Hearts Made Whole (Beacons of Hope, Book 2) by Jody Hedlund ~ Historical Fiction Review

Hearts Made Whole (Beacons of Hope, Book 2) by Jody Hedlund

Book review disclosure.

Beacons of Hope, Book 2
Jody Hedlund
Historical Fiction

1865
WINDMILL POINT, 
MICHIGAN

Can She Forgive the Hurting Man 
Who Costs Her the Role She Loves?


AFTER HER FATHER'S DEATH, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren't supposed to have such roles, so it's only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper--even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.

Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He's secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation--the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He's not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who's angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he's in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he's unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Caroline feels drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope...and possibly love?

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My Thoughts

I have become a big fan of Jody Hedlund's work. So far her stories have been compelling and unique. If her name is on the cover then I want to read it. I enjoy her strong female leads and the unusual aspects of their histories. 

The first book in the Beacons of Hope series, Love Unexpected, introduced us to the exciting and challenging life of a female lighthouse keeper. Hearts Made Whole is the second book in the series and it centers around the Windmill Point Lighthouse. After the accidental death of her father, Caroline Taylor finds herself as the acting lighthouse keeper. She's very proficient at her job and even manages to balance it with caring for her four younger siblings. But the lighthouse inspector has nefarious plans to replace her so his underhanded schemes can continue.

The Civil War has recently ended and the lighthouse board has decided to appoint veterans to vacant lighthouse keeper positions. Ryan Chambers is given the Windmill Point post which leaves Caroline and her siblings without a home or a source of income. To say that Ryan is a mess is an understatement. The war has left wounds that go much deeper than the visible scars. He needs Caroline and her skills to make everything work. But things begin to happen that are obviously meant to frighten Caroline into leaving.

In what is becoming the trademark Hedlund style this story has a bit of everything. There is of course history combined with a complicated romance. The elements of mystery and intrigue speed the story along and keep you speculating as to who is behind the dangerous events. And finally the redemptive story of a second chance is the overriding theme that lifts this book above many in this genre. 

If you enjoy a fast paced story laced with the above elements then I think you will find not only Hearts Made Whole but the entire Beacons of Hope series a delightful read. 

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Jody Hedlund








Empire's End by Jerry B. Jenkins ~ Historical Fiction Review

Empire's End by Jerry B. Jenkins

Book review disclosure.

Historical Fiction

THE APOSTLE PAUL IS A BIBLICAL GIANT who wrote almost one-third of the New testament, yet most details of his life remain a mystery. How could a devout Pharisee become the most influential Christian theologian of all time? Into that void steps master storyteller Jerry B. Jenkins, weaving a gripping narrative that illumines Paul's stunning transformation form obsessed persecutor of Christians to devoted bondservant of Christ.

Paul's backstory is all here: His Damascus Road blinding and miraculous healing, his struggle to overcome the suspicion of Christian brethren he once hunted with abandon, his escape from Jewish leaders who felt betrayed, his passion for spreading the message of Jesus in defiance of violent Roman opposition, Jenkins's account moves quickly to trace Paul's escape into Arabia and his three-years of divine revelation in the desert. Here the author imagines an astonishing relationship with some of the very people Paul had persecuted only a year before.

What was the Apostle Paul really like? What went on in the trenches of his life, beyond the pages of the biblical letters he left behind? How did Paul navigate the perilous path from killing Jesus's followers to becoming one of their most trusted leaders? What was his thorn-in-the-flesh? Did he ever fall in love, and if so, how did that romance shape him? What thoughts and feelings most profoundly haunted, inspired, and fueled his intensity?

Thanks to Empire's End, you need no longer peer into Paul's life only as through a glass darkly. In Jenkins's deft hands, the apostle's period of preparation in the Arabian wilderness for a world-changing work sharpens into focus, Empire's End welcomes you into the mind and heart of the greatest missionary the church has ever seen.

My Thoughts

I have long found the life of the Apostle Paul fascinating. So much of the New Testament is from the ink of his pen. When you read all of his accounts you can piece together aspects of his life but I have always wondered about some of the unwritten times.

In 2013, Jerry Jenkins wrote I, Saul that mostly focused on the end of Paul's life and the writing of his memoir. With the follow-up publication of Empire's End we get to read that memoir and imagine along with Jenkins what was happening personally to Paul during the years that followed the Damascus Road experience. 

The story is written in first-person and I love the voice that Jenkins gave to our beloved Apostle. His time in Arabia where he was taught by God Himself felt like peeking in on a very intimate moment with the Creator. I don't want to talk much about the situation that Paul found himself in because it would give away too much and I want you to discover it for yourself.

If you have ever found yourself in an impossible situation where there was no way to save face by keeping quiet you'll appreciate this book. I love the way God brings about redemption in our lives. It is often painful and humbling but every time we come out better for it. That is the situation with Paul. 

If you have read the New Testament the timeline of events will be familiar to you. I recommend that you sit back and enjoy the talented storytelling of Jenkins. So many of the mysteries of Paul's life have been imagined in this book and it was delightful to suppose with the author about what happened behind the scenes. This isn't the Bible and the author doesn't claim it to be, but I found his depictions to be accurate and the imagined parts plausible. There is a reason that Jenkins is a new York Times Best-Selling author and Empire's End is good evidence of that.

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Jerry B Jenkins






Summer Boredom Busters ~ The Princess Parables Sticker & Activity Books


Summer Boredom Busters ~ The Princess Parables Sticker & Activity BooksBook Review Disclosure

Sticker books girls will love!

Join Princesses Joy, Grace, Hope, Charity, and Faith in some creative and interactive fun with 16 pages full of puzzles, activities, and 50 colorful and reusable stickers that are sure to please. Featuring the girls' father the king and their special animal friends, these are sure to keep your little princess busy and very happy.

coloring book

Summer is here and with it the inevitable chant of "I'm bored. There's nothing to do." Usually a trip outside to play in the backyard cures this, but around here the weather hasn't been so cooperative. Between all of the rain and humidity we've had plenty of indoor time the last few days.

A big lifesaver lately has been the adorable new sticker and activity books from The Princess Parables line from Zonderkidz. As I've shared before my girls love The Princess Parables dolls and books. It has been so much fun listening to them tell the stories about these sweet sisters and their father the king. 

The sticker and activity books continue to reinforce the wonderful parables from Scripture through the use of coloring activities, connect the dots, word search and other puzzles. There is also a two page section of stickers that can be applied to the pages and then peeled up and applied somewhere else in the book.

So today when the summer boredom chants began I had each girl go get their favorite Princess doll. While they were out of the room I quickly made a tent over the dining room table, threw a few pillows under there, added some crayons and pencils and put a small fan where it would circulate air under the table. When they came back in the room I handed each of them the corresponding sticker and activity book for the doll they had.

Instead of moaning and complaining I have been hearing giggles and whispers coming from the dining room. Ahhh . . . music to this granny's ears!

If you would like to get The Princess Parables Sticker & Activity Books for your little girls you can find them at all of your major Christian retailers either in store or online





As Love Blooms (The Gregory Sisters, Book 3) by Lorna Seilstad ~ Historical Romance Review

As Love Blooms (The Gregory Sisters, Book 3) by Lorna Seilstad

Book review disclosure.

The Gregory Sisters, Book 3
Historical Romance

Young romance opens like a rose . . . 
but even a rose has its thorns.

Tessa Gregory is nothing if not tenacious. Denied a position as a horticulturist at prestigious Como Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota, she is not above a little benevolent deception in order to get the park superintendent to change his mind and hire her. She plans to infiltrate the world of wealthy and influential people in hopes of drumming up financial support for a world-class conservatory. But before she can put those plans into action, she meets Reese King, a handsome gardener at Como Park--and a major distraction. Still, Reese might be the key to achieving her dream. But is his goal to help her . . . or to capture her heart?

Against the lush backdrop of manicured gardens and greenhouses full of the exotic, Lorna Seilstad weaves a sweet and sassy story that is sure to delight.

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My Thoughts

The Gregory Sisters series has been a delight to read. It started with When Love Calls where we met the oldest sister Hannah and watched her dreams of becoming a lawyer come true. In the second book While Love Stirs we met Charlotte who tempted us with her delicious menus and nutritional savvy. Now we are introduced to Tessa, the baby of the family who has garnered a reputation of being a bit flighty in her decisions about a possible career.

Tessa has received her degree in horticulture and is determined to work as a horticulturist at Como Park. Unfortunately the man in charge is not so keen on having a woman as one of his gardeners. By a fortuitous twist of fate Tessa meets Reese King who is already on staff. The two come up with a brilliant scheme to catch the attention of the superintendent which would benefit both of them.

Tessa's determination seems to know no bounds. Even when she is turned down in every direction she still presses on. Her only hope seems to lie with Reese, but he seems to have ulterior motives. The tension between doing what his head tells him and what his heart tells him makes the story come alive.

I enjoyed this series and especially this last installment. I particularly like how Lorna Seilstad uses elements of suspense to tease the reader along. She also does a marvelous job of intertwining historical facts with fictional characters. Her addition of a sweet romantic story-line is the icing on the cake. 

While I enjoyed the entire series, it should be noted that each story can easily be read as a stand-alone. My only note of caution would be to not read them out of order if you intend on reading the entire series. Each book contains some plot spoilers from previous books.  

The Gregory Sisters Series by Lorna Seilstad

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Lorna Seilstad



Disclosure of materials.


No Place To Hide (Hidden Identity, Book 3) by Lynette Eason ~ Romantic Suspense Review

No Place To Hide (Hidden Identity, Book 3) by Lynette Eason

Book review disclosure.

Hidden Identity, Book 3
Romantic Suspense

SHE'LL DEFEND HER FRIEND UNTIL THE BITTER END--
BUT IS SHE IN
OVER HER HEAD?

It's not every day you see your childhood friend and onetime crush on national news. Jackie Sellers just wishes it were under different circumstances. She can't believe that Ian Lockwood is wanted in connection with a terrorist plot, and she's determined to find him and help him clear his name. Unfortunately, she's not the only one looking for him. The FBI wants him captured. The bad guys want him dead. Ian just wants to stay alive long enough to prove his innocence and prevent a catastrophe.

Lynette Eason delivers nonstop action as Jackie and Ian travel a dangerous road--one that may lead straight to destruction.

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My Thoughts

Some authors gently ease you into the story. They let you get to know the characters and then they spring the twists on you. Not Lynette Eason! You are immediately plunged into the thick of things and the intensity only goes up from there.

The opening scene begins on a Friday at the Center for Disease Control headquarters. An employee is being blackmailed and his family is threatened unless he agrees to stealing a deadly virus. The next scene is on Sunday and our heroine Jackie Sellers is breaking into an old friend's house because she thinks he may be in trouble. Her friend Ian Lockwood is in the house but is hiding because dangerous men are after him. Before you know it those dangerous men are after them both. To make matters even worse the FBI suspects Ian of being a terrorist and are also looking for Jackie as his accomplice. 

I'm not going to give any of the ending away but let's just say all of the action takes place in about a week. And what an intense week it is. The story begins in Atlanta but then makes it way to New York City. That's a whole lot of territory to cover when you're on the run.

This book is a real work-out for your senses. My eyes just flew across the page trying to keep up with all of the action going on. Of the three books in the Hidden Identity series I think this one was the most intense. More details are provided about the Operation Refuge group and its members, even the seemingly unaffiliated member Ron.

One of the interesting side stories that involves Ian's cousin and Jackie's friend Holly has some twists that I didn't see coming. But remember this is romantic suspense so it isn't all about murder and intrigue. This was a fantastic series that I recommend to anyone that likes a bit of heart-pumping suspense mixed with a bit of romance.

No Place To Hide is part of a series but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone novel. If you are thinking about reading the entire series I think you should start at book one, No One To Trust, and then read book two, Nowhere To Turn. Each book is easily read separately but there is some connectivity between the characters and I wouldn't want your story to be spoiled by any little giveaways that may occur if you read them out of order. 

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Lynette Eason








Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist ~ Historical Fiction Review

Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist

Book review disclosure.

Historical Fiction

AS PREPARATIONS for the 1893 World's Fair set Chicago and the nation on fire, Louis Tiffany--heir to the exclusive Fifth Avenue jewelry empire--seizes the opportunity to unveil a state-of-the-art stained-glass mosaic chapel the likes of which the world has never seen.

But when Louis's dream is threatened by a glass-workers' strike months before the fair opens, he turns to an unforeseen source for help: the female students at the New York School of Applied Design. Eager for adventure, the young women pick up their skirts, move to boardinghouses, take up steel cutters, and assume new identities as the "Tiffany Girls."

Tiffany Girl is the heartwarming story of the impetuous Flossie Jayne, a beautiful budding artist who is handpicked by Louis to help complete the Tiffany chapel. Though excited to be an independent New Woman at a time when most of the fair sex stayed home, she quickly finds the world is less welcoming than she anticipated. From a Casanova male to an unconventional married couple and a condescending singing master, she takes on a colorful cast of characters to transform the boarding house into a home while racing to complete the Tiffany chapel and make a name for herself in the art world.

As challenges mount, her ambitions become threatened from an unexpected quarter: her own heart. What or who will claim victory? Her drams or the captivating boarder next door?

Take A Look Inside




My Thoughts

Deeanne Gist is taking us back to the World's Fair in Chicago! Louis Tiffany (yes those Tiffanys) has a giant ambition to show off his love for stained glass at the fair. His dream is to do a stained glass chapel that will be inspiring and beautiful. Unfortunately in the midst of creating this marvel there is a glass-workers strike and the men walk out. 

In a very forward-thinking move Mr. Tiffany seeks out some talented women to fill their shoes. Flossie Jayne is one of the women that he chooses to come and finish the windows. Flossie is a total delight to read about. She's fiesty and brave and daring, while at the same time caring and concerned about those around her. She's determined to be an independent New Woman in an era of change.

The story that unfolds about the Tiffany chapel and the women that create it is fascinating. But I have to admit my favorite part is the story that takes place between Flossie and her boarding house neighbor Reeve. As the tapestry that unfolds and becomes their story is revealed I found myself experiencing a myriad of emotions. I wanted the two of them to live happily ever after but wasn't sure it could be accomplished because of their diverse makeups. But we all know opposites attract!

Tiffany Girl is a delight on so many levels. The history and author's notes behind the story are fascinating. We modern women have a lot to be thankful for of those women who paved the way. Gist's stories are a real treat because they are long and detailed without being tedious. Even at 527 pages I still felt like I was galloping through the novel. I'm not sure exactly how she manages to pack so much in and keep the story racing along, but she is definitely a master at it. The pictures and illustrations add such a wonderful setting to the novel. This would be a great choice for your reading group or as a wonderful treat for yourself.

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Deeanne Gist

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Until The Harvest by Sarah Loudin Thomas ~ Contemporary Fiction Reviw

Until The Harvest by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Book review disclosure.

Contemporary Fiction

Take This Journey of Broken Souls Restored
and Tentative Hearts Brought Fully to Life

When family tragedy derails Henry Phillips's college studies, he's left unmoored and feeling abandoned. The only things that can tamp down his grief are the family farm, his fiddle, and an unexpected friendship with sweet but unusual preteen Mayfair Hoffman.

Unfortunately, Mayfair's older sister, Margaret, despite her spray of freckles and cute, turned-up nose, has a completely different effect. His grandmother's helper, she's always around, ready to push his buttons, and it seems at first that she doesn't care about his troubles.

Henry soon realizes, though, that Margaret's facing her own struggles. Mayfair's health and unique gift sit at the heart of those worries. Henry and Margaret soon find themselves relying on each other as potential tragedy collides with growing hope in a warm story of family bonds and the surprising ways healing finds us all.

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My Thoughts

I fell in love with Sarah Loudin Thomas' writing with her debut novel Miracle in a Dry Season. The story centered around Casewell & Perla Phillips before they were married. I became so attached to the characters and looked forward to reading about what they had been up to since the closing chapter.

In Thomas' newest novel, Until the Harvest, we get to see where the people of Wise, West Virginia have been and continue our acquaintance with these complex citizens. The story begins on New Year's Eve of 1975. With the opening lines we are introduced to Casewell and Perla's son Henry. Henry is a talented fiddle player and takes any opportunity he can to play and earn a bit of extra cash.

In fact Henry loves playing the fiddle so much that he has decided to put that first ahead of his college studies. This causes a bit of a rift with his parents but when a tragedy unexpectedly strikes the Phillips family all thoughts of music and college are put on the back-burner.  

We're also introduced to Margaret Hoffman and her sister Mayfair. Margaret is a part-time housekeeper for Emily Phillips, Henry's grandmother. Margaret and Mayfair come from a stressful home and find solace in spending as much time as possible at Emily's house. Mayfair is a quiet soft-spoken girl that Margaret does all she can to protect.

In the town of Wise there is much healing that needs to take place, both physically and spiritually. It is soon discovered that Mayfair has somewhat of a gift of healing. But the gift comes at a great cost to Mayfair. 

I am holding my breath and crossing my fingers that this story line continues on into several more novels. There are so many people that I would love to know more about. Thomas' writing style is engaging and allows you to step into the story as if you were a bystander in each scene. The setting is unique and I enjoy the way that the author allows the idiosyncrasies of the place and dialect of the people to come through without it becoming a mockery of the native residents.

If you like Jan Karon novels I think you may be interested in this set of stories as well. Start with the novella Appalachian Serenade that sets the stage for Miracle in a Dry Season. You'll fall in love with some lovable and eccentric people like Frank Post and the Talbot sisters. You'll also discover what it is like to live in a small town. The good, the bad and most importantly the love and concern shown to neighbors and friends.

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Sarah Loudin Thomas
Photo Credit: © Kristen Delliveniri



Disclosure of materials.



The Tomb: A Novel of Martha by Stephanie Landsem ~ Biblical Fiction Review

The Tomb: A Novel of Martha by Stephanie Landsem

Book review disclosure.

The Living Water Series, Book 3
Biblical Fiction

NO ONE KNOWS THE WORRIES that weigh on Martha, the burden she has carried for seven years. The townspeople call her the holiest woman in Bethany, but Martha's perfect reputation protects a secret that could destroy everyone she loves.

Only two men know the truth: her brother, Lazarus, and Simon, the strict Pharisee Martha is bound to marry. Lazarus's only wish is to follow his cousin Jesus, but Simon will stop at nothing to ensure that Jesus is exposed as a fraud and blasphemer. When Lazarus falls ill, Martha must decide if she will send for Jesus to heal her brother, or defy Simon, who threatens to expose her shame. Must she remain bound in her tomb of secrets and watch her brother die?

On the southern shores of Galilee, a tortured man roams, possessed by a legion of demons. When Jesus frees him, he finds that seven years have passed since he promised to return to the woman who gave him her heart. He sets out for Bethany, hoping he is not too late to reclaim Martha's love.

Full of doubt in the one her sister calls the Messiah, Martha risks all to send for Jesus. But will Jesus prove worthy of her trust, or will he--like the man she once loved--forsake her?

My Thoughts

Stephanie Landsem continues to captivate me with her Biblical fiction. If you have ever found the Bible to be a dull read check out one of her books. I can almost guarantee that you will want to dig deeper into Scripture to discover more about the people and places she has fictionalized in her stories.

The Tomb centers on the story of siblings Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. While Landsem has chosen to take a bit of license with the timeline of events and added in some what ifs, the story itself allows these well known historical figures to blossom. She has added in supporting roles that may very well have been accurate but we don't know because Scripture doesn't say. For instance we know a bit about Mary, Martha, and Lazarus but virtually nothing about their relatives and neighbors. I found the addition of these characters to enhance the story without detracting from the truths that are contained in Scripture.

I particularly enjoyed exploring the facets of Martha. Why did she act the way she did? Who was she besides Mary and Lazarus's sister? Did she ever marry? Did she have children? I could also ask those same questions about Mary and Lazarus. Frankly we don't know. Landsem has done a masterful job of walking the tightrope of historical fiction. She stays fairly accurate on known facts but allows her pen to put down some intriguing what if scenarios. I enjoyed the story immensely and look forward to reading many more of her books.

If you are interested in reading about what I thought of The Thief  by Stephanie Landsem go here.

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Stephanie Landsem





Let's Talk Dishes! ~ Building Relationships Around The Kitchen Sink


Let's talk dishes! Do you use a dishwasher or do you handwash? Is it a chore or are you okay with it?

This morning I was washing up some pots and pans from last night (DON'T tell my grandma that I left them overnight!) and it got me to thinking about dish washing. Do you wash by hand or use a dishwasher? (Yes, kids count as dishwashers! I say if they dirty the dish they are more than capable of washing said dish. It builds their skill set.)

I have a dishwasher that I use but I don't put my pots and pans in it. I do those by hand. I've not always had a dishwasher and at times it did feel like a tedious chore but for the most part I don't mind it. Washing dishes is a time of mindless thought for me. I can just ponder at will whatever comes to mind.

Sometimes I plan out in my head the next art project I want to work on. Other times I pray for my kids and grandkids. I've also been known to prop my Kindle up on the breakfast bar in front of the sink and read while I'm washing! (Hey a reader's gotta read.)

The main enjoyment of it is some much needed alone time. There's something soothing about plunging my hands in that hot soapy water and just letting all of the chaos around me go. If you've still got toddlers at home this probably isn't an escape . . . they have no concept of personal space and alone time. But if you've got kiddos old enough to do dishes this will work every time. Just start filling the sink with soapy water and they will avoid you like the plague!

There is another benefit of hand washing. It can also be a great time of conversation. Some of my husband and I's best conversations have occurred over the kitchen sink. We've shared hopes and dreams and burdens while scrubbing a stuck on spot. Who knew a man could be so handsome with soap up to his elbows?

I grew up in a large extended family environment. Almost every Sunday we had dinner at my grandma and grandpa's house. After the meal the men would sit around and discuss crops and livestock and the kids would head outside. That left the women to clean up. I was so thrilled when I was old enough to be included. It was such a nice time of visiting with a favorite aunt while washing, rinsing or drying.

Now that my kids are grown and in their own homes I enjoy the times when they come for a visit and my daughter or daughter-in-law and I clean up. Such an intimate time of sharing our hearts while everyone else is busy somewhere else.

So what about you? Do you find washing dishes to be a chore or a way to build relationships?

The Heart Of The Amish by Suzanne Woods Fisher ~ Christian Living Review

The Heart of the Amish by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book Review Disclosure

Life Lessons on Peacemaking and the Power of Forgiveness
Christian Living

We have all been hurt and we all have someone we need to forgive. But sometimes it's hard to let go of our hurt and anger in order to truly forgive and move on.

For the Amish, forgiving others in order to live at peace is woven into the very fabric of their faith. From daily annoyances to heartbreaking tragedy, they exhibit an incredible capacity for forgiveness that often baffles us. How do they do it? And how can we have the same attitude and ability to forgive?

Through true stories gathered from a variety of Amish communities, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher shows you how the Amish are able to release their pain and desire for revenge, and live at peace with others. Her in-depth, personal research uncovers the astounding yet fundamental way the Amish can forgive anyone from the angry customer at the grocery store to the shooter at Nickel Mines. You'll learn how to invite God into your story, apply lessons from the Amish to your own circumstances, and find the freedom that comes with true forgiveness.

Read an excerpt.
Read An Excerpt

My Thoughts

I've enjoyed so many of Suzanne Woods Fisher's books that center on the Amish. One common thread through each of those novels is the ability to live in community peaceably. The centerpiece of that seems to be their ability to forgive and move on. In most cases the bonds of those involved become strengthened.

In The Heart of the Amish, Suzanne takes us into the lives of real Amish, Mennonite and other Plain families. Through their sometimes heart-rending stories we're able to gain a better perspective on how it is possible to forgive not only the daily offenses but the truly unforgivable. 

Most people remember the tragic story of the Nickel Mines Amish schoolhouse shooting that made headlines across the nation. I remember being so amazed at the ability of the Amish families to not only forgive the shooter but to reach out in compassion to the shooter's family. Suzanne includes several interviews with people that were involved including the shooter's mother and wife. 

After reading through the book I found myself pondering how I have handled forgiveness. Each one of us has had the experience of needing to forgive someone or needing forgiveness from someone. It is a very humbling situation but also a very freeing experience when done correctly. I think we could all learn something from the Amish about extending and receiving forgiveness. I would recommend this book to anyone that struggles with forgiveness. The different stories are sure to resonate and allow you a glimpse of what life could be like. 

At the end of each chapter is a section entitled Reflections on Peacemaking. The preceeding situation is discussed and questions are asked to allow you to contemplate how you feel about it and what you would do in the situation. This book would be a good addition to a reading group that would be interested in a study of the Amish and their lifestyle.

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Suzanne Woods Fisher
Photo Credit: © Dan Davis Photography




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