A Distance Too Grand by Regina Scott

A Distance Too Grand is the first book in the American Wonders Collection by Regina Scott. This fascinating adventure tells the story of photographer Meg Pero and her 1871 trek through the Grand Canyon. Meg learned everything she knows about photography from her late father. There is one assignment that Meg's father wasn't able to finish before he died and that is completing a survey of a section of the massive Grand Canyon. Meg is not one to turn away from a challenge and she takes on the job under the leadership of Captain Ben Coleridge. Meg and Ben just happen to have an unsettled past and their time together proves to be much more difficult than they had expected. Meg and Ben quickly realize that their love story is one filled with surprise and depth...just like the canyon.

This book is a winner from page one. The cover, setting, and characters all bring something special to this adventurous story. I enjoyed reading about what it was like to be some of the first explorers of the epic Grand Canyon. Regina Scott's writing really sweeps you away to another place and time. I also really enjoyed the relationship between Meg and Ben. Meg is the leading lady that every woman wants to be. She's brave, strong, motivated, and determined within all aspects of her life. Ben has many of the same characteristics and they make a good team. This book is very memorable and not one that you want to miss. I look forward to reading the others books in this series. Thank you so much to Revell and Regina Scott for the chance to read and review this book!

Amish Covert Operation by Meghan Carver

When Katie Schwartz goes searching for her missing brother, she runs straight into trouble. Katie fears for her life and her family's lives as she tries to find answers about her brother's disappearance. As a member of an Amish community, Katie is familiar with peaceful living, but this situation is anything but peaceful. Katie finds solace in federal agent, Adam Troyer, as he tries to keep her safe and help her find her brother. What Katie doesn't expect is that she will develop feelings for Adam. Will they be able to compromise their different lifestyles for love? And just what kind of trouble has Katie's brother gotten himself into?

This book is a quick, enjoyable read. While the plot was not entirely unique, the characters made the story come to life. The action scenes were exciting and page turning. I felt like this book was a nice escape from everyday life. I also always appreciate a clean read with inspirational undertones and this book definitely fits in that category. Thank you so much to the author and JustRead Tours for the chance to read and review this book. I received an advance copy of this book with no obligation to review it.

Christianity for People Who Aren't Christians by James Emery White

This is a great book for people who are on the fence about Christianity and its teachings. The author digs deep and answers the hard questions in a way that those whose faith is wary can relate. White uses a nonjudgmental approach that will resonate well with apprehensive readers. He touches on all subjects including creation, suffering, Biblical stories, characteristics of Jesus, and much more. This would be a great Bible study for emerging believers. I have been a Christian for many years and I benefitted from this book, as well. A lot of the information and answered questions in this book are subjects that really opened my eyes and made me think. I believe that is an important characteristic for defining a great book. Whether using this as a teaching tool or a way to answer all the religious questions on your personal spiritual journey, you will definitely gain insight and understanding from this book. Thanks so much to BakerBooks and the author for the chance to read and review this book!

The Cross Tells Me by Darren Cox

Adelphi is a small town with a big cross. Beneath that cross is what some people would consider a treasure. That treasure is oil. However, to the people of Adelphi, the cross and the meaning behind it is the real treasure. When oil tycoon Bill McFar takes a journey that is inspired by the classic A Christmas Carol, he learns that there is more to life than what he ever could have imagined.

While the story idea and intention is admirable, this book is lacking in substance. It would have been nice to see more embellishment and description in the author's writing. The book also lacks editing and contains many mistakes which makes the story hard to follow at times. It is a great accomplishment to even make an attempt to write a book so kudos to the author for that. Keep writing and improving and keep spreading the good news.

Thanks to the author and bookcrash for the chance to read and review this book! I love to proofread and fix errors in writing, so if you need some editing help with this book, I'm your girl!

Thanks again!

The Power of Christian Contentment by Andrew M. Davis

This book is one that can and always will be relevant. It focuses on being content in all situations which is spoken about frequently in The Bible. Andrew M. Davis has separated this book into four parts: The Secret of Contentment, How to Find Contentment, The Value of Contentment, and Keeping Content. With inspiration from Biblical truths and Jeremiah Burroughs' The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, Andrew M. Davis brings forth a fresh look on an essential subject.

I really enjoyed reading this and it was an eye-opening and inspiring read for me. This is a book that I can see myself coming back to and finding a new piece of treasured information each time I read it. I think the subject of contentment is one that everyone (including myself) needs to improve on at times. When we learn to be content and let God lead the way, we can fully discover that "Christ-centered joy." Thank you so much to BakerBooks and the author for the chance to read and review this book!

A Plain Leaving by Leslie Gould

A Plain Leaving is the first book in the Sisters of Lancaster County series. This read is very unique because it is two stories wrapped up in one book. One story is a modern day tale about a young ex-Amish woman named Jessica Bachmann. When her dad dies, she must come back to town and face her unsupportive family. Most of them don't want to have anything to do with her, but her aunt supports and loves her unconditionally. And from her aunt, Jessica learns the second part of the story which is about an ancestor named Ruby Bachmann. Ruby and Jessica may come from completely different time periods, but surprisingly, they have much in common.

This book is a gift. It's easy to get wrapped up in both stories that are told. I don't always enjoy books that go back and forth between time periods, but Leslie Gould has perfected this one. The story flows well and is easy to follow. This is a great choice for a vacation read or just an escape from daily struggles. I am a big fan of Leslie Gould's work and am thankful that she writes clean and uplifting novels. I will always pick up a book written by her. Thank you so much to Bethany House for the chance to read and review this book!

The Return by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Return is the third book in the Amish Beginnings series by Suzanne Woods Fisher. This book is an historical romance based in the 1700s. Betsy Zook is a young girl of seventeen who is violently attacked by a group of Indians. Her parents are killed and she and one of her brothers are taken captive. Her other brother manages to escape, but is traumatized by the terrible experience. Hans Bauer and Betsy had plans to marry so when she is captured, Hans is distraught and determined to find her. Betsy is not the only one who has been captured by Hans' charm. Fifteen year old, Tessa Bauer, also has her sights set on Hans. Will Hans be able to move on from his love for Betsy? And will he take a second chance at love with Tessa?

I always love to read Suzanne Woods Fisher's books. She has such a talent for bringing forth a heartfelt, inspiring, and gripping story. I didn't read the other books in this series so I was a bit lost at the beginning. I would definitely advise reading the series from the beginning as this does not work well as a standalone. I loved the character development in this book and how each character had such an important place in the plot. This book is not a very light read and it is very sad and hard to read at times. However, there is a lot of truth to this book and some of these tragic circumstances actually did happen in the past. Though it's tough to read about such tragedy, this story is one that must be told. Thank you so much to the author and publisher for the chance to review this book!