Time and Again by Deborah Heal

I was excited to have the opportunity to read and review this book. Just from the basic information I had about it, I knew it would make an interesting story.

Abby is doing tutoring for her college class, and is spending the summer helping Pat by teaching her daughter Merrideth in order to get her caught up for the next year. Abby is determined this will be an easy task, but is in for a surprise when she meets Merrideth.

Merrideth is 11 years old and has retreated into herself due to her parents divorce and her mom's lack of interest and time. Pat always seems to have a work related situation which takes her away from her daughter even when she is really needed. When Abby arrives, Merrideth tries her best to make the situation as difficult as it can be. She has no desire to do studies. She prefers TV, computer and eating.

One day while looking out the window they see a boy on the train tracks and a train coming quickly. They rush out to get him, and from then on the summer takes an interesting turn. Although it isn't the end of Merrideth's stubbornness, she does begin to listen to Abby and they begin to form a friendship.

Weird things are going on at the house. When they explore the attic in search of some excitement, they find a map of the town the way it was 100 years ago. They find themselves walking and talking to someone who knows some of the history.  When Merrideth finds a beautiful homes site on her computer, they discover the house they are in. Upon further looking, it appears that somehow the screen is a way to look into the past. Abby and Merrideth call it "time-surfing".

They find themselves in Charlotte's life in the year 1854. Of course Charlotte can't see them, but they can see through her eyes and feel her joy and pain.  They follow her life, sometimes in fast forward, and learn that she lived in Merrideth's current home, and that Abraham Lincoln had stayed in the home.
They see the ups and down's of history through Charlotte's eyes. They learn about the underground railroad and circumstances that led to that point.

By watching history before their eyes and experiencing it, Abby is able to teach Merrideth some important truths. She teaches her about God's love and how God has a plan for everyone. He can make good out of any situation. Merrideth learns that God loves her and has a purpose for her life.


This was an amazing story. There are some history truth's to learn and it provides a unique way to show God's purpose and love for people. I enjoyed how the story was put together. I had a hard time pulling myself away! I read the entire story in 2 days. If I didn't have other things to do, I probably would have read it in one sitting!  I loved the relationship between Abby and Merrideth. You can really see the friendship that grows and how Merrideth finds a way to trust Abby and rely on her the way she wishes she could rely on her mom. I think this was an important aspect of the story.

I can't wait to read Deborah Heal's other books. They are on my to read list for sure!


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis

Summary:

      This is book 1 in a series called Home to Hickory Hollow, about life in Amish country.  In this book we are introduced toAmelia. She is an English girl who is searching for the life she wants. She has spent most of her life playing the fiddle in concerts around the world. She really wants, and needs, some rest. She feels she is missing out on something and wants peace.
      In a rainstorm on her way home from a fiddle concert, outside her normal realm of music, she meets Michael. Michael is in the midst of his own search. He struggles with the decision of whether or not to join the Amish church. His family expects him to, but he feels a pull to the outside world even with his love of his family and the life at home.
      As they talk, they find themselves able to talk in a way neither has been able to before. When Amelia returns with him to Hickory Hollow, we follow her as she learns to find peace and return to a heart relationship with God. Through many struggles, and many heartfelt talks, we see how these friends begin to rely on each other to help find the life God wants for them both.

Review:

      I have always been interested in Amish stories. I think because of how simple they make life. I know I could not live the way they do, and some of their beliefs are not matched up with mine, but regardless, I find myself drawn to these books. I have read most of Beverly Lewis's books, and knew before I read this book I would like it. I was not disappointed. It was great! Her style of writing allows readers to become a part of the story and feel apart of the families in the book.
      This book weaved a wonderful story of friendship, love and ultimately a relationship with God. I found myself captivated and didn't want to put the book down. It made me wonder how I could apply what was in the story to my own life.
      The story flows in a way which keeps the reader interested and always looking forward. I highly recommend checking this book out. It will leave you wanting to know more. Yes, I am already reading book 2!

You can find the book at amazon.com
Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this review. My reviews are always honest and are my own opinion.

Win an autographed copy of The Secret Within by Lila Dawn

The Secret Within

By Lila Dawn

• Fiction
• my rating is 4 out of 5 stars
• ISBN: 978-1-4259-9452-5

Summary: 

                Two best friends, enjoying becoming closer friends, trusting each other and talking about everything. Nicholas and Lexi have spent the last year building a great foundation for their relationship.

They never would imagine anything could go wrong. For Lexi's birthday, Nicholas plans a hiking trip in the woods, and a trip to meet his mother with whom he has a rocky relationship, to say the least.

The day starts out great, with the weather perfect for hiking and  a great picnic lunch with conversation about upcoming events and plans. On the trail back to the car something happens that changes everything. Lexi falls, leaving her injured. As Nicholas desperately searches for help, the unimaginable happens, Lexi goes missing. What has happened to her? Where could she have gone? These are just a couple of the questions you will wonder about as you go through this experience with both of their families.

                 As the day goes on and things begin to unfold, you see that lives are intertwined in very unusual ways. This is an honest story of a year in Nicholas's life and how he handles the stress of his best friend gone from his life. You feel his guilt and sadness as he struggles to find a reason for what's happening and what he finds in the process.  It's a story of love, trust and life.

Review: 

             This is a great story. It's easy and straightforward writing helps you gain a connection with each of the characters right from the start. Each character is carefully created in a unique and realistic way. You get a sense of emotion as you realize the relationships between characters and how they relate to each others storyline. 

            I recommend this book to anyone looking for a refreshing read, with great characters, and a little suspense and drama mixed in.  You learn a lot about yourself and how you might handle life situations would they arise in your own life. 

           The way Lila Dawn brings real life into the story, along with creative circumstances, you are
sure to enjoy this book.

It's giveaway time! Enter to win an autographed copy of this book! You must be 18 yrs old to enter and be a  lower US resident. There is one (1) winner. Giveaway is open from Oct 27 2012 thru Nov 17 2012.  This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook.






a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for this review. The opinions in this blog are my own.

The Guest List by Fern Michaels

The Guest List 

by Fern Michaels

• Romance/Mystery
• My rating is: 5 out of 5 stars 

 You know how when you read a book you sometimes wish you knew the backstory and how they came to the place they are at? This book achieves this. In part 1 you get the story of the family and how they deal with a daughter, Abby, who is born with a birthmark that covers one whole side of her face. Mom is unable or unwilling to deal with the child, and through the first few chapters you learn how she translates this dislike with her older daughter, Mallory, and therefore causes hateful thoughts to occur between the sisters. Because of the "imperfection" the sisters are unable to have the sweet friendship between sisters, and it shows the dynamics of a troubled family life. A family tragedy leaves the girls alone, and sent to live with a family friend. The trouble only seems to escalate and the newly married, and new to parenthood, make the decision to send Mallory away to a school they hope can help her.

You are then brought into Abby's growing up years. Although she struggles with her birthmark and the hate from her sister, the love of her adopted family has brought her joy and a feeling of security. She enjoys college life, spending time with her boyfriend and best friend and dreaming about their future lives. She is beginning to do some writing, in hopes of becoming a published writer.

You only really see the life of Abby, but can see Mallory through the family's eyes and by the mention of occasional trying of reconnecting. The hurt Mallory feels about the abandonment is apparent in her willingness to make amends with those she has hurt. You can see how both girls wish things had been different in the early years. As Abby grows older, the dynamics of the family change as Abby gains independence, and the way the step-mom, Carol, reacts to these changes. Carol becomes controlling in an effort to keep Abby needing only her. This is all too apparent when Abby begins to repair her relationship with Mallory.

Things really change when Abby graduates from college with a serious boyfriend and plans to move away. This is when the mystery really begins. There are different focuses coming together from Abby and her friends,to Carol and the step-dad Donovan, and their son. Abby is also dealing with the past, moving on and begins a relationship with her sister you wouldn't imagine could ever happen. as situations begin to unfold, you find out people aren't really who they appear to be. The girls have the growing friendship of sisters...but is it a healthy thing? through fear, trust and following their instincts, the sisters find themselves closer then ever. Will they be able to survive long enough to have their happily ever after? Will their feelings of what really happened be correct? This is a must read for anyone who likes not only the romance,and love of family, but also a good mystery where you won't know what happens till the end!

Disclosure: I was not compensated for doing this post. I am sharing this review on my own. I always try and be honest in my opinions.