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jolinsdell's reviews
392 reviews
An Amish Love: Three Amish Novellas by Kathleen Fuller, Beth Wiseman, Kelly Long
4.0
Title: An Amish Love
Authors: Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller & Kelly Long
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-1-59554-875-7
Reviewed by Jo Linsdell
An Amish Love is a collection of three Amish novellas. Each story is well written and clearly shows the Amish way of life and beliefs.
In the first tale, A marriage of the heart, author Kelly Long takes us into the lives of Abigail Kauffman and Joesph Lambert. Abigail is a young woman trying to escape from living with her father. Joesph is a newcomer to the community wanting to be accepted. The two suddenly find themselves married to each other and start a journey to discover life-long love.
The second tale, What the heart sees by Kathleen Fuller tells the story of Ellie Chupp, a girl who loses her sight in an accident and is shortly after left by her boyfriend. Strong and independent, Ellie is making the best of things but is haunted by the past. Christopher Miller has returned home five years after the tragedy that broke his heart and struggles to forgive and make peace. Sparks fly between the two allowing them both to see things with new eyes.
The final tale is Healing hearts by Beth Wiseman. Naumann Lapp left his home and family to find himself. Levina, his wife, managed without him but now Naumann has come home and must regain the trust and respect of his wife and rebuild family ties. It would seem that all things happen for a reason.
All three novella are good reads that will keep you turning the pages. My personal favourite was 'What the heart sees' by Kathleen Fuller but I enjoyed the others too.
Each one teaches about a different aspect of relationships and making love work. Be it trust or nurturing your relationship.
At the back of the book you'll find a reading group guide and some of the Amish recipes used in the stories. It's worth getting the book just to know how to make the syrupy pancake bake ;)
Authors: Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller & Kelly Long
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-1-59554-875-7
Reviewed by Jo Linsdell
An Amish Love is a collection of three Amish novellas. Each story is well written and clearly shows the Amish way of life and beliefs.
In the first tale, A marriage of the heart, author Kelly Long takes us into the lives of Abigail Kauffman and Joesph Lambert. Abigail is a young woman trying to escape from living with her father. Joesph is a newcomer to the community wanting to be accepted. The two suddenly find themselves married to each other and start a journey to discover life-long love.
The second tale, What the heart sees by Kathleen Fuller tells the story of Ellie Chupp, a girl who loses her sight in an accident and is shortly after left by her boyfriend. Strong and independent, Ellie is making the best of things but is haunted by the past. Christopher Miller has returned home five years after the tragedy that broke his heart and struggles to forgive and make peace. Sparks fly between the two allowing them both to see things with new eyes.
The final tale is Healing hearts by Beth Wiseman. Naumann Lapp left his home and family to find himself. Levina, his wife, managed without him but now Naumann has come home and must regain the trust and respect of his wife and rebuild family ties. It would seem that all things happen for a reason.
All three novella are good reads that will keep you turning the pages. My personal favourite was 'What the heart sees' by Kathleen Fuller but I enjoyed the others too.
Each one teaches about a different aspect of relationships and making love work. Be it trust or nurturing your relationship.
At the back of the book you'll find a reading group guide and some of the Amish recipes used in the stories. It's worth getting the book just to know how to make the syrupy pancake bake ;)
Secrets by Freya North
5.0
Secrets by Freya North is a page turning romance set in Saltburn-by-the-sea in the UK. If you like chick-lit, you'll love this.
Joe has a great house, great job and no committments and he likes it like that. Tess is a troubled young mum that falls into the life of Joe and changes it forever. Each has a secret past but sparks fly every time they meet.
Life as a single mum is hard but Tess does a great job raising her daughter and manages to create a new life for them. Joe trys to ignore his growing feelings and continue with his life of easy sex and no ties but as Tess and he send more time together their feelings for each other grow.
Secrets is a great read. I just couldn't put it down! Although this is the first book I've read by Freya North it won't be the last. She has me hooked!
Joe has a great house, great job and no committments and he likes it like that. Tess is a troubled young mum that falls into the life of Joe and changes it forever. Each has a secret past but sparks fly every time they meet.
Life as a single mum is hard but Tess does a great job raising her daughter and manages to create a new life for them. Joe trys to ignore his growing feelings and continue with his life of easy sex and no ties but as Tess and he send more time together their feelings for each other grow.
Secrets is a great read. I just couldn't put it down! Although this is the first book I've read by Freya North it won't be the last. She has me hooked!
The Final Summit: A Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity by Andy Andrews
4.0
Andy Andrews manages to combine so many different elements in his books that he makes them appealing to nearly everyone's tastes. The Final Summit is no exception and kept me turning the pages until the very end.
David Ponder, who was first encountered in The Traveler's Gift is back (note is it not necessary top have read this book to enjoy The Final Summit as the second book stands on it's own). With the help of Winston Churchill and other historical greats, David must answer a question in order to save humanity.
Thought provoking and entertaining I'm sure others will find this book as hard to put down as I did.
David Ponder, who was first encountered in The Traveler's Gift is back (note is it not necessary top have read this book to enjoy The Final Summit as the second book stands on it's own). With the help of Winston Churchill and other historical greats, David must answer a question in order to save humanity.
Thought provoking and entertaining I'm sure others will find this book as hard to put down as I did.
What to Charge: Pricing Strategies for Freelancers and Consultants by Laurie Lewis
5.0
'What to Charge' should be on the bookshelf of every self employed person. In this book Laurie Lewis uses her many years of experience to communicate simple and effective ways to work out pricing strategies to take careers forward and reach monetary goals.
Through out the book she uses case studies and examples to show her points in action and make both how to do them and why clear to the reader.
The book covers everything from preparation and goal setting to negotiations to end of year analysis and every step in between.
I will definitely be referring back to this book many times over and highly recommend it to freelancers and consultants in all fields. A must-have book for those who take their career seriously.
Through out the book she uses case studies and examples to show her points in action and make both how to do them and why clear to the reader.
The book covers everything from preparation and goal setting to negotiations to end of year analysis and every step in between.
I will definitely be referring back to this book many times over and highly recommend it to freelancers and consultants in all fields. A must-have book for those who take their career seriously.
Unsinkable: A Young Woman's Courageous Battle on the High Seas by Lynn Vincent, Abby Sunderland
4.0
Unsinkable takes readers on a journey around the world as it follows Abby Sunderland from her family holidays on her family boat as a young child to her incredible battle on the high seas.
It's amazing to think that the adventures in this book are actually a true story. Abby is inspiring both for her bravery and her abilities. It just goes to show what can be achieved when you have the courage to follow your dreams.
I learn't a lot about life at sea and sailing from this book but also about making a stand for what I believe in and having the courage to follow it through.
A great book for all ages, especially teenagers. Inpsiring and motivating.
It's amazing to think that the adventures in this book are actually a true story. Abby is inspiring both for her bravery and her abilities. It just goes to show what can be achieved when you have the courage to follow your dreams.
I learn't a lot about life at sea and sailing from this book but also about making a stand for what I believe in and having the courage to follow it through.
A great book for all ages, especially teenagers. Inpsiring and motivating.
Cat by Freya North
4.0
This is the second book I've read by Freya North and I'm fast becoming a fan. Not only was this book a great read it has also inspired an interest in cycling. I've already made plans to follow the next Tour de France!
Freya North has a talent for creating characters that you feel you can connect with. You feel the ups and downs they face and become a bit like a best friend cheering them on from the sidelines.
I'll definitely be adding more Freya North books to my to-read list.
Freya North has a talent for creating characters that you feel you can connect with. You feel the ups and downs they face and become a bit like a best friend cheering them on from the sidelines.
I'll definitely be adding more Freya North books to my to-read list.
Just in Case You Ever Wonder by Max Lucado, Toni Goffe
3.0
Although Just in case you ever wonder is available in various formats I'm reviewing the ePub version. This is a nice little picture book that tells of the love of a parent for their child. It includes illustrations by Tony Goffe.
Children need to feel protected, they need to know you love them and that you will always be there for them. That's what this book is all about. It shows them that they are special and unique and that as they grow and change you will always be there for them.
It takes you from the parents thoughts on seeing the baby for the first time through to when the child has grown up.
A heart warming book ideal for bonding with your child. I personally recommend it for smaller children though (max 5 years old).
Children need to feel protected, they need to know you love them and that you will always be there for them. That's what this book is all about. It shows them that they are special and unique and that as they grow and change you will always be there for them.
It takes you from the parents thoughts on seeing the baby for the first time through to when the child has grown up.
A heart warming book ideal for bonding with your child. I personally recommend it for smaller children though (max 5 years old).
A Century Turns by William J. Bennett
3.0
Title: A Century Turns
Author: William J. Bennett
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-1-5955-5169-6
Reviewed by Jo Linsdell.
A Century Turns takes a look at events involving America between 1988 and 2008. It starts with the last year of the Presidency of Ronald Wilson Reagan and goes on to cover both domestic and international issues faced by America over the following twenty years.
Due to William Bennett’s close friendship with George H.W. Bush the book tends to be very pro-Bush. He highlights personal memories of the events (many of which he was directly involved in) through out the book with insights and personal anecdotes. I found that these personal touches make the book lighter reading than many other history books on the market.
Before I carry on, I must state that I’m not American. I am in fact British born and live in Italy. I know little about American politics and what I have followed over the years was mainly the scandals which were shown on gossip programmes and magazines. Much of the content of this book was unknown to me prior to reading this book and it was interesting to see an American take on the events I was aware of over the years.
The book is broken down into easy to manage sections and contains a complete notes section of all reference materials used. I think it would make an excellent reference books for schools and those studying American history. It’s also an interesting and some what enlightening read for us non-Americans.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Author: William J. Bennett
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-1-5955-5169-6
Reviewed by Jo Linsdell.
A Century Turns takes a look at events involving America between 1988 and 2008. It starts with the last year of the Presidency of Ronald Wilson Reagan and goes on to cover both domestic and international issues faced by America over the following twenty years.
Due to William Bennett’s close friendship with George H.W. Bush the book tends to be very pro-Bush. He highlights personal memories of the events (many of which he was directly involved in) through out the book with insights and personal anecdotes. I found that these personal touches make the book lighter reading than many other history books on the market.
Before I carry on, I must state that I’m not American. I am in fact British born and live in Italy. I know little about American politics and what I have followed over the years was mainly the scandals which were shown on gossip programmes and magazines. Much of the content of this book was unknown to me prior to reading this book and it was interesting to see an American take on the events I was aware of over the years.
The book is broken down into easy to manage sections and contains a complete notes section of all reference materials used. I think it would make an excellent reference books for schools and those studying American history. It’s also an interesting and some what enlightening read for us non-Americans.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com
Sweeter Than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott
4.0
Sweeter than Birdsong is the second book from the Sadller's Legacy series (a work of fiction inspired by a real family in American history- the Hanby family, who are to this day the most celebrated citizens of Westerville, Ohio.
"Music offers Kate sweet refuge from her troubles...but real freedom is sweeter."
In Westerville, Ohio, 1855, Kate Winter's dreams are almost within reach. As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she'll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family. But with her mother determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, Kate must face reality. She has to run. Now. And she has the perfect plan. Join the upcoming musical performance--and use it to mask her flight.
Ben Hanby, Otterbein College's musical genius, sees Kate Winter as an enigmatic creature, notable for her beauty, yet painfully shy. Then he hears her sing-and the glory of her voice moves him as never before. He determines to cast her in his musical and uncover the mystery that is Kate. Still, he must keep his own secret to himself. Not even this intriguing woman can know that his passionate faith is driving him to aid fugitives on the Underground Railroad.
A terrifying accident brings Kate and Ben together, but threatens to shatter both their secrets and their dreams. Kate can no longer deny the need to find her courage-and her voice-if she is to sing a new song for their future.
"Sweeter than Birdsong" is a stirring novel of hope and faith inspired by real historical people and events.
I hadn't read the first book in the series but it didn't matter and I was able to read Sweeter than Birdsong as a stand alone book. The characters drew me in and the careful historical descriptions throughout transported me back in time to 1855. If you like historical romance you'll enjoy this book.
"Music offers Kate sweet refuge from her troubles...but real freedom is sweeter."
In Westerville, Ohio, 1855, Kate Winter's dreams are almost within reach. As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she'll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family. But with her mother determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, Kate must face reality. She has to run. Now. And she has the perfect plan. Join the upcoming musical performance--and use it to mask her flight.
Ben Hanby, Otterbein College's musical genius, sees Kate Winter as an enigmatic creature, notable for her beauty, yet painfully shy. Then he hears her sing-and the glory of her voice moves him as never before. He determines to cast her in his musical and uncover the mystery that is Kate. Still, he must keep his own secret to himself. Not even this intriguing woman can know that his passionate faith is driving him to aid fugitives on the Underground Railroad.
A terrifying accident brings Kate and Ben together, but threatens to shatter both their secrets and their dreams. Kate can no longer deny the need to find her courage-and her voice-if she is to sing a new song for their future.
"Sweeter than Birdsong" is a stirring novel of hope and faith inspired by real historical people and events.
I hadn't read the first book in the series but it didn't matter and I was able to read Sweeter than Birdsong as a stand alone book. The characters drew me in and the careful historical descriptions throughout transported me back in time to 1855. If you like historical romance you'll enjoy this book.