One Glorious Ambition - Fiction, Novelized Biography

One Glorious Ambition

By Jane Kirkpatrick

One Glorious Ambition is the novelized account of the life of Dorthea Dix.  Dorthea Dix spent her early years helping her younger brothers and herself survive a life of poverty and an abusive father.  Dorthea’s mother suffered a mental illness that rendered her unable to care for her children.  As a young lady, she was sent away to be raised by her well-to-do family members.  She was expected to marry when she came of age, but her passion for teaching was her only interest.  She ran several schools from the time she was a teenager into her early twenties.  When she closed her schools, she spent much time traveling and attempting to recover from a long-standing illness.  Just before she turned 40, she visited a jail and saw the terrible conditions there.  She was concerned that the prisoners were all thrown in together, those who committed petty crimes in the same cell as murderers.  Miss Dix also found that the mentally ill were often imprisoned with these same offenders because there was no other public institution in which to house or treat them.  Prison reform and treatment institutions for the mentally ill became her “one glorious ambition” as she spent the rest of her days travelling through different states researching and lobbying for change.   Her goals were never realized on a national level, but she saw great change in several states in her lifetime. 

This was an excellent book about the life of Dorthea Dix.  I had heard of her before, but never knew much about her life.  I’ll be the first to tell you that non-fiction is not my forte, but when the author put this biography in story form, it became a pleasure to read.  As Dorthea’s story progressed I found it hard to stop reading for want of knowing, “What happens next?”  Mis Dix should be an inspiration to men and women to make a difference where we are with what we have.  Overall I give this book an A: a great read about a woman who set out to make a difference and accomplished long lasting reform. 

I received a free ebook from the publisher through www.bloggingforbooks.com in exchange for my honest review.

So Shines the Night - Fiction, Biblical

So Shines the Night

By Tracy L. Higley

Daria is a young beautiful widow struggling to make a living as a tutor.  While her intelligence is not in question, being a female greatly limits her opportunities for teaching.  When a terrible incident drives her from her position in Rhodes, she ends up in Ephesus with a new employer who is much more interested in revenge than academia.  Lucas is a handsome young merchant who is trying to play all sides in his game of vengeance.  He has made friends with the Sorcerers, the Christians, and the craftsmen in his attempt to learn the truth about his wife’s gruesome death.  Daria attempts to save Lucas by infusing her goodness and order into his life, but will it be enough?  Will his desire for retribution lead him only to death, or can he find peace through one of the groups he has befriended?  And can Daria find the security she needs so deeply, both physically and spiritually?

This is a great book set in the time of the early Christian church.  The book shows some of the wonderful things that were happening in the early church at Ephesus, while accurately depicting the culture and spiritual powers against which they struggled.  Though the story is a fictional account, many of the circumstances the author has infused are right out of Acts 18 and 19.  I loved how the author set the point of view for the story from the eyes of unbelievers.  We live in a world that is constantly confronted with what Christianity should look like, but these people had no idea what these Christians were all about. The unbelievers had no idea if they could trust this new sect that was rapidly creating both followers and fierce enemies.  Overall I give this book an A: a great reminder of what our struggles are really against and Who fights on our side.

I received a free ebook of this title from the publisher (through www.booksneeze.com) in exchange for my honest review. 

The Guardian - Fiction, Amish

The Guardian

By Beverly Lewis

Maryanna Esh is a young Amish widow and mother of four, struggling with the idea of getting remarried.  Jodi Winfield is an “Englisher” on the brink of marriage, grieving the loss of her only sister to cancer.  A terrible event brings the two women together and they form an immediate bond.  But Maryanna questions the wisdom of being friends with an outsider.  Jodi’s grief has made her angry with God, but she can’t ignore the simple faith of Maryanna and her children.  Can Maryanna find love again?  And can Jodi make peace with God in the midst of her grief?

I am always excited to read a new Beverly Lewis book.  I have been drawn into her Amish books and series many times.  The storyline was easy to follow and the constant reminder of faith is so encouraging.  I was a little disappointed at the beginning because I thought most of the book was going to be about looking for little Sarah Esh, just judging by the back cover copy.  However, that is just the opening portion of the story.  I felt like the storyline dragged a little after that.  I was so glad that the author depicted 2 very different accounts of faith for similar circumstances – the loss of a loved one.  One woman seems to be steady in her faith, while the other succumbs to anger with God.  I was glad to see both women turning to God for their strength and for help in their situations.  Overall, I have to give the book a B – not the best of Beverly Lewis, but still a clean inspirational read.

I received a free ebook from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

The Heiress of Winterwood - Fiction, Historical

The Heiress of Winterwood

By Sarah Ladd

Amelia Barrett made a promise to always care for the newborn daughter of her dying friend.  Amelia will come into her inheritance as soon as she marries, and can more than provide a wonderful life for Baby Lucy.  Her husband-to-be, however, is adamant that other arrangements must be made for Lucy once they are married.  Captain Graham Sterling, Lucy’s father, has been at sea fighting a war against America.  He returns home to make arrangements for Lucy’s care, but is unprepared for what Miss Barrett proposes.  She wants to break her engagement and marry Captain Sterling for the purpose of caring for Lucy!  Both are struggling to find God’s will.  Will they trust Him to provide every answer and for every need?

I was hooked on this book from the very first chapter.  My description above doesn’t do the story justice, but I didn’t want to give anything away.  The pace of the story was fast and exciting, and kept me turning pages longs after I should have turned off the light.  The protagonists were so likeable and real.  I am so glad the author showed that even people who are Christians struggle with following God’s plan for their lives and trusting Him to provide.  She also showed that getting back on track with God happens one prayer at a time.  I give this book an A+: loved it - an excellent historical fiction novel that is wholesome and exciting!

I received a free e-book version of this book from the publisher through BookSneeze.com in exchange for my honest review. 

God Gave Us Easter - Children's Fiction

God Gave Us Easter

by Lisa Tawn Bergren and Laura J. Bryant

Little Cub and her father are off to discover how God made Easter and what it really means.  Little Cub’s father talks Little Cub about the true meaning of Easter, what those pretty Easter eggs symbolize, and how Jesus fits into the whole day.  Little Cub finds out that God planned Easter long before Jesus was ever born.  In the end, Little Cub understands that Easter is about God living inside our hearts.

This is my second “God Gave Us…..” book, and I’m officially hooked!  This book was well written and great for explaining “real” Easter in light of the commercialism the world assigns the holiday.  I’m so glad the authors inserted a small blurb about the Easter Bunny not being the important part of Easter.  There were many easy verbal illustrations throughout the book explaining things like Easter eggs, what the “Root of Jesse” means, and what it means to talk to and hear from God.  I loved using this book to talk about Easter with my 6 year old.  Overall, I give this sweet kids book an A: great for parents wanting to discuss the REAL meaning of Easter.  HE IS RISEN!

I received a free print copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.