Kelly's Chance by Wanda Brunstetter

Life for Kelly McGregor is a daily drudge of driving her overbearing father’s mules along Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Canal. She dreams of one day owning an art gallery where her own drawings and paintings are on display. But these dreams don’t include marriage. . .not after seeing what her father has done to her mother. How then can Mike Cooper, a general store owner, make her realize he is different than her father and wants to support her artistic talent? Will Kelly learn that dreams can walk hand in hand with a love created by God?

I can't wait to read the sequel to this book. This was a really good story and I loved it! I give it 5 stars out of 5 stars.

Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer

Raised among the Amish of Indiana, 18-year-old Marianna Sommer plans to get baptized into the church, marry Aaron Zook, and set up life in the only community she has ever known. But when her older brother chooses the world’s path following his rumschpringe, and a younger sibling begins showing interest in Englisch ways, Marianna’s parents move the family to Montana.

Although she is also in her rumschpringe years and not obligated to move, Marianna makes the journey to dutifully help her mother who is expecting another child. Surprisingly, from strangers on the cross-country train ride to the less rigid stance of the new Montana community, many English influences awaken within Marianna—and even her father—the desire to pursue a deeper kind of joy and love for God.

After an accident, Marianna tells her friend Ben a defining story about the Sommer family, and his response further illumines the active relationship God seeks with His followers. In due time, she learns the move from Indiana was not about losing anything, but finding out who God really is. Despite all the shake-ups, Marianna feels a sweet peace, like still waters, in her soul.



This was a good book. I'm giving it 5 out 5 stars! I thought it would end one way, but never thought it would end a different way. Great book. Loved it.

Mail Order Mariages (thre e in one)

Three brides for three rugged men.

Rocky Mountain Wedding by Jillian Hart

Melody Pennington fled to Montana for a new start as a mail-order bride. Gabe Brooks, handsome older brother to the man she was supposed to marry, helps her settle in. But what Melody doesn't expect is to fall for the rugged, closed-off lawman who swears he doesn't believe in love!
I liked this story and give this individual story a 4.
Married in Missouri by Carolyn
Lucas Harrison needs a mother for his sons. He's not looking for love, but he expects his wife to act like one — in every sense of the word! Elizabeth has always felt tall and awkward, but Lucas towers over her. He's strong as a bull, gentle as a lamb, and Elizabeth's heart soon begins to melt….
I hated this one and give it a 2 for this individual story It was way too explicit.
Her Alaskan Groom by Kate Bridges

Newly trained midwife Sophie Grant had hoped marrying respectable John Colburne would be easy as pie. But he's tough, stubborn and cynical — except in bed with her at night! How can Sophie turn her passionate nighttime lover into a daytime husband who isn't afraid to show he loves his mail-order bride

I didn't care for this one either. I give it a 3 for this individual story.

Over all I thought I'd give it a 3 because I added up the rates and divided them by 3, and got 3. So this book overall I give a 3.

Reunion by Karen Kingsbury with Gary Smalley

This touching story allows us to see into the lives of the Baxter family as Erin and Sam attempt to adopt a child. As the family looks forward to a heartwarming reunion, they find out that Mr. and Mrs. Baxter have a secret that could change their lives forever.


I really enjoyed this book. I give it 5 stars. Karen and Gary did a great job together. Yeah! Way to go! I loved this book and give it 5 stars.

The Gifted by Terri Blackstock

Three friends whose lives needed a jolt...An earthquake that struck without warning...A supernatural gifting of mysterious powers...

The Gifted is one of Terri Blackstock's most intriguing novels. A massive natural disaster leads to an even more earth-shaking supernatural transformation in the lives of three friends who have no idea why they've been spared or infused with these distinct gifts.

One thing is certain...the earthquake was just the warm-up for what lies ahead.

I liked this so much that I decided to read it again. It's a great book and of course I give it 5 stars. Or 10 stars rather. It's amazing story and I loved it.

Rejoice by Karen Kingsbury with Gary Smalley

This latest release in the Redemption series reunites readers with the continuing saga of the Baxter family. Brooke Baxter has achieved everything this world has to offer--a prestigious career, a beautiful home, and two wonderful children. Her recent return to her faith is an encouragement to her family. But if she faces tremendous loss, can her fledgling faith and her rocky marriage survive?

So far all the Redemption books have kept my attention. I get excited to read them and can't put them down. This is another great book! I give it 5 stars. Recommed to read series in order.

Return by Karen Kingsbury with Gary Smalley

Goodreads Summary:

A fresh new look for the best-selling series from America’s number-one inspirational novelist, Karen Kingsbury. Fans will enjoy a personal note from Karen and Gary Smalley as well as discussion questions for book group use. Revisit the Baxter family in all their life-changing events, or share the series with someone who hasn’t discovered it yet.
The Redemption series won Christian Retailing’s 2005 Retailer’s Choice Award for Best Series!

This touching novel reunites readers with the Baxter family and focuses on the only Baxter son, Luke. He is determined to leave his faith and his past behind and embrace a new, free-thinking future. But what he doesn’t realize is that his past holds a secret even he doesn’t know. When Luke finds out, his comfortable new life is turned upside down, and he must turn back to his roots.

My review:
I loved this book. I had a hard time putting it down. Great book. I give it 5 stars. It kept my attention. Really good book.

Return by Karen Kingsbury with Gary Smalley

Remember by Karen Kingsbury with Gary Smalley

She has locked up her heart, convinced that no one - including God - could love her. Four unlikely people - Alzheimer's patients - find the cracks in Ashley's heart and slowly help her remember.

Then comes the nightmare of September 11, which forever changes the lives of the Baxter family, causing them to remember what is important and leading them to make decisions that are both heartbreaking and hope-filled.

Landon Blake, who has loved Ashley since he was a teenager, tries to dull the pain of her rejection by immersing himself in the rescue efforts at Ground Zero.

Tragedy and healing. Hurt and forgiveness.
Redemption.
And powerful lessons about remembering.

Novelist Karen Kingsbury and relationship expert Gary Smalley have teamed up to bring you an inspiring series of stories that explore the relationship principles Gary has been teaching for more than thirty years.

I enjoyed this book very much. It kept my attention. I loved it. Though I found it sad in some parts and hard to read because of the mention of 9/11. Really good though.