Book Review: The Scent of Cherry Blossoms

I received the book The Scent of Cherry Blossoms by Cindy Woodsmall from Water Brook Publishing for review. Cindy Woodsmall does it again! Another fantastic, charming, and heart warming book! This book actually follows The Christmas Singing. I didn't realize it until a few chapters into the book. Annie, an Old Order Mennonite, visits Apple Ridge to stay with her grandfather after her mother kicks her out of the house. Annie falls in love with Aden, the son of the owner of Zook's Diner. This book goes into the background story about the Zooks family. Roman, Aden's crippled brother, also overcomes self-doubt and frustration with God's will for him.

I just love all the characters in the book! The forbidden love between the Annie the Mennonite and Aden the Amish is so romantic! I love it! This is such a cute book! I recommend this book to all hopeless romantics out there! Enjoy - but definitely recommend reading The Christmas Singing first if you haven't already!!!!

Book Review: A Sound Among the Trees

I received A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner for review from Blogging For Books (Water Brook Publishing). Marielle, a woman from the desserts of Phoenix, marries a man from Fredericksburg, VA. She moves into his previous wife's family's house, a mansion from the Civil War era, with his 2 kids and his former wife's grandmother.

The book is broken down into multiple sections, each being a part of the house. The events all occur in that portion of the house. The book is not a Christian novel but I still enjoyed it. I especially enjoyed the interesting family dynamic. I think many blended families, especially the mom figures can appreciate this book. It's an easy read. This book definitely makes me want to brush up on my history of the Civil War!!

Book Review: Moments of Truth

I received the year long devotional book Moments of Truth by John MacArthur for review from booksneeze.com. This book is broken down by month, covering various topics that many Christians struggle with day-to-day. From love to marriage, parenting to work, and many other very important topics. This is a daily devotional, broken down by day, even includes February 29th! Each day has a verse, a message from the author and a question to think about. One thing I really like about the message is the fact that MacArthur includes many scriptural references. He doesn't want you to just take his word, but be able to see where the information he is sharing is coming from. Some people may struggle with the first week of devotionals. MacArthur defines what "truth" is. I think this is a good devotional for all Christians to read through. It will help you ask yourself, what do I truly believe? A question we should all ask ourselves!

Book Review: Life Promises for Couples

I received the book Life Promises for couples: God's Promises for you and your spouse by Gary Chapman for review from Tyndale Publishing. This is absolutely the cuttest little devotional book! It has lots of purple to appeal to all the ladies! Each devotional has a list of "Life Promises", three scriptural references, and a message from the author. Gary Chapman is the author of The Five Love Languages. He uses many of the concepts of the 5 love languages in the messages in this book. He points how we can better love our spouses by showing us scripture that teaches us HOW to love. I love this little devotional because he shares real life examples! Everyone will be able to relate to the scenarios Gary discusses. The best part is, he gives honest, helpful, doable tips in learning to love and communicate better with our spouses! I highly recommend this book for ALL married couples (along with his other book The Five Love Languages).

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.

Book Review: Love & War

I received the book Love & War by John and Stasi Eldredge for review from Water Brook Publishing for review. I had heard a lot about this book prior to getting this book. We actually read the devotional before reading the actual book. I encourage all couples to read Love & War first, and then read the devotional together. It's amazing what you can learn about your own marriage by reading about this couple's real life marriage. I love how honest and open they are with their readers. It points out the reality of how difficult marriage is and how to make it work. All couples thinking about marriage should take the time to read this and the devotional. They include humor, Biblical truth, and personal experiences in this book to give you the hope and encouragement one make you want to fight for your marriage!