Beyond The Silence by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

Lillian Porter has always wanted to fulfill her mother's dream of going west, so when she hears about a nanny position in Angels Camp, California, she defies her grandfather and takes a chance on a new future. But she quickly wonders if she made the right choice. There are rumors in town that her new employer, Woodward Colton, caused the death of his wife. This accusation doesn't match the man Lillian comes to know--and Mrs. Goodman, Woody's long-time housekeeper, is decisively on Woody's side--but many in town stay far away from Lillian because of her association with the Colton family.

Lillian's six-year-old charge, Jimmy, was there when his mother died, and he hasn't spoken a word since. Gently, Lillian tries to coax him out of his shell, hoping he'll one day feel safe enough to tell her the truth about what happened. But the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. Will Mrs. Goodman and Jimmy be able to speak what they know in time to save Lillian from tragedy?

My thoughts:
I read this book in 2 days.  I could have finished it in 1.  It had my attention the moment I read the first page.  There were clues and I was hoping Woody, would put the puzzle together if Lillian didn't.  Enjoyable characters, very down to Earth and welcoming.  This book showed us the power of prayers, and how hurtful rumors and gossips can be.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers.  This is my own opinion of this book.

At Love's Bidding by Regina Jennings

She Sells Priceless Antiques.
He Sells Livestock by the Pound.
Is He Really the Man to Make a Bid for Her Heart?
After helping her grandfather at their Boston auction house, Miranda Wimplegate discovers she's accidentally sold a powerful family's prized portrait to an anonymous bidder. Desperate to appease the people who could ruin them forever, they track it to the Missouri Ozarks and make an outlandish offer to buy the local auction house and all its holdings before the painting can move again.

Upon crossing the country, however, Miranda and her grandfather discover their new auction house doesn't deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its frustratingly handsome manager, Wyatt Ballentine, is annoyed to discover his fussy new bosses don't know a thing about the business he's single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more heads of cattle than they can count--but no mysterious painting--Miranda and Wyatt form an unlikely but charged partnership to try and prevent a bad situation from getting worse.

My thoughts:
I enjoyed reading this book.  Beautifully written and it just pulls you in.

Note:
I received this book from Bethany House to review and this my own opinion.

Forgiven The Amish School Shooting, A Mother's Love, And a Story of Remarkable Grace. By Terri Roberts with Jeanette Windle

This was was written by the shooter's mother.  This was an interesting read, to get a different perspective from what Imsaw in the media.  It gave me the background of the people involved in this tragedy.

Forgiven- Is it something you can do?
This book showed the background of the family involved- the shooter and the victims and their family.  It showed me grace, love, and forgiveness.

This book was sent to me from Bethany House.  This is my own review of the book.

Streams Of Mercy by Lauraine Snelling

Anji's Return to the Red River Valley Offers a Fresh Start--and a Surprising Second Chance at Love.
Anji Baard Moen, recently widowed in Norway, returns to North Dakota with her children. She quickly settles back into life in the familiar surroundings of Blessing, teaching in the high school and writing articles for the Blessing Gazette. In the midst of an unexpected crisis, Anji is thrust into a role she never imagined. And almost without her even being aware, an old friendship begins to show signs of developing into something more.

Meanwhile, Thomas Devlin, a minister without a post, has arrived in town. Devlin supports himself as a journeyman carpenter, and with the town growing rapidly, he has no shortage of opportunities. Establishing himself in a new community has its challenges, but as the newcomer gets to know the young widow whose house he's been working on, he thinks he may have found yet another reason to stay. . . .

 My thoughts:
I enjoyed reading this book.  I have never read any of her books, so I will look to what other books she has written.  It is a great read. 

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House for my review and this is my own opinion.

She's Almost a Teenager: Essential Conversations to Have Now by Peter & Heather Larson and David & Claudia Arp

She's Almost a Teenager: Essential Conversations to Have Now by Peter & Heather Larson and David & Claudia Arp

 Is Your Daughter on the Right Path?
Do you know what your daughter really thinks about boys, school, God, her future? It's not easy to be sure. These and other important topics don't often come up in everyday conversation. Plus, a girl's views on life can shift quickly, thanks to friends, pop culture, and other influences.

Now, with this book, you can connect with your daughter and help her navigate the coming teen years. Based on tried-and-true parenting wisdom, you will find thoughtful questions and talking points that lead to meaningful, natural conversations on key issues, including:

· Physical and emotional changes your daughter is facing
· Taking ownership of her spiritual life
· Using social media responsibly
· and much more

These bonding times will not only help you both get ready for the years ahead, but they will show that you love her dearly.


 My thoughts:

A check list on what to talk to your teens about.  If you don't know what to talk about this will give you some ideas on how to start or get the conversation going.  Each family is different, so take what ever advice works for your own family.  



This book was given to me by Bethany House for my review.  This is my own opinion of this book.

The Photograph by Beverly Lewis

He studied the picture more closely, finding it curious that the young woman looked so boldly into the camera while wearing a white prayer Kapp shaped like a heart--the characteristic head covering for the Lancaster County Old Order Amish.
Why would a devout girl have her picture taken?

When her sister Lily disappears only months after their widowed mother's passing, Eva Esch fears she has been wooed away from the People. Yet Lily's disappearance isn't Eva's only concern: She and her sisters must relocate once their older brother takes over the family farmhouse. Then Jed Stutzman, an Amish buggy maker from Ohio, shows up in Eden Valley with a photo of a Plain young woman. Eva feels powerfully drawn to the charming stranger--but the woman in the forbidden photograph is no stranger at all. . . .


My Thoughts:
I am a fan of Beverly Lewis.  She was one of the first authors that got me reading Amish stories.  She is a talented writer and all her books are beautifully written and heartfelt.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House for my review and this is my own opinion.

In Good Company By Jen Turano

About this book:
After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren't always well-received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position.

Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he's desperate for competent childcare.

At wit's end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance--with each other. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges, Everett focuses on achieving the coveted societal status of the upper echelons. But as he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the children's parents, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?


My thoughts:
I really enjoyed reading this book.  It kept me entertained and I am looking forward to reading her other books.

Note:
I was given this book from Bethany House to review and these are my own opinions.