The Love Dare for Parents

From the authors of international best-selling marriage book The Love Dare comes The Love Dare for Parents, a 40-day journey of “dares” challenging one or both parents to understand, practice, and communicate Christ-like love to their children.

Easy to read and work into a busy schedule, The Love Dare for Parents is designed to “turn the hearts of parents to their children and turn the hearts of children to their parents” (Malachi 4:6) so that moms and dads can more fully enjoy and delight in their children while maximizing the positive impact they have on their lives long term.

Each day brings a promising key verse from Scripture, a biblical principle about love that applies to parenting, a specific challenge the parent does for the sake of their child, and space to journal thoughts and reflect on what happened that day.

The Love Dare for Parents even includes access to a FREE online parenting assessment, helpfully keyed to select material in the book.

Parents, take the dare!

THE LOVE DARE FOR PARENTS is a book I've been working through with my five children - all at the same time.  There is a test you can take to see where you stand at LoveDareTest.com.  I did great, except in one area (Mercy, but I already knew that wasn't my strongest gift.).  I have enjoyed surprising my children with some of the things - random acts of kindness - an unexpected note telling them they are a gift - etc.  And I highly recommend that if you have children you take THE LOVE DARE FOR PARENTS.  I haven't had the pleasure of reading the one for married couples yet, but this one is great. 

If you are a parent, please pick up a copy of THE LOVE DARE FOR PARENTS and put it in action. There are lines for you to record how your children reacted, what you did, just in case you care to do so, and a box to check when the dare is completed. I've notified positive results with my family, especially with my oldest son. Just getting the verbal confirmation that he's special, that he's loved means a lot to him.  

Children are a gift from the Lord! Psalm 127:3.  

$14.99. 256 pages. 

Book Spotlight: Dancing on Glass

Title: DANCING ON GLASS

Author: Pamela Billings Ewan

Publisher: Broadman & Holman

August 2011

ISBN:  978-0805464306

Genre: Women’s fiction

In the steamy city of New Orleans in 1974, Amalise Catoir sees Phillip Sharp as a charming, magnetic artist, unlike any man she has known. A young lawyer herself, raised in a small town and on the brink of a career with a large firm, she is strong and successful, yet sometimes too trusting and whimsical. Ama's rash decision to marry Phillip proves to be a mistake as he becomes overly possessive, drawing his wife away from family, friends, and her faith. His insidious, dangerous behavior becomes her dark, inescapable secret.

In this lawyer's unraveling world, can grace survive Ama's fatal choice? What would you do when prayers seem to go unanswered, faith has slipped away, evil stalks, and you feel yourself forever dancing on shattered glass?

About the author:  

I love...carousels and bells and balloons, the smell of fresh cut grass, and clover in the morning wet with dew. Green and white and dappled light, shifting shadows on a hot summer's day. Rain at night. Ribboned moonglow on the waters of a bay.

And you, dear readers!

Pamela Binnings Ewen--that's me--lives just 20 minutes north of New Orleans, across Lake Pontchartrain in a river parish of pine woods, steamy moss-laden swamps, and artists, writers, dreamers. This is an extension of New Orleans, the part you've probably never seen. It's Walker Percy country.

I'm a New Orleans Lady and a reformed lawyer. Faith On Trial was my first book and I wrote it out of compulsion as one who'd been a skeptic about religion for most of my adult life. The '60's, Ayn Rand, vague answers...all turned me into a seeker of meaning and purpose. It took over ten years to research and write that book. I put Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John on trial, and they won.

My life changed as a result. Faith is my compass now. I exchanged partnership in the international law firm of BakerBotts L.L.P. for a career writing full time. Take a look at my website and check out my books--past, present, future. The Moon in the Mango Tree is based on the true story of my grandmother's life in the 1920's, the jazz age. She lived in Siam, Paris, Lausanne, Rome, and was forced to choose between two things she loved. Walk Back The Cat is a story of power and revenge, a choice between good and evil, and a secret of the Shroud of Turin. The latest research on the Shroud provides the key. (One thing lawyers are good at is research!) Check out my blog on the Shroud in Turin during the 2010 exhibition in May.

See you on the other side of the mirror! Pamela. (pamelaewen.com.)

Buy on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Glass-Pamela-Binnings-Ewen/dp/0805464301/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1394128901&sr=8-1

An Ocean Away

Title: AN OCEAN AWAY

Author: Lisa Harris

Publisher: Summerside Press

June 2011

ISBN: 978-1609361075

Genre: Historical

Dateline: 1921—Northern Rhodesia and New York, New York.

Lizzie MacTavis is determined to remain with the people with whom God called her
to work along the banks of the rugged Zambezi River in southern Africa.

Andrew Styles, an anthropologist and explorer, has been commissioned to bring Lizzie back to New York City at any cost. With a fortune at stake, Lizzie is caught between two worlds when she is finally forced to return to the United States and discovers her life is
in danger. Will Andrew turn out to be Lizzie’s nemesis or hero?

AN OCEAN AWAY is an older title that I had on my to-be-read pile for sometime. I was looking forward as I had enjoyed some of Ms. Harris’ more recent books. The copy I have though, sadly, is deficient. It goes from page 45 to page 165 and so quite a lot of the story is missing. It ruined the story for me.  I was sent this to review though, so hopefully the publisher caught and fixed the problem for those who purchased it.

Set in 1921, it is when the world is beginning to change. The women’s rights movement was beginning. Skirts were shortening. And Lizzie serves as a nurse in Africa—though she’s rarely allowed to serve as such, due to the natives feeling she’s a curse.

Andrew is nice, determined, and stubborn enough to match Lizzie’s personality. I wondered how he could possibly talk her out of her beloved Africa…

There is a recipe included at the end of the book.  $12.99 print or $7.68 kindle. 320 pages. 

Abraham and Sarah

Title: ABRAHAM AND SARAH
Author: Roberta Kells Dorr
Publisher: Moody Publishers
March 2014
ISBN: 978-0-8014-0957-7
Genre: Biblical fiction

A splendid exploration of faith against great odds and love that endures years of disappointment.

Abraham and Sarah is a masterful historical drama from the moment that Abraham strides into the pagan temple to rescue Sarah. The couple set out in search of the blessings God had promised: abundant fertile land and decedents more plentiful than the stars.

But years of wandering bring the couple to Egypt where once again Abraham convinces Sarah that as sister and brother surely they will pass safely through the territory. But Pharaoh takes Sarah into his harem where she befriends Pharaoh's daughter, Hagar. Together the three are ordered to leave.

Years of barrenness have embittered Sarah and she hatches a plan: Hagar must become the vessel for the child God has promised. Ishmael is born to Hagar and so is jealousy born in Sarah's heart. But God had a plan and He was right all along. This miracle unfolds with Historical authenticity leaving the reader with a better understanding of the ancient world and the life-changing faith of Abraham and Sarah.

Okay, I am not a huge fan of biblical fiction. They take liberties with scripture, and while I am not a theologian, I don’t remember any biblical proof that Sara was rescued from a pagan temple nor that Hagar (Sarah’s MAID) was Pharaoh’s daughter. That last one was really a stretch for my imagination. 

ABRAHAM AND SARAH is an interesting read, liberties aside, and it does bring out some biblical history that may or may not be true. Keeping in mind that it is fiction… it’s a good read. Historically… um, maybe not. $14.99. 272 pages. 

A Ranger's Trail

Title:  A RANGER’S TRAIL

Author: Darlene Franklin

Publisher: Moody

January 2012

ISBN: 978-0802405876

Genre: Historical

This is the fourth book in a six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896. Although a series, each book can be read on its own.

In 1875 Buck Morgan rode into Mason County with the Texas Rangers to quell the violence stirred up by the actions a vigilantly mob. The Hoo Doo (or bad luck) War erupted as suspected cattle rustlers were murdered by an angry mob.  Former ranger, Scott Cooley, gathers a gang to seek vengeance for the murders.

Suspected of cattle rustling, Leta Derrick's husband was murdered by the mob a year earlier. Now she is siding with the rogue ranger, Scott Cooley and refuses to help Buck Morgan stem the tide of violence.

Will their actions fuel the fire of vengeance? Or will Buck and Leta strike an accord that leads to more than just peace? 

As said above, A RANGER’S TRAIL is the fourth book of The Texas Trails series. Fans will want to read the other books in the series, 1. Lone Star Trail, 2. Captive Trail, 3. Long Trail Home, 5. Cowgirl Trail, and 6. End of the Trail. I have read a couple of these, but not all. They were written by several different authors, which is good as it gives each family member a different voice.

A RANGER’S TRAIL starts out with the mandatory death in historicals. Leta is a tough woman, determined to murder the man who murdered her husband and her unborn baby. Buck is sent to stop the violence, and he and Leta find themselves on the opposite sides of the law.

A RANGER’S TRAIL is rich in historical detail without being bogged down. Fans of historical fiction will be interested in reading these details of Texas history after the Civil War. $14.99. 288 pages.   

All In / God's at War / Big Easter Giveaway

To enter this TEEN giveaway, leave a comment and your contact information. Books will be shipped from Zondervan. 

Title: ALL IN

Authors: Mark Batterson and Parker Batterson

Publisher: Zondervan

March 2014

ISBN:  978-0310744696

Genre: Nonfiction / Teen

Halfway is no way to live. Quit holding back. Quit holding out. It's time to go all in and all out for God.

The good news is this: If you don't hold out on God, God won't hold out on you. If you give everything you have to follow Jesus, you'll receive amazing spiritual rewards. But this reality also comes with a deeper truth: Nothing belongs to you. Not even you.

In All In: Student Edition, Mark and Parker Batterson explore what going all in can mean for your life, sharing unique illustrations and unforgettable stories, as well as compelling accounts of biblical characters. Throughout, they demonstrate the amazing things that can happen when you surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Mark Batterson writes: 'When did we start believing that God wants to send us to safe places to do easy things? Jesus didn't die to keep us safe. He died to make us dangerous.'

In ALL IN the authors encourage teens to surrender to the Lord, the leadership of Him, and you can have a totally different life. The chapters are short, easy to read, and encouraging teens to “go all in and all out” for God.

It includes Bible characters’ stories who went all in for God, stories of real-life missionaries, and other people. I really liked the encouragement in this book. Get up, brush yourself off, and keep going! Great book for teens.

Your school is your mission field. Live for God. Make a difference.

$12.99. 176 pages. 5 stars. 

***

Title: GODS AT WAR

Author: Kyle Idleman

Publisher: Zondervan

January 2014

ISBN:  978-0310742531

Genre: Nonfiction / Teen

The next step in becoming a completely committed follower of Jesus

In this student edition of gods at war, Kyle Idleman, bestselling author of not a fan, helps us recognize there are false gods at war within each of us, and they battle for the place of glory and control in our lives. What keeps us from truly following Jesus Christ is that our hearts are pursuing something or someone else like money or popularity. While these pursuits may not be the 'graven images' of old, they are in fact modern day idols. Behind the sin you're struggling with, the fear you're dealing with, the lack of purpose you're living with is a false god that is winning the war for your heart.

In GODS AT WAR the author encourage teens to surrender to the Lord and give up the gods of this world, such as the god of the quick fix, the god of sex, the god of entertainment, the god of appearance, the god of materialism and more.

The book starts with an introduction that talks about an interviewer talking to teens about the ten commandments. Do you know all of them?  Most of the teens talked with didn’t. They knew more about the ingredients of a Big Mac than they did. One even listed Freedom of Speech as a ten commandment.

Idolatry is one commandment we all break.  Whether we think we do or not.  What is more important than studying God’s word or witnessing, or even going to church?  Watching your favorite sport team? Your friends?  That new to-die-for outfit?  That hot girl or boy you like? It can be any number of things.

In GODS AT WAR you are encouraged to give up your gods and turn it all over to God.

$12.99. 208 pages. 5 stars.

***

Easter Giveaway Opportunity Easter is coming! Are you looking for meaningful gifts instead of the traditional basket full of candy? We can help! We’ve created age-appropriate prize packs that include a Bible or storybook Bible and 2 books to inspire and engage readers while encouraging them in their walk with God. To participate in this Easter giveaway opportunity leave a comment with contact information! Teens *All In Student Edition by Mark & Parker Batterson 9780310744696 *Gods at War Student Edition by Kyle Idleman 9780310742531 *Young Women of Faith Bible, NIV (Hardcover) 9780310730866 Or NIV Bible for Teens (Blue) 9780310744221 (winners will receive both nonfiction books and a Bible of their choice)

NIV Blue Sequin Bible / The Jesus Bible / Big Easter Giveaway

To enter this tween giveaway, leave a comment and contact information. Details of the giveaway below: 

Title: NIV SEQUIN BIBLE

Publisher: Zondervan

March 2014

ISBN: 978-0310730972

Genre: NIV Bible

What girl doesn't like a little sparkle and shine?

With a trendy design embellished with sequins and sparkle, the Sequin Bible helps you express your style wherever you go---home, church, school, and everywhere in between!

Features include:

Bestselling New International Version (NIV)

Words of Christ in red

Handy size less than one inch thick

This is a basic NIV Bible. There aren’t any of the things that are being found in Bibles now, such as devotionals, thoughts, applications, history, or other odds and ends. But this Bible is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. My two tween daughters both fell in love with the bling and I know this will be popular at church with their friends.

My twelve year old has even been inspired to read the pages in between the cover (which is the important part anyway) because she’s holding such a beautiful Bible. Available in a wide selection of colors and designs. I was sent the Blue Sequin Bible for review. $29.99, leather bound. 1152 pages. 5 stars.

***

Title: THE JESUS BIBLE (NIV): Discover Jesus in Every Book of the Bible

Publisher: Zonderkidz

Janaury 2014

ISBN: 978-0-310-72600-5

Genre: Young adult / Bible

Discover Jesus In Every Book of the Bible

Jesus isn't just found in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. His presence can be felt throughout the whole Bible, even in Genesis. The Jesus Bible contains the complete New International Version (NIV) with daily study helps that point to Jesus and show how he fulfilled the prophecies for the Messiah found in the Old Testament. A perfect way to see the overarching narrative of the Bible, The Jesus Bible includes these features:

> Presentation page for personalization and gift giving Book introductions explain where Jesus appears in each book of the Bible

> 365 devotions revolve around the 'sightings' of Jesus in the Old Testament and his life and teachings in the New Testament

> Application notes to help apply Jesus' teachings to real life today

> Hundreds of clues highlight the promises/prophesies made about Jesus in the Old Testament and the fulfillments in the New Testament

> Index of the Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Christ List of Jesus' miracles and parables

> Timeline of Jesus' life Lineage of Jesus

> Concordance to help find key topics, people, and events in the Bible

> Words of Christ in red

THE JESUS BIBLE (NIV) is a hardcover Bible especially for tweens. Its colorful and sure to appeal to either boys or girls. Plus it has all the cool features mentioned above. This would be a fantastic Bible for your favorite tween, and the devotions, notes, indexes, timelines, and promises will make this a Bible that they will turn to often as they study God’s word. My only complaint is that some of the devotions are rather disrespectful to God... such as the one where God high-fived Solomon... Really? Recommended for tweens (and young teens). $29.99 hardcover. 1,760 pages. 4 stars. 

***

Easter Giveaway Opportunity Easter is coming! Are you looking for meaningful gifts instead of the traditional basket full of candy? We can help! We’ve created age-appropriate prize packs that include a Bible or storybook Bible and 2 books to inspire and engage readers while encouraging them in their walk with God. To participate in this Easter giveaway opportunity leave a comment (and contact information) Easter Giveaway Packs (to learn more about each title, go to www.zondervan.com and paste either the title or ISBN number into the search box) Ages 8-12 *Adventure Bible Book of Devotions 9780310723622 *The Ether: Vero Rising by Laurice E. Molinari 9780310735557 Or Riley Mae and the Rock Shocker Trek by Jill Osborne 9780310742944 *The Sequin Bible NIV  (Blue flower) 9780310730972 Or The Jesus Bible NIV  (Hardcover) 9780310726005 (winners will receive the devotional and a fiction title and Bible of their choice) .

A Sky Without Stars

Win a Kindle HDX!

Book Info and Review

About Quilts of Love: Quilts tell stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings. TheQuilts of Love series focuses on the women who quilted all of these things into their family histories. A new book releases each month and features contemporary and historical romances as well as women's fiction and the occasional light mystery. You will be drawn into the endearing characters of this series and be touched by their stories. About the book: In 1951, Frankie Chasing Bear is a Lakota caught between cultures. She wants to raise her son Harold to revere his Lakota heritage, but she knows he will need to become as a white man to succeed. After his father's killed in a barroom brawl, Harold and Frankie move to Arizona, where she begins a Lakota Star pattern quilt for Harold with tribal wisdom sung, sewn and prayed into it. She distrusts Christians, as her own parents were forced to convert at an Indian School, until she meets BIA agent Nick Vandergriff, a half-Lakota who's also caught between cultures. Nick must convince Frankie that white men and Christians aren't all bad as he tries to win her heart in order to put the stars back into her sky. My thoughts:  A SKY WITHOUT STARS is the most recent book in the Quilts of Love series by Abingdon. This one is about a Lakota widow and her young son who were trying to go to LA to take her deceased (and abusive husband’s) job. Her truck breaks down in Arizona, and they are dealing with distrust, hatred, and a lot of racial slurs.  Nick is also half Lakota, and recovering from a messy divorce, but he doesn’t deal with a lot of racial discrimination due to his government job. This book was rather rambly and I never connected with the characters. I know Ms. Clare had to do a lot of research for this book and I respect that. Not knowing much about the Lakota tribe some of the habits Frankie had were odd, and I hated that even schools for Indians were prejudice against the Indians they were supposed to be helping. Nick was nice. I liked him. The story did sort of fizzle out in the middle. If you like historical fiction, and ones that deal with racial discrimination, you might like A SKY WITHOUT STARS much better than I did. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $13.99. 272 pages. 3 stars. Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website. About the Author: Linda S. Clare is an award-winning coauthor of three books, including Lost Boys and the Moms Who Love Them(with Melody Carlson and Heather Kopp), Revealed: Spiritual Reality in a Makeover World, and Making Peace with a Dangerous God (with Kristen Johnson Ingram). She is also the author of The Fence My Father Built. She has taught college-level creative writing classes for seven years, and edits and mentors writers. She also is a frequent writing conference presenter and church retreat leader. She and her husband of thirty-one years have four grown children, including a set of twins. They live in Eugene, Oregon, with their five wayward cats: Oliver, Xena the Warrior Kitty, Paladine, Melchior, and Mamma Mia! Learn more about Linda at: http://www.lindasclare.com

.  Landing page:  http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/a-sky-without-stars-linda-clare

Summer of Joy

Title: SUMMER OF JOY
Author: Ann H. Gabhart
Publisher: Revell Books
February 2008 republished March 2014
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3170-0
Genre: Inspirational/women’s fiction

David Brooke is trying to find the nerve to propose to Leigh. His almost grown daughters and his secretary are encouraging the match, but David hesitates because Leigh is so much younger than he. Besides when he prices engagement rings, he finds that their cost is way out of his income level. All he has is his mother’s engagement ring, and the diamond on that seems so small.

Life couldn’t be more perfect. With Leigh on his arm, and the congregation in his quiet town hanging on his every word, David would be a happy man, if it weren’t for some financial problems. But the idyllic town isn’t as quiet as it seems. The past is threatening to destroy relationships—two people, one David thought was gone for good, and the other, he’s never heard of—are promising trouble.

SUMMER OF JOY is the continuation of the story in Orchard of Hope. I enjoyed spending more time with David, Leigh, and his family, both the church family, and his personal family. Some parts of the story caused me to laugh, while others rang too close to home and were sobering.

Ms. Gabhart is an extremely talented author, able to weave this complex story line into a tale that is worth reading. The faith message is expertly done and isn’t preachy. The characters are realistically developed. Fans of Ms. Gabhart’s earlier books are not going to want to miss SUMMER OF JOY.   This book was originally published in 2008 - I read it the first time, it is just as good the second time.   $12.99. 347 pages.

Nature Girl: A Guide to Caring for God's Creation

Title: NATURE GIRL: A Guide to Caring for God’s Creation

Authors: Karen Whiting and Rebecca White

Publisher: Zonderkidz

March 2014

ISBN: 978-0-310-72500-8

Genre: Young adult / science / environmental issues

Love God, Love the Planet

As you become an expert in all things green, Nature Girl offers fun ways to care for God's creations while enjoying the wonders of nature! With activities, recipes, science experiments, and much more, you can discover how to create recycled jewelry, plan a spa day with friends, make your own earth-friendly skin care products, or team up to clean a park or a neighbor's yard.

Each chapter covers different topics, like water, air, energy, and recycling, and includes crafts, Scripture, games, quizzes, interviews with experts, and quotes from real girls like you. From the itty-bitty flowers at your feet to the air high above your head, discover how you can make a difference for our planet.

NATURE GIRL is a book that inspired me to go into the woods near my house and pick up the trash that blew in there from people’s garbage or the people threw from their car windows. Most of the trash was metal or plastic and I read in NATURE GIRL that it takes two hundred to a million years for them to decompose.

I also liked the science experiments, recipes, quizzes, and games that are included.

I really enjoyed this book, and recommend it to other girls. I already volunteer in our community’s recycling center, and I want to encourage other tweens to get involved and “go green.” We need to save our planet for us—and for our future kids. $7.99. 179 pages. 5 stars.

It Had to be You

Win $100!


Book Info and Review

About the book: Title: IT HAD TO BE YOU Author: Susan May Warren Publisher: Tyndale Fiction January 2014 ISBN: 978-1414378428 Genre: Contemporary romance Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits—and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen. Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior—on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all. My thoughts: Susan May Warren has done it again. A heart-stopping novel that wraps the characters around your heartstrings and doesn’t let go. IT HAD TO BE YOU is the second book in the A Christiansen Family series, but it easily stands alone. Fans will want to read Take a Chance on Me the first book in the series, and the novella (included free in IT HAD TO BE YOU), I Really Do Miss Your Smile. I’ve said this before and I’ll say this again. I want to write like Susan May Warren. She is absolutely the best, and I love her books. I’m her number one fan. IT HAD TO BE YOU ripped my heart out and I cried at the end. Now I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out (this summer.) Awesome book, awesome author. Discussion questions are also included at the end of the book. Don’t miss IT HAD TO BE YOU.) It will change your life. $14.99. 480 pages. 5 stars. Learn more and purchase a copy at Susan's website. About the Author: Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award-winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women's events about God's amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors. Visit MyBookTherapy.com to learn more. Learn more about Susan at: http://www.susanmaywarren.com

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Landing page:  http://litfusegroup.com/author/swarren

An Amish Garden

Title: AN AMISH GARDEN

Authors: Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Tricia Goyer, Vannetta Chapman

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

March 2014

ISBN: 978-1401689797

Genre: Amish / romance novellas

Gardens are a place to rest, to draw near, and to heal.

“Where Healing Blooms” Vannetta Chapman

Emma discovers a run-away teen in her barn, and the bishop asks her to provide a haven for a woman and her two children. Then her mother-in-law reveals a secret about her garden. Will Emma choose loneliness or learn to accept God’s gifts?

"Flowers for Rachael" Kathleen Fuller

Rachael’s garden is beautiful, but she is lonely. Gideon is in love with Rachael, but when Rachael finds her garden in shambles after a crisis, she rejects his help. Will she realize she doesn’t have to do everything on her own?

“Seeds of Love” Tricia Goyer

When a corporation shows interest in buying Sadie’s heirloom seeds, she panics. They are all she has left of her Dat and Mem. Eli believes he can help Sadie, but a misunderstanding leaves her heartbroken. Will she trust him again, and will the seeds of a new relationship take root?

“Rooted in Love” Beth Wiseman

Rosemary is doing her best to run her family’s household. She excels at all her tasks except one: gardening. Saul has been interested in her for years, but Rosemary has turned him down repeatedly. Saul begins helping with her family’s garden, but someone is sabotaging his efforts—and keeping a secret that could change their lives.

I enjoy these collections of four Amish novellas that Thomas Nelson has begun putting out. And I was so excited when this collection came up for review with Booklook (formerly Booksneeze). I was glad when it arrived as I was most anxious to read it. And even though I had a zillion things to do today, I picked this book up and was immediately lost in Amish country, surfacing only to tend to immediate needs.

If you love Amish books, then you’ll want to read AN AMISH GARDEN. As Spring begins in the southland, it will be a book that will help you “heal” from winter, and yearn to plant your own seeds.  $15.99. 5 stars. 416 pages.