When the Soul Mends

Regardless of what it took, she'd get through the next few days with her dignity intact.  They'd trampled her spirit once.  She'd not give them another chance.

Hannah Lapp left her home in an Old Order Amish Community with a heart full of hurt and anger.  Everyone she knew thought poorly of her despite not knowing the truth of one tragic day.  She thought, after two years, that she was healing and beginning a new exciting life.  One phone call from her old home divides her heart again.  Hannah must face those who once scorned her in an attempt to help her troubled sister.  Is there healing in Pennsylvania or will that part of her life be forever ended?


When the Soul Mends is book three in the Sisters of the Quilt series.  I have not read the first two books in the series and found myself struggling through the first half of the book.  I knew I was missing important details.  This book is clearly written for those who have read the first two books.  I am not sure if it is my unfamiliarity with the characters or the writing itself, but I had a hard time connecting with the characters other than Hannah.  I do think Woodsmall presents the conflicting feelings a person can have, torn between the worlds of Old Order Amish and Englischer, but am not sure she always clearly presents why characters make the choices they do.  Faith in God is not strongly woven into the story.  I don't believe in that as a requirement for a book, but am mentioning it for those who are seeking that.  I believe this book earns a 3 out of 5 pieces of bacon.

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best selling author of several novels.  She is also a wife and mother.

 When the Soul Mends by Cindy Woodsmall, published by WaterBrook Press.

Amish Prayers

Beverly Lewis has compiled a selection of prayers from the prayer book of the Amish.  They are translated from the original German.  They are organized into topical chapters such as Prayers for a New Day, Prayers for Comfort, and Prayers for Purity of Heart.  Lewis wrote an introduction for the book and paired each prayer with Scripture.

There is a reason that these prayers have been around so long.  They are Biblical, thought provoking, and honoring of God.  The reader is left with plenty to think about over the course of a day.  They express the prayers that I often cannot find the words for.  Often, the prompt me into deeper prayer and meditation of Scripture.  Not all of these prayers were written for private prayer.  Some of them are for groups as well.  There is simple, beautiful artwork through the book.  This book is great for personal use or to share as a gift.  This book receives a 5 out of 5. 

Beverly Lewis is an award winning author of over 80 books for all ranges of ages.  She is a member of the National League of American Pen Women.  She and her husband are parents and grandparents.

Amish Prayers was compiled by Beverly Lewis, published by Bethany House

Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach is a name that most people recognize, but not many know more than his creation of classical music that has withstood the passage of time.  Bach's life was centered around his belief in God.  He believed that "music has been ordered by God's Spirit."  This book explores the culture of the time, the religious atmosphere impacting Bach's life, his family life, and of course, many facts related to music.  His frustrations as well as triumphs are recorded.  His relationships with other musicians and how they impacted his own music are explained.  He closes the book with a section discussing the years after the death of Bach and how his music has withstood time.  Marschall included a bibliography, notes from each chapter, a glossary of musical terms, a timeline of Bach's residences and employment, and a family tree.

I confess that I did not know much about Bach before reading this book.  I enjoy his music, but that's as far as my knowledge went.  This well written book was very enlightening in understanding the "whys" and "hows" to the musical genius.  Marschall's writing is interesting.  He weaves the facts of Bach's life together in a compelling way that keeps you reading.  It's obvious that Marschall has an appreciation for the music and man of Bach.  I award this book 4 out of 5 pieces of bacon.
 
Rick Marschall's resume includes over 60 books and hundreds of magazine articles.  He has also been involved in numerous cartoons and comics.  He has also taught at colleges and universities around the country. 

Johann Sebastian Bach, Christian Encounters by Rick Marschall, published by Thomas Nelson.

The Lightkeeper's Ball

Olivia Stewart has done her best to be a dutiful daughter.  She has conformed to her family's and society's expectations.  With her father dead and her sister traveling far away, the inner desires Olivia harbors begin to surface and her true spirit starts coming out.  When more tragedy strikes the family, she has the perfect chance to go where she is not known and start over.  Convinced that there has been a murder, her own safety in question, Olivia must find out who she can trust.  There's a fundraising ball to plan, the comet coming, and skeletons popping out of the closet.  Olivia befriends Harrison who is struggling with his difficult father, an engagement gone wrong, and his desire to be more than "just" a businessman.  Will these two find their way to a safe and fulfilling life?  Can they put an end to the evil at work?

Although this is the third book in the Mercy Falls series, it stands alone quite well.  I read the back of the book and expected a fairly straightforward tale.  I was surprised by some twists along the way.  Coble writes well and does not leave any unfinished threads.  There is a good tempo to the book and the characters are interesting and realistic.  She incorporates many details about societal expectations and other historical information.  I admit to being disappointed with the ball scene.  I expected it to be more important than it was, but that is more of a mistake in titling the book than the content.  This multi-genre book is sure to please a variety of readers.  I award it 4 out of 5 pieces of bacon.


Colleen Coble is an award winning writer with over 30 works to her name.  This wife, mother, and grandmother began writing when tragedy struck her life.  Although her first book took a year to write and much longer than that to sell, she continued on.  

The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble, published by Thomas Nelson.

A Deeper Kind of Calm

"God has a different answer for pain.  His answer is found in the Psalms."

A Deeper Kind of Calm goes right to the Word of God to learn the answer to, "how do I handle the pain of life?"  Using the Psalms, Dillow teaches us to remember what God has done, hide in His presence, cling to Him, and praise Him for all we cannot see.  She shows us that it is possible to go through trials without falling apart.  It is possible to be joyful when suffering.  We can grow more intimate with God as we are challenged.  Dillow shares stories of women in her life who have gone through trials.  In their own words, these women lead the way in being victorious through our suffering.



In the last several years I have read many books on the topic of suffering and trials.  This may be the first to step over the question of, "why," and explore how to get through!  There is no lofty philosophy here, just the simply spoken words of the Psalmists and Dillow's plain explanations and encouragement.  This is really one of the best books on suffering and trials that I have read.  The book is divided into five chapters to read.  At the end of the book is a study guide you can do by yourself or with a group.  If you do want to know why God allows suffering, she has a page of resources you can follow up with.  This is a great book to own and to give.  If you're suffering or not, it will enrich your life and prepare you for the road ahead.  I give A Deeper Kind of Calm 5 out of 5 pieces of bacon.


Linda Dillow is a wife, mother, grandmother, speaker, and author.  She has been a missionary on three continents.  She writes about intimacy, handling anxiety and disappointment, and living out the Christian faith. 

A Deeper Kind of Calm by Linda Dillow, published by NavPress.

"Steadfast faith in the midst of adversity"