Sunday, April 29, 2012

Beyond Molasses Creek


By Nicole A.Seitz

Description
Three lives are bound by a single book . . . and the cleansing waters of Molasses Creek.  Having traveled to the ends of the earth as a flight attendant, Ally Green has finally returned to the Lowcountry to bury her father as well as the past. But Vesey Washington is still living across the creek, and theirs is a complicated relationship--he was once her best friend . . . and also part of the reason she's stayed away so long. When Ally discovers a message her father left behind asking her to quit running, it seems her past isn't through with her yet.  As Ally's wandering spirit wrestles with a deep longing to flee again, a young woman on the other side of the world escapes her life of slavery in the rock quarries of Nepal. A mysterious sketchbook leads Sunila Kunari to believe there's more to her story than she's ever been told, and she's determined to follow the truth wherever it leads her.  A deep current intertwines the lives of these three souls, and a destiny of freedom, faith, and friendship awaits them all on the banks of Molasses Creek.
Review
This was the first book I've ready by Nicole Seitz.  It was hard to get into the book at first - each character tells part of the story in first-person but about 1/3 way through the book you realize that their lives are all intertwined - particularly Ally and Sunila's lives.  You know that Ally is returning home after her father's death and that she soon realizes that after 40 years of traveling around the world she is ready to be settled and home.  However, Vesey Washington still lives across the creek so her past is hard to forget.  He was her best friend from childhood despite the fact she is white and he is black and they grew up on the 50's.  They find that they still share a bond and that they still care about each other.  The story reveals Ally's past slowly and you know that some tragedy happened to Ally years ago that made her lose faith.  She has traveled the world to try to find peace but she has never found it.
Then you meet Sunila who lives in India and you find out that she is very connected to Ally.  They are reunited and both find peace in God's love - I won't tell you everything.
The ending of this book is happy and it is a good story although the ending becomes expected  and is anti-climatic.  It's a good read - although not a great read.
Visit the Thomas Nelson product page here:  Beyond Molasses Creek Thomas Nelson Page.
I received this book free from the publisher but I was not required to write a positive review.  Opinions expressed are my own.   I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Friday, April 27, 2012

Friday Free for All!!

Nothing fancy, nothing earth shattering, nothing mind boggling - just fun for Friday!  And HOW TRUE this picture is.  I don't even want a do-over - I just want to move forward !!!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

THREE THINGS THURSDAY!!

Short and simple for tomorrow!

 1. Victoria Houston - I just finished reading all of her books about Loon Lake. VERY GOOD mysteries - a continuing story line that will make you want to go fly fishing in Wisconsin. Or at least move there in retirement :-)

 2. School - we are on the countdown of the school year. Jeff and I are both so proud of both girls - honor roll all year. The girls have lots of friends, the love their teachers and classes but they are ready for a break (just like mom).

 3. We watch Swamp People and Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe but Duck Dynasty has to be the funniest new reality show. They are LOADED from the duck calls they invented but good grief!

Thursday, April 12, 2012

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms

By Cindy Woodsmall



Book Description
Annie Martin loves the Plain ways of her Old Order Mennonite people, like those revered by her beloved grandfather. Retreating from a contentious relationship with her mother, Annie goes to live with her Daadi Moses in Apple Ridge.
But as spring moves into Pennsylvania and Annie spends time amongst the cherry trees with the handsome Aden Zook, she wishes she could forget how deeply the lines between the Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite are drawn.
Can Annie and Aden find a place for their love to bloom in the midst of the brewing storm?

Review
Annie Martin is an Old Order Mennonite from New York with troubled family. She has a difficult relationship with her mother and as a result, she goes to spend time with her Grandfather Moses in Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania. She begins working at Zook’s Restaurant and meets Aden Zook who is Old Order Amish. She has known the Zook family through her earlier visits with her grandfather.
Aden has his own issues. He lives at home and feels responsible for his brother, Roman’s, care. He also struggles with his self confidence due to family issues of his own.
Annie and Aden slowly form a bond and eventually become more than friends. However, Annie loves and is devoted to her Old Order Mennonite faith and Aden is devoted to his Old Order Amish faith. So what do they do? Do they stay together or does one of them change to the other’s faith so that they can be together but, at the same time, risk being abolished by their families and friends?
Annie’s grandfather disapproves of their relationship despite his close ties to the Zook family. On his farm is a cherry blossom orchard that he planted for Annie’s grandmother years ago. Annie and Aden secretly meet for long walks and talks in the orchard. They fall in love and through this love you see them mature and become more confident in who they are and what they want. Roman, Aden’s twin brother , does not like Aden and Annie’s relationship because he is co-dependent on Aden for his care. He was disabled from an accident resulting in bitterness and self-pity. But the story shows that he eventually matures and also has the beginning of his own romance.
Cindy WOodsmall’s writing is very descriptive and you feel as if you are in the story watching it unfold. The characters have depth and they are full of life. The books message of hope, faith, compromise, and love is very inspirational without being cheeky. Amish Fiction lovers will fully enjoy this book.

NOTE: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review with no expectation of a good review from the publisher.

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