Month: June 2015

June 3, 2015

Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund

Can she forgive the hurting man who costs her the role she loves?

About Hearts Made Whole

After her father’s death, Caroline has grown confident in her role running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, this is not a role that woman are supposed to have so it is only a matter of time before they remove her from this position. This is despite Caroline having nowhere to go and no job available to her.

Ryan is a Civil War veteran, who is still haunted by the war. He has secured the position at the lighthouse and a chance to hide from his past. He was never expecting the current keeper of the lighthouse to be a fierce and beautiful young woman. When his personal failings endanger others, Caroline realizes he is no shape to run the lighthouse alone. Caroline feels drawn to his wounded soul but with both of them relying on this one position, can they look past their losses to a future full of hope?

My Thoughts

This is an incredible and beautiful story. We witness struggle, addiction, sexism and in the midst of all of this is hope. Hope is always there in each of the darkest moments in this story. Despite all the strong topics covered, the novel itself carries a lighter tone that is perfect to read anywhere and at any time.

Caroline is an incredible woman, living in a time that independence in a woman was frowned upon. Despite this we see her strength to stand up for what she believes in and how she will go to battle for her family (she is raising her siblings). Her love of family is what keeps her going and fighting.

The romance that slowly builds between these two main characters is beautiful. Caroline wants nothing more than to help Ryan but her feelings stem far beyond helping and protecting him. Caroline makes Ryan want to be a better man, the type of man he was before the Civil War. Both of them need each other but it is difficult for both of them to admit this.

Hearts Made Whole is a lovely read from start to finish. You can find more reviews on the Litfuse Blog Tour Page. You can purchase a copy of the book here.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling historical fiction author. She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence and was a finalist for the Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Jody makes her home in Central Michigan with her husband and five children. You can find her online, Twitter and Facebook.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

June 2, 2015

Kika The Upside-Down Girl

It is okay to be different! Join Kika The Upside-Down Girl as she discovers how special it is to be different.

About Kika the Upside-Down Girl

Kika always seems to accomplish things differently than others and tends to get in trouble for it. Kika reminds us that it is okay to be different and finding others to share in her journey makes her heart feel huge especially when it involves flips, vaults, kips and somersaults! Join Kika, a girl who loves living upside-down in a right-side up world, on her unique journey to a fliptastic world.

My Thoughts

As children, it is normal for us to want to jump, flip and twirl. Somewhere along the line we stop doing this as we feel this is not the norm. But it is so important for children to know that being different is perfect! We are born to be different and it is important to encourage this in our children. I love how Kika The Upside-Down Girl supports the dream to follow your heart. As parents, it is so important to support our children, letting them know it is okay to be different and to go about life differently.

I loved the illustrations and so did our boys! They bring the book alive and draw you in to the story. You can feel her joy from the illustrations as she moves through her life upside-down. You laugh, are surprised and are sad when she is sad.

Many children will be able to easily relate to this story and Kika. My favourite part of the book comes when Kika asks why people don’t understand how being upside-down is so much fun. Just because something is different, does not mean it is wrong!

This is the perfect, feel good and fun story for you to enjoy with your child. You can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon, Chapters Indigo and Barnes & Noble.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Jessica Tudos is an Olympic athlete turned author, motivational speaker and educator who is on a mission to empower youth, kids and adults to develop confidence and resilience to lead active, healthy and creative lives. Jessica empowers through engaging stories, reflections and insights into her own lives. You can connect with her on her website, Twitter and Facebook.

The Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

June 1, 2015

Hutterite Diaries by Linda Maendel

What would it be like to share all of your belongings and live in a Christian group?

About Hutterite Diaries

In Hutterite Diaries, Linda Maendel offers a rare glimpse into the daily routines and communal faith of her people, the Hutterian Brethren. From stories of working together to laugh out loud tales of sisterly love, Maendel invites readers into her colony situated in the prairies of Western Canada. Here children and adults work, play, eat and worship together,crafting a community of goods and living an alternative life of consumerism in today’s society.

The Hutterites are a plain Christian community, related to the Amish and Mennonites. Maendel invites readers into a deeper understanding of this community of faith.

My Thoughts

The Hutterite Diaries reads as a collection of thoughts and stories, that jumps from one time period to another. While at first confusing, this works to the advantage of the reader as you are able to see the whole picture of a very faith oriented and dedicated community. Linda shares her own stories for the most part with some of those in the community.

I love learning about new religions and different cultures around the world. For me, this book was something new as I was never aware of the Hutterite colony in Western Canada. Here was a faith-based community in my own country that I was clueless about. I love how they work together as a community and share the material items between themselves (even though I know this is something hard for me to understand and picture). They share chores and meals as a large family would (except in this case an extremely large family!). Linda does an excellent job in sharing her communal lifestyle and fostering understanding and respect.

A great read for all Canadians, young and old to foster respect and understanding for all faith groups that have travelled to Canada. In the Hutterite case, it was heart breaking to read of the persecution they faced and how many lost their lives because others did not understand their faith and communal living.

You can find more about the Hutterite Diaries on the Litfuse blog tour page. You can purchase a copy of the book here.

Rating: 4/5

About the Author

Linda Maendel is an author, blogger and educator living in Elm River, just outside of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this request. All opinions expressed are my own.