A Home In Drayton Valley by Kim Vogel Sawyer

A Home in Drayton Valley is a sweet pioneer story and I read it at the time my students were studying pioneer travel. What impressed me most was the historical detail in the story. I used much of her thoroughly researched information during class discussions. The central plot revolves around Tarsie Raines. A young woman from Ireland and stuck in poverty in New York City, Tarsie dreams of a better life for herself and her best friend, Mary and Mary's family. The dream is fraught of conflicts including Mary's debilitating disease, Mary's alcoholic gambler of a husband and two young children (whom the husband doesn't want). Tarsie convinces Mary to travel to Drayton Valley. When Mary approaches her husband, he scoffs at the idea until he needs to go out of necessity three days later (don't want to spoil the plot). Tarsie pays for the tickets and most of the supplies and they begin their journey first by train and then by wagon. The travelers have all of the conflicts of a pioneering group and then some. Tarsie, who is a devout Christian, does her best to help lift up the family, ease Mary's sickness and care the children. As one situation leads to another, a promise is made and the plot takes an interesting turn. A Home in Drayton Valley is written beautifully and an ease to read. It is a story filled with hardship and happiness with a few surprises along the way. (Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to request a free copy, I truly enjoyed it.)

The River by Michael Neale

Gabriel was born by the river, for the river. It is a love that has been passed down through several generations. The River is Gabriel's destiny until one fateful day when his father was taken by The River. Gabriel's life takes a drastic turn as he goes to live with his mother far away from the river. The River, though far away from Kansas, still haunts Gabriel. From fear to fascination, the river is still coursing through his veins. Will Gabriel return to The River? In a fascinating story, that ebbs, flows and cascades through life, The River is destined to keep the reader enthralled. This was one book that I was sorry when it concluded. I hope that Neale is composing a sequal because life, just like the river, flows with a few twists and turns along the way.

The Reason by William Sirls

Every page you turn will make you yearn for me. I would day that every other page was a surprise with plot twists and much suspense. Anyone that says The Reason is predictable didn't quite understand the story, or they skipped pages. William Sirls created characters that any reader can connect with. As a mother, I connected with Brooke. She has the same struggles and joys as all mothers have and one can only hold their breath as her story unfolds. I can unashamedly admit that I cried when I read the novel: tears of sadness and tears of joy. Again, just as a mother does. I also connected with Macy. She is a doctor who, like most of us, can't seem to relinquish control to God. While reading, I was reminded that I am not in total control of all situations (truth be told, no situation). The Reason will give all readers a reason to rethink their goals and what makes a person truly successful if only the truly believe.

Song of the Brokenhearted by Sheila Walsh & Cindy Coloma

Song of the Brokenhearted is a must read. In fact, you may find it difficult to put aside. The plot of the story revolves around a wife who has everything. You know the type, the woman who drives the best cars, has the sweetest and most successful kids, lives in a large house and gets the monthly manicure/pedicure treatment. But, things aren't always what they seem. As the main character's life unfolds, her "perfect existence" begins to fade. The author uses a weeping willow tree as the symbol of the character's change of life. As the willow wilts, so does the main character. I could connect to the characters in this novel. First, who doesn't want to get have a monthly mani/pedi? Secondly, who doesn't have struggles? One thing that I didn't connect with was the character's faith in God. I, like many, struggle with leaning on God when things go badly. This story is a reminder that God will help through faith and hope. The story's plot moves along well and the characters are believable. This is definately a book to put on your reading list.

The Choice by Robert Whitlow

For summer reading, the best choice is "The Choice". The plot is so engaging, I couldn't put it down. The Choice is about a pregnant teenager in 1975 Georgia. The setting is perfect as this is around the time of Roe vs. Wade. The teen, Sandy, has tough choices: abortion, adoption or keeping the baby. The father, another teenager and star athlete, says to Sandy, "Who's the father?". I moaned, okay, screamed, outloud. Whitlow makes the characters so realistic that I was totally involved in the storyline. In 1975, pregnant teen girls did not continue their education unless they went to a special school. Sandy, top of her class and head cheerleader, must leave her school. She could attend a special school or get her GED in hopes to eventually attend college. What a choice! The Choice follows Sandy through her life as she makes the tough choices. It is a wonderful story which shows how one choice can lead to another and then to another. The Choice is a choice you should make when adding to your library.

A Path Toward Love: Cara Lynn James

Summer is my time to read as many good books as possible. I chose A Path Toward Love because of the historical fiction genre and its setting, the Gilded Age. I was thinking that this would be a fun, quick read: what a surprise! It was fun, but quick only because I found it diffult to put aside. First, the main character, Katherine, was very easy in which to relate. As a once stubborn teen who didn't follow parental wishes, I saw a lot of myself in Katherine's plight. Her stubborness creates a dominoe effect of events that could have demorilized her, yet she persevered. That is, until daddy comes around and brings more havoc into her life in the guise of helping her. Daddy also brings a dear friend from childhood, Andrew. Andrew is an ardent supporter of Katherine, but could he be much more? Sustaining Katherine through her ups and many downs is her faith in the Lord. Instead of wallowing in self pity, she finds strength and God. She asks Him repeatedly for guidance, but will she follow His intended path? A Path Toward Love is a great book for those of us who wonder if we are truly listening to God and following His path, or wandering aimlessly where we WANT to go. With memorable characters and a charming storyline, A Path Toward Love is a summer reading surprise in any season. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tough Guys and Drama Queens by Mark Gregston

Kids today are so different from when I was young. Why? According to Mark Gregston, it's a changed world and kids are reacting to it. In a positive world, kids react positively, but with all of the negativity on television, at school, and even in the home, kids are reacting in kind. As a middle school teacher, I agree 100% with Mark Gregston. His comment on parents being in a tough spot when even choosing clothing (buy into the seductive dressing for girls or have their child be shunned by peers?), hit home. I see so many girls in middle school dressing for Project Runway. Are young teens ready for that? No. Puberty is kicking in and girls don't need the added boy stress. The tips that Gregston gives parents are great! One might say they are common sense, but with overworked parents and busy children's schedules, sometimes common sense takes a back seat. Gregston's reminders are timely and should be heeded. Parents and teachers should read this book and learn how to help our children grow up, but not so fast that their childhood is nonexistent.

Heckel Casey by James Hoch

Using a dystopian world setting, Heckel Casey takes the good versus evil plot to a new level. Why did the world as we know it end? In the viewpoint of Heckel Casey, it was the decrease of moral values which openned the door to immense evil. Heckel Casey, the main character, reminds one of Nick Prescott in the classic "Walking Tall" movies. Heckel is one of the few who is still "good" and morally upright. He walks across America observing evil's chaos. He wants to end the evil that is overtaking society. This evil is Madeline. Madeline is characterizes evil with her use of manipulation. From enchantress to witch, Madeline is a force with which to be reckoned. James Hoch's writing style is simplistic and easy to read. His characters are believable, even the supernatural ones. One suggestion would be chapter titles (subtitles). Hoch changes perspective numerous times (first person, third person) and one needs to read a few paragraphs to discern who is telling the tale. The story, in itself, was pretty good. Readers who enjoy the "good versus evil" plot, will most definately like Heckel Casey.

The Scarlet Cord by Joan Wolf

This is the story of Rahab. The unknown story, that is, due to the reason that the bible says so very little about this important woman. Why is she important? She, as a Canaanite, helped the Isrealites destroy Jericho. In return, Rahab's family was spared. This story fills in the gaps of Rahab's life. Yes, it is historical fiction which means that the story is based on Rahab while the author weaves a tale to explain Rahab's life. Using much research on the time period, the author's tale is very plausible. I applaud her efforts. The heroine is believable, the story time period is accurate and the plot flows so well one can hardly put the book down. Joan Wolf shows Rahab as a strong girl and even stronger woman. The bible considered Rahab a prostitute, Joan Wolf reminds us that Rahab was brilliant.

Arms of Love by Kelly Long

Arms of Love was, in my opinion, disappointing. As a fan of historical fiction and Amish plotlines, I was excited as one author had combined my two favorites. As I read the story, I was more disappointed after every page. The first disappointment was the plot: it was extremely slow. The first few chapters held promise as the conflicts were stated, but the solutions were slow in coming. It isn't that the author gave too much information about the conflicts and solutions, the author was too wordy, too much filler with zero substance. The next disappointment was the characters. I didn't have a strong feeling for either main character. The author didn't describe the characters in enough detail for me to visualize them nor enough depth of emotion for me actually care. The final disappointment was the plot. The entire story could have been told in ten pages or less. Again, the author's use of wordiness was more filler than substance. Because I like to finish what I begin, I forced myself to finish the book. The ending was trite. This is my opinion.

Through the Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond

Through the Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond is inspiring! Have you ever wondered why your plan and God's plan aren't necessarily the same? Sophia, the heroine, wonders, too. As a school teacher at an elite woman's college, Sophia believes her calling to be a congressman's wife. When he chooses another (her roommate, no less), she is so dismayed that SHE creates a new calling: missionary to China. Sophia doesn't realize, until she winds up in Dakota, that China is not God's plan at all. Will, the hero, is a God loving carpenter, builder, and all around Mr. Fix Everything. He is a missionary, too, giving strength and showing God's love to the Ponta Indian tribe. When Sophia arrives in the Ponta village, he wonders why she is there and how long she will last. What is inspiring? Sophia works very hard to give the Ponta tribe the best education possible and along the way learns what God's plan REALLY is (thanks to Will). If you are wondering what God's plan is for you and how to accomplish His plan, this novel, even though it is fiction, will guide you. You will learn HOW to ask, WHY to ask and HOW to LISTEN to God. It is a great read.

Hope Springs by Kim Cash Tate

What heppens when the world gets you down? You fill up on faith! Hope Springs is a story of a family whose faith knows few boundaries. First, we have the matriarch, Grandma Geri. Grandma Geri is filled with faith. Faith that God will heal her, her family and guide her grandaughters. Next we have Stephani. She has been questioning her faith. She visits Hope Springs and finds not only her faith, but what is God's will for her life. Becca, another character, learns that through faith, all is possible, but one must be humble. Finally, there is Janelle. Her life hasn't turned out quite like she had hoped, but when he puts her total faith in God, great things happen. As the characters struggle with real life issues, the reader learns how faith can help one survive. A great book with great lessons to be learned. I recommend reading it.

Brush with Angel's Wings

Brush of Angel's Wings combines the themes of Amish and Angelic intervention. As the story begins two characters who are extremely different, meet on the road. It's a meeting of destiny. One is an Englisher who is part Amish, but wants to leave the community and the other is an older Amish girl past her marriagable age. She is 20 years old (imagine!). A buggy incident joins them together as the angels (one from each side of the heavenly divide) try to keep them on or off the straight and narrow path of goodness. As the story unfolds these two folks have their hardships including a horrible farm accident of the girl's father. Along the way the angels are fighting over their souls using the hardships to teach either strength or anger (dependent upon the angel). As far as Amish books go, this is a really good one. The author uses much of Amish language and mannerisms. Adding the angels is a perfect fit for the reader to understand that even those whom we think are better, still question God's decisions. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spirit Fighter: Jerel Law

If you are a fan of Percy Jackson, you will love Spirit Fighter. Our hero, like Percy, is a normal teenager with normal issues. One day, each discovers that they aren't so normal. Jonah's normal existence is turned upside down when he learns that he is part angel with super human powers. To compound this matter, his mother has been kidnapped and he must rescue her. With Elohim by his side, Jonah and his sister embark on an epic journey to rescue the mother and save the world from evil. This is a great book for teens and adults who love adventure.

Simple Secrets to a Happy Life Lucy Swindoll

Lucy Swindoll has the wisdom of a grandmother. If my grandmother were still alive, she would probably have given me the same sage advice as in "Secrets". While the "secrets" are common sense (for those who have been blessed with a good family and religious experiences) it is also good to have a reminder on how one can live a happy life. For example, I get caught up in fairness and equality. When I am wronged, I carry bitterness. I needed a reminder to let that go. I also needed to be reminded to "slow down" and "do for others" in other words, "make time".

While the secrets are sensible, in this fast paced "me world", a reminder is necessary every now and again. Swindoll's conversational tone is just that, a calm reminder not a command. Something a grandmother would say.

Stand by Me: Neta James

Stand by Me is a fantastic read that is difficult to put aside. First, the characters are very realistic. I, personally, could connect to most of the characters. Avis, the main character, goes through several struggles (external and internal) yet holds onto her faith with a vengence. If only all of us could do that. Kat, the other primary character, is so full of vigor and excited in her new faith. A new born Christian, Kat is bubbling over with ideas to help others. Sometimes she gets a little ahead of herself, which reminds me of myself on occasion.

Stand by Me grabs the reader and hangs on til the end. I surely hope a sequal is in the works: SOON!

Then Sings My Soul Book 3

This book is very interesting. Robert Morgan is not only a great historian and researcher, he is a fantastic storyteller. Each hymn is a classic and each story is a maserfully written. Then Sings My Soul Book 3 was so interesting that I gave it as a gift to my father-in-law. As a song leader, he loves to tell background stories of his chosen hymns.

Then Sings My Soul: history and music, a winning combination.

A Year With Jesus

A Year with Jesus is a must have for everyone who needs a bit of wisdom and peace to make it through the day. R.P Nettelhost's reflections help guide the reader and offers a calm reassurance of Jesus's love and interest in our lives. I use the book as a peaceful end to a stressful day. I open it randomly and it seems to fall open to the page that I need the most. I found each passage helped explain my day and help me understand my failings. The passages confirmed my feelings and encouraged me.

Whether you use it as a daily reader or randomly (as I did), A Year with Jesus is a valuable asset.