By Kristen, on May 8th, 2012% 
My husband left me with instructions to spend some time reading while he was gone. He knows me well, because those are instructions that I am happy to follow. My first book of choice? It had to be Tracie Peterson’s latest and newest book – Chasing the Sun.
I have always enjoyed Tracie Peterson. She is one of my favorite Christian fiction writers because of her beautiful writing style. When Tracie writes, she paints beautiful pictures with her words. Her characters have depth and honesty. This book was exactly what I hoped!
Chasing the Sun is set in Texas at the end of the Civil War. It is the story of Hannah Dandridge and her younger siblings. As they wait for news of their missing father, Hannah is confused by a proposal of convenience.
As Hannah struggles to discern her heart, and what God desires, she meets William Barnett. A Texan who fought on the Yankee side, Hannah is surprised to learn that it is William’s ranch on which she is living. Must they leave? Or should they stay? Can she trust William?
When you read Chasing the Sun, you will find yourself in the midst of Hannah’s life, eager to discover where her choices will lead.
If you have yet to read anything by Tracie Peterson, start here! Read something by Tracie Peterson because you won’t regret it! My only regret? I have to wait until the next book in this series (Land of the Lone Star) comes out!
Please note that I did receive a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
By Kristen, on April 4th, 2012%  
Between basketball games over the weekend, I managed to find enough downtime to read a new book from Bethany Publishing House – Sixty Acres and a Bride by Reginna Jennings.
It was set in Texas so that caught my eye immediately, as I grew up there. Also, I knew my cousin Bethany was reading the same book so I wanted to compare notes. Most importantly, though, I enjoy reading historical fiction.
Sixty Acres and a Bride is the story of a young Mexican widow, Rosa Garner, and her widowed mother-in-law, Louise Garner. When their husbands suddenly die, Louise decides to return to her family in Texas. Rosa’s family has disowned her, due to her new Christian faith, so Rosa travels with Louise to Texas.
When they arrive in Texas, they find that their family farm is soon to be reposed, due to late tax payments. Rosa proves herself to be an industrious worker, doing all that she can to help save the farm. I found myself comparing her to the Proverbs 31 woman at times. Quite inspiring!
As the date approaches, they sadly realize that they do not have enough funds to pay all the taxes. Louise sends Rosa to her nephew, Weston, to see if he will help them with the payments.
Weston is willing to help with the payments, to preserve the name of the family. Quickly, Weston and Rosa realize they got more than they bargained for as these two widowers commit to doing what is necessary to save their family farm. In the process, the question of learning to love begins to enter their minds.
I thought this story was well written and quite enjoyable. It is a Texas version of the Biblical story of Ruth and Boaz. Ruth’s story of faithfulness and love has long inspired me. I loved the unique twist of setting it in Mexico and Texas.
Sixty Acres and a Bride was one book that I did not want to put down, nor did I want it to end. Still, I was eager to see how the story of Rosa and Weston would unfold. The ending was a perfect reminder of how God can work in all things.
Please note that I did receive a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
By Kristen, on March 15th, 2012% 
Last Christmas, my mother-in-law gave me the book The Silent Governess by author Julie Klassen. This was the first book I had read by Julie and I really enjoyed it. When I heard that Julie had a new book coming out, I was excited to read it.
The Maid of Fairbourne Hall was another delightful novel by Julie Klassen. Set in the 1800s in England, this book is the story of a Margaret, a young woman who is trying to escape the controlling demands of her stepfather. Since he controls all her finances until she comes of age, she is faced with a dim outlook.
As a last (and sudden) resort, she runs away, disguises herself and finds work as a maid. As a lady born into money, she knows nothing about what to do. Her heart sinks further when she realizes she is now in the employ of a man whose proposal she once rejected.
While Margaret learns the daily chores of a maid, she also learns humility and about her own strength of character. She also finds herself realizing that the man she once rejected may be different than she once thought.
The Maid of Fairbourne Hall is beautifully written and another gem of a book by Julie Klassen.
Please note that I did receive a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
By Kristen, on December 14th, 2011%  
Even in the midst of these busy weeks, I am still trying to find the time to read. I am 7 books short of my 100 books read goal, so I will be reading a lot over the next couple weeks!
I just finished reading A Wedding Invitation by Alice J. Wisler. This book is the story of Samantha Bravencourt and a mixed-up wedding. She receives an invitation, which she believes is from her old college friend. She decides to go to the wedding only to learn that the wedding is for someone whom she has never met!
While at this wedding, Samatha has a chance reunion with Carson Brylie, whom she does know from her past! Samantha and Carson once taught together at a refugee camp in the Philippines. While there, Samantha fell for Carson only to learn that he did not return her feelings. This time around, they are trying to work together again to help a former student who needs their help.
I found A Wedding Invitation a nice read, although a bit slow moving at first. It took me awhile to get into it and I found myself wishing the main characters had been a bit more developed. Still, it was a pleasant fiction read for an evening.
Please note that I did receive a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
By Kristen, on November 22nd, 2011%  
I recently received another book to review. I’ve read books by Tamera Leigh before so was curious to read her latest.
Restless in Carolina is the story of Bridget Pickwick-Buchanon, a young woman who is coming to terms with being a widow at age thirty-three. Bridget doesn’t want to move on with her life and clings to her “widow-weeds.” All that is about to change when she needs to find a buyer for her family estate.
Bridget determines that J.C. Dirk would be the best buyer for the property – as he has the money and shares her passion for green developments. From their first unforgettable meeting, they clash. Both have secrets and scars in their past.
My favorite character in the store was Uncle Obe, Bridget’s elderly uncle who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. He brought an unexpected and sentimental mood to the store.
I love all forms of fiction, but I will admit that this story moved a bit slowly for me, especially in the beginning. Once the I learned the back stories of J.C. and Bridget, the story picked up a bit. Restless in Carolina was not my favorite but still a nice, easy read.
I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing in exchange for my review. All opinions expressed are my own.
By Kristen, on November 10th, 2011%  
I have several Christian authors that are fiction favorites of mine. Lori Wick is one and Tamera Alexander is another. In fact, I reviewed Tamera’s new book (at the time) Within My Heart as my first book review on this site. When I saw that Tamera had a new book out, I couldn’t wait to read it!
A Lasting Impression is set in post-Civil War times at Nashville’s historic Belmont Mansion. After reading this book, I felt as if I’ve traveled there already!
A Lasting Impression is the story of Clair Laurent, an artist whose father insists she work for him as a forger. Through an emotionally complicated turn of events, Claire starts her life over in Nashville as the personal liaison of heiress Adelicia Acklen.
As Claire learns who she really is and whom she wants to be, she meets attorney Sutton Monroe. Sutton is struggling with leftover emotional scars from the war and quite hesitantly begins to fall for Claire.
There are many twists and turns in this story. I was left wondering right until the end (all 426 pages) how this story would conclude. Yet every page was absolutely necessary as Tamera beautifully told this tender story of history and romance.
If you haven’t read anything by Tamera Alexander, read one of her books today! A Lasting Impression is a great place to start as this book is sure to leave a lasting impression upon you.
Please note that I did receive a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
By Kristen, on November 2nd, 2011% 
I just read an inspiring book called A Good and Perfect Gift. It’s written by Amy Julia Becker, mom to Penny, a darling little girl who was born with Down Syndrome.
A Good and Perfect Gift is Amy’s honest and heartfelt story of delivering her new baby and learning that everything was not as she and her husband expected. Their newborn daughter had an extra chromosome – Downs Syndrome.
A Good and Perfect Gift openly tells of Amy’s tears and joys, heartbreak and disappointments. It tells of how she and her husband came to terms with the fact that yes, their daughter has Downs Syndrome but that extra chromosome does not define her.
This was the most honest book I have read about Downs Syndrome, told from a mother’s heart. Not only does it wrestle with the physical ramifications but the spiritual ones as well. If God is the giver of all good gifts, how can their daughter be viewed as any less?
When I read A Good and Perfect Gift, I immediately thought of my dear friend, Grace, who is in the process of adopting a little girl with Downs Syndrome. God has a purpose for everyone. Maybe college isn’t in Penny’s future or in Samantha’s, but rather, perhaps they will be teaching others to truly experience joy.
A Good and Perfect Gift is certainly worth reading, as I believe it will open your eyes and your heart. Grace and Samantha’s story is also worth reading, too! You’ll be glad you read them both.
Please note that I did receive a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
By Kristen, on October 25th, 2011% 
Would you believe that this busy Fall has slowed down my reading…a bit? I’m still planning on reading at least one hundred books this year and this new book was one of those read!
The Doctor’s Lady by Jody Hedlund is the story of Priscilla White, a young lady who was convinced that God wanted her to be a missionary rather than a wife.
Her faith in this knowledge faltered when the mission board told her the only way she can serve is to be married. Enter Dr. Eli Ernest.
Eli is set to return to his mission in the newly settled West when he receives the same verdict from the mission board. The two, with reluctant dismay, enter into a marriage in name only, so they can both serve as missionaries.
This book follows the new Dr. and Mrs. Ernest across the plains and paints a harsh reality of what these travels were like. Of course, I loved watching their relationship unfold, as they realize God’s plans for their lives.
I enjoyed The Doctor’s Lady greatly and was interested to read in the author’s postscript that this book was inspired by the true story of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman. This story takes on a new facet when you realize the many factual aspects woven into this delightful work of historical fiction.
This book was provided to me at no cost by Bethany House Publishers. All opinions expressed are my own.
By Kristen, on August 10th, 2011% ![Love Food and Live Well: Lose Weight, Get Fit, and Taste Life at Its Very Best [Hardcover]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31EdxAHLAAL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
It’s been awhile since I did a book review so here is another one. This book review is a step outside of my ordinary fiction genre. It is a healthy living book. Different, but good.
Love Food and Live Well by Chantel Hobbs is written to help you “lose weight, get fit and taste life at its very best.” Some books leave me uneasy because what do they really know? Well, Chantel lost over 200 pounds, has kept it off for over a decade and is now a personal trainer. She is qualified to write on this subject.
The basic premise of Love Food and Live Well is what Chantel calls the “80-20 Rule.” 80% of the time, we are to eat food that is good for us and has solid nutritional value. 20% of the time, we are to indulge and enjoy those sweets and cakes. Remembering the percentage might be a bit challenging so here is what I liked even more.
Chantel reminded us that God created food for our nourishment and yes, enjoyment. (Yes, this is a book written by a Christian lady with a clear Christian perspective.) As I was saying, we need to remember that there will be another opportunity to eat these foods we enjoy. We don’t need to eat everything all in one setting. If you’ve eaten a big lunch, then you can bypass dessert at dinner, knowing that there is always tomorrow.
Love Food and Live Well was a thought provoking read. No matter your size, Chantel has some good reminders about taking care of the bodies God has given us.
This book was provided to me by Waterbrook Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
By Kristen, on June 29th, 2011% 
As my husband drove to St. Louis, he insisted that I spend some time reading. Who am I to argue with that wise logic? I happily pulled out my newest book from WaterBrook Press.
The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck by Kathleen Y’Barbo seemed an interesting read as we traveled to celebrate the marriage of dear friends. That said, this book was a good read!
The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck is the story of head strong, stubborn and independent Charlotte. Charlotte is fed up with the rules of the rich society in which she has been raised. Her dream is to go to college and run her father’s business, unheard of in 1887.
This story is also the story of Alex, an opinionated count who is trapped by the rules of money. He has to protect his brother and save his family from financial ruin.
Alex and Charlotte met suddenly at a ball and their first meeting is anything from ideal. In fact, that somewhat disastrous first meeting sets the stage for all of their future encounters. If they were only acquaintances, it won’t be as terrible, until Charlotte’s father decides they should marry.
Both Charlotte and Alex refuse, until her father makes them a deal neither of them can refuse. Charlotte can go to college and Alex’s family will be saved from financial ruin, if they promise to marry one another. Reluctantly, very reluctantly, they both agree.
Eventually, Charlotte and Alex do marry. Though the beginning of their marriage is anything from ideal, Alex is surprised by the deepening of his feelings. I quickly read to see if Charlotte’s feelings would eventually match her husband’s.
This book was another enjoyable read. The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck reminded me that all marriages of moments of inconvenience. However, it is good to be in love and have the freedom to choose our marriages!
Please note that I did receive a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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