Book Review: Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

    Recently, I was given the opportunity to read an advance copy of the book, Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer. Obviously, being chosen to review one of my favorite author's books was an honor I happily accepted. I wanted to read this book before i even knew what it was about, but once I did know the plot, I was even more eager to read it. This is Sawyer's first contemporary title that does not follow an Old Order Mennonite character. While I was optimistic that this book would be as good as Sawyer's previous novels, I was blown away by how much I loved this book.

     Focusing on three different generations, a grandmother, daughter, and granddaughter, this book was unlike any other I have read. This book was flashing between the characters points of view, focusing on both the past and present, all the while seamless in presentation, and never confusing. That alone is a feat!

    While I love nothing more than a good mystery, often I have to sacrifice suspense in exchange for a hope-filled story. Such is not the case for "Bringing Maggie Home." Not only was I captivated by the mystery and the search for answers, I was delighted by the relatable characters, the hope-filled pages, and Christ-centered story. I have rarely found a book I love enough to read more than a couple times, but this book is sure to be read many times over.
   
     In the book, there is tension between Hazel and Diane, the grandmother and her daughter. I was brought face to face with the reality that I had unforgiveness towards my great-grandma for many of the same reasons Diane was frustrated with Hazel. In this way, the book was healing to me, helping me to see hurts and frustrations in my own heart that I hadn't realized were there. After reading this book, I have a new gratitude for my great-grandma, and I am so grateful to have seen through fiction what actually could change my heart. What an incredible book that it can bring healing I didn't even know I needed!
 
     Overall, I am blown away by Bringing Maggie Home. As much as I have loved Kim's past books, this one is by far her best yet. I would recommend this a thousand times over. The perfect mix of suspense and resolve, and full of poignant realities such as the toll of hidden fear and harbored bitterness, and how Christ is the only one who can fix us. If you like mysteries, love a great story, and can read, buy this book!



















Thanks to Kim and the publisher for giving me a copy to read and review!

Fiction Friday: A Clearing in the Wild by Jane Kirkpatrick

     Emma Wagner is trapped. Feeling constricted by the restrictions of Bethel, Missouri, she defies the communities leader and chooses to marry whomever she pleases. In this small community of those who want to live a simple life, her rebellion is not well tolerated. When her new husband is sent off on a mission to gather more believers, she feels as if the colony’s leader is not keeping the community’s best interest at heart. When she begs the leader to let her travel with her husband on his pioneering journey west, she discovers her independence, and she begins to once again desire the small community.

     I found this book to be very well written, and I enjoyed the first-person narration. I found that although it is not extremely suspenseful, I did want to keep turning the pages. Once I had read a bit past the middle, it did start to drag. Mainly, I just like the characters to do what I tell them, and when they do not, I get a little irritated with them. I do believe this book was worth reading, but it was not a fast-paced read. It did have a good plot, it just wasn’t one where there was a cliffhanger. Also, I REALLY liked the cover. A lot. It was stunning.

     Overall, I believe this book is an interesting read for ages 13+. It shares a lot of fascinating information about the Pioneers, as well as information about America in the 1850s. This would be a good read for anyone who like stories based on a real person.

The Author's Website: http://www.jkbooks.com/

This book is only $6 on Amazon if you like paperback!

This book was given to me free of charge from the fantastic company, Waterbrook Multnomah, in exchange for this review. I would LOVE it if you would rank my review!

Book Review: The Insatiable Quest For Beauty by Tiffany Dawn

Have you ever wished you were beautiful? Again and again, we are told that true beauty is on the inside, but in a photo-shopped world, it is hard to find our true beauty in Christ.  In this heartfelt and honest book, Tiffany Dawn shares her struggle of trying to feel beautiful. She shows how a quest for beauty is an insatiable one, no matter how much makeup you wear, or how few clothes. In a blunt, yet touching manner, she lets every girl know that they are indeed loved by God, and truly beautiful, inside and out.

I liked:

• Everything! This is one of the best books on beauty I have read. I loved that at the beginning of each “coffee date” (chapter) she shared what kind of coffee she was having. I enjoyed her brutal honesty, as well as her chapter reviews. I loved this book because she is very well spoken, yet still approachable. She is sincere about her struggles, and she does not sugar coat what the quest for beauty is.  Throughout the book, I found myself sympathizing and relating to her struggles, and this book pushes you to be a better person.

Overall, I believe this is the best book on beauty that I have read thus far.  If you know any girl ages 13+ who is struggling with her body image, I would recommend this book!

Thank you so much to Tiffany for letting me review her fantastic book!

Check out the author’s website for some awesome music as well as some book-related material. http://bit.ly/11oH54h

As it happens, you can buy this book for your kindle for the marvelous price of $2.99! So go, my friends, and purchase this fantastic manuscript!

Fiction Friday: Waiting for Morning by Margaret Brownley.

In this humorous, entertaining tale, Molly Hatfield is the next wishful woman who has dared to try her hand at cattle ranching. In 1890s, reputable work for a single woman was hard to find. Not to mention that her brother is unable to walk, and must have constant care.  That is, until she meets Dr. Caleb Fairbanks. As a handsome, youthful doctor, Caleb is often ignored, thought to be lacking experience. When he meets Molly and her brother, he is shocked at Molly’s beauty. Through the rigors of life on Last Chance Ranch, Molly must choose between her brother’s well being, and that of her heart.

I liked:

• The cover. I believe, although you should not judge a book by its cover, the cover is important.
• The humor. One of my favorite things about Margaret’s books is the humorous sections.

I disliked:

• The sickness. While I realize that there was sickness in the 1800s and 1900s, I honestly cannot find a reason that books consistently talk about modern-day illnesses. I am not talking about her brother’s disability, more so the different diseases mentioned in the book. I read books as a form of entertainment, and I want them to be uplifting. If I wanted to read about sickness, I would read a medical journal.

Overall, if you do not mind reading about sickness, it is reasonably good. I understand that this is completely my opinion on the matter, and therefore I am still giving this book three stars. If you read the first book in this series, Dawn Comes Early, then I will warn you that this book is not nearly as good as the first. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a humorous read along with medical science.

This book was given to me courtesy of the publisher, in exchange for a review. 

Fiction Friday: A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano

Lady Eliza Summer is on a quest for justice. Disguised as a governess, she is determined to find the man who stole her fortune when her father died. She seems to be making progress when she has a major setback, and is forced to become the governess for Mr. Hamilton Beckett’s two unruly children. When she begins to fall for Mr. Beckett, she has to choose whether to pursue her fortune, or his affection.

        This was a great book. With much more suspense than I was expecting, as well as a beautiful love story woven throughout, I believe this book is a great example of Christian historical romance. I love when there is a completely pure romance in a book, and, unfortunately, that is much too rare in today’s society.  

     The character development in this book is phenomenal to say the least. The author certainly knows how to create a unique character. Also, what a beautiful cover, I love it!
    The only thing questionable for ages 13 and under is violence. Personally, I did not feel uncomfortable at all, and Jen Turano does a great job at not making it graphic. That said, there is a murder, and depending on your personal standards, you could be squeamish about that.

     Overall, I found this book to be fantastic, a great use of my time.  If you are looking for a well-written book, then make sure to buy this one!

This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for a free review

Fiction Friday: A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs

Margaret Campell is a successful, twenty-six year old teacher in Edinburgh. After a fight with her brother on Christmas Eve, she quickly takes a train away from her hometown of Stirling. On the train, she meets and intriguing stranger, one who she realizes is Gordon Shaw, the man who had paralyzed her brother with his careless drunkenness. When their train goes awry, she is forced to bring him back to her family’s home. This book perfectly displays the danger of keeping secrets hidden, as well as how the truth really does set you free.

This was a very good book; it had just enough of a plot twist to make it unpredictable, and it was the perfect length for a Christmas vacation. This was one of the first novellas I have read, and it was definitely a good one! It is nice to have a shorter book every once in a while. I could not believe that so much character and plot development could fit into a mere 224 pages (or 1,972 KB, for you e-readers ;) Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a nice, relaxing read on your vacation, or just a fun book for anytime!

I received this book free in exchange for this review, courtesy of the publisher.