Lullaby Road - James Anderson

Route 117 is a remote, lonely road that runs through the desert of Utah. When winter arrives, the road can become treacherous. Ben Jones, delivery driver, knows too well how the road is unforgiving.

Delivering what the people need – water, horse feed, food – Ben meets an eclectic number of characters. Some, he has more of a history with than others. Including Walt, owner of the ‘never open diner’ and father to the woman Ben loved and who was murdered. Still battling the loss, and the heartache, he continues his deliveries ‘serving as the region’s sole lifeline to the outside world’.

When Cecil, owner of a seedy truck stop informs him of a package left for him, Ben is astounded to find a small child and a dog with a note attached from Pedro, a man who worked at the tire shop. A note which ominously asks the truck driver to look after Juan and to ‘tell no-one’.  With the cold temperatures, there’s no way Ben can leave a defenseless child. Reluctantly he takes his new ward – and the dog – with him.

Then his next-door neighbor, Ginny, suddenly appears at the stop. She’s desperate. Working and studying, plus a million other things she does, including being a mother to Annabelle, she needs help. Can Ben look after her sweet baby whilst she goes to class? Ben can’t seem to say no. Ginny’s mother is a no-good woman and Ben’s affection for Ginny is founded on the young girls amazing fortitude despite a mother that isn’t around for her.

Along his route, he bumps in to Preacher John. A man who carries a very large, very heavy cross along the route. One day, a vehicle won’t see him and he’ll be mown down. And, yet it hasn’t happened. Ben and John share an imaginary cigarette every now and then. Ben likes John. So, when he gets knocked over and is suffering with severe injuries, Ben makes the arduous journey to Price to get much needed medical supplies, until Life Flight can get to John. And then Ben finds out that someone has cancelled the helicopter.

In a complicated six degrees of separation, the residents of Rockmuse, Price and Route 117 are intertwined and Ben is seemingly caught up in their stories. With little choice but to take his precious cargo along the way, he finds himself slowly unravelling the reason why Pedro left his child with him, the reason for John’s accident all the while keeping his truck moving along the highway, where drivers he meets succumb to stupidity and the weather.

A slow-moving narrative that is packed with details. The characters are all very well developed and the plot is very intriguing. Told from the viewpoint of Ben, it’s an insiders view to life on the road. Whilst I enjoyed it, I felt that I should have read the previous authors novel, The Never-Open Desert Diner to get a better understanding of his relationship with Walt and Claire, his murdered daughter. Overall, it is a very well plotted and well written novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books as part of their review program. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

The Chamberlain Key - Timothy P Smith

A successful appraiser, and part of a renowned family business, Smith is very interested in the history of objects. Then, he has a recurring dream. When another dream occurs that takes him to British Columbia, he starts a journey that will reveal a hidden text in a sacred book.

This 'story' is well written and easy to read. Told more like a novel than a non-fiction narrative, Smith conveys how his dreams led his way to exploring the ‘equidistance’ of a key the Torah. A key he calls Chamberlain. With the advancement of computer technology, he was able to delve further in to what this meant to him and eventually what it would mean to everyone else.

I believe the point of this book is not to deny Elohim’s truth. But, I may have missed any other points Smith raised. I understand the author’s journey to discovering a key that seemed to link to his life, but what kind of message was he trying to say? That we’re all within the sacred words of the Torah? That we all have a part to play in passing on the Word? In the last few chapters, Smith reveals events that were foretold in the scripture, although he insists he’s not researching this to predict the future.

For me it was a fantastical read, difficult to believe, although I am keen to understand how people come to believe that there are messages hidden in sacred scripts. But, the authors’ belief is real, deep and grounded in ‘proof’. And, whilst it was good to get the background of Smith’s findings, I found that last few chapters the most interesting and informative.

Whilst the mind may wonder (mine did) to other works such as ‘The Bible Code’ (mentioned in this book) and fictional work like the 'Da Vinci Code', there is something far more serious about the Chamberlain Key. Smith is certainly humble in his findings, and is not keen to immediately share them, lending a quality of credibility. It’s easy to dismiss this research as another ‘conspiracy theory –  hidden meanings in sacred words’, but, despite my misgivings, I do believe that Timothy P Smith has found something of interest.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books, part of WaterBrook publishing, and part of their blogging program. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Gatekeepers - Chris Whipple

From Nixon's Watergate, Reagan's Iran-Contra affair to Obama's non follow through on Syria, author Chris Whipple takes the reader through a political journey of what it takes to be Chief of Staff (COS).

The book details how important this role is to the president, and if the COS was more brutally honest, didn't back down from confrontation or was too loyal, then certain events may not have happened.

Presidents always seek information and advice of key confidants. "When the president makes a life-and-death decision, often the Chief of Staff can make or break an administration, and each president reveals himself by the chief he picks."

Flowing in a chronological order, the books gives the outsider an insight on how the Oval Office is run - all the from the viewpoint of the chief of staff. Whipple offers his analysis and having interviewed several people, including two presidents, several chiefs of staff's (naturally) he has shown a world very few people see on a daily basis.

In his Epilogue, Whipple writes: "That duty - telling the president what he does not want to hear- will prove all the more important for Trump's chief., who will be advising a man who has shown no evidence that he has the focus, knowledge, or discipline required to be commander in chief. Never has a president been more in need of a "reality therapist"..."

A fascinating read. One that if you're completely or slightly interested in politics, even if you're not, just read it. It's a combination of every political TV drama out there in written form. Intrigue, history, and scandal.  I could quote the whole book, however this struck me as I read it, mainly because of the current political climate: page 289 (after considering the use of executive orders) "'...let's execute smartly.'" Barack Obama.

An engaging, informative book and a highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books program to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

The Angel of Forest Hill - Cindy Woodsmall

Rose Kurtz, quiet and unsure of herself, yet hard-working, has been asked by her Bishop to travel to Forest Hill to help a family. Lost in her thoughts when asked, she only half listened to the request but accepted that she had little choice.

With no fond farewell from her family, Rose arrives at the home of Joel Dienner. There she finds that she’s not helping in the way she expected. Thrust in to the role of surrogate mother to a newborn and two boisterous toddlers who constantly seek their mother, Rose must buckle down and deal with the situation before her. Her familiar prayer, “Dear God, if it’s not a bother, show me what to do, and let Your truth set me free," gives her the strength to do just that.

However, as a single woman, Rose cannot stay in the house with a widowed man. Joel’s father comes up with a solution that in his grief, Joel agrees to but not before asking Rose what her expectations are regarding their marriage of convenience. Kindness is all she requires.

Time passes and Joel finds himself in love with Rose. But can they move forward with so much of the past still surrounding them – the death of his wife, the unhappy familial home life of Rose – and now Joel’s mother-in-law has spoken to the Bishop about a personal situation.

Rose is horrified, Joel angry. Now there is talk of an annulment. Can they overcome this latest obstacle and have a happy Christmas?

A short and sweet romance with a Christmas background. I wished it were a little longer but that’s only because Cindy creates characters that have so much depth and realism. Her ability to write an absorbing, warming story is exceptional. It’s an easy read and fans of Amish fiction and/or Cindy Woodsmall will not be disappointed. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books as part of their blogger program. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Doodletopia: Manga Style - Christopher Hart

In the second book of the 'Doodletopia' series, the talented Christopher Hart explains in simple yet detailed fashion of how to draw manga cartoons.

From humans to animals, there are signature effects and styles that are adhered to so as to create memorable manga characters. Besides showing how to draw a face on figure, Hart shows how to draw the character in situ, show facial expressions, actions and so on.

The book ventures on to other areas such as mazes and creating a page of doodles - this is where you draw tiny manga icons.

Hart's easy going style is very encouraging. Even if you have little artistic ability, you will be able to follow his examples with ease and little fear.

I've wanted to be able to draw cartoon type figures for a while and Hart has given me both a boost and the confidence to try. It's a step by step process but he allows you to be in charge of creativity - the scenarios your figures may find themselves in - and throughout the book he emphasizes to have fun. It's a great start to creating your own manga type characters as well as make stationery or bookmarks. A recommended read

I was given a copy of this book as part of the Blogging For Books program. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Fraying the Edge (Book 2) – The Amish of Summer Grove - Cindy Woodsmall

Continuing the absorbing, heart wrenching story from Book 1, Ariana Brenneman's Amish life disappeared in a blink of an eye when it was discovered that she was not the biological daughter of Lovina and Isaac. Now the parents of Skylar Nash have asked that she spend a year with them.

Absorbed into an Englischer world with a dad keen to expand her views, especially questioning her deep faith, Ariana is alone. Well, almost. Quill Schlabach is a childhood friend who lives an Englisch life but past betrayals make Ariana wonder whether she can trust him. Yet in a new world with so many expectations thrown at her – learn to drive (a car), listen to music, watch movies – is she able to get through the next 12 months without some guidance from him?

Skylar’s choice is either rehab or staying with the large Brenneman family. A choice she feels that isn’t one. The prospect of living without her phone and modern comforts is one thing but she’s more hurt by the fact that her parents, especially her mother, seemed to have ‘dropped’ her off with zeal. Having the pure and perfect Ariana is an opportunity to start over. The bigger problem, perhaps, for the young woman is her addiction to prescription drugs and the fear that perhaps she doesn’t belong in either family.  

As the days roll into months, they are both learning how to adjust to their new lives. With one woman having little regard for God and the other with unwavering faith, will they be able to adjust to what is expected of them? For Ariana it's overwhelming but she knows she belongs back in Summer Grove. Skylar is wary of the devotion her new family show to her. But as she works in Ariana’s café she feels her attitude softening towards the hardworking family.

Very much a set up for the next in the series this story is still filled with deep, meaningful characters, descriptions and words. Woodsmall’s ability to create a fictional world where the reader is instantly interested in their lives is outstanding. Whilst the author hasn’t delved deeply into addiction and the stress of going clean, it’s still paramount that Skylar is suffering.

Questioning faith and questioning the merits of materialism is the main theme in the next chapter of this series and whilst I found the Nicholas (Skylar's dad) overbearing in his quest to 'modernize' his real daughter, it was obvious he had little knowledge of being in an Amish community and didn't seem to want to understand it. In turn, will Isaac appreciate that his daughter may have her own opinions?

A thoroughly enjoyable addition to the Summer Grove series. With a few subplots weaved in, this story will not disappoint. A highly recommended read especially fans of Amish and/or Christian Fiction.         

I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Blogging for Books program. The opinions expressed here are my own and I am not required to give a positive review.

Home Cooked - Anya Fernald with Jessica Battilana

A beautifully written cookbook where, detailed in the opening pages, the author Anya Fernald shares her background and her passion for cooking.

Fernald cooks with gusto and heart. She's worked with farmers, home cooks and understands the frugalness that is often required in cooking in rural parts of Italy. And with all this knowledge, she's crafted a book filled with easy to follow, simple, rustic recipes.

As an avid cook, I devoured (pun intentional) with enthusiasm. Whilst some may find the book a little 'wordy', I liked the opening gambit before each recipe because it gave a sense of familiarity as well useful hints and tips. Divided in to inviting chapters - 'Building Blocks', 'Welcome', 'Take a Seat', and 'Stay a While', Fernald takes you on a culinary journey to creating balanced, nutritious, home cooked meals for both every day and special dinners.

There were so many recipes that I wanted to try but figured I wouldn't be able to review the book in a timely manner, so pared it down to three. The first one that I tried was Sofritto - a combination of onions, carrots and celery - but never thought to caramelize it. It added a lovely depth of flavor to the Bolognese that I cooked.

Sofritto - page 17

Blistered Green Beans - page 143

I then tried the Blistered Green Beans and again another straight forward recipe but one I didn't think to do - roasting beans? The beans were so tasty and made such a difference from the usual blanching.

Finally, I did the buttermilk biscuits. But I did cheat somewhat and not make my own buttermilk. (Fernald explains how to do this). Whilst there are many favored buttermilk biscuits out there, the difference here or rather key to being different, is to make your own buttermilk.



Buttermilk Biscuits - page 65

Overall, I found the methods easy to follow and ingredients easy to find. There may be some more exclusive things like hazelnut flour or obtaining beef bones to make your own broth but I think the point of this cookery book is to be aware of the basics, learn them and your food will become more flavorful. What I look for in a cookbook is its adaptability and I think there are many recipes in which I can tweak to my liking and not affect its essence.
A highly recommended read that will lead to cooking.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Seasons of Tomorrow (Amish Vines & Orchards Book 4) - Cindy Woodsmall

Rhoda Byler and Samuel King are co-owners of the Orchard Bend Farms along with Samuel's brother Jacob. The three became entangled in a bitter estrangement after Rhoda and Samuel fell in love - even though Rhoda was seeing Jacob. That was several months ago and like the seasons, life changes and continues.

The spirited young woman has healed somewhat from the break-up and is determined to see the farm grow successfully. Her God given gift of 'profound intuition' has become less of an issue as Samuel is the strength to her understanding of the present bestowed upon her.

Whilst the new couple toil the land, Jacob is taking on construction work and trying, with God's grace, to not become bitter about losing his girl to his brother. When he meets a vibrant, confident woman known affectionately as 'Shark Bait' the wounded man begins to believe that having a real friend and friendship is important to a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Winter turns to spring to summer all too soon and things are about to take a turn for the worse. Phoebe, Rhoda's sister in law, is expecting and the younger sister of Samuel, Leah, has fallen in love with the Englisher Landon Olson. They've managed to keep it a secret but as more Amish families have moved into Maine there's no telling who may have seen them together. Therefore, it's no surprise when her Daed comes to the farm guns blazing demanding she return to Pennsylvania.

But a sudden tragedy strikes and their faith is severely tested. Rhoda and Samuel are losing their help quickly and with the harvest soon upon them they turn to Jacob for help. Will the past hurt prevent his return and end their dreams of starting a new community in Maine?

The final book in the series sees the gutsy and passionate Rhodes finally in a relationship where her gifts are not only understood but accepted. Jacob slowly finds peace with what has happened yet there are hints of his mistrust of strong and courageous women. Is this really the path that God has chosen for them? When asked to return to help he's unsure of how he will react. Can the the three move past their bruised hearts and become friends once again? And will Leah be able to make the tough decision of leaving the Amish faith?

Another thoroughly enjoyable novel from the Vines and Orchards range. Romance abounds in addition to being detailed with raw and honest emotions. Woodsmall's book is articulate and expressive and completely engrossing. Beautifully written, book four provides a satisfying conclusion to the series without being rushed. It's sad to say goodbye to such well thought out and realistic characters as well as an inspiring story, I shall miss them! A very highly recommended read.

Previous reviews: (unfortunately I didn't review Book 1 but Cindy gives an excellent 'the story so far' introduction that you don't feel like you've missed out). The Winnowing Season (Book 2), For Every Season (Book 3)

Find out more about the author at: Cindy Woodsmall

I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Blogging for Books program from WaterBrook Press in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Wishing on Willows - Katie Ganshert

Robin Price has a lot on her plate; an energetic three year old, a cafe that's struggling to make ends meet, yet both are reminders of a much loved husband, Micah, who died nearly four years ago.

Having Willow Tree Cafe allows Robin to be thankful that her business is a strong part of the community especially that of the One Life ministry to whom she gladly provides refreshments, free of charge.

Then one day, handsome developer Ian McKay turns up on the doorstep of her beloved town Peaks talking of a development of condominiums - to be built where the cafe and two other shops reside. Is the town going to let this happen? The Mayor, a loyal customer of the Willow Tree, is a fan of the plans. Would people let a vital ministry fade away? Shatter her dreams that she shared with Micah? With both Robin and Ian determined to win the ensued battle, a town becomes divided. But there's more to this change. Both have a past that they need to let go of, let go before they lose out on the opportunity to have a future together. One that they both don't see rushing towards them.

Will they be able to take this second change that God has created for them? Or will them remain alone and wonder when the pain of their old lives will recede?

Consumed by grief that many feel is stopping her live again, Robin is a beautiful yet stubborn woman. Faultlessly devoted to her son, the real question is - how long should she mourn for her husband? Beautifully written, Ganshert has created a story that is heartbreaking yet filled with so much hope. All the characters are robust and scripted perfectly. Amanda, Robin's sister-in-law, takes some of the limelight which breaks up the intensity of the burgeoning love story between Ian and Robin as well as the condo development.

Hooked from the first few pages, this is an easy to read book. Whilst there are characters from the authors previous book, Wildflowers From Winter, it's still very much a stand alone novel. Characterization is well thought out as is its dialogue. A true testament of a good writer is evoking emotions from the reader and for me a lot was annoyance with Amanda's 'meddling'. Even if she meant well, it still grated on my nerves somewhat. That aside, the romance is there bubbling nicely away and what I really like about Ganshert is that she isn't afraid to question God's intentions. She does this in an honest, every day life way and gives answers that makes sense. Overall, another great book - a highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Blogging for Books program, part of WaterBrookMultnomah publishing. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive review.

Be Still My Soul - Joanne Bischof

Content to blend into the background, Lonnie Sawyer is a shy, innocent and hardworking 17 year old. Living in the hollows of the Appalachian hills, her family is poor and endure an abusive father/husband.

When the town's ladies man, Gideon O'Riley walks her home one evening, their kiss sets off a chain of events that no-one expected. Seen by Joel, Lonnie's father, he forces them to marry with the firm belief that his eldest daughter committed a sin. With neither one knowing or loving each other, Gideon makes the decision to leave Rocky Knob behind and head for the large town of Stuart to find a job.

In a harsh journey fueled by anger and the injustice of marrying a practical stranger Gideon leads Lonnie on a path filled with dangers. His growing resentment leads him to make silly decisions and he treats his new wife with complete contempt. Used to being treated roughly, Lonnie tries to stand up to Gideon but the journey is taking its toll. Her deep faith in God is ebbing as she struggles to understand the path that He is asking her to take. Meeting the grizzly Jebediah and his homely wife Elsie, is a turning point - one that may see Lonnie losing Gideon forever. Will she and Gideon ever be united as husband and wife? Gideon knows that all Lonnie wants is to be genuinely loved, little does he realize that he may need that love reciprocated.

Bischof's debut novel is a powerful romance that questions her's characters faith in both love and God. Each of her characters have been crafted to create people with great depth and warmth. Gideon is slow to like, Lonnie's courage and faith is immediately captivating - they're opposites in almost every way yet there is an attraction and Gideon finds himself being protective and Lonnie forgiving until he pushes her too far. Beautifully written, the story is enticing and rich with descriptions of the Virginian mountains and its people.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the opening page I couldn't put it down. Emotions are abound and I found myself in varying stages of happiness, frustration  annoyance and tears. Bischof's gentle weaving of a growing love as well as the questioning of faith is charming and a highly recommended read for fans of either/both romance and Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Blogging for Books program part of WaterBrook Multnomah publishing. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive review. 

Wildflowers from Winter - Katie Ganshert

Young architect Bethany Quinn works at a prestigious firm in Chicago, has a lawyer boyfriend and generally a great life - one that is millions of miles away from the trailer park that she left back in Iowa when she was a teenager.

Unexpectedly, a strained call from her mother tells Bethany of her grandfather's ailing health. With regret she returns home to visit Dan having not seen him for five years as well as face a best friend she hasn't seen in ten years who is dealing with her own heartbreaking trials.

Things turn for the worse and now Bethany has inherited five hundred acres of farmland and the attractive Evan Price who takes care of the Quinn farm just adds a complication that Bethany would rather do without.

Suddenly there is a myriad of events to cope with - a grieving friend, an ending relationship, the loss of her job and meeting up with her past in the form of a much despised pastor. On top of all of this, Bethany tries to deny her attraction to Evan. He disagrees with the way she sees the future of the farm and in spite of himself, Evan is drawn to her too.

Faced with an uncertain future she realizes with all the bridges that she tried to burn, the one that will allow her to have a new life, love and ultimately peace is the one with God. Can she recapture her faith in Him and the people of Peaks?

What an amazing and powerful story. Beautifully written Wildflowers from Winter will tug on all of your emotions. It takes an honest look at how one person's life can be broken by another's misuse of religion. And how relationships and friendships that may have been lost, can be renewed; how love can find its way to even to the most shielded of hearts. Superbly written, Ganshert's debut novel is frank, poignant and so compelling I read it in one day - yes it's that good! A very highly recommended read.

Find out more about author Katie Ganshert at : http://katieganshert.com/

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the WaterbrookMultonomah through their Blogging for Books program. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive review.