THE RANCH BY PETER MATTSON

 

THE RANCE BY PETER MATTSON

The story about "The Ranch" is possibly one of the best I have ever read. This story is one that is not too hard to picture as really happening. There are two main characters. The story follows Jack, a 13-year-old boy who comes from a disadvantaged neighborhood and is targeted by government representatives. Although he is a troubled youth who tries hard to change, the system proves too much for him to handle. The other character, Jones, is a reporter who is trying to find out what happened to Jack, his brother, and many other teens who were sent to a place called "The Ranch" and never returned. His job is to write a story exposing the government for its part. He risks everything: his job, his family, and his life. However, the experiment seems to work on the surface. It is the deep-down results that are disturbing. I would definitely give this book five stars and recommend it as an exciting, thought-provoking story that is hard to put down

 

Harbor Pointe by Irene Hannon - This is a story of heartache, tragedy, hope, and inspiration. I loved how the characters, whose lives are uprooted by heartbreaking moments, learn to pick up the pieces and rebuild them into something beautiful. I loved how they learn how to forgive and try again. The characters learned that although their plans failed, they worked hard to find a new path forward. They learn how to put others first and, in doing so, learn that their lives become better. All in all this book by Irene Hannon is once again an outstanding read.

 

Composting Simplified for Beginners: A Complete Guide to Fix Common Compost Pitfalls, Create Fertile Soil, and Enjoy a Lush, Productive Garden ByKasey Bayr. 

Before I received this book, I had dreamed of being the best gardener possible. I thought of composting,g but everything I read was so complicated. This book goes into great detail about the reasons for composting, how to compost, and provides step-by-step directions for a weekly schedule to keep you on track. This was not only informative, but it also gave me the confidence I needed to start small and work my way to bigger goals. I loved the many illustrations and charts that went even further in explaining the process of composition. It also gave several charts to help with when things go wrong and what to do about it. I recommend this book to anyone, but especially those who are new to composting and have huge issues with putting it off due to fears of failure. I was once there, now I can't wait to get started. Green thumb here we come!

 

Stray: Breaking Free, Falling Hard, and Growing Stronger

 By Shannon O'Brien. 

I have to say that I am greatly amazed at this book. I not only found the story exciting and spellbinding, but it also truly deepened my love of travel. The author, Shannon O'Brien, tells her story of a lifetime with words that bring every detail to life. If I would have had someone read me the story while I closed my eyes, I know I would be able to feel and see and hear her entire travels as if I were there. She is an excellent storyteller, using vivid and descriptive words of her daily travels so that you actually feel like you are right beside her. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who has forgotten how to dream. It will grab you and inspire you to take a chance and live differently

Decency & Determination: How Nicholas Winton Saved Hundreds of Children From the Holocaust By Sophia Brooks

Decency & Determination by Sophia Brooks. I received this book as a gift, and it truly was a valued present. It tells the story of Nicholas Winton, a man who did much more than just think about the atrocities happening during the German invasion of Czechoslovakia. He could have reacted like many others who chose to look away from the suffering of the Jewish people. He could have stayed detached from what was happening around him. Instead, he joined his friend Martin and others in creating a plan to rescue children from certain death. Nicholas's selflessness and resolve saved hundreds of children. This story encourages those of us who sometimes doubt that one person can make a difference. I especially appreciated the ending, which shared the individual stories of some of those precious children who were spared and the remarkable lives that might have been lost without brave people like Nicholas. I believe that sharing stories like this helps us better understand and empathize with those around us who are suffering. 

 

 October 7: A Story of Courage and Resurrection By Tsafi Timor

I don't believe there are enough stars to award to this book. Although the author says it is a fiction based on real events, I read it as if it were really a true story. The depth of emotion I felt while reading this book was almost overwhelming. Having followed the real October 7 terror through what the news allowed, this story gave me insight into what the people of Israel went through and are still living with. The author did an excellent job of bringing the reader into the reality of what happened. The author allows the reader to not only get an overall view of what happened but also to get a glimpse into each of the individual characters, their plights, and how they coped. I believe this book should be on the bestseller's list. I feel honored and grateful to have been given the opportunity to read it. My heart is with the people of Israel. 

The Harvest of Grace By Cindy Woodsmall

 

This adventure is about several young Amish people who eventually become entwined in each other's lives.

There is Sylvia, who is the eldest daughter of a dairy farmer, whose love for dairy farming outweighs the desire to be married. When her beau asks her, she wants to postpone their big day, wanting more time to be able to discover who she is. Taking her answer as a "no", her beau secretly plans to marry Sylvia's sister. Heartbroken and unable to leave the farm, she tries to endure her feelings of rejection and betrayal. When one day she is caught off guard with her now brother-in-law, he kisses her and she returns the kiss. Feeling shame and guilt, Sylvia leaves and begins working for a couple on the Blank's dairy farm, where she meets their son, Aaron, which leads her down a whole new road to adventure.

There is Cara, who has a young daughter named Lori, whose father died when she was little. Cara left New York because of the fear of someone stalking her, and traveled to Dry Lake because of some memories from her childhood. After seeking refuge in Ephriam's barn, she is taken in and falls in love with him. When Cara finally gets comfortable in her surroundings, she is given a challenge she feels is far beyond her power alone to conquer.
Then there is Lena. She is recovering from an accident and has a bluish purple birthmark on her face. She falls in love with Grey, who was married to the Blanks' daughter. Grey is now a widower and is made to wait the required time of mourning until he can court Lena. Grey also has a secret that he carries with him that he feels could destroy their relationship if Lena only knew.
Will these young couples be able to work through the challenges that God has allowed in their lives, or will they give up and play it safe? Find out how each of these couples faces their challenges both separately and together.

Last Season By Jenny Judson & Danielle Mahfood

Last Season By Jenny Judson & Danielle Mahfood

 I found this book to be well written in terms of the storyline. I liked the underdog mentality. One of the main characters, "Cassandra," comes from a rich and powerful family, while the second main character, "Crispin," is from the working class. Crispin, a stable boy trying to work off his father's debts, falls for Cassandra, making a huge error in judgment that results in him being sent away to India, where his future and fortune change. When Cassandra's father also makes a significant mistake, his decision affects their family's fortune, leaving them penniless. However, fate intervenes and guides both Crispin and Cassandra to a future neither of them expects. The only issue I had with this book was that large portions were written in italics, making them difficult to read. Overall, it's a story full of love, loss, and triumph.

 

"On the Black: Africa" by Theo Cage was one of the most thrilling books I have read in a long time. I won this book through LibraryThing. At first, I found the book kind of frustrating because it is set up into about three different sub-stories that eventually come together into one but just as one of the sections would become really intense it would switch over to the next section. The flow from section to section went very well so that you didn't know that you had left off when the story began again. There were many parts where I found myself holding my breath or wanting to turn away from the book due to the intensity but that is also what kept me from putting it down. I don't really get the title but I assumed that it had something to do with black ops or military talk. All in all, I really enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves adventure and suspense. Excellent story. 

 Finding Us by Tracie Peterson

                                                                            

This was an e-book I won but listened to it via audio. This story begins in 1909 on board a ship called "The City of Canton" heading to Seattle Washington. The main characters at this time are William Reed, his brother Wallace, and Wallace's Wife, Amelia who is 8 1/2 months pregnant. William has been called to minister to the people in Alaska and is traveling along with Wallace and Amelia until their baby is born. Wallace is heading to Seattle to complete a book he is working on and to obtain proper care for Amelia for the birth before heading to Alaska when they run across an evil man who wants to do them harm. While en route to Seattle, the ship is caught in a major storm and they get separated. When they reach shore William and Wallace fear they have lost Amelia and the baby to the sea.

Wallace becomes very bitter with God and his life starts to deteriorate while William finds love and hope for the future. As time goes by the brothers find that what they feared with Amelia is not true and they try to find her. Meanwhile, Amelia tries to live her life as best she can with her new baby thinking her brother-in-law and husband had perished in the storm.

The story is full of twists and turns which flow together very smoothly. The story keeps you guessing as to what will happen next and when you least expect it to turn out one way, it turns out another. I found this to be both a mystery and romance story full of adventure and chaos. It was very well written and I read it from front to back without being able to put it down. If you like suspense and mystery novels that make you think and keep you involved in finding out what comes next, you will love this book. Excellent story.

Stitches In Time is the second book in the triology of "The Decon's Family" so I waited to read the whole set before starting. I really enjoyed the storyline. The story mainly revolves around two foster teens Luke and Izzy and their time in the Amish community of Stoney Ridge Farm. The stories tells of their adventures both seperately and togeher and the people who helped to shape their lives. It is heartwarming and rewarding to be invited along side these two young adults as they find their way in the world and learn to turn their misadventures into lifelong lessons that help them become whole. A story that takes tragity and turns it into triumph. Loved the series. Can't wait to read the rest of

the series by Suzanne Woods Fisher.

 

A NOBLE MASQUERADE

BYKRISTI ANN HUNTER

 This is a story about a young woman named Miranda who is way ahead of her time. Although on the outside she is an obedient daughter learning the lessons her mother teaches her on how a young lady must act to be able to fit into society on the inside she yearns to break free. Having no one in which to confide her deepest woes, she pretends to write to a young man whom she has never really met ,The Duke of Marshington,an aquaintence of her brother. She never really mails the letters but conceals them in a trunk for safe keeping. When her brother's new valet mistakenly mails one of her letters it turns her whole world upside down. As Miranda becomes more intrigued by this new valet she also becomes curious when her mysterious man, the Duke of Marshington, starts writing back to her. Miranda then finds she is attracted to both men. One man she may never meet and the other man who is way below her station. Adventure begins when a dark plot to harm her family is discovered and "both" men become a part of the plot. In this story Miranda not only gains the excitement she longs for but also falls in love with the man of her dreams.

 Survival of the Caregiver

By Janice Hucknall Snyder

Having first-hand knowledge of being a caregiver this book hits it right on the head. I found this book very helpful in learning to care for my loved one and myself. Caring for oneself is very difficult when every hour is taken caring for someone else but I learned that caring for myself is essential in being a better caregiver. the information coming from someone who has been a caregiver was like having someone walking by my side helping me through some of the tough stuff.

The Emotional Journey of the Alheimer's Family 

By Robert B. Santulli, MD and Kesstan Blandin, PhD

The Emotional Journey of the Alzheimer's Family by Santulli & Blandin is the most informative book I have read regarding Alzheimer's and dementia. After dealing first-hand with a loved one with dementia I found the information extremely helpful. This book not only describes the disease but goes into great length to give examples of situations in which a person might be going through. It also gives very helpful tips on how to help those with the disease and also the caregiver. I found that reading this book made me feel as if someone finally understood what  I was going through. As if I had someone who could walk me through the tough times. I only wish I would have had this book while I was caring for my loved one with dementia. I believe it would have made life a whole lot easier on us both. I recommend this book not only for those who are caring for someone with the disease but also for doctors and therapists who help care for the caregivers and their loved ones. The more we understand what happens during this scary time the smoother and more joyful the process can become. 

You Are Not Forgotten    By Bryan Bender

 I was privileged to be able to have not only the written book but also the audio version as well. The man who reads the story did an excellent job. He read with feeling and made the story come alive. The story itself had an enormous amount of detail in some parts of the book which made it kind of dry at times but all in all the story was a good one. I found it fascinating that it is a true story and that I could actually look up the characters on google and read more in depth about them. It brought to my attention the amount of work that was done in order to find the lost servicemen's remains. Some of the characters in the story are still alive today and I really enjoyed reading about their adventures.

Throne of Grace By Cecily K. Wolfe

This a story about a lovely young girl from Rhode Island who works for a rich family and finds forbidden love. She faces the challenge of knowing her place in society or fighting for what her heart wants. Does she dare to think she is worthy of the wealthy gentleman who has stolen her heart? This was an audio book. I would give this an over-all score of 3 stars only due to the person chosen to read the story.. Although her voice was a pleasant one it was without much feeling. It was very hard to tell between the different characters when she read and the excitement and emotion was very minimal. The story was a good story and I think If I could have read it myself it would have come across much stronger. I felt the book dealt more with the build up of the relationship between the main characters than it did with the actual relationship itself. It just wasn’t the best experience to me. Being that I am a read-a-holic having to listen to a book read from someone in a mundane voice was hard to deal with. I believe I will buy the book and reread it to give it another chance. I believe it deserves that. 

 

 

The New World By Andrew Motion

This was an Early Reviewer giveaway that unfortunately due to family circumstances I was unable to read until now. I truly regret not doing so sooner since this is a truly amazing story that was worth the read. I found this story by Andrew Motion easy to read and indeed a page turner which I really had a hard time putting it down. I found myself reading far into the wee hours of the night until I was so exhausted I couldn’t keep my eyes open. To follow the adventure of Jim and Natty through a horrific tragedy, a capture by frightening natives, an escape and finally the resolve of finally being able to follow along with them as they ran for their lives in order to make it back to where they began was exhilarating. This story is one I would defiantly recommend to anyone who loves adventure and wants a story that reads as if it were a true story.  

 Eden’s Shadow By Emmett Snow

I first want to say that there was quite a bit of bad language in the story which made it harder for me to read. I felt it was a little much. It just seemed out of context to the setting. With that being said, I felt it was a very good story plot overall. I am not io the whole "alien" theme but after starting to read it hit me. I wondered, "what if" that were to really happen?  What would I do if I were them? How truly unprepared the people of this world today would be. I know for myself it would be a real shock to be trust into that kind of circumstance. I felt myself fully connect with the characters and their struggles and frustrations. I found myself rooting for their existence and feeling perplexed at how to fix it when given little or no easy solutions. I could not even try to imagine what it would feel like to lose everything and everyone without any warning. To have to start over with people you didn’t know in a place you have no idea where it is or even why you were chosen to be there. I thought the story ended too abruptly and could have gone on for many more chapters. I believe this could and perhaps should have a sequel written for it. I would be one who would want to read it. 

Whither Thou Goest, I will Go By Naomi Dathan

 

Whither Thou Goest, I will Go        By Naomi Dathan

I won this book in a giveaway but never received it so I finally just purchased it myself and I am glad that I did. This book was one of the best and hardest reads that I have had. It was the best because the story of Jemima Perkins and the trials she lived through while being able to hold on to her faith was astounding and it was a hard read due to the circumstances she went through were too close to struggles I have had in my own life. I found myself wanting to run the other direction yet continuing to turn page after page to see what she would do. The ending was far from what I expected and one that I am not used to seeing but it was based on a true story of the Perkins family during the blizzard on the Great Plains between 1887-1888. I don't give a book 5 stars very often but this one certainly earned it. 

Mothering from Scratch by Melinda Means & kathy Helgemo

Mothering From Scratch By Melinda Means & Kathy Helgemo

This is a book that I wish I could have had when I was raising my own children. It would have saved me a lot of regrets and heartaches. Melinda and Kathy show you how to take the gifts that God has given you and with His help be able to mold yourself into the kind of woman and mother that He intended for the children that He gave you. We spend so much time as mothers trying to be "as good a mother as everyone else" that we miss the true joys that are right there in front of us. Even though my children are grown and gone the book taught me how to let go, to not dwell on what I can't change but to be thankful that I did the best that I could. This is a book that I would recommend for a mother-to-be for a shower gift, a mother who has children already or one whose children has left the nest and whose heart is wishing she could have done better. It is never too late to stop looking at  all our failures and to start looking up to the One who is the perfect parent...God.