Ship's Log 05.18.2013
Ahoy Mateys! This week's I SPY WIT' ME LITTLE EYE post consists of a list of books that I highly recommend for your summer reading. These are books that I have read and truly love. I am just simply going to share my reviews for each book with you and a link to where you can purchase them.
Forsaken Dreams
by MaryLu Tyndall
Have you ever sat through a movie and it seemed to end way too soon? There was so much excitement going on, twists at every turn.........you think, Why oh why did it have to end so soon? That is exactly how I felt when I read the final sentences of Forsaken Dreams. I was so captivated by the characters and what they were going through, that I didn't want the book to end. I need to know what happens next in their adventure! But, alas, I must wait for MaryLu's second book in this series....sheer torture! Like in her other books, I found myself loving some of the characters and wanting to smack others. I refuse to go into any specific details because I really don't want to spoil anything for others who have yet to read Forsaken Dreams. I can say this, that MaryLu does an excellent job mixing history with fiction, letting you have a taste of what 'might have' happened to some Southerners during that time in history. I am in awe of the way MaryLu writes, how she seems to put you right in the middle of the story......bringing all of your senses to life. So, let's sum it up, shall we: adventure, romance, intrigue, all wrapped up with a gorgeous bow of God's presence. Need I say more?
Be Still My Soul AND Though My Heart is Torn
by Joanne Bischof
BE STILL MY SOUL :
I knew just by looking at the cover that I would enjoy this story. Joanne Bischof spun a tale that totally captivated my soul. Gideon and Lonnie's story will tear at your heart strings. Two young people who at first seem so incompatible. But, as the story progresses, you can feel God's presence helping them to overcome hurt, fear and hopelessness. Several times I found myself gasping, grimacing, laughing and crying. It is a wonderfully written story that I highly recommend to anyone who is looking for something that will leave you feeling closer to God and his promises. "His eye is on the sparrow".
THOUGH MY HEART IS TORN:
When I read the first book in this series, BE STILL MY SOUL, I was totally captivated by the characters....they truly captured my soul. Well, now my heart is stolen as well. THOUGH MY HEART IS TORN will grab you and not let go. I literally went through half a box of tissues...and that was when I was only halfway through the book! I have come to love Gideon and Lonnie, to the point that when anything comes between them, I get upset. This chapter in their lives put me through the wringer; I was completely exhausted by the time I finished reading this book. Gideon and Lonnie have had to face adversity in the past, but nothing compared to what they have to face in THOUGH MY HEART IS TORN.....oh, what a fitting title. I won't give anything away, because I want every reader to feel what I felt, to experience every emotion possible....and don't forget the tissue!
Trinity AND Talon
by Ronie Kendig
TRINITY:
Wow.....I never knew.....
When I first heard about this book, I was intrigued, because I love dogs. I'd never read a book about the military, but I was willing to give it a chance. And boy oh boy am I glad I did! Thanks to Ronie, I now know what MWDs and their handlers do, how they risk their lives to save others. As I read TRINITY, my heart went out to those soldiers and that wonderful dog. This book opened up my eyes to what is truly going on outside of my safe little town. As I was reading this book, I found myself totally immersed in each scene. At times, I felt the bitter cold that surrounded Heath and Trinity so much, that I had to remind myself that I was in a nice, warm and safe place.....I can guarantee that you will have a hard time putting this book down once you start reading it. You will find yourself laughing, crying, hoping, praying and cheering. Again, I say...Wow.
TALON:
After reading TRINITY, the first book in the A Breed Apart series, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Book Two, TALON: COMBAT TRACKING TEAM. Let me tell you I was not disappointed. I fell in love with this MWD, he is a true hero. TALON will take you where you could never go before without being a part of the military. As I read this book, I was a heroine, a hero, a villain....a dog. I was in the trenches, racing against time to save.......read the book to finish that sentence. Once again, I was reminded of what our men and women (and those wonderful MWDs) do every day to keep us safe and free. The characters in TALON are so well written, that they seemed real to me. I found myself praying for them throughout the story. This book has it all....action, romance, heartache, laughter, and my favorite when it comes to this series, those wonderful MILITARY WAR DOGS!
Now I can't wait to read Beowulf!
Courting Cate AND Adoring Addie
by Leslie Gould
COURTING CATE:
Leslie Gould has taken a classic tale and made it all her own. I have seen/read different versions of The Taming of the Shrew, but to experience it in Amish style was wonderful. This is a brilliant adaptation that keeps you guessing throughout the book. I found myself smiling and laughing while I read Cate and Pete's story. Yes, there were some tears, too. I applaud Leslie for a job well done. I'm not much of an Amish fiction reader, but I will definitely be reading more of Leslie's books.
ADORING ADDIE:
Adoring Addie, the second book in The Courtships of Lancaster County series, is outstanding! When I read book one, Courting Cate, I was amazed at how Leslie took a classic like `Taming of the Shrew' and turned it into an Amish wonder. Then, when I heard that the second book, Adoring Addie, was based off of the classic `Romeo and Juliet' I thought, how is she going to pull that off? Well, let me tell you, she did it. Leslie managed to capture the essence of that classic and turn it into a wonderfully inspiring tale. As you read this story, you will find yourself comparing it to Romeo and Juliet, and smiling at how Leslie was able to entwine each aspect of that story into her own. I am so glad that I came across Leslie Gould's writing. She doesn't write Amish tales like so many others do, she puts a spin on her stories that makes them so much more unique than your average Amish books.
The Cramers and The Mosiers.....feuding families.
Addie Cramer and Jonathan Mosier.....can they reconcile these two families?
The Road to Deer Run
by Elaine Cooper
I am usually drawn to books by their covers, but I must admit that this cover didn't catch my eye. But, then I entered a contest to win a book of love stories that contained one story by Elaine. I won the contest and when I received the book of love stories, I was surprised to see that Elaine had also sent me a copy of The Road to Deer Run. (I fully intended to read this book weeks ago, but things came up) I finally began reading it yesterday and I finished it this afternoon. It was a wonderfully written story inspired by true events. Each chapter ends in a way that keeps you wanting to continue on into the next chapter. The relationship between Daniel and Mary will captivate you. From their first encounter to the final chapter, you won't want to miss a beat. He, a British soldier, and she a young colonial woman....odds against them, yet God beats all odds. When you are finished reading this story, you will walk away not only with a sense of awe for this love story, but you will also get a firm grasp on the war and the way of life at that time.
Return to Shirley Plantation
by Carrie Fancett Pagels
I was truly taken in by the characters and setting of this story. Angelina and Matthew were drawn to each other immediately and are such a perfect fit. Carrie did an excellent job showing the war going on and yet managed to keep the reader grounded in the story unfolding on the gorgeous Shirley Plantation. War, romance and unexpected surprises...it only took a short time to read, yet when I think back about all that I absorbed, I am amazed it wasn't a full size novel. And I love how the ending of this story was actually a beginning.....Bravo, Carrie, you did it again!
Bachelor Buttons
by Kathleen Maher
Kathleen L. Maher has written a wonderfully entertaining story. First of all I must say that I simply love the title and cover of this novella. I also love that the main characters are based on Kathleen's own ancestors.
Miss Rose Meehan, a young woman with two suitors, is a delightful character. She had me smiling at times...a race comes to mind... But, alas, you must read the book to know to what I am referring. Her suitors William and Ian are on totally opposite ends of the scale. I found myself cheering on one and feeling sorry for the other.
Not only does Bachelor Buttons give you laughter and entertainment, but it also gives a glimpse into the uglier side of people during this time....rioting and bigotry. I was totally impressed how Kathleen was able to balance this story out. While reading about a riot going on, I couldn't help but wonder about another scene going on somewhere else....my mind was all over this story and in the end I was totally satisfied. This may be a short story, but I savored every morsel. Well done, Kathleen.
The Chamomile
by Susan Craft
Powerful story! Susan Craft does a great job telling this tale of war, hate, sacrifice, revenge, love...the list goes on. I was captivated by the characters in this book, totally felt their pain and struggles. Oh what Lilyan, the heroine of this story, had to endure! She is truly a remarkable character...I found myself holding my breathe at times, wondering how things would turn out for her. Yes, there are moments of joy, laughter and love...but be prepared for heartache and tears as well. A very well-rounded tale that will have you turning pages quickly in anticipation of what happens next. I highly recommend this book.
Pearls From The Sea devotional
by MaryLu Tyndall and Debbie Mitchell
I thought that I would add me and MaryLu's devotional into the mix fer yer summer readin', since devotionals be great additions to yer daily Bible readin'. This be 180 days worth of devotions that be near and dear to our hearts. It be our prayer that whoever reads our devotional is truly blessed.
There ye have it, Mateys, me recommendations fer yer summer reading. There be some books comin' out that I be wantin' to read and when I do, I will be sharin' me thoughts wit' ye all!
Thank ye fer comin' aboard! God bless!
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