The MEMORY JAR {Seven Brides For Seven Bachelors} by Tricia Goyer

Book Description:  Every year, 30--40 young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive 'resident' status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love. Since the tragic death of her best friend, she carries her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she's also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart. Now she's met a kind and gentle man who may be able to break down the wall. But can Sarah risk her heart to finally achieve her dreams?

My Thoughts: I love books that Tricia Goyer pens!  First of all, the reader knows that the story will be interesting and that there will be sweet romance.

I love the quote that is on the page before the preface:  "The Lord God fashioned us for mighty ends, and nothing less than following that for which He made us can heal our restlessness of heart."  -Arthur John (A.J.) Gossip...this quote [in my opinion]  is the "idea" for the whole story.  

Sarah has had a terrible heartbreak and her heart just.can't.take.the.pain so she creates a memory jar to hide the emotions of her heart.

But the young men come!  And wow!  every young woman's dream...young men everywhere...living in the small town of Kootenai, Montana, gaining resident status to hunt in the fall. Now, Sarah has guarded her heart and keeps the memory jar, never allowing her heart to feel emotions.

Then Jathan Schrock shows up in her small community and he begins to not only notice Sarah but they begin to talk.  Sarah is hesitant.  Can her heart actually take on a friend again?  Can God heal her restless heart?  A heart that seems covered in pain?

Well, as one reads this story the pain of a young woman's heart becomes "real."  

And I loved reading about all the neat cupcakes that Sarah baked!  Baking for others seems to bring Sarah joy.

This is a well written Amish story.  A very enjoyable read for those who love Amish and Christian fiction!  Also, makes a wonderful Christmas present!

*This book was provided for review by Zondervan*

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; Original edition (October 23, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310335108
• ISBN-13: 978-0310335108

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} Laura Bush's Cookies!

As soon as Thanksgiving is finished and that last bite of turkey is gone,

 I begin baking cookies for Christmas! 

 OH!YES!  Love at first bite when I tasted Mrs. Bush's favorite cookie!

Laura Bush's Texas Governor's Mansion Cowboy Cookies
Yield: enough cookies to feed most of the Lone Star State

3 cups flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1 tbsp baking soda

1 tbsp cinnamon

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups butter, at room temperature

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

3 eggs

1 tbsp vanilla

3 cups semisweet chocolate chips

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

2 cups sweetened coconut flakes

2 cups chopped pecans (8 oz) (optional - I omit)

Preheat oven to 350ºF.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

In a second bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth. Add the sugar and brown sugar and beat for another 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla. 

Stir in the flour mixture, blending until just combined. Add the chips, oats, coconut, and pecans and stir until fully incorporated.

Drop by rounded tablespoon onto an ungreased baking sheet, making sure to allow plenty of room between cookies. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 1-2 minutes before placing on a cooling rack.

Adapted from Family Circle magazine 

when the rivers run dry by Sibella Giorello

Book Description:  When a routine case turns deadly, forensic geologist Raleigh Harmon finds her career on the rocks and her life at stake. — Special Agent Raleigh Harmon is good at her job, but not as good at bureau politics. As one of the few females on the team, she finds herself in a strange land when she’s transferred from Richmond to drought-stricken Seattle. When a hiker suddenly goes missing and a ransom note arrives, Raleigh realizes there’s no time for transitions. Vowing to find the missing college girl, she must rely on her forensic geology skills to uncover the truth, leaving no stone unturned.

My Review:  Having read the first book and the third book by Sibella I went back and looked up this second book.  So glad I did!

I enjoy all the mysteries that Sibella has written but I really liked the rivers run dry.

Of course, in this second book Raleigh and Jack aren't close friends yet but Raleigh is finding her place among the FBI special agents.

I truly did not know who the prep/kidnapper was in this book until the story was almost finished.  And then, boom, like a bolt of lightning I thought...O!WOW! It's...

This is not so much a mystery read as it is suspense and intrigue.  I love the way the author gently reminds us that God is in control.  Nothing preachy but when Raleigh's New Age minded aunt goes off on her "nothingness"  Raleigh reminds us through the Word that God is on His throne.

I found the title, the rivers run dry, to be descriptive of most  of the lives of the characters  in this book...their lives are shams filled with lies, drugs and deceit but Raleigh keeps plodding on, clue after clue, put down after put down, relying on God to give her strength and knowledge.

This is a fantastic read!

Publisher:  Thomas Nelson        ISBN-10: 1595545336 Publication Date: 3/3/2009 Pages: 352

Book Type: Paperback

COTT {Clash of the Titles}

A Sense of Mission--Fiction that Honors America's Heroes

Clash of the Titles is proud to endorse a novel from an author so accomplished, her work has made the cut on several of on our contests--the most recent being our September New Releases Clash.

Her latest work:

PURCHASE THE BOOK ON AMAZON

PURCHASE THE BOOK ON B&N

About A Sense of Mission:
Kaitlin is driven to succeed in the mission denied her mother. Can she redeem that mission if she discovers another calling? Kaitlin Sadler is nine when her diplomat parents are killed in a U.S. embassy bombing. She must leave the overseas world she knows to live with her guardian, Matilda, on Simon Island in Puget Sound. Determined to redeem the tragedy of her parents' deaths, Kaitlin makes a binding decision to become a diplomat in the U.S. State Department's Foreign Service and pursues it relentlessly as she grows up. But is that really what her heart wants? And why does a niggling memory vanish every time she fights to remember it?

Ethan Coverwood, Matilda's nephew and a friend of Kaitlin, is on a diplomatic career path of his own. When the two are assigned to posts in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War, something more than friendship begins to brew. But will it be strong enough to unite two people who could be reassigned to different continents in the blink of an eye? Enough for Ethan as he struggles to carry out America's policies in a chaotic world? For Kaitlin as she agonizes over the desperate people she meets in her duties? A courageous love. A reawakened passion. A vibrant step of faith. By the acclaimed author of Singing in Babylon, Quiet Deception, Searching for Home, and Distant Thunder.

About author Ann Gaylia O'Barr:

The background for many of Ann’s novels is based on her experiences as a Foreign Service officer for the U.S. Department of State 1990 to 2004. Her posts included U.S. embassies and consulates in Saudi Arabia (twice), Algeria, Canada, Tunisia, and Washington, D.C.

She’s been writing full time since 2004. OakTara has published Singing in Babylon, Quiet Deception, Searching for Home, Distant Thunder, and this novel, A Sense of Mission.

She writes novels about Christians who learn the value of their faith when new cultures and beliefs challenge them. She calls it “global fiction.”

Q&A with Ann:

Q. Where did you get the idea for this story?

A. I think A Sense of Mission is my answer to the many tragic events in the world today in which innocent people are harmed. Kaitlin became the fictional story of one lone person, far from perfect, who overcame and even redeemed a horrible tragedy in her life. Love redeemed a potential life of fear. As a letter from Jesus’ beloved apostle, John, states: “Perfect love casts out fear.”


Q. You say you write “global fiction.” What is that?
A. Such fiction suggests writing from a global viewpoint. Characters in my stories are American Christians who struggle with personal faith issues, fall in love, and deal with family problems as in other fiction. In the midst of these conflicts, however, they understand Christianity as Jesus-centered for the whole world. Often they have global jobs: journalists, teachers in international schools, or jobs abroad for the U.S. government, as I had. They learn the value of their faith in countries where Christianity isn’t the majority faith.

To learn more about Ann and her stories, visit her at her website: www.AnnGayliaOBarr.com

A Christmas Home by Greg Kincaid

Book Description:  Todd McCray, hero of A Dog Named Christmas, is now twenty-four years old and working at a local animal shelter, where he meets and quickly becomes best friends with Laura, a young volunteer. Laura, like Todd, has disabilities of her own, but her struggles are more physical than developmental. Their friendship is sealed when Todd—with the help of his trusted companion, the tenacious Labrador retriever named Christmas—trains a beautiful dog named Gracie to help Laura with the day-to-day life tasks that are difficult for her. 

            Life seems good for Todd, but all is not well in his hometown. Struggling families unable to make ends meet are abandoning more and more dogs, and the shelter is swelling to capacity.  The local government is struggling to meet its obligations too, and in early December, on the cusp of another holiday season, Todd’s boss delivers the bad news.  Due to funding problems, the shelter will close its doors before the end of the year.  But what will happen to all the animals?     As the Christmas holiday approaches, Todd has limited time to find homes for all the dogs. Not to mention that he needs to secure a new job and figure out what to do when his friendship with Laura takes an unexpected romantic turn. All this seems overwhelming unless you’ve got a loving family, dedicated friends, and a couple of very special dogs behind you. In which case, nothing is impossible.

My Thoughts:  The Christmas season is here!  And with it comes some great Christmas reads! 

The first book I read to begin this season is A Christmas Home by Greg Kincaid.  This is a sweet, likable read about about Christmas, a black lab!  From the first chapter I knew from the first this was going to be fun read.  

And it was!

Todd is a kind young man with a sense of humor that few understand, even his mom and dad!  But working at the local animal shelter makes this young man's heart even more sensitive.  With money tight and people needing to feed their children instead of their animals more and more dogs are left at the shelter.

Todd Todd meets Laura, a young volunteer at the shelter.  Her disabilities are more physical than developmental.  

This is one sweet,inspiring story....kind of a coming of age with romance mixed in for good measure.  And the love of a good dog, a companion for life!

A great gift book for that animal lover or even a faith lifter for someone going through a rough patch in life!

*This book was provided for review by Waterbrook/Multnomah*

Meet the Author:

 Greg Kincaid was born in Providence, Rhode Island on March 30, 1957. He has lived in rural Kansas most of his life. He is married and has five children. His first book, Death Walk at Acoma, was a young adult novel publihsed in 1992 by Sunstone. In 2008, his second novel, A Dog Named Christmas (Random House), made it to the the New York Times Extended Best Seller's list. In 2009, it was released as a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie that was enthusiastically received by over twelve million viewers. His third novel, Christmas with Tucker, the prequel to A Dog Named Christmas, is scheduled for release by Crown Books in November of 2010. Greg is an attorney and an advocate for both animal shelters and literacy.

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• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Crown (October 30, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307951979
• ISBN-13: 978-0307951977
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 1 x 7.8 inches

Happy Thanksgiving

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} Sweet Potato Casserole

Southerners and sweet potatoes go together like bread and butter!

And since my home is filled with southerners I make this WONDERFUL casserole from Taste of Home EVERY Thanksgiving.  

I make it a day ahead, store in the refrigerator and bake right before Thanksgiving dinner!

OH!SO!DELICIOUS!

Ingredients

• CASSEROLE:
• 2-1/4 to 2-1/2 pounds (about 4 cups) sweet potatoes, cooked, peeled and mashed               (I use 1 LARGE can of sweet potatoes)
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sugar
• TOPPING:
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (I add 1 cup of pecans because they make it so nutty and good)
• 1/2 cup flaked coconut (I don't use coconut)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract and sugar. Spread into a greased 1-1/2-qt. casserole.
• For topping, combine all the ingredients and sprinkle over potatoes. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Yield: 6-8 servings.

{Zondervan Blog Tour} Fire of the Raging Dragon, Pacific Rim Series #2 by Don Brown

Book Description:  In the very near future, China, now the world's largest industrial producer and consumer of Mideast Oil, passes a law that all new cars manufactured in that nation will be operated on natural gas. Beneath the floor of the South China Sea, around the contested Spratly Islands, billions of gallons of natural gas wait to be mined. But at the center of the Spratlys, the remote but strategic island of Itu Aba is occupied by China's historic enemy, Taiwan. When the new, power-hungry Chinese President, Tang Qhichen, orders Chinese Naval forces to attack Taiwanese forces on Itu Aba, U.S. President Douglas Surber responds, ordering the U.S. Seventh Fleet to try and quell a burgeoning naval showdown between the two Chinas. Aboard the submarine tender U.S.S. Emory S. Land, one of the first ships in the naval war zone, is Ensign Stephanie Surber, a recent Naval Academy graduate who is also the First Daughter of the United States. As the Emory S. Land steams into harm's way, Ensign Surber's life is gravely threatened. The President must make a decision. Will he take a stand against evil? Or will he save the life of his daughter?

My Thoughts:  Every once in a while I like to change up my reading venue, so I was excited to receive a copy of Fire of the Raging Dragon by Don Brown.  Now I've not read anything by Don Brown and was glad I took the plunge.

This christian suspense novel begins in colorful, historic Dongcheng District in Beijing, China a city that never sleeps.  I love the way Don Brown uses descriptive words, "Beijing, the national capital, is a kinetic panorama of the Chinese economy flexing its mighty muscle." (p. 11)  And this is just the beginning of the book! 
So, as the reader gets more involved in the story it becomes clear the this  a "Navy Novel."  Ships, ship talk (scuttlebutt), and the way the men and women interact on the ship.  Quite interesting to a non military land lubber!
And then there's a quote in the first chapter from the U.S. president Barack Obama, "it would be easier to be president of China" (p. 18) that makes this story seem ever.so.real and taken from the today's headlines.
This suspense read incorporates the "two Chinas" and a lot of action!
I liked the fact that this is a "current" read and I was fascinated by all of the military and ship action.  
I didn't realize that this was the second book in a Pacific Rim series until I had finished the whole book.  And to be honest I don't feel like I missed anything by not reading the first book.  This seemed to be a stand alone read that didn't have references to the prior book.
A great read!  

*This book was provided for review by Zondervan Publishing*
This book is available  at  Zondervan.com in soft cover, ebook & audio book!

Meet the Author:

Don Brown is the author of Malacca Conspiracy, The Navy Justice Series and Black Sea Affair, a submarine thriller that predicted the 2008 shooting war between Russia and Georgia. Don served five years in the U.S. Navy as an officer in the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps, which gave him an exceptional vantage point into both the Navy and the inner workings of 'inside-the-beltway' as an action officer assigned to the pentagon. He left active duty in 1992 to pursue private practice, but remained on inactive status through 1999, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He and his family live in North Carolina, where he pursues his passion for penning novels about the Navy.

Write to Zondervan authors or their estates in care of Zondervan. Your mail will be forwarded as soon as possible, but please note that the author might not be able to respond personally. Email zauthor@zondervan.com 

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (November 20, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310330157
• ISBN-13: 978-0310330158

Read first Chapter GO HERE!

Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund

Book Description:  Michigan, 1883

In Her Darkest Hours, Is He the Man She Needs?

Lily Young longs to find her lost sister or will die trying. Heedless of any danger, she searches logging camps and towns, posing as a photographer's assistant. And then she arrives in Harrison, Michigan--and the sights of Connell McCormick.Connell is determined to increase the fortune of his lumber-baron father and figures as long as he's living an upright life, that's what matters. But when Lily arrives in town she upends his world, forcing him to confront the truth that dangerous men have gained too much power while good men turn a blind eye.Vexing but persuasive, Lily soon secures Connell's help, drawing them ever closer to each other. Will standing for what's right cost them both everything?

My Thoughts:  Lily is posing as a photographer's assistant, a way for a young lady to travel safely.  As she travels she is always on the look out for her young sister, Daisy.  

"Curse the men who think women are no better than cattle,"  Lily muttered as she placed a coat around Edith.  Lily had seen Edith in the tavern when she was searching for her sister.  Lily knew the minute that she laid on Edith that she was miserable and needed out!  So, Lily is determined and helps Edith escape a life of prostitution with the help of her friend Oren.

Then when Lily is about to be accosted by some rough lumber men Connell comes to her rescue only to be almost beaten to death by Oren who thinks Connell is the bad guy!

Oren may be an old boat man but he's as strong as an ox!  So, this how Connell and Lily meet!  And Oren not only scared Connell but all the men in the tavern knew to leave Lily alone or suffer from Oren's wrath!

Connell and Lily both are determined to help others.  Connell is intrigued by Lily and her faith.  Connell figures he's a good man, living righteously but Lily makes him take a second look at his life!

This is a great-tatic historical romance!  Lily is strong but as she finds out God is in control and He takes care of her as she seeks to find her sister, Daisy!

This is a good feel story!  A great great for any day of the week but especially great for a long winter's day!  

*This book was provided for review by Bethany House Publishers*

Meet the Author: 

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning author of inspirational historical romances, including the best-selling historical, The Preacher's Bride.

As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she's not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop. Sometimes her family thinks her fingers are super-glued to the keyboard, but in reality she usually finds her writing time in the wee hours of the morning and then for a couple of hours in the afternoon when done with school. She views writing as God's gift to her--a creative outlet that helps bring fresh energy to her parenting.

She's living testimony that amidst the crazy chaos of running a large family, it's still possible to squeeze in time for writing and fulfill the dream of publication. She chronicles both the joys and difficulties of her journey toward publication on her blog, Author Jody Hedlund: http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/

• Paperback: 374 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (September 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764208349
• ISBN-13: 978-0764208348

Every Perfect Gift {A Hickory Ridge Romance} by Dorothy Love

Book Description:  Ethan and Sophie long to share a future together. But the secrets they’re not sharing could tear them apart.

Sophie Caldwell has returned to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, after years away. Despite the heartaches of her childhood, Sophie is determined to make a home, and a name, for herself in the growing town. A gifted writer, she plans to resurrect the local newspaper that so enchanted her as a girl.

Ethan Heyward’s idyllic childhood was shattered by a tragedy he has spent years trying to forget. An accomplished businessman and architect, he has built a majestic resort in the mountains above Hickory Ridge, drawing wealthy tourists from all over the country.

When Sophie interviews Ethan for the paper, he is impressed with her intelligence and astounded by her beauty. She’s equally intrigued but fears he will reject her if he learns about her shadowed past. Just as she summons the courage to tell him, Ethan’s own past unexpectedly and violently catches up with him, threatening not only his life but their budding romance.

My Thoughts: I absolutely LOVE the cover of this read!  It looks so christmasy and just right for the holidays...even though it's not a holiday read...but I'm beginning my holiday books so this book fit right in!

This is an enjoyable story of love and honor.  Sophie Caldwell returns to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, after being gone for awhile.   She doesn't have fond memories of her childhood; in fact, she has some heartbreak and fears.

Ethan Heyward also has heartache from his childhood but he has tried and done well to overcome.  Now he is building a grand resort.  Caleb Stanhope works for Ethan but Ethan has had to fire Caleb because of his loose-tongue and quick temper.  Ethan wished he didn't have to fire Caleb because he is a good worker.  But Ethan blames Sophie for the troubles brewing in the camp...ever since she wrote THAT editorial the men were growing restless and outspoken.  But Ethan had to admit she was a gifted writer and she made the readers care about any subject that she wrote about!

This is grand-tastic read!  Full of charm, honor and romance!

I've read Beyond All Measure and Beauty for Ashes but this is my favorite of all three!

*This book was provided by BookSneeze/Thomas Nelson*

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (December 4, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595549021
• ISBN-13: 978-1595549020

{Thomas Nelson Blog Tour} IF WE SURVIVE by Andrew Klavan

Book Description:  They came on a mission of mercy, but now they’re in a fight for their lives.

High schooler Will Peterson and three friends journeyed to Central America to help rebuild a school. In a poor, secluded mountain village, they won the hearts of the local people with their energy and kindness.

But in one sudden moment, everything went horribly wrong. A revolution swept the country. Now, guns and terror are everywhere—and Americans are being targeted as the first to die.

Will and his friends have got to get out fast. But streets full of killers . . . hills patrolled by armies . . . and a jungle rife with danger stand between them and the border. Their one hope of escape lies with a veteran warrior who has lost his faith and may betray them at any moment. Their one dream is to reach freedom and safety and home.

If they can just survive.

My Thoughts: I read Crazy Dangerous and liked it.  But when I began reading If We Survive by Andrew Klavan I couldn't put this read down.  
Action packed from the get.go!
Central America is a hot bed of unstable rebels (as we all have read and known) however, Andrew Klavan brings home the truths of how a mission trip to help the needy peoples of this barren land can soon turn to a nightmare adventure!
I liked all of the characters...Will, Pastor Ron, Niki, Meredith but Jim just kept getting on.my.everlasting.nerve.  Jim is the type type of person that makes one wonder why he even tries to go on a mission trip since he seems to be on the rebel's side.
This action packed, faith based read brought out a lot of truths.  But the most important truth that grabbed my attention was the strong faith of Meredith and the how God does have an appointed time for each soul to die and go into eternity.  God will not allow anyone to die before He is ready for them to go into eternity.
Now, Niki seems like a shallow, into.myself.teenager and cries a lot!
Pastor Ron seems just a little too sappy at times (maybe he's scared) and doesn't know what to do as the leader.
But as this small group overcomes adversity they all learn something important about themselves and their trust in God.
I loved the ending..."You just never know."
Andrew Klavan is an excellent author and this book is one of the best action/adventure reads!  Now this book is labeled Juvenile Fiction but as an adult I loved it so I would recommend it for all high school and older readers.  So!Good!

*This book was provided for review by BookSneeze/Thomas Nelson*

• • Hardcover: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 6, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1595547959
  • ISBN-13: 978-1595547958
  • Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1.3 inches

Josiah for President by Martha Bolton

Book Description:  When former Congressman Mark Stedman throws in the towel on his presidential campaign, his only choice is to return to his home state and decide how to spend the rest of his life ... until he meets Josiah Stoltzfus, an Amish farmer from Pennsylvania. Stedman learns more from Josiah in a few hours than in his many years in office. He comes to the conclusion that someone like Josiah should be running the country. Not a career politician, but someone with a little old-fashioned common sense, someone who's not afraid of rolling up his sleeves and getting his hands dirty. Someone like Josiah Stoltzfus. Using his old campaign headquarters for a base, Mark Stedman determines to introduce a new candidate to America. He pledges to do everything in his power to make sure Josiah gets elected. But can a plain man of faith turn the tide of politics and become the leader of America, and what will he have to risk to do it?

My Thoughts:  I read this book right after our presidential election and thought WOW how so true to life! I love the way this book begins "America was sick.  She needed a miracle." (p. 11)

The story is about Congressman Mark Stedman and how he lost the presidential election.  Mark becomes lost using his handy, dandy GPS and not only gets lost in the middle of nowhere but is rescued by Josiah Stoltzfus, a kind Amish man.

Mark is enamored by the by the Stoltzfus life style and their peaceful way of living.

After he returns home Mark decides that what America needs is someone with true grit and courage....someone like Josiah!  So, Mark takes on the barrage of becoming Josiah's lead political manager; however, trying to convince the bishop that an Amish man should be president is another matter!

This wonderful story has humor, facts about the political arena, and makes  reader wonder . . . what IF an Amish man did decide to become president?  "They are good people." (p. 293)

I loved this read so much that the same day I received it, I read it through in one day!  It's a nice, easy read that keeps the reader turning the pages! 

*This book was provided for review by Zondervan*

Meet the Author: 

After writing her first "book" at age 9 about being the youngest of five, Martha grew up to become the author of 87 books, including her newest, Josiah for President. She was a staff writer for Bob Hope for fifteen years, and received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Music and Lyrics. She has also written for dozens of comedians and entertainers, including Phyllis Diller, Wayne Newton, and Mark Lowry.
The winner of four Angel Awards, Martha also wrote the scripts for the stage production of The Confession and Half-Stitched (music by Wally Nason, produced by Dan Posthuma and Mel Riegsecker). These plays are currently playing in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. For additional information, go to www.bluegatemusicals.com, www.theconfessionmusical, or www.half-stitchedmusical.com
Bethlehem or Bust is a lively Christmas musical for children, which Martha co-wrote with Andy Cundiff, Darrell Bledsoe, and Ted Wilson. For additional information on this musical, visit www.bethlehemorbust.com
A Bear in the Burbs (music by Bill Bauer, script by Martha), premiered in Nashville, TN, and is available to schools and theater groups. Contact Martha at www.marthabolton.com for more info.
Martha also received a Dove award nomination for "A Lamb's Tale", a children's musical co-written with Dennis Allen. And her popular series of books for middle-agers (Didn't My Skin Used to Fit?, Cooking With Hot Flashes, and others) have addressed the subject of growing older in a fun and fresh way.