The Avid Reading Mom

Rosa’s Land is the story of Lafayette Riordan, the youngest of three sons.  He longs for adventure yet, due to his gentle upbringing, he is more suited to be a scholar and artist.  “Faye” as his family calls him, dreams of adventure and wants to earn a coveted position as a part of Judge Isaac Parker’s very famous team of marshals.  One day Faye tires of his simple life and sets out on a journey of discovery, secretly learning to ride and shoot so he can join the marshals. 

Rosa Ramirez is a young lady who lives with her grandfather on his ranch.  Their number one task to to keep the land safe from outlaws that are constantly raiding.  After a tragedy occurs during a raid by the outlaws, Rosa takes it upon herself to seek out Judge Isaac Parker and demands a marshal to stay on the ranch and help them run off the outlaws.  Rosa gets more than she bargained for as she rides back to the ranch with Faye.

The story continues with Faye moving from a “greenhorn” marshal to taking down one of the most famous outlaws, and grows up in many ways.  When his family visits, they are surprised at the man that Faye has become.  Can Faye and Rosa save the ranch from outlaws?  Can Rosa learn to trust Faye? 

I love Gilbert Morris.  I grew up devouring the Winslow Series and Cheney Duvall, M.D. as well as other books from Gilbert Morris.  While this book was good, I had a hard time reading this book.  The other books I have read by Morris have “meat” to them and the story lines kept my attention from the first chapter through the last.  This one, while good reading, was very shallow and unbelievable at times. The story starts with a large amount of unnecessary information on Faye’s father and brothers, and Faye isn’t mentioned right away.  Rosa, the title character, isn’t even mentioned until about one-third of the way into the book.  Faye and Rosa don’t even meet until almost half way through then their story speeds through to the ending. 

While it wasn’t my favorite read by Gilbert Morris, I will continue to read his books.  He is an amazing author and great storyteller.  Book Two in this series, Sabrina’s Man is set to release December 2013.  I am hoping that book will be a better read.

Thank you to NetGalley for my free copy of Rosa’s Land, which I received in exchange for an honest review.

Though My Heart Is Torn takes us on the continuing journey into the lives of Gideon and Lonnie.  Forced together in a shot-gun wedding, after one fateful night, their lives take twists and turn that leave the reader wanting more.  Book One, Be Still My Soul, is the beginning story of Gideon and Lonnie.  I would suggest that you read that book first or you will be lost.  The second book picks up where the story left off.

In Though My Heart Is Torn, begins with a very happy and content Gideon and Lonnie and they are raising their son in the Blue Grass Mountains, along side an amazing couple who mentors them through their challenges.  Yet, things will not stay happy for long, as Lonnie receives a letter from her family that takes them back to the Appalachian Mountains and a series of events that turns their lives upside down.  As Gideon is forced to deal with choices he made in the past, Lonnie is left reeling from those decisions.  She begins to wrestle with trusting God and that Gideon was the man for her, yet her love for Gideon never wavers.  As she returns to the Blue Grass Mountains and her home there, she is faced with a new love and new opportunities.  Can she forget about Gideon while raising their son?  Will Gideon settle into his new life and forget about Lonnie and his son?  What does the future hold for them as their tread through these new waters?

Again, Joanne did not disappoint.  This continuing story of Gideon and Lonnie left me turning page and page and not being able to put it down.  Their heart-wrenching story left me with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes several times, yet I couldn’t put it down.  You will be drawn into the lives of Gideon and Lonnie and they will become like a second family to you as you read.  The underlying faith in God is what keeps Gideon and Lonnie continuing toward the future that God has planned for them.
Most times, middle books are just that, middle books.  They are like bridges that link the first book to the ending.  Usually a middle book is forgettable or you find yourself trudging through them just so you can say you read it and can be prepared for the final book.  Not so with this one.  I actually enjoyed this book, as much or even a little more than the first one.  Book Three, My Hope Is Found, releases in October and I am anxiously awaiting it already!

Rush out, get book one and two, read them…you will be so glad you did!!!  I can’t recommend an author or a series more than I do this one.  It will not disappoint!

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah’s Blogging for Books program for my free copy of Though My Heart Is Torn, which I received in exchange for an honest review.


 

Be Still My Soul is a beautiful story of mercy, grace, love and forgiveness.  The story begins with shy Lonnie who lives in a home in the Appalachian Mountains in the early 1900’s.  Daily, she suffers the effects of an abusive father, yet, through it all, she holds tight to her faith in her Lord.  One night, Lonnie is left on her own to walk home through the dark woods.  She is escorted home by the very handsome Gideon…and that one night changed their lives forever.  Through a series of events, can Gideon learn to love the woman he is forced to marry?  Can Lonnie help Gideon find a love for her and for the Lord?  Will Gideon stay with her during their life journey?

This book kept me up almost all night just reading “one more chapter”.  This is Joanne Bischof’s very first novel and it is written very well.  I couldn’t put it down.  It left me wanting more and more.  The trials and joys that Gideon and Lonnie face are true to the times and their reactions are what kept me wanting more.  Joanne has a way of writing that makes the reader understand how harsh the lives were in the setting and time period of this story.  Joanne’s keen sense of details and emotional writing had me in tears as the book ended. 

As you near the end of this story, you will be left with the knowledge that forgiveness can be had, love will grow, but things are not always as they seem.  The ending will leave you wanting to know more about the lives of Gideon and Lonnie.  The next book in the series, Though My Heart Is Torn, is already available. 
I highly recommend this series to everyone.  It is definitely toward the top of my all time favorite stories.  You will not be disappointed.

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah’s Blogging for Books program for my free copy of Be Still My Soul, which I received in exchange for an honest review.

In book two of the Amish Vines and Orchards series by Cindy Woodsmall, The Winnowing Season, we see a continuation of the story of Rhoda, Samuel, Jacob, Leah and Landon.

In this book, we pick up right where book one (A Season for Tending) left off…with the characters preparing to move to Maine after a disaster leaves their current farm in need of too much repair.  Right from the beginning, the story gets the reader hooked.  Rhoda again struggles with choices that she made due to her gift, Samuel is trying to sort out his feelings and Jacob is still trying to recover from the demons that have followed him back from his time away from the Amish.  Leah is also trying to make some hard life decisions and Landon is beginning to have feelings for her.

Several questions can be asked as readers continue through this story.  Samuel has finally recognized what he wants but is it too late?  Jacob and Rhoda continue their relationship, but will his personal demons destroy what they have?  Leah loves her family, but will she give it all up for a life among the English?  Will Rhoda begin to understand the voices that keep haunting her?  Will there be a happy ending for everyone?

Like book one (A Season for Tending), this book leaves you hanging and asking more questions then getting answers.  I was hooked right from the beginning and couldn’t put this book down.  Cindy Woodsmall has such an amazing way of bringing the characters to life and drawing the reader into their story.  She leaves you wanting more.  Unfortunately, the next book won’t be available until Fall, 2013.

I highly recommend this book, especially if you love to read Amish Fiction.  You don’t necessarily have to read book one to understand the characters and story line.  Cindy Woodsmall does a fantastic job of “catching” the reader up on the story, but, to not read book one, would be a sad thing.  The story of these characters is so sweet that you don’t want to deny yourself being a part of their lives.  Get book one (A Season for Tending), read it, read book two (The Winnowing Season), and hold on for book three…coming Fall 2013!

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah’s Blogging for Books program for my free copy of The Winnowing Season, which I received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Old Order Amish Rhoda owns her own canning business and she has a “special” gift yet she is criticized within her community for using her gift to help others.  Eventually, by using the special gift, she is forced to move away from the family she loves and the community she knows, to start a new life and help a family in need.

Miles away, Samuel, who is the head of the families Orchard business, is forced to look for a new way to make money as the orchard begins to fail.  He is also forced to examine his relationship with his girlfriend as they are tested during this trying time.

Leah is the teenage sister of Samuel who is testing the boundaries of her rumschpringe.  Can Rhoda help her realize she has worth and value within her family and within the life God has placed her in? As the lines between business, love, and family begin to blur, can Rhoda finally open up to a new life? And what effect will this odd, amazing woman have on the entire King family?

This is the first book in Ms. Woodsmall’s “Amish Vines and Orchards”. It is a MUST read!!  I have loved reading Cindy Woodsmall’s Amish stories since I discovered her several years ago.  She has a way of bringing the characters to life as you read through each book page by page.  Her attention to detail and her ability to portray the Amish is fascinating…and this book did not disappoint.  I was hooked from the very second I picked it up and had a hard time putting it down when I had to.  The story is such a sweet story of love, forgiveness, redemption and finding value in who you are as a person.

Cindy Woodsmall gives a clear message that forgiveness is available and change can be made for the better in each of us!  The book is full of secrets, mystery, and fun. I loved this book and could not put it down. It should come with a disclaimer that states this book is hard to put down so start when you have time.   All said and done, I found A Season for Tending very fascinating. I’ve never read a book where the Amish were presented in such an interesting way with so much fun, humor and drama. It was a wonderful discovery. The end got my heart pumping!

I highly recommend A Season For Tending to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction. And to all those don't usually read this genre, I am here to tell you this is not your average Amish fiction, this book is something special, which I definitely encourage you to try!!!

The Winnowing Season (Book 2), should be available in April 2013.

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah’s Blogging for Books program for my free copy of A Season for Tending, which I received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Every person harbors secrets.  Those secrets can, often times, be the cause of pain, heartache, spiritual and emotional damage.  In Not A Sparrow Falls by Linda Nichols, she explores the dangers that can occur when secrets are kept from those we love.

Mary Bridget Washburn (Bridie) is a girl who is on the run from her ex-boyfriend and from the law.  Her ex-boyfriend is a meth dealer and his life is plummeting out of control.  As Mary’s life spirals out of control she decides to leave the situation she is living in, takes all the money from the house, and goes as far away as she can.  Her journey ends in Alexandria.

Enter Reverend Alasdair MacPherson.  Alasdair is a man of God who, after loosing his wife, has forsaken his family and his church in pursuits he believes God wants him to do.  Bridie is hired by Alasdair’s sister to become the nanny for his 3 children; Samantha who is 13, and the twins Cameron and Bonnie.  Bridie helps Alasdair open up and see how his pursuits are hurting his family and himself.

Samantha, Alasdair’s oldest daughter is hurting.  She lost her mom and her dad is now a workaholic who doesn’t even know she exists.  She is spiraling out of control; she hangs out with the wrong crowd, skips school, and begins stealing, which is where she meets Bridie.  After a desperate plea for help posted on the church bulletin board, Bridie begins to reach out to her and Samantha begins to heal and love again.

In the end, secrets are revealed which bring love and healing to the whole family.  Linda Nichols weaves together an incredible tale of lies, love, and redemption. 

I read this book as part of a book club read for the Christian Fiction Devours group at Goodreads. I really enjoyed reading this story.  At times, the story line seemed to drag on but I kept reading because I was engrossed in the lives of the characters.  As you experience life through the eyes of Bridie and Alasdair, you see that God is the God of redemption and forgiveness.  This story shows that nothing can separate you from the love and forgiveness of God.  This story also shows that prayer is the key to happiness in our lives.

I would recommend this book for someone who is going through trials in their life.  It will help them see that God is always there, just a prayer away.

Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!