Book Review: The Love and Respect Experience

The Love & Respect Experience is a devotional book based on the bestseller book Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. Since this book only contains 52 chapters, it can be read one chapter a week for one year. At the end of every chapter it features a Prayer section and an Action section which I liked.

My husband and I read through this devotional book separately and then discussed the material. I must admit after a while it felt like the same topics were being rehashed just from a slightly different angle. But overall I enjoyed the book.

I would like to suggest that if you have never read Love & Respect, you could just skip the book and get the condensed version by reading the devotional.
Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description

A Devotional Unlike Any Other!

Through his international bestseller, Love & Respect, Emerson Eggerichs has transformed marriages around the world with his biblically based approach to understanding the love that she most desires and the respect that he desperately needs. Now, in this long-awaited new release, Emerson has created an experience for couples that is effective, flexible and life-changing.

To build this couples devotional, Eggerichs has taken the top concerns that surfaced in a survey of thousands of couples and has developed 52 devotionals around the three cycles that are at the heart of Love and Respect:

The Crazy Cycle

The Rewarded Cycle

The Energizing Cycle

Some may ask, “Why 52 devotionals and not 365, like other couples' books I have seen?” The author’s research shows that married couples don’t want to deal with that much material, that often. Therefore, the specific devotionals, which can be done weekly or at any chosen pace, are specifically guided to what couples say they most need. And this is a husband-friendly devotional, written and designed in such a way that the husband can feel comfortable in the entire process.

With this wealth of new material, The Love & Respect Experience will be indispensable to anyone wishing to better their marital relationship.

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Book Review: Date your Wife by Justin Buzzard

Net Galley recently provided Date You Wife by Justin Buzzard  for me to review. Since the book is written to men, my husband graciously read and reviewed the book for me. The following is his review.

Date your Wife by Justin Buzzard 

No matter what stage you are at in your marriage this book is written directly to husbands that are interested in improving their marriage. I believe the author does a good job of relating to the problems of married men.  As well as giving the reader plenty of encouragement on how to do something to work on these issues. I appreciate that he even goes as far as showing you a schedule and Ideas on how to effectively and affordably “Date your Wife”. 

Many books bring up marriage problems without any real answers. But I think the author does a good job of bringing in the Word of God to identify marital issues and bring hope for change. I think some of the illustrations and personal stories will also compel you as it did me to understand his message. 

However being that he is a pastor, he mentions that he would drink wine and smoke cigars with his friends. Although his marriage may be good, he might want to consider what kind of example he is giving to others. As a Christian and a pastor myself, whatever we do we must consider what others may do with our example. Paul said 1 Cor 10:23-24 23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. 24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being. NKJV

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Book Review: Finding our Way Home

Finding Our Way Home by Charlene Ann Baumbich is a disappointing book. I originally picked this book to review because the story line sounded interesting, and because I like some of the authors who gave it a positive review. However, this book did not live up to my expectations. As I have stated before, when I read a "Christian" book I expect it to at least mention Jesus Christ or at least to be about someone who will meet Jesus Christ or will grow as a Christian based on what Christ did on the cross for us.

Finding Our Way Home was not about trusting Christ but more about how Sasha (one of the main characters) should have listened or trusted in her snow globe (talisman or good luck charm) to lead her. How awful is that in a supposed Christian book? 

Based on how many times the word grace is used, I'd say the author is trying to teach us about grace through Sasha and Evelyn. However, grace apart from Jesus Christ is meaningless, so I think the author has failed in her mission. If just taking a few depression pills and becoming a nicer person is what people consider "grace", then we are heading in a very bad spiritual direction. I have always heard it said, "There will be lots of nice people burning in hell without Jesus Christ as savior!" I cannot recommend this book.


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

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Book Review: Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann

Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann is not my kind of book. I like my Christian books to be overtly Christian and to have God as an actual part of their day to day lives and not someone looked to as an afterthought.

Also, I thought the book was too dark. Everything seemed so negative and the characters were almost all portrayed as victims. I don't live with my head in the clouds and think everything is perfect in life, but come on it was just too much. I guess I should have realized this from the book cover.

In addition this book is part of a series, so if you haven't read book one you'll have to a lot of characters to keep straight. Most books in a series will just focus on the main characters and a few secondary characters, but not this one. Inedible goes into the thoughts and conflicts of characters from the first book, so if you haven't read the first book you'll really feel like you're missing something.
Book Description

In a clash of light and darkness, can courage prevail?
Rescuing a toddler from the jaws of a mountain lion, Trevor MacDaniel, a high-country outfi tter, sets in motion events he can’t foresee. His act of bravery entwines his life with gifted sculptor Natalie Reeve—and attracts a grim admirer.

Trevor’s need to guard and protect is born of tragedy, prompting his decision to become a search and rescue volunteer. Natalie’s gift of sculpting comes from an unusual disability that seeks release through her creative hands. In each other they see strength and courage as they face an incomprehensible foe.

When a troubled soul views Trevor as archangel and adversary, Redford’s peaceful mountain community is threatened. Together with Police Chief Jonah Westfall, Trevor presses his limits to combat the menace who targets the most helpless and innocent.

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

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Book Review: Like Sweet Potato Pie

I loved Like Sweet Potato Pie by Jennifer Rogers Spinola! I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I've read both books in this series so far, and I can't tell you how refreshing it is to read Christian books that really are Christian. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend these books for new Christians or any Christian who likes a good story. These books will make you laugh out loud, cry, then laugh out loud again. 

Faith Like Sweet Potato Pie continues the where Southern Fried Sushi left off, so I would definitely recommend you start with Southern Fried Sushi first. These books tell the tale of Shiloh's conversion and struggles as a new Christian. 

Jennifer Rogers Spinola is now one of my favorite authors!


Netgalley provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description

Witness as Shiloh’s new life in Virginia crumbles around her. The house she inherited from her mother is much more than a place to live—it represents Shiloh’s changed life and what little financial security she has. But her half sister is contesting their mother’s will and the IRS is threatening to take it for back taxes. She’s also discovering God’s ideal when it comes to love and romance. When Mr. Right shows up will she recognize God’s hand or let circumstances and prejudices blind her heart to the love of her life?

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Book Review: Stand By Me

Stand by Me by Neta Jackson was not what I expected based on the publisher's description. Maybe because I recently read Sunrise on the Battery by Beth Hartman which depicted a "real" radical Christian. Kat was more of a baby Christian who desperately needed spiritual grounding. This book shows what happens to people who accept Jesus as Lord and savior, but don't put down any roots or grow as a Christian. What does living green have to do with being saved? You can't help but feel bad for her. I did like how the book showed her questioning and growing - especially when she got a burden for her parents salvation.

Since I haven't ever read any of the Yada Yada books, I wasn't familiar with Avis. The author, Neta Jackson, does a great job showing real life struggles Christians face with their families through the character of Avis. However, Avis was not really likeable. The joy she got from worshiping God and the awful way she treated the college kids just didn't reconcile.

Also, I thought it was a little strange how they kept mentioning a multicultural church, but maybe that's because I was saved in a multicultural church which was never called a multicultural church to begin with and has never felt the need to distinguish between different cultures since we are all under the blood of Jesus Christ. 

Overall I liked the book, but not enough to continue the series.

Publisher's Description

Sometimes the person you most need is the one least like you.

Kathryn Davies is a bright young woman from a prominent Phoenix family. But after making a leap of faith at a Christian music fest, dropping out of med school, and moving to inner city Chicago, her family all but disowns her.

When Kat discovers SouledOut Community Church, she longs to become a part of the multicultural church family. But her tendency to immediately say whatever she's thinking steps on the toes of nearly everyone she meets-especially Avis Douglass.

Avis has a strong faith, is the principal of one of Chicago's highest performing elementary schools, and is a founding member of SouledOut. But the country's economic downturn has thrown both her and her husband's jobs in question. And Avis hasn't heard from her youngest daughter in months-an estrangement that gnaws at her every day. Where is God in this?

Kat's flamboyant zeal for living a "radical" Christian life is a stark contrast to Avis's more reserved faith. But in God's timing, the two women discover they need each other in ways neither of them expected.

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Book Review: Catch of the Day by Jimmy Houston

Net Galley recently provided Catch of the Day by Jimmy Houston for review. Since my husband is an avid fisherman, I asked him to write the review for me.

I have always enjoyed watching Jimmy Houston Outdoors. Ever since I was a teenager, I would search for his program, so I could learn fishing tips and  become a better fisherman. When my wife came across his devotional gift book Catch of the Day, it drew my interest immediately. Now not only can I get great fishing tips, but I can also get helpful spiritual tips for my daily living as well.  Anyone who loves Gods word and catching fish will really find this book a source of help.

It was a good surprise to know that Jimmy Houston is a dedicated Christian. Many religious books today only focus on feel good issues. It is very obvious to me that though he really enjoys fishing, his first priority is his service to God. The world needs people with Godly convictions to challenge their lives.  I can see how this book could minister even to unbelievers. Because of the way he illustrates facts, knowledge, and experiences through fishing, he is able to show people's need to believe and apply the word of God to their lives.

This book would be a terrific addition to anyone who is looking for an inspiring devotional and who enjoys fishing and the outdoors.

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Book Review: Sunrise on the Battery by Beth Hart

Great Book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sunrise on the Battery by Beth Hart. The book started slowly, so I'm glad I was reading it in order to write a review, or I might not have kept at it. But it was definitely worth it. The author does a great job building the background story and making it believable. I liked reading the story from all the different characters point of view. My favorite character is Jackson. I love to read books about genuine conversions. His conversion is so similar to the conversions in my church fellowship. I was so happy to read a book that wasn't scared to mention REAL life changes that we must make as born again believers in Christ.

Book Description

Now that she’s arrived at the ultimate address, can Mary Lynn’s view of the harbor – and success – satisfy the deeper longings of her heart?

After decades of carefully working their way up the social ladder, Mary Lynn and Jackson Scoville are living their dream: a life of luxury and ease in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina. Jackson made a small fortune selling low country real estate, so now the couple is determined to provide for their three daughters the life they both longed for as kids.

But lately the long-forgotten God of Mary Lynn’s childhood has been trying to get her attention in ways so unusual that she can no longer deny His presence. When she prays for Jackson to open his heart to God, something radical happens. Jackson has a dramatic conversion that leads to street witnessing, giving away money, and inviting less-than-reputable people into their home.

Starring out into the harbor, Mary Lynn ponders whether or not she is willing to give up her life of luxury to join Jackson in his new-found faith. What would it look like to go “all out” for God…to allow Him to lead their family regardless of the cost? Just when Mary Lynn felt she had all the desires of her heart – she finds herself being called into a much bigger story of true faith and love.

Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Book Review: “The Voice: New Testament” from Thomas Nelson Publishers

The Voice New Testament almost reminds me of the Amplified bible or a teen study bible. I like the format as well as all the extras. This bible version has been criticized by others because it's a paraphrase, but since I like to read from several different translations this bible version works well for me. I wish I could buy some for the new converts in our church, but they don't sell it in Belize. Maybe when I go to the U.S. for conference.
I think it's a good bible to start with as long as you have a King James version or a New King James version to study with as well.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

The Voice™ Bible translation is a faithful dynamic translation of the Scriptures done as a collage of compelling narratives, poetry, song, truth, and wisdom. The Voice calls the reader to step into the whole story of Scripture and experience the joy and wonder of God’s revelation. Created for and by a church in great transition, The Voice uniquely represents collaboration among scholars, pastors, writers, musicians, poets, and other artists, giving great attention to the beauty of the narrative. The heart of The Voice is retelling the story of the Bible in a form as fluid as modern literary works yet remaining painstakingly true to the original manuscripts. This translation promotes the public reading of longer sections of Scripture—followed by thoughtful engagement with the biblical narrative in its richness and fullness and dramatic flow.

This is an updated and revised version of the New Testament edition, now at an even more affordable price.

Features include:

• Italicized information added to help contemporary readers understand what the original readers would have known intuitively
• In-text commentary notes include cultural, historical, theological, or devotional thoughts
• Screenplay format, ideal for public readings and group studies
• Book introductions

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Book Review: Becoming Fearless: My Ongoing Journey of Learning to Trust God

I really wanted to like Becoming Fearless: My Ongoing Journey of Learning to Trust God by Michelle Aguilar. Let me just go on the record first and admit I have never watched "The Biggest Loser". However, I don't think that affected my opinion of this book at all.

When I first started reading Becoming Fearless it seemed like a good book, but as I read on I grew confused. The way the book was written caused too much back tracking and trying to keep the events in order. Instead of answering my questions, it just left me wondering - things just didn't seem to fit. For example Michelle stated that she had stopped attending church, praying, and having a relationship with her mother, but then we find her at church with her mother. Also, it seemed to me that Michelle used her family being in ministry to justify her feelings of anger and shame, but we come to find out her parents stepped down from ministry many years before her parents divorced. It would seem pride was more the problem then fear. 

For a book that is supposed to help us become fearless and trust God, it doesn't seem very honest. I would describe it as shallow. It seemed to be more about Michelle finding her "voice" and getting rid of her "co-dependent" tendencies (psychological jargon) than about trusting God.

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"Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door" by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler

Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler is a great book. It covers six major topics, but breaks them down into bite sized pieces. The topics are Myths about God, Myths about Jesus, Myths about the Bible, Myths about the Resurrection, Myths about Religion and Christianity, and Myths about Life and Happiness.
This book is aimed at Christian youth not necessarily unbelievers. I like the way it's set up giving an illustration and then bible verses and questions to help you dig deeper and think. (Brain Food) 


I really liked the Myths about Jesus section! This is a great book to read and discuss with your teenager.

Book Description

“Seven in 10 Protestants ages 18 to 30—both evangelical and mainline—who went to church regularly in high school said they quit attending by age 23, according to the survey by LifeWay Research.” (USA Today) 

Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door gives teens answers that make sense, even for the toughest of questions. Internationally known defender of the faith Josh McDowell and co-author Bob Hostetler offer clarity laced with humor to expose common myths about God, the Bible, religion, and life to show how Christianity stands up to the test of fact and reason. Teens will be better equipped to stick with their faith as they begin to understand why they believe and why it’s important to make a lifetime commitment to Christ and the church.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from BookSneeze. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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Solitary by Travis Thrasher

I was recently given "Temptation" by Travis Thrasher to review. Since I have not read the previous two books and my 15 year old daughter has, I asked her to write the review for me. I do plan on reading the whole series, but I have to start with book one. My daughter said I wouldn't understand it without reading books one and two first. So here is her review:

This book was awesome and amazing, but it mostly left me hanging in the end.  If you like books that deal with the occult, mystery, suspense, salvation, Christianity, and making right choices, you will love this series. This book shows how easy it is to be tempted to do the wrong thing and then directed to do the right thing. Overall, it’s a really great book with a powerful ending that will leave you wanting more. I can't wait for book four!

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Book Review: The Corruptible (Mystery book with the hope of salvation!)

The Corruptible by Mark Mynheir is a great mystery book with the hope of salvation. I'm excited to read the next book in this series and find out how detective Ray Quinn gets saved and redeemed. Even though this book is book two in the Ray Quinn Mystery Series, you don't need to start in book one of the series to understand book two.

The main character, Ray Quinn, is a retired police detective who has his own private investigation company, Night Watchman Detective Agency. (If you're like me and enjoy a little sarcasm in your characters, you'll like Ray Quinn.) In our story Ray Quinn is hired by a wealthy (germaphobe) businessman to find company information stolen by an ex-cop. The story gets interesting when the ex-cop, Logan is found murdered. 

When I first started the book I felt like I was in an old Colombo t.v. episode, but as I kept reading the characters took on a life of their own. Having said that, I have to admit the book did start off slowly for me. Since I did enjoy this book, I'm glad I persevered and continued reading until the story picked up.


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

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Book Review: Treasuring Emma

Treasuring Emma by Kathleen Fuller is not your average Amish romance book. The characters don't communicate like characters in other Amish books, and they definitely seem more real than how they are portrayed in other books. The women in the book struggled with trusting God (faith) and submission.  Another difference was how Emma was described as fat and plain.

I'm glad the author portrayed the Amish as sinners who need God's grace and forgiveness. Everyone must make their own decision to follow Christ. No one is born into a right relationship with God. We must all repent and have faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.


I enjoyed reading this book. Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description 

Emma has put everyone else first in her life. Now at nearly 25, has she missed her chance at marriage?
Emma was Adam's first love but circumstances made them both choose different paths in life. Emma's heart breaks all over again when Adam returns to the Amish community of Middlefield, Ohio, years later.

For the past ten years, Emma has been a care-giver. First for her mother who unsuccessfully battled breast cancer, and now for her grandmother who gets more frail with each passing year. Emma has always put the needs of others above her own. With more time on her hands, she determines to focus on herself and her dream of opening a rescue shelter for stray animals in the community.

With Adam's return come feelings Emma's long buried. They're older and life hasn't turned out the way they thought it would. Adam's feelings for Emma are stronger than ever, but will he be able to convince her to put the past aside and give their love a chance?

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Book Review: The Final Hour

The Final Hour is book four of the Homelander series. You definitely should read the first three books before reading The Final Hour. Even though this series is written for teenagers I thoroughly enjoyed reading all four books. My 14 year old daughter also read and enjoyed the books before I even started them. She was surprised with the way it all turned out, while I figured out the whole series at the beginning of the first book (age and experience factor in). But even with knowing how it would all turn out, I still enjoyed the ride. We definitely need more wholesome books like these for our teenagers with good and moral heroes. I just wish there was more written about God and a gospel presentation. For instance when Charlie is questioned about whether he's ready to die, his answer is not based on faith in Jesus Christ but on his own good works.

Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description

The Homelanders are attacking—and it's Charlie's last chance to stop them.
Charlie West was an ordinary high school kid who went to bed one night and woke up in the clutches of terrorists and wanted by the police for murder. He also woke up with no memory of the events of the last year.

His memory is returning now and has brought the terrible realization that he knows when the terrorists are going to strike next.

Whatever it takes, Charlie knows he can't give in or give up until they're stopped . . . even when the final hour is ticking away.

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Book Review: God's Love Letters to You

God's Love Letters to You: A Forty Day Devotional Experience is not your typical devotional book. I'm not the type of person who normally reads devotional books, so I was pleasantly surprised. I normally spend my time reading only the bible for my morning & evening devotions. I have tried devotionals before but never found anything I liked. This book however is different! Larry Crabb, the author, doesn't sugar coat the gospel at all. As a matter of fact his book really tries to get you to dig deeper and see things from God's point of view. He really exposes the holes in the prosperity doctrine. Since I received this book to review, I read it without answering the questions in depth and read it faster than the 40 days.  I will definitely go back and take my time with this book in addition to my daily bible reading. Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description

Experience a unique conversation with God through a daily devotional reading based on twenty Old Testament and twenty New Testament books of the Bible. Written to help the reader listen to what God is saying in His Word, God’s Love Letters to You offers a life-changing encounter with God through the story He is telling. Author Larry Crabb brings the big picture of God’s story into clearer focus, helping readers catch an enticing glimpse of how each of these forty books of the Bible advances the story. The goal? To lose our story in His.

Each day’s devotional includes:

-a selected Scripture reading

-a short devotional message

-reflection questions

-a closing prayer

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Book Review: Beyond All Measure

Beyond All Measure by Dorthy Love was not a quick read for me. Even though it was hard for me to get into the story, I did enjoy reading all the historical background information. The racial prejudice as well as North vs. South prejudice depicted in the book helped me see what a long way we have come since the Civil War. Also, I'm glad the characters in the book were able to believe and trust in God again. Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description

Unless she can trust God's love to cast out her fears, Ada may lose the heart of a good man.

Ada Wentworth, a young Bostonian, journeys to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, in the years following the Civil War. Alone and nearly penniless following a broken engagement, Ada accepts a position as a lady’s companion to the elderly Lillian Willis, a pillar of the community and aunt to the local lumber mill owner, Wyatt Caldwell. Ada intends to use her millinery skills to establish a hat shop and secure her future.

Haunted by unanswered questions from her life in Boston, Ada is most drawn to two townsfolks: Wyatt, a Texan with big plans of his own, and Sophie, a mulatto girl who resides at the Hickory Ridge orphanage. Ada's friendship with Sophia attracts the attention of a group of locals seeking to displace the residents of Two Creeks, a "colored" settlement on the edge of town. As tensions rise, Ada is threatened but refuses to abandon her plan to help the girl.

When Lillian dies, Ada is left without employment or a place to call home. And since Wyatt’s primary purpose for staying in Hickory Ridge was to watch over his aunt, he can now pursue his dream of owning Longhorns in his home state of Texas.

With their feelings for each other growing, Ada must decide whether she can trust God with her future and Wyatt with her heart.

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Book Review: A Vision of Lucy

I enjoyed reading A Vision of Lucy. Even though it was book three in a series, I was able to follow along and not feel lost at any point in the story without having read any of the prior books. A Vision of Lucy contained a lot of the story elements I am looking for when I read a book - salvation, a moral, and humor. Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description

Trouble may follow Lucy wherever she goes, but with the help of God and the rugged, reclusive David Wolf, she'll never face adversity alone.
Lucy Fairbanks dreams of working as a photographer at the Rocky Creek newspaper. If she can earn money making photographs, then maybe her father will see that what she does is worthy, more than just a distraction. And her deepest hope is that he’ll see her as an artist, the way he thought of her deceased mother, a painter. But trouble follows Lucy on every photo shoot: a mess of petticoats and ribbons, an accidental shooting, even a fire.

When Lucy meets David Wolf, a quiet, rustic man who lives on the outskirts of town, she thinks she can catch the attention of the town with his photograph. She doesn't count on her feelings stirring whenever she's near him.

Two things happen next that forever change the course of her life: Lucy meets someone who sees her as no one else has—as the compassionate, creative young woman that God made in His image. And Lucy helps David uncover a secret that forces him to change his perspective on an event that left him deeply-scarred.
God’s arms are around this unlikely couple as they discover the truth about long-held assumptions and the importance of forgiveness.

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Book Review: Money Secrets of the Amish

Saving money, garage sales, thrift stores - some of my favorite topics. No wonder I enjoyed reading Money Secrets of the Amish. Since author Lorilee Cracker has a wonderful sense of humor, her book was a quick and easy read. Even though I already know and practice most of the Amash suggestions, the book was not a disappointment.

Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description

Discover the money-saving and wealth-building secrets of America’s thriftiest people, the Amish.

Author, journalist, and descendant of the Amish, Lorilee Craker, was just like the rest of us, feeling the pinch from the financial fallout of 2008. As a freelancer, her income was going the way of the dodo—family dollars seemed like an extinct myth, the bank account some archeological evidence of past prosperity.

Then, inspired by a news segment covering her people, the Amish, and how they emerged from the economic crisis unscathed, she realized it was time to get back to her roots and learn a thing or two about their time-tested approach to personal finances. While the middle-class was wringing its hands over the family budget and the wealthy were weeping over their slashed portfolios, the Amish were content as always, spared from the cares of the world and worldliness. They not only had financial health to support their lives, they exuded a wholeness that eludes so many when the financial bottom drops out.

In Money Secrets of the Amish, readers go on an “Amish money makeover,” learning the choices, secrets, and disciplines that safeguarded the contentment and the coffers of America’s favorite plain folk by spending less, saving more, and getting happier doing it.

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Book Review: Spring For Susannah

I wouldn't let my daughter read Spring For Susannah until she got married, (might awaken or stir thoughts of sex) and then I'm not so sure I'd recommend it because of the bias. As I read Spring For Susannah, I kept thinking this is a feminist book disguised as a Christian romance. Not only does Susannah's husband, Jesse, say women are smarter than men, but Jesse is missing for one third of the book while Susannah conquers all.

The author, Catherine Richmond, has a gift for adding humor to a story. This book had so much promise; I really wanted to like it, but it dragged after Jesse disappeared. I wouldn't recommend this book for young impressionable unmarried ladies.

Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

Official Book description
When Susannah goes to Dakota territory as a mail-order bride she finds something she never dreamed she would—true love.

With no prospects for marriage and her parents recently deceased, Susannah Underhill agrees to go west to the Dakota territory to marry her minister's homesteading brother, Jesse. But Susannah is painfully shy, doesn't see herself as worthy of love from either a husband or from God, and lives in constant fear that Jesse is going to ship her back to Detroit.

In spite of her petite size and the fact that Susannah doesn't look like she could survive on the prairie, Jesse quickly discovers that his new wife is a greater blessing than he even hoped for. The years she spent as her father's veterinary assistant allow her to save Jesse's ox and twin calves and to help neighboring farmers with their animals.

But Susannah's feelings of unworthiness are deeply rooted, and she can't believe that Jesse's praise—or the tenderness and love he shows—could possibly last. The thawing of her heart seems almost as distant as Spring in the midst of the winter blanketing the Dakota prairie.

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