Review

Praying for the Prodigal by Andrea Merrell

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The author of this book shares her desolate journey when not only one but two of her children took dark paths, becoming prodigals.

They’d been raised in a Christian home. Attended church all their lives. How could this happen?

The book quotes a statistic: “88 percent of children raised in an evangelical Christian home will leave the church by the age of eighteen.” A staggering number. The author goes on to share that half of them find their way back.

The author’s honesty makes this a compelling read. She shares what happened with her children and then gives advice to parents in the midst of the storm.

Recommend this book for parents who are praying for prodigals.

-Sandra Merville Hart

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas  Use coupon code SandraMHart for a 20% discount on Lighthouse Publishing books!

 

Summer Song by Michelle Levigne

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Part of From the Lake to the River: The Buckeye Christian Fiction Authors 2018 Anthology

Published by Mt. Zion Ridge Press

After three months apart, Dani Paul looks forward to spending the summer with her boyfriend, Kurt Green. She and the rest of her band will help run music boot camps for college students. Nine months of traveling with her band leave her longing to stay in one spot.

A new keyboard player goes with them. Their last keyboard player, Bruno, had quit the group when he realized Dani dated Kurt. Then she finds that Bruno has taken a job at the camp.

This novella is part of a Tabor Heights series by the author. The main characters are believable and likable. Suspenseful and mysterious events kept me turning pages, trying to figure out the culprit. A college student? Bruno? There are a lot of characters so the story kept me on my toes. I enjoyed the story!

I’ve read books by this author before and will look for more.

-Sandra Merville Hart

Releases on September 1st! Preorder on Amazon!

A Patchwork of Promises by Gayle Ottemiller

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30 Devotions for Quilters

This devotional book is an inspirational read. Each day begins with a scripture reference. Then the author gives an inspiring story, often revealing a glimpse into her past. She ends with a promise from the scripture.

But the last part of each day’s reading is the reason that it’s geared to quilters. “Sew On” gives helpful sewing tips. Sometimes these are specific to quilters and sometimes not, so I believe anyone who sews would relate to this devotional.

Dealing with such topics as the fruit of the Spirit, God’s love, and safe havens, I found this an easy read. Some sewing devotions are also nestled in there.

Each day’s devotion takes only about 5 minutes to read so it is good for busy folks.

The sewing tips included set this apart for me. I really enjoyed the book and will watch for other books by this author.

-Sandra Merville Hart

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas  – Use coupon code SandraMHart for a 20% discount on Lighthouse Publishing books!

Learning the Lingo by Cindy Sproles

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Cracking the Code (and secrets) of the Writing and Publishing Industry

 A great book for new writers!

The author acknowledges that there is a lingo associated with writers. Those new to writing can get lost just trying to understand what workshop teachers are saying at writers’ conferences.

This book can help.

There is also a section on 15-minute meetings with agents and editors that outlines the etiquette, what to take with you to the appointment, and helpful hints about what to share.

The author gives a brief description of many topics that writers need to know, making this a handy reference tool.

Recommended for new writers!

-Sandra Merville Hart

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas   – Use coupon code SandraMHart for a 20% discount on Lighthouse Publishing books!

The Planter’s Daughter by Michelle Shocklee

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Set in Texas, this historical romance novel digs in and shows prevailing attitude of plantation owners and the slaves they own in 1860.

Though plantation owners worry about the upcoming presidential election, Adella Rose isn’t supposed to voice opinions as a daughter. She grieves the recent loss of her gentle mother who had treated her slaves kindly. Adella Rose follows in her footsteps, little knowing how much her mother protected her from …

Seth Brantley, son of her father’s friend, takes over the job of overseer. Adella Rose catches his eye immediately. Yet he learns her father had plans for her.

While Seth walks a fine line as the new overseer, Adella Rose has problems of her own. Her best friend is one of her father’s slaves. She’s learning more of what slavery really is—and her father’s part in it appalls her.

Both main characters grow and change through the novel. Each finds that their preconceived notions of slavery don’t match reality. The author does not shrink from showing the worst aspects of slavery.

I couldn’t put the book down. I’ll look for more books by this author.

-Sandra Merville Hart

 Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas – Use coupon code SandraMHart for a 20% discount on Lighthouse Publishing books!

 

 

Breathless: A Daily Devotional by Judith Rolfs

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A Daily Devotional for Christians in a Hurry: One Minute meditations for women and men.

 What first drew me to this devotional is the “one-minute” daily read. I am one of those busy Christians in a hurry. I’ll bet you can relate.

This book wasn’t what I expected. Daily meditations are short. There is a scripture reference for each day.

The author writes in a poetic form, which is inspiring and different from other devotional books.

Each day’s topic can be read in about a minute as advertised. The author is transparent in her writing. I found it an easy read for busy folks.

-Sandra Merville Hart

 

 

My Father’s Business by Eddie Jones

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30 Inspirational Stories for Discerning and Doing God’s Will

This book was an encouraging read. I loved the examples from well-known people in leadership, ministry, entertainment, military, artists, and other walks of life who sometimes learned about God’s Will the hard way.

I can relate to learning the hard way.

There are chapters on sacrifice, gratitude, perseverance, imagination, endurance, and many other helpful topics for Christians.

Bible verses and quotes from Oswald Chambers, author of My Utmost for His Highest and other books, begin every chapter. These quotes were insightful and inspiring.

Scripture references for a time of reflection end the chapters.

The stories used illustrate the author’s point beautifully. I read this book in a couple of days, but it would also be an inspiring way to begin or end your day.

I’ve read books by this author and always enjoyed them. I will look for more!

-Sandra Merville Hart

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas – Use coupon code SandraMHart for a 20% discount on Lighthouse Publishing books!

The Civil War Book of Lists Review

/ sandramervillehart

Compiled by the editors of Combined Books

I was happy to find this book of lists in a Civil War battleground museum store while on a research trip.

This book contains many fascinating lists. Here are just a few: Union Regiments of Foreign Born; Six Weapons Used for the First Time in the Civil War; The Ten Best Commanded Battles of the War; The Generals Listed by West Point Class and Rank; and The States in Order of Men Furnished for Confederate Service.

There are a few unusual lists as well: Occupations of Union Soldiers; Four Battles with Four Names; Eight Generals Who Had Served in the War of 1812; and Top 10 Strangest Hairstyles.

 As an of Civil War romances, these lists often pique my interest, leading me to more research.

 Even Civil War historians will discover new facts from this book, sparking discussions.

A great find for lovers of American history!

-Sandra Merville Hart

Barnes & Noble

 

Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy by Karen Abbott

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Four Women Undercover in the Civil War

This book is classified as a biography.

Belle Boyd was a rebel who shot a Union soldier. She became a spy for the Confederate army.

Emma Edmondson enlisted as “Frank Thompson” to become a Union soldier. She fell in love with Jerome Robbins while acting as a soldier. He knew her secret and returned her love, though she seemed a bit too fond of her tentmate, James Reid.

Widow Rose O’Neal Greenhow was a Confederate spy living in Washington D.C. She passed on information she learned from political connections and eventually was arrested.

Elizabeth Van Lew lived in Richmond but was an abolitionist. She acted as a Union spy.

The book is written more as a novel and is an easy read. Filled with surprises from the Civil War, this book is a page turner.

-Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

God Made You Just Right by Jill Roman Lord

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I recently purchased a child’s book to share with my toddler grandson that I have to share with you.

 

God Made You Just Right is a sweet, fun book that captivates little ones!

The rhyming verses have been written with the perfect cadence to capture a listener’s ear.

Written from a Christian perspective, this book explains to little ones that God took special care to make them just right. They don’t have to be like anyone else.

I love the illustrations by Amy Wummer. Such a fun book!

This book will delight toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners. What a precious book.

I’ll look for more by this author!

-Sandra Merville Hart

Christianbook.com