The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

The Hiding Place, written by Corrie ten Boom, is a true story about the author's experiences during the holocaust. Corrie ten Boom was a leader in the Underground. With the help of her family, she kept many Jews safe from the Nazis. However, she was eventually caught, and along with her family, thrown into prison and a concentration camp.

This inspirational story is about how Corrie found faith and held onto it for dear life. She witnessed many miracles, but the greatest miracle to me, is that Corrie and her sister, Betsie, were able to maintain such a positive outlook because of their unwavering faith in God. I mean, Betsie prays IN GRATITUDE for the fleas in the bunker, which do, amazingly enough, turn out to have a good purpose.

Here is a brief excerpt:

"Corrie Ten Boom stood naked with her older sister Betsie, watching a concentration camp matron beating a prisoner. "Oh, the poor woman," Corrie cried. "Yes. May God forgive her," Betsie replied. And, once again, Corrie realized that it was for the souls of the brutal Nazi guards that her sister prayed."

The Hiding Place is a life-changing classic. It is a quick read. Although it is about the holocaust, it is not deeply depressing but enlightening. I hope you enjoy it! It is one of the best books I have ever read.

The above review was published on this blog in 2008.

Grace's Note, 2019: What an incredible book. I'm 13 and I loved it. Have your kids read it! It's informational about WWII and uplifting.

The Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson and Sarah Clarkson

Friends! The Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson and Sarah Clarkson is a beautifully inspiring book for mothers.

Do you want to know how much I love this book? I purchased it on audible, on kindle, and in paperback...and I'm giving it to my sisters for their birthdays. Shhhh!

And...I want to give one to you, too! The publisher didn't send this one to me; I just really want to share it! GO ENTER OUR 3 BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Ok. So, why do I love this book so much? Let me count the ways.

The Lifegiving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming is about making home a place of beauty, a place of discipleship to God, a place of learning, a place of celebration, a place of love.

I highlighted many sections as I read. Sarah Clarkson says, "Home is not merely a dwelling. It's not merely a state of existence. It's a story, a narrative spun out day by day, a story molded by the walls and hours and tasks and feasts with which we fill our time, reflecting the reality of the God whose love animates every aspect of our being."

I love all of the little and bigger ideas they share. As we slowly weave these ideas into our own homes, they become vibrant places where life and love are celebrated. For example, I loved their idea about having a chalkboard on the front porch to welcome guests. I have incorporated this simple idea. In the book, I found this wonderful quote by J. Brillat-Savarin: "To invite someone into your home is to take charge of their happiness for as long as they are under your roof."

In a world in turmoil, both natural and manmade, we may feel that there isn't much hope. This book is full of hope. Mother Teresa said, "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family."

Word to the Wise: I enjoyed the whole book. I have, however, heard from a couple people that they didn't love the beginning. It waxes a bit poetic and maybe idealistic at first. BUT, everyone I know that has gotten into the monthly themed chapters has found the book profoundly helpful and even life-changing...or I suppose we could say, lifegiving. :)

A sequel to this book, The Lifegiving Table, is being released tomorrow. As you can imagine, I'm pretty excited about that. It speaks specifically of using our tables for discipleship and discusses how the Savior used food to minister to others.

Oh, and as if I haven't fan-girled enough here, I'm also in love with Sally's podcast. You can find it here.

One more thing. Marlene Peterson, founder of Libraries of Hope, has created a new resource for mothers who want to gather and learn together. Mothers of Influence groups will study A Mother's Influence, the Delphian courses, and The Lifegiving Home. As I learn more about Mothers of Influence, I will share here. It sounds dreamy.

Book Review: Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven by Todd Burpo

Just before Colton turned four, he had a life-changing experience. During an emergency surgery when he almost died, Colton visited Heaven.

Over the next several years, he told his parents bits and pieces of his astounding story, revealing that he met Jesus, his miscarried sister, his deceased grandfather, and many others in Heaven.

This quick read is a bestseller, but I admit that I don't believe it completely.

Pros: It helps readers imagine Heaven, makes Jesus feel personable and shows His love for children, and supports the idea of eternal families.

Cons: I don't believe angels have wings. Four-year-olds can have pretty vivid imaginations, especially when they are exciting the interest of their parents. It was months after the surgery when Colton first mentioned having an out-of-body experience.

Who knows? It was an interesting read, and I don't feel like it was a waste of my time. My guess is that sweet Colton had some type of wonderful near-death experience, but the story became embellished over the years.

Heaven is for Real is written and narrated by Colton's father, who is a pastor. It is engaging, although it felt stretched a bit to be book-length. Also, the father's never-ending surprise with every new revelation about Colton's vision/dream/whatever you want to call it, was rather tiresome.

Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

It is rumored that Abraham Lincoln met Harriet Beecher Stowe at the beginning of the Civil War and said, "So this is the little lady who started this great war."

Despite changing the course of America's history, this is a book many people have heard of, but far fewer have read.

Well-drawn characters are interwoven in a web of stories that portray life in the slave states. Through unimaginable trials, most of the slaves in the story buckle under pressure and lose hope. However, some stay strong and true to their Christian faith.

Uncle Tom is a strong character who looks to God for guidance. When all the other slaves buckle under the pressure of a tyrannical slave-owner, he stands strong in his faith and doesn't budge.

What a beautiful example of true Christianity! Tom realizes that no matter what is done to him on Earth, he will be rewarded in Heaven for sticking to his morals and his God.

Well-written, although definitely written with an anti-slavery slant that sometimes comes before the story itself, this book instantly rose to be on my list of most wonderful, life-changing, powerful books.

I highlighted a few parts of this classic as I read. One sentence that struck me was this: "It's pretty generally understood that men don't aspire after the absolute right, but only to do about as well as the rest of the world." This is only too true. How often do we do things just because it is commonly accepted? Whether or not they are right?

Highly recommended for teens and adults.

Bonds that Make Us Free by C. Terry Warner

Book Review: Bonds that Make Us Free: Healing our Relationships, Coming to Ourselves by C. Terry Warner.

I'm not sure where to start with this book. It's about facing up to things. Being who you really are. Not making excuses, and just doing and being. It's about relationships, but it's less about relationships with others than it is about not deceiving ourselves.

Bonds that Make Us Free is insightful. It's a book that could probably help just about anybody, and for some, will be utterly life-changing.

A friend pointed out that this book is unique. Most psychiatrics, psychologists, sociologists will say that you are how you are because so-and-so did such-and-such to you. C. Terry Warner basically says, "Get over it. Act out of love. Choose now not to let other things effect you, and just be who you are supposed to be." Of course, that's some really lame paraphrasing.

Since I'm at such a loss for a good description, I'm going to step aside and let Amazon do the explaining.


Life can be sweet. Our relationships with friends, spouses, colleagues, and family members can be wonderfully rewarding. They can also bring heartache, frustration, anxiety, and anger. We all know the difference between times when we feel open, generous, and at ease with people versus times when we are guarded, defensive, and on edge.

Why do we get trapped in negative emotions when it's clear that life is so much fuller and richer when we are free of them?

Bonds That Make Us Free is a ground-breaking book that suggests the remedy for our troubling emotions by addressing their root causes. You'll learn how, in ways we scarcely suspect, we are responsible for feelings like anger, envy, and insecurity that we have blamed on others. (How many times have you said, "You're making me mad!")

Even though we fear to admit this, it is good news. If we produce these emotions, it falls within our power to stop them. But we have to understand our part in them far better than we do, and that is what this remarkable book teaches.
Because the key is seeing truthfully, the book itself is therapeutic. As you read and identify with the many true stories of people who have seen a transformation in their lives, you will find yourself reflecting with fresh honesty upon your relationships. This will bond you to others in love and respect and lift you out of the negative thoughts and feelings that have held you captive. You will feel your heart changing even as you read.

"It would not be accurate to describe this book as supplying the truths upon which we must build our lives," writes author C. Terry Warner. "Instead it shows how we can put ourselves in that receptive, honest, and discerning condition that will enable us, any of us, to find these truths on our own."

Finding these truths is the key to healing our relationships and coming to ourselves, and Bonds That Make Us Free starts us on that great journey.

So, I highly recommend this book if you want to improve the way you live, but you have to be willing to read a pretty long, heavy book first. :) Good luck.

Stand for the Family by Sharon Slater

I know. This book is all I can talk about lately. I wrote more about it, though, for Latter-day Homeschooling and thought I might as well share it here, too. (Don't forget to sign the petition...See the end of the post! Thanks!)




Stand for the Family by Sharon Slater

If you've followed Latter-day Homeschooling for a while, you know I'm a serious book-lover. What you probably don't know about me is that I am a rather mellow, laid back kind of person.

There are a few things, though, that I feel very passionate about. Family is one of them, and more specifically, defending the family, as explained in this book.

Stand for the Family has called me to action. Have you ever wondered what it means to 'stand/fight for the family'? I have. I had the desire to do it, but I didn't know how.

Stand for the Family clearly states how each one of us can fight for the institution of the family (and make a real difference!), as well as why it is important.

Speaking of important, there are several books that I consider Must-Reads (The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease, The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver DeMille...), but I don't think any book I've ever read is more pertinent for our generation as parents. It opened my eyes.

I know. It sounds like I'm bearing my testimony or something. I guess I sort of am.

My husband and I went to hear Sharon Slater speak last week. Before the event, my husband was really dragging his feet. He didn't think he'd hear anything he hadn't heard before. She told a couple stories from the book and illustrated how even a full-time mom with fishy crackers in her purse can make a genuine difference...worldwide!

During her speech, I didn't know if my husband was interested or even listening.

When Sharon Slater closed her remarks, I headed to the back to purchase ten books. (Yes, 10!) As I started the transaction, my husband came up behind me and said, "Make it 20."

What is it about Stand for the Family that empowers two laid-back people to make a stand? Well, besides being a critical issue that we believe in, Sharon Slater shows over and over through research in her book, that it is best for society to preserve the family. It is well-written and well-documented.

Honestly, what else can I say? Please go read this book! And if you want to start standing for the family right now, check out the website Family Watch International and sign the petition at the bottom of the page.

For a breakdown of the chapters in Stand for the Family and to view the press release, click here.


Emily is passionate about books (especially this one). You can find more of her book reviews, as well as day-to-day ramblings at Homespun Light.

The Mailbox by Marybeth Whalen

Book Review: The Mailbox by Marybeth Whalen

For years, Lindsey has taken a trip to 'The Mailbox' on the beach, where she writes to the anonymous Kindred Spirit. Each summer, she pours her heart out in her letters.

This year will be the first where she'll have to admit that her marriage is over, and she is at the beach without her husband. Lindsey is reminded of her first love, and the hurt she felt when he betrayed her.

When he shows up in her life again, Lindsey will have to decide if she can open her heart up to love again.

This is a book about forgiveness, faith in God, love, and second chances.

I enjoyed it and recommend it to readers of Christian Romance. The plot is clever and well-woven. I love the idea of the mailbox (which apparently really exists.)

Book Review: Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther by Ginger Garrett

Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther by Ginger Garrett

You know I read a lot. A lot, a lot. This book intrigued me from the get-go, and it was worth all the anticipation. I loved it. It's one of those books that, as I finished, I started thinking of all the people I wanted to pass it along to, so we could talk about it.

Esther is a beautiful, orphan girl, in love for the first time. She spends her days selling lamb meat that she can't afford to taste.

She has her trials, but she is happy, until she is wrenched away from everything she knows and cares about.

King Xerxes desires a new Queen, nevermind that he already has a whole harem of women already at his disposal.

Esther is chosen as one of many girls to go the palace and be prepared for one night with the King. As a Jew, she believes that sex should be between one woman and one man who have a life-long commitment to each other. Despite this, she feels that God is directing events.

I wouldn't give anything away, except you know this story, don't you? If not, stop reading.

Esther is chosen to be Queen, and she and the King share a love for one another. However, when a decree goes out that all Jews are to be executed, Esther must risk her life, revealing the she is a Jew, to save her people.

This book gave me a lot of food for thought.

In terms of cleanliness, there is talk of preparing for sex. Esther is given sensuality lessons and rubbed with oil daily to prepare for the King's touch. However, the sexuality does not go any farther than that. I consider this a clean read, although I'd only recommend it to adults because of subject matter.

The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas

The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas

Book Review by Emily

Here's what I want to ask this book...Where have you been all my life? I wonder how I never read this classic until now. It's amazing.

Marcellus Gallio, a Roman Tribune, is ordered to crucify Jesus. Although he believes Jesus is innocent of any crime, he follows orders. During the crucifixion, he takes the Robe that Jesus wore.

That dark day nearly kills Marcellus. He is overwhelmed with guilt and curiosity. Marcellus travels to Galillee to learn more about this mysterious man who was crucified, taking the Robe along.

This historical fiction classic tells the story of one man's quest for the meaning of life. Full of faith, love, and adventure, this book has it all.

This is not a quick and easy read, by any means, but if you are in the mood for an inspiring Christian classic, this might be the one for you.

Recommended for adults and teens who enjoy classics.

Book Review: The Shakeress by Kimberley Heuston Book Review

The Shakeress by Kimberley Heuston

Review by Me (I could really use some reader reviews!!!)

We've all heard that we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but I still do sometimes. I mean, I dive into some review books the moment I receive them. Others (I admit) sit on the shelf for quite some time. I'm afraid The Shakeress is one of the latter. Little did I know, it would be such a treat when I finally got around to it.

The Shakeress takes place in the early 1800's during a spiritual revival. Naomi's parents have recently passed away, and she feels the burden of caring for her siblings. Naomi decides to move in with a Shaker community that will take care of them.

Naomi helps with gardening and doctoring. She enjoys her work in the community, but, as she grows up, she feels the urge to move on.

She finds a position as a doctor, leaving her family and community behind.

What makes this book so great, are the characters. Readers will relate to Naomi, and in so doing, will look inside themselves for answers to life's great questions.

The Shakeress is an interesting glimpse into life during this historical period, and particularly into the lives of the Shakers and early Mormons.

For more historical fiction/non-fiction book reviews, click here.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis

Review by Me, Emily

Can I just recommend that you go buy a complete set of Chronicles of Narnia? We read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in January. I was amazed that even Welly (who was 3 at the time) was able to grasp the story. Both of my kids were absolutely enraptured. We read the whole thing in 3 days.

Since then, we have talked about Narnia off and on as we have read many other wonderful books. This week Welly grabbed the massive Chronicles of Narnia volume off the bookshelf and asked to read more.

This time, we started at the very beginning (a very good place to start...) with The Magician's Nephew. Again, the story captured them up and whisked them away into a land of beautiful imaginings.

In this tale of Narnia, Digory and Polly go exploring. They plan to check out an empty house, but accidentally end up in Digory's crazy uncle's study. Uncle Andrew has evil plans. He sends them off to another world. The first world they come to is Charn, a dying world with an evil queen. The queen follows Digory and Polly home to Earth and wreaks all kinds of havoc.

The children try to return the queen to her world, but end up in a new world altogether...Narnia. The children witness Narnia's creation by Aslan. The scene is beautiful. Aslan sings the world to life.

I'm sure we'll read the rest of the chronicles soon.

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I am also reviewing a preschool book (an absolute favorite) over at Simple Kids today.

Blog Tour: Bo's Cafe by John Lynch, Bill Thrall, and Bruce McNicol

Bo's Cafe by John Lynch, Bill Thrall, and Bruce McNicol

Review by Emily

Steven Kerner may appear to be successful. He is a thriving executive, after all. But in reality, his life is in shambles. His coworkers dislike him. His wife and daughter are ready to leave him for good. Steven doesn't have anyone to turn to.

He ends up at a run-down old restaurant where he meets an unusual old man. Andy seems to know a lot about Steven and his personal life. Steven doesn't trust Andy but doesn't know where else to go.

Through a series of counseling type meetings, Andy and Steven are able to open up to one another. They discuss faith in Christ, relationships, and allowing others (and oneself) to see the real you.

This book has been compared to The Shack by Wm. Paul Young. Personally, I thought The Shack was a bit out-there. Bo's Cafe reminded me a lot more of Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. It is certainly preachy, but the points are interesting and valid. So, if you are in the mood to be preached to (and inspired), this may be the book for you. Furthermore, if The Shack and Tuesdays with Morrie (both huge bestsellers) are two of your favorite books, you should probably read Bo's Cafe right away.

If you aren't sure yet if this book is for you, check out some of the other reviews:

September 28th

http://deenasbooks.blogspot.com/

http://www.thinkinggirlsguide.blogspot.com/

http://frugalplus.com/http://bridget3420.blogspot.com/

http://abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com/

September 29th

http://sharonsgardenofbookreviews.blogspot.com/

http://libslibrary.blogspot.com/

http://metroreader.blogspot.com/

http://reviewfromhere.com/

http://www.runpinne.blogspot.com/

September 30th

http://dixie-afewofmyfavoritethings.blogspot.com/

http://www.mgpblog.com/

http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/

http://www.cornhuskeracademy.blogspot.com/

http://www.crazy-for-books.com/

October 1st

http://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com/

http://hopeofglory.typepad.com/

http://booktumbling.wordpress.com/

http://www.hip2bhomeschooling.blogspot.com/

http://www.psalm516.blogspot.com/

October 2nd

http://berlysue.blogspot.com/

http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/

http://molcotw.blogspot.com/

http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com/

http://justanothernewblog.blogspot.com/

Halfway to Each Other by Susan Pohlman

Halfway to Each Other by Susan Pohlman: How a year in Italy brought our family home.

Review by Me, Emily

Susan and Tim Pohlman plan to divorce after their business trip to Italy. While in Italy, however, they decide to give their family one last chance. Bringing their two teenaged children, they pack up their lives and move to Italy for a year.

Sounds romantic, huh?

They put everything on the line. Life isn't always easy halfway around the world. They don't even speak the language.

But the difficulties (and the beauties) of living in Italy bring their family closer together.

Susan Pohlman writes with such honesty. Her stories are full of humor and heart. I'm not much for memoirs myself, but this one was one of the most enjoyable I've ever read. A talented writer, a unique yet relatable plot, and lots of laughs.

I definitely recommend Halfway to Each Other.

PS. It would make a great book club book.

When We Were Saints by Han Nolan

WHEN WE WERE SAINTS by Han Nolan
Review by Joyce Moyer Hostetter, author

Wow! I scratched my head the whole time I was reading this book. I think I was trying to figure out if it was an allegory. There was such an air of unreality about it.

But perhaps, that is how another person's deeply religious experience always seems to someone else. Turns out this was a novel - the story of Archie Caswell's spiritual journey. Archie is a teen with a guilty conscience. So he's vulnerable. To make matters worse, his best friend moves away. So he's lonely.

Enter Clare, a mysterious girl with a message from God. Archie is captivated with her religious fervor and with the beauty and gentleness that seem to radiate from her. He is willing to try her religious rituals in hopes of overcoming the guilt he feels surrounding his grandfather's death. But he wants more than to be rid of guilt. He wants all that goodness he sees in Clare.

He does have some transcendent moments when he feels that God is with him, in him, and all around him. He has just enough of them to keep him following his new spiritual leader. He sometimes questions her decisions but mostly he sees how selfless she is and chides himself for doubting. And he questions himself, feeling guilty that he does not love God enough.

He wishes he, too, could go without food and devote himself to prayer. But hunger makes him grumpy and that adds to his guilt. There are moments when his relationship with Clare wears thin but she is so singly focused on becoming a saint, so forgiving and kind in response to him, that he always comes back to trusting her.Then eventually he has to make a choice - to listen to and trust the voice of God speaking within him OR to continue blindly follow Clare.

When We Were Saints includes a Reader Chat Page with thought-provoking questions. And readers will likely have many questions of their own as they follow this story. Lots of food for thought here. Lots of lively discussion potential!

A great read for anyone struggling with issues of faith! And for anyone interested in exploring the interplay of psychology and spirituality.

Han Nolan is author of If I Should Die Before I Wake (1994); the National Book Award finalist Send Me Down a Miracle (1996); the National Book Award winner Dancing on the Edge (1997); A Face in Every Window (1999); Born Blue (2001) and A Summer of Kings (2006).

The Message by Lance Richardson and The Burning Within by Ranelle Wallace

Have you ever read a book about a near-death experience? I have read two, and they have been life-changing books for me.

The Message by Lance Richardson

Lance had been through one medical problem after another. One Christmas morning, while testing out a new motorcycle for the kids, he was in an accident. The hospital put him in a coma while his body recovered.

While in a coma, Lance was able to visit the Spirit World, where he conversed with friends and family who had passed on.

He was also able, at times, to return to the Earth to be near his family. He saw how deceased members of his family were involved in the lives of those he loved.

I have felt the presence and support of deceased loved ones in my life, as well. I enjoyed reading about how it works.

The Burning Within by RaNelle Wallace

RaNelle and Terry Wallace were in a plane crash. Terry walked away with only minor burns, but RaNelle was severely burned. Hours after the crash, she died. Her account of the heavens is beautifully written and inspiring. She speaks of the overpowering love of God and man.

I reflect on the following quote often: "...I was seeing my entire life...Entirety does not describe the fullness of this review. It included knowledge about myself, that all the books in the world couldn't contain. I understood every reason for everything I did in my life. And I also understood the impact I had on others."

She goes on to give accounts of people she helped in life and others who she failed to help. This section of the book has helped me look outside myself and seek out opportunities to be God's hand in this life.

The Burning Within is not only a Near-Death Experience. It is a story of love, overcoming the unimaginable, and of RaNelle finding herself. The NDE is actually a relatively small portion of the book.

Both of these books have helped me have an eternal perspective. They have helped me stop and think about how the things I do influence others. I am grateful to have read them. They aren’t perfect books, and of course they are not on the level of scripture, but they have changed my life for the better.

The Thirteenth Skull by Rick Yancey

The Thirteenth Skull by Rick Yancey

Review by Cindy of Diggin Up Bohns

After saving the world from complete destruction twice, you'd think Alfred could get a chance to sit back and relax for a bit. Nope. This book takes up just minutes after The Seal of Solomon ends, and it's back into the fray for Alfred.

If you haven't heard of this series (and it seems to be a well kept secret), you are missing out. Alfred is an unlikely hero. He's a pretty normal guy. But he finds him self over and over again in extraordinary situations.

I don't want to say too much here, in case you haven't read the first two, but I will say that several characters are back. The most frightening this time around, though, is Special Operative Nueve, a complete psychopath who is either Alfred's only hope or his worst nightmare.

I love this series! Alfred is such a great character. I think what makes him so appealing is that he has absolute certainty that he really is no one special. But he's the only one who can do what he does. He makes the right choice, again and again, even if that is a tough choice for himself. He never fails. That's what I love about him.

Highly recommended. However, this is a violent series, with lots of religious references, but it would be great for most teens. Plenty of action, no real language, and a great hero.

Sisters, Ink by Rebeca Seitz

Sisters, Ink by Rebeca Seitz

Review by Mary Saltzmann

While looking for scrapbook books in my county library system I found the novel Sisters, Ink by Rebeca Seitz and, since it was also labeled as Christian, decided to check it out. I enjoyed it a lot. It was a quick read for me and very engaging. I knew I was enjoying it when I did not skip ahead to read due to boredom!
The story is about opening one’s heart to God and letting Him into our lives. It is about family ties. It is about love—of God, oneself, and others.

The main character is Tandy Sinclair. She is a very successful attorney in a big city who goes to her small hometown to visit her widowed father and three foster sisters. They are a very loving family and all share a faith in God and a passion for scrapbooking. Well, their father does not scrapbook, but he has kept his late wife’s attic turned scrapbook studio as it was before she died so his daughters can get together there to scrapbook and spend time together.
As the sisters scrapbook and spend time together they encourage, tease, and straightforwardly ask Tandy about her reasons for being in a big city instead of back home with them, and about her first love Clay. Clay has returned to Stars Hill after being in the military, a decision that caused he and Tandy to go their separate ways after high school. Of course, Tandy and Clay run into each other a few times. They rehash their past together and discuss why they are where they are today and their future plans.
Rebeca Seitz has written a very nice story about life unfolding, about being aware of the decisions we make and why we make them, and of the importance of God and family in one’s life.
I thought of this site when I was reading the book; I would call it a clean read. There is kissing, but no graphic details. The characters are mindful of modesty, of how their actions could affect others. One character does decide to wear a dress that is revealing in the back, yet the author treats the situation well. I enjoyed it and recommend it.

Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy

Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy

Review by Emily, DCR's Head Mama

whimsy

I receive quite a few Review Copies of books I don't request. Because they are not books I choose to fit my personal tastes, few really appeal to me.

Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy is one that did.

Schoolmarm Grace Calhoun may seem like just another tightwad teacher at first, but there is so much more to her. Adopted by an abusive father, she has overcome many trials and discovered how brave she can be.

She always wanted to be a teacher, but now that she is realizing her dream, she can't get the 5 Reeves brothers in her class to behave. Their father is no better. She calls him the leader of the rats. "The man had the intelligence of the average fence post, the personality of a wounded warthog, and the stubbornness of a flea-bitten mule. Grace silently apologized to all the animals she'd just insulted."

When Grace's father shows up intending to kill her, she makes a wild escape that leads her to a winter she'll never forget...stuck with the Reeves family.

Calico Canyon is a great romantic comedy. It is apparently the sequel to Petticoat Ranch, which I've never read. So, I'd probably start with that one, although this book can stand alone.

It is set in the year 1867 in a small town in Texas.

The story reminded me of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at times. So, if that is your kind of thing, try this one out. It's a lot of fun.

I Am Not Wolf by Roger Terry

“I Am Not Wolf” by Roger Terry
Review by Natalie Smith, regular contributor

I was intrigued first because of this title, and second because of the picture on the front. It’s true that generally you can’t judge a book by its cover, but this one was really interesting to me, and I borrowed it from the library.

Because “I Am Not Wolf” was in the LDS section of our library, I was expecting to read a story about conversion to the LDS Church, and instead I came away with a very different idea of what West Germany was like during the 1970s. This book barely mentions the LDS Church, except to state how the missionaries look from the eyes of an outsider with a very different lifestyle.

“I Am Not Wolf” follows a young American, David, who goes to West Germany and meets his best friend, Wolf. They have some adventures, and while the book is somewhat formulaic in places, it’s also such an interesting study in culture and personality that it keeps the attention. I recommend this one to adults because of their comprehension of repercussions of the Berlin Wall, although it would be appropriate for young adults, as well, especially if they have studied this time period.

Papua New Guinea, Notes from a Spinning Planet by Melody Carlson

Papua New Guinea, Notes from a spinning planet by Melody Carlson

Review by Laura

This book is for older teens/adults
Christian focus throughout

Maddie Chase travels with her Aunt Sid to Papua New Guinea to write a story about the changes that have taken place on this beautiful island since it become independent. She and her Aunt quickly realize they may have gotten themselves in deeper than they thought as they learn about the growing AIDS epidemic and high crime rate, especially in crimes against women/girls.

It deals with the growing AIDS crisis, and how it is not just the ‘bad girls/boys’ who get it. Maddie and her Aunt learn that women here, as in many other countries, are devalued. They are faced with cultural issues/prejudice against women who have been raped. They learn that many parts of the world judge Americans on our TV and think that all Americans are just as they are portrayed on TV (lacking Christian values/upbringing).

As they discover the beauty of the land and people they must also discover the hidden secret of the country, AIDS. Together they find that even in the darkness there is hope, and that sometimes God can use the worst life can throw at us to overcome our own fears, and strengthen our faith.