Star Lewis is going home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. She is to be a bridesmaid on Christmas Eve at her sister Angel’s wedding. This is the sister Star Lewis is going home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. She is to be a bridesmaid on Christmas Eve at her sister Angel’s wedding. This is the sister who is marrying the guy Star used to date, and who broke up with her the day he met Angel. And to add to her unhappiness, she was just laid off from her job after working there two years. Last hired is the first to go when a reduction in staff is needed. Right now it’s her little secret. Another secret she is keeping is how she feels about being a bridesmaid at a wedding she has no wish to attend. But wait! Into this unhappiness a ray of sunshine is about to fall, in the form of an old friend of her brother’s. Waylon attends the Lewis family dinner, and he only has eyes for Star. Maybe Christmas is the time for miracles. This story is interesting on so many levels. It illustrates that life is not all roses and sunshine. Unpleasant things do happen, and not just to Star. Other people also must make life-changing decisions. Yet, if you seek the right things with guidance and with prayer, happiness will surely follow. I really enjoyed this tale. Its sweet and lovely message of using the talents you have, and pursuing the goals you really desire is inspiring. The author does a wonderful job of weaving Christian beliefs into the daily lives of her characters, without being preachy or overpowering the story. This is a well-written Christmas story, one that will leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling and a smile on you face....more
Rebecca Whitman is the first female court reporter in Montana. As a child, she saw a crime being committed, but no one believed her testimony, and an Rebecca Whitman is the first female court reporter in Montana. As a child, she saw a crime being committed, but no one believed her testimony, and an innocent man was wrongly convicted. Ever since then, she has fought for justice, and longs to someday be a lawyer. Mark Andrews has achieved his goal of being head librarian at the Carnegie library, much to his father’s dismay. He wanted his son to stay on the family’s ranch, raising cattle. Rebecca and Mark soon find they have much in common, including their love of book and mysteries. They find themselves enmeshed in solving a new mystery when a friend is wrongly accused of murder. This well written novel has several interesting aspects. The historical setting of women invading what was a man’s domain is enlightening. Mark is dealing with trouble in his own family, and there is a bit of a mystery that he must solve before it is too late. The manner in which Mark and Rebecca solve the murder and find the real murderer is also quite intriguing. And encompassing all is the thoughtful manner in which the authors employ Christian beliefs in the story. Beautifully written with wonderful characters, readers of Christian fiction will certainly enjoy this lovely tale....more
The year is 1898; the place is New York. Arthur Stanhope III dies unexpectedly, and throws the family into turmoil. Not only are his mother, wife, andThe year is 1898; the place is New York. Arthur Stanhope III dies unexpectedly, and throws the family into turmoil. Not only are his mother, wife, and daughter in mourning for his loss, they are also in shock to learn that most of the family fortune and businesses have been bequeathed to a male relative, and not one who will lend assistance to the three women. Sylvia, the widow, has decided that the only way the family can keep and maintain their mansion home is for Aldelaide, her daughter, to marry well. So the hunt is on to find a rich husband. But Junietta, Sylvia’s mother-in-law, has a different idea. She goes on a quest to illustrate that there is more to life than keeping up appearances and maintaining a mansion. This story is appealing on so many levels. The historical aspect figures in, with rich society people doing what is expected of them, rather than what they may wish to do. Family relationships are also explored; some are good, others exceedingly bad. The suffragettes make an appearance, and give Addie food for thought. Secrets abound in this tale, and are gradually revealed. Christian acts and beliefs are present throughout, in a thoughtful manner, in the everyday lives of the characters. The story is quite well written and the characters are well drawn. The descriptions of the cities and towns with horse drawn carriages will take you back in time, as will the balls and gowns of the rich as they socialize. Still, there is much to take away from this story, as the characters decide what is important, and what is fleeting. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. These three powerful women have decisions to make that will affect not only their lives, but the lives of their entire community. This book is highly recommended for everyone who enjoys a very good and thought-provoking story....more
Addie discovers a small and ragged boy hiding in the bushes by her home. She brings him into her home, and little by little, his story emerges. His moAddie discovers a small and ragged boy hiding in the bushes by her home. She brings him into her home, and little by little, his story emerges. His mother is dead. He has run away from an orphanage, he is looking for his little sister, and he waiting for his father to return from a sea voyage. No one is sure his sister is alive, or if his dad will return to claim his kids. It’s Advent, and a season for miracles, and if this family is to be reunited, it will take a miracle. The author’s descriptions of the plight of orphans at the turn of the twentieth century and the deplorable conditions where they were housed is heartbreaking, but accurate. The story of Addie and her husband Howard is a sweet one. Her determination to help young women better their lives adds much interest to this lovely Christmas tale. It’s a well written story of hope, peace, love, and joy, just like the candles on the Advent wreath. This Christmas story is highly recommended, especially for the Christian beliefs seamlessly woven throughout the story....more
Audrey Needham returns to Charity Falls to help her great-aunt Daisy and her great-uncle Dean get settled in assisted living. Dean is having memory prAudrey Needham returns to Charity Falls to help her great-aunt Daisy and her great-uncle Dean get settled in assisted living. Dean is having memory problems that are only getting worse, and his care is more than Daisy can cope with on her own. Audrey is going to help them get their home ready to sell and then get them settled in their new abode. She is taking some time off from her job as an interior designer, and she is anxious to get things done and get back to work. She loves her greats and has some fond memories of time with them, but she has other responsibilities. But her plans go awry when circumstances at her workplace change. And the longer she stays at Charity Falls, the harder it is will be to leave. This story is heartwarming on so many levels. Audrey takes time from her busy life to help her family. She also connects with a needy child who seems lost in the shuffle of her own family. Audrey is still coping with a tragedy in her life that happened 13 years ago. Another family is she meets is dealing with their own loss. All these characters come together to bolster each other while giving of themselves. This inspiring story is well written, the scenes in the story are vivid, and the characters come to life on the page. The novel is one of tenderness and hope, and illustrates well the color of home.
Madison has returned to her family’s Christmas tree farm after her overseas teaching stint has ended. Her sister Addie has been running the farm the pMadison has returned to her family’s Christmas tree farm after her overseas teaching stint has ended. Her sister Addie has been running the farm the past few years, but she is not really invested in making it profitable, and it shows. Now Madison is fully committed to making it a success again, even while Addie wants to sell it. To complicate matters, an old boyfriend, a widower with two daughters, moves back in the neighborhood, and now both sisters are attracted to him. It’s a huge problem which threatens the already rocky relationship between sisters. This delightful and lovely romance is full of the Christmas spirit, but not without bumps and problems along the way. It’s a quick but well-written tale, perfect for reading during the Christmas season, or really any time you want to experience that wonderful season....more
There are a lot of jokes in this collection. Some I have heard before, but many were new to me, and they are all funny. Some have a moral aspect, and There are a lot of jokes in this collection. Some I have heard before, but many were new to me, and they are all funny. Some have a moral aspect, and some are just humorous, but all will tickle your funny bone. You’ll want to share your favorites with your friends and probably your pastor. Author Gerard Assey states that the Almighty God has a sense of humor, and I certainly agree with him. This highly recommended book is one you will never tire of rereading. ...more
Four siblings have a big decision looming in their future. Their parents were raised Amish, but left that community and raised their kids in the EngliFour siblings have a big decision looming in their future. Their parents were raised Amish, but left that community and raised their kids in the English world. Now the parents have divorced, and the grown kids really only have each other to depend on. They have spent time with their Amish grandparents, and that life style has a great appeal to them. They wonder if they should return to their Amish roots. Eventually, the grandparents agree to take one or two at a time, to live with them in the Amish way. It’s a hard decision to make, especially when the first two to start this journey each fall in love with an Amish person. The story is an interesting one, the concept rather unusual. Not much is said about the religious beliefs of the Amish, but rather the story talked about the changes in lifestyle and what the newly Amish would have to give up. It was interesting to see someone with a college education try to give up a high-paying job working with numbers and accounting to be a carpenter. Needless to say, he was better at numbers. The book ends on a cliffhanger, and one can only imagine what is in store for the rest of these siblings....more
Pete has two close friends - Windy Ray and Pearl, his potbellied pig. He is 50 years old. As a child, he was bounced around foster homes and group homPete has two close friends - Windy Ray and Pearl, his potbellied pig. He is 50 years old. As a child, he was bounced around foster homes and group homes after he and his younger sister were abandoned by their mother. As an adult, he got in fights when his temper got the best of him. He has settled down, back in his small home town of Sleeping Grass and makes a living collecting garbage, not a bad job for high school dropout. He rescues Pearl one day, and she becomes a substitute for the family he lost years ago, until the day his sister shows up at his door with her son. They need a place to stay, and Pete takes them in. He has also befriended Wilma, an elderly woman on his route. He is unaware that Wilma is a figure from his long ago past, and carries a secret that has become a burden to bear. They both befriend Lily, another resident in the town and sorely in need of help. All these flawed people are bound together in an unlikely manner. Eventually, secrets are disclosed, forgiveness is sought and given, and help arrives. This book addresses some of the ills of society. Domestic abuse, animal cruelty, foster care, abandonment, scams that target the elderly, alcohol abuse, and school bullying are all touched on this novel. The characters are well drawn, even Pearl has a personality, and the storyline is very interesting. The writing is quite good as well. The ending is somewhat open ended, and readers will have to draw their own conclusions. An epilogue a few years into the future would have been nice, but the roads the characters take go ever onward. ...more
This book wraps up the series. It is indeed a great battle, with evil fighting good, and some being led astray. In the end, all is well, mostly. PerhaThis book wraps up the series. It is indeed a great battle, with evil fighting good, and some being led astray. In the end, all is well, mostly. Perhaps not as enjoyable as some of the other books in the series, it does explain how Narnia ends, and what happens after. ...more
Uncle Andrew is a not very nice magician. He tricks Digory and his friend Polly into traveling to another place with the use of magic rings. They findUncle Andrew is a not very nice magician. He tricks Digory and his friend Polly into traveling to another place with the use of magic rings. They find their to the Narnia, at the very beginning of its existence. They meet the evil sorceress Jadis, but they also meet Aslan who gives Digory a task to complete, to make up for accidentally bringing Jadis to Narnia. It’s a first class adventure tale, another well written novel in the series, and one that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike....more
Two runaways are fleeing terrible situations. One is a boy, the other is a talking horse. Though only wanting to escape, they find themselves caught iTwo runaways are fleeing terrible situations. One is a boy, the other is a talking horse. Though only wanting to escape, they find themselves caught in a battle. Now they must get to Narnia or all will be lost. This installment is a bit different from the others in the series, but still fits in nicely and quite enjoyable and exciting. ...more
In this installment, Eustace and Jill are tasked with finding and rescuing Prince Rilian. They must escape the people-eating giants, and then, traveliIn this installment, Eustace and Jill are tasked with finding and rescuing Prince Rilian. They must escape the people-eating giants, and then, traveling through underground caves and caverns, they meet many other dangers, including the evil witch. Great characters and an exciting plot makes this a great adventure story for children and adults alike....more
Ellie is only 14 when she watches her mother die from a devastation illness. She then spends the next ten years of her life traveling with her conservEllie is only 14 when she watches her mother die from a devastation illness. She then spends the next ten years of her life traveling with her conservationist father and helping with his work of establishing national parks. Still grieving her mother, her faith in God is also suffering. In Kalispell, Montana, she meets some people who will impact her life in a positive way. The town itself has a major problem to resolve: the railroad that is essential for the town’s survival and growth will soon be rerouted past this town. The townspeople are up in arms, and danger is just around the corner. There are some cooler heads who want to work to stay in the town, even without the railroad. One of these men is Carter Brunswick, owner of the flour mill. The authors do a wonderful job of interweaving the history of the railroad with the lives of these fictional characters. Throughout the story, strong Christian morals and beliefs are evident. The characters are well developed, the plot is intriguing, and the writing is quite good. Recommended for readers who enjoy quality Christian fiction....more
In this adventure, Lucy, Edmund, Eustace, and Caspian set sail on the Dawn Treader. They are looking for the seven lords whom Caspian’s evil uncle hadIn this adventure, Lucy, Edmund, Eustace, and Caspian set sail on the Dawn Treader. They are looking for the seven lords whom Caspian’s evil uncle had banished. In essence, they are sailing towards the end of the world, to Aslan’s country. It’s quite a story, filled with interesting and unusual characters, with a rather talkative mouse for comic relief. It’s not without danger or sadness, but somehow, things will work out. This installment is part three of this wonderful series, which just keeps getting better....more
This little collection is chock-full of interesting tidbits and good advice. It’s all about getting older, but reminds us it’s not a bad thing. EmbracThis little collection is chock-full of interesting tidbits and good advice. It’s all about getting older, but reminds us it’s not a bad thing. Embrace it! Included are jokes as well as quotes from famous people. Also included are scripture verses. It’s a quick read that can be enjoyed more than once, especially if you are “of a certain age.” A thoughtful observance: “Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.” And this blessing: “May you never forget what is worth remembering, nor ever remember what is best forgotten.”...more
The Pevensie siblings find themselves back in Narnia, although they aren’t sure how they got back or why. It soon becomes apparent that they are thereThe Pevensie siblings find themselves back in Narnia, although they aren’t sure how they got back or why. It soon becomes apparent that they are there to help Prince Caspian claim his rightful place on the throne. His despicable uncle has killed Caspian’s father so he could be king, and now that he has an heir, he must also dispose of the Prince. Still only a child, Prince Caspian must fight not only for his throne but for his very life. The Pevensie children come to his aid, to thwart the uncle. This exciting tale is the second in the series. It introduces some new characters, and it also foretells of some things yet to come. It goes without saying that it is as well written as the first tale. The adventure continues!...more
What delightful story! Luke is a talented builder, and likes to use his talents to help others. He has gone to the small European country of Skymar, tWhat delightful story! Luke is a talented builder, and likes to use his talents to help others. He has gone to the small European country of Skymar, to work on an orphanage. He meets a Grace Kelly look-alike who is in charge of the renovations. In one on their first meetings, she accidentally hits him in the face with a hammer, having been startled by something furry in a closet. And well, the rest, as they say, is history. Actually, she is a royal princess, and Luke is about as common as they come. And yet, there is a growing attraction and a chemistry beyseen them that cannot be denied. This sweet and lovely story is well written and quite unusual in its plot. With texts from his sisters, Luke gets all the advice he needs and then some. And with her loving parents watching out for her, the princess gets more support than she could have hoped for. Do these two get their happily ever after? It just doesn’t seem possible . . . or does it? This is one of better romances to come along in a long time. Don’t miss it!...more
Ginny manages a hotel in Seattle. Her boss is a hard and demanding woman who received the hotel in a divorce settlement. Jacqueline manages a fishing Ginny manages a hotel in Seattle. Her boss is a hard and demanding woman who received the hotel in a divorce settlement. Jacqueline manages a fishing lodge in Idaho. Her boss is her loving grandfather, who owns the resort. Jacqueline is most unhappy with her duties, but it was the only job she could get after graduating with a hospitality degree. Ginny is burning out from the day to day stress of trying to please her boss when nothing really ever pleases her. An website offering to connect people who want to swap jobs for a couple of months catches the eyes of these two managers, and a contract completes the deal, just for the summer. Jacqueline has overstated her abilities and gets in over her head. She is too taken with the big city to really concentrate on her job. Ginny loves the new people she has met, the duties she now has, and the opportunity to put her creativity to good use. Alas, things go awry. This lovely and sweet story is a great summer read. The characters come alive on the page, and readers may find themselves wanting to offer advice, especially to Jacqueline! Well written, with great characters in an imaginative plot, this story is entertaining and delightful. ...more
Greta’s brother disappears along with his friends, lost in the maze of the theatre’s secret tunnels. Decades later, the same thing apparently happens Greta’s brother disappears along with his friends, lost in the maze of the theatre’s secret tunnels. Decades later, the same thing apparently happens to another person, a friend of Kit’s, during a ghost walk of the theatre. Neither woman is willing to stop searching for these missing people. Neither will they give up trying to find the reason why or how they disappeared, nor will they stop looking for who is really behind the disappearances. Told in two time frames, the stories will eventually connect in a surprising manner. Very well written, suspenseful and mysterious, the book will enfold readers into a gripping tale of intrigue. Well-developed characters who come alive on the page add much interest to the suspense of the story. ...more
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