Christmas In Sugarcreek - by Shelley Shepard Gray

Christmas in Sugarcreek

by

Shelley Shepard Gray

an Avon Inspire Book

Oublished by HarperCollins books

Copyright 2011 by Shelley Shepard Gray

ISBN: 978-0-06-2089762

This is a wonderful faith-filled combination of stories taking place in the Amish community of Sugarcreek.

In this wonderful, quaint town we meet Rebecca, Judith and Lilly. Each young girl struggles with new-found responsibilities, as well as their faith, and a new love.

This is the first Amish love story I have read, although I understand they are quite the popular Christian book genre! Rest assured.... this will not be the last!

Rebecca finds a love with a young man running from his past. Judith with a young man that doesn't mind her impoverished state. And Lilly with an older man willing to go against his family, and his way of life, to embrace their life together.

All three find a love to last a lifetime! All in the Amish community of Sugarcreek.

Kind of makes me wish I could travel there to celebrate my own Christmas this year!

I give this book...

...Five Stars and...

...my Thumbs Up Award!

I highly recommend this reading for youth, young adults and adults of all ages. Would make an excellent group study [and there's even group questions in the back!]

****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided as part of the Amazon Vine program in consideration for an independent review of the writer's work.

Elizabeth's Ultimate Sacrifice - Julie A. Bowles

Elizabeth's Ultimate Sacrifice

by

Julie A. Bowles

Coppyright 2004 Julie A. Bowles

Published by PublishAmerica, LLLP

ISBN: 1-4137-5065-6

This is the second book by Julie Bowles that I have been privileged to read this week! The first, Her Uncertain Future was reviewed here. And I was immediately enthralled with the young writer!

In Elizabeth's Ultimate Sacrifice we are shown a new character, Elizabeth, who is forced to become a responsible adult at way too young an age! Faced with the loss of both parents, and having to take on the responsibilities of raising her three younger siblings, even to the point of adopting the youngest, in order to keep them all together, Elizabeth must learn the hard way that sometimes being the one in charge comes with making sacrifices.

Through it all, Elizabeth relies upon her faith in God to carry her through. And He does!

Ultimately, in the end, Elizabeth is given all she could have ever dreamed for. And more! The lesson learned is simply this.... what an awesome God we serve! His eye is ever upon us, and He cares for our every need!

My only negative remark regarding this book is that I wish Ms. Bowles had used an editor. While not a true grammar efficionado, I was, at times, tempted to grab my red pen and do a little correcting! But, perhaps if I had, Elizabeth's true story would not have been the one I saw so clearly in this book!

I highly recommend Elizabeth's Ultimate Sacrifice for readers of all ages who enjoy a good romance! This is one that will make you smile, laugh, and maybe shed a tear or two!

I give this book...

...Five Stars and....

...my Thumbs Up Award!

****DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase and was not under obligation for review. [It helped that the author's husband is a co-worker and he sang the author's praises before I ever cracked the cover open!]

Her Uncertain Future - Julie Bowles

Her Uncertain Future

by

Julie Bowles

Copyright 2004 Julie Bowles

PublishAmerica, LLLP

ISBN: 1-4137-3039-6

A refreshingly told tale of a young mother who is widowed and loses a child, while gaining another child, all on the same day. Told from a Christian perspective, Her Uncertain Future brings us to the depths of despair with Martha, and slowly climbs the mountain of recovery through the love, and grace, of God.

Martha is found dealing with life, one day at a time, while learning to be a new mother to her newborn, premature baby, Ethan. As a young widow, her future seems far from certain. But when Michael, and his young daughter, find a way into her heart, suddenly all things become clear.

This book is a well defined lesson in the old Scripture... with God "all things are possible".

I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good love story. But be prepared! This one should come with a warning: "Hanky required!"

I give this book....

...Five Stars and....

..my Thumbs Up Award!

***DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase and was not under obligation for review.

Vampire Academy - by Richelle Mead

Vampire Academy

by

Richelle Mead

Copyright 2007 Richelle Mead

Published by The Penguin Group

ISBN: 978-1-59514-461-4

Vasilisa Dragomir is a mortal vampire and her guardian in training is Rosemarie Hathoway. "Lissa" and "Rose" are quite the combination.

The pair have an unusual psychic bond that pairs them much more closely than most Moroi and their guardians. And while Lissa isn't quite prepared to be the Moroi Princess she is, neither is Rose prepared to be the guardian she will become. Both girls are young, and still learning at the academy.

Torn between the angst of teen years and the responsibilties of adulthood, the girls race through one crisis after another as they reach toward fulfilling their own destinies. And just as with normal teenaged girls, the road is bumpy and pitfalls are strewn along the way.

But the girls do survive. And their bond only grows closer.

While I am not usually found reading books on such, I found Vampire Academy a pleasant read, and I give it...

...Five Stars and...

...my Thumbs Up Award!

I highly recommend this book for teens and older.

****DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase and was not a required review.

No He Can't - Kevin McCullough

No He Can't

How Barack Obama Is Dismantling Hope and Change

by

Kevin McCullough

Copyright 2011 by Kevin McCullough

Thomas Nelson Publishing

ISBN 978-1-59555-338-6

Syndicated radio talk show host Kevin McCullough tells it like it is.

A fast paced book that brings to light the real President of the United States. His credis. And his short-comings. It also points out his hidden agenda.

President Obama promised "change" when he was campaigning for office. And change is exactly what he has wrought to this Country. But not the kind of change that he promised.

McCullough brings a bit of "clarity" to each agenda item revealed, and a plan that could bring America back to it's roots, and to the foundation upon which it was layed. God.

I give this book

.. Five Stars and highly recommend it!

I also give this book my...

... Thumbs Up Award.

If you want to see Obama in his true light, then you really must get hold of a copy of this book. More importantly, if you would like to see America brought back to her basics of a foundation on our Maker, then get a copy of this book today!

Highly recommended for teens and adults.

****DISCLOSURE: A copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program at no charge, in exchange for an unbiased written review.

The Betrayal - Jerry B. Jenkins

The Betrayal

by

Jerry B. Jenkins

Copyright 2011 Jerry B. Jenkins

Tyndale House Publishers

ISBN 978-1-4143-3583-4

Advanced Reader Copy - Unedited Edition

Okay, so there's no one on the planet that knows me that is NOT aware that Jerry B. Jenkins is one of my all time writing hero's! I mean, really! Just look what he did with the world reknown Left Behind series!

Well, Jenkins has gone main-stream with The Betrayal, keeping it clean, wholesome and with a Christian influence that is just enough to make the unbeliever a little bit curious. And the believer will be impressed at how the power of God can move man, and save man.

In this modern-day police drama, Jenkins brings to life a new Christian, police detective Boone Drake, just after he has been wounded in a raid.

Drake, affectionately called "Boones", is new to the faith, and has his own inner struggles during his endeavor to catch the bad guys.

In a Chicago twist that will rock the CPD, Drake - with a little help from his friends -  brings down the bad guys and saves the day!

One of the best novels from the streets of today! I highly recommend The Betrayal by writer Jerry B. Jenkins to anyone over the age of 13.

I give it a full...

... FIVE STARS! And...

...my Thumbs Up Award!

***DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Tyndale Publishing for non-biased review.