The Bridge of Peace by Cindy Woodsmall

Lena Kauffman is a young Amish school teacher who has lived all of her life feeling ashamed of the large birthmark upon her cheek. At 25 there is little hope of marriage, and with the mark upon her face she doubts the possibility of any man wanting her. Channeling insecurities throughout her life Lena has become a strong-willed, outspoken women; which is half her problem. When things at school go awry, and with Lena fighting for one of her students, she is at risk of losing her beloved position.

Grey Graber has found himself in a facade of a marriage. His wife Elsie refuses to acknowledge a problem within their relationship, and yet insists on shutting him out of her life. Question over their son's competency only causes tensions to rise higher between the pair. As they finally begin to work towards a better marriage tragedy befalls them.

Despite it all lifelong friends Lena and Grey are drawn together even as their begin to crumble around them.

I only began this book today I simply could not put it down! I have always been fond of Amish fiction, a simpler way of life seems to hold some sort of appeal to me, but Mrs, Woodsmall's characters are really what captivated me. I found all characters, but Lena especially to be fully developed with as many issues and insecurities as anyone else. This book, I only just realized, is the second in a series but I feel it easily stands alone. I did not notice any missing gaps that could have been filled in by a first book, but I will certainly go back and read it. Hopefully reading it out of order hasn't spoiled too much of the first story. This is definitely at the top of my 'must read' book list for friends!

I was graciously given a copy of this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, but was in no way compelled to write a positive review.

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones

Lucy Wiltshire believes she has found the perfect man. Matt is stable, reliable and loves helping people just as much as she does. There's one problem, instead of proposing he tells her that he's taking a job promotion halfway across the country. Flash forward two years and her pride and joy Saving Grace, a home she has created for girls who have aged out of the system, is in jeopardy of closing due to lack of funding.

Insert Alex Sinclair, a notorious heart-breaker who is running for congress and needs to revamp his playboy image. When pictures surface of him and the wholesome, down to earth Lucy the public eats it up. His polls skyrocket. It seems they each have what the other needs; Alex will personally fund Saving Grace if Lucy agrees to pose as his fiancée. But when Matt suddenly reappears Lucy's world gets turned upside down.

This is a quick, easy read for anyone who enjoys romances. The references to God are not overwhelming, although a bit kitschy. I couldn't help but think that everyone in the book were such wholesome characters, it was almost too unbelievable. And totally predictable. I'm all for happy endings, but too many tied up endings left me a little disappointed in this cookie cutter book. Where's the villain? Where's the conflict? I would definitely recommended for a fun read, but don't expect anything insightful.

I was graciously given a copy of this book for free from BookSneeze®  for this review, but was in no way compelled to write a positive review.

Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner

Jane Lindsay is contently married to her husband of 22 years Brad, so when he decides to pack his bags and leave for New Hampshire she is more than stunned. Struggling to pick of the pieces of her recently shattered marriage, Jane stumbles upon a ring inscribed with her name hidden inside an old Protestant prayer book sent to her antique store. Wishing to escape her own life she journeys deeply into a mystery over 400 years old.

Lucy Day is a 16^th century dressmaker who finds herself under employ of the Grey family, specifically their eldest daughter the ill-fated Lady Jane Grey. The two develop a strong bond as the young Jane becomes horribly entangled in the dangerous plots of her advantageous family. At the center of this is a beautiful ring that ultimately teaches both Janes a very important lesson.

This is a story of figuring out oneself and finding a voice to make one’s own decisions, no matter how difficult they might be. The stories of both Janes interweave with the help of one very precious ring. I found the book absolutely stunning and I easily devoured it in two evenings. Normally I am not one for modern fiction, but Susan Meissner was able to write such captivating characters I was drawn to both stories. Being a 20 year old girl its hard to empathize with a middle aged woman who’s marriage is crumbling, but the writing is so compelling I couldn’t help but feel a part of the story that unfolded between the pages. This is definitely a must read, even for those who are not fans of Christian literature. Susan Meissner creates a clean, enchanting story that incorporates God without becoming preachy.  I will definitely be on the lookout for more of Susan’s books, especially if they’re just as wonderful as Lady in Waiting!

I was graciously given a copy of this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, but was in no way compelled to write a positive review.