How the lIght Gets In by Jolina Petersheim- Book Tour

How the Light Gets in

by 

Jolina Petersheim 

SYNOPSIS:

“Compellingly woven by Jolina Petersheim’s capable pen, How the Light Gets In follows a trail of grief toward healing, leading to an impossible choice–what is best when every path will hurt someone?” –Lisa Wingate, New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

From the highly acclaimed author of The Outcast and The Alliance comes an engrossing novel about marriage and motherhood, loss and moving on.

When Ruth Neufeld’s husband and father-in-law are killed working for a relief organization overseas, she travels to Wisconsin with her young daughters and mother-in-law Mabel to bury her husband. She hopes the Mennonite community will be a quiet place to grieve and piece together next steps.

Ruth and her family are welcomed by Elam, her husband’s cousin, who invites them to stay at his cranberry farm through the harvest. Sifting through fields of berries and memories of a marriage that was broken long before her husband died, Ruth finds solace in the beauty of the land and healing through hard work and budding friendship. She also encounters the possibility of new love with Elam, whose gentle encouragement awakens hopes and dreams she thought she’d lost forever.

But an unexpected twist threatens to unseat the happy ending Ruth is about to write for herself. On the precipice of a fresh start and a new marriage, Ruth must make an impossible decision: which path to choose if her husband isn’t dead after all.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

My Thoughts:

How the Light Gets in by Jolina is the first book I have ever read by this author, but will not be the last. The way she writes about difficult topics and gets right to the bottom of a difficult topic is a gift and she does it well, especially in Christian Fiction! 

This book is a beautiful story of forgiveness, grief and healing. While emotions are difficult, and I found this book to be triggering on a personal level, I also found this book to be interesting and filled with hope. This book is an emotional conflict and while I don't want to give the ending away, I enjoyed the letters and the twists that kept me reading. The story of Ruth will wreck you and also will keep you moving forward. I can't say much more without telling the complete story because this story really spoke to me. 

If you are looking for a novel that is going to challenge you or one that needs to be on your reading list for 2019, this is your book! I also think this this would be a great book for discussion with a reading group and I would love to see this as book for book clubs. 

Connect with Jolina

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

About Jolina:

Jolina Petersheim is the highly acclaimed author of The Divide, The Alliance, The Midwife, and The Outcast, which Library Journal called "outstanding . . . fresh and inspirational" in a starred review and named one of the best books of 2013. That book also became an ECPA, CBA, and Amazon bestseller and was featured in Huffington Post's Fall Picks, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and the Tennessean. CBA Retailers + Resources called her second book, The Midwife, "an excellent read [that] will be hard to put down," and Booklist selected The Alliance as one of their Top 10 Inspirational Fiction Titles for 2016. The Alliance was also a finalist for the 2017 Christy Award in the Visionary category. The sequel to The Alliance, The Divide, won the 2018 INSPY Award for Speculative Fiction. Jolina's non-fiction writing has been featured in Reader's Digest, Writer's Digest, Today's Christian Woman, and Proverbs 31 Ministries. She and her husband share the same unique Amish and Mennonite heritage that originated in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, but they now live in the mountains of Tennessee with their three young daughters. Jolina's fifth novel, How the Light Gets In, a modern retelling of Ruth set in a cranberry bog in Wisconsin, releases March 2019.

The Wiersbe Study Bible Brown Premium Cowhide

NKJV, Wiersbe Study Bible, Genuine Leather, Brown, Red Letter Edition, Comfort PrintBe Transformed by the Power of God's Word

By Warren Wiersbe 

About:

Now you can experience Dr. Warren Wiersbe’s lifetime of powerful Bible teaching in one place. Whether through his bestselling “BE Series” commentaries or his popular “Back to the Bible” radio ministry, Dr. Wiersbe has guided millions into a life-transforming encounter with God’s Word. Now, in this single volume, you have access to Dr. Wiersbe’s trustworthy, accessible explanations of the Bible’s truths and promises, through his comprehensive system of study and application notes. Make the most of your time reading, studying, and reflecting on Scripture with The Wiersbe Study Bible.

Features include:

Thousands of verse-by-verse notes by Dr. Wiersbe
Hundreds of Catalyst notes which more deeply reveal important biblical themes and character issues to motivate transformation by the Holy Spirit through the Word
Book introductions featuring Dr. Wiersbe’s historical background, themes, and practical lessons for each book of the Bible
“Be transformed” section in each book introduction specifically pointing to the life-changing impact of that particular part of Scripture
Thousands of cross references, showing the connections throughout the Bible
Concordance with key words for deeper word study
Full-color maps
Clear and readable 10.5-point NKJV Comfort Print®

My Thoughts:

Wiersbe Study Bible is amazing beautiful Bible that will transform your time in the word, the way you spend time with God and you will get more from the Word. This Bible is premium cowhide in large print with red letters. It has over 7800 verse by verse study notes, which I personally love. It has these great index preaching outlines, which are helpful to me for teaching points, Bible studies or just pointing out great discussions. I also love the concordance, cross references and the important Biblical themes through the “Be Transformed” sections. 

This Bible also has three beautiful ribbon markers, which is perfect to keep your spot in place for reading in the Old Testament, Psalms/ Proverbs and New Testament. The format of this Bible is very easy to read and is organized in a very thoughtful manner.  This is one of those Bibles that is worth every single penny and you will have it for a lifetime. If you are looking for a choice in binding, I recommend the leather hide, but you could also get a different type of binding in order to get these great features from this study Bible. Overall, I give this Bible a 5/5 review. I can’t wait to dig deeper into to God’s word though this Bible.

The Sky Above Us (Sunrise at Normandy #2) by Sarah Sundin

The Sky Above Us

(Sunrise at Normandy #2)

by 

Sarah Sundin 

About:

Numbed by grief and harboring shameful secrets, Lt. Adler Paxton ships to England with the US 357th Fighter Group in 1943. Determined to become an ace pilot, Adler battles the German Luftwaffe in treacherous dogfights in the skies over France as the Allies struggle for control of the air before the D-day invasion.

Violet Lindstrom wanted to be a missionary, but for now she serves in the American Red Cross, where she arranges entertainment for the men of the 357th in the Aeroclub on base and sets up programs for local children. Drawn to the mysterious Adler, she enlists his help with her work and urges him to reconnect with his family after a long estrangement.

Despite himself, Adler finds his defenses crumbling when it comes to Violet. But D-day draws near. And secrets can't stay buried forever. Bestselling author Sarah Sundin returns readers to the shores of Normandy, this time in the air, as the second Paxton brother prepares to face the past--and the most fearsome battle of his life. 

My Thoughts:

The Sky Above Us has the most inviting cover that allowed me to sink deep into the book because of who I felt the character is and was based of what the covered look like, I am not going to lie. The plot and characters of this story were well written. I loved Violet and how she is a very hard worker, making the most of every situation. She just has this sweet spirit that I enjoyed reading. Alder was an interesting character and he was a character that had to grow on me a little bit, but I love how the author wove scripture throughout the characters.

The plot was great in historical research during the WWII era. It was fascinating to me and enjoyable, especially with the authors immense details. The romance between characters was great and the pages flew on by as I was easily won by creative story. This book is one that you will enjoy and find as a great read! I highly recommend this book by Sarah Sundin and other title by her!

About the Author:

Sarah Sundin enjoys writing about the drama and romance of the World War II era. She is the bestselling author of The Sky Above Us (February 5, 2019) and The Sea Before Us(2018), as well as the Waves of Freedom, Wings of the Nightingale series, and Wings of Glory series. Her novels Through Waters Deep and When Tides Turn were named to Booklist's "101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years." Through Waters Deep won the 2016 INSPY Award and was a Carol Award finalist.

A mother of three, Sundin lives in northern California and teaches Sunday school and women's Bible studies. She enjoys speaking to community, church, and writers' groups.

Mending Fences (The Deacon's Family #1) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Mending Fences

(The Deacon's Family #1)

by 

Suzanne Woods Fisher 

About:

Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future.

Luke Schrock is a new and improved man after a stint in rehab, though everyone in Stoney Ridge only remembers the old Luke. They might have forgiven him, but nobody trusts him.

Amos and Fern Lapp allow Luke to live at Windmill Farm under two conditions. First, Luke must make a sincere apology to each person he's hurt--a four-page, single-spaced list. Second, he must ask each victim of mischief to describe the damage he caused.

Simple, Luke thinks. Offering apologies is easy. But discovering the lasting effects his careless actions have caused . . . that isn't so simple. It's gut-wrenching.

And his list keeps growing. Izzy Miller, beautiful and frustratingly aloof, also boards at Windmill Farm. Luke's clumsy efforts to befriend Izzy only insult and annoy her. Eager to impress, Luke sets out to prove himself to her by locating her mother. When he does, her identity sends shock waves through Stoney Ridge.

Bestselling and award-winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher returns to her beloved Stoney Ridge for this brand-new series featuring some of her readers' favorite characters.

My Thoughts:

Mending Fences by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a non-stop, page turning book that is hard to put down. This book is full of twists and turns that I couldn't even imagine. I appreciate this story, especially the story of Izzy and her pursuit of wanting to know her birth mother. 

This story also deals with a serious tone of addiction. While this book has serious moments and threads, it also has a light tone as well. Fisher is able to weave a balance in this book, which as a reader I can appreciate. This book is a great read. I just enjoyed this book, both the big and small moments of this story. It is a very unique read with great writing. Give this series a read! You will highly enjoy it!

About the Author:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling, award winning author of fiction and non-fiction books about the Old Order Amish for Revell Books, host of the radio-show-turned-blog Amish Wisdom, a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazine. 

Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain. A theme in her books (her life!) is that you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate the principles of simple living. 

Suzanne lives in California with her family and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can't life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth. 

What If It's True? A Storyteller's Journey with Jesus By Charles Martin

What If It's True?A Storyteller's Journey with Jesus

By Charles Martin 

About:

With the same depth, sensitivity, and emotion that has made his novels beloved to millions, Charles Martin helps us engage the fundamental principles of our faith in new and inspiring ways.

Years ago, Martin cracked open his Bible and began wrestling with a few fundamental questions. He asked, “What if every single word of Scripture is absolutely true and I can trust it? How do I respond? Something in me should change, but what? How?” This book is the result of that exploration.

Writing as our guide, he uses a storyteller’s imagination to illuminate key moments from the Scriptures, primarily from the life and ministry of Jesus. In addition, Martin shares key moments from his own journey as a disciple—and bondservant—of Christ and a mentor to others. The result is a striking exploration of truth that helps us not just think differently, but live differently. Today.

My Thoughts:

First, if you have never read anything by Charles Martin, that changes today! Grab any of his books and you will be changed. Second, What If It's True will forever change your heart and beliefs about the Gospel. Martin brings the Gospel to life in a deep way that makes me feel as though I was witnessing the event. I can't even begin to describe or fathom my thoughts as I read this book. Martin illuminates the Bible in a transforming way that makes reading this book and your Bible an incredible journey. This is not a quick read, but one that I recommend you take your time. He isn't trying to add to the Bible or take away from it, but rather tell it in a way that makes the reader experience the Gospel in a new way. I highly recommend this book! I loved it! I have it highlighted. It is incredible.

About the Author:

CHARLES MARTIN is a New York Times bestselling author of 13 previous novels, including his most recent, 'Send Down The Rain.' His work is available in 30+ languages. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife and their three sons.