Somewhere to Belong - Contest

Title: Somewhere to Belong
Author: Judith Miller
ISBN: 978-7642-0642-9

From the back cover:

Johanna Ilg has lived her entire life in Main Amana, one of the seven villages settled by devout Christians who believe in cooperative living, a simple lifestyle, and faithful service to God. Although she's always longed to see the outside world, Johanna believes her future is rooted in Amana. But when she learns a troubling secret, the world she thought she knew is shattered. Is this truly where she belongs?

Berta Schumacher has lived a privileged life in Chicago, so when her parents decide they want a simpler life in Amana, Iowa, she resists. Under the strictures of the Amana villages, her rebellion reaches new heights. Will her heart ever be content among the plain people of Amana?

My take:

I love books that surprise me. :o)

This book managed to encompass so many elements at once. It is a coming of age story. One of the girls is a young woman, the other a teenager and both grow more into their "skin" as the story progresses. Thrown together because Berta needed someone responsible to train her, neither girl could foresee how much they would need each other for the trials ahead of them or how close they would become.

It is also a story of family ~ what that means and why it is important. It examines how those bonds hold us together, what can break them apart, and if they can be mended again. I can't think of a more important topic. And it's a story of romance (gotta have that) and what makes that a real love or not and how to tell. And of course the love God has for all of us.

The author pulls all of this off because she invests so much in the characters of Johanna and Berta. Although on the surface the girls may seem near opposites, neither girl is one dimensional and both are easy to love. Johanna is the obedient, responsible daughter. However she sneaks fashions magazines from her brother in from the outside and hides them in her room and she longs to visit the world outside her village borders. Berta rarely thinks beyond her next opportunity for fun and despises anything resembling work. When told she can't wear her pink skirt to work in the kitchen, she puts it on underneath the plain skirt so she can still wear it without anyone knowing (or so she plans). She does try to make others happy and cares about people's feelings far more than even she's willing to admit. She has a natural gift for cheering people up as well. Both face adversity, mystery, and being lied to by people they have trusted. Both really want to know where they fit in. How they come through the journey is something to behold.

Judith Miller has done an excellent job with this book. If you enjoy sweet romances, Amish fiction ( This isn't about an Amish settlement, but there are similarities), or just good story lines, this may be a good book for you to try. I'm going to help too. I'm going to giveaway my copy to one lucky winner. March 5th (midnight central time) is the last day to put in your name.

The normal rules apply: No entries outside of the United States, no entries where it's forbidden by law, and your odds depend on the entries. You get an entry for commenting on the book, another for becoming a follower, two if you already are a follower and another 4 if you put this giveaway up on your blog and let me know about it. You only need to comment once to let me know how many entries you deserve (unless you decide to post it later and then come back - that's fine too).

Thanks and good luck! I'll announce the winner on the 6th.

Bliss (Happy 101) Award

Thank you so much to my awesome friend Renee at Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot for this very sweet award and all her support.

The rules for this Bliss (Happy 101) Award are that I must list 10 things that make me happy, then pass it along to 10 other bloggers.

Things I <3
1. God
2. Family
3. Friends
4. Books - Especially romances ~ lol
5. Writing
6. Chocolate
7. My Computer/Internet
8. Homeschooling my son
9. Learning
10. Researching information on the internet

Some of the Blogs I <3
(This is hard because we know all the same people - lol)

1. Julane at Inspiration from the Commonplace Julane is my critique partner, mentor and friend. Her blog is so thoughtful, inspirational and encouraging. It challenges us to look at ordinary things in life around us from a heavenly perspective.

2. Linore at Woman of Faith Linore Rose Burkard is an author you may recognize. She does sometimes share information for her books on her blog (especially if one has debuted recently) but this blog is mostly a devotional that is practical and encouraging.

3. Michelle at Edgy Inspirational Author Blog Michelle Sutton is not only a great author and a very nice person, but she does fabulous reviews and hosts weekly giveaways.

4. Beth at Weavings does thoughtful reviews and participates in many of the other games and contests having to do with reading. Her blog is always fun to read and though she is a very nice person, she is honest in her reviews.

5. K.M. Weiland at Wordplay has a wonderful blog filled with not just written blogs but also video and audio that is designed to help writers become more skilled. Her "lessons" are fun, short and not intimidating in the least - yet they do have lots of good information.

6. Janna at Cornhusker Academy has a really nice blog and seems to pick a lot of the same books I do (or want to). I can't argue with great taste. lol

7. MaryLu Tyndall at Cross and Cutlass This is another blog where she does share about her books every so often, but she reviews other books, offers, giveaways, shares devotionals... It is an interesting blog to read. Just like her books, you never quite know what to expect - but you always know it's going to be good.

8. Camy at Camy's Loft Camy fills her blog with posts about chocolate, book contests, reviews, excerpts... you name it. And every single post has her signature wit, style and sense of humor. I love visiting her blog.

9. Dineen at Kitten Come From Eggs Besides the most unusual name for a blog ever, this has to be one of the places that most touches my heart. Dineen's ministry is for women who are in unequally yoked marriages - spiritually. Each time I visit her blog I come away stronger and refreshed - and ready to be a better wife to my husband - even though we are both Christians. Hers is such an important ministry and I think it can touch a lot of people.

And I can't pick a 10th ~ so I'm leaving it at that. :o)

Thank you all so much ~ and thank you again Renee, for this award.

The Captain's Lady

Title: The Captain's Lady
Author: Louise M. Gouge
ISBN: 978-0-373-828326

From the back cover:

Captain James Templeton's orders from General Washington are clear. His target: Lord Bennington, a member of George III's Privy Council. The assignment: find Bennington's war plans. The risks: the future of the East Florida Colony, Jamie's life... and his heart. In spite of the dangers of their hopeless situation, he's fallen in love with Lady Marianne Moberly, Lord Bennington's daughter.

Desperate to protect his country, Jamie carries out his orders with a heavy heart. But Marianne's persistence is a challenge he never expected. With love and faith, they must navigate troubled waters to win their future together.

My take:

You all know how much I love regencies. Look at this cover, can't you just imagine it in any Austen movie?

I finished it and ran to the computer to tell you all how much I loved this book! Everything you could ask for in a historical romance is bound up in this one story. A forbidden romance, gripping characters, an interesting story, action and adventure... Maybe they should make it into a movie. :o)

You have your hero ~ Captain James Templeton. He's brave, noble, willing to sacrifice his own desires for a greater cause. He has men who respect him, a sense of humor, honor, is handsome and gives in to his heart just enough that we get a few of those touching moments where stolen kisses show his weakness for our leading lady.

Then there is the lady herself ~ Miss Marianne Moberly. She's pretty, intelligent, and though she operates within the bounds of society ~ she's feisty enough that you know she breaks those rules when she deems it necessary. She also has an extremely strong sense of justice, love for children, does charity work, but is strong willed. This is no fainting wall flower or airhead. Her quick thinking saves the lives of many people.

The author also did a magnificent job with her brother Robert, the lush who reforms after accepting Christ. He becomes a good friend of Jamie's and is encouraged to by him to find a good occupation and then marry the woman he wants, Grace ~ whether or not his father approves.

Then there is Marianne's father, Lord Bennington, who never seemed to be able to approve of any of his sons no matter what they accomplished. His severe manner kept everyone in the household on edge except his wife and Jamie. He reminded me a bit of a bear that had been wakened before his hibernation cycle was finished.

Many times what God asks us to do is difficult and scary. The author really helps us feel the anguish Jamie goes through as he struggles with whether he is doing the right thing or not. He feels real affection for Marianne's family and doesn't like being deceptive. He also believes 100 percent in the cause of the American colonies.

I could see him in my mind, and Marianne next to him trying to convince him to ask her father for her hand in marriage. He knows her father would never approve, and he doesn't know whether she would last without her fine house and servants, or what she would think of his "rebellious" beliefs. Their struggle was one I imagine could very well have happened in our history. It did happen on these pages quite convincingly.

I hope you'll put The Captain's Lady on your wishlist.

~~~
I was sent a copy by the author for review. Although I am thankful, it didn't influence my review at all.

The Ultimate Story

All week long I have been a bit distracted. I haven't read as much, gotten as much work done on my edits...

I would venture to guess you might have been too. You see, just like most romance readers, writers love anything that has to do with strong characters, driven motivations, passion, and those stories behind the stories that make you care more about people. By now I bet you know what has captured my attention. If not, let me put you out of your misery. lol


Almost nothing has as much ceremony as the Olympics and it is easy to understand. These athletes, their families and coaches have all given a lot of time and energy towards one goal: coming here and competing against the best of the best. The represent their nation, their hometown, their family, their coach, and a ton of other people who have invested in them when they stand up there.

There are also the "stars" of the show. We have a few of them on Team USA. One of the most colorful is Shaun White. Some sports figures do become well known like Shaun and have money, houses and the whole bit. He also is widely seen to be a trendsetter. I have to admit I thought he would be arrogant and self absorbed. What I found when I learned more about him was a very good ambassador for his sport, a person who just loves what he does and gets a thrill out of the challenge and continually trying to better himself, plus someone who is involved in relief efforts in places like Africa.

There is something else I think makes a person unique, how they handle winning (& losing). One of the most disputed medals awarded was men's figure skating. I'm a big fan of figure skating so I was on the edge of my seat. Evan Lysacek won. He was a humble winner and dedicated the win to the people who supported him. He was overwhelmed and emotional. He also praised Plushenko and talked about how well he had skated and congratulated him on not just this silver medal but all his accomplishments.

In the meantime... Plushenko starts talk about how with the old scoring system there's no way he wouldn't be the gold medal winner. He jumped up on the gold platform before taking his rightful place, and later said there should be no way that Evan won without doing a quad - (even if he did everything else better). The Russians "awarded" him a platinum medal, told him his silver was really gold and are making comments about how Evan may have won this but he will soon be forgotten and Plushenko will be remembered forever. Sour grapes anyone?

Even with all the whining, Evan has refused to talk badly about Plushenko. I think he's got a lot of class and I commend him and think he truly deserves that gold medal. Congrats, Evan.


Not all the stories that touched my heart were from Team USA. I couldn't help but be moved by this pair. Zhao Hongbo and his wife Shen Xue from China were married in 2007. They were supposed to retire but her husband talked her into coming back for one more chance to compete for the gold. So they have been living in a dormitory ( in different rooms) and eating cafeteria food so they could continue train and come to the Olympics. Now at 36 and 31, and having obtained their dream for themselves and their country, they said they want to go home and start a family. I know all the athletes sacrifice so much, but I can't imagine a husband and wife choosing to live apart.


Almost done. :o) I saved the story of Lindsey Vonn for last because she exemplifies what a lot of these athletes do and stand for. Lindsey trains and works hard to be the very best that she can be. She is willing to compete through the pain. She won gold skiing on one leg practically! I find that kind of skill, courage and determination so admirable ~ and many of the Olympians have it (though maybe not quite to the degree she does. lol)

We listened to the stories of not just this injury but her prior ones, and I confess it would be enough to talk me out of skiing. Not her. She just continues on, sometimes just hours after an incident.

I also saw compassion for others in her. This is a determined competitor, but not a cutthroat person. She's the kind of person who shows her every emotion on her face and when that skier started to fall, she was worried. Then she hit again and Lindsey became overwhelmed and hid her face like she couldn't bear to watch her get hurt.

In this picture you can also see that despite the fact that she had to favor one leg, she was exhausted at the finish. These athletes don't leave anything on the table. Many of them collapse after they're done because they give it everything they have. It's the only way to accomplish their goals.

Yes, I've been a little distracted by the Olympics. I've also been inspired and challenged. Have any of the athletes or their stories touched you especially?

Meander Scar

Title: Meander Scar
Author: Lisa Lickel
ISBN: 978-1-934912-23-2

From Amazon:

Love can heal even the deepest scars …

After seven years with no clue as to the whereabouts of Ann Ballard’s missing husband, nearly everyone presumes him dead. Now forty-something, Ann is ready for her stagnant life to flow again. Then one day, a dark-haired younger man from her past shows up on her doorstep offering a river of hope in place of tears.

Former neighbor Mark Roth has secretly loved Ann for years. A respected attorney, he’s returned home to help Ann face down disapproving family members and the legal maneuvering of her likely deceased husband’s family—while quietly winning her heart.

When the hidden truth of Ann’s situation turns their lives on end and another tragedy strikes, the two must come to terms with family, faith and the depths to which true love can run.

My take:

I read a lot of romance novels. Sometimes I can predict where the story is going before the first chapter is over. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy the trip ~ it just means it's not always very surprising where I go. This book is nothing like that.

It is a rare book that includes older characters. Then you have the whole issue of their age difference (11 years) and whether they will be able to overcome everything that comes with that themselves - and how their families, friends, churches, and co-workers will respond. Mark proves his love in large and small ways ~ all of which help make this one of the most romantic books I've read in a while. Most of what he does shows respect for her as a person; caring for her needs above his own wants and desires. That shows love more clearly than anything else I know.

There is also passion here. I like a romance that builds and shows how two people in this fallen world need to... fight their desire. Although the author doesn't spend lengthy passages on scenes, you know that these two are attracted and have chemistry. It isn't one-sided either - both of them feel the attraction.

The characters are wonderful. From her getting nervous and forgetting how many scoops of coffee she put in, being insecure and doubting if Mark's feelings will go away or are really more a substitute for a mother's love, plus her guilt and wonder if her husband is still alive, Ann is a complex character that never seems to feel quite comfortable in her own skin.

Mark shows up on her doorstep after years away and a failed engagement all because he couldn't forget his feelings for her that bloomed as a nineteen year old. Now he's a successful lawyer with a faith in God and he's determined to try for the one thing missing in his life ~ the woman he's loved since he was that young man.

This was a fantastic love story with a bit of mystery to it. I really enjoyed it and I think you all will as well.

~~
The author provided me an electronic copy for review and I am very thankful for that. It did not influence my review at all. She did say that the book is available in print from the publisher and not just e-book format.

The Carousel Painter

Title: The Carousel Painter
Author: Judith Miller
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0279-7

From the back cover:

When Carrington Brouwer receives the enviable job of painting carousel horses for a factory in Ohio, she believes her future is secure. But after an expensive necklace disappears from the home where she's been staying, she's caught up in a search for the truth that puts her entire livelihood--and her developing relationship with the factory manager-- at risk. Can she lead police to the real culprit before she loses everything?

My take:

You know, God has a way of weaving every aspect of our lives together in ways we would never expect. I just had a long conversation about about how people read these romances in order to escape the every day troubles they face and yet... let me be transparent with you once again... this book captured me in a way I had never thought possible.

It's not the first time it's happened. I think Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss was the first one that spoke to me where I was at and encouraged me to move forward ~ in the fictional realm. I still like to read it every so often.

What Judith Miller has done in this book is create a character, Carrington (Carrie), who isn't without faith but doubts why God would put good people through such hard trials and not rescue them. She doubts her strength to endure those trials and wonders why her prayers to change both her circumstances and her person have not been answered.

As someone who battles chronic pain, whose husband was laid off through no fault of his own, and who sees so many of her friends and family going through the same thing... I have to admit some of the same questions have come to my mind. What Carrie learns is that just as God loves us unconditionally, we can't base our love for Him on what He does or doesn't do. His plans may not always seem to be what we would pick and things may look pretty grim. Even their worst punishment - death - is really a reward for those who love God. We get to be with Him. We just need to keep trusting, keep believing, and not let them steal that one thing from us that really matters ~ our faith.

Despite my mini-sermon, this is a nice romance with interesting characters. This author also does a wonderful job of not painting them as perfect cut outs with no dimension. As I noted, Carrie struggles with her faith and is prone to giggles when nervous. Our hero, Josef, has a temper problem ~ and a very cute German accent. He is touchy about it though. lol Carrie's best friend, Augusta, can't stand up to her mother and is prone to judging people by their social status. Then you've got the woman running a boarding house who can't cook.

In the middle of all of this there is a small mystery to be solved about missing jewelry. The romance and development of Carrie's character are the most important parts of this story though (in my opinion). It was an entertaining story with a wonderful message and a very touching romance. I also think that the story can offer a lot to people who are struggling with all that's going on right now ~ in a fun, non-threatening way.

Are there any stories that have touched your life at a particular time? Any books that helped make something clear that had been harder for you to understand or that you had resisted? Do you think books with outright Scriptures and messages or more subtle themes are better for outreach to unbelievers/hurting Christians?

The Edge of Recall

Title: The Edge of Recall
Author: Kristin Heitzmann
ISBN: 978-0-7642-2831-5

From the back cover:

Tessa Young is a landscape architect who specializes in the design and creation of labyrinths. For years she has immersed herself in the healing aspects of these elaborate structures, searching for God and hoping to make sense of the nightmares that have plagued her since childhood.

When Smith Chandler, a colleague who once betrayed her, offers her an opportunity to reconstruct a remarkable Colonial-era labyrinth, she can't resist this project of a lifetime. But one evening, as dusk falls, an assailant ambushes Tessa and Smith and the real nightmare begins.

My take:

I really liked this book immensely. Start with the cover. It fit the book perfectly. The model captures Tessa's fragility, fear and yet a spark of determination as well. Tessa is a heroine that cannot be accused of being too perfect, and yet is likeable, endearing and you want to root for her. Her fear is genuine and the monsters she faces seem to come from all sides. I don't know that I'd have her strength in the same position.

The author does just as good a job with all the other major players in this story. None of them are flat, predictable or perfect. I think this is one of the best jobs of characterization I've seen in a book. They really are unique. Will the real Smith Chandler please stand up? Tessa thinks he's cold-hearted and never cared for her or her ideas. His intern, Bair believes he's still in love with his ex-girlfriend, and in front of his clients he tries to become whatever will please them and keep his career on track. Normally self possessed and controlled, he makes uncharacteristic decisions having to do with both Tessa and his old flame, Danae. Throw in that his idea of a romantic gesture is to compare her to vegetables... and I think you've got a unique leading man.

I'm a character and romance person. I don't want to give anything away, but I loved that the romance is not held off until the end. It isn't resolved (they don't get married in Chapt 2), and they face lots of conflict and have obstacles to overcome ~ but the idea and the tension... the sparks... that is there from almost the very beginning. You watch it grow and evolve to see where it will lead. I think it is a much more realistic romance than one where they share a single kiss at the end and then get married and live happily ever after.

I already mentioned the main characters, and the extras are just as good. She keeps you guessing right up until the very end who you can trust and who might be trying to hurt Tessa. That's partly because of how she writes the story, and partly how she reveals the characters to us. Not one is all good or all bad (just like us) ~ and depending upon what we choose to dwell on, that may be how we see that person.

This is an older book, but it was well worth reading. I'm a huge fan and I hope if you haven't read this that you'll consider checking it out.