This series has taken a different sort of turn for Judith Pella’s writing. Her other books usually consist of international intrigue dealing with foreign affairs. This one however has that comfort feeling of America out west. I enjoyed learning about quilting as I have always found the art to be truly stunning. It’s not something I could do but I greatly admire those that do make quilts. They are not just practical items for a household. Quilts are also pieces of highly skilled craftsmanship that tell a story within the stitches and fabric.

I really liked the characters in this story. Maggie is a good combination of a young woman who is both looking for love and to grow up but at the same time still enjoys the freedom of being single and being young. I really liked how she’s grown up A LOT since the last book. That had been my one complaint and I was glad to see it rectified. She’s very loyal to her family and she’s a good friend to those in need. Evan is the smart, nerdy guy who’s bumbling but caring and cute (I love guys in spectacles lol). I really liked how their friendship grew and evolved. Never do I get annoyed with either one of them throughout the entire story. It was also good to see Ellie and Zack from the first book and bring us up to date on what they’ve been going through and for their upcoming wedding. The romance is a bit Cyrano de Bergerac so it’s like a romantic comedy where you know what’s going to happen but you’re happy with the results regardless.

As I said, I really love all the characters and I would love to see a third book in the series, at least to catch up with everyone one more time and tie up all loose ends. If you enjoy a relaxing fall read, love historical fiction and are also a big fan of quilting, this is the perfect book for you.

As a huge fan of the other books in the Amanda Bell Brown mystery series, I have been looking forward to the long awaited released of the third book in the series. My eagerness was not in vain as this was another outstanding book from Burney . I don’t think she’s written one that I haven’t liked yet. What I’ve always liked about the author’s books is her boldness to take Christian fiction in places it’s scared to go. Subjects like questioning religious practices, interracial dating and sex are brought up in this book with no sense of shame or timidity. Edgy is the word to describe most of this book and if you’re looking for tame, meek Christian fiction, you won’t find it here.

The mystery storyline in this book mainly deals with the death of the young son of a famous TV preacher and the suspicious nature surrounding the events. I will admit, if there’s any fault with the book, it’s that you have a feeling you already know what happened, you’re just not 100% sure about it. However even more interesting than that, is the evangelist’s teachings and his so called practices that don’t mirror what he preaches. The methods used by his followers are scary to say the least. I don’t blame Bell and Jazz one bit for being freaked out. I’m also not quite sure why in the world Rocky, Bell’s ex and still a good friend, is friends with this guy and why he wanted to bring her there. Another plot line is the turbulent relationship between Bell and Jazz as they try to patch things up but keep bumbling along the way. I really liked it because it’s very real and honest, with pain and hurt feelings that come along due to actions the two have made in the past.

Once again I really enjoyed this book and it’s ability to push things to the edge. It’s very refreshing to read about events that really happen in real life and to face and confront them without hiding them away. Plus, this book is also a really fun read. I have always loved the chemistry between Bell and Jazz and it’s very evident in this book. I really hope we’ll see more adventures from them in the future. If’ you’re looking for a really good multi-cultural series to read and like a bit of mystery in your books, this is the perfect series for you.

I started off this series intending to read just this book for the day, and then ended up reading the entire series in less than 24 hours. It’s THAT good, trust me. What I’ve always enjoyed about Melody Carlson’s books is unique and fresh and just keeps you wanting more. While her stories may have Christian characters and do have faith elements sprinkled throughout, they are not preachy nor fall into the stereotypical Christian fiction trap.

I think what I liked best about this book was that I could totally relate to the main characters (well 3 out of 4). They are all the same age as me and are in the same stage of life as I’m in. It wasn’t that long ago that I was in the same situation concerning job and trying to find a place to live on my own. I enjoyed reading about their adventures and getting to know them. Megan, Anna and Lelani are three different girls with very distinct personalities yet they all blend very well together. They get along almost immediately from the start yet it’s not fake friendships. They have a take charge attitude and since they are also businesswomen they are able to negotiate and make deals when needed. I also appreciated the diversity of the cast. It’s refreshing to see this in Christian fiction and Melody is one of the key contributors to that. The romance in this book is light and not really a main factor but there’s just enough to keep things interesting.

Kendall, on the other hand, completely turned me off from the start. I know I shouldn’t be judgmental on someone because of their looks but right from the moment Kendall was described I didn’t like her. Then her attitude, actions and personality just validated my I wanted to slap Kendall so bad while reading this book. She was one of the most stuck up, spoiled, lazy, clueless person I have read in a book. Honestly, I had to put down the book and scream during certain scenes. She is the type of character that would fit right at home on a show like The Hills or just be paparazzi fodder. She just annoyed me so much that I just wanted her to be gone. Since I have read the other books in the series that she does change but it’s a long and slow process

Overall I really enjoyed this book. They are perfect for the twenty something group but even if you aren’t that age, you’ll enjoy the story. The relationship between each girl and her mother plays a key role throughout the entire series and in this book you begin to see glimpses of how each girl is shaped because of her mother. It’s a fun, light quick read and once you start this book you’re going to want to read the other so be sure to have the rest of the series on hand! This book is probably one of my favorite chick lit series of the year. HIGHLY recommended.

As someone who has recently gotten married, I now can relax when I come across anything wedding related. Before I used to shudder and avoid all things bridal because that meant that I would have to worry about my own nuptials. However since that’s all taken place, I can enjoy reading about other people’s weddings and relax. Reading this book was like watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding done Italian style. Family is an essential ingredient in this book as we get to see how Bella’s entire family comes together to help her out with the wedding. The characters are all fun, quirky and very enjoyable to read. While Bella and D.J. are faves right from the start, the rest of the clan is fun to get to know from Bella’s best friend who can’t stop reciting the pizza spiel when answering the phone to her cooking crazed aunt who wages war with the neighborhood boy. It’s wonderful to see a family working together as a unit and even more so that everyone gets along.

The plot is really easy to follow and it just flows as you keep reading. Every element of the story adds to the plot from the huge shipment of cowboy boots to the pizza contest to the BBQ disaster. Once you stop reading, you don’t want to stop and it’s really hard to put the book down. Also if you’re in the wedding mood, this book will definitely make you want to start planning for that special day.

Honestly I don’t know how you could find fault with this book. There’s great characters, wonderful chemistry, a really good storyline, hot guys, and LOTS of food. I had a blast reading this and I cannot wait until the next installment comes out. This is probably going to make my top 10 list for best reads in 2009. I wish that I could have had Bella coordinate my wedding! VERY HIGHLY recommended.

For one last time we get to return to Clayburn. This time we are introduced to Doug, a grieving widower with 5 children who recently lost his wife and daughter, and Mickey, a single schoolteacher who yearns for love. The story involves seeing how Doug struggles to get through every day life by himself and realizing that he needs someone else in his life. This someone ends of being Mickey, who takes care of his children at her daycare. Their relationship happens a break neck speed and the two find themselves engaged, married and bickering within months. I did like the chemistry between the two although I thought their relationship happened way too fast. They would have benefited from a longer dating relationship plus outside help from friends and family probably would have strengthened their relationship.

While I did enjoy this book, there were several issues I had problems with. The main reason is pretty much Doug and his actions. I really felt bad for Mickey and what she had to go through after marrying Doug. I also felt understand Kayeleigh’s frustration and anger over her dad getting remarried so soon. It was totally understandable why she acted the way she did. However, there were times when she went overboard and her father didn’t do anything to reprimand her. Instead he made Mickey be the bad guy which showed how he didn’t respect her. There were times when I just wanted to shake Doug and be like “What are you doing???” I felt like he was just wallowing in his grief and let emotions overtake him and he honestly didn’t know what he was doing. By the time the ending came, I was so frustrated with him and I just couldn’t believe that Mickey wanted to stay. I was also really shocked with the incident involving Kayeleigh. It was really out of the blue and I’m surprised more wasn’t brought up about it. The issue of Mickey being a Catholic and Doug not being one was brought up heavily in the beginning of the book and then just dropped. We never find out if she or he ends up converting to the other’s denomination. It would be such a big deal except for the fact it was a big issue in the beginning of the book.

Overall though, I enjoyed this read and am sad that the series is over. I really feel like I have gotten to know the people of Clayburn and would have liked to drive into the town and visit one day. The writing is crisp and fresh and the storyline is relevant for those in the same situation as both Doug and Mickey. I will miss returning to Clayburn but I’ll be looking forward to any of the author’s future books.

I’ve been a big fan of the books in the Sisters of the Heart series since I picked up book one. For some reason, they read differently from other Amish books. It’s fresh and light, yet takes into account realistic views of both the Amish and English world. I think what I like best is that there are those who do get a taste of the outside world but their decision to choose the Amish lifestyle is not forced or fake. I’ve read other books where the choice seemed to put the Amish world as a paradise or utopia as opposed to the sinful worldliness of mainstream America. These books put a refreshing spin on that topic and I applaud them for it.

In this story the focus is on Winnie, the sister of Jonathan and sister in law of Katie. From the last book in the series, we learn that she has just gotten over a failed courtship and is attempting to move on. Unfortunately she’s been severely limited due to being injured from a fire at Jonathan’s farm. Therefore Sam, a university professor who left the Amish years ago, comes to her rescue and offers to take care of her while she’s ailing. I really liked Sam and it was fun seeing him in both of his conflicting worlds. He fits comfortably in both, which is a nice change from seeing an Amish person so out of place in the English world. I really liked the chemistry between the two of them and it was realistic enough to understand how if affected Sam’s final decision. I was also pleased with the conditions of his decision as it was realistic, again with small details that other books fail to mention.

There are two other story lines that are taking place in addition to Winnie’s and Sam’s relationship. Jonathan is trying to find out who set fire to his barn and struggles with forgiving that person. It’s understandable about his anger because his entire family could have been killed and the guilty party still won’t fess up to the crime. Also taking place in the background is the upcoming wedding between Anna and Henry. I really liked seeing this even take place as it ties together the entire series and brings it around full circle. I really have enjoyed reading this series and I think it’s one of the best Amish series that’s out there currently. I’m going to be looking forward to the next series by Shelley when it comes out later this year.

The third book in the Katie Parker Production series brings us back to the small, quaint town of In Between. It would also be a quiet town if not for the adventures that Katie brings to it. From trying to save the local drive-in to dealing with the ex-girlfriend who seems to be trying to win back the guy Katie currently likes to finishing up her junior year, Katie’s seems to be all ready for another summer in In Between. Unfortunately, her mother comes to take her away from her foster parents and the life she’s grown to love. However instead of giving Katie the life she needs, her mother returns to a life of drug addiction and neglect. I was appalled and disgusted with Katie’s mother. I do not understand why she wanted Katie back in her life and then treated her the way she did. I can only guess that it’s a sense of controlling and in want of a possession. I felt so sorry for the way Katie had to live those few months. I literally was getting so angry at her mother that I wanted to scream at the book. Katie handled these situations WAY better than I would have. It’s incredibly sad when a 16 year old has to become the adult in the parent/child relationship.

It’s really funny how time changes the way you perceive people. In the first book, I really disliked Maxine. This probably also had to do with the fact that Katie disliked her as well. Then she started to grow on me to the point, in this book, that I looked forward to seeing her pop up with whatever crazy scheme she had concocted. I think it’s great that even grandmothers enjoy excitement and not letting their age get the better of them. It’s also really funny seeing her next to her straight laced daughter. I was glad to see all of Katie’s old friends from In Between as well as the new ones she met when staying with her mother. The ending was rather a surprise but I enjoyed it.

I’m incredibly sad this series is older as I enjoyed Katie’s adventures (as well as Maxine’s zany antics). This is a really good series for teen girls and it’s great for combining serious subject matter with a funny twist. It’s one of the most realistic and fun YA books that’s out there. The book is rather long at 375 pages, but it reads really fast because you can’t put it down. Jenny B. Jones is one of my favorite YA writers and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of her books! HIGHLY recommended.

If you are a fan of the HGTV channel, you will love this book. I myself have only watched a couple episodes of some of the shows, usually while I’m channel surfing. This book focuses on the art of house flipping, where a person buys a house usually in disarray, renovates it completely and then goes back and sells it to make a profit. Gretchen seems to make a rash decision to pursue a dream of becoming a house flipper and uses up most of her savings to buy a decrepit house. Unfortunately things don’t go as smoothly as she had planned. Pretty much everything that could go wrong goes wrong. While it probably wouldn’t have been amusing to Gretchen, reading about her adventures was enjoyable and a hoot at times. I learned A LOT about not only house flipping but also the basics of renovation and upkeep. It was pretty much like reading an episode of one of the HGTV shows.

Gretchen’s initial reaction to Noah is, while understandable, a bit put offish. I didn’t like how she assumed that just because he was divorced, that meant that he was bad at making commitments. She didn’t know the situation yet she was wrongly blaming him. However once the two finally settle their differences, they have excellent chemistry that is really fun to watch. Even better is when Noah’s ex-wife comes on the scene which throws everyone for a loop. Another part of the story I liked was Gretchen’s relationship with her father. I enjoyed reading about the two of them and especially her willingness to have him be involved with her house flipping plans. It’s good to read about a father -daughter relationship, when no mother is involved, that’s managed to stay pleasant and close throughout the years.

If you’re looking for a fun read to end the summer with, grab this book. It’s lighthearted chick lit with a dose of learning about learning who the ultimate fixer-upper is. Melody Carlson’s books have the power to take me from whatever I’m doing and draw me right into her books. Whether it’s one of her YA books or her edgy adult fiction or like this book, fun chick lit I always know I’m going to be in for a good read.

It’s time to head back to Lulu’s Cafe and meet up again with the ladies of the Pastors Wives Club. The story is once again a mixture of humor and seriousness and the four women tackle their own personal problems as well as those coming from their church families. It’s a bit strange not have have Kitty around, making snide remarks and thinking she is holier than everyone else. However, not to fear, as her husband has remarried a younger Kitty-clone who seems to share too much info about what goes on in the bedroom.

The two stories I found to be most interesting this time around were Jennifer’s and Lisa’s. It’s interesting because throughout the entire series, these two women have been my favorite with the most intriguing story lines. Jennifer’s story had a mystery surrounding it plus it was nice to see Father Scott again. Lisa’s story was highly emotional and extremely frustrating. From the beginning of the series, I’ve never liked their congregation and this book just solidified my views on them. Her family was very brave and strong to stick through the conflict. Lesser souls would have caved but they did not. Mimi’s story involving her dad will probably ring true for some readers who have dealt with alcoholic family members. It’s heart wrenching to see someone constantly hurt themselves and there’s nothing you can do to stop them. I unfortunately did not find Felicia’s story to be very interesting. It almost felt as if the authors felt like they had run out of story ideas for her character and just threw something together. There’s nothing wrong with her situation but it just felt rather boring compared to the other three. There was a lack of drama or conflict. I did enjoy the scenes where all the pastor’s wives in the area got together and finally realized that it was ok to become real with one another and share their burdens. It’s sad how much pressure people put on pastor’s wives and other members of the family simply because they are related to preacher.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was an extremely fast read for me and I’m sorry that the series has ended. Reading this series has broadened my outlook on the family’s of pastors and given me more compassion and understanding towards them. We shouldn’t put them on a pedestal or have such high expectations on them. They are human beings just like the rest of us and should be treated as such. I really recommend this entire series for both a fun read and a learning experience at the same time.

This is a book about family. It’s a story that you can’t read fast, you have to let it sink in slowly. For readers familiar with Turner’s previous works, the setting returns to Derby, South Carolina where folks in the town like to take things slow and easy. This time we’re introduced to Ben, a widower who’s never gotten over the unsolved murder of his wife. Due to his unresolved feelings, his relationships with his children have severely declined over the years. It’s sad to see how a simple act can change the course of a person’s personality and communication for the rest of their lives. I thought it was extremely interesting to read about Ben’s relationship to the Kovatch family. I felt that Ben’s reaction to the strict conservativeness of the Kovatch family to be quite spot on. It may be playing on stereotypes or pre-judgments but I think many people feel this way about people who act like the family and that would probably have been what they were thinking as well. Throughout the book we learn about Ben’s family and the Kovatch family as well as Ben’s assistant Caroline and her family. Each of these families is going through situations that that test how they act as a unit and the circumstances that cause them to be this way.

Even though I liked the book, there was something about it that was a bit off. Normally I’m a huge fan of Turner’s books. Even though they are a slow read, usually the story just unravels gently and wraps you in. This time however, I never really felt like I could get into the story. It just never grabbed me like the other books had done. I couldn’t connect to any of the characters, in fact they all seemed like they were keeping an arm’s length away from me. A slight disappointment was the lack of characters from the other books, that usually tie them all together. I think there was a brief cameo of a past character, but it didn’t feel like it was enough. I also felt that the mystery was never tied up, it was just left hanging. I understand why this would be the case, but it just very unsatisfying to have so much effort going into it and not have a final outcome. Overall I would have to say this probably was not one of my favorite books by Turner. It’s a good read but it just didn’t really warm up to me. I’m hoping that there will be another book featuring these characters because I feel that there is more to the story that needs to be told.