Pages & Pursuits

To go back in time is something many wish they could accomplish. Whether it is to right a wrong, or to escape the present, traveling in time is simply not physically possible. However, some books make it possible to travel in time mentally. Carrie Turansky’s book, The Daughter of Highland Hall, is one such book that provides readers with this possibility. I had waited months for this book to be released. Finally, there it lay, packed in a box just a few feet from my hands. A layer of tape was all that separated me from an afternoon of pleasure. After fighting with the packaging for what seemed like an eternity, I finally retrieved my prized possession. I sat down on the couch, snuggled in, and opened The Daughter of Highland Hall . Instantly, I was transported from my couch to Katherine Ramsey’s home in early 20 th century London. Katherine, the protagonist of the story, was in the midst of preparing for her first season, in which she and many other young women her age wou...

      Wow! I am so glad I read this book. At first, I had a really difficult time getting into it. Of course part of that could have been because I am  nearing the end of my school year and things tend to get a little crazy so reading for pleasure gets pushed down the "to-do" list. Thankfully, I finished the book and can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.           Hillary Manton Lodge did an excellent job writing this book. As I said before, I did have a hard time getting into the book, but once I did I was hooked. In fact, I started the book at 10:00 Friday night and finished at 7:00 Saturday night. (No, I did not pull an all-nighter to read this book) The story was simply captivating.           Juliette D'Alisa, the main character, finds herself in the midst of many struggles. Her job, her family, and her love life, or lack there of, are all causing her stress and confusion. She finds ...

       Most would think that having no arms and no legs would make life difficult, miserable, and full of boundaries. Nick Vujicic does not seem to think that. Nick was born with out arms or legs, but that does not stop him from living to his fullest potential. He knows that God created him with a very special plan in mind and is determined to live that out.     Nick has been able to reach tons of people through his disability. He has been able to touch more lives without hands than he could have with hands. In his book, Nick shares his experiences in life and how he has overcome the trials he runs into. He encourages everyone to discover God's plan for their life, and to pursue it.       I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read. * Unstoppable:The Incredible Power of Faith in Action * will encourage anyone to use what God has given them to draw people to Him. I received this book for fr...

     "The Governess of Highland Hall" is a great book. Carrie Turansky wove suspense and romance together beautifully in this book. After the first page, I was captured and had a difficult time putting it down.       Julia Foster becomes a governess for a man's young children and his two cousins. Though she is met with some resistance, Julia trusts God and ends up being greatly loved by her "students." Through trials and tests, both Julia and her employer learn a lesson in love and trust.      I loved the way this book was written and the fact that it was a clean romance. Carrie Turansky did a wonderful job writing this book and I can't wait to read more of her books.“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

       "What Once Was Lost" is a fiction book written by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for review. This book begins by introducing the reader to Christina Willems, the caretaker of the people who live in the poor house. Shortly after the story begins, a fire destroys the house causing Miss Willems and her charges to move out. Sawyer then writes of the troubles Christina faces as she works to rebuild the house. Finally, everything works out for the best and the story has a happy ending.      Kim Vogel Sawyer does a good job of introducing the characters to the reader; however, I had a difficult time becoming fully engaged in the story. This book was extremely difficult to read simply because I was not interested. I believe that some people could pick up the book and "fall in love" with it, but I am not one of those people.      Overall, the b...

Joanne Bischof does an absolutely wonderful job with this book.*Though My Heart is Torn* kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It was not difficult to get into and definitely held my interest as it told the story of Lonnie and Gideon's journey. I did not read the prequel to this book; however, I found that it was not necessary. As Lonnie and Gideon discover love and forgiveness from one another and God, they come to some bumps in the road. Mistakes from the past creep up on them and results in painful decisions that must be made. This book ends in a cliffhanger that has me intrigued and wanting to read the next book as soon as possible. One thing I greatly enjoyed about this book was that it was clean in every aspect. There was no detailed information of the sins of Gideon's past. I was thrilled to find a book that met my standards and was actually entertaining.