The Fiddler

Beverly Lewis' latest Amish novel, The Fiddler introduces us to a new series, Home to Hickory Hollow where she imaginary setting she created for the Shunning was born. Here we meet at an unusual crossroads between the English world and the Amish one.

Amelia Devries has been living a dual life. One for her father as an accomplished concerto violinist, and that of Amy Lee, a country fiddler. What is a catalyst for Amelia is how to bridge the communication gap between her father's dreams for her and her love of making music without the pressure or stress of being at the top of her game all the time. Not only that she is struggling with finding the love that she had for her boyfriend Bryon, also a musician. Perhaps God will provide the answer she seeks.

When a sudden thunderstorm leaves her lost on a back country road, she finds herself with a flat tire and no phone service for her cell phone. Once the rain lets up a bit, she finds her way to a mountain cabin where an Amish young man, Michael Hostetler offers her shelter from the storm.

Michael has been struggling with the same issues as Amelia, having to live a life that would please his parents who hope that by now, he'd be baptized in the Old Amish Order and find himself a nice Amish young girl to begin a family with. Yet Michael finds a yearning for school and learning, taking on line courses in college. His struggle while running away from his old life is to find a place where he believes God is calling him, and what he doesn't expect is to find it in the music Amelia plays for him.

I received The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and was so captivated by the peace and tranquility of not only Amelia's music but also for the people in Hickory Hollow. My favorite character is Ella Mae, considered by the Amish to be the Wise Woman, with an answer to what troubles you most. Her advice to Amelia when she believes she has lost the gumption to confront her father?

"The gumption, my dear, comes when you believe in your decision so much you simply have to follow your heart, come what may. If ya believe God's nudging you in a certain direction, you best follow that, no ifs, ands, or buts."

How I wish there was such a mentor in my own personal life and found myself sitting on the porch swing with Ella Mae while I was reading this. How could I not stay and sit awhile just talking to her about life? This is what makes this such a wonderful and compelling novel for anyone to read. The characters even though they are fictional, feel alive as if they have a home next door to you, just waiting for you to stop on over for a visit, and that's just what you'll get when you open the book. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and will be sure to follow this series all the way through to the end.

For more information on this book, the incredibly talented author, and where to pick up this book today, please click on the links below:

The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis

You can also find Beverly Lewis on Facebook by clicking here.

NIV Faithgirlz Bible

What more could a girls love than a pink Bible designed with her unique needs in mind? Zondervan Publishing has created a beautiful Bible with girls 9-13 in mind. Every girl wants to know that she's totally unique and special, and contributor Nancy Rue helps them do just that in the revised edition of the NIV Faithgirlz Bible. As a leading tween expert, Rue teaches girls that the Bible is real and relevant and, best of all, that the story of God and His people is also their story. Girls can now grow closer to God as they discover the journey of a lifetime, in their language, for their world.

The new Faithgirlz! Bible was developed especially for girls ages 9 to 12. Everything in it is written with a tween girl’s experience in mind, and it features the most popular Bible translation in the world, the New International Version. The features explain hard-to-understand things in the Bible and guide girls to put the Scripture to work in their own lives. The Faithgirlz! Bible focuses on sharing faith with friends and gives real ways for girls to do that.

Each book of the Bible has activities that make God’s Word more relevant than ever. And, of course, because it was developed for Faithgirlz! readers, they can expect to find it jam-packed with customized content and artwork that really makes the Bible stand out. Girls will love the cool design, the interactive features and the feeling of knowing that God’s Word is there for them whenever they need it. Some of the features included are:

• Book Introductions—Girls will read the who, when, where and what of each book of the Bible.

• Dream Girl—Girls will use their imaginations to put themselves in the story.

• Is There a Little (Eve, Ruth, Isaiah) in You?—Girls will see for themselves what they have in common with women of the Bible.

• Words to Live By—Girls will discover great Bible verses for memorizing.

• Oh, I Get It!—Girls will find answers to Bible questions they’ve wondered about.

Nancy Rue says, “I hope the Faithgirlz! Bible will help girls grow a friendship with the Bible, their own relationship. It asks questions, asks them to think and challenges them to apply what they’re learning. That’s how they’ll find a deep, personal relationship with God, rather than just by following rules or saying what they’ve been told without really thinking about it. Rules are important, of course, but they only make sense when they really believe the message of the Scriptures. That’s what this Bible is about.” The Faithgirlz! Bible is the perfect Bible to support girls in their journey into the “beauty of believing.”

I received the Faithgirlz Bible compliments of B & B Media Group for my honest review and the minute it came in the mail, my teenage daughter immediately snapped this up. A great sign that just the cover alone speaks volumes to her. Not only that, she asked if she got to keep it and I said yes, to much squeals of delight. Now this is part of our morning devotionals and she can't wait to share some of the insights that are included inside. It makes for a great conversation between mother and daughter while understanding and learning more about God's Word especially in the life of our daughters. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it if your looking for a beautiful Teen Bible for your daughter!

For more information about this Bible, Nancy Rue or where you can pick up this today for a special girl in your life, please click on the links below:

NIV Faithgirlz Bible by Zondervan Publishing and Nancy Rue

You can also learn more by visiting Nancy's website for Faithgirlz by clicking here.

The Five Love Languages of Children - Giveaway and Review

We all understand the importance of loving our children and showing them how much they are loved, but did you know that there are ways of showing our children love that really speak volumes to them and their heart? It's true, just like there are languages that speak to the adult hearts, our children have different needs that show them that we truly love them. Each has a unique language that speaks love to them.

This is why often times we may bend over backwards as a parent and our children still look at us, telling us that they desperately need to feel our love. What is happening is that we aren't speaking the same languages that they need. There are 5 love languages that speak to our children and sometimes there is a combination that works well for our kids. Some love Words of Affirmation, being told what a great job they are doing, how much we love and care for them, acknowledgement that we see what they are doing and praising them. While for yet other children, Acts of Service, speaks to their hearts, such as doing kind deeds for them, taking them to lunch, or a ball game, just spending time with them, and yet another is Physical Touch. These are the children who thrive on hugs and kisses and touch instead of words or actions by us.

Authors Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell have collaborated to help parents speak the language of love our children so desperately need to hear in their book, The 5 Love Languages of Children. In this book not only do they break down each of these in detail, but it also includes a game to help both parents and children understand what works well for them. This way we can speak love to our children without being frustrated on both ends. It can also help us discipline our children more effectively when it needs to be addressed. This is a must read for anyone who deals with children, whether it be parents, grandparents and even child care givers or teachers!

I received this book compliments of Propeller and Northfield Publishing for my honest review and learning so much about the love languages when it comes to adults, this seemed a natural for me to read as a parent. So many times with multiple children we try not to appear to favor one child over the other but often times find our actions frustrating when they don't respond as we would hope. This book really helps to identify what works for each child. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and seeing it benefiting even teachers who may be frustrated in reaching children who are struggling with learning. This book speak volumes to the hearts of our children.

For more information on this book, the authors and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the link below:

The 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell

Thanks to the generous folks at Propeller, they are offering a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here's all you need to do to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. "Like" my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart.

3. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

4. Leave me a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this book, along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

The giveaway will end on April 16th and I will notify the winner by email and post the results on my Facebook page!

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally

and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

An Uncommon Grace

Grace Conner is serving as a nurse practitioner in Afghanistan as the war around her rages on. Struggling to determine whether or not she should reenlist again for two years, she prays to God to give her a definitive sign one way or another. Upon opening her email, she sees an email message telling her that she is needed to come home and that her grandmother Elizabeth has had a heart attack. Taking this as a definitive sign from God, she returns home to help her grandmother heal.

Levi Troyer was heading home from selling his baskets early one morning and was surprised to see that his house was unusually quiet for this time of day. When he called out and got no answer, and seeing laundry still sitting on the back porch and spilled water, he knew something was wrong. When he rushed to the porch, the pile of laundry was his step father who lay in a puddle of blood and was dead. Hurrying inside, he finds his mother, 8 months pregnant, shot but still alive. If only his family had a phone nearby, but since his family is part of the Swartzentruber Amish, they aren't allowed.

He grabs his horse and heads to his neighbors house and prays that the woman named Grace is at home. When she opens the door, Levi tells her what has happened and she immediately grabs her medical bag and drives over to his home. Barely alive, she calls for an ambulance and cares for his mother Claire until help arrives. Had it not been for Grace's quick thinking, his mother would have died along with his stepfather. Now it's up to Levi to care for his brothers and sister, while his mother and baby fight for their lives.

In the latest novel by Serena B. Miller, An Uncommon Grace, immerses the readers into the lives of a different order of Amish believers, the Swartzentruber, who are very strict in their lifestyles, besides no phone shanty's, no indoor plumbing, they aren't even allowed the safety features of a simple reflective triangle to attach to their buggy's so they can be seen by English drivers at night. This is a wonderful story that Serena draws her readers into from the first page. Not only is there a murder to be solved but also learning how an English woman and an Amish man can learn to be friends at least while romantic feelings slowly begin to develop.

You can't help but love the characters of Grace and Levi but also the setting of the story is so vivid in rich detail, as you read this, you can imagine the warmth of the hay in the sun, the rich deep smell of the earth as they garden and even the beauty of the afternoon thunderstorm. I received this book compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster for my honest review and LOVED it. I rate this novel a perfect 5 out of 5 stars and now I sit on pins and needles waiting for the next book to come out by Serena that will once more captivate the readers so much that they will not be able to put it down until they turn that final page.

For more information on this book, the author and where to pick up a copy of this book, please click on the links below:

An Uncommon Grace by Serena B. Miller

You can also find Serena Miller on Facebook by clicking here.

Eye of the Sword

5 Kingdoms sit on the threshold of an upcoming prophecy. There are those that are working hard to make sure that it comes true and those that will stop at nothing to prevent its fulfillment. Legend has it that every 200 years, the stars will come into a perfect alignment and as long as the three legendary harps are collected, the stairway to heaven will be restored. Once that happens the souls of those that have died on Earth that are supposed to be in heaven will be taken by the angels to their final resting place.

But since the First Born and Second Born interferred many years ago, that stairway has been sealed with no hope of reopening it except by the one the prophecy calls for that can complete this process, one born with the breath of angel and blood of man. Now Melaia has been searching to unite the harps if she can find them with the help of Trevin, a man who vows to serve her until the very last breath he has.

Only Melaia's father, King Laetham has promised her hand in marriage to Prince Varic of the Dregmoors in hopes of securing an alliance between the two kingdoms, but Melaia has given her heart to another along time ago. King Laetham will only allow a man of royal blood to marry his daughter Princess Melaia and with time running out, he sees no alternative but to allow the marriage between Varic and Melaia to take place. Will Trevin be able to locate the missing two harps before the marriage vows are complete or will he fall victim to the evil plots of the First Born who is set on making sure the stairway remains sealed forever?

I received Eye of the Sword by Karyn Henley compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah for my honest review. Karyn captured my heart in this incredible new series combining medieval fantasy along with some mythical creatures and an entire race of angels with her first book, Breath of Angel. When I saw that this book was finally available, I had to review this one. I was not disappointed. The quest for the harps continues in Eye of the Sword and we get a more in depth look at the character of Trevin and his family history as it's uncovered chapter by chapter. We also uncover a bit more of the legend of the Wisdom Tree and the restoration of the stairway to heaven that is nearly all possible signs towards the timing this possible prophecy to be fulfilled. As a reader, I am completely sold on the world that Karyn has so elaborately created and know I'll be waiting on pins and needles until the final book is complete and ready to read.

I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and those looking for an amazing Christian action-adventure story dealing with angels and the fight between evil and good, then this is a must read for you. I would recommend the first book in the Angelaeon Circle series first, Breath of Angel to get an understanding of Melaia's character and why the need for the quest.

For more information on this book, the author and where to pick up a copy of this book, please click on the links below:

Eye of the Sword by Karyn Henley

You can also find Karyn on her Facebook page by clicking here to stay on top of all her books or visiting her website to catch a first chapter sneak peek!

You can also read my review on Breath of Angel by clicking here.

By The Light Of The Silvery Moon - Giveaway and Review

On the approaching 100th anniversary of the Titanic, Tricia Goyer has once again written an outstanding historical romantic novel, By The Light of The Silvery Moon. I must say I was personally challenged to read a romantic fictional novel based on travels on the fated Titanic without thinking about James Cameron's theatrical version, but I can honestly say I was enchanted and captivated by her words.

Meet Amelia Gladstone who is traveling aboard the Titanic in search of a future relationship with a man known only to her through his written correspondence as Mr. Chapman. He believes that because they have related so well through their letters, a face to face meeting might prove to be advantageous to them both. As they are about to board, Amelia comes face to face with a man known only as Quentin, dressed in rags and about to be tossed off the ship for attempting to be a stowaway.

When Amelia's cousin, Henry Gladstone was arrested in London last minute, she was left with his ticket. Being one with a heart of gold, she offers the ticket to Quentin as a gift he doesn't have to repay. Now that he has a legitimate reason to board the ship, he stays in Henry's room wondering just what God has in mind with this last chance offer.

Quentin believes his good fortune is divinely inspired when he begins to learn more about Amelia's pure heart despite the fact that he has made too many mistakes in his past. Those mistakes have cost him everything from his family to his financial standing when he kept running instead of facing the consequences of his actions. What will happen aboard the Titanic will change the lives of Amelia and Quentin forever and show that God does have plans for all of us, and nothing passes through His hands without His knowledge.




I received By The Light of The Silvery Moon compliments of Litfuse Publicity for my honest review and have to rate this one a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. I've been a huge fan of not only anything Tricia Goyer has written but also of the Titanic as well. So when I had to opportunity to review this one, I knew I would immediately love it. This one plays out as a great historical romance that Tricia did an exceptional job breathing life into, and also portrays a different version of the prodigal son from the Bible. This one I highly recommend and it will captivate you from the very first page. I could not put this one down.

For more information about this book, the author and where to pick up a copy of this book, please click on the links below:

By The Light of The Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer

You can also find Tricia on Facebook by clicking here.

Win an Flip HD Camcorder during @TriciaGoyer's Unsinkable Titanic Giveaway and RSVP for 4/10 Titanic Party!

Celebrate the release of By the Light of the Silvery Moon with Tricia by entering her giveaway and RSVPing to her Titanic party.



One "unsinkable" winner will receive:

• Flip HD video Camera (Make your own dramatic saga!)


• Titanic movies from the ages {Titanic (1953) Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964), Titanic (1997)}


• Secrets of the Titanic (Get the facts from National Geographic.)


• And the Band Played On (Music Played on the Titanic.)


• By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer (Be swept away in this tale of love and courage.)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 9th. Winner will be announced at "Silvery Moon" Titanic Facebook Party on 4/10. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club). During the live chat Tricia will have a *special guest* join her. More details coming soon!

So grab your copy of By the Light of the Silvery Moon and join Tricia on the evening of the April 10th for a fun chat, trivia contest (How much do you know about the Titanic?) and lots of giveaways.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 10th!

The Power of A Positive Mom

As moms the hardest thing for us to do sometimes besides finding time for ourselves if often times finding time to get our spiritual breakfast, lunch or dinner in for the day with God. I think it's critical to help us manage our day and help us deal with all the things unique to being a mom and being a success.

I've had the wonderful opportunity to review a great new devotional, The Power of A Positive Mom by Karol Ladd. I know I could use some help because as a busy mom, I find the some days I am less than a positive influence in the lives of those around me and even in my own. In this wonderful book are devotionals broken down into 52 weeks beginning each on a Monday. Of course, you could always chose to start them on any day, but its designed to give you a head start on the week ahead. What we often fail to realize is that the Bible is the perfect self-help book for everything moms and wives have to deal with. It offers insight and wisdom with powerful tools for living a full, contented, positive life as a mom whether your kids are in diapers or in high school.

By starting of each week with a motivational message designed for moms that comes straight from the Word of God, Karol's hope is that you'll find the encouragement, help, and spiritual fuel you'll need for the week ahead. Most moms want to be ones that create a positive environment of love, encouragement, and care in our homes, but we can't do it alone. This devotional offers a unique journey through the Bible that will help us tap into that power. Starting in Genesis and moving through passages in almost every book of the Bible all the way into Revelation, we will get a taste of them as we walk our way through God's Word.

Each week is broken into a Key Scripture to focus on that week, a motivational quote designed to get you in the right frame of mind, a Mom's Reflection; designed to help you apply the key scripture to your role as a mom that week, a place to record your thoughts with a great thought-provoking question, and a prayer for that week. There are also some choices to consider as you work through your study that week and further reading you can do.

I received The Power of A Positive Mom by Karol Ladd compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster for my honest review and could really see a difference in using this devotional in my own life. I keep it with me while I am doing things around the house, as a guide to direct me back to my key scripture when I find myself coming up short. It's almost like a reminder from God on spending 52 weeks of my life on becoming not only a better mom, but growing closer to the mom God wants me to be.

I highly recommend this book and rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars! It's a great starting point for new moms just beginning their spiritual walk in helping them get a simply Bible Study going for themselves or perhaps a mom's Bible Study with a small group in church! This makes an excellent resource for busy moms everywhere. For more information on this book, the author and where you can pick up a copy today, please click on the links below:

The Power of A Positive Mom by Karol Ladd

You can find Karol on Facebook by clicking here.