I can’t help it. Amish books are my weakness. I know, I know. However I have no desire to become Amish nor do I agree with all their beliefs. In fact I will state when I find something I disagree about. But still, they are good escape reading especially when you want to read something that is comforting.

I did like this book. The characters were all very engaging and interesting to read. Noah’s story especially was my favorite. Personally I would have loved to have read his book and read all the juicy secrets of the behind the scenes details of Amish life. I felt really bad for him because he wanted to live the life he felt called to do and his family shunned him instead. I’m really glad that he stays true to his self and doesn’t allow guilt from others to change his mind. The drama involving Samuel’s son is a bit soap opera-ish at times due to the rapid pace it took off but still made for good reading.

This is not spoiling the story at all but I just wanted to say I was thrilled that no one turned Amish in this book. I have been worried that this series would fall into the stereotype where every non-Amish person that gets a whiff of Amish life suddenly has the desire to give up their life and join the community. If your intentions are true then that’s fine but it just seem like it’s the latest trend in books. I mean, really, Amish life is more seductive than most romance novels it seems because people can’t seem to keep away. Therefore I was more than relieved when Carley showed no interest in giving up her regular life.

I’ve stated before in my review of the first book in the series that I didn’t really like Samuel. During that book I just felt that he came off as very standoffish to me. Well I was right to feel that way because he gets even worse in this book. Throughout the whole book I just wanted to scream at him for being so unreasonable. Also, to be honest I really don’t know how Lillian can put up with him. I’m also amazed at how quickly she adapted to the Amish lifestyle. It was like one minute she can’t even up her jeans, now she can speak fluent Pennsylvania German.

All in all I am enjoying this series. They are very refreshing reads. While I may not agree with all the beliefs of the Amish, this series doesn’t try to make me feel guilty for that. Plus there’s tons of food mentioned in the book, which as I’ve said before is always a plus in my book. This book is a great way to escape for the weekend. If you’re an Amish fan, you’ll enjoy this one.

I have enjoyed Maya’s story since she was first introduced in the Kim books of this series. She has struck me as a character that is very real, very down to earth and someone who is trying to figure out life each day at a time. Her story is different from other teens in most Christian YA fiction. First off, there’s the fact that Maya is biracial, which sadly is uncommon in most Christian lit. Then there’s the fact that she’s struggling with a mother who is unable to take care of herself or her own daughter. Maya is extremely mature for her age and it’s interesting to see her compared with other teens. While they may have more things material wise, she’s far more richer in knowledge of the future and mental growth.

Once again, I really enjoyed reading the Green tips at the end of each chapter. I may not agree with all of them, but the fact that they’re even there shows a nod to those who do care for this topic. I have yet to really see this featured in other Christian fiction books so this is a major plus for the series. I’ve also learned a lot about recycling and conserving which is something I need to work on. I also enjoyed seeing more about the band Redemption. I enjoyed reading about them in Chloe’s series so it was great to see first hand experience about what it’s like to be a rock band again. The outcome wasn’t what I had expected but still interesting.

The only thing that bothered me about this book was that I felt there were a lot of loose ties at the end of the book. I’ve read every book in the entire Diary of a Teenage Girl series and each time one of the other girl’s stories ended, I felt a sense of completion. However with this book I felt like I was left hanging. This is even more disappointing because this is apparently the last Diary book ever, therefore there won’t be another opportunity for Maya to appear in another book as a background character to finish up her story. I also felt that Maya got shorted in her story because the other 3 girls had at least 4 books in their mini series and Caitlin got 5. While each individual girl’s series can be read on their own, it’s best to read all the books in that particular series in order. For an even greater perspective, it’s recommended to read ALL the books in order: Caitlin, Chloe, Kim, and Maya.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. I think that teens will really enjoy reading Maya’s adventures. Carlson has done another wonderful job connecting with the YA audience and really speaks to them. I’m really sad to see this series ending as I think it’s been a landmark in the way that Christian YA fiction has become.

The reasons why people leave home vary and are numerous but many times it’s to escape the past that hurt us. That’s the reason why Piper Wick has left her hometown and shed her true name. Her past has been painful and she wants to do anything to remove herself from that environment. Unfortunately for her, she gets sucker punched into returning and finds herself having to confront with the very things she’s tried to run away from. If you like sweet tea, watching Paula Deen, and find yourself say y’all in your conversation, this book is for you. It’s very southern and brings alive the flavor of the culture. The main focus of the story is on forgiveness and it does this without being overly preachy. Also learned are lessons on judging and trust as well. The whole entire Pickwick game could stand to learn from these lessons as they are one big dysfunctional family.

Piper’s character allows you to hurt with her and understand why she’s become who she is today. I must say after reading what her aunts and cousins did and said in the past, I would have shaken the dust off my heels and left as well! Thank goodness the book insists on reading the rest of the verse in order for the lesson to truly come across the way it was originally intended.

While I enjoyed this book, I didn’t gel with it as well as I have with Leigh’s other books. I just felt like I couldn’t relate nor get as close to Piper as I have with Leigh’s other heroines. Also this book gives off a less chick lit feel that the others. The character is the same age but acts older and more mature. There is less humor in this book and the tone is more serious. I also didn’t find the romance to be as fun or engaging as past stories. Still though, I did enjoy the book and I’ll be looking forward to reading the sequel and finding more about the inhabitants of Pickwick.

I swear, there is no one that can write like Melody Carlson. Each of her books have been totally distinct and unique and just simply written wonderfully. This book is no exception. We’re taken this time to the story of a former It Girl from the Golden Age of Hollywood who’s suddenly found herself to be old, lonely and not knowing how to live life for herself. Claudette has to adapt from living a life with servants and staff doing everything for her to having to figure out even the simplest life skill on her own. It’s a moving journey for both Claudette and the reader as she has to move back to her childhood home and rediscover life.

There are parts of the book that are just hilarious yet at the same time I felt bad for laughing at Claudette’s expense. I really liked how she was willing to do all these things albeit grudgingly and didn’t use her age as an excuse. It really makes one think how we take all these things for granted, such as knowing how to use a washing machine or knowing that towels can be washed. To see her change throughout the book was a real eye opener that I totally enjoyed.

Something I found very interesting about this book was that there was a character who is gay, has been gay for years, and stays gay throughout the book. His lifestyle is not described in any fashion other than stating that he is gay and that he has a partner. No statements are made derogatory towards him and he is treated with respect from other characters. By the end of the book, there are hints that he has begun to go to a church that accepts him for who he is and he is interesting in knowing more about God, the Bible and church. One other thing I did find hilarious was the phrase “sex toy” being used. I honestly think that’s the first time I’ve read that in a Christian fiction book ever!

This book REALLY makes you think, not only about about how you view life, but how your life changes when you get older and when you need to learn to stop being so prideful and accept help. Claudette’s story is a wonderful read, full of humor, happiness, tears and hurt. This book is one of the best I’ve read this year and one that everyone should read. VERY HIGHLY recommended.

If you know me, then you know I’m a grad student majoring in history. If you know me really well, then you know I detest European history. Not that I have anything against those across the Atlantic, but I’m a US history buff and (minus British history) it’s just hard for me to remember all those facts about Germany, Italy, France, etc. Therefore I usually avoid reading books about European countries because it just really doesn’t interest me. However I do make exceptions when one of my favorite authors decides that most of her books will be set in Europe. Therefore I was totally geeked to read this new offering from Tricia and Mike.

If you’ve watched the movie Valkyrie, this book takes place right after the story ends. The best part of this book is that it takes a story that is not know to the average American reader. I tire of reading books based during WWII that used the same storyline and same events over and over again. I really liked Gabi’s character because she’s the strong, take charge type of female lead who doesn’t wait for a guy to rescue her. Joseph’s story is very interesting and brings to mind secret daring rescues. The characters are all multi dimensional and really bring the story to life because you can relate to them even if their situations are a lot more dangerous than ours. There’s a lot of historical detail in the book but it’s not like reading a history book. It’s never boring or dry. You really get into the story and I was pleased with the outcome. If I ever decide to write a historical fiction novel, this would be the type of book I would want to write.

I really enjoyed reading this as I have every other of Tricia’s books. This is another book that flows very smoothly and you can’t tell when one author writes and when the other picks up. I felt that the combination of historical facts with the dramatic storyline blends well together. This book made me (gasp!) eager to learn more about the events that took place during this time period. One thing I did find interesting is that the war in the Pacific is never mentioned at all, probably due to the fact that war in Europe is so prevalent. It’s interesting how it’s like that part of the war was totally separated. Overall this is probably one of my favorite historical fiction books read this year, and definitely one of the best WWII books I’ve read in a long time. I would love to read more from this dynamic writing team. HIGHLY recommended.

It’s spring and Candace is busy working at the Zone’s Candy Counter while struggling to make decisions about her future. She’s been accepted to two different colleges, but family and friends are pressuring her to stay local. Her coworkers, however, are urging her to follow her God-given dreams no matter how far away they take her.

The Sweet Seasons series has been one of my favorite YA series from the time I picked up the first book. Debbie Viguie writes in a perfect teen voice and really gets you into the story. There’s no label dropping and teens come across as very real. It’s also one of the funniest and just plain enjoyable YA series that’s out there. It’s Christian YA but it’s not preachy at all.

This book features Candace in her last season working at The Zone amusement park. She’s been working there for almost a year and it’s about time for her to leave not only the park but make plans to leave for college as well. This time the mission for the park’s employees is to put on a talent show. While this may sound boring, the results definitely are not and it’s a hoot watching Candace’s group perfect their talent. And then of course, there are new things to discover about the The Zone which is always really exciting to read about. I think that these kids have the best job a high schooler could ever have.

I don’t want to spoil the story about who Candace ends up with but let’s just say I was super geeked and it was done absolutely perfect. Honestly I really can’t find any fault with this book other than I’m really sad that this is the final book of the series. I’ve grown to love Candace and the gang at the Zone. I loved reading about their adventures in the park and seeing how the characters have grown and matured over the past year. I totally wish that The Zone amusement park existed in real life. It is pretty much the theme park of my dreams. If you’re looking for some fun light YA reading, this series is definitely for you. HIGHLY recommended.

I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Lancaster County this past summer and finally got to experience what the Amish lifestyle really was about. It was wonderful to see all the books I’ve read come to life. I was able to fully appreciate and understand everything I had read about the culture. Therefore I was excited when I read this book because I recognized the settings because I had actually been there.

This story was really fun to read. I loved learning more about the culture and it was interesting to see Lillian change throughout the book. I felt that the Stoltzfus family were a bit less traditional than most other Old Order Amish families. They didn’t seem as strict or condemning as other stories have portrayed families who have lost a child to the “outside world.” I also remember reading that they had a recliner in the house. I guess I just had this feeling that the Amish only had wooden furniture and never pictured a lazy boy in the middle of the living room. I was glad that her grandparents did allow her to wear her jeans until she felt comfortable enough to wear Amish clothing. Also loved reading about the food because I absolutely love Amish food.

While I really liked this book, I did feel that it seemed to fall in the stereotype that everyone who comes in touch with the Amish suddenly wants to become one. It also bugged me a little that Lillian just assumed she’s Amish because it’s in her blood. While she may have Amish roots, she was raised “Englisch” so she’s not Amish by choice. I wasn’t really a fan of Samuel although I did like his son very much. He just came across as very standoffish to me.
Overall I really liked the author’s style of writing. It was a very refreshing read and it made me eager to read the rest of the books in the series. This is one of those Amish books that I really liked. It doesn’t feel like an agenda is being pushed at you. It’s more comfort reading than escapist reading this time around.

Legalism in Christianity has always been such an interesting subject to me. This is just my personal opinion but I just always wonder where these rules came from and who decided that they were right. What’s even more interesting is that a lot of times when someone describes Christianity, legalism rules are always brought up as the stereotype of the religion. This book brings up the topic and questions it and shows that it’s not always the right way to follow. One topic that came up that I found extremely thought provoking was whether these rules were what God said, or whether this is just one person’s personal views and opinions. This book started off extremely interesting. There’s suspense and drama but it’s balanced very well and the story is page turning. You don’t know what’s going to happen and, I sound sadistic, but it’s quite moving to see Jason going from extreme legalistic pastor to a guy who has no idea what he wants or what to do.

Then about halfway through the book, it just went downhill. Story lines were never answered. Characters did complete 180s. The tone of the book became extremely preachy. First off, Corrina just disappears. There was so much of the book focused on her and the storyline is just dropped. I’m half convinced Jason invented her in his mind. Then that once scene involving the “bath powder” was just really unbelievable naive on Jason’s part. The situation with Cody and Renee could have been handled a lot better in my opinion. I know the book takes place in the 70s so the laws that are effective now weren’t as strict back then. However, the situations that take place just seem so over the top. It just makes me feel like the author was making it as dramatic as possible just to create effect. As for being preachy, there were parts of the book that felt like a sermon, mostly Jason’s journal entries and the scenes with the church in Norway.

One thing that really bugged me was how the character of Yoma was portrayed. He’s supposed to be a refugee from Burma who escaped after becoming a Christian and becomes a pastor. That’s all fine, but the author has him speaking in third person all the time. This makes him sound like Yoda which is really annoying. He’s the only Asian character in the whole book and it feels like a horrible stereotype. I even asked my Dad, who’s from Burma, if anyone who immigrated from there spoke that way and he said no.

I just felt like this story could have been so much better. While legalism is a topic that is focused on heavily in the front of the book, it just dies away as the book progresses. There’s too much drama that happens, I mean literally everything that could have possibly happen in a soap opera happens in this book. I mean rape, drugs, suicide, alcoholism, incest, you name it’s in here. The problem is how it’s presented. The target audience is blatantly at Christian readers. To be honest, if I were not a Christian and picked up this book, I would lost interest very quickly. The writing is not really top notch. However the book does present a good argument and I did appreciate the topics that were brought up. If you are interested in reading more about legalism in the Christian church this is a good book to pick up. It just could have been better for me.

Zoe’s character has somehow always stood in the background for me in this series. It’s probably because she’s soft spoken and shy which made me not really notice her too much in the other books. The other three Miracle girls have such loud personalities that they tend to overpower Zoe. Therefore I was glad that she got her own book with her own storyline so we could focus on her because I think her life was really interesting. Her parents are unlike the other girls and it’s always fun to read about having to struggle with feelings between two boys. I liked Dean a lot and I thought he was a good match for Zoe.

In addition to Zoe’s story is another subplot about their mentor Ms. Moore. I found this story to be extremely interesting because it involves a situation that many teacher fear will happen to them, where they try to do a good deed and instead become punished for it. The girls’ determination to prove justice is admirable and even more astounding is the source of the unexpected help that comes their way.

One thing I’ve always liked about Anne and May’s books is how well the story flows together. With some books, it is very obvious that there are two authors, as character’s personalities or POV’s will change when the authors switch writing. This can be very distracting as you feel pulled away from the novel and can be a big jolt. Luckily you never experience this in their books which is a huge plus.

As I’ve said before in the past, I’m a HUGE fan of Anne and May’s books. They really know how to write for teens and they do it so extremely well. The stories are relatable and down to earth, showcase Christians in the real world without being preachy, and are able to reach to two audiences at the same time. Every teen girl should read their books (and adults who like YA too as well!) because not only are they good stories, but they speak to you as well. I cannot wait for Riley’s story to come out next year to round out the series. VERY Highly recommended.

The Love Finds You In… series has been putting out some awesome titles in both contemporary and historical genres. This is one of the historical novels and I really enjoyed reading it. I really liked Catherine’s character for standing up and trying to protect her family. It wasn’t fair that she had to be in charge of her sisters at such a young age but she did everything in stride. I did feel her sisters were a bit spoiled because of Catherine’s desire to protect them but it was with good intentions. Her relationship with Corbin is played out very well. I was pleased that there was a history between the two of them and not because of some random chance meeting. The book, while having a historical setting, isn’t really a historical novel. There isn’t much reference to historical events that take place outside the town or that involve outside politics and world events. Instead the reader is immersed in the lifestyle of the nostalgic west and frontier when life was harder and the lifestyle was simpler. There is talk about the early use of the telephone in the town and it was enjoyable to read about how Catherine’s sister would listen in to conversations as the town operator.

I really enjoyed the mystery that ran through the story. It was done very well and kept me on my toes. I didn’t expect the culprit to be who it was and was pleasantly surprised. It’s a really fun read that’s light and combines the romance, historical setting and mystery perfectly. The story is written extremely well. It’s not very preachy, the characters are multidimensional and the storyline just flows very well. This book is great for a fall evening as you get all comfy with a warm blanket and hot cup of cocoa.

Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. I have been impressed with all the titles from the Love Finds You.. series and this book makes a great edition to the pack. I’ll be looking forward to reading more from Lisa Harris in the future.