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."