Review

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

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51czpwoashl“It’s not a happy book.”

That’s what a family member told me even as he urged me to read this novel.

This book is not my normal genre. The disjointed way in which it is written required some patience. I would have given up on the story early on except for a loved one’s comment that this book was “one of my top five books I’ve read.”

The author’s constant interruptions to explain backstory and foretell future events prevented me from becoming emotionally involved for half the book. Then I became engaged and lost several hours of sleep trying to finish it.

The book thief, a girl living in Germany at the time of Hitler, endures countless difficulties and suffers many losses. The power of the story strengthens and escalates toward a climax that made my heart hurt.

Recommend.

-Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

The Cheesehead Devotional by Judy DuCharme

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This insightful and inspirational devotional book was written by Judy DuCharme for Green Bay Packers fans.

Even though I’m not a huge footfall fan, I enjoyed the clever aspects of each devotion. Readers find scripture references in “From the Playbook” and prayers in the “Extra Point.”

The devotions contain examples from players’ lives and games that touched me. An enjoyable devotional book!

-Sandra Merville Hart

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

 

Roughing It by Mark Twain

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51fmclac8qlMark Twain, pen name for Samuel Clemens, sets out with his brother in 1861 for the Nevada Territory. The adventures begin right away on a stagecoach trip.

Twain catches “silver fever” that is sweeping through the territory and becomes a miner. His descriptions of characters he encounters and the general attitude of residents in that tough setting makes readers feel as if they joined him in the “Old West.”

His travels take him to San Francisco and Hawaii, a fascinating look at historic locations for modern readers.

Twain uses the fine art of exaggeration in many of the tales found here.

One of my favorite authors!

-Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo – a Review

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41qkfwb2sqlThis gripping story about Colton, a three-year-old whose heart stopped during an emergency appendectomy, held my attention from start to finish.

After he recovers, Colton begins to talk about meeting Jesus when he died. He tells his dad about seeing him yell at God in the chapel while Colton was still laying on the operating table.

As always, the book provides many details the movie did not include. As much as I loved the movie, I loved reading the story more. This is a wonderful book.

-Review by Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

The Christmas Child by Max Lucado

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51cqcdm7vhl-_sx497_bo1204203200_I read this book in an hour yet the story touched me.

A photo received by a Chicago man’s father with no explanation and no return address prompts a visit to a small Texas church.

One man on the brink of divorce at Christmas hears the story of another man whose mistakes brought tragedy to the ones he loved most.

Touching book about healing and forgiveness at Christmas.

I’ve loved everything I’ve read by this author. The hardback book makes a nice gift or stocking stuffer.

-Review by Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe – a Review

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I had previously read and enjoyed both these Christmas novels. I recently reread them. It had been long enough that I didn’t remember many of the details. The second time through was just as heartwarming.

51cytrwnjyl-_sx318_bo1204203200_An Appalachian Christmas by Irene Brand

Julia Mayfield just wants to fulfill her sister’s dying wish and introduce her nephew to his grandparents. They refuse to meet him, leaving her with a dilemma: she can stay in the tiny town of Mistletoe and work on a book assignment as an intriguing farmer, David Armstrong, suggests while waiting for their attitude to soften or return home.

Somehow, her decision seems very important.

When reading this, I was confused about the time period. At first I thought it was set after World War I. Then I realized the setting was after World War II. Otherwise, this was an enjoyable Christmas read.

 

Once Upon a Christmas Eve by Anita Higman

Holly Goodnight has always been best friends with Owen “Quig” Quigly since their toddler years in their small town of Noel. She hopes that someday her mother, who left her on a shop doorstep as a baby, will return but after almost thirty years that doesn’t seem likely.

An author, Van Keaton, arrives in town with a shocking proposal to write her story. Quig, who believes it will help Holly to deal with her past, urges her to agree then watches as the woman he has always loved begins to fall for the handsome author.

I enjoyed both these Christmas romances.

-Review by Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

Crashing into Love by Yvonne Lehman

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A master storyteller, Lehman has woven three completely different stories in a surprising way.

Each story has its own poignant message. These stories tugged at my heart and prepared me for the upcoming season.

Highly recommended reading for the Christmas season!

I’ve read several novels by this author and loved them all.

-Review by Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

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

Gift from the Heart by Irene Hannon – a Review

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Part of the Sisters & Brides Series

Clare Randall understands the grief of losing a spouse all too well, so she can relate to Dr. Adam Wright’s pain.

What no one knows is that Clare is almost penniless after the death of her successful husband. When a stipulation in her aunt’s will requires her to work for free as nanny for Adam’s daughter, she knows financial difficulties await. What she doesn’t realize is the danger to her heart.

Lovable, believable characters in a tough situation touched my heart. I’ve read this novel numerous times. A great read!

-Review by Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – a Review

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51jiiqyoml-_sx326_bo1204203200_Elizabeth Bennet fights her growing attraction for the proud yet noble Mr. Darcy in this heartwarming novel.

This version of the classic novel by Jane Austen has added notes in the margin that explain historical or cultural aspects of the story that the modern reader might not know. It also includes tidbits from Austen’s life, romance tips, faith themes, and comments about the characters.

These notes enhanced my enjoyment of the novel so much that I read this version at least twice a year.

I definitely recommend this particular version to lovers of historical romance.

-Review by Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

Colorado by Rosey Dow – a Review

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Four heartwarming novellas make up this series by Rosey Dow.

The main characters you learn to love in the first book, Megan’s Choice, are found in other novellas. This allow us, as readers, to spend additional time with lovable characters that we aren’t ready to part with.

Megan Wescott needs a well-paying job to cover the cost of her younger brother’s medical bills. Unfortunately, the only work she can find requires her to leave Baltimore and head west with Steven Chamberlain as his new wife.

Em, who refused to leave the family when the War Between the States ended, will stay with Jeremy. Megan knows Em will care for her brother, but how can she bear to leave? Yet with Jeremy’s bills mounting, she has little choice but to marry a stranger in the hopes of saving her brother.

I loved all the main characters of each story so much that I’ve read the whole book several times. I definitely recommend this series to lovers of historical romance.

-Review by Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon