Let’s Learn About the Forest: A Seek-and-Find Story Through God’s Creation Board book

 

Let’s Learn About the Forest: A Seek-and-Find Story Through God’s Creation 

Board book – July 5, 2022

Little ones will have fun using their powers of detection in this seek-and-find board book as they search, match, and learn while helping Mama Chipmunk locate adorable animals and items throughout the forest. Each richly illustrated spread includes interesting facts on God’s woodland creatures that help toddlers discover more about the world around them, providing a fun opportunity to spend time reading and exploring together with your child or an educational way to keep a young one busy as they look for and find objects alone.

Mama Chipmunk is traveling through the forest, and she needs your child’s help to find food and the animals around her—including her adventurous baby! Let's Learn About the Forest is a colorful and playful search-and-find activity board book that encourages toddlers and preschoolers to explore the forest and see where all the baby animals are hiding—from the owlet nestled on a tree branch to the fawn curled up and hiding in the grass.

Let's Learn About the Forest:

• Features bright, engaging illustrations, with scenes that appeal to a child’s inquisitive mind
• Helps children ages 0-4 develop object identification skills while making reading fun
• Includes unique facts about how God created the featured animal on each page spread
• Is durable and the perfect size for little hands
• Is ideal for cozy lap reading and story time with children and grandchildren

Makes a perfect gift for baby showers, birthdays, Christmas, or Easter

by Zondervan (Author), Lee Holland (Illustrator)

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My thoughts: This is an adorable and beautifully illustrated board book for little ones. Its a storybook and a seek and find and an educational tool all at the same time. Perfect for day cares, church libraries, gifts, etc. Recommended.  I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own

 

Escape from Amsterdam (Heroines of WWII) 

August 29, 2022

by Lauralee Bliss  (Author)

A University Student Smuggles Children Out of Amsterdam

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
 
Helen Smit believed she was called by God to become a teacher. Little does she know that her care for kids will take a drastic turn for survival when the Germans occupy Amsterdam and Jewish children and parents begin to be deported. Now all she can think of is helping all the kids escape before it’s too late.
 
Erik Misman’s newfound love for Helen is tested when he joins a plot to help move Jewish children to a safe place in the countryside. If danger can foster a closer bond with Helen and save the lives of the little ones, he will do it all. But a German patrol that stumbles upon the farm where they are hiding with three children and a soldier who takes an unexpected interest in Helen, could well destroy their plans for safety and love.

​Don’t miss these other stories:
The Cryptographer’s Dilemma by Johnnie Alexander
Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma
Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson
Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War by Mary Davis
A Rose for the Resistance by Angela K. Couch
The Season of My Enemy by Naomi Musch

Marilyn's thoughts:  There are not enough words to describe the superb writing capturing

 the time, feelings,

faith of the characters and events that played out in Escape from Amsterdam. This WWII

heroine story found me in the midst of fields of tulips, feeling the despair and victories of

the people in The Netherlands as Germany invaded their country.

Helen Smit and Erik Minger’s faith and dedication to assist in saving Jewish children from

the Nazis was well researched and penned in a heart touching as well as heart wrenching

tale as to all the Dutch people endured. The faith message is strong throughout the book

showing the depth their relationship to God meant to them as they clung to it during the

troublesome times they were facing. Fans of Christian historical and WWII era will not

want to miss reading this book. It is one of the top Christian Historical fictions I’ve read

where the faith message and scriptures are used throughout the entire story.

Thank you to Barbour Publisher for a complimentary copy of this awe-inspiring book

without any obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own personal opinion.

Still My Forever: A Novel #PREORDER

 

Still My Forever: A Novel 

September 6, 2022

by Kim Vogel Sawyer  (Author)

Can a frustrated composer find new inspiration with the woman who once made his heart sing? From the bestselling author of Freedom’s Song comes a charming romance inspired by a real historical figure.

“A melodious second-chance romance.”—Publishers Weekly

Four years after leaving town to make a name for himself as a : composer, Gilbert Baty has returned temporarily to Falke, Kansas. Now, he’s trying to keep everyone from learning the truth about his disastrous years in New York City. He hopes to start writing music again in Falke, but he can’t help being distracted by Ava Flaming, the brown-eyed baker to whom he was briefly  engaged before he ended things—and who still stirs feelings in him he knows he has no right to pursue. 

Ava had thought she was past the loss of Gil Baty. But to her dismay, she’s as drawn to him as ever. The situation only gets worse when Gil establishes a youth band in Falke, showing once more what a good man he is. 

But when the band has a chance to compete in a statewide competition, Ava faces the prospect of heartbreak again. Could music take Gil away forever this time? Or might God be stirring in Ava’s and Gil’s hearts a new song that will draw them together for good?

My thoughts: STILL MY FOREVER is a sweet historical Mennonite romance which centers around family, community, and music.  Ms. Sawyer has created a lovely community which the reader automatically feels a part of and characters to fall in love with.  My only issue was the mom who was ill and bedbound except for when she didn't want to be and she was up and running. I didn't understand her.  I did enjoy reading the book and hope there's another following about Joseph. don't miss STILL MY FOREVER. Recommended. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

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The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece #preorder

 

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece 

October 25, 2022

by Jennifer Beckstrand  (Author)

Resourceful Colorado Amish quiltmaker Esther Kiem has her hands full with husband, home, and a baby on the way. But putting her skills to the test for an outspoken niece who’s running for town council is a matchmaking challenge she can’t resist. Infused with her signature humor and saturated with heart, award-winning, USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Beckstrand blends quilting, mischief, and matchmaking for the third Amish Quiltmaker romance – perfect for fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Wanda Brunstetter, and Linda Byler.

Mattie Zook always stands up for what’s right—which is why she’s been exiled from her Pennsylvania Dutch home to her Aunt Esther’s farm. Outraged at local discrimination against the Amish, she’s using her rumschpringe to run for town council. Esther can only hope that sensible local farmer Freeman Sensenig will help Mattie—and keep her from going too far. But Mattie is soon finding her new campaign manager all too appealing . . .
 
Freeman never thought that the standoffish, opinionated Mattie would care so much about others. Even more amazing, their differences are somehow making her campaign successful—and have him hoping for more of a future with her. But unexpected obstacles and a sudden romantic rival will put their growing closeness to the test—and give them only one chance to truly reconcile their hearts . . .
 

My thoughts:  Jennifer Beckstrand writes Amish fiction like none other with unconventional characters and storylines.  The book was well-written if somewhat unbelievable, but it was good. I enjoyed seeing how Mattie goes about her plans.  If you like unique Amish fiction you will love this book. I was given a copy free and all opinions aare my own.

 

Baptized in the Water: Becoming a member of God's family 

Hardcover – Picture Book, April 19, 2022

by Glenys Nellist  (Author), Anna Kazimi (Illustrator)

Baptized in the Water, written by bestselling author Glenys Nellist, is a beautifully illustrated picture book that celebrates baptism in all its varying forms.

Baptized in the Water: Becoming a Member of God's Family:

• Features beautiful prose and poetry that celebrates and explains baptism
• Illustrates various forms of baptism, from infant to adult
• Showcases various Christian faith traditions through vibrant illustrations
• Is perfect for baptism and newborn gifts
• 
  

Baptized in the Water engages children as it begins with the example set by Jesus and shows readers that even though there are varying ways to be baptized, the meaning is the same: in baptism, we all belong to God. And that is a beautiful thing.
Baptized in the water,
Like Jesus long ago.
God's Holy Spirit dances,
As waters gently flow.
Also by Glenys Nellist: the Snuggle Time and Letters from God series, Twas the Evening of Christmas, Twas the Morning of Easter, and The Wonder That Is You.
 

My thoughts:  Having a family member or friend getting baptized?  Or just questions about what it is? This children's picture book will answer your questions and explain things in simple language.

Children will love the colorful images.  I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

The Last Way Home (Prince Edward Island Shores #2)

 

The Last Way Home

(Prince Edward Island Shores #2)

by 

Liz Johnson (Goodreads Author)     

When Eli Ross left Prince Edward Island to join the NHL, he left a broken family behind. More than a decade later, he's broke and headed home to an uncertain welcome. He wants to make things right with the family he wronged, but his mom's business partner isn't making it easy. To top it off, the coaching job he's accepted turns out to be far more difficult than he anticipated.

For years, Violet Donaghy has put everything she had into making Eli's mom's ceramics shop a success, and she's not eager to forgive the man who hurt the family that's taken her in as one of their own. But when the kiln at the shop starts a fire that nearly destroys the studio, she'll need all the help she can get to save the business and their summer income.

Can these two strong-willed people come together to mend the broken pieces of the Ross family? Or will the ghosts of the past continue to haunt them?

Return to Prince Edward Island for a romantic story of family, forgiveness, and the power of love.

My thoughts:  I just love Liz Johnson's romances. They are so full of drama and heartbreak and healing. Plus, this series is set in PEI...  I fell in love with Eli and Violet and couldn't read the story fast enough.  If you love romance grab a copy of this book today.  I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

Amish Jane Doe (Love Inspired Cold Case)

 

Amish Jane Doe 

(Love Inspired Cold Case) 

August 23, 2022

by Shelley Shepard Gray  (Author)

He left her without a word…

Now he needs her help to catch a killer

Escaping his Amish community as a teen was about survival, but leaving meant breaking LizBeth Troyer’s heart. Now Detective Jackson Lapp is working a cold case—and the clue to a murdered Amish girl’s identity leads him back to his hometown. Can Jackson and LizBeth rebuild their broken trust and work together to catch a killer before another young Amish woman is murdered?

Marilyn's Thoughts: A magnificent story is found in Amish Jane Doe by Shelley Shepard Gray. I was reeled in

from the start and stayed up late to finish this wonderful Love Inspired Cold Case story.

This cold case suspense is filled with admirable characters that brought two young people

together, when Detective Lapp returned to his community to solve his latest cold case. The

multiple twists and turns, coming to terms with his past and so much more kept the pages

turning. The suspense, facing the past and gaining new insight along with a lovely theme

of forgiveness made this the best suspense book Gray has written to date.

I received a

complimentary copy of this book without any obligation to write a positive

review. I have shared my own opinion.

A Path to Forgiveness (Love Inspired)

 

A Path to Forgiveness

 (Love Inspired)  – August 23, 2022

by Carrie Lighte  (Author), Vannetta Chapman (Author)

Can love and forgiveness set them free?

Hiding Her Amish Secret by Carrie Lighte

Arleta Bontrager’s convinced no Amish man will marry her after she got a tattoo while on Rumspringa, so she needs money to get it removed. But taking a job caring for Noah Lehman’s sick grandmother means risking losing her heart to a man who has his own secrets. Might revealing their truths release them from the past…and open up a future together?

A Widow's Hope by Vannetta Chapman

After tragedy claimed her husband’s life and her son’s ability to walk, Hannah King doesn’t want a new man. She has her family, a home and mounting debts. Scarred Amish bachelor Jacob Schrock offers Hannah the job she desperately needs. But while Hannah helps Jacob resolve his accounting issues, can she and her little boy also heal his wounded heart?

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Vannetta Chapman

2 Uplifting Stories

Hiding Her Amish Secret and A Widow's Hope

Marilyn's thoughts:  This two in one book contains two previous published stories by

Carrie Lighte and Vannetta Chapman. Each story contain admirable

characters, heartaches, joys and twists and turns. Each author penned

their story with realistic situations for the characters with them letting

go of the past and finding forgiveness so they could move forward in

their life’s journey.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from one of the authors

without any obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my

own thoughts.