A Christmas to Remember by Thomas Kinkade & Katherine Spencer

I must say that I’m getting a little sick of the Christmas-themed books, but other than that this latest installment was great. Here we get to find out more about Lillian and her past. We find that she is very much the same as she was as a young woman, but we also learn that she has changed due to life’s circumstances. Also, Lucy Bates has some struggles with her nursing plan, and Sara and Luke have some changes in their lives as well. Step into a new Cape Light story and learn more about what makes these people jump off the page. Once you read one Cape Light novel, you won’t ever want to leave. There is just a sense of coming home when you immerse yourself in the happenings of this sweet, little town in Massachusetts where miracles can and do happen in the little, everyday occurrences of life. Get your copy of this Kinkade and Spencer adventure and curl up by a cozy fire with a hot cup!

The Shunning by Beverly Lewis

What an interesting read! This book gives the reader an inside look into the Amish community. I have been fascinated with the Amish since I first picked up a Beverly Lewis book and read it. What an intriguing group of people. The Shunning is one of those books that I had always been weary to pick up and read. I received it as a birthday gift (birthday gifts get so many things started), and I decided I’d just go ahead and read it. I’m glad I did. I gained new knowledge of Amish beliefs and struggles through the eyes and life of Katie Lapp. As someone who is not Amish and has no desire to be Amish, I am so drawn to Katie’s story because of her struggles with her Amish way of life. Katie has characteristics that speak to me, and I believe they will speak to you too. She has decisions to make (don’t we all). I now live in an area of the U.S. where Amish and Mennonite families are plentiful, and for that reason, Katie’s story was even more dramatic for me. Beverly Lewis does a wonderful job of painting a view of Amish life that holds much truth. If you’ve ever felt the part of “which one of these is not like the other,” then pick up an Amish tale called The Shunning and read Miss Katie Lapp’s story. There are also two more books in the series.

Diamonds by Shari MacDonald

Join Casey Foster as she leads the Bend Bachelors through a season of minor league baseball. Casey has enjoyed baseball since she was a young girl and has now inherited a team from her uncle. Can she prove to these men and to herself that she is a capable owner and leader, even though she’s a woman? Will Tucker Boyd be the major league pitcher he once was before a shoulder injury? Or will he stay in the minors? And will a father’s abandonment or high expectations be the undoing of God’s work? Casey has her work cut out for her, but with God’s guidance and grace, she’ll make it through to all the blessings He has for her. And Tucker will gain a new appreciation for the sport he plays and a true love of the game. If you want a little more sparkle in your life, then pick up a copy of Diamonds and find a field in which to enjoy it.

Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther by Ginger Garrett

Esther is a poor girl being raised by her kind cousin Mordecai in a land that is not her home. She has been taught to read and write by Mordecai, and so she records her life on a scroll that has been preserved for many years. She is in love with a boy in her village named Cyrus, but their love is not to be. Queen Vashti has gone against the wishes of King Xerxes, making it necessary for a new queen to be found. All the local virgins are being gathered and prepared for their one night with Xerxes. Read Esther’s own words as she takes a path only God knew she’d take. Follow her through her year of preparation and her night with Xerxes. She has many struggles in her life, but she is steadfastly a servant of God. Watch her as she saves the lives of her people and wins the favor of her husband’s kingdom. This story is based on the book of Esther and is a rather interesting tale. It is thought-provoking and intriguing. Esther has been my favorite book of the Bible for several years now. Reading this story brought me more insight into Esther’s life as well as my own. It’s a wonderful rendition that I highly recommend. Thank you, Ginger Garrett, for your timeless book. Read Chosen and understand God’s calling on a life.

Love’s Proof by Catherine Palmer

The story line of this book wasn’t exactly what I expected, but I still found the story of Jane Fellowes very enjoyable. She is a woman who fights for her family and for what she believes in. She is not content to stay in the role her society has told her is appropriate for a woman. She is smart, intelligent, and caring. You will find her story of interest if you enjoy science and if you don’t. Learn something about God’s creation (those that are beautiful and those that aren’t). Read Love’s Proof to find out just what “the proof” is.

An Unlikely Prince by Barbara Jean Hicks

Is it really possible for an old curmudgeon like Dr. Harrison Hunt and a playful gal like Suzie Wyatt to become friends? Author Barbara Jean Hicks thinks so because that’s the premise of her book An Unlikely Prince. Join seven energetic little bundles of fun as they set out (unwittingly) to win over Professor Hunt to the world of children. It’s quite an experience, especially when there’s a beautiful woman involved and a lonely next door neighbor. As we all know, God can do amazing things. Why not find out what makes An Unlikely Prince? You will enjoy the journey. There’s some interesting cake, a cat up a tree, a young pianist, a Betta fish, and much more along the way. Take a trip to a quiet street in a little town in Washington and find out what can happen when God mixes things up a little.

Without a Trace by Colleen Coble

This book is really good. I came to know Bree’s struggles and questions as my own. I think when I find myself in a storm that I more easily relate to characters in storms. Bree has lost her family and now something horrible has happened in Rock Harbor. She discovers that maybe there’s more than meets the eye to people, situations, and circumstances. What a trooper. Bree and her dog Samson are a precious, dynamic duo. I learned so much about rescue dogs – they are incredible. I have a new appreciation for dogs (but I still never want to own one). Read Bree’s story – it’s got a murder, a lighthouse, two dogs, mystery, a little romance, and God’s divine love and care. Pick it up, and I’m sure you won’t want to put it down!

The following books are in a collection we have called Home to Hart’s Crossing!

Legacy Lane by Robin Lee Hatcher

A heartfelt book that’s quick to read about redemption and change. Angie learns that what she’s always thought was most important may not really be that important after all. Her mother is loved and cared for by many, but who are Angie’s friends? Why has she not realized before the emptiness of her life? Maybe Hart’s Crossing isn’t as bad as she’d once thought. Legacy Lane was not my favorite book, but it was interesting and held my attention. Robin Lee Hatcher enjoys writing about her native Idaho. If you want a quick, easy read, Legacy Lane is for you!

Veterans Way by Robin Lee Hatcher

This book is similar in its story to The Key, but don’t let that stop you from reading this treasure. Steph and Jimmy were sweethearts when they were young, but something prevented them from following that dream together. Now, 50 years later, Jimmy is back in Steph’s life. Is it possible God had a plan for them all along? Steph and Jimmy are about to find out. This tale of renewed love is heartwarming, but it has its share of turmoil too. I love these short, quick reads because you only get a taste (but it’s delicious). Follow your heart down Legacy Lane back to Hart’s Crossing in Hatcher’s Veterans Way. Watch for more books in this series!

Diamond Place by Robin Lee Hatcher

Terri has no family other than her ten-year-old daughter Lyssa. Lyssa’s father left seven years ago. As a single mom Terri has had her share of ups and downs, but she has always depended on God to provide for her and her daughter. What can Mel Jenkins, Lyssa’s Little League coach, provide? Is there a future for Terri and Mel? This was another good installment in this series, but I felt it was a little too short and the ending was abrupt. If you’ve started reading the happenings in Hart’s Crossing, I’d highly recommend continuing the journey.