at Peace in the Storm {Experiencing the Savior's Presence When You Need Him Most} by Ken GIre

Book Description:  When you need a Savior who stills the wind.

"Here's the rub about faith. Sure, prayer often changes outward things, but the only guaranteed miracle God offers us is inner peace, the peace of Christ. A peace so crazy deep that it cannot be analyzed or understood. It descends on us even when everything else is falling apart, while the drug-addicted child does not come to his senses, or the job offer doesn't pan out, or the cancer rages and the marriage is a hollow mess. But I'll let you in on a secret. This miracle of the 'inner variety,' this inexplicable and supernatural calm in the storm, is the greatest miracle you'll ever experience."

My Thoughts: All of us are human and so, all of us will go through a "storm" of some kind in our lives.  The storms are life are not always easily handled by humans, therefore, we need a Savior who will calm the storm and help us through this storm.

On page 57, Mr. Gire gently reminds us that, "As we weather storms, trying to navigate through the darkness, our temptation is to turn our eyes not toward God's Word, but toward the raging skies."  This statement was the whole pivotal point of this read for me.  I must keep my eyes on Jesus. . . just like Peter when he saw Jesus on the water . . . when I take my eyes off Jesus I will fall.  Thankfully Jesus will be there to catch me (if I let Him).  Oh!the!love!He!has!for!me!

This isn't a point by point, do this kind of read.  This is a walk by faith, keep your eyes on the One who loves you most.  An encouraging read for when we are faint of heart.

I love the way Mr. Gire makes life with Jesus so very real.  At the end of this wonderful book we see Jesus having merriment with His friends and disciples.  Yes, sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to have fun.  The storm will not always last, Jesus will be by our side.  "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."Jeremiah 31:25  (end of book, p. 159)

This encouraging book would make a wonderful "card" for that special person who may be going through a storm in life.  It's also a a great read just for you to know Jesus is there for you!

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764208845
• ISBN-13: 978-0764208843

Without Warning: A J.B. Collins Novel by Joel C. Rosenberg

Book Description:  As he prepares to deliver the State of the Union address, the president of the United States is convinced the Islamic State is on the run, about to be crushed by American forces once and for all. But New York Times foreign correspondent J. B. Collins tells the president he’s dead wrong. With the Middle East on fire, the Israeli prime minister dead, and Amman in ruins, Collins fears a catastrophic attack inside the American homeland is imminent. He argues that only an all-out manhunt to capture or kill Abu Kahlif―the leader of ISIS―can stop the attack and save American lives. But will the president listen and take decisive action before it’s too late?

My Thoughts:  J.B. Collins is one of my most favorite characters.  Honestly, I feel like I know the guy. 😊  

And reading this novel was like reading the about our everyday life here in the states.  

It seems that the new president of the U.S. is about to deliver the State of the Union Address and feels that the Islamic State is about to be crushed.  But J.B. Collins, the fearless New York Times journalist, knows that the president is wrong. He tries to convince the president that he is on the wrong path, going one way in a two zone highway. 

As J.B. Collins knows the leader of ISIS must be taken down first. But how does one lone journalist do that when no one will listen?

This is the story of trying to save lives when all others seems oblivious. Can one voice make a difference?

I love the twists and turns, the fast paced turn of events, the faith and well, I love J.B. Collins!  😉

I've enjoyed all of Joel Rosenberg's books.  And each story just gets better!

*This book was provided for review by Tyndale Publishing*

• Series: A J.B. Collins Novel
• Hardcover: 480 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (March 14, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1496406168
• ISBN-13: 978-1496406163

The Amish Cooking Class (The Seekers: Book 1 of Amish Cooking Class) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Book Description:  Heidi Troyer cooks up the idea of teaching classes in the art of Amish cuisine in her Holmes County, Ohio, home. But is it a recipe for drama when five very different men and women answer the advertisement?

Join a class of unlikely Ohioans who take cooking lessons at Lyle and Heidi Troyer’s Amish farm. A woman engaged to marry, an expectant mother estranged from her family, a widowed mom seeking to simplify, a Vietnam vet who camps on the Troyer’s farm, and an Amish widower make up the mismatched lot of students.

Class members share details of their disappointing lives, work to solve a mystery, and stir some romance into the pot. Soon Heidi’s cooking lessons turn into life lessons as they each share their challenges. . .and their souls are healed one meal at a time. Is this what God had in mind when Heidi got the idea for cooking classes?

My Thoughts:  I was so excited to receive Wanda Brunstetter's newest book, The Seekers.  This new "series" of the Amish Cooking Class is SOOO good!  And the recipes at the back of the book are great, too.

The Amish Cooking Class is actually about an Amish woman, Heidi Troyer, who can cook well and she decides to open a class for those who need to learn to cook.  To be in the class one does not have to be Amish. 

The students are a mix of unlikely people. 

The class members not only learn to cook but they share life experiences with these in the class. And they solve a mystery.

I LOVE this read!  And can't wait for the next one.

If you are a lover of Amish fiction mixed with wisdom and mystery, then this is the book for you!

And this makes for a great Valentine's present for that reader on your list!

• Series: Amish Cooking Class (Book 1)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1624167446
• ISBN-13: 978-1624167447

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

Hearts in Harmony (An Amish Journey Novel) by Beth Wiseman

Book Description:  Musical prodigy Levi Shetler hasn’t touched a piano since he secretly played one years ago. His strict Amish community forbids instruments or the singing of any music not in their approved songbook. Levi asks God often why music tempts him when playing an instrument isn’t allowed in his world. 

One person knows Levi’s talents: Mary Hershberger, the girl who promised years ago to keep his secret. Mary comes from a more liberal district than Levi, but she’s facing family troubles of her own. The mutual care for an aging Englischer, Adeline, reunites Mary and Levi as young adults. They realize that, despite their differences, they have a shared love of music—and a shared confusion about whether their talents are God-given gifts or temptations luring them into the Englisch world. 

My Thoughts:  This is the first book in the Amish Journey novels so that means there are more to come.  But first one must read the love story of Levi and Mary.

Levi Shelter has an incredible ability to play the piano but he belongs to a very conservative Amish group who don't believe in singing or playing music outside their approved songbook.  Well, this limits Levi considerably and he often asks God why he was given such gift if he isn't allowed to play.  *Personally I always wonder why people "blame" God and don't see that people are controlling them and not God.

IT seems that Mary Hershberger is the only one who knows of Levi's gift and his struggle.

But then Levi and Mary are reunited when they are caring for a mutual friend.  

And since they both love music, they begin to share their concerns and gifts.

A different subject than most Amish stories...the gift of music and how it should or shouldn't be used.   Questions and, yet, no question.  

A wonderful Amish story of gifts and abilities, love and romance.

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: An Amish Journey Novel (Book 1)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (March 12, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0529105403
• ISBN-13: 978-0529105400

{Revell Blog Tour} Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson

Book Description:  When the fun-loving and spontaneous artist Willow West meets buttoned-up, retired English teacher George Emerson, it's not exactly love at first sight. Though she does find the obsessive-compulsive man intriguing. Making it her mission to get him to loosen up and embrace life, she embarks on what seems like a lost cause--and finds herself falling for him in the process.

A confirmed bachelor, George vacillates between irritation and attraction whenever Willow is around--which to him seems like all too often. He's not interested in expanding his horizons or making new friends; it just hurts too much when you lose them.

But as the summer progresses, George feels his defenses crumbling. The question is, will his change of heart be too late for Willow?

My Thoughts:  An eccentric read or a romance?  What about both!

This is a fun, if not, romance at it's best type of read.

A story of tea unlikely people-a confirmed bachelor and a fun-loving, free floating sort of gal.

It's not love at first sight but there's something about George Emerson, aka Mr. Emerson that stirs Willow West's heart.  And it's not a heart throbbing, won't quit beating sort of interest.  Willow thinks that Mr. Emerson needs to loosen up, enjoy life.

On the other hand, George Emerson thinks his life is just fine and he thinks that Willow is a bit of an irritation at times, even though, he likes to be around her.  But why does he ned to expand his horizons and make new friends?  His life is pretty good the way it is.

This is a fun, light hearted read and is written in a voice that only Melody Carlson can write in.

I truly enjoyed this book.

*This book was provided for review by Revell Publishing*

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Revell (March 5, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800735277
• ISBN-13: 978-0800735272

The Witnesses by Robert Whitlow

Book Description:  Young lawyer Parker House is on the rise—until his grandfather’s mysterious past puts both of their lives in danger.

Parker House’s secret inheritance is either his greatest blessing . . . or his deadliest curse. The fresh-faced North Carolina attorney shares his German grandfather’s uncanny ability to see future events in his mind’s eye—a gift that has haunted 82-year-old Frank House through decades of trying to erase a murderous wartime past.

While Parker navigates the intrigue and politics of small-town courtroom law, Frank is forced to face his darkest regrets. Then, a big career break for Parker collides with a new love he longs to nurture and the nightmares his grandfather can no longer escape. Sudden peril threatens to shatter not only Parker’s legal prospects but also his life and the lives of those dearest to him.

Two witnesses, two paths, an uncertain future.

My Thoughts:  Oh, My!  What a read!  

It's been little while since Robert Whitlow has had a new story.  So, when I saw this book, The Witnesses, I grabbed it!

This story is all about a fresh.faced.new.lawyer.

Parker House is gaining ground as a wonderful lawyer....And then it all seems to unravel around the edges.  

Is it because of Parker's secret inheritance or because of his grandfather's mysterious past.

In a small town courtroom Parker tries to direct politics and dark secrets.

Of course, with so much going on in his life, Parker finds a woman of his dreams.  But can those dreams become nightmares.

This is one fantastic novel with quite a few twists and turns, romance sliced in the niches and a caring heart for an aging grandparent inter woven into the fabric of the story.

This is a great summer read!  Simply because you may need to stay up past your bedtime to finish it!

*This book was provided by BookLook*

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140168890X
• ISBN-13: 978-1401688905