Searching for You by Jody Hedlund

"Maybe one day in the future, they’d no longer notice the cracks in pieces of their life that God had put back together."

It was so good to pick up the story of the orphan train and three sisters again. Sophie was the youngest,  who ran away from the other two sisters as they sorted out their lives, always trying to provide a way to support them all. Sophie also took on the responsibility of two other very small orphans from the time they were babies. So many orphans lived on the streets of New York City,

surviving any way they could. When Mr Brace started the orphan trains it gave so many a new start, although no system can be perfect. A dangerous situation forced Sophia and her friend to flee the city with the little ones, and they were lucky enough to be included on a train. But it's not all smooth sailing for them, and they continue to have trying times. Heart wrenching details and well written characters make you endeared to them and feel all the pain and frustration of trying to adjust. And feel the love they have for one another. You'll fervently want all the best for each of them. God can bring the best to rough trails and make a way that's better than anything we could imagine for ourselves. The journey makes us who we are.

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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Mountain Christmas Brides

by Mildred Colvin, Mary Davis, Susan Page Davis, Lena Nelson Dooley, Darlene Franklin, Debby Lee, Tamela Hancock Murray, Carrie Turansky, Gina Welborn 

Nine stories, two time frames. The first 1880 on a ranch in in Wyoming, the second in Washington territory at a logging camp area, the third in 1913 near Denver, Co during one of the worst snowstorms in it's  history. They share characters and friends, which I love in this type of book. A mail order bride the groom doesn't know about,  a tomboy, camp worker, some wealthy girls, a Parson's daughter to name a few. A delightful mix with tons of depth and characters you feel you know. If you want to cozy up with a good book that will keep you engaged, especially for the holidays, this is a great choice. Isn't that cover just gorgeous?

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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Once Upon a Christmas by Rosanne Croft, Linda Reinhardt, Sharon Bernash Smith

Mega book of stories. 55 very short stories about the true meaning of Christmas, the peace and learning process to realize it. You will find many gems here, historical to present day. You might want to start at the beginning of December and read just a couple at a time, like devotionals, giving yourself time to think about them. They're real life examples, with real people, and maybe a few angels. Great if you just want inspirational very short reads.

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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The Lieutenant's Bargain by Regina Jennings

Just when you think you know what you're doing with your life, God happens.

Nothing in life is a coincidence. Not to faithful praying people. God has a plan for us all, sometimes in ways we would never think of. Jack is a soldier at Fort Reno, working for years with the Indians to keep peace at the Darlington Indian Agency. There was a girl where he grew up that he had cherished since childhood, but she barely knew he existed. Then she appears here, not far from the fort, after a stagecoach ambush. And he accidently marries her in a ceremony performed by the Indians that
rescued her. All Hattie wanted was to go to Colorado to paint and be recognized for her talent. As she is forced to live at Fort Reno, she is learning to paint better. The emotions she feels and those of her subjects is exquisitely described. As Jack and Hattie are getting to know each other better, their relationship is like a dance where they're both getting closer together. The men involved with the stagecoach robbery come back into the story and the story really gets intense. A fabulous book that I didn't want to put down.

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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The Christmas Prayer by Wanda E. Brunstetter

In 1850 three wagons set out to go from Independence, Missouri to California. They were late and missed the larger group, but agreed to go ahead with one of the men leading them. Its a difficult journey of course, with lots of disagreement, but they all learn more about each other along the way. Their group becomes stranded at Christmas and find ways that God definitely worked in their lives, changing them in ways they never expected. This is a quick read with good depth of characters brought to life by this wonderful author.

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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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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