The review of books on this site, are my own opinions. I have either bought these books, borrowed these books or been given an advanced reader's copy to review. I never receive any money for my personal reviews.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Blame it on the Mistletoe by Joyce Magnin


Blame it on the Mistletoe is certainly a delightful story that just about everyone will enjoy reading. The little Pennsylvania town of Bright's Pond is the home of many diverse personalities each with a story to tell. Griselda Sparrow is a middle-aged lady who is just beginning to discover her wings. Agnes is Griselda's sister who has suffered from being morbidly obese and was moved into the Greebrier Nursing Home by way of a forklift. Griselda is taking flying lessons from Cliff Cardwell and she is questioning herself about her feelings for Cliff and also for her long time boyfriend Zeb Sewickey. There is quite a lot of strange things going on at the nursing home with elderly residents riding tricycles and smooching in the crooked gazebo that was built by a slightly odd little fellow named Leon Fontaine, who some people are beginning to suspect may be the source of a fountain of youth.

This book was provided to me to read and review by the publisher Abingdon Press and Net Galley.

When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall

When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall

Hannah Lapp is an Amish teenager who has fallen in love with a Mennonite man. Hannah's father would never permit a marriage for Hannah to a Mennonite so she keeps the engagement to Paul Waddell a secret from her family. Unfortunately, a horrific thing happens to Hannah while walking down a deserted road and this leads to so many more complications in her life. How she comes to deal with the many things that happen to her makes a very interesting read that for some may lead to many more questions about the Amish faith and how they take care of their own problems.

I think that this book by Cindy Woodsmall will bring questions and perhaps resentment to some people who read it. This is understandable, but perhaps it is better to step back and realize that the Amish community is not like the English world (English meaning those outside the Amish community). The book is very touching but at times harsh, but this is life in this community. The story will continue into other books, so there will be some resolution for Hannah.

I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.