A Can of Peas by Traci DePree

She said:

Hoorah!! Have found another great Christian writer.

This is a story of a young couple who make the decision to give up a life in the fast lane for the chance to save the family farm.

The story is full of humor and is very heartwarming. I love the writing style of introducing one of the small town characters occasionally before a chapter begins. This is done by giving a background story on the person. What a delight to discover another author that uses their writing talent to inspire us.

Traci Depree is the editor behind many of today's award-winning and best-selling Christian novels. Her work is a joy. She has added two sequels to this premier novel.

A Slice of Pineapple by Mary Louise Uchida

She said:

This little gem of a book is a great read. It has unique humor and is even "laugh out loud" funny at times.

The book is small enough to fit in your purse, so you could take it along on your next doctor visit. It is very easy reading and you could probably finish most of it while you are waiting. That is, if you don't mind the stares when you guffaw at some of the funny stuff.

The author shares her insight into life's little mysteries. And she shares her life in a very entertaining and inspirational way.

We both highly recommend this one. It would make a very nice gift. This can be purchased from Masthof Bookstore & Press at www.masthof.com for $7.95, a real bargain.

Julia's Hope by Leisha Kelly

Julia's Hope
A Novel by Leisha Kelly

If we gave out "best books" awards this one would be in the running. The story is very moving and the plot travels along at just the right pace.

This is the story of a family struggling to survive the Great Depression. It is also the story of an old woman's yearning to remain free to choose how her life will be lived. The author does a fantastic job of writing in the first person of the three main characters. The father, the mother, and the older women share their experiences and thoughts throughout this heartwarming novel.

We are so happy to have found another good Christian writer. Plans are to read more of her works. We highly recommend this easy to read book.

The Heart of Thornton Creek by Bonnie Leon

It is always a pleasure to discover another good Christian writer. We both truly liked the writing in this first installment of The Queensland Chronicles by Bonnie Leon. It is set in the 1800s and follows the life of Rebecca Williams from her beloved Boston home of wealth and previlege to the arid Australian backcountry. Rebecca is a fiercely independent woman dealing with the constraints of societal expectations. That independence causes many heartaches. But, in the end, Rebecca learns to have faith and love. These lead her to forgiveness for others.

Wahington's Lady by Nancy Moser

Here is another book by Nancy Moser worth reading. It is the story of Martha Washington before her husband became the first president of the United States. It is a history lesson that will interest even those not into studying history. Of course it is fiction, but it is based on many facts. One thing that prevented much personal knowledge of Martha was her act of burning all letters between her and her husband. So it was necessary to surmise much of the personal nature of their relationship. This is a book that will open your eyes to the founding of our great nation in a way that speaks of miracles. It is written again in the first person as Nancy does so well.

There is another novel entitled Mozart's Sister by this same author. It, too, would be worth your while to read.

Just Jane by Nancy Moser

Whether or not you are a Jane Austen fan, this book is a very interesting chronicle of an author.

It is written in the first person style and also in a similar style of that found in Austen's books.

Most of the story is true with some imaginings by Moser about things that have no written proof.

Jane had a short and fascinating life.

There are some life lessons to be learned with this reading.

Church in the Wildwood by Dooly, Dykes, Griffin & Mayne

This book, written by four authors, is a fictional account of a little stone church that was first built in 1869. Each story covers a generation of members as they worship through the years until the present.

This is light reading and very interesting.

Two books by Lori Wick

Sophie comes from Czechoslovakia and finds a job working for a widower with two children. Though highly educated, (she speaks four other languages) she finds fulfillment in caring for this hurting family. This book sheds some insight into how God can work in the midst of sorrow. This is a contemporary story of God's tender mercies and loving intervention in the life of one family.

Tucker Mills, Massachusetts, 1839

Bound as an indentured servant, Reese finds comfort in her faith and her friends. Can Reese see beyond her place as a servant to accept God's larger plan for her future--and her heart?


You just can't go wrong when you pick up one of Lori's books to read. She is a very prolific author. Many of her works are set in olden times but she also has some stories that are contemporary as well. Every one is a gem. So if you like good Christian fiction, find a cozy spot and get into one of her stories. You will be blessed for it.

Annie by Mary Christner Bortrager

This book completes the Ellie's People series of ten popular volumes by Mary Christner Brontrager.

Mary grew up Amish and has drawn from her memories in creating these tales of Amish life.

This story is about how an Amish family opens their hearts and home to a deserted child.

White Chocolate Moments by Lori Wick

A Contemporary Story of Reconciliation,
Family, and True Love

This book follows the fictional life of a daughter of wealth. Author Lori Wick uses her literary talent to weave a tale that gives an example of "a camel going through the eye of the needle." Through tragedy and loss the story makes clear the need of a Savior no matter what circumstances are faced. Wealth does not eliminate that need.

Arcineh Bryant lives with her grandfather after a devastating loss. But as the years pass, something comes between them. Feeling hurt and betrayed, Arcineh leaves to build a life for herself, without the privilege of wealth.

Meantime, her grandfather experiences a change in his life. This change is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

As the Lord finally brings these two souls back together the grandfather carefully shares his experience with Arcineh. The conclusion to this story will lift your spirit and feed your soul.

Lori Wick is one of those authors that you can count on to be a good read. This is one of many stories she has authored. We highly recommend her books for light reading that brings inspiration, humor, and goodness to your mind.

Whisper of Love by Jewel Miller

Whisper of Love by Jewel Miller

Jewel was inspired to write this book by her grandmother, an avid and skilled storyteller. It is set at the beginning of the 20th century on the plains of Kansas and the arid land of New Mexico. The heroine, Mattie, finds life full of work and love as she grows up and moves away from her loving Amish family. Eventually her dreams of a home of her own are realized.

This book is reminiscent of the Little House series, only it is set among the Amish. Jewel is a gifted writer. This book may be hard for you to find, but the search will be well worth the effort. It was published by Herald Press in 1991.

The Freedom and Power of Forgiveness by John MacArthur

The Freedom and Power of Forgiveness by John MacArthur

One of the most profound statements made in this book is that forgiving is one of the most God like things we can do. We are commanded to forgive. Why? Mostly for our own sakes. Where there is forgiveness, there is a heart that God has touched--and a life that God can bless.

John is the pastor teacher at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California. He is a prolific writer and thoroughly grounded in the Scriptures. His writing style is very readable. His ability to communicate is very powerful.

Bolly Weddle by Lewis B. Miller

(Front and back covers)

You just might have some trouble finding a copy of this book. It was published by Pequea Publishers in 2003. We both enjoyed reading this adventure story. And we both had trouble with the vernacular written throughout the story. But once we got the knack for that it became a book that could not be put down.

Lost Sons by Judy Clemens

This story follows the fictional life of Stan Windemere, a retired police detective. For two long months he and his wife, Rose, have been waiting to hear word about their son, a naval officer recently MIA while serving in Russia. Their marriage is strained as this couple tries to cope with the tragedy.

The stress also makes Stan unable to continue with his detective job on the force, so to keep busy, he takes a job as a security guard with the Mennonite Central Committee office in Goshen, Indiana. While there he learns about the real life disappearance of MCC worker Clayton Kratz in the fall of 1920 in that same area of Russia where his son is currently MIA. Stan becomes obsessed with trying to discover what has happened to Kratz. This creates tension with his wife because of her dislike of Mennonites. Rose sees the Mennonites as the enemy. Their son had been involved with a Mennonite girl before his disappearance. This girl turned down his proposal due to her belief that war is wrong. A war protest by Goshen College students also fuels Rose's feelings of betrayal.

In Clemens novel Rose sends a letter to the editor of the local newspaper in response to her outrage about the war protesters. The professor of peace studies at Goshen College arranges a meeting with her and the result is this joint letter: “We decided to work together to share our passions. To see how together we can make peace in the world. For if we can't make peace here at home, how can we expect our children—here or abroad—to do it. (We) understand more deeply now that we want the same things: peace in the world, a safe place for our children, and a sense of security.”

The author intertwines this fictional story of Stan's son with the true account of the disappearance of Clayton Kratz. Someone unfamiliar with the work of MCC would be able to learn much from this book. As a Goshen College graduate, Clemens uses her familiarity with the area to create a very believable story.

The dramatic ending to this mystery will surprise you.

Heaven by Randy Alcorn

In the most comprehensive and definitive book on Heaven to date, Randy invites you to picture Heaven the way Scripture describes it--a bright, vibrant, and physical New Earth, free from sin, suffering, and death, and brimming with Christ's presence, wondrous natural beauty and the richness of human culture as God intended it.

Amish Grace by Kraybill, Nolt, and Zercher

This book, written by three college professors, is a study on forgiveness as revealed in the Nichol Mines Pennsylvania tragedy. The authors go beyond the simple facts and explore the cultural aspects of the Amish, explaining their ability to "transcend" this tragedy with forgiveness.

I Will Plant You a Lilac Tree by Laura Hillman

Five years after Hitler came to power, Laura was separated from her town and family. The events Laura witnessed in the camps kept her from writing for many years, but she finally set out to write her memoir, facing for the first time the circumstances that led to her survival.

This book is important to read. We must remember that not too many years ago our world was in the throws of a world war and many Jews were exterminated during that time. We must remember, so these events do not repeat themselves.

Thanks to survivors like Laura, we can have a glimpse into the horror she experienced. The rest of her family did not make it through. But thanks to a man called Schindler a few destined for the gas chambers were safe until the end of the holocaust. Laura was one of the few.

This book is mostly about her experiences before getting on Schindler's list. It is written in the first person and shares many of her feelings. Her love and concern for her family often puts her in danger.

This is not a book to read for entertainment. It needs to be read as a reminder of what humankind is capable of, both the good and the bad. It is very well written and yet not easy to read because of the subject. So be warned that you will probably cringe and want to put it aside at times. Try not to do that.

Beyond the book Laura finds her future husband (another survivor on Schindler's list) and makes a life for herself.

The Days of Laura Ingalls Wilder by T. L. Tedrow

Home to the Prairie

When Pa comes to visit the farm in Missouri, he and Laura have so much fun reminiscing about the old days that they decide to set out in search of their old homestead, and on the way they relive many of the special memories of their past.

Also in this book from the series, the Youngun family along with other youngsters from Mansfield meet the Monroe Street Tigers and other kids from the St. Louis Monroe Street Parish in a football game beyond imagination. This is for ages 9-12 and there are at least eight books in this series.

The Truth War by John MacArthur

Fighting for Certainty in an Age of Deception

This book by John MacArthur is a must read for anyone who is concerned about where the church is headed today.

Here is what he addresses:

The pitfalls of postmodern thinking
Why the Emerging Church Movement is inherently flawed
Past skirmishes in the Truth War and their effect on the Church
The importance of truth and certainty in a postmodern society
How to identify and address the errors and false teachings smuggled into
the churches

Right now, truth is under attack, and much is at stake. Perhaps no one in America is more passionate than John MacArthur about exposing those who are mounting this attack--especially those bringing the assault right into the church.

Though it does get bogged down in the middle with some heavy history, for the most part this is an easy read for the layman. We highly recommend it.

Don't Stop Laughing Now! by many authors

This book is laugh out loud funny! And to top that off it is very inspirational and thoughtful. The stories are very short, but don't read this before bed. You will wake up the house with your laughter! It is good clean fun with a lot of wisdom. Enjoy!

Today was another "collision theory day." The incident involved two pickups going next to the walker, while a van came from the other direction traveling over the hill and around a bend. These three vehicles were among only half a dozen vehicles on the road during a 35 minute walk. The good news is that the pickups slowed way down and the walker was alert.