Material Witness

I'm not a runner and at almost 36 I probably never will be, but I felt like I was sprinting to keep up with the pace of this book.  It was INTENSE!!!  I felt like death was or could be around every corner.  I kept expecting the murderer to show up at every location.  I'm a bit surprised he didn't go to the one place several people were staying; surely he would have found out they were there.

Material Witness found a lot of our friends in grave danger.  Someone that we've read about since Falling to Pieces dies in town on the year's busiest weekend in Shipshewana.  While tourist are flocking to the town law enforcement are on high alert for the killer.  Cops are everywhere.  The killer and his accomplice keep showing up.

A random inheritance seems like one big puzzle that may just point to a treasure.  Our friends are both hunting for the killer (did you think they would leave it up to law enforcement) and buried treasure.

Material Witness doesn't disappoint.  You have your intense chase of a killer who keeps popping up and love blossoming.  Finally I get my unicorns and rainbows at the end of a good mystery. =)

Now go read it!

I reviewed this book on behalf of NetGalley and loved it!

Update: Material Witness

Why am I on here and not reading?  I don't know.  I found myself glued to the book while my five year old (almost six) was playing at Chick-fil-a.  I realized it was getting late so I had to stop reading and bring her home.  I'm 47% into the book and people are fleeing their homes.  I'll admit I find it intense.  Alright my daughter is heading for the shower so it's my time to get in some quick reading.

My reading buddy when I'm not beating my body at the gym

Reading: Material Witness

I'm back to reading Material Witness by Vannetta Chapman.  So far it's my favorite of the three books.  We have a dead body, a break-in, a shot has been fired leaving another body on the ground, threats made, and one of our friends is being watched by a killer.  What's the motive and why do they think those targeted have the answer?  As much as I would like a nap right now after getting little sleep last night I have to find out what's about to happen.

A Perfect Square

I recently finished A Perfect Square by Vannetta Chapman.  It's the second book in the Shipshewana Amish Mystery series.  I actually liked it better then Falling to Pieces (book one).  To be fair in Falling to Pieces Callie is the prime suspect in the murder and I really identify with her.  We're both from Houston.  We both understand losing a child; I lost a set of twins March 2011.  And although our situation is different, I know what it's like to live without my husband.  And I have to give Callie props for learning how to quilt.  When in the mood I like to sew, quilt, and do crafts.  Now why would I prefer someone like myself to look guilty?  I wouldn't.  Needless to say I was happy when they solved the case.

In A Perfect Square a body is found in a pond on an Amish farm.  The land owner becomes the prime suspect and he won't defend himself.  How do you clear someone who won't talk?  Deborah takes the task on to prove the innocents of her friend.  Callie still has her ongoing battle with the other quilt shop owner in Shipshewana.  Esther finds herself in love with Tobias and two weeks away from her wedding when she finds the body in the pond.  The only problem is her fiancee lives on the farm with his cousin; the one being held for the murder of the girl.  The cousins are close.  Will Tobias still want to get married?  And who is the girl in the pond and how did she get there?

In the middle of all the dead body and hearings chaos Callie has an interesting visitor that starts a hunt for answers.

I really enjoyed this book.  I found myself staying up late more than once trying to finish a chapter which always led to one more.  After about the third time I woke up holding my Kindle I would finally put it away for the night (early morning).  Now go check it out for yourself.  As for me I'm now reading book three, Material Witness.  Now that I've gotten to know the characters better I'm enjoying it better.

Falling to Pieces

The book was a great read.  I asked someone recently if they read Amish books (no) or mystery books (yes).  I suggested she try the series out.  You get a great combo of the two.

Most of the book takes place in town where a body is found and someone keeps hunting for a lost package.  Callie was the last known person to talk to the deceased and she's also the person who found the body so she became the prime suspect.  While dealing with the cops and their never ending accusations Callie and her new Amish friends decide to launch their own investigation.  It's through their efforts everything comes out in the open.

It's intense at moments, heartwarming, and makes you wonder with which guy romance is budding.

I enjoyed the book, but probably shouldn't be reading it while my husband is out of town. =)

Still Reading: Falling to Pieces

Well my assumption on part of the book was wrong.  I won't tell you what I was wrong about; read the book and see for yourself.

Vannetta writes about the Amish in Shipshewana the same as Tricia Goyer does the Amish in Montana.  And how is that?  The Amish and English intermix.  They are friends, "family" and coworkers.  They help each other out no matter who they are or how they live.

At this point in the book someone has been murdered and Callie is the main suspect.  Oh, and once upon a time Callie had a baby.  Perhaps I was fighting sleep at the time, but I don't think she has told what happened to the baby.  Her husband is no longer in the picture either.  I'll let you read the book to see what happens there.

My foot still hurts.  I wanted to go to Sea World tomorrow, but my foot has been cramping all day.  Not cool.  I did workout today, but towards the end I started feeling the cramp coming back. =/

Reading ~ Falling to Pieces

Alright, I was about 21% into reading Material Witness when I realized it's book three.  Once upon a time I read a book review from someone who got the book from NetGalley.  They were harsh!  They were lost and didn't mince words about it.  I read the book and thought it was great, but I had read the two previous books.  I vowed to not review a book unless I've read them in order; if I know there's more then one that is. =)

But let me say this...  Material Witness is SOOOOO good I stayed up late reading it.  It was getting really good, but my body was betraying me.  I kept falling asleep while Callie walked into her garden with Max (her dog).  I pretty sure she wasn't alone.  Was the murderer there?  Possibly.  Was someone else hiding in her bushes?  Why did the murderer look familiar to her?  Oh all the questions going through my head. 

For now, I'm going back to book one.  I'm currently reading Falling to Pieces: A Quilt Shop Murder (A Shipshewana Amish Mystery) by Vannetta Chapman.  I'm 23% into the book.  So far Daisy the quilt shop owner has died, Callie her niece has moved into Daisy's apartment and finally decided to reopen the quilt shop, the local newspaper has slandered Callie, and Callie is learning to enjoy the simple life.  I'm wondering if Mr Stakehorn, the editor, is making his own news. 

If you want to find out what I'm talking about read Falling to Pieces.  I think you'll like it.  So far it doesn't seem like your typical boy meets girl Amish book which I like.

On a random note the bottom of my foot has been cramping since shortly after I got off the elliptical today.  Not fun.  I didn't even know the bottom of your foot could cramp.

Reading Material Witness

I'm reading Material Witness (A Shipshewana Amish Mystery) by Vannetta Chapman.  You can imagine my surprise when my Amish Christmas book begins with a murder.  It sure didn't seem like much of a happy Christmas book.  Well that's because it's not.  I seem to be batting a 1,000 these days with interesting, less traditional Amish books.  Well, less traditional when they have violence in them.  I'm 21% into the book, someone is dead and there's an investigation into who did it.

Well...  It looks like I'm reading book three.  This would be the third time I've read the third book first.  Given that I've been left to guess or be shocked by a couple things like an Amish person not acting like an Amish person only to learn they aren't Amish, I think I will go back and read the other two books.

A Lady in the Making

What a book!  Millie or Mildred Evans spends the majority of the book proving herself a trustworthy person to David Stone.  She doesn't try to convince him she won't steal or trick him; she shows him by how she lives.  After being held up for a couple months on their journey Millie started attending a church.  She told her pastor and his wife all about her past.  When David has a chance to start meeting with them he's able to confirm Millie really has changed.

One thing I'm reminded of from this book is the value of trust.  Trust is the most expensive thing we can give or receive.  Being trustworthy can take us far, but one wrong move and it's all gone.  It can take years to earn back and may not be fully restored.

We learn early on that David is traveling home to England to claim his inheritance.  His cousin's wife is very upset that her husband who is second in line for the title is losing out to someone who has lived out of the country for 20 years.  She sets out to have him killed... again.

I've stayed up late reading until I fall asleep at least twice because the story was so good.  I suggest you read the book.  By the way, I had no idea this was book three in the series and I didn't feel lost one bit.

I was able to read this book thanks to NetGalley.

Reading - Lady In The Making

I recently started reading Lady In The Making and I'm loving it!  It's written by Susan Page Davis and published by Barbour Publishing, Inc.

So far I know that Millie Evens has a criminal half brother who wants her to come cook for his gang.  Actually, she has a history too.  But Millie has changed.  She's trying to turn her life around and make up for all her wrongs.  While on a LONG trip via stage coach she happens to board after a man she's stolen from.  The chance meeting helps her to resolve some of her past, but of course he doesn't trust a thing she tells him.

I know a bit more then I'm telling, but I can't give it all away.  Goodness, I feel like a lot has already happened in the book yet I'm only 18% into it.  This is going to be good. =)

One of the best things about reading a great book while working out?  Looking down to see you only have 3 minutes left.  I was so engrossed into the book that my hour flew by.

To Whisper Her Name

Last month I read To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander.

I almost put the book down in the first couple pages.  I was done.  Really.  But given that the main reason I'm reading the book is to review it I figured I should suck it up and give it a try.  And guess what???  I'm glad I did.

The book begins with First Lieutenant Ridley Cooper searching for some thoroughbred horses from Bell Mead that are being hidden for their owner, General Harding, by a slave.  The civil war; this was a book closer for me.  Pressing on.  Cooper finds the horses after following his instincts on where he would hide them if the roles were reversed.  He knows zero about horses so he becomes mesmerized by how well the slave, Mr Green, can handle them.  Cooper can't bring himself to take the horses away.  He lets Green go, but he himself doesn't make it far before he's captured.

Now fast forward three years.  The war is over and the book is getting interesting.  We have Olivia, a new widow of a traitor, who is moving to Bell Mead to work for her friend that she loves like a mother.  Who might the carriage pass on the road, but Cooper.  He was on his way to Bell Mead himself.  He was hoping to learn all he could from Green about working with horses.  Now that the war is over he wants to go off to Colorado and start life over.  From here on out the book takes a lot of twist and turns.  You have a guy from the south who fought for the north working for a southern general; of course he must keep it a secret.  We have a socialite becoming an outcast.  Cooper really encourages her to find what she was born to do and she does.  What does she do?  Read the book.  It's good!  Yes, I, the person who wanted to put the book down in the beginning found myself glued to my Kindle until I finished the book.

One of my favorite quotes was...

God never leans over the balcony of heaven and gasps.

 

That's awesome right?!  In case you don't get it, it means nothing surprises God.

 

This review was done for Net Galley.





Faithful To Laura

I'm done reading Faithful To Laura by Kathleen Fuller. 

If I had to sum the book up in one word it would be... Betrayal.  Yep, betrayal.  Have you ever read an Amish book and thought it was full of several different kinds of betrayal?  Well this book most definitely has it.  If I were asked to give two words I would say betrayal and forgiveness.  For all the betrayal the main characters in the book face they all have the option to forgive those who have wronged them; given how they were wronged some would be VERY hard to get over. 

It all begins with Laura having a nightmare of a violent act committed against her at the hands of her fiancee.  He actually tried to murder her, but thankfully failed.  We learn of infidelity and a long lost relative showing up years after a child was orphaned.  There are some intense moments.

I must admit I was hoping for it to end with all the fuzzy rainbows and unicorns; I was a bit disappointed.  However, a book that begins with violence really can't switch to chocolates and bunnies.  It does have a good ending, but I won't spoil it for you.  I'm guessing another book is coming that just may wrap up this one.

I'm reviewing this book for Net Galley.

Faithful To Laura ~ Update #2

Oh scandal - scandal.  What a mighty web we weave.  I'm just over 50% into the book and so far many people have secrets, think they do or just spilled the beans and a lot of forgiveness will be in order.  Sometimes we can think we are perfect, the measuring stick for all; how prideful are we?  We are all sinners saved by grace.

I rode a recumbent bike this morning so I could read more of the book.  Well perhaps my desire not to kill myself on an elliptical played a big roll too. =)  However, tomorrow I'm doing a 5k so I won't be reading while "exercising".

Now I need to go see what's about to happen to Sawyer.

Just Started ~ Faithful To Laura

I just started reading Faithful To Laura by Kathleen Fuller and so far I like it.  Amish books can go through some peachy moments, but this one starts you off with violence.  Is it wrong that I like the different beginning?  Laura is an Amish girl who has been burned at the hands of someone who said they loved her.  How will this end???  I don't know.  If you want to find out before me then pick up your own copy of Faithful To Laura.

It's published by Thomas Nelson.

I'm reading this book and reviewing it on behalf of Net Galley.

A Simple Autumn

I just finished A Simple Autumn by Rosalind Lauer and must admit I was very intrigued.  It's the first Amish book I've read where the main character is a guy.  The goals are always the same because the Amish life is the same whether a guy or girl tells the story; kids go to school till the 8th grade then start preparing to one day marry and have their own home.

In this book we follow the King family that range from a preschooler to adults who were all orphaned two years earlier after their parents were murdered.  They have a sister out living with the English and an older brother who came back once his parents were killed.  His English girlfriend has decided to live the Amish life, get baptised and to marry him.

Most of the book is written about Jonah.  He's a middle child in love with a girl, Annie, who is in love with his older and engaged brother.  He wants to tell her his feelings, but holds back.  Meanwhile Annie's sister and her family family moves to New York.  Because there isn't a prospective husband in sight Annie debates joined her sister's family.

A couple quotes I highlighted in the book are:

"...he's able to see the good in everyone.  That's the blessing of love."

""Judgement is a chore for the Heavenly Father to take care of, " Dave was saying.  "It's not our task to look at our neighbor, our brother or sister, and judge them.  Isn't that a wonderful thing?  One less chore on my list for the day.""

My only disappointment with this book was at the end I learned I was reading book #3 in a series.  Ugh!  I don't like reading books out of order, but on a positive note to the author, I couldn't tell I was reading book #3.  I didn't feel lost while reading.

This is a book review for Net Galley.

The Memory Jar

I mentioned The Memory Jar before, but it was recently released on October 23rd, so now I want to tell you about it.  On a random note I decided to read it again once it was officially released.  It was wonderful both times.

Tricia Goyer, takes us back to Montana and the Amish in West Kootenai to get better acquainted with Sarah Shelter.  I say she takes us back because her first Amish series, Big Sky Amish Series, was about the same group of people.  We actually met Sarah in the first series, but she didn't play a big part.  Actually, from what I remember she was really quiet. 

In The Memory Jar we learn that Sarah isn't just a quiet Amish girl who can bake; she has a heart for God and others.  While on a hike with two friends and a couple Amish bachelors Sarah finds herself hurt and lost by herself on a mountain side.  After taking the wrong path down from the top one of the bachelors walks the other two girls back down while the other one, Jathon, goes back looking for Sarah.  While hiking Jathon starts discovering God in a whole new way.  The way Tricia shows God being so real in the life of the Amish is my favorite part of her writing.  Instead of me spoiling the book for you I'm going to suggest if you want to be challenged in your faith while reading a great book, read The Memory Jar.  This isn't your typical Amish book.  There are some authors that do a boy meets girl; the end.  Then there are boy meets girl, will they - won't they get married: the end.  And then there are boy meets girl, they meet God, you get wonderful nuggets (Godly inspiration to think about), and in the end well, they may get married. =)  Tricia writes like the latter.  After reading the Big Sky Amish Series she went from being an unknown author with me to being on my favorites list.

While reading on an elliptical when I would get to something worth highlighting I would snap a picture.  Sorry they are blurry, I only paused briefly before snapping the photo.  Here are a couple good quotes...

One of my best friends has been asking what she should do next.  God told her to go back to school, but now she doesn't have the money to stay there. This quote made me think of her.  One of my old pastor's used to say this.

Oh, I love this one.  I'm planning on making a plaque for my wall with this quote.  After talking about The Memory Jar all morning in the library I finally pulled out my phone and read this quote to the librarian.  She said, "What book is that?  Do we have it?  We need to get it." 

Protect This House I WILL

Is anyone out there reading and getting fit? I was up in the rafters at the gym again today. While getting ready I put on this top...

I like it because it reminds me if I want to be healthy it's all up to me.  If I do nothing, I'm not protecting my body.  So when I'm fighting the urge to go to the gym... Protect This House I WILL.  I know, my self portrait doesn't do the shirt justice, but I'm okay with that.  So throw on whatever inspires you and head to the gym or your home equipment, but don't forget your book, Kindle or eReader of your choice.

The Kindle screen has been blurred because the book hasn't been released

While up in the rafters sweating to death from both exercise and the want of a fan, I was reading a Tricia Goyer book on my Kindle.  If you've never read one of her books I HIGHLY suggest it.  It's never just a story.  Tricia does a wonderful job showing God in all the different circumstances.

Tricia Goyer

Have you heard of the author Tricia Goyer?  I didn't know she existed until LifeWay sent me a calender last year that was all Amish with a coupon at the end for Tricia's new and first Amish book, Beside Still Waters.  I put off buying it for a while.  I'm always afraid to buy a book then find it's lousy.  Well, I'm pleased to say I LOVED the book.  I loved it so much I found myself watching the calender for the next two books in her Big Sky Amish Series to come out.  When I find myself in a lull I want to read some of her other books.  I'm sure their good too.

Here's what I loved about her books...  There are certain Amish authors who quickly do a "boy meets girl" and you know from the first chapter they will eventually get married.  Ugh!  Give me some mystery.  Keep me guessing.  Well, Tricia Goyer does that.  Her writing reminds me a lot of Beverly Lewis who is my FAVORITE Amish author.  I seriously read a lot of Amish books; perhaps to much????  I believe Tricia is my second favorite Amish author.  She only gets second place because I've read Beverly's books longer and she has more of them out.  Something else I loved was how I could forget the main character was Amish.  She just lived life.

I'm currently reading The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer and published by Zondervan Publishing which is due to be released on October 23rd. My thoughts so far?  Love it!

I'm reviewing this book for Net Galley.

Coming Home

Coming Home is a great ending to a wonderful, fictitious family.  The Baxter family once again reminds us what true love really is.  When everything hits the fan they don't start pointing fingers.  They give God all the credit for who they are and what they have.  Then they show love to everyone around them.  Yesterday my five year old was almost hit by a truck carelessly backing into a parking place.  If it wasn't for me screaming , "STOP!" while running around my car and almost slapping the truck, my daughter may be dead today.  Just as the truck stopped she jumped back into the car.  I have asked myself, could I have handled her death with the same grace the Baxter's handle everything life throws at them?  Could I have forgiven the careless truck driver for killing my only child?  I'm not sure, but thankfully I don't have to worry about that.

What I really liked about Coming Home is that it's not about every character we were introduced to over the past 22 books.  It had all my favorite characters, the Baxters'.

And what can we take away from this book?  Love is a decision.  As well as forgiveness is a decision.  Also, let your family know how you feel about being an organ donor.  It will make their choice so much easier if they know you are for or against it.

Now go read the book.  You will be glad you did.

Still Reading Coming Home

I'm almost done with Karen Kinsbury's new book Coming Home.  So far I'll say "WOW".  Although I knew something life changing was going to happen before I even started reading it, I didn't expect the book to go this way.  If all you've read is the Redemption Series then the references to Andi, Bailey Flanigan's college roommate, will not mean anything to you.  If you're like me and haven't read the Bailey Flanigan Series then this book will be a spoiler in who she marries.  Given that I haven't finished the Above The Line Series there were a couple spoilers for me, but I won't say them here. =)

If this is your first book on the Baxter's, the first third of the book is a recap of all their lives.  Given that it's been years since I read the Redemption series I was thankful for the recap.  I kept expecting them to go deeper, but figured if you want to know the full story on why Luke only has one biological son, the loss of Ashley's daughter, the significance of Landon's hair comment, or why Cole knowing anything about his biological father worries Ashley, you have to read the Redemption Series.

Because of what appears to be a repeat of tonsillitis for myself and first round for my five year old, I didn't read this at the gym. =(

Alright, I'm off to see how this ends.

Exercise, Read, Enjoy

Hanging with Karen (Kingsbury) at the gym

I would like to call this sit and be fit, but of course that name is already taken.  I’m going to combine two hobbies which mothers can really struggle with: exercise and reading.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard moms say they don’t have time to excise hence the stretch pants over their stretch marks.  We spend so much time taking care of our kids that we completely miss the mark on taking care of ourselves.  I know in the south this can be easier said then done with our crazy heat, but what about going for a walk, push your little ones in a stroller or pull them in a wagon?  It will give them time outside the house and you a good walk in.  If your kids are older you could let them ride their bikes while you walk.  Is it to hot out?  No problem, just go for some laps around the mall or a department store.  If you’re lucky enough to have exercise equipment AWESOME!  Now go dust it off, put your kids to bed at a good time, and grab a good book so you can kill two birds with one stone.  Yep, I’m asking you to read while you work out.  Are you up for the challenge?  I need the exercise and I love reading so why not combine the two?
I signed up with Net Galley to review books.  Although I read a lot I've actually never reviewed a book before.  Last spring when Tricia Goyer's final addition to the Big Sky Amish Series came out I quickly bought it.  I was shocked to see someone had already reviewed the book and gave it a terrible rating.  Given the first two books are really good I was surprised at the review.  And then I noticed they got the copy from Net Galley and never read the first two additions.  First off I didn't think their opinion was fair and secondly I wanted to know more about Net Galley.  I registered at the end of March, but just signed up and was given my first book to review.  It seems appropriate while working out at the gym and reading Karen Kingsbury's book Take Two (yes, I'm behind) that Zondervan would send me my first book to review...  the final book in the multiple series about the Baxter family and their friends, Coming Home by Karen Kingsbury.  If you want to read some great books that will show you love from different angles, read Karen Kingsbury's Redemption Series.

Alright, are you ready to read a good book and to get your sweat on? 

One small tip, keep a hand towel or washcloth handy when reading and exercising; sweaty books really are gross. =)