Book Review - The Amish Ballerina

 

Book:  The Amish Ballerina

Author: Richelle Brunstetter with Wanda E. Brunstetter

Publisher: Barbour

paperback edition

This book is beautifully designed and set up.  It is about 18-year-old Arie, who is Amish.  Her home life is very busy. She helps her parents in their store and also helps take care of her younger brother and sister. In addition to this, she works part time at a local gift shop.  There are some problems, however.

Arie's parents seem overly busy with their business, and it gets very stressful at times. It was hard to see Arie have so much trouble getting along with her mother.   Arie has a non-Amish friend who introduced her to the art of ballet. This dance is not considered appropriate for an Amish way of life. Arie secretly learns ballet from her friend, who has her own family stresses! I found it a bit sad that Arie's friend did not seem to understand or respect the Amish ways. It was also troubling that Arie spent such a long time keeping this secret (and lying) to her family.

Another part of the story is Arie's boyfriend, Edwin.  He is dedicated to the Amish way of life and wants to marry Arie.  We read a little about Edwin's home-life and the struggles he has getting along with his brother.

At the end of the book, we are treated to a recipe of Tomato soup, which looks wonderful.

Disclosure: "I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

An Important Reminder

 An Important Reminder from one of the Rice sisters:

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The Story of the Two Wolves

 

The Story of the Two Wolves

An old Cherokee Indian chief was teaching his grandson about life.

 He said, "A fight is going on inside me," he told the young boy,

 "a fight between two wolves. The Dark one is evil - he is anger,

 envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment,

 inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego."

 He continued, "The Light Wolf is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope,

 serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity 

truth, compassion, and faith."

 "The same fight is going on inside you, grandson. . .

 and inside of every other person on the face of this earth.” 

The grandson pondered this for a moment and then asked,

 "Grandfather, which wolf will win?" 

The old Cherokee smiled and simply said, "The one you feed".

Inspiring Encouragement

 Encouragement from one of the Rice sisters:

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Book Review The Song of Sourwood Mountain

 

Book:  The Song of Sourwood Mountain

Author:  Ann H. Gabhart

Publisher:  Revell

   354 pages, paperback.

This is a story about a teacher (Mira) who is asked to marry a missionary preacher.  The first third of the book is very interesting. I enjoyed reading about Mira's life, and how she had a difficult decision when trying to figure out if she would accept the preacher's offer. It would change her entire way of life.  As the story went on, and we read about the place where she begins to serve, the story seemed to change a little. It opened up much more to include not only Mira and her new husband, but a community of people who were in great need of an education.  While the book was well written, I just didn't like reading about the way of life (along with all the details) of the people in the new community. I found them stressful and, at times, sad.  However, in the beginning of the book, there is some wonderful wisdom from the characters in her old community, which I appreciated. 

* Disclaimer: This book was received for review purposes.

 

 

 

Book Review Just for the Summer

 

Book:  Just for the Summer

Author:  Melody Carlson

Publisher:  Revell

   284 pages, paperback.

This interesting story is about 2 people who switch jobs for the summer. 

  Ginny is an exceptional worker who is highly skilled at managing a luxury hotel.  She has a great deal of trouble dealing with an unreasonable boss. 

 Jacqueline is officially managing her grandfather's fishing lodge, but she isn't really doing a lot to make the place comfortable for guests.  She is restless, selfish, and ungrateful.   

The switch is wonderful to see how each person is delighted with her new environment.

I loved reading about the slow paced life at the lodge. I was also inspired by the cleaning and care Ginny put into her temporary work out in the country.  She made housekeeping look like an admirable job.

Overall, it was an entertaining story.  

 

* Disclaimer: This book was received for review purposes.

 

 

 

The Quilt Room Secret

 

Book:  The Quilt Room Secret

Author:  Lisa Jones Baker

Publisher:  Baker

   249 pages, paperback.

An independent-thinking Amish woman, Trini, owned her own home and a store. She secretly plans to leave the community. There is an Amish gentleman who wants to marry her.  The story shares the details of the homes, friends, neighbors, and family involved in the main character's life. I had a difficult time connecting with the story for the first few chapters. But as I continued to read, the plot started to interest me.  

While I did not like reading about Trini's independent ways, or the constant references to memories, I appreciated how the story ended.

*Disclaimer: "I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."