The Christmas Secret by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Should you ever read someone else's diary?
A short story about two people truly in love who have something come between them just before they're to be married. This is the story of how they both weather the problem and get through it, trusting in God. Christian Historical set in 1880 in Allentown PA. I can imagine this being an interesting story you'd tell when sitting around a fire on a wintery day.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Publisher and Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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Ellie Claire 365-Day Devotional Journals

A joy to own! The shiny covers and insides are all gorgeous, made of heavy paper with beautiful designs. They're archive quality, non-bleed paper and made with acid-free paper and ink. They have a color coordinated elastic band to hold the book shut and a ribbon bookmark. The colors are rich and so very pretty. Each has a place under the devotional for the day to write your own journaling, lists and thoughts. It will look beautiful on your table or stand. There's a place in the front to write in your own personalization - excellent for gifting.

 

The Earth Is The Lord's and Everything In It

As the title says, this has a naturalist theme. If you love nature and the outdoors, you will enjoy this devotional (I do!). It has a beautiful peacock on the cover and each page, beautiful turquoise hues throughout that really appeal to me. One of the devotions is Devine Design. It asks if you had ever considered the purpose of fire ants, mosquitos or houseflies. If God designed the insects with such purpose, we know He designed us for far more.  Psalm 139:15 & 16 are quoted. Another mentions the beauty of flowers, singling out the Bradford Pear tree. It is a beautiful tree, with very pretty flowers, but the scent is horrible (we witnessed this in the spring in North Carolina - it's true!). 2 Corinthians 2:16 is referenced. You'll find that the journaling lines are slightly wider apart, perhaps encouraging decorative writing.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Quite different in that the devotionals start with a line from a Christian song or hymn and finish with a quote from the bible.  One is titled Shield of the Spirit, saying that seven times throughout Psalms it says to take refuge in the shadow of God’s wings. I’ve always loved that image and find hope in it.  The cover and pages are really pretty with peach and cream colored flowers and feels slightly textured. Feminine and precious.

Peace Begins With Me

Each devotional starts with scripture and inspires finding peace by praising God. Beautiful marble design works for male or female readers. Simple yet elegant. Some examples from the book:  It’s In Our DNA. It references Genesis and mentions how many million men and women are on the planet right now, all made in God’s image. Amazing to consider. Another is titled The Battle Cry referencing Exodus, saying you need only be still.  The devotions are comforting and indeed peaceful, something we can all use in our daily life. The smooth cover feels cool to the touch yet seems to invite being held.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received these books free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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My Heart Belongs in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Clarissa's Conflict by Murray Pura

Wow. A beautiful love story during a time of underground railroad and the civil war. Intricate and detailed life of a young woman who was a conductor helping slaves and passionate about life and the war. She reminded me at first a bit like Anne of Green Gables, with her red hair and high spirit. She is a deeply feeling girl. Finding the love of her life was not a simple thing, but deeply romantic. Much of the dialogue was deeply romantic, read like the thoughts of a poet. All that you could want in a historical romance that also gives life to the small town of Gettysburg and also the highly important battle that took place there.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishing, Inc and the Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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Woman of Courage by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Get lost in the wilderness of North America!
Many lessons of faith and Christianity throughout this story of a young woman who travels from Dansville, N.Y. to Oregon/Idaho (about 3,000 miles, mostly wilderness) to teach the Nez pierce Indians about Jesus. Strength, determination and perseverance, pushing on when most would give up. A journey even the experienced would find difficult, but she has no experience to draw on. When everything is taken from her, she still has her faith and doesn't turn back. I'm sure, like me, that you will find something within that ministers and strengthens you. She believes strongly in her mission to bring people to Jesus, and has a long and difficult travel. But God uses adversity in many ways.  I've done some woods camping so I can appreciate what she went through, but not nearly to the extent. Let alone the threats she encountered. You know you will love a story of Wanda's! A fabulous story to get lost in.

Also included in the Collectors's Edition - Woman Of Hope - about her adopted Indian daughter, Little Fawn, who wants to be a missionary to other Indians at a Rendezvous but her mother won't attend or let her go for reasons of her own. When the girl tries to go by herself she is captured and abused,  but meaning is brought and God shines through. A wonderful story of deep and abiding faith throughout.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishing, Inc and the Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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Description from the Publisher:
A Woman of Courage Makes an Epic Journey
Take a three-thousand mile journey with Amanda Pearson as she leaves the disgrace of a broken engagement and joins the work at a Quaker mission in the western wilds. The trip is fraught with danger, and Amanda is near death before reaching her destination. Among those she meets are an Indian woman who becomes her first convert and a half-Indian trapper who seems to be her biggest critic. But love follows her into the wilderness and will determine the course of her future. You are sure to enjoy this historical romance adventure from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

Included is the newly-written sequel, Woman of Hope, with Little Fawn’s story. Raised as an orphan by a loving white couple, Little Fawn always felt something was missing from her life. She longs to take the news of Jesus to the Nez Perce Indians, but despite being a missionary herself, Little Fawn’s mother forbids it. Will White Wolf, her intended, support Little Fawn’s decision when she abruptly follows the tribe’s migration onto the Plains?

In Times Gone By by Tracie Peterson

This continues the story of three young women who met on a train to San Francisco, each with their own agenda. They are at different levels of faith. All of the books teach a full understanding of Christian faith, and the characters all grow in their lives through that faith. Its during a time of great corruption within the city, which they are fighting to keep their businesses and homes. This story happens during the big earthquake. Even with the struggles they have personally, they reach out to the displaced and provide shelter and food. Each girl has a man in the story, and each has a degree of wealth. However they also encounter difficulties being without wealth. Mix in love, danger, struggles in figuring out where their path goes, and desires to be part of a family - which they form by their closeness and support of one another.  Tracie Peterson's stories never disappoint! A full, rich story that you'll be glad you spent the time with. Isn't that the most gorgeous cover?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Bethany House - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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The Making of Mrs Hale by Carolyn Miller

Her husband disappeared just after they ran away to get married. The place, let alone the elopement scandalous and against her family's wishes. But she can't make it alone and has to go back home to her family. She sold everything she could to survive and he hadn't returned. It's not easy for her to face her family and she misses her husband. She doesn't know that he's been imprisoned with his men. It's a difficult journey for both of them and their families, and difficult to stay together, with people on both sides keeping them apart. They both learn a lesson in faith and forgiveness. Excellent read - one to get lost in!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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