"Dreams by Starlight" by Staci Stallings

"Dreams by Starlight" by Staci Stallings is a 5 star book. This book is written for young adults but I think adults will like this books also. I know I did. The only thing I didn't like was this book was a reminder of the bullies and a little bit of things done to me when I was in high school. This book could really be real life.

The main Characters in this story are Camille and Jaylon and Lexie and Nick McGee and Arlene.

Camille is a math lover and is forced to take drama, her senior year of high school and really hates it till she is cast as the star in the school's Spring play. She has to be the mother to her little sister because her mom has her own interests.

Jaylon is the most poplar boy in the school and everyone thinks he has a wonderful life. But nothing is every as wonderful as it seems. His mother died of Cancer (yes another story with the mention of the c word) and his father won't support him in his choice for his life's profession. I think Jaylon is my favorite character in this book because of his relationship with his grandmother, reading this book made me missed my grandma.

Lexie is Camille's best friend. Then she meets and falls in love with Nick.

Nick is another classmate in drama and befriends Camille till she becomes friends with Jaylon.

Arlene is the bully and wants to be the star in the play.

Jaylon and Camille finally realized that they are in love but will that be enough since they both have different dreams and are going in different directions to college.

Camille is brave enough to try Jaylon's father the truth about himself and makes him see that he is wrong treating his son the way he does.

This book is more than a teen love story. It is a book about life and dreams and relationships.

Oh I forgot to mention how another shy student saved the play after an act of vandalism.

I am going to read the next book in this series also, it is called "Reunion"

I was given an ebook copy by the author for a honest review

"A Mending At The Edge" by Jane Kirkpatrick

"A Mending At The Edge" by Jane Kirkpatrick gets 4 stars from me. I didn't give it 5 stars because it is a rather long story and at times slow reading,  I did enjoy reading about Emma and the members of the Aurora Colony. It is the third in the Change and Cherish Historical Series. I felt there was alot of repeating scenes in these three books. I think the story could have been shorter and still been told. These three books are fiction but are based on actual events.

My questions that I left in my review of "A Tendering in the Storm" has been answered.

Yes Emma sees her parents and is reunited with them. Yes her son becomes a doctor. Emma gets her own house but at a cost.

Emma even climbed to the bellfry and stood upside down on the bells.

Emma has more challenges and growing in this book as well as the others.  I found myself actually feeling her pain as she is forced to let someone else raise her sons again but in the end realized that the time and place she was in that maybe that was the best from them.

Emma tries to follow The Diamond Rule in inviting outsiders to live with her in her two door house.

Emma and the others who live with her start a inhouse church on Sundays when there are no church meetings and it from this, that changes are discussed and then plans are made to convince their leader Brother Kiel to think it was his idea such as allowing men and women both to sing when they have the service for the new bells.  It is at one of these meetings the idea is formed to build a restaurant at the State fair that is held every October. It was at these meeting they were able to connivence Louisa that it was okay to mend quilts for others and not for themselves on Sundays.

Brother Kiel and Louisa Kiel have another heartache in this book to accept and it changes them both once again.

This book shows that when you give to others you help yourself.

In closing this review I want to include a quote from the book that I think sums Emma really well.
Page 284 "I looked down at my hand. The crooked fingers would always be a reminder of Jack. But they'd remind me, too, of my strength, my ability to take necessary next steps for my family. Maybe I wouldn't bring a dozen people to the faith the way Christian had; maybe I wouldn't tend a large family as my mother did;maybe I'd never be as faithful as Helena and Louisa , but I was who I was;I would leave a legacy of everyday devotion both to my family and to the delights of life, including standing upside down on a bell.

http://www.deepershopping.com/item/jane-kirkpatrick/a-mending-at-the-edge/81449.html

"A Tendering In the Storm" by Jane Kirkpatrick

"A Tendering In the Storm" by Jane Kirkpatrick gets 4 stars from me!  I gave it 4 stars because parts of it was slow reading but enjoyed the book. These books are based on a true story.

"A Tending in the Storm" is the second book in the Change and Cherish Historical series. My review for "A Clearing in the Wild is on a different post (May 9, 2013). " A Tending in the Storm" picks up where the first book leaves off.

This book is written in both Emma and Louisa (wife of the colony's leader) point of view.

Emma is a strong willed woman and has dreams of having her own home.

Emma is left a widow after Christian's drowning accident. She then discovers she is pregnant with her third child. She tries to hold the family together. It is hard for her , remember they are apart of a colony that Emma doesn't want to be a part of it.  And she blames the colony life for Christian's death.

Emma's makes a choice to marry Christian's cousin Jack to keep her son Andy. But she soon learns that  was not a wise choice. Emma has to face many challenges in this book, such as illness of both her son and herself. Her new husband is a mean guy.

 Emma is forced to make another choice that she doesn't like to protect her 4 children. Yes she has a child by Jack.

I was surprised by the people who helped her escape Jack's.

Her choice is to go back to the colony, but she learns that maybe it wasn't always like she thought it was.

Emma's story is continued in "A Mending at the Edge"

I see Louisa as a different sort of person since reading her words, than I did in the first book. I had her pictured as a cranky person but she really did what she did because she believed in her husband and tried to help to help the colony.

I am going to start reading "A Mending at the Edge" and see what happens to Emma's and her children.

I hope to learn that her oldest son Andy fulfills his dreams and becomes a doctor. I also hope that Emma sees her parents again. These are dreams that are mention in this book but not fulfilled yet.  So I will close this review so I can read the third book and found the answers to my questions!

Q&A time with Karen Malena with a giveaway of her print book "My Mother's Kitchen"

Karen Malena is a daughter, wife and mother living in Western, Pennsylvania. Her compassion toward others is evident in her writings and blogs. Her interests include reading, weekend trips with her husband, music and nature. Karen is active in her town encouraging others to write through local library programs and author events. She’s a member of Pittsburgh East Scribes and Ligonier Valley Writers. 

Hello everyone. I hope to convey to you, the ups and downs of true life situations with my writing.

For many years, it was my desire to breathe life into stories, some difficult, others, humorous which happened throughout my lifetime. Coming from a close-knit Italian family has given me compassion. My walk with God has given me the inspiration for the desire to bless others with heartfelt tales which I hope encourage you. You'll find me giving talks and teaching writing courses at my local library. I'm presently a member of Pittsburgh East Scribes and Ligonier Valley Writers.

(My blog)http://karenmalena.blogspot.com/

The Finch's Nest: Inspirational Stories

My review for this book : 

"My Mother Kitchen-The Complete Series" by Karen Malena is definetly  a 5 star book.

This book is six chapters in the life of Kate. At the end of each story there is a recipe for  the food item that was talked about in the story. These stories really drew me in and the only thing I disliked about the book was the stories ended. In each story I really felt the emotions of Kate and her mother Ellen.

Pietro's Song: A story about Kate's great grandfather and his arrival to this country. It is also the story of Kate's journey to become a writer.

Terry's Gift: This story is about how rumors are not always true. In this volume Kate is rescued by an unexpected hero on Halloween.

Christmas Angel: This story is told by Ellen and how One Christmas she was visited by an Angel, just liked the Bible says "Be Careful to entertain strangers, for by doing this, some people have entertained angels without knowing it." This angel answers a prayer also.

Matthew's Courage: Kate's brother Matt is at the twin towers on 9,11,2011.  It is also the story of how Matt's birth was a miracle.

The Potter's Clay: Kate gets the call her story is going to be published. It is also the story about Kate's issues with self doubt and her issues with a childhood issue of scoliosis. There is also a story about  an abusive husband.

Ever After: Kate finds a lump on her breast. I won't tell you want she finds out! You have to read this book to found out yourself.

I am hoping there is going to be a book 2 of My Mother Kitchen. I really want to read more about Kate and Steve and Mark and Ellen and Ray!

I was given an ebook copy from the author for my honest review.

Here is what you have a chance to win and yes it will be the print book!

This contest will be from Today August the 19th to Thursday the 22th at 3pm central time.

This is the link for the book if you want to buy a copy now. Karen will be gifting one to the winner from this link  so BE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL SO WE CAN GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU IF YOU ARE THE WINNER; which will be chosen by random.org
http://www.amazon.com/My-Mothers-Kitchen-Karen-Malena/dp/1622084098/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376869041&sr=1-4&keywords=karen+malena

It's time for the contest to begin!

"My Mother Kitchen-The Complete Series" by Karen Malena

"My Mother Kitchen-The Complete Series" by Karen Malena is definetly  a 5 star book.

This book is six chapters in the life of Kate. At the end of each story there is a recipe for  the food item that was talked about in the story. These stories really drew me in and the only thing I disliked about the book was the stories ended. In each story I really felt the emotions of Kate and her mother Ellen.

Pietro's Song: A story about Kate's great grandfather and his arrival to this country. It is also the story of Kate's journey to become a writer.

Terry's Gift: This story is about how rumors are not always true. In this volume Kate is rescued by an unexpected hero on Halloween.

Christmas Angel: This story is told by Ellen and how One Christmas she was visited by an Angel, just liked the Bible says "Be Careful to entertain strangers, for by doing this, some people have entertained angels without knowing it." This angel answers a prayer also.

Matthew's Courage: Kate's brother Matt is at the twin towers on 9,11,2011.  It is also the story of how Matt's birth was a miracle.

The Potter's Clay: Kate gets the call her story is going to be published. It is also the story about Kate's issues with self doubt and her issues with a childhood issue of scoliosis. There is also a story about  an abusive husband.

Ever After: Kate finds a lump on her breast. I won't tell you want she finds out! You have to read this book to found out yourself.

I am hoping there is going to be a book 2 of My Mother Kitchen. I really want to read more about Kate and Steve and Mark and Ellen and Ray!

I was given an ebook copy from the author for my honest review.

"An Amish Kitchen" by Beth Wiseman and Amy Clipston and Kelly Long

"An Amish Kitchen" gets 5 stars from me. 

 "An Amish Kitchen" is a collection of three different stories which take place within the Amish community of Paradise, Pennsylvania along with a reading group guide, a short collection of home remedies, and Amish recipes. The three authors are Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston and Kelly Long.

I wanted to read this book because it was the next book up for discussion for my online book club. I have read books by Beth Wiseman and have really enjoyed them. I hadn't read anything by Amy Clipston or Kelly Long and now after reading this collections of short stories, these two authors are added to my To Be Read list.

A Taste of Grace, by Kelly Long: This is about Fern Zook and Abram Fisher. Fern helps people with her herbs and Abram is watching his brothers and sisters and events keep happening that brings them together.

A Spoonful of Love, by Amy Clipston: This is about Anna King, manager of a bed and breakfast, and Stephen Esh, who is an Amish man running away from his past,meeting at her inn. This is a story of forgiveness and second chances. 


A Recipe for Hope, by Beth Wiseman:  This is about Eve Bender and her mother . Eve must move in with her parents with her husband and children when her home is destroyed. Eve and her mother disagree with the way Eve is raising her children. This story is about how Eve and her mother must make peace with the past and the future and changes and find "A Recipe for Hope". Of the three stories in this book this is my favorite.

I was given a ebook copy of this book by Thomas Nelson and NetGallery for an honest review.

"The Tattered Quilt" by Wanda Brunstetter is a 5 star book. If you love Wanda Brunstettler books this will be one of your favorites.

I have to say all the characters from the first book and even Maggie the goat is back in this book and a new Wonderful surprise. I even found out there is going to be a third book in this series.

Emma's and Lamar's students in this year's class are Anna Lambright,Blaine Vickers,Carmen Lopez,Chery Halverson. Terry Cooley and Selma Nash.

Anna Lambright is an 18 year old Amish whose parents won't allow her to go on a rumschpringe and signs her up for the class.


 Blaine is a  30 year old single man who works for Stuart ( from the first book) in his sporting goods store,and has just broken up with girlfriend. He has to take the class because he lost a fishing bet with Stuart.

Carmen Lopez is a reporter and Paul's(from the first book) sister-in-law, and is sent to write a negative report on wild Amish youths.

Cheryl Halverson,( member of Ruby Lee's Church, from the first book) took a quilt to Emma to repair for her grandma's birthday and ends up taking the class.

Terry Cooley(friend and employee of Jan Sweet from the last book) just signs up for the class because he wants to meet Cheryl.

Selma Nash is a nosey neighbor who Jan enrolls because he thinks it might help her.

Like the first class this class of students have their problems and at first Emma isn't sure she can teach them but Emma does and she even has a surprise visitor in this story. 

This book also has a new animal that discovers how to get where he isn't supposes to be! And yes there is romance in this book also. Two guys trying to get the attention of one lady! It is quite funny to read and I could even see this in my mind as I was reading it!

I have to admit that Cheryl is my favorite character because of the love between  her and her grandma, I still miss my grandmother very much!

It is this surprise visitor who discovers that one of Emma's students just might be more than a student. But this is a wonderful discovery.

Now did I make you want to read this book and found out what Emma and her visitor discovered?

I got a ebook copy from Barbour Publishing and NetGallery for an honest review.

"Reign: The Chronicles Of Queen Jezebel" by Ginger Garrett

"Reign: The Chronicles Of Queen Jezebel" by Ginger Garrett gets 5 stars from me. I will have to be honest and say when I first started reading this book I wasn't sure I was going to be able to give it five stars, but as I kept reading it, the story got better. I believe part of me not liking it at first was because of the subject matter and then some parts at the beginning of the story of was slow reading. Ginger Garrett did her research and the book is filled with details and made the scenes come alive in my mind as I was reading this story. But I didn't like the infant sacrifices but it is Biblical, as Jezebel worshiped idols and false gods.

 "Reign was the first Ginger Garrett novel I have read but I do have the other two books (and plan on reading them, they are about Esther and Samson and Delilah. Reign is the third book in this trilogy.  The covers for these books are just beautiful.

The book starts out as Ahab (and his army) is going to Phoenicia to meet and marry Jezebel to form a union between two nations. Elijah the prophet warns Ahab not to marry Jezebel but he ignores the warning and it brings terrible curses to their land. This marriage is really against Jezebels and Ahab's wishes but they are both trying to make their fathers love them them. Both Jezebel and Ahab are victims of being unloved by their fathers.

Jezebel will not worship Yahweh.  Ahab builds temples to her gods . She tricks mothers into infant sacrifices and plans trickery to get her way. She wants to "Reign"and have people remember her name.   Ahab tries to love Jezebel but she isn't easy to love.  The story of Ahab and Jezebel is not an easy story to follow but I think a reader of Biblical fiction will like reading this story. 

I was given a copy of this book by  Book Fun Network in exchange for my honest review.

This book is available  at 

http://www.deepershopping.com/item/garrett-ginger/reign-lost-loves-of-the-bible-v3-may/583400.html

 and other book stores.