My Christmas Angels by Jason W. Chan

My Christmas Angels is a tragic yet heartwarming Christmas story about Greg, a single father whose daughter falls into a coma. Riddled with grief, Greg stays at his daughter’s side, he comes to terms with the possibility that his daughter may never wake up. He buries his grief in doing good deeds. Uplifted, Greg takes solace in the realization that through great tragedy can come great blessings.

My Review - I loved this story and it sucked me right in. I also loved how it was a true story. The reason it only got 3 stars instead of 4 (while I'm raving about loving it) is because of the ending. I couldn't stand not knowing what happened to Angie. I kind of like how the author lets you decide but for real I wanted to know what happened. Overall a pretty good read.

An Irish Christmas by Melody Carlson

Melody Carlson is the bestselling author of more than 200 books, including My Son, the Savior and The Christmas Bus. She lives with her husband in Sisters, Oregon.

For Colleen, life is spinning out of control. She just lost her husband, and her relationship with her young adult son Jamie is crumbling. Should she confess to him the secret that has been haunting her for twenty years?

Jamie has a few secrets of his own. When he announces his plans to join the military, Colleen decides it's time for the two of them to take a trip together--to Ireland.

The truth they discover there could fulfill both their dreams in a way neither ever thought possible.

An Irish Christmas is a captivating story of love, deception, and secret passions, from popular and prolific author Melody Carlson.

My Review - this book was just okay for me. It too me until about page 80 or so for it to really get good for me and even then it was predictable. I loved the actual story about Jamie, Liam and Colleen though. And the ending was good, which as I've said before is rare for me to like an ending. I'll be reading more Melody Carlson and hoping for less predictably.

A Sister's Secret by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Grace is the oldest sister in the Hostettler family. Having put her rumschpringe (running around years) behind her, she has returned to Holmes County, joined the Amish church, and begun a new life. For the past four years, everything has been going fairly well, until the day she sees an English man who knows enough of her past to jeopardize her future. Will Gary Walker's passion for Grace destroy more than one life? Amish man Cleon Schrock is planning to marry Grace, but ignorant of her past. Will love and faith triumph over shame and deception in Holmes County?

My Review - This book was good. It seemed like it took me forever to read since I was also caring got a newborn. But I'm glad I did finish it and I will be reading the other books in this series at some point. I had a feeling about what was happening with Grace and her secret but then I was just slightly wrong. I loved the ending which is not something I can usually say about a book but I did. The only thing I would change is to find out who was attacking the family...Maybe it's in the next book though! :)

Finding Christmas by James Calvin Schaap

A gift. The baby. The pageant. The parties. The worship. The afterglow. The story. These are the elements of almost every Christmas. In Finding Christmas, award-winning author James Calvin Schaap takes a look at each of these elements through seven stories that show how imperfect people can find joy and grace in an imperfect world. His eyes turn on an outgoing bus driver, a passionate mother, a daughter reluctant to return to church, and even his own assumed-mediocre performance at a Christmas pageant. Along the way, readers see how the amazing message of Christmas can be found in the oddest of places. This heartwarming read is both moving and magical and will help readers usher in a joyful Christmas season even amidst the howling winds of winter.

My Review - This book wasn't what I expected it to be. With each story I expected a little more. Sad to say but this was a let down for me. I can't quiet explain what more I wanted but with each story I'd think at the beginning oh this is going to get good. But before it could get good it just kind of fizzled out. Definitely glad it was a free nook book on Herbie.

The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Fifteen years ago, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision. She couldn't have known that her choice would impact so many. Now in her mid-twenties, she is poised to go to culinary school when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge, the very Amish town in which her long-reaching decision was made, forcing her to face the shadowed past.

Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm with her large and intimidating grandmother, Bertha. It quickly becomes clear that she is there to work the farm--and work hard. The labor is made slightly more tolerable by the time it affords Bess to spend with the handsome hired hand, Billy Lapp. But he only has eyes for a flirty and curvaceous older girl.

Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.

Beautifully written, The Search is a skillfully woven story that takes readers through unexpected twists and turns on the long country road toward truth. Fans both old and new will find themselves immersed in this heartwarming--and surprising--tale of young love, forgiveness, and coming to grips with the past.

My Review - Oh how Suzanne Woods Fisher is such a wonderful author! Although I didn't like this book more then the one before it. I did love the fact that we saw glimpses of Maggie, Caleb, and Jorie. The little tid bit about Jorie in church with a toddler and baby made me smile. I also liked Lainey's story and how she just knew what God wanted for her and her life and she stuck with what God wanted her to do instead of what others wanted. More Christians should do that - me included! Overall this series is awesome and I can't wait to read more of Fisher's books.

The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Jorie King's life is on hold. She has been waiting for Ben Zook to return to Lancaster County. Waiting for him to settle down and join the church. Waiting to marry him.

But when news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie is devastated. She finds unlikely comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. Friendship ripens into love, and two broken hearts plan for a life filled with the promise of a fresh beginning--until their worlds are turned upside down.

With her realistic characters whose weaknesses develop into strengthes, Suzanne Woods Fisher offers a reading experience that rises above the others. You will love growing in spirit with these complex people living the simple life as The Waiting transports you into a world where things aren't as simple as they seem.

"More than just a story of the Amish, The Waiting is the story of a woman, sometimes triumphant, sometimes struggling, carried through turbulent times by a plain faith."--Lisa Wingate, national bestselling author of Tending Roses and Never Say Never

"Fisher takes the sweet story expected in Amish fiction and adds a kick of realism. I treasured my time with Jorie King and the whole Zook family, sharing their grief and laughter--what a lovely read."--Sarah Sundin, author of Wings of Glory series

Suzanne Woods Fisher's interest in the Anabaptist culture can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is the author of The Choice, Amish Peace, and Amish Proverbs. She hosts an internet radio show called Amish Wisdom and lives with her family in California.

Review on 11/20/11 - No book has ever made me want to post a review before I'm actually done with it. But this part of the book moved me. Here's the part...

"What will it be like in heave?" Maggie asked Mary Ann as she handed her a warm mug.
....
"Maggie, how do your hands feel right now, holding on to that warm mug after playing in the cold?" "Good." "Really good?" She nodded. "But after a while, that good feeling fades away." She nodded again. "In heaven, that good feeling won't go away. That warm good feeling is like the presence of God, and it will last for all eternity."

All I can say is WOW!!! What an amazing example for a child and, apparently, for a 28 year old woman like me. I will never forget this example or this part of the book. Very few books move me enough to shed a tear or tell my husband what is going on in it but this book did both. I shed a tear or two while I was reading it and then after that I told my husband and shed another few. Amazing!

My Final Review - I LOVED this book. I don't know if it's cause I'm pregnant with a little girl but Maggie just touched me in this story. Jorie and Cal were very touching as well. Overall this book is going on my favorites list. It's a must read and you really don't even have to read the series in order for the books to make sense. In my review of the first book, The Choice, I was worried that would make me not like the book because they had nothing to do with each other...BUT it didn't factor into my liking of the book at all. Fisher painted wonderful pictures with words throughout the book. Sylvia and her daughter Esther did get on my nerves quiet a bit. But I think Fisher was trying to show that no matter where you go in life you are always going to have those people that try to make life hard for you. And that maybe we non-Amish people need to take an Amish approach to them and kill them with kindness so to speak. Again, I LOVED this book and you should read it!

The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Lancaster County has always been her home--but where does her heart belong?

One moment Carrie Weaver was looking forward to running away with Lancaster Barnstormers pitcher Solomon Riehl--plans that included leaving the Amish community where they grew up. The next moment she was staring into a future as broken as her heart. Now, Carrie is faced with a choice. But will this opportunity be all she hoped? Or will this decision, this moment in time, change her life forever?

A tender story of love, forgiveness, and looking below the surface, The Choice uncovers the sweet simplicity of the Amish world--and shows that it's never too late to find your way back to God.

"Fisher's writing brings that Amish sense of peace into your own world. The Choice brings an entirely new perspective to the Amish way of life. You will love it!"--Kristin Billerbeck, author of What a Girl Wants

"A story of endearing characters. . . . Fisher writes with a fresh mix of humor and depth, splashing raw emotion onto the pages. I guarantee your heart will be touched."--Ginger Kolbaba, founding editor of Kyria.com, former editor of Today's Christian Woman, and author of Desperate Pastors' Wives

Suzanne Woods Fisher's interest in the Anabaptist culture can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is the author of Amish Peace and lives with her family in California.

My Review - I liked this book from the moment I started reading it. Esther got on my nerves, as did Emma. But I liked Carrie. I was shocked with what went on with Daniel and then Abel too. I also liked Mattie and her story line. I've already started reading the second book in the series and the only draw back for me is that the second book doesn't continue following Carrie and her story it starts with another one. Although I'm not very far into the book I'm hoping that this story line will somehow include Carrie and her family. But my husband says I always want the story line to continue with everything from books to movies so maybe that's just me! :) Either way I'm sure I'll continue reading Fisher's books.

Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin

Alice Grace Ripley lives in a dream world, her nose stuck in a book. But happily-ever-after life she's planned on suddenly falls apart when her boyfriend, Gordon, breaks up with her, accusing her of living in a world of fiction instead of the real world. Then to top it off, Alice loses her beloved job at the library because of cutbacks due to the Great Depression.

Fleeing small-town gossip, Alice heads to the mountains of eastern Kentucky to deliver five boxes of donated books to the library in the tiny coal-mining village of Acorn. Dropped off by her relatives, Alice volunteers to stay for two weeks to help the librarian, Leslie McDougal.

But the librarian turns out to be far different than she anticipated--not to mention the four lady librarians who travel to the remote homes to deliver the much-desired books. While Alice is trapped in Acorn against her will, she soon finds that real-life adventure and mystery--and especially romance--are far better than her humble dreams could have imagined.

My Review - I love Lynn Austin! What I hate is when I love an author, example: Lynn Austin, and I've read all her books. That being said, obviously I think Lynn Austin is a pretty awesome author and I've read all her books. When she came out with this book I honestly thought about buying it but I'd never spent more then $5 on a book for my Nook, aka Herbie. I hate making decisions but I finally broke down and just bought the book cause I wanted something really good to read and I knew this book wouldn't let me down. AND it didn't! From the moment I started reading this book I loved how much Alice loved to read. And all the different things that went on in Acorn were CRAZY! I'd have been furious with Mack and Lillie many different times if I'd been Alice. But I love how it changed her and I loved how the book ended. I don't get to say that often about a book but I did love how this book ended. I can't wait until Austin comes out with more books for me to devour.

Virtue by Amanda Hocking

In a world filled with magic, love might be the final answer in the eternal battle between good and evil. When Lux is tasked with retrieving the virtuous Lily for his master, his entire world is put in jeopardy. Lux must battle goblins, demon dogs, and sea dragons to rescue the one he loves, and that's only the beginning of what he must face...

Virtue is a fairy tale for young adults with action, suspense, and romance. It contains mild language and some suggestive dialogue. Recommended ages 14 and up.

My Review - This book was pretty good. It started out slow for me because I didn't know what was going on really. But the more I got into it the more I couldn't put it down. I love how easy Hocking's books are to read. And how once you read one of her books you want to read them all, right away! Wick was one of my favorite characters and Gula. It was another great read from Hocking, not my favorite but it was well worth paying for and reading! Can't wait to see what she comes out with next! Overall I give it a 4 star!

Having A Mary Heart in a Marth World by Joanna Weaver

An invitation for every woman who feels she isn't godly enough...isn't loving enough...isn't doing enough

The life of a woman today isn't really all that different from that of Mary and Martha in the New Testament. Like Mary, you long to sit at the Lord's feet...but the daily demands of a busy world just won't leave you alone. Like Martha, you love Jesus and really want to serve him...yet you struggle with weariness, resentment, and feelings of inadequacy.

Then comes Jesus, right into the midst of your busy Mary/Martha life-and he extends the same invitation he issued long ago to the two sisters of Bethany. Tenderly he invites you to choose "the better part"-a joyful life of "living-room" intimacy with him that flows naturally into "kitchen service" for him.

How can you make that choice? With her fresh approach to the familiar Bible story and its creative, practical strategies, Joanna shows how all of us-Marys and Marthas alike-can draw closer to our Lord, deepening our devotion, strengthening our service, and doing both with less stress and greater joy.

My Review - I loved this book even if it did take me FOREVER to read it. It made me feel like there was more to my relationship with God then just Him being God. He's my Dad! He wants only the best for me and part of that best for me is an intimate relationship with him. I still feel like I should do more for Him but sometimes it isn't about that. It's about sitting down and just spending time with him. An amazing book by an amazing woman. I can't wait to read the second book, Having a Mary Spirit.

The Witches of Santa Anna by Lauren Barnholdt & Aaron Gorvine

The complete set of season one of the Witches of Santa Anna series of novellas...Includes CLAIMED, TRICKED, RUMORED, HUSHED, PURSUED, ENTICED, and RUINED.

Natalia Moore is the new girl at Santa Anna Prep, and all she wants to do is fly under the radar -- get to her classes, meet a few friends, and try not to make a total fool of herself in the meantime. But when handsome and popular Campbell Elliot goes out of his way to be nice to the new girl, Natalia's plan to go unnoticed flies out the window.

Cam's hot, but he's completely off-limits. Raine Marsden, the most popular and meanest girl in school, has had her eye on him ever since the summer. And Raine doesn't like competition.

When Cam goes as far as inviting Natalia to the exclusive weekend party at Raine's house, Raine sets her sights on a new victim. But what Natalia doesn't know is that Raine and her friends are no ordinary mean girls. They have powers most people can only dream of, and nobody will stand in the way of what they want. And what Raine wants is Campbell.

The Witches of Santa Anna series of novellas, proves just how far true love will go and that nothing--not even pure evil--can change your destiny.

My Review - This book was a quick read for me. I liked how it was seven different books put into one book. I'd like to read the other books eventually but they most likely won't be the book that I read next. Raine got on my nerves all through the book even before I knew who she was. I didn't like her from the first mention of her in the book. I felt the same way about Becca and Terri. Overall a pretty good book. I gave it 3 stars cause I liked it.

She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell

During New York City's Gilded Age...The game is played amid banquets and balls. The prize is a lifetime of wealth and privilege. The rules will test friendships and the desires of a young woman's heart. Clara Carter is the social season's brightest star...but at what cost?

My Review - Although this book ended awesome in my mind, I could predict what was coming and the way they went about "courting" was wild. I am so glad I didn't live during this time. I think going to the balls and dinners would be cool but I know it'd have to get exhausting. AND the corset. My wedding dress was a corset top and I couldn't imagine wearing something like that everyday, all day, ALL the time like Clara was expected too. And then to find out what happened to her mother. No way! I also liked Harry and Lizzie a lot. I know this book took me a while to get into cause of my attention span these days but I wasn't really sucked in until the last quarter of the book. I like for a book to suck me in from the first page. Overall, I'm giving it a 3 star for just liking it.

A Promise to Remember by Kathryn Cushman

When There's Nothing Left But Memories... Andie Phelps is the envy of Santa Barbara. A devoted mother with a loving son and a successful husband, her greatest joy comes from reaching out to others... Melanie Johnston is the envy of no one. A single mom who works long hours to pay the bills, and her greatest joys relate to her teen daughter and son. Then the accident that changes everything. When opposite worlds collide, the impact reaches far beyond these mothers' personal losses. Two wounded women...Two families seeking hope...A community torn apart... How far will they go to fulfill...A Promise to Remember.

My Review - this book took me a while to get into but I loved all the faith in the story. It got better toward the end and I know my pregnancy has something to do with the fact that it took me so long to read this book. But overall it was okay.

Listen by Rene Gutteridge

 Nothing ever happens in the small town of Marlo . . . until the residents begin seeing their private conversations posted online for everyone to read. Then it’s neighbor against neighbor, friend against friend, as paranoia and violence escalate. The police scramble to identify the person responsible for the posts and pull the plug on the Website before it destroys the town. But what responsibility do the people of the town have for the words they say when they think no one is listening? Life and death are in the power of the tongue.

My Review - WOW! This was an awesome book that had me from the very start. I've never thought about how much words mean and can hurt people. This was a wild and twisting story that had me wondering up until the very end. I loved the "Christian" aspect in the book and how it wasn't so overbearing that non-christian people would think Christians are crazy. Does that make sense? Anyhow, I loved how Jenna and Kay ended up figuring each other out. How Kay and Jill became friends. And how Hunter played apart in the story. Amazing, have I mentioned this is an awesome book! I'll definitely be reading more of Rene Gutteridge! And to think I only got this book because it was free on my Nook aka Herbie...So thank you Barnes and Noble for giving it away!

Lonestar Sanctuary (Lonestar #1) by Colleen Coble

In the quiet safety of the Bluebird Ranch, old promises resurface and unexpected love brings new hope.

Though tragedy has wrecked her life, Allie Siders holds on to the hope that her five-year-old daughter, Betsy, will speak again. But with a stalker out for revenge, all Allie can think about now is their safety. She must sever all ties and abandon life as she knows it. She heads to the peaceful Bluebird Ranch, nestled deep in Texas hill country, and to the only person who can help them.

The ranch is a sanctuary for abused horses, and also for troubled youths: the perfect place for Betsy to grow and recover. Ranch owner Elijah DeAngelo eagerly welcomes the duo. But Rick Bailey-the ranch foreman and DeAngelo's right hand man-hasn't decided to let his guard down . . . yet.

Promises made long ago soon force Rick and Allie to work together to escape danger. Will they discover love along the way?

My Review - This book was pretty good. I don't know what I was expecting from it when I first started reading it. I got this book on my Nook (Herbie) back in February for free and I hadn't thought much about it. But it was good. I loved the story of Allie and Rick and Elijah for that matter. Betsy was cool too. I figured out some of the details before they were revealed but some I didn't have a clue about. And I was definitely wrong about the person who was after Allie. I will be reading the next book in the series but it probably won't be the next book I read, just cause I have so many other books on my Nook to read already.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Kattnis, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding.

My Review - This book was pretty good. My favorite in the series is still the first book. This book took me about a month to read which for me is a REALLY long time. BUT it wasn't because it was a bad book or not written well, it was just my attention span wasn't there. I will read more of Collins' books and I did love how the story ended!

A Place of Peace by Amy Clipston

Miriam Lapp, who left the Amish community in Pennsylvania three years ago, is heartbroken when her sister calls to reveal that her mother has died suddenly. Traveling home to Pennsylvania, she is forced to face the heartache from her past, including her rift from her family and the break up of her engagement with Timothy Kauffman. Her past emotional wounds are reopened when her family rejects her once again and she finds out that Timothy is in a relationship with someone else. Miriam discovers that the rumors that broke them up three years ago were all lies. However, when Timothy proposes to his girlfriend and Miriam's father disowns her, Miriam returns to Indiana with her heart in shambles. When Miriam's father has a stroke, Miriam returns to Pennsylvania, and her world begins to fall apart, leaving her to question her place in the Amish community and her faith in God.

My Review - I liked this book but it wasn't my favorite in the series. It took me a while to get into it but once it started going I was sucked right in. To me it was predictable but the kind of predictable where you know how it'll end but you want to see how it gets to that ending. Clipston kept me guessing almost up until the end that what I'd predicted was going to happen. I'm ready for the 4th book to come out. And I wonder if poor Naomi will ever find love...

Push by Sapphire

An electrifying first novel that shocks by its language, its circumstances, and its brutal honesty, Push recounts a young black street-girl's horrendous and redemptive journey through a Harlem inferno. For Precious Jones, 16 and pregnant with her father's child, miraculous hope appears and the world begins to open up for her when a courageous, determined teacher bullies, cajoles, and inspires her to learn to read, to define her own feelings and set them down in a diary.

My Review - I am officially quitting this book. The language in this book is just uncalled for and I don't feel the need to read that kind of language in the book. I know that others will bash me because I feel this way but I just don't want to read this raunchy language. And I've heard the movie is the same way so I doubt I'll watch the movie either.

A Promise of Hope by Amy Clipston

In A Promise of Hope, the second book in the Kauffman Amish Bakery series by Amy Clipston, an Amish widow with newborn twins discovers her deceased husband had disturbing secrets. As she tries to come to grips with the past, she considers a loveless marriage to ensure stability for her young family … with her faith in God hanging in the balance.

My Review - I absolutely loved this book. Timmy got on my nerves a little bit but I loved the story between Sarah Rose, Peter and Luke. I loved the twins. And I loved how if you picked up this book before you'd read the first book you wouldn't be completely lost. I can't wait to get into the third book even though I'm going to read a book in between.

Full Tilt by Neal Shusterman

Before I post my review, I'm going to try to start posting a link with the picture so that when you click the picture you can go to goodreads.com and see the book through their website. SO if you'd like to add it to your TBR list you can. So you can now click on the picture! :)

Sixteen-year-old Blake has always been the responsible one in his dysfunctional family -- the one who drives safely, gets good grades, and looks after his wild younger brother, Quinn. Quinn is his brother's opposite -- a thrill-seeker who's always chasing the next scary rush, no matter what the cost. But Quinn and Blake are in for the surprise of their lives when they're thrust into the world of a bizarre phantom carnival -- and their souls are the price of admission.

In order to save his brother, and himself, Blake must survive seven different carnival rides before dawn. Seven rides...it sounds easy. But each ride is full of unexpected dangers, because each ride is a reflection of one of Blake's deepest fears. And the last ride is the worst one of all. Because that's the one that confronts Blake with a terrifying secret from his past -- a secret he's been running from for years.

Full of roller-coaster twists and turns, Neal Shusterman's latest page-turner is an Orpheus-like adventure into one boy's psyche.

My Review - This book actually ended like I thought is should. Do you know how rare that you'll ever hear me say that about a book?? Anyhow, I liked Blake and how cautious he was. And I understand now that that's why he had to go through the "carnival" to get the point of the book. I liked the message of the book and how it changed Blake and Quinn.