After years of mistreatment, the Israelites prepare to defend themselves against the oppressive Canaanites. Readying for war not only takes secret military training but also an Israelite leader who is willing to both stand against generations of oppression and follow God.
Deborah, a young Israelite woman, lives a quiet and isolated life with her father and brothers. As a shepherdess in the hills near her home, she knows well the perils of her work. But when faced with incredible danger, she witnesses a series of remarkable events that preserve her life. The hand of the Lord is apparent, and it is clear that hers will be no ordinary life.
Years later, Deborah is a faithful wife and mother when she learns that the Third Judge of Israel has died–and she has been called to take his place. It is a tumultuous time in history, and soon, Deborah–prophetess, judge, and military leader–faces a seemingly insurmountable task: alongside the commander of the Israelite army, Deborah must lead ten thousand soldiers in their final campaign against their Canaanite oppressors with only her faith in God to guide her.
MY THOUGHTS
This was an interesting read.
I love how the author made the book simple to follow and enjoy.
I enjoyed reading about how Deborah was portrayed and her various skills set. They were tremendous to read and k ow about.
It was daring to read how she excelled in the midst of men.
Her strength, wit and determination was succinctly written about in this book.
I loved reading about Jael. She’s my second favorite Biblical character and it was wonderful again to read about her in this story. He courage, strength and boldness was just awesome.
I love how the author brought to life the characters of the Biblical story and her lesson on how women are important in God’s plan for humanity.
I enjoyed reading about the love story between Deborah and her Husband Lapidoth or Lapi as he was called in the book. His support of his wife was so sweet. Every woman with a purpose needs a man like Lapi in her life. Their loyalty and trust in God was beautiful.
One of the most beautiful themes of this book was the beauty and strength of family when they stand together.
I loved reading about the family connections between Barak and Lapi and how together they stood to fight the enemies of Israel.
The settings of the book was written about wonderfully.
I recommend this book to anyone who loved Biblical fiction.
I received a copy of this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed here are mine.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen historical novels and thrillers, written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women’s fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah.
About the Book Book: Hagar Author: Shadia Hrichi Genre: Religion / Bible Study Release Date: October 10, 2017
You are ”The God Who Sees Me.”
Discover a close relationship with God–no matter the pain or suffering in your life. Witness the depths of God’s compassion through the eyes of Hagar, a runaway slave who meets the living God in a desert of despair, where she gives Him the name El Roi, ”The God Who Sees Me.”
Through this seven week study, you will find that when you surrender your life into God’s hands, your trials and triumphs serve a magnificent purpose: to draw you into the arms of the faithful God Who Sees Me.
”Deep and packed with surprising insights!” Francine Rivers
Click here to download a free sample, explore Shadia’s video teaching sessions, or sign up for the online Bible study.
My Thoughts
This is an extensive and deep study for anyone who really want to study about Hagar Abrahma and Sarah, and about how their lives affected each of them and in extension all who read about them.
This study would take you on a journey on why and how you can trust in God’s promises throught the thick and thins of life.
I love the way the writer draws you into an in-depth study with prompt and questions to guide you to the truth. I love how the writer included her story into the study, it helps drive the lessons home.
A part of the study “pause to ponder” helps you to really think and reflect on what you are learning. It’s like taking a break from your study and really chewing what you’ve gleaning.
I like the “supplementary reading” that’s gives you a background history of what is not recorded in the Bible to help you understand what was prevalent in those times.
The study handles each topic with depht and clarity. I like the inductive approach the writer used which will help every serious student of scripture ask the why, where, who, what, when and how questions to properly understand, interpret and apply Biblical text to their lives.
The study divided into days helps you spread out study so you don’t get to rush it and miss out. It gives you what to look forward to each day.
I loved the focus of the study, God and you. From concentrating and building this relationship, one would be able to love those around them and relate like God wants one to.
Scriptural references to the new testament makes it very balanced for students of scriptures and for new believers who pick this study to have a balanced view and knowledge of scriptures.
I like the build up from one chapter to another. The topics are not disjointed but they is a continum.
For each topic of the study, there are laods of indepth study to make sure the student is able to go home with every how to.
This study shows us the point of Hagar’s story in scriptures. Hagar has been bad-mouthed over the years by her role in Abraham’s and Sarah’s life. But from this study, one will come to know that everything in scriptures points to Jesus. So no part of scripture or story is less important than another. If we settle and study we’d get to see all parts pointing to and back to Jesus. From this study one gets to see why Hagar’s story was included in scriptures.
God’s love for Hagar, Ishmael and every other human he created in his image is not dependant on anything we could ever do or will do but it is dependent on Who He is. His love for us is the same yesterday, today and forever. And through the cross of Jesus that love is made available to everyone who comes to Him. God’s promise to Hagar came to pass. She wasn’t abandoned by God and this study clearly helps the students with extensive scriptural references to see this. God’s purposes are far greater than any one person can imagine.
One of the great themes of this study is that there is no Jew or Gentile in God’s presence. He accepts all those who calls out to Him like Hagar. God sees and loves us right where we are.
I recommend this study to new believers with help from an older believer and student of God’s word. To those who struggle with identify, and if God knows, sees and hears them. To those who have been shunned by those around them. To those wondering like Hagar if God has a plan for their lives. To those in the wilderness period of their lives thinking what God’s plans are. To those wondering if good can come out of a bad situation.
I received a copy of this study for my honest review. Every opinion expressed here are mine.
About the Author
SHADIA HRICHI is a passionate Bible teacher, author, and speaker who has a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of God’s Word. She has received a master’s in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary as well as master’s in criminal justice from the State University of New York. Shadia is the author of several Bible studies, including HAGAR,Worthy of Love, and her latest study, LEGION, comes out in October. Shadia is often invited to speak at churches, conferences, and other events. Her insightful, witty, yet vulnerable teaching style reveals a compassion for the hurting, love for Jesus, and uncompromising commitment to the truth of God’s Word. Visit shadiahrichi.com
More from Shadia
Am I known? Am I loved? Am I home?
Every human heart is searching for the answers to these questions. Yet when pain and heartache enter our lives, we feel betrayed and cry out one question: God, do You see me?
The answer is yes. He is Behind the Seen.
Because we live in a fallen world, each of us will inevitably face hard times, even painful ones. Who among us has never seen or felt the fallout of broken homes, broken lives, or broken dreams? Hagar is a great example of someone who discovered God during a difficult time.
Maybe you have never heard of her. Or perhaps you came across her name in a study of the book of Genesis. But how much do you really know about this young slave girl? We often relegate her to the backstage as a minor character in God’s redemptive story. But was she?
As I explored Hagar’s story for another book I wanted to write, God continually amazed me as we journeyed together from the affluence of Egypt, into a life of slavery, to a desert of despair. It seemed the more I studied her life, the more I discovered about God. What began as a chapter evolved into a study all its own.
Two years and several thousand hours of study and prayer later, HAGAR: Rediscovering the God Who Sees Me came to be. Consider this book as your backstage pass to the life of Hagar.
I have never actually gone backstage during a live event, but I know that much more goes on behind the scenes than meets the eye. I invite you to come backstage with me and explore how God was involved in every detail of Hagar’s life. Her story has all the ingredients of a Hollywood tragedy: betrayal, loss, abuse, crisis pregnancy, abandonment . . . any of that sound painfully familiar?
Thankfully, Hagar’s story does not end in despair. God was working Behind the Seen—just as He has in your life and mine—all along. As a matter of fact, Hagar emerges victorious!
Hagar: an unsung hero if there ever was one.
Beloved, is the enemy using anything in your past to try to derail you from God’s plan, or hold you back from experiencing God’s joy to the fullest? Be assured, that is not how your story will end. Just as God did for Hagar, when He enters your story, victory is already assured.
So strap on your sandals and a grab a bottle of water. We’re heading into the desert. A place where we will rediscover the God Who Sees Me.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” —Isaiah 9:2
To celebrate her tour, Shadia is giving away to TWO winners 1 book of Hagar, 1 book of Legion and a $50 gift certificate for leafwoodpublishers.com!! Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/eb32/hagar-celebration-tour-giveaway
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Amish Christmas Matchmaker by Vannetta Chapman, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK.
Title: The Amish Christmas Matchmaker Series: Indiana Amish Brides #4 Author: Vannetta Chapman Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: September 1, 2019 Genre: Inspirational Amish Fiction
She’ll find him a wife for Christmas…Which of these Indiana Amish Brides is next?
With her wedding business thriving, Annie Kauffmann could never leave her beloved Amish community. So when handsome Amish cowboy Levi Lapp tries to convince her father to move the family to Texas, she must put a stop to it. If Annie finds Levi a wife, he might forget his dream of moving…but can she keep from falling for him herself?
Emotions seesawing between tenderness and despair?
No wonder she’d avoided it for so long.
“I’m not saying you will or won’t have to give up one dream for the other. I don’t know, but I do know this. Gotte has a plan for you, Annie.” Nicole reached over and squeezed her hand.
It wasn’t lost on Annie that Levi had referred to the same verse the night before.
“And who can thwart Gotte’s plan? Who is big enough to do that? No one. No one can. So it will work out. Your job is to believe that, and continue to go about your day doing that day’s work.”
“When did you become so wise?”
“Sometime between Rachel and the twins I suppose.”
Annie didn’t know if she believed that things would work out. Did the Bible promise that? It seemed to her that there was a lot of heartbreak and tragedy and pain in the Bible—even for Gotte’s people. Perhaps when they returned home, she’d spend some time reading through her favorite passages in the New Testament or the Psalms. The Psalms always calmed her heart. Maybe it was time to accept her situation and trust that Gotte could and would do whatever was best for her.
MY THOUGHTS/REVIEW
“It’s okay to change your mind about a thing or person. Sometimes first impressions aren’t be best. Sometimes we have to see past that impression to the scars and hopes and dreams underneath, and then we understand who they really are. ”
Favorite quote.
“It is in the LORD’S hands and I am good with that.” One of my favorite quote in the book.
Dreams! Everyone has loads of that. But what happens when we are so subsumed by our dreams that we don’t see any other thing and we ignore or fight God’s plans for our life?
That was the story of Annie and Levi.
They both had dreams and plans for how they wanted their lives to turn out but God had plans for them and it was so beautifully crafted out in this book.
I loved reading about how she built her business and enjoyed doing what she did; bring a great help in making one of the most beautiful days in people’s lives a success. Her strong and independent spirit was so endearing to read about. Her love and protectiveness over her family was sweet to read about.
The banter between her and Levi was just hilarious and sweet. They thought they were opposites, but that’s what made them compatible.
I loved reading about how Annie chose to pray and commit things into God’s hands instead of worry. Prayers were a great part of her life and very important.
Levi came into town dreamy and full of his own happy ending until he butted heads with the witty Annie. I loved reading about his determination to follow his dreams even when things seem to be moving the opposite direction especially the women he loved.
I enjoyed reading about how the both of them learnt to lay down those weapons and allow love take it’s course, most especially allow God plot and unveil his plans for them.
This was a very beautiful Amish story for me to read. I’ve always been careful of reading Amish books because of the language but this was pretty easy for me to read and understand. I loved the focus of the book; fulfillment of dreams and allowing God’s plan take precedence.
The while Christmas theme in it made it all enjoyable.
I recommend this book to everyone who loved Christmas stories and a lesson in allowing God fulfill his plans for one’s life.
I received a copy of this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed here are mine.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She is the author of over twenty novels, including the Pebble Creek Amish series, Shipshewana Amish Mystery Series, and Plain and Simple Miracle series. Vannetta is a Carol award winner, a Christy finalist, and she also received more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She currently writes Christian suspense, Amish romance, and Amish mystery. She was a teacher for 15 years and resides in the Texas hill country.
(1) winner will receive a copy of The Amish Christmas Matchmaker (print or digital), a quilted Amish mug mat, a woven Amish mug mat, and $10 Amazon gift card!
Be sure to check out each stop on these tours for more chances to win. Full tour schedule on this tour shown below. Giveaway begins at midnight September 9, 2019 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 16, 2019. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Due to shipping cost, only US mailing addresses valid. For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.
The Dowager Duchess of Kielder eagerly anticipates spending Christmas with her son and his family. Though their relationship has been strained, the duchess is determined to heal the chasm. Even with the help of the widowed local vicar, her plan will take a Christmas miracle. But during this magical season, anything is possible . . . even two second chances for love.
The Heart of Christmas by Anita Stansfield
When a chance meeting brings together a gentle seamstress and a widowed banker, each lonely soul finds a first hint of hope. As their lives become entwined, it will take Christmas spirit to guide a broken family to love and healing.
‘Tis the Season to Be Daring by Esther Hatch
Elizabeth Davenport has had quite enough of the London Season. Determined to evade a parade of unsuitable suitors, she seeks help from the one gentleman who has no regard for Society’s rules. All of Society knows Lord Hawthorne is not interested in marriage, yet he cannot deny Miss Davenport’s unique charm. And as the Christmas season works its magic, their charade begins to feel less like playacting and more like love.
The Christmas Dress by Joanna Barker
Seamstress Nell Addington is thrilled when her childhood friend Jacob Hammond commissions a dress for his sister. But when Nell realizes her feelings for Jacob run far deeper than friendship, an unexpected snowstorm—and some holiday cheer—may convince them both that love is worth fighting for.
Who doesn’t love a Christmas story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story.
My heart went out to Adam, the Duke of Kielder over his childhood and loss. It was sad reading how it scared him even as an adult.
His Mum the Dowager duchess was remorseful for her part in her son’s life and was eager to fix things over Christmas, the season she came to believe miracles happen in. I love how together with the Vicar with a lovely personality turned around her relationship with her family and in the process found love.
Miracles really happen at Christmas. At all it is a season of redemption and love. I read abundant of those in this part of the book.
Sarah is an absolutely gifted writer. She captivated my heart with the humor filled banter in the book. I laughed a lot while reading this story.
I definitely recommend this to be read by everyone.
The heart of Christmas by Anita Stansfield.
Christ mends broken hearts if we could just allow him to. He is not afraid of our wounds or scars. He himself is aware of pain and suffering and he mends.
I thought the first novella was awesome until I read this second one. Awwwwwwww
That’s all I could say after reading it.
Yes, Christmas time is a time for mending hearts. Addie in the process of mending the hearts of Theo, Becky and Marla with God’s help mended hers too from her sad past and mother’s death.
I love reading about how Theo found her, how she came to be in his employment. I loved how she sought to serve and not judge but looked for a way to bring joy to where she was. I especially loved reading on how instead of relying on her own strength to do what needed to be done, she prayed and God sure answered.
This story brings one of the messages of Christmas in the most beautiful of ways I’ve ever read about.
‘Tis season to be daring by Esther Hatch.
Awwwwww
I was sad it ended so quickly. A very beautiful story of daring to love.
Charles was an earl and according to him, he could do anything he wanted because he was an earl. That’s what endeared him to Elizabeth. I love the fact that he was indifferent to what the society thought was the norm and decided to enjoy life and it became contagious to Elizabeth.
Together they fell in love to be two people who didn’t care about what society thought and just want to be happy and enjoy life.
A very beautiful read for me.
The Christmas dress but Joanna Barker.
This story was purely heartwarming.
I’ve always loved stories with seamstresses in them. This did not disappoint.
I loved reading about the history between Jacob and Nell and their live apart and together. I loved how he was so mindful of her when they reconnected. I loved reading about Alice, Jacob’s younger sister and how she was able to let go of her quiet disposition after the tragedy that struk them.
Such a beautiful Christmas story of new beginnings and finding love.
I received a copy of this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed here are mine.
ABOUT AUTHORS. SARAH M. EDEN
Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today Bestselling author of witty and charming historical romances, including Foreword Review’s 2013 “IndieFab Book of the Year” gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, as well as 2014 Whitney Award winner for “Best Novel of the Year,” Longing for Home: Hope Springs. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski.
Anita Stansfield has been the reigning queen of LDS romantic fiction for nearly two decades, although her general market releases have been among her readers favorites. Her work has shattered the stereotypes of romance novels with her trademark ability to combine great storytelling with intense psychological depth as she focuses on the emotional struggles of the human experience. Her novels cover a huge spectrum, from the eighteenth century to the present, from heart warming to heart stopping. Hundreds of thousands of readers agree: Anita Stansfield’s characters and the lives they lead are not easy to forget.
Anita is now also writing under the pseudonym Elizabeth D. Michaels. You can find her work on amazon.com
Contacts; stansfieldwriter@gmail.com
JOANNA BAKER
Joanna Barker was born and raised in northern California. She discovered her love for historical fiction after visiting England as an eleven-year-old, and subsequently read every Jane Austen book she could get her hands on. After graduating Brigham Young University with a degree in English, she worked as an acquisitions editor before devoting herself full-time to writing. She enjoys music, chocolate, and reading everything from romance to science fiction. She lives in Utah and is just a little crazy about her husband and two wild-but-loveable boys. Contacts; FacebookinstagramPinterest
ESTHER HATCH
Esther Hatch grew up on a cherry orchard in rural Utah. After high school, she alternated living in Russia to teach children English and attending Brigham Young University in order to get a degree in archaeology. She began writing when one of her favorite authors invited her to join a critique group. The only catch was she had to be a writer. Not one to be left out of an opportunity to socialize and try something new; she started on her first novel that week. Contacts, facebookinstagram
When a struggling bakery owner is rescued by a wannabe songwriter with hidden culinary talents, they discover they can make sweet harmony … if they can only learn to work together.
Rhett Foster longs to change the world with his music, yet he can’t even finish writing one song. Battered by a string of failures and disillusioned, he returns home to Portland, Oregon. While he desperately wants to create a chart-topping hit, his dad mandates a new mission: move to coastal vacation hotspot Seabrook, Washington and expand the family’s successful restaurant chain.
In danger of destroying her late parents’ legacy if she doesn’t diversify her menu, Lindsay Carmichael will try anything to save her bakery. But with a tiny budget and an injured employee who can’t work, she has no choice but to sink the last of her savings into buying a dilapidated food truck and hiring Rhett as a part-time barista. What she doesn’t know is that the handsome songwriter has a secret … one that could destroy her business and her heart.
I really really enjoyed reading this book. It was such a comfortable and easy read.
Right away I admired the strong spirit and determination of the Lindsay. Despite all she had been through I loved reading about how she was determined to make her dreams of her bakery come through. I loved reading about how hardworking she was. One admirable virtue of hers that strucked me was the way she avoided speaking harshly to people that hurt her. She avoided verbal confrontations when she was sure she would have nothing good to say. Honestly, I wish everyone was like her and would shut up when they know their words would hurt. Her lack of depth with God at the beginning made her want to be in control and depend on her self but her turn around journey was very interesting to read about.
Everyone needs a Catherine in their lives. She was Linds assistant and best friend since forever, her faith in God and her willingness to share it with her friend Linds and help her through her tough periods was awesome.
It was such a beautiful twist to read on how Rhett came into her life while trying to figure out his own. His pain, family history and failures already cast a deep shadow on him but in time he learnt to let go and allow God heal and to leave things in God’s care. He had to learn through different painful experiences that when God looks at him he does not see a failure and that all the talents and gifts God has put on the inside of him would have their opportunities to be expressed. He had to learn to forgive his father over the pain of loosing his mum and move on to the future God had for him. Rhett refused to give up on his dreams even when it seemed like he was never going to make it.
I loved reading about the zing, zing attract between them and how their love grew. It was beautiful to read about how two people with a history of a lot of hurt, pain and betrayal can learn to forgive and find love together.
Together they both learnt that if they wanted to succeed they would have to learn to adapt and trust God even when things do not happen as they want it to.
The author’s writing style was awesome. Even though it was a romance novel, the book wasn’t swimming with heated scenes. It was very clean to read. I enjoyed it immensely. I hope to read more from this author.
Ah, the setting of the book was a perfect holiday scene with the backdrop of the pacific ocean and the beach. It was educating reading about the bakery and how different treats are made.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. All options expressed here are mine.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR.
Heidi secretly dreamed of writing a book for most of her childhood, but a particularly painful rejection letter in middle school convinced her to tuck that dream away. Instead, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington and a Master’s Degree in Athletic Training from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. After a brief career as a Certified Athletic Trainer, Heidi married her husband Steve, then she dusted off her big dream of becoming a published author and launched her first contemporary romance into the world in 2014. A huge fan of coffee, dark chocolate, and happily ever after, Heidi currently lives in North Carolina with Steve, three active boys and one amazing Goldendoodle.
Candrel’s Crafts, Cooks, and Characters – Interview
Britt Reads Fiction – Review (ebook)
September 10th:
Among the Reads – Review (ebook)
Woven From Words – Review (ebook)
Splashes of Joy – Review (print)
September 11th:
janicesbookreviews – Review (ebook)
Hearts & Scribbles – Excerpt
My Devotional Thoughts – Review (ebook)
Jypsylynn – Review (print)
September 12th:
Peaceful Pastime – Review (print)
Harlie’s Books – Review (ebook) & Excerpt
Batya’s Bits – Review (ebook)
September 13th:
Tell Tale Book Reviews – Guest Post
Life Is What It’s Called – Excerpt
Red Headed Book Lady – Review (print)
Cover Lover Book Review – Review (ebook) & Guest Post
September 14th:
Grand Finale
GIVEAWAY
One winner will receive a signed paperback with bookmark, $10 Amazon gift card, Sticky Fingers Strawberry Scone mix and a Seabrook Sea, Salt and Surf 100% soy wax candle from Hometown candle company.
Realtor Hannah Thornton has many talents. Unfortunately, selling houses in the town where her family name is practically poison isn’t one of them. When a business tycoon determines to raze historic homes in the small town of Heritage, Michigan, and replace them with a strip mall, Hannah resolves to stop him. She sets about helping Heritage win a restoration grant that will put the town back on the map–and hopefully finally repay the financial debt Hannah’s mother caused the town. But at first no one supports her efforts–not even her best friend, Luke.
Luke Johnson may have grown up in Heritage, but as a foster kid he never truly felt as if he belonged. Now he has a chance to score a job as assistant fire chief and earn his place in the town. But when the interview process and Hannah’s restoration project start unearthing things from his past, Luke must decide if belonging is worth the pain of being honest about who he is–and who he was.
MY THOUGHTS
This book should definitely be produced into a motion picture.
The author did justice to the characters.
I love how the different stories tied together. The plot twist were mind-blowing and unexpected. The title of the book was what drew me in and the different narratives of each character did justice to it.
I love reading about Hannah, because she’s like most people if not all, trying to fix things and keep the past from repeating itself. Often forgetting that it’s God’s job to be in control and fix everything not us. I enjoyed reading about how she learnt to let go and let God work out His plans for her. Her love story with Luke was just fantastic. The baggage he came with because of his childhood was very relatable for me. He felt he never belonged anywhere and was an expert at driving people away but from various beautifully written plot twists he learnt he was adopted in the family of God.
Janie, Hannah’s best friend had to learn that God alone was enough. Her’s and Thomas love story was a beautiful mosaic of trust in God, building relationships on truth and on God. I loved how their different challenges brought them closer to God. I loved how in God their identity and worth was realized.
“When we hold the broken pieces of our lives too close, they cut us up inside. Give the pieces to God, see what he can do with them.”
My favorite quote from the book and one of my biggest lessons.
Nothing else touched me like this quote from the book
“All the pieces of life are there, it takes God to arrange them in the right way ”
The title of the book depicts the relationship between the characters, but for me, I belong with Christ no matter what life throws at me. It was meant for evil/pain/hurt/sorrow/tears, but God meant it for good.
I absolutely enjoyed the small town setting of the book.
I highly recommend this to all readers of Christian fiction. You’d find eternal truth that can be applied to your life especially those trying to heal from broken promises and relationships.
I received a copy of the book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed here are mine.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I have been writing fiction for more than twelve years. It has been an exciting journey for this math-loving-dyslexic girl. I had read less than a handful of novels by the time I graduated from college and I thought I would end up in the field of science or math. But God had other plans and I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. As someone told me once, God’s plans may not be easy, and they may not always make sense but they are never boring.
Represented by Wendy Lawton at Books & Such Literary Management, I am a member of ACFW and My Book Therapy. I am a 2017 Genesis winner, 2016 Genesis finalist and double semi-finalist, 2014 Genesis finalist, 2012 Genesis semi-finalist, and a 2012 Frasier bronze medalist.
In addition to my writing, I also work for My Book Therapy as a special project project manager and blog coordinator for LearnHowToWriteAnNovel.com and you can find me blogging over there on occasion.
When I am not writing or working, I spend time with my amazing husband. We have been married for fifteen wonderful years and have three sweet children. In my free time, I love coffee, rock hounding with my husband and kids, and distracting myself from housework
Everyone in America has fallen in love with Delilah, leading lady in a bestselling Amish novel. When media giants discover that Delilah is a real person, the pursuit is on. Dave joins the search not realizing that by finding her, he would fall into the story and become Samson.
This is my very first Amish book that I am reading to the end. I have never been able to enjoy Amish’s books. The language in this one was simple English for me to understand not all those funny to spell and understand Amish words.
I enjoyed reading about the characters, they were very believable. I love Delilah’s beautiful and quiet nature. I loved reading about her kitchen skills. One of the most beautiful things i enjoyed reading about was her sincerity and her heart to forgive. Despite the things that had happened in her past, she still was a sweet person to read about. Those virtues don’t just come about like that, they stream from a relationship with God. Delilah exuded the beauty that comes from a gentle and quiet spirit effortlessly in this book. One of my favourite quotes on forgiving people who hurt us from the book was while she was conversing with Dave when life threw them into an unexpected journey “My sins cost Jesus his life. When you realise that, you will be able to forgive others”.
Dave was driven by a lot of things but God had plans for him and when his paths crossed with Delilah some of those plans unfolded. I loved reading about the family he came from, especially about his father. The importance of Godly parents was so beautifully exemplified in this book. The twist and turns clearly written by the author displays what happens when people decide to live out the truths of scriptures.
I appreciated how the writer illustrated that children should be open with their parents even when they have done wrong. I loved the grace and forgiveness the parents in this book showed their children. It is easier for children to repent and not commit that sin again when they can be open with their parents and when forgiveness and salvation is extended to them.
I loved the different settings of the book. The characters were so lovely especially the delightful Earl, reading about him was charming. The pace of the book was enjoyable for a quiet read without adrenaline pumping. The writing style of the author was great too.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants a quiet and enjoyable read with christian principles demonstrated in a beautiful story like fashion.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are mine.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Thomas Nye writes novels about horses and Amish life, with a touch of romance, and a foundation of faith in Christ. He and his wife, Shari, live on her family farm where they raised five children. Their six grandchildren love to visit Karma and Karla, a team of draft horses which Thomas purchased from an Amish friend. Walking a mail route for the U.S. Postal Service keeps Thomas close to nature and affords him many quiet hours which he uses to dream up novels. Over three decades of friendships with Amish neighbors has revealed a simple wisdom that he weaves into his writing.
MORE FROM THOMAS
Most authors agree that during the course of writing a novel, the characters seem to come alive and emerge with personality traits we ourselves didn’t originally plan to give them. Not only did the lead characters of Samson and Delilah take on a life of their own, they also pulled the story in a direction I never planned to go.
Samson and Amish Delilah is a book about a book. You will soon discover that the characters are reading along with you. They even try to guess the ending and have discussions about it. As I worked on the final few chapters, I could almost feel Samson and Delilah urging me forward, as though they needed me to write out solutions to the issues they were facing. I could almost hear them calling to me, “Please—finish this book—we want the world to hear our story.”
Maybe all of this is just me projecting my feelings on them. LOL. Either way, I’ve gotten to know Samson and Delilah pretty well and I’m sure they would want you to smile, laugh, cry, and learn about the power of forgiveness along with them.
Thomas Nye
P.S. It so happens that I feel Samson and Delilah nudging me forward with a follow-up novel. Wink, wink.
To celebrate his tour, Thomas is giving away a Thomas Nye Gift Box, which includes four books by Thomas Nye: Samson and Amish Delilah, Under the Heavens, Amish Park, and Plain Everyday Heroes!! Along with bookmarkers and an Amish designed coloring book!! Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/ec39/samson-amish-delilah-celebration-tour-giveaway
