"Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations" by Alex & Brett Harris

This is a great book. Although I'm in my mid-twenties I was challenged and encouraged by the things laid out before me. I've never been one to shy away from doing and living something hard, but this gave me an added boost to tackle the things that God has put before me today and seek Him for greater things that He might have in store for the future.

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"Glenbrooke" series by Robin Jones Gunn

This is a fun series! Set in Glenbrooke, Oregon, each novel centers on a few main characters, though you are still able to keep up with all the different threads throughout. I found them all very encouraging as a single lady still searching for God's best for me. Sweet and uplifting romance novels are hard to find, but Robin Jones Gunn has managed to bring us 8 of them in one series!!

The titles in order are: "Secrets", "Whispers", "Echoes", "Sunsets", "Clouds", "Waterfalls", "Woodlands" and "Wildflowers". Perfect for summer reading!

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"Only Nuns Change Habits Overnight" by Karen Scalf Linamen

As someone who has a pretty strong willpower this wasn't a book that made a tremendous impact on me, though I did think some of the points were really good and would recommend it for those who are in need of making positive changes in their lives. Especially if you find yourself in a "starting over" point of life, needing encouragement to continue on with a good outlook and help from Jesus.

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"Scoop" by Rene Gutteridge

Being a homeschool graduate myself, I was excited to read a story whose heroine came through a similar education.

This was a fun read! News Channel 7 is shaken up by a disappearance and other mysterious events involving both friends and enemies. I enjoyed the ensemble cast, though I found it puzzling that the Hazards were not more of a factor, given that the series is named after them. Hmmm... Still enjoyable, and I hope to check out more books about this unique family.

This was my first read by Rene Gutteridge and I do not plan on making it my last!

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"The Hope of Refuge" by Cindy Woodsmall

Cara Moore had a rough upbringing in the foster care system and life didn't treat her well after she ran away at age 15. Now on the run from an abusive stalker, Cara finds herself grasping for one small hint to her past which she found hidden in her mother's journal. When she arrives in Dry Lake, PA, homeless and exhausted, the Amish community doesn't quite know what to think about her. It turns out they know a lot more about where Cara came from than she knows herself! Yet only one steps up to ...moreCara Moore had a rough upbringing in the foster care system and life didn't treat her well after she ran away at age 15. Now on the run from an abusive stalker, Cara finds herself grasping for one small hint to her past which she found hidden in her mother's journal. When she arrives in Dry Lake, PA, homeless and exhausted, the Amish community doesn't quite know what to think about her. It turns out they know a lot more about where Cara came from than she knows herself! Yet only one steps up to show Christ's love to Cara and her daughter Lori... and it may end up turning the community upside down.

I was a fan of Amish fiction before it became hugely popular and now try to only stick with old favorites because some of what is being written just does not jive with the actual Amish I was privileged to live near and know during my teenage years. Woodsmall is an excellent author, although with this story I felt we got to the end and bam-bam-bam things wrapped up a little too nicely for the sequel coming up soon, unless the sequel is going to focus on a different set of characters.

(Note: I did read the second book and reviewed it here.)

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"To Catch a Thief" Series by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

"Reluctant Burglar"
What a good book! Normally I have to be in just the right mood for a mystery, but this one attracted me in a different way and I was hooked from the first chapter. It is not one of those stomach-churning suspenses that keeps you up until 3 a.m., but rather a story that you savor slowly, enjoying the rich writing and creative twists. The characters are memorable and lovable and I look forward to more adventures with them.

( Book 2... )

( Book 3... )

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"Sisters of the Quilt" Series by Cindy Woodsmall

#1 "When the Heart Cries"
I had picked up this book on a trusted friend's review that Woodsmall's writing was superb. I had no idea what the story was about and was truly shocked and caught off guard at the early tragic twist. As the story progressed I wished, as I often do in stories which start with a horrible event, that I had been given the chance to get to know the main character before this crisis of faith and personality. This is a gripping story which is emotionally strong and I found it hard to put down. The wri...moreI had picked up this book on a trusted friend's review that Woodsmall's writing was superb. I had no idea what the story was about and was truly shocked and caught off guard at the early tragic twist. Hannah Lapp's world seems to just be coming together when it is violently ripped apart. As the story progressed I wished, as I often do in stories which start with a horrible event, that I had been given the chance to get to know the main character before this crisis of faith and personality. This is a gripping story which is emotionally strong and I found it hard to put down. The writing was as good as advertised and I was glad I had the sequel within reach when I finished it!

#2 "When the Morning Comes"
This book was quite a bit different than the first in the way it was paced. The first one takes place over 6 months and the heroine is in crisis mode the whole time; this second one takes place over almost 3 years and she is mostly at peace as she pursues her new life. The story is still very interesting and compelling and I can't wait to see what happens in the third book! Excellent writing, though deals with several sensitive subjects and would not recommend it for younger readers.

#3 "When the Soul Mends"
When I finished the second book in this series, I thought the third one was going to be so predictable. I was wrong! The plot kept going deeper as Hannah confronts her past, surprised at the amount of anger and hurt that is still in her heart even with the healing she's gone through. Can she truly forgive? Not your typical Amish story by a long shot! The choices which face Hannah make this a real page-turner and a satisfying conclusion to the series.

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"Closer Than Your Skin" by Susan D. Hill

If you have ever wondered if there is more to the Christian life than what you have now, this could be the book for you! It is one woman's journey to an alive relationship with God - and she doesn't want to see anyone settle for less. I thought it was balanced with wisdom, and I love how she stressed that knowing your Bible is the very first key to knowing God. I believe God still does speak to His believers today and it was nice to read a supporting opinion on the subject.

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"Lead. Serve. Love." by Gregory E. Lang

I am passionate about service. I admire leaders and want to be one myself. Love makes all the difference in both of those areas, so when I saw this title it intrigued me. As did its concept: one hundred 3-word sentences to help us live as Jesus did.

Love the unloved.
Do your best.
Turn from darkness.

Each piece of "three-ology" comes with a paragraph of direction and is followed by 4-6 supporting New Testament verses. I thought it was wonderful that there was so much Scripture included!

Embrace every opportunity.
Share good news.
Celebrate every win.

As I read, I kept thinking this book would be an excellent gift for a new believer who might just be learning who Jesus really was and how we live as His representatives today. Or to the graduate who may need extra encouragement as they set forth on the adventure of adult life, to help keep them grounded and growing. It was a strengthening comfort to me as I read it, and often as I went throughout my days these little sentences would come to mind.

Strike up conversations.
Share yourself willingly.
Never give up.

This is a fabulous read that any believer could benefit from!

Note: I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for this honest review.