The Bridge of Peace

Living in the Amish community isn't easy. Especially when you have a disfigurement that is so apparent, people can't seem to notice it when looking at you. No matter how hard you try to hide it, its no use.

Lena Kauffman is a young Old Order Amish schoolteacher who has dealt all her life with attention raised by a noticeable birthmark on her cheek. Having learned to move past the stares and whispers, Lena channels her zest for living into her love of teaching. But tensions mount as she is challenged to work with a rebellious young man, named Peter, whose only goal is to finish school no matter what the cost.

Lena has to deal with several crises at the schoolhouse that threaten her other students. Her lack of submission and use of ideas that don't line up with the Old Ways strengthen the school board's case as they begin to believe that Lena is behind all the trouble.

One member of the school board, Grey Graber, feels trapped by his own stifling circumstances. His wife, Elsie, has shut him out of her life, and he doesn't know how long he can continue to live as if nothing is wrong. As the two finally come to a place of working toward a better marriage, tragedy befalls their family.

Lena and Grey have been life-long friends, but their relationship begins to crumble amidst unsettling deceptions, propelling each of them to finally face their own secrets. Can they both find a way past their losses and discover the strength to build a new bridge?

This novel, A Bridge of Peace, by Cindy Woodsmall, is a great Amish story with a difference. This time it isn't so much about falling in love in the Amish community but more with how does the Amish community cope when they don't care for the newest school teacher that comes with Public School ways of teaching. Or even how does one rebuild your life and marriage when its finally reached an end of no hope? What happens when a wife finds herself abandoned by her Amish husband and left with no way to make a living in a failing bakery business when everything around her home is falling apart, including her horse that has become lame due to her own neglect?

This novel is about finding hope in the hopeless situations? That no matter how tragic the loss in your life is, there is always God and the restoration possibilities that await when we return to Him for the solution. I absolutely adored this book. I got a deeper understanding of the Old Order ways of the Amish lifestyle as well as how someone outside the community is treated. I would rate this amazing book a 5 out of 5 stars and would highly recommend this book to anyone in need of recharging their faith and hope.

I received this book, compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. For more information about the book, the author and even a first chapter sneak peek, then read on:

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Bridge of Peace WaterBrook Press; Original edition (August 31, 2010) by Cindy Woodsmall
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author whose connection with the Amish community has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal.

She was also a homeschool mom. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter.

Her first novel released in 2006 to much acclaim and became a best seller. Cindy was a 2007 ECPA award finalist, along with Karen Kingsbury, Angela Hunt, and Charles Martin.

Her second book, When the Morning Comes, hit numerous best-sellers lists across the US, including edging into the extended list of the New York Times, coming in at number thirty-four.

Her third book, When the Soul Mends, hit the New York Times best-sellers list, coming in at number thirteen, as well as making the USA Today’s best-sellers list.

Cindy continues to write and release best-selling works of fiction, and she’s also written a nonfiction work with an Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud. The book is titled Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. It will release March 11, 2011.

Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity.

As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children.

Cindy, her husband, their three sons and two daughters-in-law reside in Georgia.


Here's a wonderful contest to enter:


Win a "Trip To Amish Country"...contest opens August 31st -December 31st...go HERE to enter!

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Bridge of Peace, go HERE.

Loving God With All Five Senses - Giveaway and Review

Come to your senses...

...and draw closer to God!

Have you thought how your five senses relate to your relationship with the Lord? In this book, Tammy Melton takes you on a journey of encouragement as you develop a closer and more intimate walk with the Creator. This insightful Bible study shows the new Christian as well as the seasoned believer how to taste and see that the Lord is good, and how we can let the Lord be our vision and give us discernment. It also warns of the spiritual pitfalls that result when we misuse God's gifts of taste, touch, sight, hearing and smell.

In this wonderful, new amazing Bible Study book, Loving God With All Five Senses, A 6 week journey to intimacy with the Creator by Tammy Melton, you will discover the wonderful senses God has given to all of us and how they relate to our spiritual lives. Just like we live in a real world with an overlapping spiritual realm, Tammy takes the reader through a 6 week study to show you how those same five senses we use for seeing, hearing, touch, smell and taste can overlap our spiritual ones that God has blessed us with.

In the first of 6 chapters, Tammy takes the readers through 5 days of study to discover our spiritual senses and why its important for us to use these gifts we take for granted everyday to enhance our intimate relationship with getting to know God on a deeper level. The study even goes into what happens when we abuse this spiritual gifts as well as the actual five senses and how those will impact our physical and spiritual walk.

This amazing study can be done as a small group study, a women's study, a mens study or even a marriage study to further enhance our relationship with God and with one another.

My favorite chapter that really hit home was Day 4 of Chapter 1 study in which, Tammy explains how walls can be great in our lives to achieve a level of protection, especially when pertaining to the enemy, but in this one, she talks about the downfalls of having walls in our lives as well. Most of the time, we put them up when we have been hurt to avoid the future pain from others later in life, however it's those very same walls that keep us separated from the love and healing of God into our lives as well.

Tammy even goes further into a deeper study to find out what those walls are, why we have them there, and how to break out of bad habits of self pity and how to avoid the lies the enemy will tell us to convince us how necessary those walls are in our lives.

I received this wonderful book, compliments of Tammy Melton for my honest review and can't wait to go back through the book with my husband together and see how much this book will heal areas of our marriage and make us a stronger husband and wife serving Christ. I would rate this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.

Tammy has been so generous to offer one lucky follower of my blog a copy of this book. Here are the guidelines:

1. You must be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. You must live in the US and NO P.O. Boxes please.

3. I must have a way to contact via email to let you know if you're the lucky winner. SO please make sure you include your email address in the comment box. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

4. I will close the comments on September 20th and will notify the winner by email. You will have 5 business days to respond. If I don't hear from you, I will select another winner.

5. Simply leave me a comment and tell me how this book will benefit you!

You can also check out Tammy's blog and Legacy Ministries to order a copy of this book, at the following links:

Legacy Ministries Info

Tammy Melton's Blog

Tyger Tyger

Teagan Wylltson thinks her friend, Abby is joking. But Abby swears that she's psychic. And she's dreamed that horrifying creatures - goblins, shape-shifters, shadows, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty - are hunting her friend.

Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.

Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives.

Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dream, because he's talking about goblins too...and about being the Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind.

Finn has survived alone on the streets since he was twelve, so he knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right.

The goblins are coming. (Excerpt from back cover)

My Review:

The story telling and writing style form this author seems a little disconnected at first. It took several chapters of character development and background to really get moving for me. I did like the book once it kicked into 3rd gear after about chapter 5 to really get interesting. Once hooked though, it takes you to a magical world filled with wonder, mystery and intrigue. I would like to continue reading the Goblin War Series books if the characters and plot catches you earlier within the first 3 chapters.

Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton, is definitely geared for a young adults read! The imagination of the author takes you into a different story unlike any that are out in the market today. The Celtic History telling and mythology from the time tells about Goblins and the old world of Ireland which is very interesting. I am going to pass this onto our children to see how they like it. I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars due to the first few chapters just seemed to be a little hard to get through as you learn about the main female, her friends and a mysterious stranger that comes to live with her family.

I received this book compliments of Kersten Hamilton personally for my honest review and can't wait to read the next in this series of books. For more information on the book, the author or where to purchase your copy, click on the title of the book below:

Tyger, Tyger

Diva's of the Divine

Divas of the Divine is more than just a Bible curriculum to participate in for a few weeks before moving on to the next study. It's an interactive experience wit God that will produce authentic spiritual transformation.

Certified professional Christian life coaches Donna McCray and Sherri Holbert lead you through interactive devotions, group challenges, open class discussions, creative activities, innovative and tangible action plans, and "get real" accountability, all designed to enable you to fully experience true success in your spiritual walk and personal relationships.

With Divas of the Divine, you have the tools discover your unique identity in Christ. You will become happier that you've been in your work, spiritual life, friendships, and family when you embrace the fact that you are a Designer original in a knock-off world. (Excerpt back cover).

I received this book, compliments of Kathy Carlton Willis Communications for my honest review. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars for the study information that will change your spiritual life and make it more fulfilling than you ever thought imaginable. Here's even more information:

DIVAS' Top 10 Necessities for a Fulfilled Life A Great Bra! (Prayer Foundation) – Even though many women don’t enjoy wearing this undergarment, it is the most critical aspect of any DIVA’S outfit! Why? It is the foundation—just like a relationship with God that offers support and is always uplifting. Mirror (Real Beauty) – A DIVA looks into the mirror to check hair and lipstick but more importantly to make sure what she sees is real—to make sure her beauty is reflected from within, transparent and authentic. Shoes (God’s Purpose) – The perfect designer shoes guide her daily walk with Christ. Must fit her style as an individual and accentuate the relationship that is uniquely hers in order to make every step count. Little steps help her go the distance. Sunglasses (Priorities) – Oh, how important to filter the harmful rays and the worldly view of the sunlight so she is only exposed to the pure Son and all of His benefits! Chocolate (Time Out) – Every DIVA’S little piece of heaven! It may be small but it’s sweetness, it’s creamy comfort, and its AHHHH factor, is enough to sustain her until she gets to experience the wonder of heaven. It’s the little pick-me-up that will remind her to sustain her eternal perspective no matter the circumstance. Wrinkle Cream (Forgiveness) – It is the hottest thing on the market for any DIVA who wants to remove lines and wrinkles. The Spirit-inspired ingredients are key to erasing the fine lines of stress, worry, and bitterness to help her let go of the past. This cream is full of the healing power of forgiveness, grace, and unconditional love. Watch (Commitment) – Every DIVA has a favorite watch. This piece of bling pulls every outfit together. She feels lost when she forgets to wear it. Time! Time requires commitment and every DIVA chooses wisely how she spends it. Girlfriend (Accountability) - The most important necessity for all true DIVAS. She’s caring and fun to be with. She is the “speak the truth in love” kind of friend that will hold the DIVA accountable to being the true Designer Original she was created to be. Purse (Balance) - Whether it’s top-of-the-line or a bargain-deal, the DIVA’S purse must be perfect to keep all her most important things close—flexible to bend when in tight spots but sturdy enough to withstand day-to day-use. Her purse contains the necessary items to stay balanced and “keep it all together.” Lipstick (Positive Words & Attitude) – Positive words and a polished tone flow from her lips in pretty colors and a high-gloss shine. Her words inspire others. About the Authors:

Donna McCrary From high top basketball shoes to high heels, each step of Donna’s life has equipped her for a Life Coaching career. She is a challenging facilitator whose “tell it like it is” approach always incorporates a call to action from her participants. Donna draws from her background as a recreational therapist to create dynamic outcome-oriented keynotes, retreats, and curriculums. Her greatest passion and deepest joy is to “coach” women in realizing God’s plan for their lives and in discovering for themselves the source of genuine joy. Donna is a wife, mother of two, and beloved friend. Donna’s hobbies include hiking, vacationing at the beach, and trying projects from popular HGTV home improvement shows... much to her husband’s dismay!

Sherri Holbert Sherri invested many years with companies such as Biltmore Estate, Chick-fil-A, and Chimney Rock Park in developing new and creative programs to excel these corporations to higher levels of success. Sherri is founder and CEO of Power-Up!, a coaching company whose mission is to take individuals and corporations to the next level of success. She works as a coach, facilitator, and speaker for a variety of clients ranging from corporate executives to stay-at-home moms. Sherri’s passion is unlocking the untapped potential within others to help them gain fresh perspectives, develop clear vision, and establish action steps that will make their dreams reality. Sherri is a wife, aunt, and friend to many. She has a self-proclaimed addiction to shoes, purses, and Starbuck’s coffee. One of her life goals is to be on Survivor (her favorite TV reality show!).

Blog Tour Grand Prize! A PRIZE FOR ONE DIVA! • Turquoise purse/tote • Silver flip-flops • Purse and shoe picture frames • Box of Godiva truffles • DIVAS of the Divine book & journal ADVICE FOR ALL DIVAS! Sherri: If life for you is like driving 100 mph in a convertible, make sure you have a map to your dream destination and a friend to keep you focused on the plan so you don’t get sucked into the tourist traps along the way. Don’t be Thelma and Louise! Allow your passion to drive you to the mountain top of success instead of driving you off the cliff with no purpose. Donna: The shopping mall is full of new shoes but they can only be enjoyed if you take off the old, try on the new, and then commit to pay the price. For more information visit the DIVAS website: www.walkofpurpose.com

For Time and Eternity

I never stop to ask myself if I should have done anything different. I have lived now nearly forty years with my choices, and sometime hence I will die in His grace. That is the hope no man can steal from me. Not again.

All Camilla Deardon knows of the Mormons camping nearby is the songs she hears floating on the breeze. Then she meets one of them - a young man named Nathan Fox. Never did she imagine he would be so handsome, so charming, especially after Mama and Papa's warnings to stay away.

Though she knows she should obey her parents, Camilla can't refuse her heart. But even Nathan's promises cannot prepare her for what she will face in Utah. (excerpt from back cover).

My Review:

In the book, For Time and Eternity, Allison Pittman introduces us to the Sister Wife series of books. This one transports you back into the life of Camilla Deardon, the fifteen year old only daughter and child to her parents, who are very religious in their Christian up bringing. Being simple farmers their lives consist of raising their daughter in the way of the Lord, by faithfully requiring her to spend time each night reading a chapter of the Bible.

Upon completing her reading, she has to pick a verse from that chapter and carefully write that scripture in her journal with quill and ink, making sure the ink is dry before closing the book. She then must tell her parents what she learned from the chapter, and what her scripture choice is, why she chose that one, and what does it mean to her as a Christian woman growing in the way of the Lord's teachings.

Her father is very stern and it appears through the beginning chapters that the relationship between the mother and father appears strained and challenging. Even her mother admits to Camilla, he isn't quite the same man she fell in love with. Her father is over protective when it comes to Camilla and sternly warns her against associating with the Mormon people that are camped on the outskirts of their property line.

On the way to school one morning, Camilla meets Nathan Fox whose boyish good looks and charms lure her to allow him to carry her heavy load of cheese and bread to school. When she warns him that she shouldn't be talking to him, he casually disappears into the woods, still carrying her load of cheese and bread. He waves to her thanking her for the generosity of helping the hungry people of his camp to eat well tonight instead of gruel.

Over time she finds herself wanting to spend more time with Nathan and only after her father's repeated warnings to stay away, she finds something mysterious about the feelings she has for Nathan. When Nathan's people catch wind that something dangerous and deadly are about to happen to them, he decides to pack things up and head off to Zion. He invites Camilla to join him as his wife even confessing his love to her. Will she go or will she remain with her family and their teachings of what she knows to be the truth?

I received this book, compliments of Glass Road Publications for my honest review. Seeing things from all the perspectives of each of the characters portrayed in the book, gives the reader insight into the differences between the Christian religion and the Mormon ways. It let's the reader draw their own conclusions as the story takes off and for me is just another clear indicator of the reason why I hold on to my own Christian faith! What a great read and I would encourage others to give this book a chance. I would rate this a 4 out of 5 stars! This book is available as a paperback and eBook format!

For more information on this book, the author and where to purchase a copy, click on the title below:

For Time and Eternity

Out Live Your Life - Giveaway and Review

We are common folk.

We sit in the bleachers, eat at diners, change diapers, and wear our favorite team's ball cap. Fan's don't wave when we pass. Servants don't scurry when we come home. Chauffer's don't drive our cars; butlers don't open our doors or draw our baths. Doormen don't greet us, and security doesn't protect us. We are regular folk.

And we wonder: Does God use people like us?

He did. God stampeded the first-century society with swaybacks, not thoroughbreds. Before Jesus came along, the disciples were loading trucks, coaching soccer, and selling Slupee drinks at the convenience store.

Their collars were blue, and their hands were calloused, and there is no evidence that Jesus chose them because they were smarter or nicer than the guy next door. The one thing they had going for them was a willingness to take a step when Jesus said, "Follow me."

Are you more dinghy than cruise ship? More stand-in than movie star? More blue jeans than blue blood? Congratulations. God changes the world with folks like you. (Excerpt back cover).

In the book, Out Live Your Life by Max Lucado, he takes each of us through the first couple of chapters in Acts to show us how our lives are very similar to the people in each of the chapters and the differences they made and how we can do the very same things. We simply need one thing. A willingness to do it. That's it. We need more yes's and a lot less no's!

Max in his usual way of writing directly from the heart and as a close, personal friend touches your heart and shows you the different ways we can all begin to take care of people around us. He provides perfect examples of everyday people who made less than $1.25 a day and they too are changing lives. So what's our excuse? Find out by reading Max's latest book!

I received this book, compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review and believe every single person living today should read this book. That is why I am offering a giveaway for a copy of his book. Here are your guidelines:

1. Must be a follower of Reviews From The Heart!

2. You must reside in the U.S.

3. I need a way to contact you by email if you are the winner, so please include it in your comment. You may use (at) or (dot) instead of the symbols when leaving your email address.

4. I will close comments by September 17th and notify the winner by email. If I don't hear from you in 5 business days, I will select another winner.

5. Leave me a comment on how you are changing the world or providing acts of kindness in your life.

For more information on this book, the author or where to purchase a copy, click on the title of the book below, and the giveaway ends on September 17th.

Out Live Your Life

You Changed My Life

Kind people not only say Good Morning, they make the coffee.

You've met them. Your life is probably better because of them.

They're the people who make life nicer, more beautiful...and for some, bearable. They're real people with remarkable hearts. People whose unselfish generosity wraps a strong arm around your shoulders and walks you from brink of despair to the axis of hope.

They give whether anyone notices or not. They sacrifice without being asked. They give up personal dreams for the sake of others.

What would we do without them? Let's hope we never have to. What can we do for them? Let's recognize what they've done and give them a medal of gratefulness. Let's say, "Thank you!" (excerpt back cover).

My Review:

What a wonderful breath of inspiration as always in a gift book from Max Lucado, called simply, You Changed My Life, Stories of Real People with Remarkable Hearts. This wonderful hardcover book is a gift book of all the wonderful stories we have all come to love and know as we have read through Max Lucado's books.

Here's a classic short story of just what you will find tuck inside this wonderful book:

Chapter 1 - Changed by Love

Confident of Dad's Love

Dropping a fly ball may not be a big deal to most people, but if you are thirteen years old and have aspirations of the big leagues, it is a big deal. Not only was it my second error of the game, it allowed the winning run to score.

I didn't even go back to the dugout. I turned around in the middle of left field and climbed over the fence. I was halfway home when my dad found me. He didn't say a word. Just pulled over to the side of the road, leaned across the seat, and opened the passenger door. We didn't speak. We didn't need to. We both knew the world had come to an end.

When we got home, I went straight to my room, and he went straight to the kitchen. Presently he appeared in front of me with cookies and milk. He took a seat on the bed and we broke bread together. Somewhere in the dunking of the cookies I began to realize that life and my father's love would go on. In the economy of male adolescence, if you love the guy who drops the ball, then you really love him. My skill as a baseball player didn't improve, but my confidence in Dad's love did. Dad never said a word. But he did show up. He did listen up.

I received this amazing book, compliments of Thomas Nelson publishers for my honest review and think this would be a wonderful way to say thank you to a friend or family member. I would even think this would make a wonderful graduation gift to someone who is graduating from school or to someone who has really changed your life!

If you would like more information about this book, the author or where to purchase a copy, please click on the title of the book below:

You Changed My Life