Reviews (5)

Rick Evans Latest Novel A Winner
Finding Noel grabbed my attention from the very first chapter.As a devoted Evans reader, I found this book one of his best, matching it closely with his first, A Christmas Box.
A Warm Holiday Tale
Finding Noel is a sweet story which harkens back to the roots of the author's past Christmas themes of longing for loved ones and fighting for what's most important in this life... and then holding on tight!His fans are in for a wonderful holiday treat... something to savour and to share.

A sentimental tale for the holidays
Richard Evans has a history of writing touching stories.His first book The Christmas Box left many of our library patrons touched for weeks, most freely admitting to shedding many tears.
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Subjects:  1. Abandoned children    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Fiction - Religious    5. General    6. Religious - Romance/Contemporary    7. Romance - General    8. Romance: Modern    9. Sisters    10. Fiction / General   

Reviews (6)

Not what I expect from the author
I was so excited to receive this book. I loved the author's previous books, especially the O'Malley series. Unfortunately, this book was just plain bad. The story was poorly written, the dialog was choppy, the characters lacked the depth and emotional buy-in of her previous work.
Incomplete Storyline
This book is not up to pare to other Dee Henderson books.I was so disappointed that I actually wasted my time reading it - of course, you don't realize it until the end.I had to keep reading the ending over and over to see if I missed something, unfortunately I didn't.

Disappointed
While the other three reviewers have given this book glowing reviews, I'm afraid that I have to disagree.Things jumped aroung too much and didn't tie together very well.She also ended the book so abruptly that I thought pages might have been left out of my book.There is nothing at the end to let the reader know whether or not the book will be continued.To me, this does not stack up to the O'Malley series or the Uncommon Heros series by any stretch of the imagination.Buyer beware! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Illinois    4. Religious - General    5. Religious - Romance/Contemporary    6. Women private investigators   

Reviews (175)

The Mark of the Lion
This series is by far the best I have ever read. Every time I re-read them they bring me to tears- they are that good. The first two in the series are the best but they are all wonderful. Read them, you won't be disappointed!!!!

The Best Christian Fiction Yet!
This series, particularly the first book, has been life-changing and is the best written Christian fiction I've ever read! It is terrific historical fiction, and while I think women are Francine Rivers' main audience, even my husband read this series and recommends it to his male friends. The reading is not difficult, but it's a powerful story! Be warned - there is a description of the seige of Jerusalem at the beginning where a few of my friends have stopped reading, but do read on! The story continues to build, until the end where I was telling myself "O my gosh!!" over and over for hours when I finished. (Don't read the end ahead of time!) I also strongly suggest that you avoid reading the introduction for the second book that is in some later versions of the first novel! Enjoy!

Good enough to steal
I teach at a jail; I purchase many books for my students there.If a book is particularly good, someone steals it.The better it is, the faster it gets stolen.This whole set went missing as soon asword got out that it had to do with early Christianity, The Coliseum, soldiers, man-eating lions, etc.Truly it is a great series, and I hope it is still circulating in one of the jail pods.I like the lessons the books teach, plus they're exciting to read.(All of Francine Rivers' Christian-based books are well-done.) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Religious - General    4. Religious - Romance/Historical    5. Christianity   

Reviews (5)

You will develop a relationship with the characters
Reviewed by Stephanie Rollins for Reader Views (9/06)
It`s okay!
I really like the story line... but the story itself is not realalistic at all!
Another success!
The Quilter's Daughter is the 2nd book in this series and both were absoluly wonderful.Living in Amish country my whole life (as an "Englisher"), the stories are accurate and descriptive of their daily life and struggles with just the right amount of drama and romance to take us away from our lives for a brief time.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Religious - Romance/General    4. Romance - General    5. Romance: Modern   

Reviews (13)

The Englisher
If you liked Beverly's other Amish books, you will enjoy this one too. I highly recommend it.

Worth the Time
Beverly keeps you guessing through out the book, "What's going on?"
UNFINISHED
These are good books but it is like a chapter is missing when the end nears. I expect a book to have an ending and these books (Annies People) do not. Or I should say that the ending in both books leaves you hanging. They leave you waiting for the next book to see what happens in the rest of the story. I do not enjoy reading books like that. I want an end when I read the last line in a book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amish    2. Children of clergy    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Religious    5. Popular American Fiction    6. Religious - General    7. Religious - Romance/Contemporary    8. Women artists    9. Fiction / Religious   

Reviews (16)

Sappyness at it's worst
When picking this book up one day in a store, I had high hopes for it. I have always thought Amish had a fascinating way of life and I figured this book may give me more insight about it. The plot sounded like something I would like.
I long for retribution.
I had already heard of the Quilter's Daughter and the Bishop's Daughter when I picked up this book so I knew what WOULD NOT happen at the end.Still, I wasn't disappointed.The Amish seem to be prone to having large families.I could definitely sympathize with Naomi.I could actually feel the strain she goes through, minding the children and helping at her father's store.I initially disliked her father.He drives her too hard in the begining, looking on her as a slave and being stingy (Why should I hire someone to help when I got Naomi?) and trying to curb her social life.The change he undergoes after the kidnapping and Naomi's departure is a primary example of the "Satan schemes; God redeems" principle, God using an evil thing like kidnapping to bring about something good in someone's life.I believe that was Brunstetter's goal in writing this, and she has succeeded.
Good But
The characters are wonderful but the story drags along.Also, there seems to be a theme of sickness and death.I did read all three books in one setting and found myself wanting to read the last page.It just does not keep you interested. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amish    2. Christian fiction    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Religious    5. Pennsylvania    6. Religious - Romance/General    7. Romance - Contemporary    8. Romance: Modern   

Reviews (11)

AWESOME BOOK - HOPING FOR A BOOK TWO
This was a wonderful story, I can't wait until Cindy releases the sequal, at least I am hoping for one!I am an avid reader and this was definately one of the best books I've read all year!

A gripping first novel
Hannah Lapp grew up in a traditinal Old Order family, where outside relationships are forbidden. In spite of herself she has fallen in love with Mennonite Paul Waddell. When Paul asks her to marry him, she accepts, although they both know her family will never approve. Then a terrible tragedy changes Hannah's life forever. Forced to keep what has happened a secret from everyone, even from Paul, she has nowhere to turn. Hannah's family doesn't understand the change in her, and she's afraid to confide in Paul. She tries to hold on to her faith in God, but where was He when she needed him?
You Will Love This Book!
Cindy Woodsmall's debut novel is one that will draw you in and grip your heart from the first paragraph. The reader becomes one with Hannah Lapp, experiencing the trauma that changes her life forever, experiencing her father's rigidity at a time she needs his love the most, and feeling her pain as she faces so much of her personal anguish alone. Yet God is there in the pain, just as He is there in the joy. I cannot wait for the sequel and am frustrated that we have to wait a whole year to read it.
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Subjects:  1. American First Novelists    2. Amish    3. Christian fiction    4. Fiction    5. Fiction - Religious    6. Love stories    7. Religious - General    8. Religious - Romance/Contemporary    9. Fiction / Religious   

Reviews (3)

Well written engaging story
Miriam Stolfus believed that someday she would marry William Graber. Although he had moved away from their Amish community, she expected him to return for her. When he wrote to tell her he was planning to marry someone else, she was devastated. Even the children she teaches notice how impatient she has become. Miram feels all the light andjoy has gone out of the world.
Great Book.....I can't wait for the rest of the series
First of all, the book itself, as well as the amazon description, states that this is a re-issue.Therefore, it should not have been a surprise the "this is the same book" as the original.There are expanded scenes in this book, so it is not verbatim the same book. (I went back and checked the old copy my library has.)I have always been a fan of Beverly Lewis, and this book was my first time reading Wanda Brunstetter.I am very pleased with this book, the story line is good, the characters are well developed.I am currently reading another Brunstetter series, the Daughters of Lancaster County, and it is also going well.I am looking forward to the remainder of this series being "re-released."

NOT A NEW STORY
I was lead to believe that this was a new book coming out. Well it is indeed a new printed book - but the story is an old one - from a previous book of this authors, LANCASTER BRIDES.I am very disappointed that this is not a new story. Waited for several months to get this only to find out it's one I've already read.The story was good enough the first time around, but I sure did not need a separate book of it.Buyer beware. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Religious - Romance/Contemporary    4. Romance - Adult    5. Romance: Modern   

Reviews (3)

My favorite in the series! You've gotta check it out!
Another perfect title by Kristin Billerbeck, Calm, Cool & Adjusted sums up Poppy Clayton's life better than any title I could have come up with! Poppy lives for serenity and calmness, or as she calls it, energy. She could care less about looking cool, but that's not the kind of cool the author means. Poppy finds that special cool after thawing out, and I loved the character arc! It's what I live to read!
terrific Spa Girls tale
Dr. Poppy Clayton is happy for her Spa Girls pals, but sad for herself.She is euphoric that Morgan (see A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND) and Lily (see SHE'S ALL THAT) have found their soulmates; both also are becoming mothers with the former to her fiancé's son and the latter being pregnant.Poppy is a bit down because she is left behind single with no loving mate in sight.
CHISTIAN CHICK LIT
This is the third book in Billerbeck's "Spa Girls" series.Poppy's story is the one depicted in this novel.I loved the first two books in this series, so it was just natural for me to pick this one up as well.I can't say I loved it as much as Lilly or Morgan's stories, but nevertheless it was a good read.
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Subjects:  1. Chick lit    2. Chiropractors    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Religious    5. Religious - Romance/Contemporary    6. Romance - Contemporary    7. Romance: Modern    8. Santa Clara Valley (Santa Clara County, Calif.)    9. Fiction / Religious    10. Fiction/General/Romance    11. Religious Orientation/Christian    12. Santa Clara Valley (Santa Clara County, Calif    13. Theometrics/Evangelical   

Reviews (10)

A nice story
I liked the plot line of this book more than I did the others in this trilogy; it appealed to me more. I really really liked Dannon and how, when he is faced with having feelings for a woman who is unavailable, he confesses them to God and asks for help in overcoming them. His cousin's little girl, who he adopts when she becomes orpahned, is really sweet.
A superbly crafted romance novel that is engagingly entertaining from first page to last
Part of the "Tucker Mills" trilogy, Lori Wick's Leave A Candle Burning finds that when young and handsome Dannan MacKay arrives in Tucker Mills to take over the medical practice of his uncle, he feels welcomed by the town, the church family, and his patients. Dannan feels that he has it all -- until he finds himself dreaming of love, offering his home to a young orphaned cousin, and finds himself drawn to the one woman in Tucker Mills that he cannot love -- but does. Leave A Candle Burning is a superbly crafted romance novel that is engagingly entertaining from first page to last, and documents yet again that veteran author Lori Wick is a truly gifted storyteller. Also very highly recommended are the first two titles of the "Tucker Mills" trilogy: Moonlight On The Millpond and Just Above A Whisper.
It was really bad!!
This book was too cutsie and just plain boring. How anyone could give this book 5 stars is beyond me. The way the characters thoughts were portrayed and how their lives were lived were so unrealistic.It took me forever to finish this book as I could only read a few pages at a time and even that was pure torture. This was my favorite book....because it was the last one in the series. I hope Mrs. Wick has some better books in the near future... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Light Romantic Fiction    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Religious    4. Love stories    5. Physicians    6. Religious - General    7. Religious - Romance/General    8. Romance - General    9. Romance: Modern    10. Widowers    11. Fiction / Romance / General   

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Religious - Romance/Contemporary    4. Romance - Adult    5. Romance: Modern   

Reviews (36)

A Real Page-Turner
This was one of my favorite Dee Henderson books.This book was definately a page-turner.I stayed up way later then I ever should have because I made the mistake of planning to "just read the beginning before I go to sleep."Well - it grabs you right away and there is no way to put it down anytime soon.Definately worth the yawns the next day! I would recommend this book to anyone - whether they are a Christian or not.

Better than most - but unsatisfying
I have always loved Dee Henderson books for their wonderful character depth.While this book has a good story, there are so many characters to be developed that you don't get to spend enough time with any of them.I wasn't "dissatisfied" with the book as much as "unsatisfied" because I had expected so much more.

The Exemplary Literary Crafsmanship of Dee Henderson
THE EXEMPLARY LITERARY CRAFSTMANSHIP
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Subjects:  1. Christian fiction    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Fiction - Religious    5. General    6. Popular American Fiction    7. Religious - General    8. Religious - Romance/General    9. Romance - Suspense   

Subjects:  1. Amnesiacs    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Religious    4. Kauai (Hawaii)    5. Religious - General    6. Religious - Mystery    7. Religious - Romance/Contemporary    8. Romance - General    9. Romantic suspense fiction    10. Suspense    11. Fiction / Religious   

Reviews (35)

I was a Begrudging Reader in the beginning...
When I first started reading this book, I was pretty reserved about how it would all unfold and I set myself up not to like it.As a general rule I'm not a big reader of Christian fiction because I believe that most writers of the genre are not as good a writer as they are a Christian.And I'm not trying to sound mean, but I believe the rules are more lax for someone to get published in the Christian fiction VS. general fiction.But I'll admit, I started reading this with a jaundiced eye, waiting to find it was a ridiculous book, but I was pleasantly entertained.
This was amazing!!!
This book was amazing.It's right up there with Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.Having said that, this book does get a little steamy.However, the characters in this book are married so I don't see the problem with it.I couldn't put this book down.The writing captures your attention and I found myself saying "just one more chapter" and that was at 12:30 in the morning.The twists and turns are wonderful and I like the fact that the characters struggle with faith and feelings.Let's face it, that's life.I HIGHLY recommend this book.I might even read it again before it goes back to the library!

A Bride Most Begrudging
Excellent book, easy read, and good overall plot. I enjoyed it immensely. Her second book in the series is even better than the first. Enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arranged marriage    2. Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Religious    5. History    6. Plantation life    7. Plantation owners' spouses    8. Religious - General    9. Religious - Romance/Historical    10. Romance - Historical    11. Virginia    12. Fiction / Religious    13. Romance: historical   

Reviews (5)

Another 5 star thriller by Susan May Warren
Gracie Benson feels like a failure, after 2 years in Russia she has failed to lead a single soul to the Lord. Just before her scheduled departure she walks into a murder scene and her life will never be the same......in fact it may soon be over.
If you like romantic suspense. . .
You will love this book! Susan May Warren writes a great suspense story, zipping you along with powerful word choices and electric, tension-filled dialogue. When her heroine, American missionary Gracie Benson, meets Vicktor Shubnikov, a kind-hearted, down-on-his-luck KGB agent, the story becomes a snowball barreling downhill, grabbing your heart and making you feel like you are in Siberia right along with them, running for your life from a serial killer. It's also a wonderful love story. It's so good you will want to read it again, more slowly the second time!

An exciting tale of mystery, suspense, and romance
Feeling depressed and like a total failure, missionary Gracie Benson is preparing to leave her assignment in post-Cold War Russia and return to the United States. Though she worked very hard throughout her mission, she did not win any souls and was not even able to lead her best friend to the Lord. Discouraged but not hopeless, Gracie's biggest test is about to begin. However, her departure is anything but smooth as she soon finds herself embroiled in some very political intrigue. She is not only stranded in the middle of Siberia but her friends begin turning up dead, enemies are professing to be friendly, and cherished companions betray her trust.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Mystery And Suspense Fiction    4. Religious - General    5. Religious - Mystery    6. Religious - Romance/Contemporary    7. Romance - Suspense    8. Suspense    9. Thrillers    10. Fiction / Thrillers   

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Religious - Romance/Contemporary    4. Romance - Adult    5. Romance: Modern   

Reviews (12)

Sequel to the postcard
The sequel of the Post Card. From an ordinary post card to a life of two people who are from different worlds. Read to see how they are brought together.

A fitting end indeed
This book is the perfect sequel (and conclusion) to the story of Rachel Yoder and Philip Bradley.
Blindness Mended by Love
An amazing read and a real page turner.Philip has to return to New York and the hustle and the bustle.Rachel learning to cope with her blindness and her mother's urging to visit with the local healer and his black box.
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Subjects:  1. Amish    2. Amish women    3. Blind women    4. Fiction    5. Fiction - Religious    6. Love stories    7. Pennsylvania    8. Religious - General    9. Religious - Romance/Historical    10. Women    11. Historical fiction   

Reviews (7)

Another outstanding chapter in the lives of the Bjorklunds!
A Promise for Ellie brings us back to Blessing, ND.Andrew and Ellie, the protector and the protected.Two young people wait none too patiently to being their lives together.What a long awaited journey for those of us hooked on Lauraine Snellings works!From the moment I began reading the Red River of the North series, I was hooked forever!Being raised on a small farm in the Red River Valley, I re-lived the cold winters and hardships with the Bjorklund families as my mother and I reminisced.As the Bjorklund family grows, so does the community they live in.The Return to Red River series sent Thorliff off to college and ended leaving us with a thirst for much more to come.Now the Daughters of Blessing will help quench that thirst....I can hardly wait for another book to be published.

An Excellent Reading Experience
From the opening pages with the neighbor's fire until the final page,I was hooked as a reader. Lauraine Snelling weaves a tapestry of life in the early 1900s in Blessing, North Dakota with well-drawn characters and fascinating complications.
A love of historical fiction
Lauraine Snelling's A Promise for Ellie tugs at the heartstrings with a story of young love and the raw emotions that erupt during tragedy. Life is never easy, but it's worth the glorious journey.
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Subjects:  1. American Historical Fiction    2. Christian fiction    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Religious    5. Historical - General    6. North Dakota    7. Religious - Romance/Historical    8. Fiction / Religious   

Editorial Review

Veteran hostage negotiator Kate O'Malley has seen humankind at itsworst. In fact, she has become something of a legend for her ability to parlay asuccessful outcome from even the most desperate situations. FBI special agentDave Richman, introduced in Henderson's Read more

Reviews (108)

Crime story - romance
I was pleasantly surprised with this novel; my first read by this author. The story is a "page-turner" and the relationship between Dave and Kate develops nicely. The faith message is realistic and not over-bearing. I am anxious to read the other books in the O'Malley series.

Do these people ever stop eating???
First of all, when I think of someone in law enforcement or in a government involved job, especially negotiating, I think of someone really tough. With that kind of job, you have to be. The main character, yeah, not tough, kind of a baby. I didn't like her character. And then there were the conversations: who talks like that? Unrealistic plot, characters, and everything basically; it got on my nerves. And it seemed as if every other paragraph they were getting something to eat. I have never read another book where they ate more. Annoying.

Really Great Book
I loved this book and this series, I couldn't put this book down ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Government investigators    4. Hostage negotiations    5. O'Malley family (Fictitious ch    6. O'Malley family (Fictitious characters : Henderson)    7. Religious - General    8. Religious - Romance/General    9. Romance - General    10. Romance: Modern    11. Romantic suspense fiction    12. Suspense    13. FICTION / GENERAL / ROMANCE    14. Fiction / Religious    15. Mystery & Detective - Police Procedural    16. American Mystery & Suspense Fiction    17. Governmental investigations    18. Religious - Romance/Contemporary    19. Christian fiction    20. Romantic suspense novels    21. Religious - Mystery    22. Fiction - Psychological Suspense   

Reviews (22)

The Betrayal
This book is just wonderful. Actually the series is wonderful. I just ordered the next two books the Sacrifice and The Prodgical. I cannot wait to read them.

Good
The Betrayal is the second book in the Abram's daughtes series. I enjoyed it very much!After I read this book I realized just how hard the Amish people can really have it. They can't even read books that are not the bible. I loved how strong Leah is in this story. Even though she has had awful things happen in her family she still picks up the pieces and starts again.

THE BETRAYAL (ABRAM'S DAUGHTERS)
THIS BOOK IS EXCELLENT. ALL FIVE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES ARE GREAT. BEVERLY LEWIS IS A EXCELLENT AUTHOR. ONCE I STATED READING THESE BOOKS THEY WERE HARD TO PUT DOWN.THE PEOPLE IN THE BOOK GO THROUGHT ALOT OF DIFFERENT PHASES IN THEIR LIFE. I AM VERY INTERESTED IN THE AMISH AND THEIR WAY OF LIFE. MS. LEWIS DOES A GREAT JOB TELLING ABOUT THE TRUE LIFE OF PEOPLE'S LIFE THAT I ADMIRE A GREAT DEALTHANK YOU! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amish    2. Christian fiction    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Religious    5. Lancaster County (Pa.)    6. Literary    7. Religious - Romance/Contemporary    8. Sisters    9. Fiction / Religious    10. General & Literary Fiction