UNBREAKABLE by NANCY MEHL

Why would anyone want to bring harm to a group of people that live by God's principles?  The people that live in Kingdom, only want to live their life in peace, adhering to the rules of the Mennonite Church.

Why would someone want to run Hope off the road?  Thankfully, Jonathan Wiese was on his way home and saw the red truck heading back her way again, after already running her off the road and turning her buggy over.  Then later, Avery was run off the same road and he was not so fortunate.  Who is trying to harm the people of Kingdom?  

Hope Kauffman, thought she had her life all together.  She and Ebbie Miller are looking forward to getting married in the near future.  That was until, Jonathan Wiese began to share his feelings the day he rescued her from the red truck and whoever was behind the wheel.  Is Hope drawn to Jonathan just because he would fight to protect her and shares his feelings with her, so unlike Ebbie? 

When  accidents begin to happen, the people of Kingdom begin to question.  Do they carry firearms or do they put their trust in the Lord, as they have been taught all their lives?  Jonathan wants to set up guards to watch over the town and carry guns,  while Ebbie wants to trust the Lord to take care of them.  Who is right and who is wrong?  

If the people of Kingdom were more open to protecting themselves, than relying on God, would things be different?  Doesn't God want them to protect themselves from harm?  When Hope is taken hostage, will Ebbie be able to save her or will it be Jonathan who comes to her rescue?  Which man will Hope decide to give the marriage quilt that she has been working on?


I definitely will recommend this book to others.  I loved the way that the author, Nancy Mehl, took the reader on a journey into the lives and emotions of the people of Kingdom.  Once I started reading the book, I did not want to put it down.  At every chance, I found myself sitting down with my Kindle and reading another chapter or two.

My mother-in-law introduced me to the books about the Amish and Mennonites early in my marriage and I have never gotten tired of reading about them.  I know that I could not live as they do, but I so admire the dedication that they put into everything they do.
  
If I was to rate this book. I would give it a 5 star rating.  

The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall

I loved this book from the first page until the end.  I read this book on my Kindle over the holidays.


Mattie had always dreamed that she and Gideon would get married as they got older.  That all ended the night that she walked in on him holding another girl in his arms.  An Englisher at that!  Mattie left to live with relatives in another county and started her own bakery shop.


Now it has been three years and Mattie finds that she is headed home, after a fire has started in her shop and destroyed it. It will not be able to be rebuilt for months.  Mattie has not seen nor heard from Gideon for years.  Will Mattie be able to see Gideon without her heart breaking again?  Will Gideon finally tell Mattie the truth behind what she saw and believed, or will Mattie return for the Christmas Singing as she promised her fiance?


The author, Cindy Woodsmall shows the reader that the Amish women are strong in character and are able to have a business.  Yes, there were trials and tests that Mattie and Gideon had to go through, just like we do today.  Yet, with God's strength and family, they were able to meet life's challenges. 


I have read a number of Cindy Woodsmall's books and have enjoyed each one and have shared them with my friends.  I would give this book a 5 star rating.  It was so easy to read, that I found myself thinking of the characters after I closed the book.


Disclosure:  I was given this book from Waterbrook Press in the form of an e-book to read and to do a review on.  I was only asked to read and give my honest opinion.  

AMISH BOOK CHALLENGE

 I was just over to the blog "Reviews By Molly. She has decided to be creative and she decided this a few months ago. After searching to see if anyone had a challenge about reading Amish books, she took the plunge. I love reading about the Amish. I find their life so interesting and relaxful. I wouldn't want to live my life as strictly as they do, but they do have the family thing down. I am so looking forward to this challenge. I know that the time is short, but I love to read, and I just got some new ones in the mail this week. 


 The Rules: 1. The goal is to read 15 or more books. Anyone can join. 2. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Library books, Novellas, Young Reader, Nonfiction – as long as the book has an ISBN or equivalent or can be purchased as such, the book counts. 3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed. 4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count. 5. Challenge begins January thru December, 2011. You can join at anytime. 6. GRAB the button and spread the word!

1. Courting Ruth by Emma Miller
2. Miriam's Heart by Emma Miller
3. Anna's Gift by Emma Miller
4. Katie's Redemption by Patricia Davids
5. The Doctor's Blessing by Patricia Davids
6. An Amish Christmas by Patricia Davids
7. The Farmer Next Door by Patricia Davids
8. Kelly's Chance by Wanda E. Brunstetter
9. GOING home by Wanda E. Brunstetter
10. On Her own by Wanda E. Brunstetter
11. Allison's Journey by Wanda E. Brunstetter
12. A Sisiter's Secret by Wanda E. Brunstetter
13. A Sister's Test by Wanda E. Brunstetter
14. A Sister's Hope by Wanda E. Brunstetter
15. White Christmas Pie by Wanda E. Brunstetter
16. The Journey by Wanda E. Brunstetter