... is a story not only of faith but pure love. I cannot find the words to describe the ...
342062
This is a story not only of faith but pure love. I cannot find the words to describe the how I felt. I pray my children can find the kind of love that Bryan and Kailyn have for each other. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
4303652
A Forbidden Rumspringa is a beautiful story of love, family and faith. It was not preachy, it did not paint the Amish in a bad light and it pulled me right into the strict, insular community where David and Isaac live.

I loved the portrayal of both men, old enough to remember what it was like in their former community, which was slightly less restrictive about dealing with the English (non-Amish) and allowed the young a rumspringa to explore life outside the community before they decided to join the church. David has suffered the loss of his brother and father and is doing everything he can to support his mother and sisters, while Isaac is dealing with the memories of a brother and family left behind in the old settlement. David is in training to join the church, at which time he will be expected to take a wife and settle down and Isaac, having just turned 18, is also feeling the pressure to do the same, but cannot imagine his future working out that way. As Isaac begins his apprenticeship as a carpenter with David, his doubts are only confirmed when his feelings for David are reciprocated. The love the men have is challenged by the knowledge that it is a sin to love each other and it will inevitably end when they are caught or they join the church. While Isaac is beginning to strongly question his place in the community, David's need to stay for his family seems an insurmountable obstacle.

This was my first Keira Andrews book. I thought both the writing and storytelling were fantastic, really allowing me to visualize the setting and feel for the characters. I don't want to give any story away, but getting toward the end of the book I still didn't know what to expect and it really kept me on the edge of my seat. While not exactly a cliff hanger, more a HFN, there is definitely another part of the story to be told and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment (somewhere around February 2015 I'm told).
165383
What an amazing story of faith and love!! Faith and Carlos are such a beautiful couple, that thru hardships and time their love continued to grow and sustain!! I absolutely enjoyed this story and I can't wait to read the next one!!
2730677
4.5 out of 5 stars

I'm not a huge fan of nonfiction, but this was a beautiful story of love, loss, and perseverance like no other. I will always remember this story because of the power it holds in just being brave and sticking with it when it feels like you have nothing left. They say a good story can heal the soul and I think this is one of those stories. It is very bible heavy and if that aspect of the story wasn't so in your face, I would have given it 5 stars.
4063825
Wow!! I was delightfully surprised to find such an incredible story that touched my heart and spoke to my own places of pain and loss. Like Corrie, I too have found God's Amazing Grace and Love to be the healing balm and the firm foundation of a new life. Thank you for such a beautiful, real and touching story! May it go out and find its way into the hands, mind and heart of those who need Him and may His Love, that is ever searching for us, find its home in their hearts!
3479484
I've read my share of Christian romances and most seem boiler-plated and formulaic.  Mallory Ridge is far from either of those descriptors.  It is a love story in the strictest sense of the term...not only the love found between a man and a woman, but Redeeming Love as well.  The life struggles portrayed are far from fiction; any number of us have experienced hurt, betrayal, rejection, abuse, unrequited love, and more, and Kemper presented these in situations that seem real and believable. Woven throughout the story is strong faith, a faith so strong that it sometimes seems impossible or improbable.  However, this is the strong faith in a God that can do immeasurably more than we can hope or imagine that I believe most Christ-followers strive to achieve.  In that sense, the story is extremely inspirational, lending to self-examination of our own faith journeys.  This is Kemper's first novel, and she will most certainly continue to hone her craft in subsequent works.

Betty Ost-Everley
Internationally Published Author
4390661
It is hard to express in words just how wonderful this book is.  The way that the author conveys emotions and her message is truly touching.  The message of hope and forgiveness is heartfelt and moving.  For those that have Faith it only reconfirms what they know and for those that don't it is truly a lamp unto the path.  Thank you Ms. Kirkland for sharing your story with us all.  I can only hope for more from you in the future.  Well done!
662327
Beautifully written stores of faith and love.
4542962
Wings of the Wind is a stirring tale of faith. Of hope being renewed time and time again, even in the most trying of circumstances. Its about standing with courage in the face of adversity, when you must put your sole trust in God to save you. Its about finding your place in Gods purposeeven when you cant believe He would deem you worthy of His attention. Its about accepting Gods promises as we walk in faith. Truly seeing and believing t"hat ALL things work together for good to those who know the Lord and are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

This novel is more than historical fiction. If you let it, it will have you examining your own faith. One fo the moments that really hit me deeply was when Alanah experiences manna for the first time and she just cant believe that no one else cares anymore that its the most incredible thingto have it provided without sweat, blood, and tearsand for it to be the most amazingly sweet and delicious food ever eaten. She calls them out for taking it for granted. (and biblically, this is a point where they DO take it for granted) And to meI just couldn't stop thinking about the calling of God in my life. I have believed and obeyed for a long timemy whole life reallybut do I still get excited about it? Do I love it as much now as when I first had my eyes really opened? Have I grown complacent about my beliefs and love of God's way?

The story brought me to damp eyes, and then finally to flowing tears. There were "Oh!" moments when things happened and plots were connected that made me smile at the author's cleverness. And Alanah was so relateable. The things and thoughts she experienced. They were applicable to real life. I loved how the author brought to life scenarios and events from the Bible that may only be a couple verses--but she dives into what it might have been like for the people there. And she did it flawlessly and it was so believable. It gave me new meaning for so many passages in those books of the Bible related to the story.

*Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review. I was not given any other compensation and all the opinions are mine alone.
1624346
Never before has a book made my heart heavy. I don't know how to write this review without giving away critical parts of the story. But it affected me deeply, in so many aspects. You will find: Love of God, Love of Country, joy, deceit, despair, strength, faith, blind faith, love, blind love, friendship, hero/ine's, loss, tears of joy, tears of sadness, devotion, greed, despicable, kind, thoughtless, hardship, affluence, trust, distrust, endearing, honesty, all are in this book.

There is so much depth to this book, you really don't realize it until you go back and think about it. This story is based on WWII, and of late I have been reading books in that genre, (historical fiction). I have found myself caught up in that era's plight. First, about the men and women who served so we can be a free nation. The love of their country and the sacrifice that they made, humbles me. Second, the men, women and families that had to endure the hardships here as a result of war. Losses of loved ones first and foremost. RATIONING. That thought, that word, always gets me. I always wonder what that really was like. How did they do it? Not just the food, but bicycles, typewriters, stoves, cars, tires, gasoline, rubber foot wear and shoes. All I can say is that I am spoiled and again humbled. Third, and most importantly, the love of God. The faith of all of those that have served and are currently serving. His wisdom, guidance and His plan for all of us, be it war, peace, yesterday or today, will really strike a CHORD. (pun intended)

While I am not good a writing reviews, (I have a hard time conveying my message and am too wordy), I hope that I have inspired at least one person to read this book. Read some of the excellent reviews posted here, I promise you won't be sorry if you read this book.
3749885
This was such a beautiful story. The characters were well-defined and easy to love. There were several different relationships explored. Everything from the connection between a woman and her adoptive mother to a wonderful romance to God's abundant love. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read an incredible story of love and perseverance.
1975442
I don't know how to put my thoughts and feelings into words, but I will certainly try (though they will not do this book justice). This book was beautiful in every sense of the word. The love that Achille and Caresa felt for each other is the love that everyone wishes for, the love that fairytales speak of. They are lost souls finding each others missing parts, two halves of a whole. This story made my heart break at times, but most importantly soar. The simplistic love they felt for each other is what dreams are made of, their love is what brings a smile to my face knowing that out there in the world there is love like that even when it may not seem like there is.
A breathtaking read that I wish I give more than 5 HUGE stars!
1915133
I enjoyed this book very much.  It's inspirational to read a love story about Christians who have a strong faith.  The book exhibits so much of the struggle people face in coming to know and appreciate God's love and what it can do in our lives.  I have passed my copy of the book on to some less spiritual friends in hopes that they will enjoy it as much as I did, and I appreciate it's message of how pure love can be.  I notice the ending is perfect for a sequel, and I hope Mrs. Fliedner will grace us with that soon.
4458258
I am not a Christian yet I was so deeply moved by this author's conviction and absolute faith that religious beliefs must be lived, not simply followed. Her deeply authentic stories and ability to touch the heart makes this book suitable for people of all faiths who want to do something to make people of all faiths work together to change the world rather than just seek their own salvation.
910735
A heart grabbing story of love, courage and determination mixed with unbelievable strength and faith. A family is totally caught off guard when their middle child is violently ill and none of the many doctors and specialists are able to determine the cause. Eventually it is discovered and the immediate family as well as grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends step forward to help with their new life. This book follows their journey over many years and makes you reexamine your faith. We all have so many things to be thankful for.
2807831
Dane and Mandy were a world renown magic act, performing for 40 years, but beyond that they were deeply in love.  When the couple gets into a tragic car accident, it appears to everyone, including Dane, that Mandy dies.  Actually, Mandy, or at least her 19 year old self circa 1970, had awakened in a strange new world.  Gone is the life and the people she knew, and it would seem as if she has gone crazy.  She discovers she has mysterious abilities, and she uses them to build a magic act that eventually catches Dane's attention.  He cannot help but wonder who is this girl who looks exactly like his dead wife, and why has she entered his life?

This book is so incredibly complex, it was hard for me to boil it down to a one paragraph synopsis.  That paragraph in no way does justice to the richness of the storytelling at work in this novel.  I have read other books by Frank Peretti, and I must admit, this one feels so much different.  At first, I was confused by the forces at play in this story.  Time travel? Astrophysics?  While confusing, hardly the dark and sinister Frank I was familiar with.  But as I delved deeper into the story, I saw that the symbolism at play was the darkness and pride of which people can be capable, and how one selfish act by any one person can touch, ruin even, the lives of so many.  This book is also an incredible love story.  The romantic angle of this story had me in tears by the end of the book.

While Mandy's character is difficult to understand at times, that confusion is an important aspect of her character; we are confused because she is confused.  We do really get an intimate experience of connecting with Mandy's character, but it does feel at times as though it is from arms' length, until the full plot is revealed.  My heart just broke for both Mandy and Dane, and again the romance of the story really rocked me.

For those unaware, Peretti writes Christian fiction.  And while this book is Christian fiction, it is one that plays with great subtleties and symbolism.  It is not explicit regarding the role of Father, Son, or Spirit, but it is hard to miss the symbolism of thousands of doves carrying someone to their final destiny.  I appreciated this soft, gentle form of symbolism, and I think it will make the book appealing to a broader audience than just those of us who traditionally read Christian fiction.

All in all, I was really blown away by the book, particularly when the story really got moving and things started to make sense to me.  I would recommend it to anyone, do not let the Christian fiction label keep you away from reading what is a remarkable story.
1904713
A very special story of true love and it's meaning.