Plain Wisdom

Two friends from different worlds—one Old Order Amish, one Englischer—share the truths that bring them together.

Best-selling novelist Cindy Woodsmall might seem to have little in common with Miriam Flaud, a woman immersed in the culture of Old Order Amish. But with nine children and almost 60 years of marriage between them, Cindy and Miriam both have found the secrets to facing life with strength and grace. Whether enduring financial setbacks, celebrating new babies and times of prosperity, grieving the crushing losses in the deaths of family and friends, or facing disappointments with their respective communities—through it all they find guidance for each day by looking to God.

With poignant recollections, unexpected insights, and humorous tales, the two women welcome you into their unique friendship. You’ll also gain a rare glimpse into the traditions and ways of the Amish as Miriam recalls special occasions and shares family recipes throughout the book.

Plain Wisdom is a heartwarming celebration of God, womanhood, and the search for beauty that unites us all. So grab your cup and your quilt and settle in for a soul-comforting read with Plain Wisdom.

I loved this book from the moment I first opened it. I enjoyed the honest and open look into the lives of these two women. I found it to be so encouraging to read about their personal struggles with issues we have all faced at one time or another. the friendship these two women have developed is wonderful. It really just goes to show that no matter what background we have we can all still fellowship in the Christ who saved us and the God who created us. We can't let our differences keep us from serving together in the name of the Lord. I encourage you to check out this great book. 

This book was given to me in exchange for my honest opinion and review by Waterbrook Multnomah

Nelson's Biblical Cyclopedic Index ~ Booksneeze Book Review ~

Book Description

The beloved Biblical Cyclopedic Index from The Open Bible is now available as a stand-alone resource, for use with any Bible or translation.
With more listings than any other Bible resource available, Nelson’s Biblical Cyclopedic Index reference tool helps readers quickly pull together a thorough and comprehensive Bible study, lesson, or sermon.
Completely unique, Nelson’s Biblical Cyclopedic Index combines the features of a concordance, a topical Bible, and a Bible dictionary. It is a special kind of subject index that combines the best features of a concordance and a topical index. It’s an incomparable resource for Bible study, with more subjects detailed than any other publication. The Biblical Cyclopedic Index offers more listings than any other similar Bible resource available. With more than 8,000 subjects, names, places, things, concepts, events, and doctrines of the Bible, it is the one resource every church and personal library can’t do without.

 I was excited to get this handy Bible study tool. I love how it is 3 tools in one. I like having a good reference book nearby when I study my bible. This little book is compact but is not so small as to be illegible. The pages are bright with clear print so its easy on the eyes. You could easily carry this in your bible book bag to have it handy for church. Please note that it is not exhaustive though so it does not include references to everything in the Bible. It has a nice reference tool though and I am glad I had the chance to review it.I think you would love it and I recommend adding it to your Bible study library. Blessings! ~ Nikki
* I received this copy from Thomas Nelson Publishers (Booksneeze) in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.*

The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman ! Book Review For BFB

I was looking forward to getting this book. It was such a great read that I finished it in just a few days. It is such a heartwarming story of redemption,understanding and knowing what real love is. It was amazing to watch the story of Saphora and Bender unfold.Let me try to give you the bones of the story without revealing too much.

 Pirate Queen is about the unraveling and then reweaving of the love of Saphora and Bender. Saphora is heartbroken that life and love have left her in a place where she feels she has no value. She is ready to begin anew when she finds out news from Bender that pulls them back together and helps her to realize that she is indeed still in love and loved. We get to watch the metamorphosis of her and Bender's relationship and the relationships they have with their children.Throw in a little boy who needs love and understanding himself and you have a wonderful story. Then when Bender and Saphora understand what redemption truly is ...ahhhh ...then it becomes a truly great story. It takes a little bit to get into the part where the title "Pirate Queen" comes in but well worth the wait.
I was provided a review copy of this book by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for my honest review.


I think you will love this book. I know I really enjoyed it. Blessings! ~ Nikki

Jane Austen ~ Booksneeze Book Review

Jane Austen by Peter Leithart

 I love the classics written by Jane Austen. I love the critical and sometimes sarcastic but always fun loving characters in her stories. From reading this biography you can see that her family was much like the characters she wrote about. This was a nice look into the "real" Jane Austen and what her life was really like without all the romanticized hype of a Hollywood film. (Although I did enjoy Becoming Jane)I do have to admit though that sometimes the book could be a little slow to read through. From my own experience though, most biographies do have a tendencies to have slow parts. Not everything thing in someones life can be dramatic and exciting; right? All in all, if you are a Jane Austen fan I think you will enjoy this book. You will learn some fascinating details of the woman who has forever fascinated and captured our hearts with her wonderful cast of characters.Be sure to buy it today for your favorite Austen fan. Blessings! ~ Nikki
This book was provided to me by Thomas Nelson Publishing for my honest review.

My Blogging For Books Review ~ Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor

I requested Sir Rowan and the Camerian Quest,   but this one was sent to me instead. I have never read any of the Knights of Arrethtrae series but found this book to be very interesting and would definitely be something your teen would like. Told in a descriptive and flowing third-person narrative, Sir Quinlan follows the story of Quinlan and his friend Tav as they both face a decision about following the Prince. Quinlan joins the Swords of Valor, though not everyone is happy about it. But one mistake turns deadly, and Quinlan takes the blame. Ashamed and sad, he returns to his home in hopes of returning to his old life and friends, but finds that everything is changing and that he longs to return to the work the Prince has called him to. With the help of the Silent Warrior, Taras, Quinlan sets out on a journey that could turn the tide of the battles raging in Arrethtrae against the Shadow Warriors.
Be sure to add Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor (and series) to your shopping list this Christmas. Blessings! ~ Nikki

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review