Spring For Susannah

When Susannah goes to Dakota territory as a mail-order bride she finds something she never dreamed she would--true love.

With no prospects for marriage and her parents recently deceased, Susannah Underhill agrees to go west to the Dakota territory to marry her minister's homesteading brother, Jesse. But Susannah is painfully shy, doesn't see herself as worthy of love from either a husband or from God, and lives in constant fear that Jesse is going to ship her back to Detroit.

In spite of her petite size and the fact that Susannah doesn't look like she could survive on the prairie, Jesse quickly discovers that his new wife is a greater blessing than he even hoped for. The years she spent as her father's veterinary assistant allow her to save Jesse's ox and twin calves and to help neighboring farmers with their animals.

But Susannah's feelings of unworthiness are deeply rooted, and she can't believe that Jesse's praise--or the tenderness and love he shows--could possibly last. The thawing of her heart seems almost as

distant as Spring in the midst of the winter blanketing the Dakota prairie.



Spring for Susannah is the debut novel for Catherine Richmond. A historical fiction, that takes place in Dakota Territory before there were many settlers. Susannah lost her parents and got married by proxy to Jesse Mason, brother of her Pastor at the church she attended. Jesse Mason paid her way to Dakota. Susannah never planned to be married, she had never dated and really never made friends. Susannah didn't want to any of this but did it to survive. Living in a Sod house and farming. Jesse is a kind man, loves God and has great faith in contrast Susannah didn't feel she was worthy of God's love or anyone elses. Despite her being a woman from the city she shows her strength by helping Jesse on the land to make it prosperous. In this story we watch Susannah transform for a shy, proper woman with little to no faith that God wants anything good for her to a strong, independent woman whose faith grows exponentially. This story is a beautiful story of the transforming power of unconditional love and friendship. The history was well researched, the characters real and you felt their happiness and struggles. This story was a fantastic first novel and I look forward to the other novels Catherine Richmond will write. I highly recommend this book to anyone especially those who enjoy historical fiction.

I received this book from Booksneeze to review for them.  I have not received anything for my review except this book.

Macarthur

When I requested this book from BookSneeze, I wasn't exactly sure what I was getting. I did not know much about MacArthur, but I hoped to remedy this fact by reading this book. And I did. MacArthur by Mitchell Yockelson and Stephen Mansfield tells the life story of Douglas MacArthur, starting with how his grandfather, a great judge, and his father, a hero in the War Between the States, influenced his life. This book details some of MacArthur's exploits in the Spanish-American War and tells of his heroics in World War I. But most of this book focuses on his leadership in the Pacific part of World War II where MacArthur really made his name. Then, of course, came his fall from grace, so to speak, during the Korean War.

One of the things I liked about this book was that it also told a great deal of MacArthur's personal life; it didn't just go from war to war, only telling about his exploits in those. MacArthur was a brave man; he like to lead from the front. When the Philippines were invaded, MacArthur had to be ordered to leave. Otherwise, he would have stayed with his men (and been captured, more than likely). He also was a family man; he was devoted to his mother and cared for her after his father died. He doted on his wife and son. I really enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend it, especially if you want to learn more about one of America's great heroes or the Pacific theater of World War II.

My review is done by myself with nothing paid to me.

I Used To Know That

As the 150th anniversary of the Civil War approaches, the fascination with all things Civil War continues ever more strongly. With I Used to Know That: Civil War, snippets of history class will come rushing back as you recall that:

•The mere election of Abraham Lincoln pushed seven Southern states to secede.

•Distinguished soldier and military strategist Robert E. Lee was offered command of the U.S. Army two days before he was chosen to lead the rebel army of Northern Virginia.

•Elizabeth Van Lew, a wealthy spinster who lived in the Confederate capital, feigned craziness to mask her activities as one of the Union’s most effective spies.

•Robert Smalls, a slave, absconded with a Confederate ship, went on to pilot ships for the Union Navy, and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives after the war.

Author Fred DuBose takes you beyond the history book and in a lively style brings to life colorful stories that include heroes, brilliant military strategists, blunderers, spies, wives on the home front, Underground Railroad facilitators, surgeons, and journalists who took the highs and lows of the war to the public.

As the 150th anniversary of the Civil War approaches, the fascination with all things Civil War continues ever more strongly. With I Used to Know That: Civil War, snippets of history class will come rushing back as you recall that.
•The mere election of Abraham Lincoln pushed seven Southern states to secede.
•Distinguished soldier and military strategist Robert E. Lee was offered command of the U.S. Army two
days before he was chosen to lead the rebel army of Northern Virginia•Elizabeth Van Lew, a wealthy spinster who lived in the Confederate capital, feigned craziness to mask her activities as one of the Union’s most effective spies.

•Robert Smalls, a slave, absconded with a Confederate ship, went on to pilot ships for the Union Navy, and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives after the war.

Author Fred DuBose takes you beyond the history book and in a lively style brings to life colorful stories that include heroes, brilliant military strategists, blunderers, spies, wives on the home front, Underground Railroad facilitators, surgeons, and journalists who took the highs and lows of the war to the public.

A Conflict of Interest

Alex Miller is a criminal defense attorney and, at thirty-five, the youngest partner in one of the most powerful law firms in New York City. He’s a man at the top of his game with the life he’s always dreamed of, complete with a loving wife, who remains patient with his long hours and high-stakes cases, and a beautiful young daughter.

At his father’s funeral, Alex meets Michael Ohlig—a mysterious and nearly mythic figure in the Miller family history—who presents Alex with a surprising request: to represent him in a high-profile criminal investigation . . . an alleged brokerage scam that has lost hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. Wealthy beyond words, Ohlig insists he’s done nothing wrong, and Alex, who’s experienced enough to know that clients always lie, uncharacteristically believes him.


But as the facts come out, shocking secrets are revealed that threaten everything Alex believes in—about the law, his family, and himself. But his desperate need for the truth propels Alex to unscrupulous depths, and to confront a past defined by deception and a future in jeopardy . . . with the realization that one false step could destroy everything Alex holds dear.


In an electrifying debut, the likes of which legal thriller fans have not seen since Scott Turow’s pulse-pounding thriller Presumed Innocent, Adam Mitzner tells a stunning story of suspense that heralds a bold new voice in fiction.

I was given a copy of this book to write an honest review of which I was not paid.

Living A Grateful Life

What a wonderful little book that really does remind us of all of the daily blessings that we often miss because of our busy lives.

In her writings the author reminds us of how our lives just might be a blessing to others, but more than that reminded me just how Blessed that I truly am, as I go along in my daily life, I often fail to notice the little things.

In this book the author shares stories that encouraged me to start noticing the extra- ordinary in ordinary days, because blessings abound all around us, if we only open our eyes and hearts to notice them. This book is broken down into five topical sections, they are a quiet space, finding meaning,making a difference,reinventing who you are, and a celebration of family and friends. Each topics are further broken down and have several mini stories that will uplift and inspire you. Ms. Michaud, has the amazing ability to paint a vivid picture as she weaves her words together in the stories she shares. Several of her stories really stick out in my mind, such as "A Time To Listen," she tells the reader about sitting in her backyard enjoying the sound of a chickadee.

In "The Perfect Apple Pie", a trip to an apple orchard has the author reminiscing about her grandmother, and in the "Garden Club" the author shares the immense blessing of spending a Tuesday afternoon weeding and tending garden with a group of senior citizens at a rehab facility. These are just a few of the stories that will enlighten and inspire the reader to find the joy in simple things, because truly we are Blessed. This book would make a wonderful gift, the pretty cover hints at the beautiful stories that the reader will find inside. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Foolish Heart

Isadora "Issy" Presley suffers from PTSD after witnessing a family tragedy. Plagued with the fear of leaving her home and safety of her backyard, she becomes a secret radio host for a talk show called My Foolish Heart. She gives advice on love and romance, but one caller The Boy Next Door steals her heart. Little do either of them know, they're next door neighbors. Caleb Knight aka The Boy Next Door, has just moved to Deep Haven to settle in to the small town and maybe win the coaching position. It's his chance to feel normal after his own tragedy from the war in Iraq. The question is, can these two push past their fears to find the perfect love? And what is perfect love?



My Foolish Heart is a heart pounding romance that explores deep fears and how to overcome them through the perfect love of Jesus Christ. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. I felt like I was right there in a small Minnesota town, from the dialect to the Walleye fish burgers by the shore. Susan May Warren knows how to draw a reader into a book and make them forget it's only words on a page. She creates an experience.

I appreciate Tyndale for allowing me to review this book for them! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

God's Promises

God’s Promises for the American Patriot, by Richard Lee and Jack Countryman, is a reminder that not only was America founded upon, but is infused with, Christian principles. Chapter after chapter presents examples of Christian leadership in the founding of our country, as well as it’s continuance throughout it’s history.


Lee and Countryman have provided a look at how great an impact the Word of God has had on America as a nation. The view is provided through the lens of a compilation of histories of individual leaders, along with impacting ideas, documents, people groups, organizations, and even physical structures. The individual leaders include presidents and politicians, scientists, patriots, colonists, Supreme Court justice, business men and women, scholars, a hymn writer and a philanthropist. All of whom have contributed to the shaping and development of America.


Each historical reference describes how each person or circumstance mirrors the importance of our nation as a whole following the God of the Bible in the success and longevity of America as a nation. This central theme, of giving reverence and credit to God as the force behind America’s beginnings, development and achievements, flows consistently throughout the book. The inclusion of relevant Biblical Scripture verses, capping off most chapters, make for a wonderful educational devotional book focusing on American patriotism.


I expected this read to be just another devotional book. I was wrong. It is so very much more. The historical education provided through each concise chapter is a welcome read. I enjoyed not only the entertaining history lessons, but the tidbits of information gleaned from all the research that must have gone into the writing of this book. All revealing a central faith in God, the God of the Bible, upon Whom our country is built.

This was given to me by the Thomas Nelson Company for an honest review.

The Final Summit

The Final Summit is the second book about David Ponder, our intrepid Traveler first introduced in "The Travelers Gift" in which he travels back in time and learns of the 7 decisions one needs to make in order to find great success. The Final Summit is a self-contained novel in and of itself and it is unnecessary to read The Travelers Gift in order to understand the storyline.



In The Final Summit, David Ponder is older and recently widowed. Having acheived great success by following the 7 decisions he learned during his travels as a younger man, but losing his wife, he no longer has the desire to live. But, God has other plans for him, the Archangel Gabriel comes to him and tells him that he is to lead a very important heavenly council, made up of the most influential movers and shakers the world has ever known.


A council that must come up with a two word action plan for humanity. The two word plan must be something that can be done as an individual and as a whole, something that humanity must do in order to save itself.


Calling upon some of the greatest minds that have ever lived, they discuss and present the princicples that mankind needs to implement. The Archangel Gabriel, the arbiter of this council, gives them enigmatic clues that ultimately lead them to the one principle that will save humanity.


I loved the way this book presented the guiding principles that the main historical figures represented and modeled in their lifetimes. The principles presented in the book were backed up by historically accurate details, concerning the main figures. It provided an interesting look into just how they embodied the particular principles they presented to the council. All in all, an interesting and fun way to learn the guiding principles we should all endeavor to emulate.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Breath Of God

Emory University doctorate student Grant Matthews knows he is running out of time on submitting his thesis. His topic focuses on the impact other cultures had on the early development of Christianity. In particular over the objections of the school's advisory board, he pursues a legend of an Asian boy traveling fourteen-fifteen centuries before Marco Polo went the other way.



In Asia, he learns from Buddhist monks that what he seeks might exist in one of the monasteries in Bhutan. He journeys to the Himalayan nation where his guide is a former Buddhist monk working to feed his family. He learns more about Issa and the lad's spiritual journey that affirms his subject loved and wrote down his travels. Grant meets Kristin Misaki and soon finds the treasure he sought. However, what happened to a Russian late in the nineteenth century when he made the same discovery soon proves history repeats itself. Christian fundamentalists are willing to kill, destroy or hide to prevent anything heretical that affirms that the early founders were in touch with other cultures for some of the religion's critical foundations coming east to west.


This is a super Brownian thriller that is at its best when the beleaguered hero is in Asia pursuing the Issa documents amidst Buddhist monks. The Christian conspiracy to shut down the heresy feels more like a sub-genre requirement and detracts from a powerful insightful novel. Still, based on a real Russian Notovitch was condemned as a heretic for publishing his finding of the Saint Issa scrolls in Himis, India, as those ancient documents explained the "Lost Years of Jesus", overall The Breath of God is a terrific tale.

Bound By Guilt

Talking with an author like Susanne Lakin, you might have your doubts. But when it came time for me to use my own brain, I ignored every negative word Susanne had to say, because she was just wrong. And I agree with what authors like Francine Rivers, Jerry Jenkins and Bodie Thoene had to say. They believe in the talent that was put on paper, and I do too! This girl has what it takes to write a great book, and then back it up with a 2nd one, and you don't want to miss "Bound by Guilt," so don't!



Meet a life where a last name like Gold doesn't exactly glitter as such. That would be young Roxi. Simply to be accepted, that's all she wants, and the things she does are not the right way to get attention. She steals rare books with a young man named Diego, and a woman named Irene, and they go to great lengths to get what they want!


Abby Dawson is a cop with a rough edge to her at times. She does her job well, but she doesn't like it. Around the same time her brother is gunned down, she happens to get suspended without pay from her job for showing that rough edge to the Mayor's wife. But needless to say, somebody is going to pay for what happened to her brother. He had his dreams, and just like that, they are gone and done with. York now, but I'm sticking with my people! C.J. Darlington is definitely one of my people. And she's done more to earn my respect with just two books than some authors do in a lifetime. Way to go!!


The paths of Roxi and Abby will eventually cross. What will happen?


You can see the work that Darlington puts into her books. She is no slouch. She might be a newer author, but handles the task at hand like a true master! I don't care what some people might say, because I really enjoy getting lost in what this new, young talent has to offer. It is more than good enough for me.