A Passionate Hope: Hannah's Story (Daughters of the Promised Land, #4

A Passionate Hope: Hannah's Story by Jill Eileen Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Without a doubt, this is THE best book I've read in quite a long time. The story of Hannah and her desperation to bear a child, has long been a favorite of mine. I've often thought of the deep pain and despair she must have felt while having to endure the taunts and degredation by Peninniah. Jill Eileen Smith has brought those feelings to life in such a way as to touch my very soul. I was initially skeptical and leery of reading a fictional account based on a real life Bible character, but Mrs. Smith has quite obviously done her homework and describes the lifestyles in Hannah's days with accuracy and vividity. This story has come alive to me like I'd never imagined possible and has given me an even deeper respect for both Hannah and Elkanah. I highly, HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who has ever been touched by the story of Hannah and her great faith in Adonai.

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Missing Isaac by Valerie Fraser Luesse
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a wonderful book to debut and showcase Valerie Fraser Luesse's style of writing. Missing Isaac is packed full of emotion and brings to life the realities of racial issues and segregation in the 1960's. You'll fall in love with each character, and find yourself both laughing and crying through their joys and heartaches. Ms. Luesse has woven the characters together in such a way as to make them all feel like family. There is something in each chapter that we all can identify with. You'll find yourself caught up in the story line and unable to put the book down as you anxiously await the conclusion of the mystery of Isaac's disappearance. A book I would highly recommend to anyone unafraid to cross racial barriers and befriend those shunned by the majority.

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A Matter of Trust - Mystery and the Minister's Wife - Diane Noble (Guideposts books)

A Matter of Trust by Diane Noble


I'm beginning to see why everyone loves Guideposts books. They're wonderful! This was yet another "can't put it down" story, but a little too far-fetched and cliche to be realistic. Still yet the storyline was compelling, and the plot well thought out. Definitely one for my recommendation list. If you're a fan of international mystery and intrigue, you'll thoroughly enjoy this book.

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Angels Walking - Angels Walking series, book #1 - Karen Kingsbury

Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury


Really loved this book. Alzheimer's is a truly horrible illness, and this book dealt with it beautifully. I love how Karen Kingsbury weaves the message of God's grace throughout her storylines in a touching and realistic manner. This was my second time reading one of her works, and I'm just as impressed with this one as I was with the first. I'm very much looking forward to reading the 3rd book in the Angels Walking series.

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For the Least of These - Mystery and the Minister's Wife - Charlotte Carter

For the Least of These by Charlotte Carter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful, WONDERFUL book. I thouroughly enjoyed the story, and found it difficult to put the book down. There's little that can be as heartwarming as a story of children in need of love and provision. Finding those needs met by people who truly care is uplifting and encouraging. It's difficult to review this book without a "spoiler", so just suffice it to say the ending literally brought tears to my eyes. A very good book which I highly recommend!

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Back Home Again - Tales from Grace Chapel Inn - Melody Carlson

Back Home Again by Melody Carlson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Without a doubt, the best book I've read all year. Melody Carlson has a winner! As an adopted child, who didn't discover her biological family until later in life, I often dreamed of having sisters like the Howard sisters. And a Bed and Breakfast is just icing on the cake. From heartache and loss, to hope, family strength and fresh starts, this book has it all. I laughed, I cried, and I fumed as the sisters faced nearly insurmountable odds to achieve their dream. I could read this book a hundred times and never tire of the story. If you've never read it, please do. You'll be forever grateful that you did.

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Mandie and the Forbidden Attic - Book 4 in the Mandie Series

Mandie and the Forbidden Attic by Lois Gladys Leppard
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Enjoyed this one. Found myself getting bogged down at times in the "follow the rules" aspect of the story, but considering the time period in which this book was set, I think Lois Gladys Leppard did an outstanding job of dealing with an issue that is too often swept under the rug. All in all, it's a good book that the target age group would likely enjoy reading.

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