Author: Debbie Macomber
Genre: Christian Fiction
Publisher: Mira
Pages: 464
Rating: Recommend
(Dana's Note: This is 2 books in 1, Denim and Diamonds and The Wyoming Kid)
Synopsis: Denim and Diamonds: Rancher Chase Brown has always loved Letty Ellison, but nine years she left their small town for a different kind of life. Now she's come home to Red Springs with her dreams in tatters - and a five-year-old child in tow. She's ready to trade the false glitter of Hollywood for the true happiness of being a rancher's fie. Chase's wife. But is it too late?
The Wyoming Kid: Rancher Lonny Ellison is an ex-rodeo cowboy who's used to the adulation of women. But that's something he doesn't get from Joy Fuller. In fact, they argue constantly. His sister, Letty, says it's because he's interested in Joy. . .and Lonny figures she's right. Can he convince Joy that marriage to the Wyoming Kid will be as exciting as an eight-second bull ride and can be as sweet as the cookies she likes to bake.
Review: Denim and Diamonds was my favorite of the two. The Wyoming Kid was slightly drawn out and repetitious. However, Macomber does a great job of tying these stories together in one novel.
Macomber is one of my favorite authors for sweet, cute (non-trashy) romantic reads. While predictable and formulaic, I can't help but wish my life was as such a neatly wrapped package as the characters' in her books.
If you like Debbie Macomber, this is a must read. If you've never read Debbie Macomber, these two novels are a great introduction of her style.
Author: Elaine Schulte
Genre: Christian Lit
Series: California Pioneers Series (Book 1)
Publisher: LifeJourney Books, 1991
Pages: 274
Rating: Recommend
Synopsis: So far, Annie Windsor Talbot has enjoyed a life of wealth and priviege. But suddenly she finds herself orphaned, bankrupt, and dependent on teh assistance of her Christian relatives who are moving west. Stunned by the turn of events, she must learn to cope with the physical and emoitional strain of a wagon train journey in the company of a family whos faith she cannot understand, and a young man whose presence disturbs her.
The Journey West is the first book in the exciting story of the Talbots, a Christian family determined to penetrate the west with the reality of God's love.
Review: Not the best of the Christian writers (I still prefer Janette Oke), but I enjoyed this story for what it is. I picked it up off the table at a book sale and for $.50 it was well worth my time. I'd like to see if I can find the other books in this series. If you like Christian fiction, then I recommend this book.
Author: Elizabeth Byler Younts
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: CreateSpace
Cost: $6.99 on Amazon
Pages: 192
Rating: Recommend
Synopsis: As the oldest child in an impoverished Amish family, Lydia Lee knows little more of life beyond hard work, sacrifice and extreme hunger. Yet, even as a young girl she strives to be content with all God has provided.
Against the backdrop of the Great Depression, Lydia’s childhood unfolds as her family struggles to survive, finding strength from their Amish faith. But, when tragedy strikes, that very faith is tested beyond what any child should have to endure. When all hope seems lost, Lydia is reminded that all things have seasons.
The spring of her life has been spent planting prayers in the soil of sadness and heartache. Will she see a summer of true love? Will there be a harvest of happiness?
Review: The author is the granddaughter of Lydia Lee, the main character of Seasons. The storyline was interesting and it was a quick read. My only complaint is that it ended much too soon and rather abruptly.
I've been in the mood to read fluff lately, but this book surprised me. It's not really a feel-good fluffy read although it's not meant to bring a person down either. It is amazing what some people have endured.
Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer
Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical Fiction
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers, 2008
Pages: 352
Rating: Highly Recommend
Synopsis: Orphaned in a tenement fire, three Irish immigrant children, hoping to be adopted, are sent to Missouri aboard an orphan train. Despite eight-year-old Maelle's desperate attempts to keep her siblings together, each child is taken by a different family. Maelle vows that she will never stop searching for her siblings and that they will be together one day. Sixteen years later, Maelle is still searching. So are her brother and sister. United by blood, divided by time, will they ever be reunited?
Review: My Heart Remembers won't appeal to everyone, but this is a tear jerker that I thoroughly enjoyed. Don't expect a lot of substance, but it is based on an actual event.
