Will she give it all for a song?

 All for a song by Allison Pittman was an interesting book.  Dorothy grew up as the pastor's daughter in a small town.  She was engaged to the new pastor who replaced her father.  Life was predictable, boring and unfulfilling.  Though Dorothy was faithful to live out the life carried out for her.  When visiting her sister in St. Louis she happens about a Aimee Semple McPherson revival.  Suddenly Dorothy finds herself thrust into a world completely different than all she's known.  She must make decisions that will forever alter her life, as she is offered the chance to lead worship for Aimee's tour across the US. The story is set in the Roaring Twenties, and filled with all that time frame is known for.  The story is told in two parts.  One is Dorothy Lynn living her life then.  The other is Lynnie more than 90 years later... Piqued my interest in the history of both that time in history and Aimee Semple McPherson's life and ministry.

Congo Dawn

Another great book by Jeanette Windle.  I have read her other books set in Afghanistan.  This one is set in Africa.  It isn't an easy read, but a worthwhile read.  All is not as it seems.  As Robin finds her services needed as a translator, she sets off to the Congo, needing money for her sick niece back home.  She meets up with Michael from Doctors without Borders, a rocky past full of misunderstanding and misconception.  Both think they are on the "right" side, but quickly learn things are not always what they seem.  Who can they trust?  Is God trustworthy enough for Robin to give him a chance?  Will she let Michael explain? Will he?  As all this drama swirls below the surface, evil is at work.  The people of the Congo are being used and abused. Goverment is corrupt.  People are afraid.  No place is safe. Danger, Intrigue and a touch of romance, make a tough subject, compelling and real.

Sparkly Green Earrings

Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle was not what I expected when I picked it up, but I'm glad I read it. A memoir of a mom, filled with laughter, wisdom and Scripture. I laughed a lot. I could relate a lot. I could see it happen so vividly. And I'm NOT a mom. Great read about life and learning to trust God and enjoy the journey. Quick read. Recommend to all women. I think no matter where you're at in life, it will speak to you.

Deployed by Mel Odom

I just read my first book by Me Odom "Deployed."  Excellent read for you military fans.  Bekah joins the Marine Reserves to provide for her son Travis, when her ex-husband fails to provide for them.  She never really saw herself being actively deployed to some of the most dangerous places in the world.  Now she must struggle with getting her job done and returning safely to her son.  The book dealt with many different emotions, all which were relatable and realistic.  Characters on all sides of the story were developed and woven together. Great read.

Grace's Pictures

I really enjoyed Grace's Pictures. You got to see Grace as a little girl, the young women sent to America, and her life once here. Trust was an overriding theme in this book. The characters emotions were realistic and engaging. Grace's life was drastically changed by the actions of others. She viewed all police as her enemy, yet continually finds Owen to be there offering help and support. She struggles with if she should trust him, trust those that tell her to trust him, and her own self preservation. Grace has not been able to trust anyone, and continually struggles with accepting others. A lot of historical interest, in a setting that was both intriguing and heart stirring. Worth a read.

Take a Chance on me

While we return to the town of Deep Haven, the characters are new and heartwarming. Warren once again develops realistic characters that draw you in. The Christiansen family is the type family everyone dreams of. Full of love, drama, fun and diversity. Darek, the tough, rugged, gorgeous man with a huge chip on his shoulder becomes the main character. Ivy, alone and looking to start over, inadvertently is paired with Darek. Like typical romance stories, she begins to fall in love with Darek. Yet all is not as it seems. Ivy is responsible for the heartbreak Darek has experienced. Will her secret come out? Will it destroy them? Will her acceptance into the Christiansen clan, end with her own heartbreak? Follow the twisting plot turns, and find out.

Time for the Tyndale Summer Reading Program

Once again Tyndale is doing their Summer Reading Program. I am happy to say I have a supply of this summer's titles awaiting me already!  Here's my first book review on Susan May Warren's "You Don't Know Me." Another visit to the Deep Haven community. Warren has another winner, with realistic characters and a mysterious plot. Though part of the Deep Haven series, it can easily be read by itself. Annalise has been living a lie, through no fault of her own. Suddenly she is faced with her past, and the inability to hide. Will those who have been her life for the last 20 years accept her? Will her past enemy catch up to her? Will she trust God and those who love her, or will she run? There are many twists and turns, making you think you've got it all unraveled, when you really haven't. I always enjoy returning to Deep Haven, and this did not disappoint.