TightwadMom.com --- Book Reviews

Book Review: Momaholic by Dena Higley

Momaholic was a surprising breath of fresh air.  When I first picked up this book, I thought it was yet another how-to book on how to be the "perfect" mom.  I thought there would be a checklist of yet more things to add to my busy schedule.  I thought there would be instructions on how to better organize our household in a color-coded calendar.

Thank goodness not one of these things was included in this book.

Instead author Dena Higley (a stressed-out working mom of four) describes her life and her search for perfection as a mother.  She talks about how her search for perfection led to a mental and physical breakdown, and how she had to come to terms with the fact she could not be all things to all people.  Higley talks about her journey from perfect mom (the hovering, helicopter mom) to "free" mom (the mom who lets her children be responsible for their own schedules and homework, and the mom who ---- shockingly ---- lets her children fail on occasion).

I loved this book.  As a mom of three, it seems my days are filled with serving the needs of others.  This book is a reminder that it is indeed a good idea to allow older children to be responsible for their own needs.  Your daughter forgets she has an orthodontist appointment?  She'll have to re-schedule.  Forgets her homework?  She'll have to take the consequences of turning it in late.  Forgets to tell you she needs a ride home from practice?  A short walk never killed anyone.

Higley writes this book with humour, but there is so much truth to what she says.  Enjoy life.  Appreciate your children.  See your children as a blessing.  Take one day at a time.  Ignore perfection. And just do the best you can.

Book Review: By Faith, Not by Sight by Scott MacIntyre and Jennifer Schuchmann

I remember watching Scott MacIntyre on American Idol a few years ago.  As a modest piano player myself, I was mesmermized by the fact he could play so well without being able to see the keys. I was disappointed when he was voted off American Idol, and I was somehow sure there was more to this young man's story.

And I was right.

After reading Scott's memoir "By Faith, Not by Sight," I am even more astounded by this talented man who has struggled to find his way in the world, even though life kept throwing him challenges.  Blind from birth, Scott grew up in a homeschooling, musical family. Performances with his sister (blind from birth also), his brother, and his mother were common occurances.  Scott had an amazing talent from a young age, and he was performing at weddings at the age of six.

An excellent student, Scott went to college at 16 years old and graduated at 19 with numerous awards and scholarships --- when his peers were just beginning their college educations.

At the end of his teens, it became apparent Scott's health was failing and something was seriously wrong.  Extended tests showed Scott's kidneys were shutting down. A year of hospitalization and dialysis finally concluded in a kidney transplant.

Poor health didn't stop Scott MacIntyre, and he went on to becoming one of the finalists on American Idol only a few months after his transplant.

It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Scott, as he continues his career and his new family grows.  He was recently married, and the future couldn't look brighter.

This book was an encouragement, and it gave me the motivation to continue seeking goals in my own life.  If a young man who is blind and struggled through numerous adversities can be successful, what excuse is there for anyone else?

I highly recommend this book.  Scott MacIntyre is an encouragement for all of us.

Book Review: Brush of Angel's Wings by Ruth Reid

At the age of 20, Rachel Hartzler is destined to become an old maid in her Amish community.  Well past the courting and marrying age, her lack of cooking and sewing skills certainly aren't helping her prospects.

Rachel takes on the hard task of farming and working in the barns with her father after the death of her only brother.  There she finds contentment in her work and enjoys the outdoor life far better than the ladies' quilting bees.

When Jordan Engles, the son of a late shunned Amish woman, comes to stay at the Hartzler farm, he doesn't want to be there any more than Rachel wants him there. She feels threatened by the time Jordan spends with her father, and she fears the memory of her brother will be forgotten.

Jordan only plans to stay for a short while within the community.  When his mother died, he promised he would visit her Amish community to find peace with her relatives.

Over the course of the spring, Jordan and Rachel find themselves connected through grief. In an unlikely partnership, Jordan helps Rachel with her cooking skills, and Rachel assists Jordan with farm work.

Author Ruth Reid does an excellent job of weaving the story together, bringing in bits of her previous book and expanding on the storyline.

The book is a sweet, simple story of two young people who find each other while trying to find themselves and their futures.  Neither realize the battle between good and evil that affects their daily life, and the protection of an angel that helps them through several situations.

While I love Amish romances, I would have enjoyed this book regardless. I know a book is great, if I can't put it down and find myself at 4:00 a.m. trying to finish the chapters before going to bed. 

I highly recommend this book (and the author's previous books) for those who enjoy Amish romances.

Book Review: The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck

As the owner of an eclectic, popular bridal boutique, the daily life of Charlotte Malone is intertwined with weddings and brides-to-be.

As an orphan and only child, Charlotte dreams of one day becoming a bride herself and having the family about whom she has always dreamed.  In one weekend, her dreams come crashing down around her as she finds herself bidding $1000 for an old trunk she doesn't even want (and doesn't have the money for) and experiences a break-up with her fiance.

The old trunk holds more surprises than Charlotte imagined and in it she finds a perfectly preserved wedding dress.  The story unfolds as the lives of four women from different generations come together through the life of the vintage wedding dress.

In the end, Charlotte discovers the secrets of the dress, and the answers she is seeking about love in her own life.

The author, Rachel Hauck, offers a writing style that is easy to read, while engaging. I loved this book, and I read it all in one sitting.  The characters are enduring, and I found myself relating to each one in a different way.

I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to reading other books by Rachel Hauck.

Book Review: Constantly Craving by Marilyn Meberg

Marilyn Meberg is an accomplished writer and speaker.  In her latest book, Constantly Craving, she addresses why women are constantly craving more for their lives ---- more romance, more marital bliss, more happiness, and more friendship. 

She goes into detail as to many of these areas and explains the need for "more."

This book is well-written, and the author's writing style is enjoyable and easy to follow.  Her experiences with her own family and friends add to the book, and one feels as if she is an intimate friend.

Overall, however, this book left me craving more substance.

As a woman, wife, and mother, I feel like I am constantly wanting more.  I want more from my husband, my family, my career, my home.  Sometimes I wonder why I am never truly 100 percent content with the way things are in my life.

While Meberg does an excellent job explaining the things in life women are craving, she doesn't go into detail on how to deal with those cravings and how to be more content with the way things are. I suppose I was envisioning this book to be a "how-to" book on how to be more content in all areas of my life, and I can say that I was somewhat disappointed it was not as I expected.

Overall I felt this was a valuable book, and I would recommend it to a friend.  I also will re-read it a second time, without the expectation of applying it to my own life.

Book Review: Beauty for Ashes by Dorothy Love

Carrie Daly, a young widow in a small, Midwestern town, thinks she may never find love again.  More than anything, she longs for a family of her own.  Carrie's bookstore owner friend, Nate, thinks the two would make a perfect match and the entire town thinks they are promised to each other.  While Carrie enjoys his quiet, pleasant ways, she is hesitant to commit and longs for the sparks she felt with her late husband.

Everything changes when southerner Griff Rutledge comes to town for a short errand, which leads to a four-month stay.  Mysterious and enchanting, Griff and Carrie form an instant connection.

Over the course of several months, Carrie is forced to face many challenges, including a difficult sister-in-law and the death of her brother.

The author does a wonderful job of weaving the story lines together, leaving the reader wondering what will happen next.  Will Carrie end up marrying tried-and-true Nate, or will she marry Griff?  Will she find the love she has been seeking?

I found myself drawn to the characters in this book.  I felt anger toward Mary, Carrie's difficult sister-in-law, when she showed selfishness and pettiness.  Nate reminded me of the sweet, good-natured guy who is always "just a friend," and Carrie's new room mates reminded me of my own college room mates.

I was intrigued until the very end of the book, as the author brought together all of the characters and mysteries came to light.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys clean romance novels. It's a book appropriate for all ages.

Book Review: Cliques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks

April Grace is trying to maneuver through her first year of junior high school, but she's finding it a whole lot more difficult than she imagined. 

Everything about junior high is different than elementary school.  How has so much changed over the short period of one summer?  Her friends are no longer her friends, and suddenly silly things like clothes and hair have become important.  Myrna Sue, April's high school sister, is acting strange and, to make matters worse, Myrna Sue has become obsessed with Isabel St. James, the overly-dramatic houseguest April Grace's family has taken in.

April Grace's first year of junior high is filled with surprises, from the Christmas pageant to the unexpected and surprising birth of a new little brother.  Somehow, April Grace makes it through those first confusing months of her teenage years.

Author K.D. McCrite does a great job of telling the story from the perspective of a junior high girl.  The style in which the book is written makes the story believable and, as a reader, I found myself cheering for April Grace.

This book is appropriate for all ages, but would be highly recommended for girls ages 10 through 14.  Loved it!

Book Review: The Wonder of Your Love

When Amish mom, Katie Ann Stoltzfus, finds herself a widowed mom at the age of 40 with a small baby, she is prepared for a long road of single motherhood.  Katie Ann is surrounded by friends and family in a new Amish community in Canaan, Colorado, and feels the love of the people around her, including her older, flamboyant, English friend, Martha.

When Eli Detweiler comes to Canaan for a wedding, he is looking forward to a slower pace of life.  His last child has left home, and after 18 years of raising children after the death of his wife, he is looking forward to his child-free life of retirement and travel.

Katie Ann and Eli develop a friendship, which they try to deny includes romantic feelings.  A romance will complicate Katie Ann's life as a single parent and Eli's child-free retirement.  God has other plans though, as the two are drawn together in the possibility of marrying and raising a baby in their middle years.

Author Beth Wiseman again pulls the reader into the story, pouring life into a simple romance.  Drawing from story lines from some of her other books, the story of Katie Ann and Eli comes together and leads the reader to feel as if he/she is living in the Canaan Amish community.

I highly recommend this book for readers who follow Beth Wiseman's work or those who enjoy Amish romances.  Beth Wiseman again delivers a story that is well-written and leaves the reader anticipating her next book.

Book Review: Right From the Heart, Turning Your Day Toward God, by Bryant Wright

This book has become my daily devotional for the coming year.  Author Bryant Wright got it right with this devotional, "Right From the Heart, Turning Your Day Toward God." 

With 365 daily devotions, this book has become a part of my day.

Each daily entry begins with a Bible verse, followed by three or four paragraphs of thoughts relating to the verse and to today's lifestyle.

Wright addresses a number of different subjects, and entries are not directed toward one specific subject.

I love the fact each daily entry is short enough I can no longer use the excuse I don't have time for prayer and reflection.  Reading the daily notes, along with the corresponding Bible verses, can be completed in 15 minutes or less.  Each entry is relevant to today's living, and Wright's thoughts help me to refocus on God and give me a grounded start for the day.

The physical size of the book is also important because it is small enough to stick in a purse, bag, or briefcase and take with me when I am out for the day.

I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a thought-provoking daily devotional.

Book Review: The Final Hour by Andrew Klavan

In this fourth and final book in the Homelander's series, teenager Charlie West struggles to regain his memory after waking up in federal prison.  Living amongst hardened criminals, Charlie remembers some of the circumstances that have brought him to such a place. As his memory slowly returns, Charlie realizes he has no choice but to try to escape the prison.  He remembers the plans of the evil men he has fought over the previous months and knows he must leave in order to save New York City from harm.

The action-packed story leads Charlie through an underground tunnel to a vacant mall, where he makes his escape to the outside world. Former allies help him escape to a safe place where a plan to stop the terrorists is under way.

Anxious to return to his normal teenage life, Charlie realizes he must fight the forces of evil to help save the residents of New York City before he can return home to his loving family and girlfriend.

Following  a high-speed plane chase filled with gun fights and drama, Charlie finds himself in a position where he is the only person remaining to save New York City from terrorism.

The adventures of Charlie West are a fight between good guys and bad guys, good and evil, and Charlie knows he must win.

While this book contained more action than I usually read, and sometimes required quite an imagination, I did enjoy reading this book. The story moved quickly, and the author, Andrew Klavan, writes the scenes in such a way I felt as if I was there.  While some of the story was a bit far-fetched, it was entertaining.  My pre-teen and teenage daughters also read this book and enjoyed it as well.  I was confident in allowing my pre-teen to read this book, as the story had a positive message and the language and story line were appropriate.

This was a great ending to the series, which I highly recommend for students and adults.

Book Review: The Blessing by John Trent (PhD) and Gary Smalley

Anyone who is a parent can tell you parenting is by far the most difficult job you will ever do in your lifetime. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the day-to-day activities of parenting (washing hair, doing homework, and attending basketball games), we forget to address our kids' emotional needs and not just their physical ones. It's easy to become so pre-occupied and busy with careers and activities, we forget what children truly need is our time and love.

Co-authors John Trent and Gary Smalley in their book "The Blessing," discuss the best gift we can give our children ---- the gift of "the blessing" of unconditional love and acceptance.

The beginning of the book delves into what the blessing is and why it is so important to give the gift of the blessing. Children by nature will crave the attention of their parents and will want to please them and receive praise from them. Children want to know their parents are proud of them and find peace in knowing they are pleased with their actions.

The second section of the book discusses in detail how to give the gift of the blessing to your children. The blessing involves five elements including meaningful touch, spoken words, valuing your children, picturing the future, and making the commitment to make the blessing a part of your home.

The final pages of the book give examples of what happens to children who do not receive the blessing from their parents. It tells of children who only receive half a blessing and even looks at siblings, where one receives a blessing and the other does not. The lack of a parent's blessing and acceptance can sometimes cause emotional scars which lead well into adulthood.

I found this book to be a real eye-opener in looking at the way I parent. I have three daughters and have always considered myself to be an above-average parent. However, reading this book made me realize that children do not just need someone to take them to doctor's appointments or dance practice. Their emotional needs are just as (if not more) important as their daily physical needs. Reading this book made me question my parenting. Do I hug them enough? When was the last time I told them I was proud of them? Do I accept their choices? Do I expect too much? Are my expectations realistic? Do I give enough praise for accomplishments?

I was so impressed with this book, I plan to read it a second time. I realize there is no perfect parent, just as there are no perfect children. But I also realize the most important gift I can give my children is a solid, organized, loving childhood in a household filled with sound faith and beliefs. Giving my children unconditional acceptance will take me one step closer to reaching that goal. I believe this book should be on the bookshelf of every parent.

Book Review: Money Secrets of the Amish by Lorilee Craker

In "Money Secrets of the Amish," author Lorilee Craker talks about the lessons she learned during her months of visiting the Amish in her area.

Intrigued by the fact the Amish were barely impacted by the recession of 2008, while the finances of her family and her neighbors were in shambles, Craker decided to research the money ways of the Amish to see exactly how the Amish community handles money and the reasons for their success.

From the early age of three, Amish children are taught to save money, avoid credit, and pay cash for everything they purchase.  They are also taught to share with other members of the community and often barter for goods and services. 

Craker discovers the frugality of the community extends to every part of the Amish life.  Most of the Amish grow their own food, "put up" or can vegetables, bake their own bread, and have mastered the art of dessert-making.  Men build and craft furniture for their homes, which often last for several generations.  Women sew clothing, quilts, curtains, and other bedding.

What cannot be made by hand is often bought second-hand at thrift stores and garage sales.

The Amish adopted the practice of "reduce, re-use, and recycle" as a way of life, without even knowing about the popularity of the movement.  Nothing goes to waste and everything purchased must have a use.

Children are not immune from the frugality of the Amish community.  Little ones often receive only one gift on birthdays and holidays, which is often a useful item, such as socks or mittens.

This book prompted me to re-think some of the mindless spending I may be doing in my own life.  It helped me refocus on saving money in several areas of our family's expenses.  What can I make from scratch?  What can I buy in bulk?  Does my child really need another toy I'll have to pick up from her bedroom floor?

While Craker's writing style is a little quirky at times and sometimes disjointed, I enjoyed her casual conversation.  It often made me feel as if I was just sitting and talking to a friend about ways I can save money for my family.

I enjoyed her research into the Amish community and her correlation to modern life and how to apply the same principles.

Overall, I found this book entertaining and useful, and I would highly recommend it to other readers looking for ways to save money in their household.

Book Review: The Promise of an Angel by Ruth Reid

Seventeen-year-old Judith Fischer has been eyeing Levi Plank, a young gentlemen in her community for years.  She's certain someday he'll be her husband.

As soon as she turns courting age, she quickly learns God may have other plans.

After her brother is hit by a car and hospitalized, Judith begins to receive visits from an angel who tells Judith her brother will be healed.  Almost admonished from her Amish community because Judith can't help but tell others about the visits she has experienced, the young Amish woman struggles with her future.  

Throughout her ordeal, Andrew Lapp is the only friend willing to believe and stand up for Judith, and Judith begins to question whether Levi Plank truly is the man for her.

Author Ruth Reid does an excellent job of leading the reader through Judith's experience.  As a reader, I felt as if I was right there in the Amish community, rooting for Judith and her conflict between her personal faith and her Amish religion.

After I began reading this book, I couldn't put it down.  I would highly recommend this book for others who enjoy Amish romance and the writing of Ruth Reid.

Book Review: The Nick of Time by Tim Downs

Ok, I will admit it.  I had never heard of the author Nick Downs before reading this novel, but after reading this book, I've become a die-hard bug man fan.

As a middle-aged mom, I certainly wouldn't classify myself as a scientific scholar.  However, Downs takes the dry subject of forensic entomology and actually makes it exciting to read.  After the first few pages, I found myself drawn into the story and not able to put the book down.  Downs defines two characters --- nerdy entomologist, Nick Polchak, and his dog-trainer fiancee, Alena Savard --- and somehow makes their crass behavior both humorous and enduring. 

In the book, Polchak gets distracted by a murder mystery five days before his wedding.  He finds himself three states away looking for clues, and in the midst of the chaos, ending up in jail.  Throughout the story, Polchak consistently forgets to call Alena, who is convinced Polchak's distraction means he doesn't really want to get married.  When Alena decides to leave town to find her long-lost love, the two repeatedly miss each other while trying to solve the tangled murder case and get back to the alter in the nick of time.

This book had the perfect combination of mystery and romance, and I whole-heartedly give it five stars out of five. 

Book Review: The Part-Time Vegan, 201 Yummy Recipes That Put the Fun in Flexitarian

In the book, "The Part-Time Vegan," author Cherise Grifoni  provides recipes for those looking to lead a more healthy lifestyle.

The book is not necessarily aimed at the home cook who follows a strict vegetarian lifestyle.  As a mom looking for healthier recipes to feed my family, I found many recipes I wanted to use in my own kitchen.  Of the recipes I did try, the tangerine mint salad and the baked sweet potato fries were among my favorites.

All of the recipes in the book are simple and most have ingredients I can find in my local grocery store (although there were a few that were more obscure).  Some of the recipes did not even require any actual cooking of any kind, just cutting and assembling, making them easy to use on a daily basis.

I even got a kick out of Grifoni's sense of humor, which I didn't expect to find in a cookbook.  

Considering I am not a vegetarian, but I would still rate this book five stars out of five for its simplicity, easiness to apply to real life, and the healthiness of the recipes.

Book Review: Max on Life

In his newest book, well-known pastor, speaker, and author, Max Lucado discusses what the Bible has to say about everyday life.

The book is titled, "Max on Life," and is based upon questions Lucado has received from people over the years.  The book is broken down into Subjects (Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have Nots, and Hereafter).  In each section, Lucado answers questions specifically about that subject.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.  I found many of the questions were questions I have had in my own life.  

Not only does Lucado answer the questions from his own life experiences, but he backs up each answer with Bible scripture.  The answers are easy to understand and easy to reference.

In addition, each question has its own page, making it easy to read little bits of the book at one time.  As a busy mom, there were times when I only had time to read three or four questions, and other times when I had time to read more.

Overall, this was an outstanding book, and I would highly recommend it to others who may be experiencing struggles or are just seeking additional knowledge about the Bible.

Book Review: The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

In the book, "The Final Summit," author Andy Andrews tells the story of David Ponder and his quest to find the one principle that will save humanity.

With the world spiraling into a state of hopelessness and sin, it remains up to a group of renowned people called the Travelers, who travel from earth to a divine place to meet with some of the most wise and famous people to have ever walked the earth.

The group of Travelers meets for a final summit to answer the question --- "What does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?"  If the group answers successfully, mankind will be saved.

The book was an interesting read, but I found myself left with more questions than answers when I was done.

Andrews never really says the final summit is taking place in heaven, but leaves the reader assuming it does.  The subject of God is never really discussed.  I kept assuming throughout the book that the answer to the question would be "Have faith, accept Him, or choose God," or something along those lines, but none of the answers the Travelers choose has anything to do with God.  I won't reveal the final answer that saves humanity, but personally, I felt it was a let down.

My biggest issue with the story was the fact that David Ponder goes to "heaven" to save mankind, and the only people that are wise enough to help him are people who were famous while on Earth.  It leads the reader to believe that only people who did famous things on Earth will be important in heaven.  As a Christian, I believe some of the most honored in heaven will be those people who perform the most humbling and quiet deeds while living their lives on earth.

Overall, I felt the storyline of the book could have been better.  To me, this book felt as if it was part fiction, part non-fiction, part self-help book.  It was if the author was trying to create a fiction story that would help the reader, while infusing true accounts of historical figures and historical events.  I'm not sure that it completely came together for me as the reader.

Book Review: Doing Virtuous Business ---- the Remarkable Success of Spiritual Enterprise by Theodore Roosevelt Malloch

In the book "Doing Virtual Business," author Theodore Roosevelt Malloch discusses the reasons why corporations should conduct their business in a way that is morally correct.  

Press coverage of corporations the last few years has led the public to believe corporations are greedy and corrupt.  Malloch tries to dispel the theory that businesses cannot be profitable while retaining values.  He gives examples of corporations that have increased profits from doing the right thing.

When I first picked up this book, I incorrectly assumed it was a "how-to" book.  As a small business owner, I was looking for ways to apply spiritual principles to the running of my business.

I quickly learned in the first few pages, this was definitely not going to be a "how to" book for small business owners, as this book is more historical/factual content, rather than entertainment.

This book reads like a college textbook.  Rather than a step-by-step guide to leading a virtuous business, this book focuses on the general theory of corporations becoming more virtuous "citizens" in the business world.  It discusses the benefits of corporations developing spiritual capital which then benefits society as a whole.

I am a college graduate, and consider myself to be well-read, but I found Malloch's writing style to be extremely dry and difficult to read.  At times, I felt as if I was reading someone's thesis, versus an informational non-fiction book.  

I would recommend this book to someone seeking to understand the overall concept of corporations conducting business in a better moral capacity, but would not recommend it for someone seeking specific small business advice.

Book Review: Plain Proposal by Beth Wiseman

Set in the Amish community of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, young Miriam Raber has her heart set on quiet, reserved Saul Fisher.  Although the two seem an unlikely couple, they've had their eyes on each other for years and fostered affection for each other from afar.

Miriam is the seemingly-perfect Amish girl, with the goal of getting baptized in the Amish church and following her life-long dream of being an Amish wife and mother in Lancaster County.

Saul, a lone wolf, hasn't always been the perfect Amish gentlemen and holds dark, family secrets, which he keeps hidden from the world.  He secretly seeks a life outside of Lancaster County, where he can pursue his dreams as a professional chef --- a profession that would never be acceptable within the Amish community for a man who is the head of his household.

Miriam and Saul begin a sweet courtship over the course of a summer, which is complicated by the three-month stay of Miriam's cousin, Shelby.

Author Beth Wiseman once again writes a sweet story, set in the Amish community, which weaves the reader through the lives of several families.

Throughout the book at numerous times, I thought the author was leading the characters in one direction, only to be surprised at the turn of events.  Throughout the pages, I truly believed Miriam and Saul would buy the old, deserted Amish homestead, marry, and live happily ever after in the Amish community.

Wiseman had other plans for her characters though, and the story ended, not as I had anticipated.

Wiseman also leaves open-ended questions, leaving me to anticipate her next book.  What was Miriam's uncle doing when he was killed in a car accident?  Why was it so important Miriam's English girlfriend, Lucy, contact his ex-wife?  These are questions that remain unanswered and left me wanting to know more about the lives of these Amish families.

Beth Wiseman, once again, proves a love story doesn't need to be full of explicit love scenes to leave the reader feeling as if the characters have a true connection.  Sometimes less is more.

This was an outstanding book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Amish romance.

Book Review: Seek Me With All Your Heart by Beth Wiseman

Written by world-renowned author, Beth Wiseman, "Seek Me With All Your Heart," is yet another gem in the treasure chest of Amish romance.

In a small Amish Colorado community, Amish families have set out to start a new life.  Some made the trip to leave behind strict leaders, others to settle debt.  Still others found their way to Colorado in the hope of new land and a fresh start.

Emily Detweiler's family moved to Colorado to escape the vivid and recent memories of rape, forced upon her by one of her acquaintances in the Amish community.

In attempts to forget her past, Emily avoids contact with others, especially men.  Emily can't avoid David Stoltzfus, a young Amish gentlemen who unwillingly moves to Colorado from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and is determined to find his way back home.  As Emily begins to grow on David, so does his desire to stay in Colorado.

The two find a way to heal each other, David finding healing for his homesickness and Emily of her fear of men.  David helps Emily learn to trust again, giving her confidence she can indeed marry and have children in due time.

Author Beth Wiseman writes an intricate tale of romance that is simple, yet pure.   The stories intertwine, leaving you wanting to read "just one more page" at the end of each chapter. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down, and I read it from cover to cover in one sitting.

For readers who like Amish romance, this book will not disappoint.

Book Review: Couples Who Pray: The Most Intimate Act Between a Man and a Woman

Husband and wife authors, Squire Rushnell and Louise Duart, spell out the benefits of couples who take time to pray daily.

Rushnell and Duart met later in life and for each, theirs was a second marriage.  They talk about their desire to see their marriage succeed and how placing God first and making prayer a part of their daily life has made their marriage successful.

The book, "Couples Who Pray," tells of a number of couples (many who are famous) who have taken the 40-day prayer challenge and been successful.  The book also gives statistics that show couples who pray together daily have better communication and overall happier relationships.

While I found this book interesting, I did find it lacking in some areas.  As just a midwestern wife and mom who has been married for almost 20 years, I am really skeptical of "Hollywood" marriages.  I would have preferred the examples in the book have been just normal couples living everyday lives.  I think it would have made the quotes from the 40-day prayer challenge more "believable."  While the quotes from these Holly wood couples may have been truthful, they left me doubting at times.  I would rather have seen the book just focus on one or two traditional relationships, rather than many famous ones.

Secondly, while the book did motivate me to some degree to try the challenge, I felt it could have been more inspirational.  There were a lot of statistics and many quotes from famous people included.  I would like to have read more Bible verses and felt really inspired at the end to try to the challenge.

In the end, though, this book did make me think more about my prayer life and how often I truly pray with my husband alone, not just at traditional meal times.  When I thought about it, I don't pray with him nearly enough ---- which may be something we need to work on. And for that, the book succeeded for me.

Book Review: The Truth About Dating, Love, and Just Being Friends (and how not to be miserable as a teenager because life is short, and seriously, things don't magically get better after high school and lots of other important stuff, but....)

In the book "The Truth About Love and Just Being Friends," author Chad Eastham delves into the very difficult topic of teenagers and dating.

He addresses most of the questions teens ask about discovering the opposite sex including how to know if someone likes you as more than a friend and how a healthy or unhealthy relationship should look and feel.  He talks candidly about knowing if a dating relationship has turned sour, and he goes into detail about how to place boundaries for yourself when dating.

I am the mother of a 16-year-old daughter, so I originally picked up this book for my daughter.  It seems that teenagers do not necessarily want to discuss dating with their parents (who knew?), and it's sometimes difficult to have an open, honest discussion with her about the subject of boys and the new adventure of dating.

This book presents these topics to teens in a witty way in which teenagers can truly relate, and I found myself smiling at how Eastham can take some of the most serious topics and put them in a funny, everyday light.  I could tell the author relates to teens on a regular basis, because he certainly related to how teens react in certain situations.

As a mom, I have tried to place boundaries on texting (my daughter does not yet have her own cell phone, but uses mine on occasion) and on internet usage (NetNanny is my friend).  However, it's impossible for me to be everywhere with my daughter at all times. I loved how Eastham discusses the importance of placing boundaries for yourself on texting (sexting) and internet usage when parental controls might not be in place.  It's difficult to explain to a teen why it's important to make the right decisions, even when there is no one around.

Eastham talks in length about what a proper date should entail and how each person should expect to be treated.  He also discusses that all teens will make a mistake or two, but how teens learn from mistakes is so important.  He explains how to move on after making a mistake, and the maturity of learning from past experiences.

There are Bible verses in this book, and the subject of dating and how it relates to Christian beliefs.  However, the Biblical references were not over-powering or in-your-face, and won't push teenagers away from hearing what Eastham has to say.

Toward the end of the book, Eastham goes off-topic from dating just slightly to talk about unhappy versus happy teenagers.  He explains that (believe it or not) teenagers can choose to be happy and actually learn how to do so.  A happy teen is more likely to make good decisions for his/her life.

Overall, I found this book to be extremely well-written.  Because my daughter and I both read it, the book allowed us to have a more open dialogue about what dating will entail for her in the coming months.

In the book, I've also discovered one of my favorite new quotes, which relates to both parents and teens:  "We're all in the same boat.  Keep rowing; it's the only option we have."

Book Review: The Quotable Chesterton (The Wit and Wisdom of G. K. Chesterton), compiled by Kevin Belmonte

Author Kevin Belmonte compiles the works of the late G. K. Chesterton into one work of literature for the enjoyment of this generation.  The Quotable Chesteron includes wisdom, wit, advice, ramblings, and quotes from the great writer and thinker.

Most of the works are taken from the author's published writings between the years of 1900 and 1914, when Chesterton was thought to have been at the highest point in his writing career.

The book is divided into easy-to-read segments, each consisting of a paragraph or two.  Arranged in alphabetical order, the subjects cover every topic from opinions about Charles Dickens to viewpoints on fairy tales, idolatry, and memory.

I found that I really enjoyed the small tid bits of information.  Because the subjects are short, I was able to read the book when I had reduced amounts of time without losing my place.  I was able to take the book with me, and when I had a few moments of time while waiting for an appointment, I could read a few paragraphs.

Some of the thoughts of Chesterton are humorous, and I found myself grinning at times.  Other passages are more serious and more reflective.  Either way, this man's opinions made me think about my own opinions.

I found this book insightful, thought-provoking, and humorous and would recommend it to any reader who is a fan of Chesterton.

Book Review: The Power Based Life by Mike Flynt

In this book, "The Power Based Life," author Mike Flynt helps readers focus on their goals and aspirations for life and how to achieve them.   Through personal accounts, Flynt takes readers through an account of challenges in his own life and strives to help others lead a more significant, satisfying, and successful life.

I wasn't sure I would like this book after I read the back cover and realized the book may be based upon sports and sports analogies.  As a midwestern, middle-aged mom, I certainly don't consider myself a sports fanatic, but I wanted to read the book with an open mind.

I quickly found that while Flynt does reference past events from his football career and past weightlifting experience, he presents them in a way that is easy for all to understand and completely relatable for all ages.

The author definitely shows his skills as a motivational speaker in this book, and I found myself really delving into the first few chapters of the book.  Flynt talks about setting smaller goals to achieve a larger goal.  He focuses on consistentcy --- doing the same things every day and every week that will train and prepare you for the larger goal.  He talks about preparation and waiting until the right time to pursue goals.  For instance, he does not recommend quitting your current job if you aren't able to pay your bills while pursuing your passion.

In addition, Flynt gives specific Bible verses that relate to the subjects he is discussing, which really help the reader decipher whether personal goals are actually pleasing to God and follow God's will rather than just personal desires.  Even though Flynt talks about this, I didn't find these sections to be overly pushy.  If I was not a Christian, I would not be put off by these references, but rather would probably have just skipped over them.

I liked the fact that this book motivates the reader to believe that goals can be obtained at any age.  Flynt himself chose to go back to college at 59 years old, so that he could play his senior year of football.  He didn't allow his age to prohibit him for achieving something he always wanted to do.

Half way through the book, I found the book becomes less focused.  While Flynt continues to talk about how to achieve personal goals, he wanders into other areas such as health issues.  While I realize you need to be healthy in order to lead a longer, more successful life, the second half of the book feels a little disjointed from the first half.  For that reason, when rating this book, I give this book four stars out of five instead of five out of five.  

That being said, I really enjoyed this book and found that it truly gave me the motivation to make plans to pursue some of the goals I have been putting on the back burner for years.  I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to make a change in life.

Book Review: An Amish Love

An Amish Love combines three Amish love stories into one work of fiction.  The three stories are based in the small town of Paradise, Pennsylvania.  Although written by three different authors, the stories of the Amish community weave themselves together, giving a unique viewpoint from different families within the religious community.

In the first story, A Marriage of the Heart, author Kelly Long tells of young couple, Abby and Joseph Lambert, who marry for all the wrong reasons.  She wants to escape life with her single, unfeeling father, and he wants to escape his past experiences with addiction and rejection.  Although they married for convenience, the couple finds themselves falling in love and seeking a future with each other.

What the Heart Sees, by Kathleen Fuller, follows.  Blinded by a car accident five years previous which killed her best friend, Ellie Chupp struggles with finding her place within the Amish community as a blind woman.  Feeling that no man will want to marry and have children with her, Ellie resigns herself to the fact that she must be an independent Amish woman and sets out to grow her small business, Ellie's Jellies.  Christopher Miller changes Ellie's outlook when he comes back to town after a five-year shunning from the Amish community, seeking answers for the car accident and the people involved.  The unlikely pair develop a friendship, which turns into a blooming romance as they realize they each fill a need for the other.

The last story, Healing Hearts, written by author Beth Wiseman, gives a glimpse of what life is like for empty-nesters Levina and Naaman Lapp after their five children leave home to start their own families.  Leaving Levina for an entire year to stay with cousins in another Amish community, Naaman seeks to discover answers to his discontentment with his life.  Upon his return, the couple must find ways to reconnect with each other and rediscover their long-lost love.

What makes these book interesting is that while the stories are written by three different authors, the stories take place in the same Amish community.  Although the three authors have different writing styles, the book blends together to get a true glimpse of what Amish life might be like.

My favorite section of this book was the story, Healing Hearts, which focuses on an older, established couple.  While I enjoy reading about young love, I know that young love is always romantic and idealized.  It's refreshing to read a love story between a couple who has been together for many years who finds a way to re-establish their bond of marriage.

I tend to romanticize the Amish way of life, thinking it must be an easier and slower-paced way of life.  This book helped me to realize though that people are people, and we all struggle with the same things, no matter our religion or lifestyle.

After I started this book, I couldn't put it down.  It's refreshing to read a romance that leaves the mind wondering, rather than filled with explicit scenes.  I almost felt as if I was there, rooting for Abby, Ellie, and Levina and their lives in Paradise, Pennsylvania.

Book Review: Start! The Bible for New Believers (with insight and editing from author Greg Laurie)

Start! is a New King James Bible designed for new Christians.

The Bible is laid out the same as a traditional Bible, but there are benefits to the new believer.  Before the book of Genesis begins, author Greg Laurie lays out the plan of Salvation.  He then goes into detail with an additional chapter on secrets for spiritual success.  In this chapter, he explains why the Bible is important, the importance of prayer, and how to continue on a path of spiritual growth.

Throughout the Bible, Laurie has included little pockets of information for additional learning.  Some blurbs include definitions, which explain words or situations in better detail.  Others include past or pertinent history about a Biblical figure or story, so the reader may find more information.

A new believer, just becoming a Christian, may say, "now what?" because he doesn't know how to continue on his spiritual path.  This Bible will give a new Christian some direction in knowing how to pursue that path.  Through prayer and study, this Bible will give them a starting point.

This is an excellent Bible for a new Christian, but would also be beneficial for any teen or adult who wants to learn more.  This would be a great gift, and a way to help lead someone without being pushy.

Book Review: Heaven is for Real by Dodd Burpo

Heaven is for Real is about one little boy's story of his trip to Heaven and back.  After experiencing emergency surgery, tiny three-year-old Colton Burpo begins to tell a vivid account of his experience of seeing Heaven while on the operating table.

Not only is Colton able to recount his experience of leaving his body during surgery, but he is able to describe in detail what his parents were doing in other rooms of the hospital during the ordeal (something of which he had no knowledge).  Colton also tells of meeting his little sister whom his mother had miscarried at only a few weeks of pregnancy before his conception.

I have to admit I was skeptical before reading this book.  After raising three children of my own, I am well aware of the stories they can create.  And admittedly, I did dismiss some accounts, as Colton's father is a pastor, and it was difficult to discern exactly what he may have experienced versus what he had heard at church.

However, some of the stories are too coincidental to not consider real accounts.  Colton recognizes a younger picture of his grandfather whom he had never even met in real life, and he was certainly too young to know and understand his mother had lost a baby before he was born.

This book gives its readers hope for the future --- that there truly is a Heaven and a life after death.  It gives hope that we will see our loved ones again (and recognize them) and hope there is truly a place free of pain and hardship.

I found this book uplifting and inspirational and found myself asking the question, "What if....?" many times while reading it.

Book Review: Let's Do Lunch

Let's Do Lunch is not only a meal plan, but Roger Wilson's story of how he went from obesity to an ideal, healthier weight.  The book details his journey, while at the same time showing readers how they too can achieve weight loss with traditional dieting.

Wilson's plan focuses on eating lots of fruit throughout the day.  He emphasizes incorporating the fruit into a plan that emphasizes eating until full for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Throughout the book, Wilson gives the reader tips on how to deal with cravings, snacking, and special occasions.  In addition, he discusses what food choices are best when dining out.

Usually, I am not a fan of diets.  However, the author included information that was useful even if I didn't want to follow the plan exactly as written.  There were tips throughout that I could use on a daily basis.

The tip I found most useful was to eat only when hungry and to stop when full.  Also, the emphasis on eating fresh fruit was helpful as well.

Overall, I was able to take some great nuggets of useful information from this book and would recommend it for someone looking to lose weight in a non-traditional way.

Book Review: Anne Bradstreet (Christian Encounter Series)

This biography about Anne Bradstreet from the Christian Encounters Series takes you through the poet's life as a young woman in England through her child-bearing years and into mature adulthood in Massachusetts.

As one of the founding families of Massachusetts, Bradstreet was the first woman poet to be published in Colonial America.

Married at 18 in England, Bradstreet unwillingly came to America with her parents, brothers and sisters, and new husband.  After five years of marriage and faithful prayer and meditation, Bradstreet found herself unable to conceive a child,  At the age of 23, she was able to bear her first child.  Whatever ailments had caused her infertility ceased, and she was able to bear and raise eight children throughout her years in the new world.

How Bradstreet managed to raise eight children, adapt to harsh living conditions (often times living with other large families), and find time to write poetry is simply short of amazing.   In addition, Bradstreet and her family were strict Puritans, which required much time and dedication to church and religious activities.  Bradstreet certainly had a passion for poetry and never intended that her poetry be published, writing simply for her own enjoyment for family and friends.

This book contained an endless amount of information about life in the New England states during the late 1600's and early 1700's, revealing what settlers in that time period would have endured.

At times, there was almost too much information, and the author sometimes wandered  into too many different subjects, losing focus on the biography of Bradstreet.  The book was difficult to follow at times, as the author extended the story to other colonial leaders and events.

Overall, I recommend this book for someone interested in the early settlement of the states and the founding of America.

Book Review: I am Hutterite by Mary-Ann Kirkby

In this thought-provoking memoir, Mary-Ann Kirkby makes you feel as if you right there re-living her past as a Hutterite child in Manitoba.

One of seven children, Kirkby lived her childhood in the Hutterite community, living and working with others in the secluded commune.  The structured rituals, shared rituals, and combined schooling were her way of life through her most memorable childhood years. 

Kirkby does an excellent job of portraying every day life in the commune, describing in detail the foods and ways of life of this culture from the simple, mundane tasks to the life-changing experience of losing her younger brother because the community did not believe in hospitals, but rather believed in allowing God to heal the sick. 

Naive to the problems her parents were experiencing with the Hutterite leadership, Kirkby was shocked when one day, her parents abruptly removed themselves from the Hutterite community to begin a new life in an unknown outside world.  At ten years old, Kirkby was at one of the most tenuous times in her childhood trying to fit into a new world she did not understand, leaving behind all her childhood friends, extended family, and acquaintances.

Before reading this book, I had not heard of the Hutterite way of life and was not familiar with their teachings.  I found this book to not only be entertaining, but to be informative as well.  I felt as if I had actually learned something new from reading of Kirkby's past.  The pages held my attention throughout the whole book.

I would recommend highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading memoirs or books about Amish or other conservative ways of life.

Book Review: If I Could Ask God Anything by Kathryn Slattery

In her book, "If I Could Ask God Anything," Kathryn Slattery takes real questions from real kids and answers them in a simple, direct way.  The book addresses questions from prayer ("Do I need to kneel when I pray?") to holidays ("Why do some people spell Christmas Xmas?").

Appealing to all ages, Slattery is able to give concise answers that apply to preschoolers on up to high school students.  I have three daughters --- one at a toddler age, the other pre-teen, and the third high school --- and I was able to read this with all three.  As an adult, I also found myself curious about some of the questions as they were subjects I hadn't thought about in years.

There were two factors I especially enjoyed about this book while reading it to my kids.  First, Slattery gives a Bible verse for each question to back up her answers.  This allows the child to look up the answer in the Bible for herself.  Secondly, this book doesn't necessarily need to be read from cover to cover in order.  The chapters are laid out in an organized way, which makes it easy to locate the question and answer for a specific topic.

Overall, I highly recommend this book for inquisitive children of all ages, Sunday School teachers, parents, and even other adults seeking answers to basic questions about the Bible's teachings.

Book Review: An Honest Love by Kathleen Fuller

An Honest Love intertwines the lives of an Ohio Amish community.  The story focuses on the new love of two, young Amish couples.

Anna and Lukas find themselves as young newlyweds experiencing the shocking pain of infertility in a community where large families are the norm and widely expected.  

Eighteen-year-old Elisabeth finds herself attracted to older Amish man, Aaron, a convicted felon still struggling with finding his way back into the Amish community.

This book gives an enlightening look into the Amish community.  I could tell the author had studied the community and their customs to paint a realistic picture of the way the Amish live.  This book allowed me to realize that the Amish struggle with everyday temptations of modern life, just as others do.

I enjoyed this book immensely.  I found myself unable to put the story aside, wanting to learn which choices Anna and Elisabeth would make in their struggles.

This book was refreshing.  In a book market filled with sultry, explicit love stories that leave nothing to the imagination, this book allowed me to enjoy a romantic love story with simple people.

Book Review: Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton is truly one of the world's biggest contributors to science. 

In this book, author Mitch Stokes pieces together the life of Isaac Newton --- from his lonely childhood, the expectations by his family to become a farmer, and his following higher education.

Taking invaluable information from Newton's journals, and correspondence from family and friends, Stokes tells of an isolated individual devoted only to learning and exploring.  Living on very little sleep, the scholar became a leading world authority in math, optics, alchemy, and mechanics.  Even though he grew prematurely gray from accidentally poisoning himself with mercury from his various experiments, Newton lived well into his 80's.

Stokes does an excellent job of explaining Newton's theories in plain English, so the rest of us normal folks can understand.  Although some of the details of Newton's earlier life are not widely-known, Stokes does a great job of putting together the pieces of his life.

As someone who does not excel at science, I thought this book might be somewhat dry and un-interesting.  I was pleasantly surprised.  Stokes has an easy writing style, and the more I read, the more I found myself wanting to read more.

Book Review: Buried Alive (The True Story of Kidnapping, Captivity, and a Dramatic Rescue)

Buried Alive is the true story of the kidnapping of Ray Hallums, written in his own words.  A contractor working in Iraq in 2004, Ray is working in his office one moment and in the back of a kidnapper's trunk the next.

The book takes the reader through his almost year in captivity, which is written in surprising detail, considering Hallums was blindfolded throughout most of his ordeal.

I'm not usually the type of person who would be interested in an Iraq War encounter, but I found myself mesmerized by Hallums' story.  I felt as if I was almost there with him, feeling the dirt, sand, and heat on his skin.  His days of boredom and darkness were carefully counted --- his days predictable with the same small amounts of food and his morning and evening bathroom breaks (the only allowed throughout the day).

When he was finally freed, I found myself rooting for him, hoping he would be physically and mentally well after such an ordeal.

I highly recommend this book for anyone intriqued by the Iraq War and a hero's story.

Book Review: What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do

In this inspiring book, Dr. Cloud and Dr. Townsend guide you through eight steps which guide you to a better relationship with God.

The eight principles are based upon Bible fundamentals and are simple and straightforward.

The principles begin with the starting journey with God, followed by finding people in your life who will support you in your journey, embracing problems as gifts, and loving God where you are.

I found this to be a easy-to-read book, which I was able to read in an afternoon.  The information was very broad and not overly specific.   I could see this book being an inspiration to those dealing with a deep problem or seeking strength in life. 

As a Christian, I did not find any information in this book to be new.  I may read it again if I am faced with a difficult situation.   I think it would be an excellent gift for someone in need, and I would choose to give this book instead of an inspirational greeting card.

Book Review: Knockout Entrepreneur by George Fourman

If you're an entrepreneur (or an aspiring entrepreneur) seeking motivation, George Foreman delivers an extra punch in his book, Knockout Entrepreneur.

Referring to his boxing career, Foreman applies the principles of boxing to business and does it effectively.  He inspires those thinking about following a business dream to put the goals to that dream in place.  Foreman concentrates on bringing integrity to business decisions, and you can tell he's a man who practices what he preaches.  He refers to his faith often, showing the importance of integrity, morality, and making the right choices. 

Throughout the book, Foreman stresses the importance of picking the right people for your team and surrounding yourself with those who will support you in your dreams.

While this book is strong in motivation, it's weak in business education.  If you're looking for a book that will outline specific steps you need to take in order to become an entrepreneur, this book is not it.

Also, the book becomes a little infomercial-ish at times.  If you're one of the 10 people in the United States who has never heard of the George Foreman Lean, Mean, Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine (the George Foreman Grill), you will definitely know about the product when you finish reading this book.

All in all, this book was an inspirational and motivational read. I love reading the success stories of others, as they build something small into a huge success.  As a small business owner, I found little gems of information I can easily apply to my business and my life.