In this second book of the Amish Vines and Orchards series, Rhoda Byler finds that leaving Unity and starting a new Amish community in Maine is not so easy. Joining with another family to refurbish an abandoned orchard and living under one roof with two brothers that are sweet on her makes settling in Maine more complicated than she planned. The author’s dimensional characters make this story come alive. The suspense, each characters` secrets, the romances, and the realistic family dynamics makes this a Christian fiction book that you do not want to put down. Crime issues, poor decisions, and the surprise ending will leave you eager for the third book in this series.

Reviewed by Gay Ann L., Independence Regional

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Emma Yoder, a recently widowed grandmother, is searching for her new, independent place in her family, where she can support herself. She decides on teaching “Englishers” to quilt, bringing six unique people to her first class. They not only learn to sew together a small wall hanging, but to bind together and support each other in their life’s struggles. This is not Brunstetter’s usual Amish tale, but the stories of a young, Hispanic widowed father, a rough biker on probation, a couple struggling in their marriage, a Goth girl who feels unloved, and a troubled preacher’s wife. With the encouragement of each other, the quilting club finds hope in their daily problems. The entwined tales end with an unexpected twist and a big surprise.

Reviewed by Gay Ann L., Independence Regional

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Paris Simmons-Holyfield, daughter of Alabama State Representative Lawrence Simmons, and her husband, Andrew, have been married for seven years, but are still childless. Paris is bound and determined to adopt nine-year-old Jasmine, even though she’s in the custody of Gabrielle Mercedes, a reformed ex-stripper and now leader of her church’s dance ministry. Paris soon realizes she will not be getting any support from her husband or her father. She turns to the only man who even dares to be on her side -- the conniving, unemployed and not –so- happily married, Darius Connors. Paris has her own ideas as to why her husband and father are opposed to the adoption, but even she will be totally shocked if Gabrielle reveals her secret.

Reviewed by Barbara C., Morrison Regional

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When five year old Macy draws a picture in the Sunset beachhouse guest book, the next year she is surprised to discover a drawing in reply from a boy. They exchange drawings for eleven years, until Macy doesn’t return to the beach after her father dies. Twenty-five years later, Macy, a single mom, returns and walks the Carolina beach asking God to help her find the boy whose pictures meant so much. Three men come into her life and any of them could be that boy. Will she find this artist or will none be her childhood artist? Whalen’s contemporary Christian fiction is more than summer romance, it relates how a family copes with lose, love, and new beginnings. The realistic characters, family dynamics and complex plot makes for a compelling read

Reviewed by Gay Ann L., Independence Regional

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This is a fictional biography of an amazing woman, Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th century Benedictine nun. Throughout her 83 years, she experienced visions of the divine and creation. She taught of the interconnectedness of mankind and the environment and is considered to be a proto-ecologist in her writings. Though it is believed that she was shut away from life at the age of eight, being given to the church as a companion to the anchoress, Jutta of Disibodenberg, Hildegard became widely known as a visionary, herbalist and healer, theologian and writer, artist, and composer of liturgical music. Her writings are still studied to this day. Well told and researched, this would be an inspiring read for a young adult as well.

Reviewed by Annette N., Main Library

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Annie works with horses in Montana, writes a column, and supports her flighty sister and nephew. When her horse column is cancelled, her boss gives her an opportunity to write a column answering love advice. Annie is weary about doing this, but agrees. She ends up asking an attractive local cowboy, Dylan, to help her. He is never short on female company and might know something about love. He in turn, has a horse that is going blind and needs her special expertise. Dylan actually likes Annie and has been trying to get her to lower her defenses against him, with no success. This story is not short on romantic fireworks while staying true to the novel’s Christian message. Hunter has woven a realistic story with characters you will actually like and cheer on.

Reviewed by Jeanenne R., Steele Creek Branch

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This soulful fable is about the meaning of time. In a far off time Dor, the inventor of a clock, is banished to a cave for measuring God’s greatest gift, time. Eventually, Dor is released from his cave with endless voices asking for more time, so he might save a wealthy old man dying from cancer and a lonely rejected teenage girl. One wants more time and the other less time. Dor sees how his invention has made people obsessed with time; folks are consumed with counting their days, running out of time and scheduling things. This short book challenges us to listen, look at everything and take it in. Do we fill every moment with activity, but end up empty, or do we live to be alive, to cherish and be grateful for what time we do have.

Reviewed by Gay Ann L., Independence Regional

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Bailey has a past she has worked hard to put behind her, but when her aunt is killed in what appears to be a plane accident, she returns home to Yancey, Alaska for the funeral. She doesn’t expect to still have feelings for her old friend, Cole (whom she loved). He is a rescue diver and runs an outdoor sports store with his siblings. Murder, lost treasure, and faith can be found in the pages of this “can’t put down” book. The romance of the story is almost as heart-pounding as the danger the characters find themselves in. This is the first book in a Christian-faith series.

Reviewed by Jeanenne R., Steele Creek Branch

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Young Millie Reynolds is surrounded by unspeakable acts of violence. Each year a colorful troupe of gypsies camp on the outskirts of town allowing Millie to dream of escape. Her only refuge is high into the branches of her best friend, Sweetie, a beloved sweet gum tree. Sheltered and concealed by those leafy limbs, she watches as her mother slowly diminishes at the hands of Millie’s abusive father. “Take me away”, she whispers, as the wind blows gently through the leaves. “Take me into the free.” This is a beautiful heart-wrenching novel about one little girl who lives through the shame and secrecy of domestic abuse.

Reviewed by Cynthia M., ImaginOn

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Victoria Christopher Murray and Reshonda Tate Billingsley make their fans` dreams come true with `Sinners and Saints`. In true church–drama fashion they spin a tale that would make reality television look like Sunday school. The plot gives you drama, laughter and suspense. If you haven`t read any novels about Jasmine Bush or Rachael Adams you won`t get lost in this one. What really excited me was each authors would take turns writing about their character. It’s apparent that they really had to work together as a team. This story offers readers a jam-packed, drama–filled literary ride sure to satisfy everyone who has enjoyed stories about Rachael Bush and Lady Jasmine in the past.

Reviewed by Tina C., Beatties Ford Road Branch

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