Shoo Fly Don't Bother Me

When my copy of The Harvest of Grace by Cindy Woodsmall arrived I have to admit that I wasn't too thrilled to start reading it and it wasn't because there was a farm and a wistful looking young woman in Amish garb adorning the cover. I honestly just don't do well with religous romantic novels. In this book's defense though it wasn't nearly half as bad as I thought it would be. The novel doesn't just have one main character or even two. It has about 10 and it even comes with a character guide in the back. Basically a bunch of single Amish men and women overcome many obstacles in order to be together. Instead of their plain lifestyle being a challenge they have to learn to trust God completely in order to be with the ones they love. As mentioned, the novel focuses on many different characters. First there is, Sylvie, a young woman who flees her home and family to work on a dairy farm miles away after making a mistake she can't bear to face. Then there is Aaron, a recoverin alcoholic who comes back to his his parents to seek a new life  and forgiveness, while home he encounters their new farm hand Sylvie and the attraction starts. Next is Cara, a young mother who fled a life in the big city of New York and from an abusive stalker. In Amish country she finds solace and true love in Ephraim. I could list off all the charaters and their troubles but that would take nearly as long as reading the story yourself. It isn't a bad read either. I'd give it a shot. First impressions aren't always a good thing, I'm glad I tried reading it. It proved that all religious romantiv novels aren't as ... obnoxious as I like to think they are :)

“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

Suprisingly Simple

The One-Day Way by Chantel Hobbs wasn't exactly rocket science, but its simplicity is still empowering. Chantel doesn't promise all the hidden keys to success, she outlines the major one that stares everyone in the face, all we need to do to be happy and content, is to live each day to the fullest and to not look back on our faults and slip ups. If we take it one day at a time then we will be happy with our lives in no time. It's a great concept, it's just so damn simple. I was expecting something with a little more substance. I'm not doubting that this truth is empowering and helpful to our lives but at the same time I am boggled at how she turned this tiny revelation into an entire book. Impressive. This book wasn't bad, but wasn't great either. It prompts you to take action with your life, but at the same time I felt it was a little lacking. I think that it's one of those books that everyone will react to differently. Regardless if its a New York Times Bestseller or not, it still worth the read.

Hope everyone is having a happy summer. My grad school starts in a mere three weeks. Scary!

“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”