the passion returned for this little girl....

who once dreamt of horses

she's willing to brush a coat
step up to say "I love you, Zach"

the willingness returned for this little girl....

who once giggled with happiness

when the time to ride arrived
so what happened?

perhaps the time apart was fruitful
in its own right

we will not understand
but I'm thankful to God that HE

can fashion in her heart this love again...

and she will ride!

*the photo was taken at a fair about 5 years ago. always, one of my favorites

A Simple Song

Katrina Yoder loves to sing, but her Amish parents view singing as vainglory and a sin. Katrina's best friend, Bekka, is convinced Katrina should try out for American Star, a televised singing competition that Bekka has been secretly watching. Katrina resists the temptation until her father's health worsens. He desperately needs a surgery the family cannot afford. Katrina decides she must go against her parents' wishes to win the money needed to help her father. But how will she handle herself as an Amish teenager out in the world?

Teen girls will be swept into the excitement as Katrina ventures out of her quiet Amish world to become a reality television star. Will she be successful? And will she be accepted back into her community when it's over?

Melody Carlson has written a gem! I allowed my preteen daughter to read it and between the two of us, it was decided that the story was sweet and quite satisfactory! We are American Idol fans here, and as the story line reminded us of that, but held its own characteristics within the realm of Christian fiction.

Katrina is a character you absolutely root for. Her journey is one that is filled to the brim with decisions and also surprises. I absolutely loved the side story pertaining to her grandmother. Will Katrina be truthful to her heart and sound in faith? And will her dad receive the treatment he needs? I enjoyed my own journey to finding the answers to these questions!

Thank you to Revell for the complementary copy in return for a review.

Deadly Devotion- a review

Research scientist Kate Adams and her colleague Daisy are on the brink of a breakthrough for treating depression with herbal medicine when Daisy suddenly dies. Kate knows that if it hadn't been for Daisy's mentorship, she wouldn't have the job she loves or the faith she clings to. So when police rule Daisy's death a suicide, Kate is determined to unearth the truth.

Former FBI agent Tom Parker finds it hard to adjust to life back in his hometown of Port Aster. Though an old buddy gives him a job as a detective on the local police force, not everyone approves. Tom's just trying to keep a low profile, so when Kate Adams demands he reopen the investigation of her friend's death, he knows his job is at stake. In fact, despite his attraction to her, Tom thinks Kate looks a bit suspicious herself.

As evidence mounts, a web of intrigue is woven around the sleepy town of Port Aster. Can Kate uncover the truth? Or will Tom stand in her way?

The first installment of the Port Astor Secrets series gives the right amount of mystery blended with a little bit of romance. Kate is a determined woman trying to find the proper justice for her friend, Daisy. Tom is a man who decides to help Kate- but off the record. Whenever something becomes "off the record," the story is bound to be interesting! Sandra Orchard does not disappoint!

Twists and turns are very believable....and the relationship of Kate and Tom will just have to continue.

I received a complimentary copy from Revell Publishing in return for an honest review.

These spring days..

Turning into summer

Mostly mind-challenging, trying to complete

What I must complete

Do what I must do

It's tiring, painful, but blessed, I know, by God....

He makes these flowers, which my littlest

So enjoys

To pick for me from our own yard

And extend with his hand....

Gifts. In pink. Yellow. White.

Their green stems sometimes long enough.

Other times, just enough to set within a little saucer.

I love his utter joy in giving me such growing, living things.

Many times, my own growing is stunted. Refusing to turn colors. Where are MY stems?

I should trust. Be diligent. Not forget. Worry less. Give grace to myself more.

I'll start by learning a lesson from my own child. And enjoy what is in my front yard, the backyard.

When Love Calls, a review

Hannah Gregory is good at many things, but that list doesn’t include following rules. So when she is forced to apply for a job as a telephone switchboard operator to support her two sisters, she knows it won’t be easy. “Hello Girls” must conduct themselves according to strict-and often bewildering-rules. No talking to the other girls. No chatting with callers. No blowing your nose without first raising your hand. And absolutely no consorting with gentlemen while in training.

Meanwhile, young lawyer Lincoln Cole finds himself in the unfortunate position of having to enforce the bank’s eviction of the three Gregory girls from their parents’ home. He tries to soften the blow by supporting them in small ways as they settle into another home. But fiery Hannah refuses his overtures and insists on paying back every cent of his charity.

When one of Hannah’s friends finds himself on the wrong side of a jail cell, Hannah is forced to look to Lincoln for help. Will it be her chance to return to her dreams of studying law? And could she be falling in love.



The eldest daughter, taking care of her younger siblings, has quite the responsibility. And as a Hello Girl, that responsibility is even more difficult for a girl such as Hannah Gregory. She is a delightful, spunky character, who does not take to instantly to the rules she must follow. Somehow, she must manage. And, she must manage the pull she has towards the lawyer who was the messenger to their homelessness. Add to that, the troublesome activities concerning the unions and a longtime friend. Never a dull moment, in this fabulous romance by Lorna Seilstad!

Thank you to Revell for the complimentary copy in return for my honest opinions.

The Artist's Daughter, a review

When Alexandra Kuykendall became a mother it was the beginning of a soul-searching journey that took her into her past and made her question everything she'd experienced--and a lot of what she hadn't. The only daughter of a single, world-traveling mother and an absent artist father, Alexandra shares her unique quest to answer universal questions: Am I lovable? Am I loved? Am I loving?

In short, moving episodes, Alexandra transports readers into a life that included a childhood in Europe, a spiritual conversion marked more by questions than answers, a courtship in the midst of a call to be with troubled teens, marriage and motherhood--and always, always, the question of identity. Through her personal journey, women will discover their own path to understanding the shape of their lives and a deeper sense of God's intimate presence within it.

Truly a touching, retrospective memoir. Lovely prose, mindful thoughts, challenging questions. All thoughtfully administered through pages of her life, and wanting to see The Lord in and of it. I looked forward to reading this...delighted at the end. I'd considerate it a lovely addition to a woman's library- with it's meaningful expressions and encouragement.

Thank you to Revell for the complimentary review copy.

When A Secret Kills, a review

Investigative reporter Jillian Carter knows it's time to put the past to rest. She's tired of looking over her shoulder, letting a killer go free. She's no longer the scared kid who changed her name and disappeared. Now, no matter what the cost, Jillian must do what she is trained to do--ferret out the truth and expose it. Senator Frank Hoffman committed murder ten years ago--and Jillian watched it happen.

Didn't she?

Not even the enigmatic and attractive Colton Brady, her ex-boyfriend and nephew of the killer, will be able to make her leave this alone. Get ready for the spine-tingling, nail-biting conclusion to an explosive series.



A superb third novel to a thrilling series...no one does suspense like Lynette Easton. Jillian is submerged in peril because she witnessed a murder, and the man she loves is a close relation to the man she saw commit the murder. Amazing plot, plenty of twists...it's a chase to the end to find out what exactly happened. And why. Easton pens brilliant mysteries, and with this conclusion does nothing less than surprise you and allow you to feel every twist and turn. Loved every minute of this book...fun to read but delivers a great punch!

Thank you to Revell Publishing for the complimentary review copy.