The Sheepish Scribe

The Damascus Way by Davis Bunn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


An enchanting tale of a time long gone, at the birth of Christianity.  To be a Christian meant to risk your life.  Live through it with Julia and Jacob as they seek to find truth in a chaotic world.  Feel the sand and the fear.  See the miracle of Saul's conversion.  Learn the joy of following the Messiah.  I highly recommend this book!

The Outsider by Ann H. Gabhart

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I enjoyed this story on two levels.  The insight and history of the Shakers was well done.  I appreciated that Ann Gabhart portrayed them fairly, without demonizing or trivializing their beliefs.  While decidedly odd to our modern way of thinking, and most certainly not a Christian sect, the Shakers had some redeeming qualities.  It is nice that they were not portrayed as just another crazy cult.

The second level is the story itself and young Gabrielle's struggle to become the woman God would have her be.  It was easy to sympathize with a heroine who wanted nothing more than to do the right thing.  And it was easy to empathize with the struggle since the right thing is often only clearly visible in our rear view mirror.

An enjoyable read and suitable for any age.  I highly recommend this one. 

Over the Edge by Mary Connealy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I don't think I've ever given an entire trilogy 5 stars before.  But this one deserves it.  No kidding.  And the ending of this third book wraps everything up in a major sigh of satisfaction.  Gotta love that!  We meet Seth in book one, fall a little in love with him in book two, and learn who he really is here in book three.  I love Mary Connealy's characters who aren't the "typical" story heroes.  Seth is such a character.  Read it.  But read the other two first and you'll enjoy it that much more.  (Ethan is still my favorite... but I liked them all!)

Out of Control by Mary Connealy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Oh boy... I wish I'd read this one first.  Wonderful story of the eldest Kincaid brother and how he comes to find himself a wife.  "Find" being the operative word.  I love Mary Connealy's ability to write humor that keeps the story light and lively without trivializing the tension.  These books are hard to put down.  If you ever enjoyed the old TV western shows, like The Big Valley, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, etc., you need to read this trilogy.  Trust me.  :)

In Too Deep by Mary Connealy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Totally enchanting read. One of my rare 5 star reviews.  This is book #2 in the series.  I have not read book #1... but you can bet I WILL!  A wonderful combination of humor and love seasoned with enough tension to keep me awake and reading until after midnight.  I'm not a night person, so this is high praise indeed.

Ethan Kincaid may have just slipped into my favorite leading man slot.  He's not the typical leading man - which might be one of the reasons I like him so much - but he got under my heart right from the start.  A little backward and hesitant to put himself forward, he nevertheless comes through with both humor and heroism enough for any leading character.

Audra is the mother of 2, an infant and a toddler.  Widowed and facing trouble, she turns to marriage with a man she hardly knows.  Accepting her situation with fortitude to be admired, she forges onward to make a life for her family.  When danger threatens to tear them apart, love binds them stronger than ever.

I highly recommend reading book #1 first, but if you don't, you'll still enjoy this one.

The Final Summit: A Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity by Andy Andrews

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Intriguing tale with a "moral of the story" you won't want to miss.  Historical characters and a larger-than-life angel combine to make this a real page turner.  Loved the way Andy Andrews introduced and characterized each historical figure.  From well known figures like Winston Churchill and Abe Lincoln to much lesser known people like Eric Erickson and Joshua Chamberlain, you're inspired and awed by the history surrounding them.  As you watch and listen from the sidelines, these noble people strive to save humanity from itself.  Wonderful read!

History from the Hearth: A Colonial Michilimackinac Cookbook by Sally Eustice

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


My sweet hubby bought this book for me on our anniversary trip to Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island.  I read the whole thing on the trip home!  Fascinating glimpses into the past fill in the margins of this wonderful cookbook.  Notes from diaries from the 1700s and historical information of the fort help to bring the era to life.

Author Sally Eusice was one of the reenactors at Fort Michilimackinac (located within present day Mackinaw City).  She salts every page with interesting tidbits from times gone past while providing recipes today's families will enjoy.  Several recipes may be a bit too "gamey" for some in our modern society, but cooks are guaranteed to find something for everyone between these covers and history buffs will enjoy the read as well.