Saturday, December 31, 2011

The Christmas Singing

Another offering by Cindy Woodsmall proves to be an excellent choice if you enjoy Amish fiction. This book is a continuation of "The Sound of Sleigh Bells." It is the story of Mattie and Gideon, who broke up three years ago.

Mattie succeeds in business and finds a new beau, but her heart always remembers Gideon. As we learn about him, we discover that he broke up with Mattie to spare her the anguish of knowing he had been diagnosed with leukemia.

Now in remission, he seriously considers confessing to Mattie the reason for their breakup. Then, a fire takes Matties bakery shop down to the ground and she returns home to live with her mother while waiting for the the rebuiding of her shop. While at home, she comes across Gideon at every turn. But now she has to also consider the feelings of Sol, her new beau.

When Mattie discovers Gideon's reasoning for his deception, she must search her heart to see who she truly loves--Gideon or Sol.

This book is a very short read, but a pleasant one. The author's character development is, as usual, very good.

This book was provided to me at no charge in return by Waterbook Multnomah for my honest review.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Finding Our Way Home

A new book by Charlene Baumbich (an author new to me) has made me a fan. Her character development is excellent; she made the characters come alive as I read. I will definitely be checking for new books by this author.

The book focuses on two women: Sasha, a 37-year-old ballerina whose entire life was devoted to dancing before an accident robbed her of her ability to dance, and Evelyn, a 19-year-old high school graduate who is in love and becomes a live-in caregiver and assistant to Sasha.

As the two women live and work together, Evelyn has problems keeping her thoughts to herself, and Sasha has problems with self-pity. They clash time and again until a true friendship is forged. Then, they become fast friends, helping each other overcome life problems and making each other stronger than they were before.

This book is an excellent study in personality, but it also gives insight into these two women's lives. It also gives insight on learning about love. Evelyn is in love at the beginning of the book, but she does not understand the true meaning of the word. Her parents try to help her, but she rebels against them, wanting to find her own way.
Sasha, too, is in love, but deprives herself of it for reasons you will see as you read the book. She learns to love again as she gains strength.

I recommend this book. The author gives a lot of insight into women and what makes them strong, and how they form friendships.

This book was sent to me free by Waterbook Multnomah for my honest review.