In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundlin

About the book: Bold, sophisticated, and flirtatious, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields all across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her. Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer to where they don't want to go. Can they confront the fears and misunderstandings in their pasts? Review:  Sarah Sudin is an author whose research into the World War II period can be depended upon and she brings a wealth of rich history to her stories. In Perfect Time brings the 802nd Medical air Evacuation Transport Squadron to the forefront.  A real event that is brought to life in the book (novel) is a crash landing and ultimate rescue in Albania in Nazi-occupied territory. Events aboard the 64th Troop Carrier become real.  There are true scenes strewn throughout this story of war and romance. There is more romance and intense flirting involved in this story that I care to recommend unless it is for mature readers. That is not to say it is vulgar or steamy, it just reveals girl/boy or woman/man relationships that I believe is best not read by our teenage girls. Visit Sarah Sudin’s Pinterestboard for In Perfect Time to see some of the World War II pictures and information she garnered in her research. About the author: Sarah Sundin is the author of With Every Letter and the Wings of Glory series. In 2011, A Memory Between Us was a final ist in the Inspirational Reader's Choice Awards, and Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist's mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. Find Sarah online: website, Facebook, Twitter

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DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for this review. Opinions expressed are the reviewer's alone. No compensation was received for this review.

The Pony Cart Adventure by Elva Hurst (Farm Life Series) Ages 7-11

About the book:  When eleven-year-old Elva finally finishes her chores on this beautiful summer morning, she hurries to the neighboring farm to see if her friend Linda can join her for an afternoon adventure. Come on along with the young Mennonite girls as they hitch up the pony, climb into the cart, and trot down the drive for a day filled with unexpected excitement.

This charming story, the first in the Farm Life Series, is based on author Elva Hurst’s growing-up years on the family farm and written for children from seven to eleven years old. Reminiscent of days gone by, this simple tale is full of good-hearted fun.

Review:  Just the right length for grabbing the attention and keeping it of age 7-11 girls. When girls grow up Mennonite on a farm, they are given many responsibilities or chores and these absolutely must be completed before even "approved" adventures and excursions can take place. After Elva finishes her chores, she and her friend take off in the pony cart to go shopping with their savings. They choose carefully the items they wish to purchase with their money and they diligently purchase the specific item that mother requested.

The day is filled with more than shopping adventure. The very elements create excitement and adventure they hadn't counted on. The few illustrations in the book are done by Elva Hurst herself and add a touch of sweet nostalgia and interest to the story. These are sure to please the young readers.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Harvest House Publishers in exchange for this review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

Summer on the Farm by Elva Hurst (Farm Life Series) Ages 7-11

About the book: Young Elva loves her summer days—once her daily milking, household, and gardening chores are done. In book two of the Farm Life Series, author Elva Hurst spins a simple tale of a summer spent splashing in the creek on hot afternoons and singing hymns with the other youth at the hymn sing. When news of a wedding surfaces, the neighboring Amish and Mennonite families all pitch in to make the day special for the young couple.

This delightful story is a beautiful picture of a young girl discovering joy in a simple life centered on a loving family, a tightly knit community, and an active faith in God…and just a little bit of mischief along the way.

Review:  The Farm Life Series consists of little chapter books for children - mostly girls - ages 7 to 11. I found Summer on the Farm to be a charming read that the author has shared from her very own experiences as a little girl growing up Mennonite.

Summer brings the joy of all sorts of things that simply are not available to do during the school year, but summer also brings additional chores or responsibilities for Elva. I love how this is written with language appropriate for the 7 to 11 crowd but it doesn't dumb-down the vocabulary. The length of the books is just right to present a little challenge and yet not overwhelm. Faith is brought out as simply a way of life for this family and for the individuals.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Harvest House Publishers in exchange for this review. Opinions expressed are solely ours. No compensation was received for this review.

Circle of Spies by Roseanna M. White

ISBN-13: 9780736951036

O.k. history lovers, this story involves the Culper Spy Ring during the American Civil War. The author has previously written two books involving the Culper Ring during other periods of history. 

Now a question for you, my Reader's Haven Reviews readers….. 

• “What do you know of the Culper Spy Ring?” 
• “How did it actually begin?” 
• “Is it alive and well today?”  

Here are links to tantalize you into doing a bit of internet (or perhaps public library) research - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culper_Ring and another from Mike the History Guy.

In Circle of Spies we encounter a flirtatious widow, a Pinkerton Detective, a cruel railroad owner, a free-black and his slave wife and child, and a host of others who flesh out this journey into the days leading up to the end of the war and the assassination of President Lincoln.

I found the book a bit plodding at times and then a bit too romantic at times. But as it was gaining momentum it garnered my interest better. It romped to a finality (we all know the President was assassinated) with a wild train ride, a tied and gagged heroine, and hidden treasure. A good book and worth the plodding moments. I especially enjoyed Slade (Pinkerton Detective).

I liked that the heroine came to faith and trust in her Savior and found she could trust His forgiveness in her life.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Harvest House Publishers in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

Guardian of the Republic: An American Ronin's Journey to Faith, Family and Freedom by Allen West

Review: I read Guardian of the Republic: An American Ronin's Journey to Faith, Family and Freedom by Allen West.  Allen West is a black conservative republican which some would think to be an oxymoron.  In his book he describes his upbringing as well as his military and brief political careers.

He gives great insight into the founding of America and the two diverse roads of political thinking in the black community dating back to the end of the Civil War.

The book is easy to read and very informative.

After finishing the book, I felt proud to be an American and a strong desire to do all I can to help America to be great again.  Allen West is direct and even blunt at times, but we are living in a time when we need to be spoken to directly.  This book is definitely and encouragement to conservatives. (reviewed by B.Lyles, Teacher)

About the book - Synopsis

The inspiring life and uncensored views of a veteran, patriot, former Congressman, conservative icon, and warrior for personal liberty…

Over the course of the past few decades, Allen West has had many titles bestowed on him, among them Lt. Colonel, U.S. Representative, “Dad,” and Scourge of the Far Left. He rose from humble beginnings in Atlanta where his father instilled in him a code of conduct that would inform his life ever after.  Throughout his years leading troops, raising a loving family, serving as Congressman in Florida’s 22nd district, and emerging as one of the most authentic voices in conservative politics, West has never compromised the core values on which he was raised: family, faith, tradition, service, honor, fiscal responsibility, courage, freedom.

Today, these values are under attack as never before, and as the far Left intensifies its assaults, few have been as vigorous as West in pushing back.  He refuses to let up, calling out an Obama administration that cares more about big government than following the Constitution, so-called black “leaders” who sell out their communities in exchange for pats on the head, and a segment of the media that sees vocal black conservatives as threats to be silenced.

Now more than ever, the American republic needs a guardian: a principled, informed conservative who understands where we came from, who can trace the philosophical roots of our faith and freedom, and who has a plan to get America back on track. West isn’t afraid to speak truth to power, and in this book he’ll share the experiences that shaped him and the beliefs he would die to defend.

About the authors: ALLEN WEST was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia--in the same neighborhood where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once preached. He is the third of four generations of military members in his family. During his twenty-two year Army career he commanded troops and deployed to several combat zones. He was elected to Congress in 2010, representing the 22nd district of Florida for one term. A frequent commentator on Fox News and a sought after speaker, he lives with his family in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.  Michele Hickford is a writer and communications strategist. She has held senior positions at Turner Broadcasting and USA Networks, and served as Congressman West's Director of Outreach and campaign Press Secretary.

DISCLOSURE: "We received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review. Opinions expressed are solely ours. No compensation was received for this review.

In Perfect Time by @SarahSundin | Enter to win a Kindle HDX and a set of books!

Don't miss Sarah Sundin's hot-off-the-press novel, In Perfect Time. Publishers Weekly gives it an enthusiastic thumbs up: “Sundin excels at well-researched historical detail . . . with such accurate depictions of culture and setting that we are fully immersed in the times as well as in the story. The strength of relationships forged in war and the apprehension of God in times of trouble infuse this well-crafted novel with substance and light.” Sarah is celebrating the release of her book with a fun giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• The Wings of the Nightingale Series (With Every Letter, On Distant Shores, and In Perfect Time)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 24th. Winner will be announced August 25th at Sarah's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Sarah's blog on the 25th to see if you won! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

Watch for our review coming soon here on Reader's Haven Reviews!

The Making of a Man: How men and boys honor God and live with integrity by Tim Brown and James Lund

ISBN-13: 9780529113047
Thomas Nelson Publisher

Review:  The Making of a Man: How men and boys honor God and live with integrity is written by Tim Brown and James Lund.  Tim Brown is a Heisman Trophy winner and NFL player mostly with the Raiders.  In his book, he details his own walk of faith in his life and how God directed his steps as a Christian athlete.  He admits his failures, but shows how a righteous man keeps getting up and moving forward.  

His main failures were in the area of intimate relationships with women, so this book would be best for older teenage boys who will read with maturity.  

Through this book, Tim Brown reveals how all men can make the choices needed in life to live a life that is pleasing to God and enjoy the blessings and successes that come with that.  The author also makes a strong case for family and especially for fathers being what they ought to for their children.  

This book is not a theological book at all, but I believe is meant to be a very practical book for men to encourage them to live for the Lord and let everything else take care of itself.  Each chapter deals with a different aspect of manhood where the author gives an analogy from his own life and finishes by showing what God's word has to say about it.  

I enjoyed reading this book about a man that I knew very little about.  It would be good if I could meet him and shake his hand. (Reviewed by B.Lyons, Teacher)

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by the BookLook Blogger Review Program for the purpose of this review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

When I Fall in Love – a Christiansen Family novel by Susan May Warren

About the book (back of book):  Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love.  But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled – or maybe yanked – away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.

Maxwell Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen.  Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii.  Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance.  But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.

Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for.  And as his unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires.  If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace’s faith will face its toughest test yet.

Review: When I Fall in Love is the third book in a series called Christiansen Family novels.  In fact, it is the first book I have read written by Susan May Warren.  I will not hesitate to read any of her other books!  One of the things I liked about this book is that I didn’t feel that I had to have read the first two to know the characters.

I found this book easy to read and very engaging.  The setting of the story – Hawaii – what could be better and who doesn’t love food!  I enjoyed the way the author wrote about the faith and how a relationship with the Lord is the answer to handling life’s challenges.  The main characters, Max and Grace, were very likable, relatable and believable.   While at times I wish Grace had been a little stronger and Max had shown a little more faith, I found myself recognizing that this very sentiment applies to all Christians at some point in their walk with Christ.

When I Fall in Love is simply a good book!

Read more reviews of When I Fall In Love - CLICK HERE

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary review copy was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of Susan May Warren, author, and the publisher in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.