Grace Given by Beth Shriver

      In this book, we find Elsie and her family trying to find their way into a new community. They have moved from Virginia to Texas only the previous year. While learning to follow the changes of the community, and dealing with vandals hitting the Amish farms, they also are dealing with a family issue.  

Elsie's sister Katie left the community with Jake, and Elsie finds this especially hard because she thought their was something growing in her relationship with Jake. 

      Thankfully Elsie has a good friend in Gideon. He has been interested in Elsie for a long time and enjoys being there for her, and also hoping that Elsie will grow to love him. 

      Through circumstances with the English vandals, Elsie and Gideon find themselves growing closer as they search for the truth.

      When Katie returns, emotions run wild. In an already stressful time, we find yet another situation that requires faith, grace and forgiveness. Choices must be made and struggles met to do what is right.

Amazing story of love and forgiveness.

My Review:

I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I find myself intrigued by the Amish culture and enjoy reading books which give insight into their lives and why they choose to do things the way they do. This is Book 2 in the series "Touch of Grace" by Beth Shriver.  I read this one realizing that I had not yet read Book 1. Although I plan on going back and reading Book 1, I don't feel that not reading it first caused any difficulty in understanding what was going on in this book. I would recommend reading in order though, but that's just how I usually like to do things:)

This book is well-written, and kept my attention well past times that I should have been sleeping! Beth Shriver always puts together wonderful stories and I am thrilled to have the privilege  of sharing this one with you.

You can find a copy of this book at amazon.com

Disclosure: I received a print copy of this book through thebooketeria.com in order to do this review. My reviews are always honest and are my own opinion. My opinions may differ from  others.

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament Giveaway!

What a great place to visit this summer! Don't miss out on a chance to win an exciting evening! Family,fun and food...what more could you want?!

Who would love to win some tickets to one of the most exciting dinner shows in Central Florida? Here's your chance to win Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament tickets for two!

Ever had the pleasure of witnessing the excitement of a dinner and show at Medieval Times? Read the full review here!

A fun place for the family!---

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Sponsored by: Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

Giveaway coordinated by: Rebecca at Love2EncourageYou

Prize: One winner will receive 2 tickets to Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament - Orlando, Florida location.

 

Location: Open to USA residents

 

Age: Must be 18+

 

Date: Giveaway runs until 6/26/2013.

Please enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Once you’ve completed the mandatory entry, all additional entries we be unlocked for you to earn extra chances to win!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Love2EncourageYou received free tickets in exchange for coordinating a giveaway. Love2EncourageYou and Lost Island of Book Reviews are not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.

Genesis Devotion by Nicole Halbrooks Vaughn

      Over the years I have read many different devotion books, from the standard short paragraph ones with a question and verse at the end, to the in depth ones where you are searching the Bible in detail.

      What I found with this devotion is a fresh new perspective. This devotion is different from other ones I have read. There are no questions to answer, but a lot of verses throughout and wonderfully worded prayers at the end of sections. They are great reminders to always be in prayer.

      Each section is filled with worded illustrations of the stories in a way that makes it easy to relate to.
They show how the stories in Genesis are still relevant today. I loved the personal touch the author added which gives the material a relatable aspect.

      We learn the great stories of the beginning, with the reminder that God will never leave us. The rainbow after the flood shows his love for us. Another important thing I came away with was the fact that our salvation is personal. We can't save anyone else. It takes a personal obedience to Christ for it to be real. We can put our faith and trust in God for everything.

      With the authors honest writing and ability to weave all the great truths into a book that is easy to read and understand, I look forward to reading more devotions on other books!

You can find out more from the author's blog at http://nicolehvaughn.tateauthor.com
 Her twitter is https://twitter.com/NicoleLHVaughn
Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/NicolelhVaughn

Ma Mi Skin Care Sunny Days Mineral Sunscreen Giveaway!

Perfect thing for those hot summer days! Check it out!

Ma Mi Skin Care Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Giveaway!

Read the full review by Rebecca at Love2EncourageYou.           The Ma Mi Skin Care Sunny Days Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 30 got the ultimate test in my opinion. It did a great job protecting our skin while we took the family out in the Florida sunshine and 85 degree weather at SeaWorld in Orlando, FL. We were walking all over the park, riding rides and sitting in the stands in the sun most of the time watching the various shows with the dolphins and whales. It was nice not having to worry about getting sunburned knowing this product does such a great job with coverage.     I tried the product on my arms, face and neck, and my mother tried it on as well in the same areas. We both forgot about reapplying half way through the day as we were having too much fun with the kids, but by the time I remembered it had been several hours and we still ended up staying protected. I did not get sunburned and neither did she. We like the way the sunscreen has a soft, refreshing scent to it. The color is pleasing in a light tint of pink. The product application seems to go on thick like a paste or thicker formula sunscreen, but I think that is why it kept our skin protected. It still rubs into the skin just fine and apparently does a great job with blocking the suns rays.

GIVEAWAY TIME!

 

Prize: One winner will receive a Ma Mi Skin Care Sunny Days Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

 

Location: Open to USA

 

Age: Must be 18 or older to enter

 

Date: Giveaway runs from 6/11/2013 to 6/24/2013.

Please enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Once you’ve completed the mandatory entry, all additional entries we be unlocked for you to earn extra chances to win! Good luck to everyone! Thanks for visiting and supporting Love2EncourageYou blog.   a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure: Rebecca at Love2EncourageYou received product in exchange for a review. No other compensation was received. Lost Island of Book Reviews was not compensated except for a link on the giveaway form. Love2EncourageYou and Lost Island of Book Reviews are not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook.

An Amish Family Christmas by Murray Pura

I think I have a theme going with Amish stories! Realized that when I saw the last 2 books set for reviews were Amish:) I have to admit, although I could never live the completely simple life they promote, sometimes a simpler life sounds peaceful. I'm not sure I could live without certain electronic things but I love the idea of community, family and support they encourage.

In this story, we are brought in after a horrible tragedy. Naomi is dealing with the loss of her parents, and also her brother, Luke, who wasn't killed, but was injured, and is catatonic. Rebecca, Naomi's sister in law, lives with Naomi and is helping her cope. They are figuring out how to care for Luke when their lives come to a complete stop. Naomi's husband had taken off for the Army life, which is forbidden for the Amish, a year ago.  He now returns knowing he is most likely under the bann, meaning he can't eat or speak to anyone, including his wife.

Naomi and Micah have to learn to live as husband and wife without the ease of words. Although difficult, they are able to learn to share their love through looks and things they do for each other around the home.

When letters start arriving showing how Micah blessed others by saving lives as a medic in the Army, Naomi is sure the Bishop and Minister will change their mind and release Micah from the bann.

Through a shocking experience, the Minister comes to find out himself how Micah's calling as a medic helps.  Through lots of prayer, comes an amazing end to the story. You never know what might happen  when we let God work through us.


This was a great book. It is well written, and has a great storyline. It keeps moving, making it hard to put the book down:) I recommend this book especially for anyone who loves family, and making them important. I don't always agree with some of the behavior and actions in the Amish community, but the book is clearly staying in line with true beliefs. It makes for a great true to life situation.
You can find the book at amazon.com

Disclosure: I received a print copy of this book from netgalley.com in order to do the review. My reviews are always my honest opinion and may differ from others.

Once Upon a Pencil By Ayelet Nathaniel

      I was honored to be chosen to review yet another of Ayelet "Ally" Nathaniel's books. In this one, we follow a young girl named Sarah on an adventure. Sarah is out admiring the sky and watching to see what  the clouds remind her of. She sees many different objects along the way and helps get her imagination going. 

      When she finds a pencil she notices it is growing in the ground. She is curious, so she picks up the pencil out of the ground. Sarah's imagination is strong, and since she is without paper, she begins to draw on her jeans. What she draws suddenly becomes real. She draws things she would love to see and have. She draws a few things, and then starts to wish things for her friends. She notices that when she is  thinking of other people, that the number of pencils available grows also.  She discovers that it's so much more fun to draw things that others would like instead of just for herself.

I think there are some great lessons to be learned from this book. It is a great reminder that giving is better than receiving. She is a thoughtful child and is blessed by helping others. When she receives more due to her thoughtfulness, she doesn't do for herself, but continues to give to her friends.

This is a cute book. It's short, but packs in a good story! I have been impressed with all of her books. I recommend checking them out! You can check out 3 other reviews by Ayelet Nathaniel on my blog.

Disclosure: I received an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are always honest and may differ from others

Reconnected by Bethany Daniel

Summary:  

      Liam and Katy are high school sweethearts. They have grown up together and have finally fallen in love and gotten married. When Liam gets discovered by Hollywood, they realize their lives are changing. From the girls giggling and following him, to the parties and drinking, Katy realized she can not be apart of this life. During a huge party one night Katy takes off. What she doesn't do is divorce Liam.

      Fast forward 4 years and we find Katy (now Kate) enjoying the life she has created. When Hollywood brings a crew to film a movie in her town, she learns that Liam is the star of the movie. She is determined to stay away and not see him. When they meet by chance, she is reluctant to give him time. When she learns he is still in love with her, she wonders if they can actually start fresh while dealing with the complications of the past and the current. Including relationships with other people.

      As Katy and Liam grow close again, Katy's roommate Krista and Liam's co-star Scott find their own love.  When a crazed actress begins to cause trouble, they all find themselves in the middle of a dangerous situation. What happens when tragedy threatens their newly rekindled love?  Will they stand by each other, or will the world they've created fall apart?  

  

      Review: 

      Overall this is a great book. This is a first for author Bethany Daniel, and I feel it is a great start. The characters are personable and relatable, although I would have liked a little more detail about the characters.  I feel the story could have used more depth also. It seemed to move a little quickly, and I would have liked to know more about their lives. This is actually also a compliment because I feel the characters were good. I enjoyed what I read, just needed more.  

      This is a pretty quick read, and fun for a relaxing time. I look forward to reading more of her books and I recommend everyone checking this out. I think the more she writes it will only get better! You can find the book here at amazon.com

You can also find her on Facebook

Disclosure: I received an ebook copy in order to do this review. My reviews are always honest and my own opinions which may differ from others.