her Mennonite community to start a new life amid questions regarding her husbands death. Was it an accident? Her children are adorable and will grab your heart. Bekah, the oldest, wants so much to be grown up and has conflicting feeling about her Mennonite upbringing,  Parker, the 11 year old with disabilities stemming from an accident who just wants to be loved and accepted for who he is, and my favorite, Adrianna, affectionately known as "Adri". What a precocious 5 year old she is! You can't help but love her.

Enter into that the neighbor Tim Roper, who owns an orchard and has a thing about Mennonites. Being ex-Mennonite he wants nothing to do with them. He has demons of his own, having lost his wife and son in a tragic accident. Will the Knackstedt children soften his heart? Will Amy and her children bring up long ago buried feelings and emotions? Well, I guess you will have to read the book to find out!

This book is very easy to read and is what I call a light book. I loved this book for the way it makes the reader feel. I didn't feel stressed or burdened by this book. The whole way through it was a very positive read and I enjoyed it immensely. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a book that is not heavy on drama or anger but on forgiveness and redemption.

Well done Ms. Sawyer! I can't wait for the next book!

A Man Of Honor by Loree Lough

Wow! That's the only word that comes to mind after reading this book. This is a beautiful, powerful book. I was not prepared for the twists and turns this book took but it is so well written you don't even notice. Most books I read these days are predictable. This one is not. This book was a refreshing change from the norm and I am still reeling from the ending.

Dusty Parker, Pastor, search-and-rescue team member, and in charge of about 11 troubled teen boys meets Grace Sinclair, teacher and part time volunteer in the most unlikely place and what happens in that place bonds them together forever.

The love story of Dusty and Grace can only be described as love at first sight. Does it have it's ups and downs? Oh yeah! And the tests on their relationship are mind boggling. Do they come through it? Yes, kind of. The final chapters of this book will not only take you around a corner or two you didn't expect but the ending will be a complete surprise.

If you are expecting another boring, predictable book then don't read this one. I finished it last night and it haunted me all night. The love, faith, and beauty of this book will shine through, even through tears. If you have read either of the first 2 books in the First Responders series you already know this book is a page turner. Well done, Ms. Lough, well done.

Brush Of Angel's Wings by Ruth Reid

I have to admit I could not get through this book. I think maybe I have to be in the right frame of mind to read it. I started it but when we got to angels and demons I lost interest. Do I believe in angels and demons. Oh yeah! But do I want them in my Amish novels? I guess not. At some point in the future I will probably get through this book but right now it just does not hold my interest, simply because of the angel's and demons factor. Many of my friends have read this book and loved it and I am sure it is a wonderful book. Just not for me.

An Uncommon Grace by Serena B. Miller

I loved this book! So informative about the differences between the Swartzentruber and Old Order Amish. The tug of emotions that Levi Troyer goes through wanting to do what he has been taught as opposed to doing what he feels is right make this a wonderful story. Is there romance? You bet! In the form of Grace Connor, an Englisher, ex-military, and beautiful neighbor. Id there suspense? You bet! In the form of a murder, attempted murder and a totally unsuspected innocent accomplice.

I did not want this book to end. Ms. Miller held my interest from page 1 and I actually read this book in about 6 hours. I cannot wait to find out if there will be a continuation of Levi and Grace's story. You will not be disappointed with this book!