The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Lancaster County has always been her home- but where does her heart belong?

One moment Carrie Weaver was looking forward to running away with Lancaster Barnstormers pitcher Solomon Riehl- plans that included leaving the Amish community where they grew up. The next moment she was staring into a future as broken as her heart. Now, Carrie is faced with a choice. But will this opportunity be all she hoped? Or will this decision, this moment in time, change her life forever?

Carrie Weaver was so sure of her future. She was ready to fun away with Sol, leave the community and her family, and start a new life. But when a terrible tragedy strikes Carrie’s family, everything about her life is turned upside down. Will a young man that was just released from jail, her best friend with a secret she’s been carrying for years, and a wise old woman be able to help her see that God will have beauty come from the ashes? The Choice is a story of forgiveness as well as healing, and shows us that even when we turn our backs on God, He’s still right by our sides. I’ve been a huge fan of Amish fiction for a while now, and when I heard about this new series by Suzanne Woods Fisher, I was pretty excited. This is the first book I’ve read from her, and I have to say I enjoyed it a lot. Although the chapters were very long and had a lot of information in each one that it was overwhelming at times, I let out a very happy sigh when I finished. This is a book for anyone that loves Amish fiction, or just wants a good book to read. But like I said, it does have times when it left me a little confused, and not because I was guessing until the end of the book. I believe this was Miss Fisher’s first novel, and I’d have to say she did a very good job for her first one. And honestly, I’m really looking forward to reading the next book in the series, The Waiting, later on this year!

Love in Jesus,
Elyssa =)

*This book was purchased by me for my own collection*

Another Great Award!!!

Hey, guys! Molly from Book Reviews By Buuklvr81 has given us another award! We don't really have 9 blogs we can give this to, so we're not going to pass this one along. But thanks to Molly for blessing us with this award!

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

When The Morning Comes by Cindy Woodsmall

Her relationship with fiancé Paul Waddell in tatters, Hannah Lapp has fled her secluded Old Order Amish community in hopes of finding a new home in Ohio with her shunned aunt. Hampered by limited education and hiding her true identity, Hannah struggles to navigate the confusing world of the Englischers.

Will the countless opportunities in her new life persuade Hannah that her place is amongst the Englischers or will she give in to her heart’s call to return home and face the past?

There are so many words that I could use to describe this book, but none of them, at the moment, fit the bill. When the Morning Comes by Cindy Woodsmall was definitely a story that gripped my heart since the first time I read it, making me wish that it would never end. The book opened right where the first one left off, almost like you didn’t miss a beat of Hannah Lap’s life. While the first book is about all the events that take place to bring Hannah on this venture to Ohio, When the Morning Comes tells of all the triumphs of Hannah’s life afterwards. As I read the first book I couldn’t help but wonder how it would all end, yet as I read this one it only intensified my longing to find out. Hannah has left her home in Owls Perch, Pennsylvania and has set out to find her shunned Aunt, who lives in Winding Creek, Ohio. So many things happen to her one this journey, things that I know will stay in my heart. She becomes acquainted with her father’s sister and her- adopted family- so to speak. She meets up with (my favorite) the wealthy, Martin Palmer, who in time plays a very big part in the outcome of Hannah’s story. I know I said that the first book was one of the best books out there, but When the Morning Comes has to be-for me anyway- the best book I’ve read yet. A definite two thumbs up for this book, and trust me if I had more thumbs they’d be up there too.

Have a amazing day,
Em<333



*This book was purchased by me for my own collection*

Scripture of the Week

Romans 12: 1-2

1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Trouble in Paradise by Robin Lee Hatcher

After a lifetime of putting herself last, Shayla Vincent was finally on the right track. The rustic, secluded cabin her aunt had left her was the answer to prayer, the perfect spot to start her writing career. Now nothing would stop her from spreading His word.

Ian O'Connell was her new next-door neighbor -- a rugged rancher caring for his two adorable nieces. Yet, Shayla had already helped bring up her younger siblings. Raising another family when her goal was just within her grasp was the last thing she wanted, even as the brown-eyed cowboy had quickly become the first.
　
What happens when you mix a mystery writer working on her first novel and a rancher that loves his small town life? The answer is simple: chaotic. Shayla Vincent finds herself in the small town of Rainbow Valley after her aunt leaves her cabin to her. Little does she know, but the cowboy that lives down the road is about to change her life and all of her plans for the future. And what of Ian’s request to help him take care of his nieces? She’s done taking care of kids, but will two innocent faces help her make up her mind? Ian O’Connell is perfectly fine with the life he leads, but when he meets the strange, bubbly Shayla Vincent, he begins to wonder if he wants more in his life. Although living in the shadows of his past, he begins to see God’s love in a new light as he gets to know Shayla. But does she understand that he only wants to see her happy, no matter what she may think? When his sister asks him to watch her daughters for an extended period of time, he finds his hands full with double trouble- 6 year old twins. Can he handle taking care of them with help from his new neighbor, or will he give up without Shayla’s help?

Trouble In Paradise is a quirky book full of characters that are very believable and will stay with you for a long time after reading. It has problems that Christians everyday encounter, such as questions about God’s will for their lives and trusting Him no matter what. I found this book very enjoyable, and even found myself laughing at times as I went through Ian and Shayla’s problems with them. Obstacles such as Shayla’s deadline, her sister, Anne, a goofy cowboy named Ty, and Ian’s past are a few of the obstacles the two of them have to face. As they overcome each one, learning something new about each other, you find yourself wondering if Shayla will finish her novel despite all the interruptions and if Ian will be able to move on from the pain of all that he’s been through. Although an easy read, Trouble In Paradise is a book that I’d definitely recommend for anyone that’s looking for a small town book with cowboys, ranches, and God’s love weaved throughout the book. Definitely two thumbs up for Miss Hatcher!


Love in Jesus,
Elyssa =)


*This book was checked out of my local library for reviewing*

Beginnings by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Beth Quinn is struggling to find a place to belong in the Old Order Mennonite Community of Sommerfeld, Kansas. When she starts a business designing stained glass windows, two men-one a Mennonite, the other not-begin to vie for her attention. Andrew Braun, a member of the Sommerfeld fellowship, is dedicated to family and faith. Sean McCauley, the son of a successful businessman, may only be interested in Beth's talents. Will Beth look to her heavenly Father to fill the emptiness within, or will her desperate quest for love shatter more than one heart?

Beginnings by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a story filled with choices. The characters are real enough to touch, and the story is in depth enough to warm your heart. As I read each page I found myself learning more and more about the Mennonites. For instance I had no idea that they were able to participate in creating stain glass. I read more about Old Order Amish than anything else, but it was refreshing to learn something new about this culture. Though they are similar, the Mennonites and the Amish have many differences. Mrs. Sawyer definitely points out these differences well, allowing you to learn right alongside the characters. Beginnings was easy to read and very interesting. Some books I find to be dry and you almost have to make yourself turn each page. But not so with this captivating story. I found myself getting lost in the story, hoping that everything would work out for both Beth and Andrew. I think the thing I liked most about this book was the fact that I got the chance to read it in Pennsylvania. Although this story doesn’t take place in that state, it was still amazing to read it while hearing the sound of horse’s hooves in the background. I give this book two thumbs up! It’s definitely a must read.

Have an amazing Wednesday,
Em<333

*This book was purchased by me for my own collection*

Wednesday's Song of the Week #11

Here is week number 11's songs!

#1 My Savior My God- Aaron Shust

#2 Sleeping In- Nevertheless

#3 Do You Feel- The Rocket Summer

Enjoy!
Em<333



*These songs will play on the playlist below.*