Simba's book review

  "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:14a ESV) Those of you who loved the late John MacArthur and his writings will not want to miss this updated edition companion worksheet to his novel Twelve Extraordinary Women  (which I have yet to read).  I do remember reading Twelve Ordinary Men  by MacArthur years ago and being moved and encouraged in my walk.  I love how John presents biblical truths in easy to understand terms, and also being rich in scripture, giving readers a strong biblical base.  In this new workbook Bible scholars both new and young to the faith will delight in the journey he leads you on.  In full disclosure, I read this text on my own, and while I gained a lot from that, I long to join with other women in a Bible study where I feel I could glean even more from this text.      From Eve, the mother of all living, to Lydia (Paul's female convert after he received the Macedonian Call) - readers...

  Proverbs 31:10 "Who can find a virtuous woman?  For her price is far above rubies."  KJV If you love clean, Christian romance with a dash of humor, you will adore Pepper Basham (if you haven't already discovered this beloved author.  Fans of Jan Turano, and Karen Witemeyer will love Pepper Basham's sweet humor and the way she weaves gospel truths throughout her novels.  In her newest book, Sense and Suitability , Basham does not disappoint.   Set in England, regency fans will not want to miss this newest novel.  (Jane Austin fans will love her references to the beloved author throughout the pages). Pepper Basham has such a unique way of bringing her characters to life - both their good and bad character traits - so readers are able to identify with them without feeling preached at.  In Sense and Sensibility , Emmeline Lockhart and Simon Reeves began a courtship, and were even secretly planning to become engaged.  That is until Sim...

  "Family is the ultimate source of strength.  Together, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.' (Graciousquotes.com) Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year, and I have many cherished traditions with my husband and kids.  From decorating the tree, picking out that special ornament, to our family Christmas pj's - we have a many special things we look forward to (and don't forget those once a year favorite foods and goodies).  For me, personally, in addition to the fun family moments I look forward to binge watching Hallmark Christmas movies, and reading all the new Christmas romance - and Debbie Macomber's newest Christmas novella is always at the top of my list.   Oh the hustle and bustle of the most wonderful time of year!  The cherished family recipes, the holiday parties and get togethers, and that all important visit to Saint Nick.   In A Ferry Merry Christmas,  with just days before Christmas, passengers embark...

  The perfect read for fans of Amish fiction.  Fans of Beth Wiseman and Amy Clipston will fall in love with Shelly Shepard Gray.  The long awaited conclusion in Shephard Gray's Amish ABC's series will not leave readers disappointed, but can it can also be read as a stand alone.  After reading the stories of Kelsey and Johnny (the youngest Schrock siblings),  Gray gives us the exciting conclusion by bringing the siblings' story full circle.  This book is a treat as it all comes together, and readers finally discover what choices Beth and Martin make (both in faith and relationships). Gray does an excellent job of blending both the Amish and English worlds together with believable and authentic characters.   She also touches on the age old dilemma of sibling relationships, and how adult siblings can maintain a connection as life takes them down different paths.  The most important lesson, I feel, is that while man tries to plan and directs thei...

"Caring about someone doesn't mean losing a piece of yourself - It's about finding the pieces you didn't even know were missing." Fans of RaeAnne Thayne, Debbie Macomber , and Jenny Hale are going to love Savannah Carlisle, and her newest book  If I'd Have Known .  This second book in her Big Dune Island series, can be read as a stand alone.  Readers will be given a special treat as they pick up this story and immediately be swept away into the small community of Big Dune Island.  The story opens as friends Gigi Franklin and Austin Beckett are tasked with pulling off the seemingly impossible task of a secret wedding for mutual friends Callie and Jess.   Along with pulling off this special wedding for their dear friends, they are also tasked with saving the local bed and breakfast from land developers.  Who is the rightful heir of this beach front home?  As Austin and Gigi work together, they began to see each other as more than just friends. ...

"You are the main character in the story of your life, but other people are the main character in their own lives.  And sometimes you can find healing just by playing a supporting role in someone else's experience."  Timothy Knox A rom-com that fans of Debbie Macomber's Trading Christmas  will absolutely love!  Readers are introduced to Mary, a young woman living away from her home and family in Ireland.  She is in a relationship that she is trying to make work, even though he definitely still has feelings for his ex.  When they unexpectedly break up right before Christmas, Mary is stuck in New York without friends or family.  On a whim, she decides to buy a last minute plane ticket home and surprise her family.  The key word is surprise, as her loving family has the same idea and has arranged for a house swap with a handsome American tv star so they can spend Christmas with their beloved daughter.   Mary, walking into an empty house is ...

"Christmas is a time to believe in the magic of love and the power of miracles." (Author unknown) What is more romantic than cozying up by the fire, a nice mug of hot cocoa (dark chocolate is my personal favorite), and that very special romance novel?  Lisa Hobman gives readers the perfect book to do just that in  Snowy Surprises in the Highlands .  Imagine yourself in the middle of a Hallmark Christmas movie complete with: a Scottish castle, the cute and playful golden retriever puppy, and plenty of romance.   Fans of cozy Christmas movies will not want to miss this new book in the Scottish Highlands series. Bella Douglas and her boyfriend have it all going for them in their new home on thr Isle of Sky.  Her interior design business is taking off and  her beloved granny Isla lives near by along with his mom.  When Harris gives her the cutest golden retriever puppy for Christmas complete wirh a beautiful solitaire engagement ring, ever...

"And we know for those who love God all things work together gor good, for those who are called according to His purpose."  (Romans 8:28  ESV). Rachel J Good takes us back to her beloved Green Valley Farmers Market in Lancaster PA in her newest Amish romance.  Readers meet and soon grown to love 40-somethings Cathy Zeir and Myron King as they navigate a rocky and sometimes painful path to love.  Readers will also get to catch up with the much loved Mrs. Vandenverg, as this wise octogenerian continues to be God's vessel (with a little matchmaking on the side).  She exemplifies the lyrics from a favorite song of mine: "If I'm not dead, tmyour not done Greater things are still to come" (Elevation Worship, My Testimony 2020). Cathy Zeir, owner and operator of a donut stand at the market is known for her prickly personality and propensity to gossip.  Little does anyone know the loss, trauma, and abuse she has endured as a child.  When her belove...

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by thr mercies of God, to present your bodies as a loving g sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.   Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:1-2 ESV) "Faith, family, community, then self", is the central theme of Kelly Irvin's newest book, A Daughter's Choice .  Dying to self, surrendering in faith, and trusting in our Heavenly Father even when his ways are not our ways are all important truths Irvin weaves throughout this contemporary Amish romance (through the eyes of her characters as they walk through the hills and valleys of life).  As believers, we dont always like to sit and rest in God's sovereignty.   Scripture teaches through the life and example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that true joy, peace, and conte...

What a magical and romantic time of year Christmas is. The joy and wonder of Christmas brings out the inner child in all of us.  From that beautifully decorated tree (especially those keepsake ornaments), the twinkling lights, the smells of Christmas (from cookies baking to the fresh smell of evergreen and pine), and the simple joy and wonder of a child as they experience everything with a pure heart, and so much more!   Snow Kissed by RaeAnne Thayne is that special, cozy Christmas romance that brings all of the hope, joy, and love of the most blessed time of year.  Readers will feel like they are in that perfect Hallmark movie, and experience all those memories and moments that make Chiristmas that wonderful time of year.  They will be so caught up in this beautiful story of: love, romance, grace, forgiveness, and second chances - and carried away to that time of year where everything is possible. In Snow Kissed author RaeAnne Thayne takes readers b...

"Sometimes, love deserves a second chance because real love never fails" (author unlnown) For some the journey to happily ever after takes many twists and turns.   For some couples it is a matter of timing, and forgiveness others it might be a misunderstanding and a lack of communication.   In Christmas at the Home Farm Vets ,  Erin and Oli found themselves together at Cambridge hoping to become veterinarians.   Erin grew up surrounded by her loving mother and grandparents who voted on her.  While rich in love,  money was always tight.  Oli, on the other hand, was sent away to boarding schools.  While his parents loved him, there was a lot of dysfunction.   These young people are drawn to each other their freshman year, and by the end appear to be ready for the plunge into dating.   Over the summer, Oli's vacation leads to a misunderstanding with Erin and they spend the rest of their college career av...

"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known"  Jeremkah 33:3 ESV Prayer - talking with our Heavenly Father doesn't always come to us. It might ebb and glow depending on thr season of life, or it is awkward for some.  Sarah Brindleu, our hero in "Abducted in the Woods" felt the awkwardness of not knowing how to pray in thr beginning.   Having grown up with an alcoholic mother and her string of boyfriends Sarah knew mistrust, fear and even abuse from many of the men in her life.   She struggled wirh seeing God as a loving Heavenly Father who would not hurt her.  When her world comes crashing down around her (adultery in her marriage, the death of her spouse, and then the subsequent kidnapping of her young son), she doesn't know where to turn or if God will even hear her prayers.  She had been introduced to the faith as a young teenager by her late husband Tanner and his twin brother...

"Bear one another's burden and so fulfill the love of Christ."  Galatians 6:2 ESV "For there is nothing as sweet as fellowship as we share each other's lives (Lyrics from Sweet Fellowship, Capella, 1988).   Throughout scripture, we see the importance of fellowship, family, faith and loving others (especially the downtrodden and those who have been cast aside).  We follow the example of our Heavenly Father who loved us when we were deep in sin, He who knew no sin became sin that we might become the righteousness of God (II Corinthians 5:21).  Living in community, and sharing in each other's lives as brothers and sisters, a great picture of the love the Father has for us.   Faith, family, fellowship, fall, football, and Christmas- what a delightful combination for fans of chrisrian fiction and clean romance.  Truelove, nestled in the beautiful Blueridge mountains, is home to Maggie Lovett, the beloved daughter of the towns high-school co...