The Edge of Over There (The Day the Angels Fell #2)

by 

Shawn Smucker 

About:

The captivating sequel to the award-winning The Day the Angels Fell

Before the Tree of Life, everything in Abra Miller's life had been predictable. But after the Tree and the lightning and the angels, everything felt tenuous, like holding a soap bubble in the palm of her hand. She spent years looking for signs of that other world, waiting for it to break through. When it didn't, her friendship with Sam Chambers grew cold and distant, and they both wondered how any of it could actually have happened.

Four years later, 16-year-old Abra's long-delayed quest to find the next manifestation of the Tree of Life is renewed when she sees a woman walking up the road--a woman who looks exactly like Sam's dead mother. The woman directs her to New Orleans where she will find the grave of Marie Laveau, one of seven gateways between this world and Over There. As Abra enters The Edge of Over There and begins her pursuit of the Tree once more, she doesn't know whom to fear or whom to trust. But she's starting to think that some doorways should never be opened. 

My Thoughts:

The Edge of Over There is the sequel to The Day The Angels Fell which I reviewed previously. I wanted to give Shawn Smucker another shot, so I decided to read this second novel.  This book felt spiritual, but had no clear path and was dark at times. I was confused while reading it. I wasn't sure who was who, which made frustrated while reading it. Also, I thought the angels in the story were different. I also didn't completely understand The Tree of Life. It sounded like before the Tree of Life, there were other ones that existed. The book confused me and it wasn't in a way that I felt drew me closer to Christ, especially if I was reading a Christian fiction book to have elements of faith, I think this book was a stretch.  Overall, as a fantasy book, this is probably a great read, but I struggled through this one. I am sure if you like fantasy books, you might really enjoy this book, but for me, I did not like it as a Christian fiction book . I give this book 3/5 stars. 

Minding the Light (Nantucket Legacy #2) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Minding the Light (Nantucket Legacy #2)

by 

Suzanne Woods Fisher

About:

Six long years ago, Captain Reynolds Macy sailed away from his bride, looking forward to the day when he would return to Nantucket Island with a ship's hold full of whale oil. But when that momentous day finally arrives, Ren soon discovers that everything has changed in his absence. Everything. "Is nothing on this island as it appears to be?" he whispers in despair.

Unlike most islanders, bold and spirited Daphne Coffin doesn't defer to Ren as an authoritative whalemaster, but sees through his aloofness to the aching heart beneath. She encourages him to return to his Quaker roots and "mind the Light," finding solace in God and community. As Ren becomes the man she believes him to be--honorable, wise, faithful--she finds herself falling in love with him.

But how can she, when her heart is spoken for? Tristram Macy is Ren's business partner, cousin, and best friend--and Daphne's fiancE. Love always comes at a cost, but when is the price too high?

My Thoughts:

 Minding the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a compelling narrative with rich characters, a capturing setting and emotional complexity.  The historical research and detail of Nantucket is exquisite and detail oriented. The reader can visualize the harbor, and smell the ocean. This book catches all the senses, which makes this book so beautiful. Not only is the book structurally sound with the plot, setting and characters, but the way this book pulls the reader into the story is uncanning. I felt very connected Mary and enjoyed reading her journal entries. This book was not just a great book of story, but one of history too and I learned a great deal of information in this book. I give this book a 4.5/5 stars rating. I highly recommend you putting this book on your summer reading list! 

 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. 

Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

Boundaries for Your Soul How to Turn Your Overwhelming Thoughts and Feelings into Your Greatest Allies By Alison Cook

Boundaries for Your SoulHow to Turn Your Overwhelming Thoughts and Feelings into Your Greatest Allies

By Alison Cook

About:

Do your emotions control you or do you control your emotions? Many people let guilt, anger, or self-criticism dominate their lives and negatively affect their relationships. Boundaries for Your Soul shows you how to calm the chaos within. This groundbreaking approach will help you know what to do when you feel overwhelmed, understand your guilt, anxiety, sadness, and fear, welcome God into the troubling parts of your soul and move from doubt and conflict to confidence and peace.

Boundaries for Your Soul includes relatable anecdotes, helpful exercises, an engaging quiz, and opportunities for personal reflection. Gathering the wisdom from the authors’ twenty-five years of combined advanced education, biblical studies, and clinical practice, this book will set you on a journey to become the loving, authentic, joyful person you were created to be.

My Thoughts:

As a social worker and someone who is in ministry, this book is awesome! Boundaries for Your Soul is very helpful, practical and great for interpersonal relationships. This book will help you create healthy boundaries with the external world, so you have healthy boundaries within your internal personal life. I love how this book takes the shift on focusing on our internal world for our overall mental, spiritual and emotional health. This book is not just about the internal dialogue, but finding freedom in the internal dialogue with the Lord. I really enjoyed this book and found it super helpful. It is a great resource and I highly recommend it! 

River to Redemption by Ann H. Gabhart

River to Redemption

by 

Ann H. Gabhart 

About:

Orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833, Adria Starr was cared for by a slave named Louis, a man who stayed in Springfield, Kentucky, when anyone with means had fled. A man who passed up the opportunity to escape his bondage and instead tended to the sick and buried the dead. A man who, twelve years later, is being sold by his owners despite his heroic actions. Now nineteen, Adria has never forgotten what Louis did for her. She's determined to find a way to buy Louis's freedom. But in 1840s Kentucky, she'll face an uphill battle.

Based partly on a true story, Ann H. Gabhart's latest historical novel is a tour de force. The vividly rendered town of Springfield and its citizens immerse readers in a story of courage, betrayal, and honor that will stick with them long after they turn the last page.

My Thoughts:

River to Redemption is a great book! I really enjoy books by Ann Gabhart and this book was just as fantastic as her other books. This book does not disappoint, especially with the history and time period in which this book was written for. The characters are fantastic and the faith they displayed is amazing! Even when things were looking dim, they still continued to pray, believe and God still saw them through.  This book is a great romance, adventure and make sure the tissues are close by. I give this book 4.5/5 stars. A favorable review was not required and all opinions expressed here are my own. 

About the Author:

River to Redemption is a great book! I really enjoy books by Ann Gabhart and this book was just as fantastic as her other books. This book does not disappoint, especially with the history and time period in which this book was written for. The characters are fantastic and the faith they displayed is amazing! Even when things were looking dim, they still continued to pray, believe and God still saw them through.  This book is a great romance, adventure and make sure the tissues are close by.

Amish Celebrations Four Novellas By Beth Wiseman

Amish CelebrationsFour Novellas

By Beth Wiseman 

Book Description

The Gift of Sisters

Hannah and Elizabeth are fraternal twins approaching their sixteenth birthday—a time when they will be allowed to spread their wings and enjoy their rumschpringe. The sisters couldn’t be more different: Hannah is outgoing and beautiful, while Elizabeth is shy and withdrawn. And when newcomer Abraham Stoltzfus arrives in Lancaster County, both women fall head over heels for him, each fighting for his affections in their own ways and driving the sisters to turn on each other. Who will Abraham choose? And will Hannah and Elizabeth reunite after a devastating heartbreak?

A New Beginning

Rebecca and Noah are in love and about to be baptized. But when Noah decides to enjoy one last night of his rumschpringe a few weeks before the ceremony, he does something that causes Rebecca to reconsider his proposal. As Rebecca and Noah navigate the turn in their relationship, Rebecca must learn to forgive Noah or abandon her dreams of marrying him. If Noah won’t forgive himself in time for the baptism, his guilt could cause him to run from his love for Rebecca and leave his community behind.

A Perfect Plan (previously published in An Amish Wedding)

Priscilla King has been planning to marry Chester Lapp since she was sixteen years old, and when Chester pops the question on Priscilla’s nineteenth birthday, wedding plans begin immediately. But everything begins to fall apart as Chester works to build a house for his new bride, only to have one disaster after another occur. Can true love take this couple through the challenges that threaten their union, or will they begin to doubt that they are on the right path, the one God has chosen for them?

A Christmas Miracle

Mary is twenty-seven years old and already has five young children. Married to her husband at age eighteen, she wasn’t quite prepared for motherhood, and exhaustion and frustration are sending her into a downhill spiral as the holidays approach. Too proud and ashamed to ask for help, Mary’s situation begins to take a toll on her marriage. But when an elderly man in a red suit and his sidekick elf befriend Mary, showering her with wisdom and advice, she must choose to accept help, learn to cope with her situation, and ultimately find the true meaning of Christmas.

My Thoughts:

Amish Celebrations is a collection of four Novellas by Beth Wiseman of celebrations including a baptism, wedding, birthday and Christmas. I love these stories because of the faith that is interwoven in each story. What is perfect about these novellas is that you can read one each night before heading off to bed and you'll finish it that evening.

 Of course as a fan of Christmas, my favorite novella was "A Christmas Miracle." I love how Santa and his helper are forever changed by their act of kindness. These stories are heartwarming and will fill your heart with joy as you read about each family. If you enjoy Christian Amish fiction, you will enjoy this collection.

About the Author:

"I wish I had the time to review books and chat with you here, but my writing deadlines just don't allow it. Please like my Fans of Beth Wiseman Page on Facebook where I try to post any news and interact with readers." 

Beth is the best-selling and award winning author of the Daughters of the Promise series - Plain Perfect, Plain Pursuit, Plain Promise, Plain Paradise, and Plain Proposal. She is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing.