(Review & Blog Tour) Inescapable

Title: Inescapable (Book 1 Road to Kingdom Series)
Author: Nancy Mehl
Pages: 336
Pub Date: July 2012
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Source: I received a finished copy for my participation in the Litfuse Publicity Group

About the Book:

Lizzie Engel is used to running away. At eighteen, she left her Mennonite hometown, Kingdom, Kansas, with plans never to return.

But five years later, the new life she built is falling apart. Lizzie knows she’s being followed, and she’s certain the same mysterious stranger is behind the threatening letters she’s received. Realizing she’ll have to run again, the only escape Lizzie can manage is a return to the last place she wants to go.

Once she arrives in Kingdom, Lizzie is confident she’ll be safe until she comes up with a new plan. In reacquainting herself with the town and its people–especially her old friend, Noah Housler–she wonders if she judged her hometown and her Mennonite faith too harshly. However, just as she begins to come to terms with her roots, Lizzie is horrified to discover the danger she ran from is closer than ever.

No longer sure who to trust and fearful for her life and the lives of those around her, Lizzie finds she has only one place left to run–to the Father whose love is inescapable.

If you are interested in buying the book please visit this link .

Enter Today – 7/11-7/25!

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I have to send out a huge thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group for putting this tour together and for allowing me to me on it. When I first got the info about the book I was really excited to read the book because this is my kind of genre and its been awhile since I have read it.

Nancy Mehl is a new to me author and I have to say that after reading this book I am excited to dip into her other books. If her other books are like this one then I am sure I will love them.

I have to begin by saying that I loved this book. There was so much action and suspense happening that I had a hard time to put the book down and over two nights reading this book I stayed up late reading until the wee hours. Everytime I thought I would put it down something would happen that left me saying just a little more.

Lizzie use to live the life the life of a Mennonite in Kansas but when she turned 18 she left the life she knew and vowed never to return.

Fast forward to five years later and Lizzie is living the life of a average person in todays world. Then before Lizzie knows it she is receiving threatening letters and she is being followed. She losses her job because she is being accused of stealing money. Lizzie is scared and does what she does best and runs. But, where will she go? Lizzie goes to the one place she vowed never to go back to and that is home.

When she goes back she doesn’t exactly get the home coming she was hoping for because her father tells her she isn’t welcomed. Lizzie is scared and doesn’t know what to do she thought if she went back that she would be okay but thankfully a kind friend steps in and helps her out with lodging and a job and I think Lizzie begins to feel that it will be okay but we all know that won’t happen because that woudn’t sell a book.

Is Lizzie prepared for what will come next and how will she handle it?

I loved the book, the storyline and the character. Sadly I have to wait until Spring 2013 for Unbreakable to come out. This is the second book in the series. I can’t wait.

About Nancy:

Nancy Mehl, the author of 12 books, received an ACFW Carol Award in 2009 for her novel For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW and RWA. She writes from her home in Wichita, Kansas, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson. Visit her website at www.nancymehl.com.

To check out the rest of the tour please visit this link  http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13514299/inescapable

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

(Review & Tour & Give Away) Beside Still Waters


Title: Beside Still Waters
Author: Tricia Goyer
Publisher: BH Publishing Group
Pages: 258
Pub Date: April 2011

Source: I received this book from Litfuse on behalf of BH Publishing for my honest review.

About the book:Marianna Sommer believes she knows where her life is headed. Nineteen years old and Amish, her plan is to get baptized into the church, marry Aaron Zook, and live in the only community she’s ever known.

When Marianna’s family moves from Indiana to Montana she discovers life and faith will never be the same. As she builds an easy friendship with local guy, Ben Stone, Ben not only draws her heart, he also gets her thinking about what loving God and living in community is all about.

As Marianna struggles to find “home”, she also encounters God in intimate ways.

One of my favorite genres of books is the Amish Fiction. I have always been fascinated with the Amish and their way of life. Reading this book it makes you realize that even though we are different in many ways be still feel the same way and care about people the same way.

Growing up Marianna knows that no matter what she does she will never replace her two dead sisters that died in a tragic buggy accident but she tries her best to remain on the right path.

Marianna and her family live in a strict Amish community in Indiana. Marianna has always thought that her life would be in that community married to Aaron Zook and raising her family. When Marianna’s brother Levi decides that he doesn’t want to lead the Amish life he leaves his family and decides to live with the English.

Marianna’s father fears that his other children will follow the lead of their big brother so he decides to move the family to Montana. Thinking that if they are away they will remain faithful to the Amish way of life. This news upsets Marianna because she fears that if she leaves Aaron will choose another to marry. Of course Marianna doesn’t have to leave she can live with family but feels as though she is obligated to go with the family.

Will Marianna be able to remain true to her Amish up bringing when an English boy catches her eye? When given the chance will Marianna return to her old Amish community to be with Aaron or is it too late?

I really enjoyed the book and honestly I managed to read this in one sitting. before I started the book I went to the author’s site and realized that there would be a book two and after reading this one I am super excited to read the next one because I have so many questions that I hope will get answered.

Another thing I loved about the book was the few recipes that were included in the back of the book such as: haystacks, oatmeal butter crisps, and a few others.

Link to buy the book: http://triciagoyer.com/contemporaryfiction.html#BesideStillWaters

Give Away
To celebrate the release of the first book in the Big Sky Amish series Tricia is giving away 10 copies of Beside Still Waters and a pair of super cute antique Amish salt & pepper shakers.

Details at Tricia’s blog, It’s Real Life: http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2011/04/beside-still-waters-giveaway.html

BONUS! Each person who enters the giveaway will receive a FABULOUS Montana Amish Calendar. Hurry, it’s only available while supplies last! I just checked and the calendars are no longer available.

About the Author:

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-six books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference in 2003. Tricia’s book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family.

Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. Visit Tricia Goyer for more info.

The next book in the series scheduled to be released in October 2011 is:

Here is where the book will be stopping by today:

Sheri at The Shades of Pink
JHS at Colloquium
Carol at Books Before Food
Kat at Reviews From The Heart
Lynetta at Open Book
Melissa at Book Reviews
Alexia at The Mommy Rambles

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

(Review & Give Away)The Waiting


TITLE: The Waiting
AUTHOR: Suzanne Woods Fisher
PUB DATE: October 2010
PAGES: 311
PUBLISHER: Revell
SOURCE: Finished copy of this book was provide by Amy as part of theLitfuse Publicity Tour.

Description:
Jorie King has been waiting for Benjamin Zook to return home to Lancaster County so they can marry. When news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie finds comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. That friendship ripens into love, and it seems that they are meant to be together. But when the unexpected happens, their worlds are turned upside down once more. Will Jorie trust God to lead her into the arms of a new man? A multifaceted story about complex people living the simple life, The Waiting is the second book in the LANCASTER COUNTY SECRETS series. Readers will find themselves transported into the world of the Amish and deeply invested in these wonderful characters.

MY THOUGHTS:
I am a bug fan of amish fiction and I was so happy to be able to add another fantastic author to my list of must reads.

I got to read Suzanne’s first book The Choice earlier this year and loved it. When I finished the book I couldn’t wait for the second book to come out and I was so excited that I was able to get on the tour for this book.

Just in case you haven’t read The Choice don’t worry this book is a stand alone in the series.

I have no idea why I am so interested in Amish fiction. There has always been something that intriques me about them and I always end up devouring all kinds of Amish fiction.

Anyways you are hear to read my review of The Waiting. All I have to say is that I LOVED it. I am dying to read and honestly can’t wait for book three to come out and its called The Search.

Jorie King is the main character. She is a young girl waiting for her love Ben Zook to return home from Veitnam. He is there as a contentious objecter. She loves Ben and she can’t wait to marry him and has promised him she would wait for him. She hopes that once he returns to Lancaster County that he will decide to settle down and join the church.

While she is anxiously waiting they get news that Ben was killed. Everyone is upset. Just when you think that is the worst that can happen Ben’s brother, Caleb loses his wife to leukemia two weeks later but before she dies she tells Caleb that he is free to marry again to help him. He is left to raise is young children and run a farm on his own.

Caleb and Jorie are becoming closer and are there togethe greiving their mutal loses. You can see that they are becoming closer and they both need to move on. It begins to look that way but before they are able to they get word that could possible change everything.

What will Jorie do? Will she stick to her promise that she made or is it too late?

GIVE AWAY
I have one copy to give away to one of my lucky readers. The only rules are you must be a follower of my blog and leave a comment about an amish book you have read or want to read along with your email address so that I can email you if you are a winner.

This is open only to Canada and US residents with a valid mailing address sorry no PO boxes. Contest runs from now until October 31st.

Please note you will have 48 hours to email me back with your mailing address should you be the winner.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

(Review and Giveaway Day 5) Amish Proverbs


TITLE: Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdome from the Simple Life
AUTHOR: Suzanne Woods Fisher
PUBLISHER: Revell
PAGES: 204
SOURCE: I received this book from Revell

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Simplify your life with Amish wisdom

Through firsthand research and personal relationships, Suzanne Woods Fisher has collected more than 200 proverbs that uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Plain People. These proverbs serve as teaching tools and maxims for practical living–but they’re not just for the Amish. They’re for anyone who seeks God’s wisdom and truth for everyday circumstances.

Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with you through life’s joys and sorrows. With beautiful full-color photos throughout, Amish Proverbs is the perfect gift for any occasion.

MY THOUGHTS:
I absolutely loved this book.

If you are a reader of my blog you know that I just love anything Amish. I swear I must have been Amish in my previous life. I am in awe of them and I have to say I praise them for being able to live a simple life. They are content with what they have.

This great little book is filled with eleven chapters. The chapters are about money,time, faith, work ethic, children & family, education etc. Within each chapter there is a short story about the subject. There are so many great photos included to illustrate the topic.

There was several proverbs that I have heard growing up. Here are a few of my favoirtes:

-Nothing lasts forever, not even your troubles.
-You get what you pay for.
-One can learn something new everyday.

A majority of the ones included in this book I never heard before reading the book but I have to say that they made me actually think about them.

This is a great book that would make a perfect gift. This is a book you don’t have to read cover to cover but can be picked up to read anytime. I did read this cover to cover and it now sits on my coffee table and I have been picking it up to read daily when I need a little pick me up.


So for your chance to win a copy of Amish Proverbs all you have to do is leave me a comment telling me what is your favorite saying/proverb and the best one will win a copy of this book.

-Open to Canada and US residents with a valid mailing address. Sorry no PO Boxes.
-You must leave me a comment with your favorite saying/proverb with your email address.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

(Tour) Amish Proverbs

ABOUT THE BOOK
About Amish Proverbs: Simplify your life with Amish wisdom

Through firsthand research and personal relationships, Suzanne Woods Fisher has collected more than 200 proverbs that uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Plain People. These proverbs serve as teaching tools and maxims for practical living–but they’re not just for the Amish. They’re for anyone who seeks God’s wisdom and truth for everyday circumstances.

Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with you through life’s joys and sorrows. With beautiful full-color photos throughout, Amish Proverbs is the perfect gift for any occasion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the CBA bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, Amish Peace, and Amish Proverbs. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne is the host of a radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California. Find out more about Suzanne at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

If your interested in buying this book click the title Amish Proverbs.

Blog Tour Schedule

8/14
Julie at The Surrendered Scribe
http://www.juliearduini.com/Blog/tabid/72/Default.aspx

Judy at health, Beauty, Children and Family
http://youthfultips.blogspot.com

Debra at Footprints in the Butter
http://debrakb.blogspot.com

Michelle at My Semblance of Sanity
http://michellekemperbrownlowwrites4kids.blogspot.com

Abi at 4 the LOVE of BOOKS
http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com

8/16
Monique at Arms of a Sister
http://amrsofasister.com

Christa at Fairfield Corner Academy
http://www.christadarr.blogspot.com

Ruth at Not So Ordinary Girls
http://www.clarkmommy.blogspot.com

Kim at Just a Thought
http://thecooperkids.blogspot.com

8/17
Mindy at Ponderings of the Heart
http://philippians4verse8.blogspot.com

Mindy at A Room without Books is Empty
http://detweilermom.blogspot.com

Theresa at Just One More Paragraph
http://tweezlereads.blogspot.com

Kim at Window To My World
http://berlysue.blogspot.com

8/18
Valerie at Tea Time With Valerie
http://www.valkgal.com

Danielle at Danielle at The Happy Wife
http://juanshappywife.blogspot.com

Desiree at Wee Share
http://www.weeshare.net

Jody at The Corner Book Blog
http://thecornerbookblog.blogspot.com/

8/19
Theresa at Faith and Family Reviews
http://www.faithandfamilyreviews.com

Tammy at Tammy’s Book Parlor
http://tgteecher.blogspot.com

Julie at Busy Julie
http://busyjulieblog.blogspot.com

Teri at Mom to Bed by 8
http://momtobedby8.blogspot.com/

8/20
Michelle at Leading a Quiet Life
http://leadingaquietlife.blogspot.com

Marta at Marta’s Meanderings
http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com

Janet at Along the Way
http://a-long-the-way.blogspot.com

Barry at Gnostalgia
http://gnostalgia.wordpress.com

8/21
Julie at One Rainy Afternoon
http://onerainyafternoon.blogspot.com

Stephanie at Stephanie at Coupon Clippin’
http://www.couponclippinmommy.com/

Gretta at The Johns Family
http://grettajohns.blogspot.com

8/23
Lori at Lori’s Book Reviews
http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/

Annette at A Well-Watered Garden
http://awell-wateredgarden.blogspot.com

Tracy at Simply Tracy
http://preecevilleprincess.blogspot.com

Dana at A Nibnabit Life
http://havenstorch.blogpsot.com

8/24
Kristina at Mommy Literati
http://www.mommyliterati.blogspot.com

Crystal at Music and Mommies: The Scattered Mind
http://musicandmommies.blogspot.com

Tami at This Mom’s Delight
http://ThisMomsDelight.com

Heather at Faith, Family and Fun
http://faithfamilyandfun.com

8/25
Mrs. Q at Book Addict
http://web.me.com/quirion

The Praying Mom at Praying Through Chaos
http://prayingthroughchaos.blogspot.com

Zoe at Zoe Reads
http://zoereads.com

Bailey at Growing For Christ
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/OhioSarah

8/26
Carol at Books Before Food
http://bookbeforefood.blogspot.com

Cindy at Cindy’s Love Of Books
http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.com

Nora at Finding Hope Through Fiction
http://www.psalm516.blogspot.com

8/27
Stephanie at Super Reviewer Girl
http://superreviewergirl.blogspot.com

Jennifer at The Steeds
http://www.thesteeds.net

Lauren at 5 Minutes for Books
http://www.5minutesforbooks.com

Susieqtpies at Scraps of Life
http://cafescrapper-scrapsoflife.blogspot.com

8/28
Amy at Girlfriends Get Real
http://girlfriendsgetreal.blogspot.com

Anna at Mingle Over Mocha
http://ww.MingleOverMocha.com

Kaylea at My Scrappy Life
http://kaytebug2002.blogspot.com

Check back later for my review and give away of this book.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.