The Road Home book review

In her latest book, The Road Home, Beverly Lewis provides us with yet another peek into the lives of the Amish. Through her sweet and endearing characters, her vivid depictions of the scenevery and settings, and her accurate portrayal of Amish daily life, Ms. Lewis opens a door that is usually closed to the average person.

The Road Home is a standalone novel set partly in the area of Lancaster County that Beverly Lewis fans are so familiar with, and partly in an Amish settlement in Michigan. It follows the story of Lena Rose, a young woman whose family is rocked by sudden and unexpected tragedy: the death of both of her parents. During this time when what she and her siblings want most is to be together and console each other, they are given the terrible news that no one family will be able to take in all 10 of the siblings. Most of the children find homes with neighbors, friends, and family in their Michigan community, but the only home open to Lena Rose is in far away Lancaster County! Will the siblings be able to maintain their bond across all those miles? And will Lena Rose ever be able to come home again?

I was truly touched by Lena Rose's story. I loved watching her slowly bloom in her new environment. As someone who has had to move away from family and friends, I understand her pain and sadness. The way that Beverly Lewis portrayed it, the sadness mixed with home and trust in the Lord, was just so accurate! I would truly recommend this beautiful, hope-filled story!

(I received this book free from Bethany House publishers as part of their blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.)

The House on Foster Hill book review

I chose to read The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright on a whim- the cover looked cool and the description sounded interesting. But I did not have high expectations. I have been disappointed by one too many so-called Christian "suspense" novels over the years that ended up having plots that fell flat and characters that I just couldn't get attached to. But Ms. Wright's book totally entranced me. I couldn't put it down! The plot twists and turns and draws you in, and the characters are human, flawed, and lovable, and easy to relate to.

The story follows two women who lived their lives 100 years apart, but end up having more in common than anyone could have guessed. From the time when Ivy Thorpe lived in the shadow of the abandoned house on Foster Hill, to the present day as Kaine attempts to renovate the house and make it a home, Foster Hill House has seemed to be filled with nothing but evil. Is it possible for Kaine to overcome the past and forge a hope-filled new future? Or will her new start end up being just a continuation of everything she moved here to escape from? You'll just have to read the book- I'm not going to give you any hints! I would definitely recommend picking up this dual mystery and giving it a read!

I received this book free from Bethany House publishers as part of their blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Proving book review

Beverly Lewis is well known for her stories about the Amish. Her charming, relatable tales give us a peek into the daily lives of the People, and are a refreshing respite from our busy lives. And of course, there is always the draw of reading about a culture that is so different from ours. Her newest book, The Proving did not disappoint. I read it faster than I have read most books recently, because once I picked it up, I just couldn't put it down!

The Proving follows the story of Mandy, a young woman who thought she left the Amish life behind her for good five years ago. But an unexpected phone call informs her not only of her mother's death, but also of her inheritance of her mother's popular Amish inn. Now Mandy must face her family and run the inn for a full year, or lose all of her inheritance. Faced wish many challenges, can she pull it off? Or will the past that she tried to escape force her to give up and return to the easier "English" life she has become accustomed to? I'm not going to spoil the story and tell you, so you'll just have to run to your nearest library and pick up the book today!

I received this book free from Bethany House publishers as part of their blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Wings of the Wind book review.

I've always loved history, and I credit this in large part to historical fiction. Placing a fictional character into a historical setting brings the history alive. And that is exactly what Connilyn Cossette did in her latest book, Wings of the Wind, a historical fiction story that takes place in Biblical times. Although it is the third book in the "Out from Egypt" series (which I didn't realize when I requested my review copy, and I haven't read the first two books in the series), it is able to stand alone very nicely. I believe that each book in the series focuses on different characters, so you can dive into the series anywhere without feeling lost.

The story centers around fictional characters Alanah and Tobiah. Alanah is a Canaanite woman, alone in the world and feeling like her life has no purpose. Tobiah is a Hebrew warrior, one of many who have been wandering in the wilderness for 40 years and who are eager to enter and conquer Canaan. When God brings them together through incredible circumstances, neither of their lives will ever be the same.

The seamless way that Cossette wove these fictional characters' lives into the historical context was amazing. She imagined what it must have been like during those 40 years in the wilderness, a period of time that the Bible is mainly silent about. I won't give anything away, but my favorite part was a few chapters from the end, when a plot twist developed that made my history-loving heart very happy! The story is definitely worth a read, and I think I will be going back and reading the first two books in the series as well!

I received this book free from Bethany House publishers as part of their blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Longing For More book review

Longing For More, daily reflections on finding God in the rhythms of life. As soon as I read the title of this book by Timothy Willard, I wanted to read it. And I was not disappointed. It contains 52 short chapters, one for every week of the year. Each one focuses on a topic, such as love, silence, leadership, forgiveness, and strength, and contains a reading for each day that week. Readings are prayers, thoughts by the author, quotes from Christian theologians, and Scripture passages.

What I liked most about this book is that unlike so many devotionals, the daily readings are small, bite-sized chunks. They can be used along with your current devotional routine, and they don't take up too much time if you have a busy schedule. But those small readings dive in deep, and I often found myself reading several days' worth at a time. All in all, this was one of the best devotionals I have read in a long time.

I received this book free from Bethany House publishers as part of their blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Review of Fierce Convictions by Karen Swallow Prior

I really wanted to like Fierce Convictions by Karen Swallow Prior. I had been introduced to Hannah More in the movie Amazing Grace, and was interested and excited to learn about her as a person and about her contributions to society. But sadly, the story of Hannah's life is buried in detailed descriptions of society, opinions, and life in her day and age. I believe that at least some of that is necessary to set the stage and make the life story understandable. But there is such a thing as too much.

Hannah More was an extraordinary lady and a woman of deep faith. And someone that I believe everyone should know about. So do some research, and maybe even read this book. Maybe I just haven't read enough biographies and this is typical for how one goes. But I still feel that even a biography should draw you in and entice you to keep reading.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booklookbloggers.com http://booklookbloggers.com/ book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Storm Siren by Mary Weber

In a world where her kind is looked on with suspicion and distrust, where they were hunted nearly to extinction, where females of her kind aren't even supposed to exist, Nymia's greatest struggle is within herself. She has been bought and sold by numerous owners, one after the other. But what eats her alive is the things she has been made to do with her power. She is an Elemental, able to bring down the power of the storm clouds and use it against human beings. Some owners have tried to use her and ended up being injured by her power instead. You see, she has no control over it. But now she has been sold to her 15th owner, and things may be about to change. She has been offered the chance to receive training and become a weapon that may turn the tide of the war now rampaging her homeland.

At first, it was the title of Storm Siren that caught my attention. But as I read deeper and deeper into the intricate fantasy world created by Mary Weber, I became more and more impressed. Every detail was masterfully described, and the characters breathed with life and emotion and personality. The story, with its twists and turns and secrets kept me turning pages. And I am already looking forward to Ms. Weber's next release. Part science fiction, part fantasy, all wonderfulness, Storm Siren is a book I would place high on my recommended reading list. So grab a copy, find a cozy spot to curl up, and dive deep into the world of Elementals!




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booklookbloggers.com http://booklookbloggers.com/ book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Daisies are Forever by Liz Tolsma

I am a history buff. World War II is one of my favorite periods of history, and because of that I love fiction set during that period. Daisies are Forever by Liz Tolsma is a book that I just couldn't put down. Very historically accurate and bursting with fascinating characters, this book brings World War II era Germany to life.

The story begins in Heiligenbeil, East Prussia, as the Russians are marching steadily towards the little town where Gisela Cramer lives with her grandfather, her cousin, and her cousin's two little girls. Forced to leave her home, Gisela suddenly becomes the caretaker of the two girls. As she makes her way toward Berlin where she hopes to find her mother, an unlikely little band forms around her: a couple of forgetful elderly ladies, some British prisoners of war recently escaped from the prison camp, a German soldier, and a would-be actress. As alliances form and danger increases for some members of the odd little party, unlikely attractions emerge and Gisela finds herself being fought over by one of the British soldiers and the German officer.

For more information or to purchase the book, you can visit the Thomas Nelson product page here: Daisies are Forever




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booklookbloggers.com http://booklookbloggers.com/ book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Firstborn by Lorie Ann Grover

While reading through the list of books available for review through the BookLook Blogger program, the synopsis of Firstborn by Lorie Ann Grover caught my eye. Tiadone is a firstborn daughter in a land where her people, the R'tan, are ruled over by the Madronians. And Madronian law is that no firstborn female shall live. The parents of newborn girls have a choice: either declare their infant a male or sentence her to death by exposure on a harsh mountainside. All those years ago Tiadone was declared male and grew up as a boy. Now that she is reaching maturity, feminine traits are beginning to show up, confusing her, and she must decide what to do about it.

One of the first things I noticed when I opened the book was that it was written in first person, present tense (if you've read the Hunger Games books, you know what I mean). With that writing style, a book can be a little hard to get into, at least for me. Also, Tiadone's culture is a somewhat primitive one, and since the book is written in her words, the words chosen are often somewhat primitive and simple. But once you get used to it, it only adds to the feel of story.

I would not recommend this story to a young teen audience. Some of the descriptions of things, the words used, and events that take place are not fully in line with Christian morals, are a little more explicit than I would desire for a young audience, and are not what I would want my young teens reading. If you are a parents considering giving this book to your child, I would recommend reading through first yourself. Other than that, it is a great story for a mature enough audience.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booklookbloggers.com http://booklookbloggers.com/ book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Running Lean by Diana L. Sharples

Anorexia is a topic that I don't see too much in fiction. Few authors, at least Christian authors, are bold enough to approach it. Which is why I really appreciate Running Lean. Diana L. Sharples shows the issue from both sides: that of the anorexic person and that of someone close to her. And I believe it to be a very honest depiction.

Stacey is obsessed with dieting. She's been chubby since she was a child and is determined to change that. Sure, she's lost some weight, but it's not enough. She needs to be a few sizes smaller, weigh a few more pounds less. And she will do whatever it takes to get there. But would she say her methods are extreme? Not at all.

Calvin is her devoted boyfriend. He becomes concerned when Stacey keeps feeling dizzy and passing out. She always has a good excuse, but he's not convinced. He observes her more closely and expresses concerns, which annoys her. But what he sees only serves to convince him that his worst fears are true.

Stacey's eating disorder slowly eats away not only at her health and weight, but also at their relationship, and Calvin begins to fear that they may not be able to make it through this together.

I really recommend this to all young women. It might not be a true story, but it speaks a truth about a harsh reality.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Loveology by John Mark Comer

Loveology is an amazing book. "God. Love. Marriage. Sex. And the never-ending story of male and female." It is an honest and unapologetic look at what the Bible says about all of those topics. John Mark Comer makes excellent points, woven together with a bit of his own love story, and rooted and based in Scripture.

There were a number of things in the book that really stood out to me. One is that while Christian culture tells us what we shouldn't do in relationships, it really doesn't tell us what we should do. Which when it comes down to it, really isn't too helpful.

Another thing I really loved was an explanation of the Hebrew words originally used for love in the Bible and what each specifically meant. In the English language we have one word for love and we use it for everything from puppies to chocolate to our family and friends to God. So I think it has lost a lot of its impact. But in Hebrew, there were multiple words, and each had a specific meaning.

The other thing I want to mention that really impacted me (there were many, but I had to narrow it down to the top few) was the breakdown of Psalm 37. It was written by David during a time when he was waiting, hiding from King Saul and waiting to become king. And from this psalm we can learn the eight steps to waiting well. When I read the chapter dedicated to that, I was blown away by the depths of meaning I had never noticed before in that psalm. It is things so simple, but so powerful. And I think it is something we all need to learn, no matter who we are or where we are in life.

To buy this awesome book (I really really recommend you do. And buy a highlighter too. You'll need it.) or learn more about it, click here: Loveology



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Pilgrimage by Lynn Austin

I don't read a lot of non-fiction. I would much rather read something with a good storyline, characters, a plot. But when I read the description of Pilgrimage, I was instantly intrigued. For years I have had something of an obsession with Israel, and the opportunity to read and review a book about an author's spiritual journey during her time there? I just couldn't pass it up.

Within the first chapter, Lynn Austin had caught not only my attention, but also my heart and soul. It seemed like the book had been written just for me. The issues she was struggling with-- adapting to change, feeling adrift in her relationship with God, desiring a deeper faith-- I was struggling with too. And as I read, I was traveling with her through Israel, seeing the sites and feeling old familiar Bible stories come alive in new ways. As I read the scripture verses she included, I learned with her all the lessons God was teaching her. And I can honestly say my faith has been positively impacted by Pilgrimage. My copy of the book is highlighted and marked so that I can flip through and easily find the passages that influenced me. And to me, that is the mark of a truly great book-- if it impacts you enough that you don't want to forget what it taught you.

I recommend Pilgrimage to everyone. It may not touch each of you in the same way it touched me, but I believe that it will still impact your life and you will walk away from it changed in at least some small way.


I received this book free from Bethany House publishers as part of their blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.  

Last Light by Terri Blackstock

The Restoration Series, of which Last Light is the first book, has always been my favorite series by Terri Blackstock. She is a masterful author and this series of four books is pure gold. So I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to review Last Light.

Doug Branning and his daughter Deni land at the Birmingham, Alabama airport minutes before planes begin falling from the sky. Everything happens at the same moment. All the cars are dead. The electricity is out. Cell phones, radios, even watches don't work. At first they think it is just the Birmingham area. But after walking the long miles home and finding their neighborhood of Crockett in the same condition, they begin to suspect that this is something much bigger than a local fluke. And when in the days that follow someone makes it all the way from the east coast with news that conditions are the same there, the truth starts sinking in. Nothing is going to be changing anytime soon.

The big changes in the lives of the Branning family begins to change their ideas of what is important. To Deni, it is somehow getting to Washington D.C. to be with her fiance. To her parents, it brings into clear focus how little value they have placed on family and God and how much they need to change that. And in the midst of it all, a killer is loose in Crockett. Neighbor begins to suspect neighbor and relationships are tested.

Terri Blackstock brings out deeper themes in her books than I can ever hope to summarize in a review. There is so much more to her stories than what is immediately obvious in the plot. I find myself feeling as though the story is speaking to me and teaching me. The Restoration series is one I can read again and again. So I encourage you to read Last Light and any other book she has written that you can get your hands on.To view or purchase the book on the Zondervan website, click here.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Secret Keeper by Beverly Lewis-- Review

The Secret Keeper is the fourth book in Beverly Lewis's "Home to Hickory Hollow" series. However, these books are only somewhat tied together and in my opinion can each be read without reading any of the others. I have only read the third and fourth books in the series (find the review of the third book, The Guardian, here.

Jenny Burns has always felt out of place in the modern American world. From a well-to-do family, she has always found it hard to be happy living the lifestyle that most of us take for granted. Instead, she longs for a simpler way of living and closer communion with God. So in a move that shocks her family, and the Amish community, she decides to leave her life behind and join the Amish.

Thus begins her time of testing to see if she is truly sincere and should be allowed to join the Amish and receive baptism into their church. Things quickly become far more complicated that she expected. Her Amish penpal and many other young Amish men and women are considering leaving the Amish. Her heart begins to grow fonder toward a handsome young Amishman. The attitude, language, and daily life of the Amish is challenging. And worst of all, she learns a secret that threatens either to tear apart the lives of some people she holds very dear or force her to give up her quest to become Amish. And suddenly Jenny is faced with some of the most difficult decisions she has ever had to make.

I have always been curious about the Amish. I spent a lot of childhood vacations in Pennsylvania Amish country, owned several Amish dolls, and loved to imagine myself in their world that was so different than mine. So I really connected with Jenny and her desire to be Amish. As an adult, I no longer want to join the Amish, but their simple life, close-knit communities, and dedication to God still inspire me in the way I live my own life. This is another fabulous book for all lovers of Amish fiction like me, and an excellent introduction to the genre for those eager to try it out.



I received this book free from Bethany House publishers as part of their blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.  

Review of Dragonwitch by Anne Elizabeth Stengl

Dragonwitch by Anne Elizabeth Stengl is the fifth book in the Tales of Goldstone Wood Series. This is a Christian fantasy series for young adults, recommended especially for teens, although adult lovers of fiction can enjoy the stories as well.

The North Country is at a turning point. Old Earl Ferox is reaching the end of his life...and his days as the most powerful earl of the North Country. His nephew Alistair is trying to feel prepared to take on the role of Earl and someday King of the North Country, since Earl Ferox has no heir....or so it was supposed. A shocking deathbed discovery turns all of Alistair's mother's well-laid plans upside down.

Into this is thrown Lady Leta of Aiven, a submissive girl who is sent to be the soon-to-be wife of Alistair. She might not want to marry him, but she is much too well trained to speak her mind...or is she?

Supernatural elements are woven into the story, along with hideous creatures, other worlds, and memorable characters. Each of the books I have read by Anne Elizabeth Stengl start out a little slow in my opinion. It takes some time to get into the story and begin to identify with the characters. And some things in the story seem a little ridiculous to me, probably because it was written for a younger audience. But I still enjoyed the book because it is a light work of fantasy with good Christian themes woven through. I would suggest it to fantasy lovers of all ages.



I received this book free from Bethany House publishers as part of their blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. 

Afloat by Erin Healy-- A Book Review

Afloat by Erin Healy is an interesting novel that takes a look at human nature and the supernatural, all mixed together.

Vance Nolan is the architect in charge of an unusual building project-- a group of floating houses. Most of the construction on the twelve apartment buildings is complete and some are occupied, when one day a disaster happens during construction. Just a little while later that day, a freak storm sweeps in and wreaks havoc on the home site, flooding the cove and trapping construction workers, investors, and residents on one of the floating homes. Cut off from the world without electricity, they must make the decision to try to escape or stay put.

Vance wants to stay and wait out the storm and for a possible rescue. His boss wants to build a raft and try to make it to the mainland. The others trapped with them in building 12 have to decide which of the two men to follow.

To some of the people, this seems like just a bad storm. But to those like the blind man who saw a vision or the few who were rescued from the water and saw floating lights beneath the water, this might be something much, much more than that.

I will admit, Afloat can be a little hard to get into at first. But just keep going, because it is an unusual story that will eventually catch you up and sweep you away. If you would like to learn more, visit the Thomas Nelson product page here: Afloat


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Review of The Guardian by Beverly Lewis

Beverly Lewis is known for her many stories featuring the Amish. Her latest book, The Guardian, is a true gem. I have read quite a few of her books and this one is my favorite so far. The characters are loveable and I found myself sharing in their joy and pain. I am also always intrigued by stories about the Amish life and their interactions with the "English," as they call the non-Amish.

Jodi Winfield is enjoying house-sitting for her cousin and his wife in beautiful Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It is the perfect way to pass the summer before she begins her new teaching job in the fall. While out for an early morning jog one day, she comes across a little girl sleeping along the road. The child speaks no English but seems to trust Jodi completely. With help from her cousin and even the little girl herself, Jodi is able to return little Sarah to her family in the Amish community of Hickory Hollow, but not before she and Sarah have become quite attached to each other.

Maryanna Esh is delighted to have Sarah returned to her after the little girl fell out of the back of the buggy the previous night without Maryanna noticing. She is a little unsure about the English stranger who returned her child, but finds herself drawn to her nonetheless. As Jodi returns to visit the Esh family again and again, the women find themselves becoming close friends. Each has known the pain of loss, but dealt with it in very different ways.

Jodi finds the Amish countryside healing and begins to reopen her heart to God, and to other possibilities she has refused to think of for a while. And Maryanna allows herself to consider remarrying, not only for the sake of her children but also for love.

I have found that you should be able to walk away from any book worth reading with at least one quote from it that you want to remember. Something that really speaks to your heart and soul and reveals a truth. So I will end this book review of The Guardian with my favorite quote from the story:

" 'I've learned that sometimes I have to give up my right to know and simply believe that God's knowing is enough.' "



I received this book free from Bethany House publishers as part of their blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. 

Review of So Shines the Night by Tracy Higley

So Shines the Night is a tale of intrigue, danger, and romance set in the ancient city of Ephesus. Daria is a female tutor on the Isle of Rhodes, something that makes it difficult for her to find work. In the midst of a crisis, she is saved from danger by Lucas, a stranger who gives her refuge on his boat, then insists she return with him to his home in Ephesus. He is in need of a tutor to teach him languages, he says, and can also get her a job at a school.

Daria hopes that she has escaped to a place where she will find peace. Instead she finds herself in the middle of an escalating conflict between sorcerers and Christians, the people of "The Way." Her mysterious master/pupil seems involved with sorcerers, Christians...and the murders that continue to happen in the city. But no matter the evidence, Daria finds that she simply cannot think ill of him.

Her soul is in as much turmoil as the city. She longs for peace and to be able to understand the gods and how to please them so that her life will be better. But the people of The Way teach her things that go against all she has ever believed. What is true? What should she believe now?

Lucas, meanwhile, is also troubled. He is a man bent on revenge for a wrong done to him, even if accomplishing that revenge means his own destruction.

As the book escalates to the conclusion, Daria becomes a far more important piece in the puzzle than she could ever have imagined. She may be the only hope that Lucas has for staying alive.

This was a well-written story with an engaging plot and likeable characters. It also paints an accurate portrait of life in Ephesus at the time of Paul. I would highly recommend this book. If you are interested in learning more, click here: So Shines the Night.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Short Story by Rebecca Kletzing

Once in Lillethe Woods

being

The short firsthand account of

Miss Clarissa Eddy

of

The Curious Sight Her Eyes Beheld

            I was a child of twelve years when we moved to the house at the edge of Lillethe Woods. From the moment we first arrived, everyone around me was telling me strange tales about this part of the country, feeding an imagination which hardly needed encouragement. Indeed, from the moment I first saw the house, I was imagining it as home to pixies and the wood as being filled with all sorts of sprites and other creatures of that sort. There were vivid pictures in my mind of these little friends, and many days they were my playmates.

            However, besides what my mind conjured up, there were no unusual visitors to my room in the midst of the night, no mischievous sprites playing gentle tricks upon the inhabitants of our house. For months everything remained disappointingly dull as nothing save ordinary everyday life went on.

            Then one night, Midsummer's Eve to be particular, something changed. The barrier between the fairy realm and our own world was dissolved completely by the magic of that night, leaving one young girl with an impression to last a lifetime.

            When we first moved in, I had asked to have my bed placed up against that window of my room which viewed those glorious and mysterious woods, to which, at a time long out of memory, some unknown personage had given the name of Lillethe for an equally unknown reason. I awoke from a deep sleep on the aforementioned night to feel a gentle wind blow the curtains playfully across the cheek of this slumberer. Glancing casually out the window at the night, I had cause to give the sight a second look.

            A circle of light was clearly visible in the woods, and I guessed from my many explorations that the position of these lights was around the perimeter of a glade, circular in approximate shape, which could easily be found not a great distance into the wood. Being overcome with curiosity as to the nature of the strange little lights, I put on a robe and slippers and found my way down through the sleeping house and out the back door.

            I was drawn to those woods like a moth to flame. It was almost as if some irresistable and mischievous force was leading me, which through its gentle teasing at my mind kept me from fear, else I would never have gone out. I walked straight across the well-groomed lawn, and then the moment came that my slippers first touched the woodland soil, and I was in.  

            It was not so dark within Lillethe as one might have thought. Perhaps it was the full moon, perhaps the magic, but whatever the cause, my path was well lit and I found my way easily to the glade, following the ever-strengthening beam of the lights and the softly increasing sounds of an ethereally odd music.

            At the glade, I found that it was the one indeed which I was familiar with and had often spent many happy hours in amusing myself there. But while the glade was familiar to me, the nocturnal scene being enacted before my eyes was anything but.

            Around and around swirled a dancing ring of fairies, all about my size and looking very much like exceptionally pretty children. Had it not been for their beauty and their brightly hued, iridescent wings, I might have been able to believe them merely a group of local children celebrating the arrival of Midsummer in their own odd fashion. Their bright dresses of every color imaginable swayed about them as they danced. Their hair, short or long, curly or straight, of every hue possible for hair to be, bounced and danced as merrily as they. For some minutes I stood quietly beside a tree, shyly watching the festivities with amazement and wondering if I dared to join in. Then one rosy-cheeked, golden-haired, blue-sparkle-eyed little pixy caught sight of me, and with a laugh like the happiest of bells, clasped my hands and drew me into the dance. The steps were easy to learn, especially with such teachers. Their magical merriment was infectious.

            I know not how much time I spent with them. In the whole of that time I never discovered where the music came from. At one point, my little friend took my hand and said, "Come, Rissa. Let us go and see what the older ones are doing." She led me through the woods in a winding path that was invisible to my eyes, and soon I was hopelessly lost. Then at last we came to another ring of light, and music, and laughter, and dancing.

            This, apparently, was the adult's party. They danced as merrily as the children, though with perhaps more grace. Men and women, with glistening wings and ethereal beauty, leaped and spun, and occasionally fluttered up into the air. My little friend and I watched them for some time, then one merry-eyed lady caught sight of us, and with a laugh, shooed us away.

            I remember watching from a branch high in a tree as the first lights of dawn crept across the horizon, and then I found myself in my bed.

            Now and again in the following year, there were times when the barrier between the realms would become blurred, and I would once again meet with one or another of my winged friends. But those instances became more and more seldom, until they ceased altogether.

            Years have passed, and with the coming of adulthood have also come doubts. I have been finding it increasingly hard to believe it was not all a child's vivid dream. However, there are still times when, at night, I think my ears catch the distant, haunting strains of wild music drifting through my window. And every Midsummer's Eve I watch the woods, wishing to see those merry lights again.

© Rebecca Kletzing 

            

Another Poem

I'm not sure when my love affair with the railroad first started. We have lived next to the train tracks since I was four. I've been to numerous railroad museums, had a couple of train rides, watched the trains working daily outside my house, and ridden on the area bike trails which are converted railroad lines. But my favorite part of it all is railroad history, and how it ties into local history. Sometimes in the silence along those bike trails with the old mile markers along the way, or in the dead of night when you can hear a train whistle far, far away in the distance, I feel like the past is almost close enough to touch.

Tonight there's a haunting echo,

like a whisper from the past--

the cry of a whistle blowing,

a note that lingers after the last.

Seeking not to be forgotten,

it reaches out to touch my mind,

a memory now faded

but still close enough to find:

Of iron horses running

on tracks of tempered steel,

as round and round are running

the never-ending wheels.

Of sentinels along the tracks--

endless lines of wooden poles,

connecting parted family members

through wires, and Morse's code.

Of bridges strong and mighty

that crossed the deepest gorge,

and tunnels long and narrow

through which the engines roared

Of men who did their duty

through freezing night and scorching day,

keeping coal fires burning

and lighting lamps to show the way.

Of crashes and disasters

events they never planned.

Of the great courage and bravery

of a now-forgotten man.

Of wide-eyed children gazing

at the scenery rushing by,

and girls who wished away the miles

till into loving arms they fly.

Even as the moon is setting

and the fog is growing thin,

the echoes are receding

behind today's cacophonous din.

© Rebecca Kletzing