The Dog That Whispered - by Jim Krause

Every time I read one of Jim Kraus' books I think it's the best one.

I loved the interaction Thurman (the dog) has with Wilson, his owner.
This story was very powerful in focusing on PTSD for veterans and their families of the VietNam War.
The dual storylines came together perfectly, without a rush, at the end.

Giving this one 5 stars!

An Amish Awakening...a tenderhearted sojourn to Heaven and back by Rick Leland

I won this book from LibraryThing's Early reviewers.
I didn't really start to enjoy this book until the 6th chapter. I found if I skipped the Author chapters it was easier to read.It was interesting and gave me a lot to think about. I did like getting a glimpse of the Amish life from a man's point of view.

The Name I Call Myself  by Beth Moran

I won this book through GoodReads Giveaway October 2016. Beth Moran is quickly becoming a favorite author for me.

This book has so many sub plots that there was never a dull moment. Faith's secret past, her drug addicted, weak brother, her many scars, her engagement to a millionaire but her need to work and save her own money. Plus her other name!

I laughed while reading this book because I frequently found myself doing the breathing exercises along with the main character. That's the kind of writing I love.

Conversations with Saint Bernard, by Jim Kraus

I think this is the best one Kraus has written so far.

I felt right there with George Gibson as he traveled across the United States and through his thoughts. Lewis is portrayed as the dog everyone wants to love and own. I love Lewis and the insights George acknowledged through the dog.

The Dog That Saved stewart Coolidge, by Jim Kraus

Hubert doesn't always know where his next meal will come from. Stealing rawhide bones from the Tops Super Market seems to be the answer; even after storing up a few under the rug at his newly found hideout.

Stewart has been ordered by Mr. Arden, his boss, to catch that four-legged bandit before someone complains to the health department about a dog shoplifting at the supermarket. The problem was, Stewart didn't want to catch the dog because he was already harboring the canine criminal at his apartment.

Jim Kraus has become my favorite Christian auther. He does an excellent job at entwining the lives Stewart, and his neighbor Lisa through the antics and subtle actions of a dog that knows there is only peace and security in living in a pack. Stewart and Lisa need each other and it up to Hubert to make it happen. After all, it is God's master plan for the three of them.

The Giver - audio edition, by Lois Lowry

I read the student edition of The Giver, by Lois Lowry, in 1998 while teaching a high school lit class. This was the first time I had read it. Now I have enjoyed it on CD. 
It's amazing how much deeper I understood the story line by listening to it instead of reading. This time I grasped a deeper understanding of the father's job as a Nurturer, the selection process and the overall oppression. The Giver is a classic that should be read over and over. The reader will discover something new every time. Hopefully, it won't be another 18 years before I read it for the third time.

Hope For Tomorrow XFACTOR1 cover

This is our son, Dustin. I just found out about this video. What a blessing to have this.

A Cup of Dust: A Novel of the Dust Bowl, by Susie Finkbeiner

A Cup of Dust: A Novel of the Dust Bowl, by local West Michigan author Susie Finkbeiner was a depressing book. That said, I would still recommend it. The story is very well written and it is obvious the author spent a lot of time researching this time in American history. 

This is more than a story of life during the Depression of the 1930's. It is about life in a dying, dried up, dust-filled town in Oklahoma, inhabited by strong (and weak) survivors. 

As sad as the story was, I couldn't put the book down. And when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it; wondering when the happy part would start and just hoping it would have a happy or at least a satisfying ending.

I received this copy from the October 2015 LibraryThing Early Reviewers giveaway.

Perils of a Pastor's Wife, by Nan Jones

  Received through Goodreads' Early Review Giveaway September 2015. 
Nan Jones is an easy-to-read author. 
Written by a pastors wife, for pastors' wives this is a must read book not only for women married into ministry but for all women of the church. 
Nan walks her readers through a variety of circumstances using Biblical references, devotions, prayer and experience.
Nan is excellent at exposing the emotions and trials a woman goes through to support her husband, even in the midst of hostile and/or stubborn congregations and board members. 
Everyone need to understand the fears and needs of a pastor's wife.

 Dustin Miguel Van Harn, of Leighton Township, 
 an amazing musician, age 18. 

On November 7, 2015 

the guitars are suddenly quiet,

 the amps no longer hum,

 whether it was suicide or accident,

 we've lost our only son. 

Left to wonder why are his parents, Michael and Kaylyn Van Harn of Leighton Township; grandparents, Mary Dewey of Jackson and Stephen Van Harn of Jenison; uncles and aunts, Bruce and Patricia Dewey, Debra Medema, Rebekah and Dan Byrnes, Marcia and Andrew Brooks; and many great-aunts, great-uncles, and cousins. His special girlfriend, Miki Thompson, childhood friend-in-crime, Lucas Finkbiener; forever best friend, Kyle Van Putten, and the friend who would remind Dustin that deep down inside he was still a Christian, Joshua Shoemaker.                                               He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Wilma Van Harn and Charles H. Dewey.

A special thank you to the Leighton Township Fire Department first responders and the Wayland Area EMS paramedics for doing all they could to save him. 

Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM Wednesday, at Cook Funeral Home in Byron Center, 2067 - 84th St. SW. Funeral services will be held 3:30 PM Thursday, November 12, at Corinth Reformed Church, 129 - 100th St. SE in Byron Center, with visitation prior to the service beginning at 2:30 PM Thursday at the church. 

In honor of Dustin, contributions may be made to the Leighton Township Fire Department. 

The family welcomes memories and messages in their guestbook online at www.cookcares.com

I love celebrating Halloween with the sis-in-laws!!
Of course wearing a racing suit that is a Mens XLT was a bit cumbersome but at least I was authentic.
Becky was a Roaring 20's swinger and Marcia was a referee.

Silver Linings, by Debbie Macomber

  I received this ARC from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers giveaway. This is one of the first Macomber books I have been able to finish. It was well written and the open ending implies there will be a Rose Harbor #5.
  One thing about this book I found difficult was the odd numbered chapters, which were about the bed & breakfast owner were written in first person and the even numbered chapters which were about the two women who stayed at the bed & breakfast while attending their 10 year class reunion were written in 3rd person. Once I got used to it, it was barely noticeable but very confusing at first. In fact, when Jo Marie was mentioned in chapter 2 I had no idea who the two women were talking about. I flipped to the back cover of the book and discovered she was the innkeeper. The main character!

The Photograph, by Beverly Lewis

I won this advance reader copy through the LibraryThing Early Review Giveaway.
 I have not read very many Amish books but I love Beverly Lewis' writing. It's clear, non-confusing with just the right amount of description and Amish language without bogging down the story. The Photograph is a sweet story of 3 unmarried sisters surviving after the deaths of their parents within a short time of each other.
The story emphasizes their love and obedience to God and the strong family commitment of the Amish while questioning the innocent desire for love; in the community and in the outside world.

I think this is one of the best books I have read this year. I my reviews on LibraryThing and Goodreads I gave it 4 stars.

I came across this passage today and it really struck me. 
How I wish those people we have put in office, at all levels, to lead this country for us, would follow God's word.


Ephesians 4:29-32
 Don’t let any evil talk come out of your mouths. Say only what will help to build others up and meet their needs. Then what you say will help those who listen. 30 Do not make God’s Holy Spirit mourn. The Holy Spirit is the proof that you belong to God. And the Spirit is the proof that God will set you completely free. 31 Get rid of all hard feelings, anger and rage. Stop all fighting and lying. Don’t have anything to do with any kind of hatred. 32 Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive one another, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done.











Stumptown: Portland, OR

The Boy Who Loved Rain, by Gerard Kelly

I recently finished this book and I loved it. I would describe it as a continuous roller-coaster ride with the way Kelly kept the action going; slowing down only to take a breath. The story surrounds a preteen boy who is slowly being swallowed by depression and that one nightmare that has him screaming into the night. What in his past could cause such a tragic turn of events for a child who was adopted into a loving religious home? Can the love of a desperate mother willing to seek help outside of her husband's church be enough?
(I also loved the title's play on words, but you will have to read the book to understand.)

I received this book through LibraryThing Early Review Giveaway February 2015.

Best Friends Through Eternity, by Sylvia McNicoll

 This is a young adult fiction about a 14 year old girl and the trials of friendship vs romance vs jocks vs mean girls vs loyalty vs adoption. Although I don't normally read young adult fiction, I have been drawn into this story to the point that even when I'm not reading, I think about Paige and what she is doing. There are so many situations going on here!
One interesting thing which appeals to younger readers, it does not have chapter numbers. The first chapter is titled "Monday after School" and the rest are simply called "Retake" with the next day of the week.

This YA book was filled with so many unexpected turns that it was hard to put down. McNicoll's really knows how to build momentum. Right up to the very last half of the very last page I was not sure what the main character's decision would be. Talk about suspense! Unfortunately, I am disappointed in the ending. It's not the decision I thought she would make and it implies that some people may have the choice to cheat death; that the final decision is their own. I would still recommend this book to anyone. It is a quick read and very well written. I received this book through LibraryThing Early Review Giveaway February 2015.