Review: The Return

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About the Book

Book title: The Return  
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher  
Release date: Sept 1, 2017  
Genre: Amish  

In a wild country, the true cost of love may be more than they can bear

Beautiful and winsome, Betsy Zook never questioned her family’s rigid expectations, nor those of devoted Hans—but then she never had to. Not until the night she’s taken captive in a surprise Indian raid. Facing brutality and hardship, Betsy finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the feelings she’s developing for a native man who encourages her to see God in all circumstances. 

Greatly anguished by Betsy’s captivity, Hans turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort. She responds eagerly, overlooking troubling signs of Hans’s hunger for revenge. But if Betsy is ever restored to the Amish, will things between Hans and Tessa have gone too far? 

Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of prerevolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.  

My Thoughts

Lancaster, Pennsylvania – 1763

This New World, intended to be a holy experiment of tolerance, was anything but. All these devout people – Scots-Irish, Quakers, Mennonites, Moravians, Lutherans – they all distrusted each other. But let the talk turn to Indians, and they were instantly thick as thieves, united in their hatred.

As with all that Suzanne Woods Fisher writes, The Return is incredible. I won’t go so far as to say that it’s the best book she has written because each story is unique and never fails to touch me, but there is something special about this one.

From a descriptive standpoint, the narrative flows smoothly and every word has a purpose. Careful attention is paid to historical detail, characters are multifaceted – and in the midst of danger and discord for colonists of the New World, Fisher injects a subtle and delightful humor. We even get to see the meaning behind some common sayings heard today … such as hitting the nail on the head and I’ll be there with bells on. This story stands alone, but reading the Amish Beginnings series in order makes for a more fulfilling experience.

Precious and endearing characters abound … Bairn and Anna, whose story began in book one, Anna’s Crossing; Bairn’s now-grown-up brother, Felix, who was a handful as a child and hasn’t yet outgrown some childish tendencies; Caleb, who knows what it’s like to not be fully accepted in any culture; Betsy and Tessa, two pioneer women with strength and determination; and even Rumpled Martin, son of a Mennonite minister. Bairn and Anna, equally strong in faith and love for each other, have been favorites of mine throughout the series. I have to confess a little humanness here, but there’s just something about a Scotsman that gets to me, and when Bairn speaks in his Scotish brogue …

What sets this novel apart is the way readers will connect with the setting and characters, literally being pulled into the scenes. These characters may have lived 250 years ago, but their wisdom, faith and courage are timeless. Spiritual themes are especially relevant … 

   ... the need for grace, reflected in Bairn’s ministry style at Stoney Ridge 
   … how thoughtless words can incite an unquenchable anger and vengeance 
   … prejudice, how easy and tempting it is to paint all people of a certain nationality or belief system with the same brush 
   … that we must never allow evil to be victorious 
   ... and that God is sovereign in all circumstances.

The Return is a wonderfully entertaining and touching story – heartbreaking at times, but filled with the inspiration of grace and hope. I hope to see more from these characters, especially Betsy, Tessa, Caleb and Martin. “Best of the best” for me.

Highly recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and Revell. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

____________________

Favorite quotes …

“It often puzzled Tessa how personal significance was needed for men to see things clearly. Their secret pride.”

“Vengeance is a dangerous master to feed. Its appetite has no end.”

“What virtue does obedience have if it is not examined and then made to be a choice?”

“A bachelor is a man who’s too fast to be caught or too slow to be worth catching.”

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Anna’s Crossing and The Newcomer in the Amish Beginnings series, The Bishop’s Family series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. 

She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

Guest Post from Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Three Sisters’ Garden: Corn, Squash & Beans!

Corn was a new food to the immigrants to the New World, introduced to them by Native Americans. Soon, it became an essential part of their daily diet, in one form or another. Growing it brought yet another new discovery: companion planting in the form of the Three Sisters’ Garden.

According to Iroquois legend, corn, squash and beans were three inseparable sisters who only grew and thrived together. 18^th century Native Americans wouldn’t have understood the science behind why companion planting worked, but they knew it did. Beans, like all legumes, have bacteria living on their roots that help them absorb nitrogen from the air and convert it to a form that plants can use. Corn, which requires a lot of nitrogen to grow, benefits from the legumes and provides a pole support for the beans to climb. Low growing squash leaves shade the soil and prevent weed growth. Their sharp and prickly leaves deter pests. This tradition, of planting corn, beans and squash in the same mounds, became a sustainable system to provide long-term soil fertility among Native American tribes that farmed. 

The wisdom of planting Three Sisters’ Garden was adopted by the immigrants, including our own Betsy Zook from The Return. Betsy learned of the technique while a captive among a tribe of Indians and later, after she had been returned to the Amish, shared her knowledge with Anna and Bairn.  

Have you ever considered growing a Three Sisters’ garden? All you need is the right kind of seeds, a mound of dirt in a sunny spot, and to not forget to water. Mother Nature will do the rest. 

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling, award-winning author of novels about the Old Order Amish. Her interest in the Plain People began with her grandfather, who was raised as a Dunkard (German Baptist) on a farm in Pennsylvania. Suzanne loves to connect with readers! You can find her on-line at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

*Images courtesy of Dream Home Improvement and Technology Exchange Lab

Review (+ Tour GIVEAWAY): Wounded in the Church

To purchase your copy, click here.

About the Book

Book title: Wounded in the Church  
Author: Ray Beeson & Chris Hayward  
Release date: March 14, 2017
Genre: Non-fiction

Church should be a safe place, right? Then why do so many get hurt there? Ray Beeson and Chris Hayward combine their years of ministry experience to address head-on the elephant in the room: church members and church leaders hurt Christians. All the time. And the long-lasting effects—rejection, shame, despair, loneliness, fear—can be devastating. The authors have witnessed the rise of the “dones,” those who are just done with God thanks to scars from church. 

With first-person stories of hurt and loss, this book is a wake-up call for any who deny woundedness in the church but is also a redemptive message for any who hurt from church wounds. Leaders and laypeople alike will learn how to grieve over abuse, to leave unhealthy attitudes and patterns that cause pain, and to trust in God’s real, delivering work through churches that build up, not tear down. Thanks to the grace of God, there is always hope beyond the pain.

My Thoughts

Christians wound their own, and most of us probably know someone who has been hurt or even turned away from God and the church because of this. I don’t understand why we can’t forgive as we’ve been forgiven and freely offer the same grace that we’ve received. Many Christians do, but not all – and it’s those who don’t that seem to get the most attention.

Wounded in the Church, a book that explores this topic in great depth, would be great for personal use and also as a resource for pastors and church leaders. The authors divide this topic into two parts – “The Pain” and “The Hope.” It’s well written, incorporates a lot of real-life examples, and is solidly Scripture based. I loved the meditative ending of each chapter, which includes a proverb and “Psalms for the Wounded” section.

This book is not only helpful to those who have been hurt by other Christians, but eye opening in showing how we could unintentionally be the actual ones wounding others at times. I would like for it to have had more of a personal focus rather than on the established church, but this book still has many strong points. Wounded in the Church is well worth the read.

Recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

About the Authors

Ray Beeson is the director of Overcomers Ministries, a teaching ministry with a special emphasis on spiritual warfare and prayer. Ray teaches seminars on spiritual warfare, prayer, and Christlike living and is the author of numerous books including Signed in His Blood (Charisma House, 2014) and The Hidden Price of Greatness (Overcomers, 2000). Ray and his wife, Linda, live in Ventura, CA. 

Chris Hayward has had over thirty-six years of pastoral ministry and is currently serving as president of Cleansing Stream Ministries, a discipleship ministry that works with the local church around the world. He is also the author of God’s Cleansing Stream (Chosen Books, 2004) and The End of Rejection (Chosen Books, 2007). Chris and his wife, Karen, live in Castaic, CA.

Guest Post from Ray Beeson & Chris Hayward

When we tell people we’ve written a book entitled “Wounded in the Church,” many nod knowingly. Sadly, the pain and heartache that happens in churches is all too common. Collectively, the two of us have spent more than 70 years in ministry. During that time we have seen neglect, tactlessness, and blatant insensitivity fostered by some leaders and congregations resulting in the wounding of others. We realize it is not prolific in every church, but the wounding is significant and it needs to be exposed. 

That is why we wrote this book – we share real stories of real people who were wounded in church, a place that should be a shelter of God’s love and peace. Sometimes people are abused by leaders or church members. There are also times when leaders are abused by people within the congregation. As you read, perhaps you’ll identify with some of the situations described. If so, be assured you are not alone. If you have been wounded, it is our hope and prayer God uses this book to facilitate healing. Because of Jesus Christ, there is hope beyond the pain.

Giveaway

To celebrate this tour, Whitaker House is giving away

- Grand Prize: Kindle Fire and Wounded in the Church by Ray Beeson and Chris Hayward

- First Place Prize: Walking by Faith mug with matching pen OR Bouquet of Blessings mug and Wounded in the Church 
- Second Place Prize: Walking By Faith pen and Wounded in the Church

Click below to enter. And if you or someone you know has experienced this, please share. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

Review: Secrets

Secrets
By Jonathan Daugherty
New Growth Press, 2017


Summary

Everyone has a secret or two, a part of their life they would rather not share with the rest of the world.

But for Jonathan Daugherty, his secret was so life-altering and relationship-ending that he fought to keep it hidden at all costs. And it did cost him. His secret kept him from contentment, peace, and the possibility of being known and loved for who he truly is. That's what any secret addiction can do-but in particular a sex addiction.

After his wife finally discovered his secret, their marriage appeared to be over. In Secrets, Jonathan honestly and courageously shares his story of addiction to pornography and how he lost everything to it.

But that's not how the story ends. While Jonathan struggled, someone else was at work-his heavenly Father. At the lowest possible moment of his life, God stepped in and brought him hope and healing. This is a story of both loss and redemption that gives hope to anyone who has ever experienced the power and struggle of addiction and its life-destroying effects.

Addiction doesn't have the final say over Jonathan's life or in his marriage. The God who finds the lost, heals the sick, and brings life from death has the last, victorious word.

- A courageous, honest and open account of life as a sex addict and how sex addiction destroys marriages.
- A life-affirming and personal story of recovery and redemption that will inspire readers.
- Offers hope to all who struggle with pornography and sex addiction.
- Each chapter includes a "Living in the Light" section designed to equip and help readers find freedom from addiction.
- Suitable as a study for support groups of addicts and those who care about them.

Learn more and purchase a copy.


My thoughts

In Secrets, Jonathan Daugherty recounts a story of his sexual addiction, beginning with his first exposure to pornography as a young teen, in a story this really speaks to all of us. This can’t have been an easy story to share. Daugherty writes on his blog: “God called me into full time ministry to sexually broken people with only three words: Tell your story.” And in Secrets, he does just that.

_________________________

I have come to realize that grace is available to anyone,

even the stray child of God who spent years seeking

to serve himself at the expense of everyone he loves ...

It was just that grace that changed me, and it is that

same grace that keeps changing me.

- Jonathan Daugherty

_________________________

The narrative is well written in an honest, open, and straightforward way. There’s nothing explicit or graphic; rather, a sharing of feelings and coping mechanisms in relationships through the years, cultivating in the moment when he confessed his brokenness. Secrets is ultimately redemptive and I was glad to read about the Be Broken Ministries that he founded. This men’s ministry is having a huge impact and I have already told my pastor about it.

Daugherty talks about keeping secrets, compartmentalizing, hiding his real self from others – and contrasts all this with the truth that sets us free. It’s the reflective and devotional section at the end of each chapter that I think will speak to everyone, because who among us doesn’t have something in our lives that we’ve buried, not sharing in close relationships and maybe even with God?

Secrets has left me with much to think about. For one thing, although addiction comes in all shapes and sizes, certain things are held in common. Daugherty writes: “A trip to the bottom is often a slow one, marked by winding trails of clever temptations that bear no obvious, or immediate, threat to a person’s life.” How true that is! And Daugherty’s insight about confession, learned through personal experience, spoke to me in a special way: “Confession alone changes nothing, unless it is combined with brokenness and repentance.”

I’m so thankful that God uses broken vessels and that Jonathan Daugherty is willing to share his story.

Recommended for personal reading and especially men’s ministries.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/JDaugherty

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Jonathan Daugherty is the founder of Be Broken Ministries, and founder of Gateway to Freedom workshop for men. He also hosts the weekly radio broadcast, Pure Sex Radio, and is in demand nationally as a speaker on sexual purity and men s issues.

He has appeared on multiple radio and television media, both local and national. He has authored "Grace-Based Recovery," "The 4 Pillars of Purity," and other works. Jonathan lives with his wife and three children in San Antonio, Texas.

Find out more about Jonathan at http://www.jonathandaugherty.com.

Review: Hiding from the Kinds in My Prayer Closet

Hiding from the Kids in My Prayer Closet
By Jessica Kastner
David C. Cook, 2017


Summary

Finding grace and laughter when motherhood gets real

Soon after Jessica Kastner became a mother, she wondered if she was the only mom who found pretend play more boring than watching playdough harden and who dreaded yet another friend's Instagram post of homemade deliciousness.

In Hiding from My Kids in the Prayer Closet, Kastner shares her experience as an "unmom"-a mom who loves her kids more than she loves the daily experience of mothering. She helps readers laugh at the ridiculous, delight in the unpredictable, and enjoy being the mothers God made them to be.

Learn more and purchase a copy.


My thoughts

This book captured my attention when I saw the word “unmom” in the description, maybe because that term hits a little too close to home when it comes to me? And maybe I saw myself a few times within its pages … okay, more than a few. I found it to be funny, hilarious at times, but a book that would benefit young moms everywhere. My children are grown, but I wish Jessica Kastner had written this book 40 years ago … and that’s all I’ll say about that!

I’m an only child who never babysat as a teenager, so my son was literally the first baby I had ever held or been around. Moms all around me seemed to have their act together quite nicely, and while I kept up a brave front, I was quaking inside. Just like Ms. Kastner, I loved him with everything in me, yet didn’t quite know what to do.

I think that’s where this book shines. We’re all wired in different ways and there’s no one “proper” way to be a successful mom. And that’s okay. I love Kastner’s irreverence when it comes to tradition and society’s expectations. While thoroughly entertaining and keeping you laughing, she hits home with relevant spiritual truths. Will readers relate to all that she says? Probably not, but that’s true of any book. Bottom line: Kastner shares a lot of wisdom gained from experience and walking with God, while allaying your fears and helping you laugh at yourself.

I could go on and on with quotes, but here's a few that I loved …

Regarding grandparents: “There is a seldom-discussed phenomenon that occurs when your parents become grandparents, and it’s mind-boggling. They’re twice as protective and concerned about things that wouldn’t have caused an eye to bat during your own childhood.”

On joining a Mom’s Club: “When I was a new Christian, I kind of assumed the fact that we’d all been saved from hell and granted eternal life would be enough to bond us, and make us relatable. Anyone saved for more than a year knows this just ain’t the truth.”

Teens: “Having a teen is God’s way of forcing us to trust him in ways we never thought possible.”

This is a great book to share with young moms, especially new or expecting moms … and it would make a wonderful baby shower gift.

Recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/JKastner

Jessica Kastner is an award-winning journalist and a contributor for the Christian Broadcasting Network's CBN.com, Beliefnet.com, and the Huffington Post's Christianity blog. As Connecticut's coordinator for Straight Ahead Ministries, she shares God's message of hope by leading Bible studies in juvenile detention centers. When she's not on the trampoline with her three boys in Connecticut, Jessica shares her unapologetically "real" commentary on the Christian life at JessicaKastner.com.

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Review: The Cover Story

The Cover Story
By Deb Richardson-Moore
A Branigan Powers Mystery #2
Lion Hudson/Kregel, 2017


Summary

A bizarre hit-and-run brings Branigan Powers back to the crime-solving beat

A fatal crash involving two college students heading home for the holidays seems like an unfortunate accident. But when the surviving girl wakens, she tells a curious story of the vehicle that forced them off the road--an old-fashioned, 1950s-style hearse.

Reporter Branigan Powers delves into the mystery that takes her to the college campus and leads her into dangerous fraternity and sorority pledge parties.

Reunited with the homeless Malachi Martin, who is so adept at seeing what isn't there rather than what is, Branigan must uncover what is really going on at the college before other students are put in danger.

This second installment in the author's cozy mystery series delves into the world of newspapers and life on the streets--both of which the author knows well.


My thoughts

In the world of cozy mysteries, Deb Richardson-Moore’s Branigan Powers series is compelling and exceptional. Essential cozy elements are there – amateur investigator, small-town setting – but there’s a depth and complexity that makes it feel like a blend of the cozy and traditional mystery. I would also describe it as fiction with a biblical worldview rather than what we think of as Christian fiction. Although second in series, The Cover Story stands alone.

With each book, I’m immediately pulled into the vividly-conveyed setting, which just happens to be in my home state, and I easily identify with the fictional north Georgia college town of Grambling. Key players in this story are an investigative journalist, police detective, and a homeless man – with a lot of the action focusing on college sororities. The college I attended didn’t have sororities, and after reading The Cover Story, I very glad it didn’t.

Suspects abound as the investigation evolves, often taking off in different directions. I gave up trying to solve the murder and just enjoyed the ride. Branigan, along with her family and friends, are appealing and easy to connect with. There’s even a delightful hint of romance between Branigan and the police detective.

The worst thing about being homeless is

being looked right through.

- Malachi

There’s another side to the idyllic town of Grambling, and that’s the homeless community. The author’s passion for the homeless is contagious, and she helps us see them in a different light. Malachi Ezekiel Martin, a homeless war veteran “with deep wells of knowledge and intuition,” became a standout character when he was introduced in The Cantaloupe Thief, and is developed even more in this story. The mutual caring between Malachi, Branigan, and the family of Pastor Liam, who runs a shelter for the homeless, is a delight. But it is the premise that the homeless aren’t really seen that enables him to successfully investigate. Malachi is an intriguing character and I hope he continues to grow in future books.

The Cover Story is wonderful in every way, as is the series itself - and with an ending that shocked me. May we continue to see much more of Branigan Powers. Best of the best for me.

Highly recommended.

Please click on the title to see my review of book #1, The Cantaloupe Thief.

I was provided a free copy of this book from Kregel/Lion Hudson. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

_________________________

Deb Richardson-Moore is a former journalist, an ordained Baptist minister, and current pastor of the Triune Mercy Center, a non-denominational mission church to the homeless in Greenville, South Carolina. She and her husband, Vince, have three children.

Review: My Daughter's Legacy

My Daughter’s Legacy
By Mindy Starns Clark & Leslie Gould
Cousins of the Dove #3
Harvest House, 2017


Summary

A thrilling tale of two women longing to follow God's leading, make the most of second chances, and find true love at last

Virginia, 1864

Therese Jennings cannot abide the thought of owning slaves. When her widowed mother inherits a plantation, Therese flees to Civil War Richmond, where she works as a governess by day and tends to wounded soldiers at night. But when trouble befalls her family, can she reconcile her obligations with her beliefs? And will love-whether with an old beau or a handsome new suitor-ever fit in her broken world?

Virginia, present day

Nicole Talbot's life is back on track after years of substance abuse. Home from college for the summer, she's finally ready to share a shocking secret, one that raises new questions about a traumatic childhood experience. But when facts she uncovers cast doubt on her family's legacy, she must risk all that she's gained-her fresh start, her family's trust, and her growing relationship with a new man-to unlock the secrets of the past.

Learn more and purchase a copy.


My thoughts

Kudos to the writing team of Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould for crafting an engrossing novel that speaks with one voice. In My Daughter’s Legacy you get war, romance, mystery and murder, literally a story in which to immerse yourself. The mystery theme has evolved through each of the previous two books, but sufficient background is given so that this one can stand alone. I’m a newcomer to the series, eager to read the previous stories, but thoroughly satisfied with this concluding novel.

Virginia 1864 and present day … The pacing of these dual timelines was perfect because several chapters are spent with each character’s story, and both stories were intriguing in their own way. Therese’s story was filled with conflict around slavery and contained interesting details of the final year of the war; Nicole’s was about a 22-year-old cold case and mental healing. The blend between historical and modern-day Talbot family was seamless, one of the best I’ve ever seen. I really don’t know how two authors crafted such a well-blended story.

With dual timelines, I’m usually more invested in one story over the other, but not so in this instance. There’s sweet romance, but it’s not the main focus – and that’s exactly how it should be. Therese and Nicole are connected by an invisible thread of convictions, courage, and faith … and of living by faith instead of being cowered by fear.

As the title indicates, legacy is a major theme. Thinking of Therese and Nicole as I turn the last page, I immediately recall the lyrics of a song made popular by Steve Green many years ago …

May all who come behind us find us faithful.

Highly recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/ClarkGould

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Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of more than 20 books, both fiction and nonfiction, with over a million copies sold. Mindy and her husband, John, have two adult children and live in Pennsylvania.

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Leslie Gould, a former magazine editor, is the author of numerous novels, including "Beyond the Blue" and "Garden of Dreams." She received her master of fine arts degree from Portland State University and lives in Oregon with her husband, Peter, and their four children.

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