Things Worth Remembering by Jackina Stark January 18, 2010

Summary: Kendy Laswell and her daughter, Maisey, used to do everything together–until one fateful summer when Maisey witnessed something she shouldn’t have, and their relationship fractured. Now, Maisey is back home to get married and Kendy realizes this is her last chance to reconnect with her daughter. Will Kendy and Maisey be able to reclaim the bond they once shared?

Author Bio: Jackina (pronounced with a long “i” to rhyme with China) Stark recently retired from teaching English at Ozark Christian College to spend more time writing and traveling. During the 28 years she taught at OCC, she traveled nationally and internationally to speak and teach, and wrote many articles for denominational magazines. She has been married to her husband, Tony, for 42 years. They live in Carl Junction, Missouri, and have 2 daughters and 6 grandchildren.

My Review: This was a really hard book for me to get into. I almost put it down because it took so long to get to the good part of the book that made me want to continue reading. Once I finally did get to that part, I did like the book, though it still bounced around the storyline a little too much for my liking. I think the ending was very good though and the idea of the story was good. If you like stories about family, secrets, forgiveness, and renewal then this book would be along those lines.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher to read and review. My review is not biased by the fact that I was given this book. I HONESTLY read and review any book whether bought or given to me. If I did not like the book I would definitely not give a rave review or recommend it.

A Few Books from Bethany House January 1, 2010

Summary: Gooding, Texas is about to gain a double blessing–a veterinarian and a doctor. But when siblings Enoch and Taylor Bestman arrive, the discovery that the long-awaited doctor is in fact a woman has the town up in arms. Karl Van der Vort is no exception, though he becomes Taylor’s first patient…against his will.

Karl finds he can’t deny Taylor’s doctoring skills, but he also can’t come to terms with her unladylike occupation. Taylor, on the other hand, wants only to prove that doctoring is her life’s calling, despite the town’s opposition. But when her practice–and Taylor herself–are threatened, Karl’s protectiveness flares into a different emotion altogether.

Author Bio: Cathy Marie Hake is the author of over twenty-five novels, though past endeavors have included making Bible covers and cutting out convertible car tops! She is also a registered nurse. Cathy and her husband live in Anaheim, California.

My Review: I loved Taylor as a character. She is quite feisty, confident in her abilities, and ready to prove who she is and what she is capable of. I would definitely recommend this book very highly.  This is the first book I have read by this author, but I will be looking for more in the future because I liked this one so much.

Summary: When Carrington Brouwer receives the enviable job of painting carousel horses for a factory in Ohio, she believes her future is secure. But after an expensive necklace disappears from the home where she’s been staying, she’s caught up in a search for the truth that puts her entire livelihood–and her developing relationship with the factory manager–at risk. Can she lead police to the real culprit before she loses everything?

Author Bio: Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, many of which have appeared on the CBA bestseller lists. Judy and her husband make their home in Topeka, Kansas.

My Review: Carrington Brouwer is invited by her friend, Augusta Galloway, to move to the US from France after her father dies and she has no family left. Carrington arrives to quite an unexpected welcome. Augusta’s mother doesn’t seem well pleased with her arrival. Carrington feels as if she needs to make do on her own rather than live with the Galloways. She is a painter and is not exactly sure what she could do to live on her own. Carrington finds an unexpected ally in Augusta’s mother when she suggests that she work for Mr. Galloway at the carousel factory painting their carvings for the carousel. Mr. Galloway agrees and Carrington begins the difficulty of working in a factory full of men and being the only woman worker. It is 1890, so this is quite a foreign idea and not very acceptable. Carrington finds a boardinghouse near the factory to live at and meets Mr. Kaestner, who also happens to be her supervisor at the factory. He has his own difficulties with her as well, but his feelings begin to change as he sees Carrington’s character shine through. I really liked this book. It was full of suspense, romance, and much more. I am in awe of the strength that Carrington had to be able to withstand the trials of being the only woman in the factory. She struggles with her faith and learns along the way how to develop a better relationship with God. This was another book that I really loved. If you like historical fiction, this was a very interesting look into history that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I received a copy of these books from the publisher to read and review. My review is not biased by the fact that I was given these books. I HONESTLY read and review any book whether bought or given to me. If I did not like the book I would definitely not give a rave review or recommend it.