Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown

Here is the fascinating story of an elite special operations warrior who made the world a better place through his gentle heart and caring ways, a man with drive and determination who overcame injuries and addictions, a man who viewed his service to God and his family as the most important role in his life. 

This is a great read, hard to put down, interesting and inspiring. I highly recommend it. 

Read a sneak peek here:
http://fearlessnavyseal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/SneakPeek_Fearless.pdf

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book and laughed out loud many, many times. It's quirky, funny, educational, and just a great read. Can you imagine a 12 year old boy whose biggest excitement of the summer is getting out of the house to help an old lady write obituaries? It's a quick read - everyone should pick it up.

Here is the summary from the book itself:

In the historic town of Norvelt, Pennsylvania, twelve-year-old Jack Gantos spends the summer of 1962 grounded for various offenses until he assigned to help an elderly neighbor with a most unusual chore involving the newly dead, molten wax, twisted promises, Girl Scout cookies, underage driving, lessons from history, typewriting, and countless bloody noses.

Review and giveaway: Finding Our Way Home by Charlene Ann Baumbich

Congratulations to Jen L. who won a copy! Watch for an email from me.

This is the story of two very different women who are brought together and become unlikely friends. Sasha Davis is a depressed, nearing-40, professional ballerina whose career ends abruptly in an accident; Evelyn Burt is the ebullient, still-teenager who enters Sasha's life as a caregiver.

When I began reading this book, the characters seemed cardboard and cliché. I was, at first, reading the book out of duty, having received a copy to review from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group. After a few chapters, though, I was hooked. I was pleasantly surprised by the way the characters develop through the novel's timeframe, especially Evelyn; her relationships with Sasha, with her parents, and with her boyfriend chronicle a growing maturity. And there's a happy ending:)

I give this book a rating of 3.5 stars out of 5. It's a fun read, once you get going.

Click HERE to read an excerpt (Chapter 1). Click HERE for a more detailed synopsis and reviews.

I have one free copy of this book to give away. For one entry, please rate my book review and leave me a comment; it can be about anything - a book you've liked or disliked, your most tried and true recipe, a recent parenting discovery, what the weather is like where you are, or anything else that's on your mind. Winner will be announced here on Monday 3/26 and will have 48 hours to respond. Your email is not visible to me; it is used to verify that you are submitting only one rating.

A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner

I have read and enjoyed a number of Susan Meissner's novels, including The Shape of Mercy, Lady in Waiting,and Why the Sky is Blue.  I had high expectations as I began to read A Sound Among the Trees; the book did not disappoint me, and it may be my favorite Susan Meissner yet.

The story begins at the garden wedding reception of Marielle and Carson. As they begin their life together, Caron and Marielle will be living at Holly Oak, the historical home of Adelaide,who is both the grandmother of Carson's dead wife, and the hostess of the reception. At the reception, one of Adelaide's friends tells Marielle that the house is haunted by the ghost of Adelaide's great-grandmother.The novel tells of Marielle's experiences as she builds a relationship with Adelaide and discovers the truth about the house's history and the women who lived there.

One of the characteristic traits of Susan Meissner's novels which I so enjoy is the story within the story, a miniature mise en abyme. In this case, Susannah Page, Adelaide's great-grandmother, reveals her story through letters that Marielle reads.

I liked that although it was a story about a house believed to be haunted, it was not spooky or stressful reading.

Along with a high recommendation, I also issue a warning to anyone who decides to read it - make sure you have several hours when you pick it up because you won't want to put it down!

Read an excerpt of A Sound Among the Trees. 

* *A Sound Among the Trees was provided to for me free by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.


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A Sane Woman's Guide to Raising a Large Family by Mary Ostyn

I absolutely loved every single word of this book! Every woman contemplating having children should read this book.  It debunks the myth that 10 kids is 5x harder and 5x more expensive than 2 kids. Beyond that, it was pure pleasure to read. It really resonated with me. It also opened my heart to the possibility of adoption. (I'm not saying that I'm going to end up with 10 kids. I'm also not saying that I'm not.)

Besides being an author, Mary is an amazing and faithful homeschooling mom of 10.  You can read an interview with her HERE. She blogs at owlhaven.net.

The sweetness at the bottom of the pie (Flavia de Luz #1) by Alan Bradley

Flavia de Luz is an 11 year old girl who lives with her father and two older sisters. Fascinated with poisons, Flavia's life takes a turn for the "more interesting" when she finds a dying man in the cucumber patch under her bedroom window.

I listened to the unabridged audio of this book and really enjoyed it. At first, it was hard to suspend my disbelief that there could be an 11 year old like Flavia, but I got over that soon enough. Once the book was done, someone came to mind who could really be like her, one of my former violin students who always makes me smile when I think of her.

I love Flavia's character, her curiosity, independence, memory, and analytical mind. I love that when she wants to know something, she finds someone to ask or does her own experiment or goes investigating. I love that when she wants to go somewhere, she jumps on her bike and goes. I love her passion for  chemistry and that she serves her guests tea that she heats in a flask in her lab.

Definitely worth reading just to get to know Flavia. I'll be picking up the next in the series soon!

The Forever Faithful Trilogy by Karen Kingsbury

Yesterday was the perfect day to curl up with a good book, and I was very happy to receive a package in the mail from Blogging for Books with the complete Forever Faithful Trilogy. It's hefty - just over 1100 pages - and I was completely unfamiliar with the trilogy and the author when I chose this book. Once I started reading, I was sucked in.

Waiting for Morning is a story of change and forgiveness. Hannah Ryan's life is shattered and her faith destroyed when a drunk driver runs a red light, ramming the vehicle containing her husband and two teenage daughters. Only her youngest daughter survives the crash. Hannah is consumed by rage and vows revenge on the driver, ignoring her remaining daughter.

 I enjoyed discovering new scriptures from the Old Testament (mostly in Lamentations), placed at the beginning of each chapter. I was pleased to find discussion questions at the end and a note from the author, sharing her belief in Christ. I recommend this book to anyone who has wondered why bad things happen to good people and how they might cope with a truly heart-breaking situation or help a friend through a tough time.

Life In Spite of Me by Kristen Anderson

I finished reading this many months ago, but wanted to write about it anyway.

Kristen Anderson had a happy childhood, but as she entered her teenage years, her heart became burdened by the difficulties of life. She fell into depression and decided one night to end it all, laying down across the tracks in front of an oncoming train. Her miraculous survival, her physical and emotional recovery, and her discovery of faith in God are all chronicled in her book. It's a very personal account, one that she has made because she feels called to minister to others and to let them know that when they feel alone, they are not alone.

Birth Day: A Pediatrician Explores the Science, the History, and the Wonder of Childbirth by Mark Sloan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Of all the birthing books I've recently read (most of which I'm not going to bother reviewing), this is by far the most readable, the most interesting, and the most even-keeled, in terms of presenting information. I really enjoyed the stories he presented as a parent and a pediatrician who has been involved in many births.

The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party by Alexander McCall Smith

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love this whole series. They manage to be funny, compelling mysteries whose heroine has a wonderful sense of goodness and sincerity about her.  They are like homemade chicken soup - healthy, calming, and a joy to consume.

This book was my motivation to get the kitchen clean last night: read 2 chapters, set the timer and work for 5-10 minutes, read 2 chapters, work on the kitchen again... I finished the book and the kitchen:)

Coop: A Year of Poultry, Pigs, and Parenting

by Michael Perry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I loved this book! It juxtaposes the author's childhood on a farm with his present experiences on his own farm with his wife and daughters. He describes some of the challenges of managing his time as a dad, writer, and farmer, sharing stories that made me laugh out loud and others that had me sobbing. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is that there was a 4 page section on driving the tractor that I mostly skipped. I highly recommend this book.

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Extreme parenting, but an entertaining read in an unbelievable sort of way. May expand on this later, but too tired right now. (I read this in a bean bag in Elizabeth's room to help her settle down without a pacifier - she cried for an hour and half, then complained for another hour, then finally went to sleep around 11:15 pm.)

The Dirty Life: On Farming, Food, and Love by Kristin Kimball

This was a fascinating book to me, both in terms of the adventure/struggle of starting a farm together AND in terms of the challenge of making a relationship work with two such different people. Frankly, I'm amazed that they survived the stress of both. 

I could not see the appeal of marrying what's-his-name, although I did admire his commitment and his work ethic.


My favorite part of the book is where Kristin is upset about giving up her last name. He insists that he dislikes hyphenated names for their children, and so he offers to take her name. It just goes to show that what is important to one person isn't important to another. I think it also demonstrates his love for her. 

I rate this 3 stars on the goodreads scale: I liked it.

Divine Appointments by Charlene Ann Baumbich

Get ready for a quirky, heartwarming story of change. Josie is a fiercely independent and wildly successful career woman. Her year consulting in Chicago is almost up, but things are not going as planned. An unexpected friend, hot flashes, unquenchable thirst, and a strange snow globe put Josie on an unforeseen path. Divine Appointments will tickle your funny bone and make you double-check your priorities.



One of the opening pages of the book quotes Jeremiah 17:7-8:

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD
And whose trust is the LORD.
For he will be like a tree planted by the water,
That extends its roots by a stream
And will not fear when the heat comes;
But its leaves will be green,
And it will not be anxious in a year of drought
Nor cease to yield fruit.

Divine Appointments light-heartedly addressing the droughts of this life and the inevitability of change. As we see in the story, jobs, health, and even our lives are temporary. It is interesting to see how the characters respond to the changes they encounter; for example, Barb prays and reaches out to encourage those around her, Marsha channels her anger into writing, and Josie retreats into herself, at least, at first. Ultimately, the challenges each faces refine them and move them onto new pathways for the future.

It took me a number of chapters to warm up to the characters here, and I admit to a few moments of utter disbelief, but by the second part of the book, I was thoroughly engrossed in the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever worked in an office, felt lonely, or wanted to make changes in their life.

You can download and read the first two chapters of Divine Appointments here.

Ramblings and confessions, followed by a review of When the Soul Mends (Sisters of the Quilt, Book 3)

Yes, I really am crazy enough to have read this entire book tonight, after I put my baby to bed. Yes, I did just finish the second one this afternoon. Yes, I know my kitchen is a mess. Yes, I also know that I have been in a Christian romance rut. It was thrilling when my Blogging for Books rating kept moving up, so I looked at the library to see what else I could review. I got all the way up to 9 out of 1412 bloggers for the year, AND even though I just joined, my lifetime rating is sitting at 16 out of 5105 bloggers. This is the sort of absurd affirmation I crave! No one rates my dishwashing or my meals. The only adult who recognizes it does so mostly as a favor to me when I bring it up, "Notice anything different around here?" He'll pause, look around, and put on his praising voice. "Wow, Erin, it looks like someone has spent some time working on the dishes." Now on to the book review.

Hannah has finally established a new life for herself - a potential husband, a satisfying career path, and meaningful studies - away from the Amish home she fled two years ago. A desperate phone call from her younger sister begging her to return turns the order of her new life upside down. As she confronts her parents, her siblings, her former fiancé, and her past, she learns lessons of humility, of forgiveness, and of healing which alter her present forever.

Of the three books in the trilogy, I found this one the most difficult to put down. I give it a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 and recommend it to anyone who likes a happy ending.

When the Morning Comes (Sisters of the Quilt, Book 2)

Cindy Woodsmall has done a fine job with this second novel, continuing the story of Hannah, who fled her Amish upbringing and the unfair judgments of her father to begin a new life with her aunt. Though I found the beginning of the book to be choppy, there seemed to be more continuity by the middle. I was happy to see some softening and regret from one of the harsh characters in the first book. Kudos to Ms. Woodsmall for writing believable banter - some of my favorite pages were mainly conversation. Overall, a sequel which does its job of keeping the reader hooked!

When the Heart Cries (Sisters of the Quilt, Book One) by Cindy Woodsmall

Hannah Lapp is 17 and questions her place among her family of Old Order Amish. She loves her family, but sometimes feels stifled by her father’s strict governance. When Hannah accepts the marriage proposal of her secret beau, Paul, who is a Mennonite, she knows that her relationships with her family will change forever. Over the next months, Hannah injustly suffers physical brutality, betrayal, and deep loss. Thanks to a few trusted friends, her own strength, and hope from a voice within, she emerges from tragedy determined to find her path.

I enjoyed this book, although it took me through quite a range of emotions. The harsh, inflexibility of Hannah’s father stung me, making Hannah’s courage and her triumph over misfortune all the more inspiring.

This is a terrific popcorn book, the kind you read to get away from your own life and troubles, great for a plane, the bathtub, or just a relaxing afternoon. I give it 3.5 stars out of 5.

God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren, art by David Hohn

Society bombards us with messages about Christmas, from the stores that put out the Christmas merchandise right after Halloween, to the advertisers who would have us believe that we must spend a lot of money in order to celebrate. Lisa Bergren combats those messages in this warm and thoughtful picture book. She asks and answers many of the questions that children have about Christmas and Santa, presented in the context of a family preparing for their holiday celebration.

When her daughter expresses curiosity about Santa and Christmas, Little Cub's mother takes her on a winter trek to "find God and see how He gave them Christmas". Together, they climb mountains, take in the Northern lights, visit glacial waters, watch a beautiful glowing star, and wonder at a tiny flower growing in the snow. Along the way, Little Cub's mother teaches her about God's majesty and power, and His great love for each of us in sending His son.

On one page, Little Cub asks, "Did God give us Santa?" Her mother wisely answers, "Santa Claus reminds us about many good things like generosity and care. But it is God and Jesus that we celebrate most come Christmas." On another, her mother teaches her that "Jesus is a present for everyone, grumpy or happy, mean or kind. God gave us all Christmas." The pages are full of simple, faithful teachings that children can easily embrace.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to remember the message of the Savior at Christmas.

God Loves Me More Than That by Dandi Daley Mackall, illustrated by David Hohn

This hardcover picture book would be a great addition to any library. It conveys one of the most important truths that the world needs to know, namely that God loves us. The book begins with a little boy asking the question, "How much love does God have for me?" The answer, as he stands atop enormous letters and strains to see all the way to the end of the alphabet: "More than the letters between A and Z." Whimsical illustrations and rhyming texts take this boy across every page, with more questions and answers, affirming the magnitude of God's love. We see the boy ride a bumble bee, explore outer space, ride a horse across the prairie, dive to the ocean floor, and perform with circus elephants, among other things. The last pages show him tucked into bed with his teddy bear, sleeping soundly, and the text reads, "Nice to know that my whole life through, God loves me more than that!"

There is a page near the end where the little boy is sitting at the edge of his treehouse. The golden just-before-sunset light is shining through the trees onto his upturned face, and the text reads: "Lord, it's great to be loved by you. Hope you know that I love you too." The illustrations really capture that personal moment of connection to God, surrounded by nature.

I recommend this book to all parents, teachers, and picture book aficionados.

*Full disclosure: I received a free copy of the book to review from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group via Blogging for Books.

The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner

This week, I'm on a steady diet of Susan Meissner novels. This is #3. It doesn't feel like an overdose; it feels nourishing, strengthening, enlightening. In addressing timeless questions, Ms. Meissner creates characters who feel like real people. She juxtaposes the past with the present in a context of faith and shows us that there is much to learn from history, that our lives and relationships have meaning, and that our choices matter. All this couched in an enjoyable storyline that leaves the reader in a pleasant state of self-examination.

The Shape of Mercy is both agonizing and irresistible, the kind of book that you close to give yourself a break from the emotional intensity, but open again after 10 seconds because you want to keep reading. Lauren is a college girl who wants to choose her destiny, rather than having it dictated to her by her affluent parents. She loves books and accepts a part-time job with Abigail, a retired librarian whose ancestor, Mercy, was killed in the Salem witch trials. As Lauren transcribes Mercy's diary, she grows increasingly troubled by its contents and by her own assumptions. Her life and relationships are forever colored by what happens next.... Pick up the book to discover the conclusion!

And then, if you love it, I just discovered a Susan Meissner blog, where the story continues!