So Glad that Lori Copeland has a new series, Yea!

Love Blooms in Winter
Lori Copeland





A romantic new book from bestselling author Lori Copeland that portrays God’s miraculous provision even when none seems possible.

1892—Mae Wilkey’s sweet next-door neighbor, Pauline, is suffering from old age and dementia and desperately needs family to come help her. But Pauline can’t recall having kin remaining. Mae searches through her desk and finds a name—Tom Curtis, who may just be the answer to their prayers.

Tom can’t remember an old aunt named Pauline, but if she thinks he’s a long-lost nephew, he very well may be. After two desperate letters from Mae, he decides to pay a visit. An engagement, a runaway train, and a town of quirky, loveable people make for more of an adventure than Tom is expecting. But it is amazing what can bloom in winter when God is in charge of things.
Lori Copeland is one of my favorite authors. This was a fun ride and the story was entertaining from beginning to end. The characters were likeable and enjoyable that I did not want to see the book end. I am looking forward to more books in this series. I am so glad that Lori Copeland is writing a new series.
 I would like to thank Net Galley and Harvest House Publishing, Inc. for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.

An End to an enjoyable trilogy

Simple Choices
Nancy Mehl





One Simple Choice Changes Things Forever  Freelance graphic designer Gracie Temple is trying to concentrate on her upcoming marriage to Sam Goodrich, the man of her dreams—until events make her simple life in Harmony, Kansas, a mess of complications and fear. Foremost there’s Hannah Mueller, daughter of the local Mennonite pastor and the girl Gracie sees as her protégé. Gracie promises Hannah’s parents that an art workshop in Wichita won’t adversely affect the shy Mennonite girl, but once there, Gracie wonders if she’s spoken too soon—especially when Hannah adopts the worldly clothing styles of the big city and threatens to remain in Wichita instead of returning to Harmony. Gracie manages to coax Hannah home, but soon after arriving, Hannah vanishes. While the county sheriff is convinced Hannah’s just another runaway, Gracie’s not so sure. As Gracie races against time to discover the truth of Hannah’s disappearance, her wedding plans—and her family—suffer under the strain. What simple choices will be made that not only affect Gracie’s life but the lives of everyone she loves in Harmony?
This was a great series. It was enjoyable to learn these characters. It took me a while to warm up to the male lead, although I did come to like Sam. Gracie is just as forthright and interesting as Nancy Mehl's other female leads. I enjoyed the mystery. While they start out going through the life in Harmony and the other characters that become so much a part of what makes the story so interesting and than the mystery intensifies. A rewarding mystery that is worth another trip to Harmony.
 I would like to thank Net Galley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. 

A Pleasant Story

The Art of Romance
Kaye Dacus





Two zany grannies scheme to unite their artistic grandchildren. When twenty-eight year old Dylan Bradley, a former steamy romance illustrator, meets Caylor Evans, he’s trying to build up a new professional reputation while recovering from a bad breakup with an older woman. Meanwhile, thirty-four year old Caylor, having once written titillating romances under a pseudonym, now pens inspirational novels. When they form a professional alliance and Caylor’s manuscript is paired with Dylan’s proposed sketches for its book cover, suspicions arise. Can Dylan and Caylor discover the true art of romance while hiding secrets from their past?
I enjoy a good book. This was one that delivers on a good laugh and an enjoyable story line. The author does a good job with story line and enjoyable characters that are likeable. I always like a mystery of any kind. It is always true that we hide our sins from the world, although they are always on display in front of our Lord.
 I would like to thank Net Galley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.

Rev Piper's New Book

Bloodlines
John Piper





I have always been a fan of Rev. Piper. I own many of his books and have always enjoyed the issues that he brings to the table that I have wrestled with in the past. That is why I was so surprised with this book. This was a book that seemed force, disjointed and it would seem that Rev. Piper struggles with his topic.
I was mostly disappointed that this book did not delve into the diversity of Jesus' ethnically diverse heritage.
I want to thank Net Galley and Crossway for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.

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A Diner to Visit on Historic RT 66

Double Heart Diner (Route 66 Trilogy)
Annie Jones





It was a little piece of heaven on Route 66. True, the famed Double Heart Diner had seen better days. But it was still such a special place for so many people. And Georgia Darling wasn’t going to let some city-slicker shut it down, no matter how handsome and sweet-talking the stranger might be.
It was a precious piece of land on the Texas panhandle, and it belonged to him. So why was businessman Jett Murphy letting some cute, fiery redhead try to talk him out of bulldozing the entire building? If Miss Darling thought she could beat him when it came to being headstrong...well, maybe he had met his match.
This was a fun book and easy read. I liked the characters which were well developed and likeable. I think that this was just as enjoyable the second time around. There is a cozy feeling despite the route 66 idea of transition and temporary. I was sad when this book came to an end. It made me want to jump in my car and ride along Rt 66 till I found this diner.
I want to thank Net Galley and TKA Distribution for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.

The last look at the family from Bethany.

Lazarus Awakening: Finding Your Place in the Heart of God
Joanna Weaver





Book Summary: For many of us, moving the truth of God’s love from our heads to our hearts is a lifelong process. You believe that God loves the world…
but sometimes you wonder if He truly loves you. In Lazarus Awakening, the final book in her life-changing Bethany trilogy, Joanna Weaver invites you to experience a divine shift in how you view your relationship with God. Shattering spiritual formulas for performance-driven faith, Lazarus Awakening clears a path to sweet intimacy with Jesus. You’ll encounter the story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in a fresh way as you open your heart to the truth that you are cherished—apart from anything you accomplish, apart from anything you bring. Just as He called Lazarus forth to new life, Jesus wants to free you to live fully in the light of His love, unhindered by fear, regret, or self-condemnation.
This edition includes:
• a bible study guide for both individual reflection and group discussion
• a bonus chapter on laying aside everything that hinders your life with Jesus
• tools and resources for living fully and freely as God’s beloved
No more graveclothes, no more tombs… Love is calling your name.

Review: This is a book that takes a look at the life, death and life of Lazarus. This book goes through the events of Lazarus' amazing life. His friendship with Jesus is a mystery but very real. The reaction of his sisters, the people around them and Jesus. It is immersed with personal examples, also using examples of people the author knows or has some relationship to bring out the Biblical truths the life of Lazarus reveals.
I found this book to be an interesting perspective. Although, much of the authors theology I did not agree with I understood the points and ideas expressed. The issue I found most difficult to agree with is that Lazarus in the tomb had to decide whether he wanted to come out of the tomb or remain. When the Lord of this earth calls us forth, you come. That is the reason he used Lazarus' name. It was examples like this that I differ from the author. She did bring forward thoughts that were worth pondering and the main issue is we are so far from holy that Jesus is our only hope.
 I want to thank Waterbrook Publishing and blogging for books for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.