Problem solved!

Remember this post from a couple weeks ago? I shared with you a new favorite movie, and in the process lamented the terrible state of my copy of Jane Austen's novels. My last reading of Persuasion was the straw that broke the camel's back and the back cover came off completely. Trying to read a book that thick without a back cover is quite difficult, so frequent visits to the world of Jane Austen were our of the question.

During the chaos that is Christmas at my parents (you really should have seen all of the gifts under the tree...needless to say we were all spoiled) I unwrapped a heavy rectangular gift. Inside was this:
A beautiful new copy of Jane Austen's Novels! This photo really doesn't do justice to the color and embossing on the cover. Thanks Mom and Dad for reading my blog and picking up on what I would really love to find under the tree!

Purchases made through links to Amazon.com will result in compensation.

Plain Promise by Beth Wiseman REVIEW

Sadie Fisher lives a simple live in Lancaster County Pennsylvania. An Amish widow, she supports herself by selling handmade goods in a small shop and occasionally renting out a small cottage on her property. She seems to have found another chance for love and companionship through letters with a good Amish man living in Texas. They hope to eventually marry and start a life together near his family, but their courtship has been a slow one and they have never met in person. Everything changes when a rich Englisher rents her cottage for a few months. He is single with a young autistic son, and is seeking answers to life’s difficult questions. Sadie is instantly drawn to this man and his young son. What will become of their friendship? You will have to read Plain Promise by Beth Wiseman to find out more.

I truly enjoyed this sweet story of love and friendship. The characters were likeable and well developed and the plot was well developed making aspects of the story that might seem a bit unlikely, believable. I am finding that I enjoy books about the Amish, and hope to find more at my local bookstore, particularly by this author. I recommend this book to those looking for a quick, enjoyable, uplifting story filled with love, friendship and faith.

You can read more about Beth Wiseman by visiting her website at http://www.bethwiseman.net/

I received one copy of this book from Thomas Nelson in order to read it and provide this review for you. I received no further compensation and the opinion expressed above is honest and completely my own.

Fearless by Mac Lucado REVIEW

Imagine your life without fear. We all live with fear, in many forms: fear of not belonging, fear of death, fear of violence, fear of not protecting our children and more. Max Lucado, minister and author of the famed children’s book You Are Special (among others), presents the words of Christ as a way to combat fear. Mr. Lucado says, “Fear may fill our world, but doesn’t have to fill our hearts. It will always knock on the door. Just don’t invite it in for dinner…”

I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. It was an easy book to read, and did not take much time, but the time spent reading was time well spent. The concepts and scriptures he quoted were not ones with witch I was unfamiliar, but the reminders were poignant. We do NOT have to become bogged down with fear. We can look to the Savior for comfort when needed.

My absolute favorite part of this book is found in the chapter about Fear of Not Mattering. It is a poem about the people of Stiltsville, and I am happy to hear that an extended version of this poem is being made into a Children’s book entitled the Tallest of Smalls. I will be eagerly awaiting the release of this book, so I can add it to my book shelves.

I found a few doctrinal differences from my beliefs, but for the most part the book followed basic Christian principals found in the Bible. My only complaint is the mix of Bible translations used throughout the book, and none of which was the King James, the version that I was raised with and still read today. I think the more modern translations, while at times easier to understand, lose the beauty that is found in the language of the King James.

All in all, this was a marvelous book and I recommend it highly. Fearless is available today at bookstores near you and online. For more information about this book you can head to www.TheFearlessBook.com

Thank you to for sending me a copy to review.