Book Review: When the Soul Mends

I received the book When the Soul Mends by Cindy Woodsmall for review from Water Brook Publishing. This is actually the third book in the Sisters of the Quilt series. I really wish I had read the first two books prior to reading this. Even though it back tracks enough to know what is going on in the book, I think I would have enjoyed the book more having had the character development in the first two books! So much happened in the first two books that I felt I missed out by not having read them first. I love Hannah's character - her compassion and love for her sister. Even though Hannah is former Old Order Amish, her tragic rape and the healing that has to occur is something that any woman who has been violated in that way will be able to relate to. She deals with so many real life issues throughout the book that so many women in our society are having to face daily, including trying to help her mentally unstable sister, dealing with her own hurtful past, tension with her father, and mending relationships with old loves. I would recommend that readers start with book one! :) As always, Cindy Woodsmall does a great job sharing the live style of the Amish. I would rate this book a 3/5 stars.

Book Review: Princess Stories

I received the book Princess Stories by Carolyn Larsen for review from Tyndale Publishing. This is no ordinary fairy tail. This is devotional style story book of many of the important female characters from the Bible. Each story (devotional) lists the character name, the Biblical references, a very cute poem mimicking the mirror mirror on the wall poem, an explanation of the princesses' lives and their role in the Bible, as well as a Bible verse that reflects the theme of their lives. Each devotion also includes a "Princess Ponderings" which includes questions to discuss with your little ones.

Over all, this is a very cute book. The only thing I think some people may have issues with is the illustrations. All of the princesses look like Barbies with different hair. I don't have an issue with the Barbie look-a-likes and would recommend this book for all the little princesses.