Friendship, faithfulness and forgiveness
587281
I enjoyed the book.  I certainly think it is worth the time put into it.  It is sweet, touching and thought provoking at the same time.  I really don't mind figuring out what is going to happen in advance, but this book has enough twists, that I didn't.  A very good use of flashbacks.  I liked the way that he showed consequences for decisions that had been made and helped people find forgiveness (often to themselves) for what had happened.
4401246
Whether you are a Christian or not, one can learn some serious kernels of wisdom.  Love, maturity, a wide spectrum of struggles, and redemption are weaved throughout this novel. A wonderful read
3864548
Allison has decided to join a group of friends who live as self-sufficiently as possible. Much of what they do is new to her, but the simplicity is appealing. While some may thrive on the busy city life, I am likely not the only one who can relate to Allisons appreciation of their quieter life.

While hobby farming doesnt seem to be a common quest, the friends in Dandelions for Dinner make the idea not only possible, but intriguing. What would it take to produce most of your food needs right on your own land?

As far as the characters themselves, Brent and Allison both have skeletons in the closet theyd rather keep there. Its not easy to be honest about our mistakes and struggles, but somehow those things have a way of interfering if they are left too long. They eventually have to come out and be dealt with so that they will lose their hold over us. The skeletons they face are unfortunately fairly common, and their struggles seem very realistic.

Dandelions for Dinner is a sweet story of friendship, forgiveness, and new beginnings.  Take a peek inside a hobby farm environment and see if everything doesnt seem just a bit fresher!

The fourth in its series, Dandelions for Dinner can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone novel as well.

(I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts expressed here are entirely my own.)
3284085
Enjoyed the friendship turned romance of Kelly and Joe.  It was interesting to see how they both worked through their doubts and fears of moving their relationship from one of close friendship to a romantic relationship.  Kelly showed her human weakness in realizing how her relationship with God had suffered since the death of her husband and how she had let that loss keep her moving forward with her earthly relationships as well.  The story was a great example of how one work's through the various stages in the loss of a loved one.  While I could identify with Kelly's struggles, I really felt drawn to Joe.  I've often wondered how military Christians felt about some of the challenges they must face.  Identifying with those called to fight in the Bible, Gideon, David, and even Jesus in his war on sin, it was interesting to get Joe's insight on how he could serve God and be a Navy SEAL, as well as deal with the survivor's guilt over the loss of his best friend. I thought it was a great read.
4741287
I greatly enjoyed Ordinary Grace.  Although it was centered on the circumstances of character's deaths, it was really about relationships and forgiveness.  You won't be disappointed with this story.
4845005
An enjoyable story to relax with.
It is written in a solid, well crafted style abut families, friends and relationships.
As one of the older characters comments in the book- "Relationships can be hard." Understanding each other becomes easier as relationships develop and grow.
If you like stories which accentuate kindness, acceptance,forgiveness and reconciliation, then this is the perfect book for you!
Well done!
475192
Unfortunate loss of a child leads this father into the lives of two young boys in search of someone who shows them consistency and direction.  What happens in the end shows how all of them learned real appreciate for one another and true friendship.
1050921
To Love and to Cherish
by Kelly Irvin

This book deals with forgiveness as well as other emotions. When we don't forgive others it eats at our happiness.

Only God can help us forgive what seems impossible to forgive. There are lessons to be learned by reading this book.

Even though the book is complete, I am glad it is the first of a series. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I hope it is not the last!
3613511
A sudden fire destroys the Lundy barn, leaving Winnie in the hospital with injuries.  A chance encounter with Englisher Samuel Miller, a former member of the Amish community, brings friendship to Winnie while separated from her family and community of faith.  Samuel left the community when he was young to pursue a university education and honor the natural gifts given to him by God.  As their friendship deepens, Winnie and Samuel must face the challenges to their love and faith, particularly as each lives in such a different world.  When the fire inspectors discover that a stray cigarette started the fire, her brother Jonathan knows he should forgive and yet he feels he needs to know who started the fire and why.  Can he figure out the answer but more importantly, how will God act in the lives of those who dare to forgive and those who dare ask to be forgiven?

In FORGIVEN, the third in the Sisters of the Heart inspirational romances, Shelley Shepard Gray creates a multidimensional story of forgiveness within a Christian community.  Gossip and honest searching to live a faithful life, teenage adolescence and fear all provide tensions as one act might divide the community.  Jonathan may appear stubborn as the community urges him to just forgive and put the whole event behind him, but the author looks into the heart of a man who has been wronged and his need to understand.  Shelley Shepard Gray goes beyond a stereotypical or simplistic tale of easy redemption to look into her characters' hearts.  Following God's way, Jonathan is also a man who looks inside himself, not just blindly obedient but a man who internalizes God's message.  As the story unfolds, the reader feels both a sense of community and a sense of individuality as her characters live out their lives.

In FORGIVEN, the characters come alive.  Under the author's pen, each character becomes an individual.  At moments Winnie just sparkles right off the page into the heart with her delightful sense of humor and connection to one of Samuel's students.  The reader feels the gifts within Samuel that made him leave the community for an education.  As Winnie and Samuel get to know one another, the reader easily feels the chemistry of the heart that draws them together and the conflict which threatens their romance.  Shelley Shepard Gray ties these two stories, the romance and the fire together in an inspirational romance that focuses on community (and being outside the community of faith).  Some modern Christian women readers may feel a slight disappointment in the resolution of the romance.  Although the romance aspect is wonderfully done, the author does such an excellent job at making her characters individuals and showing God's work in their individual plans, that some readers may be left wondering how, other than the romance itself, God is working to challenge the innate gifts within Winnie.  The ending makes sense, especially on a thematic level, but I could not help but want to know more about her because she was such a unique character.  In short, a fourth Sisters of the Heart book in which readers see Winnie years later would be a wonderful addition to this series and one this reader would welcome.  :-)

Shelley Shepard Gray's FORGIVEN is a must read for lovers of inspirational romance who love dynamic characters, a wonderful romance in which the hero and heroine bring out the best in one another, and a classic Christian message seen from many dimensions, dimensions which individualize and strengthen the key themes.  Written in a light, easy to read style, but one in which the characters have much depth, FORGIVEN will appeal to young and adult readers alike who want more from their inspirational romance reading. Delightful!

COURTESY OF BOOK ILLUMINATIONS
2908039
This is a wonderful story of friendship, ambition and betrayal. Set in WW II, this story of three friends who overcome the hardships of racist and stereotypical roles thrust upon them. In order to succeed they had to overcome in ways you would not expect.
1183516
Loved this book. A wonderful story about two women in dired need of each other's gifts who met and change each other's lives. Cathie Beck does a wonderful job of keeping the book focused on the friendship and the give and take of the relationship. It made me realized that friendship is much more than just finding someone to hang out with who never gets on your nerves. Cathie Beck has to be the best friend anyone could ever have.
2850935
Life is about relationships and this story fulfills the relationships of friends, family, and the relationship with God.  Excellent read.
3214240
I liked the aspect of forgiveness in this book. It's not mentioned that much but it involves forgiveness of a friend, a co-worker and of a ex-husband--all tied together in a suspenseful story.
4627947
A beautifully written, touching study on friendships.  God created women to need one another, and Kay Harms has a gift for exploring the beauty in these friendships and connections.  A timely word in this age when so much of our personal contact with each other is reduced to the cyber world.  God created His people to need each other, and this book portrays that truth with well-written imagery.
3776799
A skillful and heartfelt story about loss, faith, family, Godly friendship, and love. I found myself looking forward each day to seeing how Melody's story unfolded. It is always enjoyable and affirming to read stories where the main characters are able to overcome fragility in faith to victory in Christ. Recommended!
3642277
The author handles 3 very challenging subjects in this sensitive story. Forgiveness is the main topic. A very good read!
2036093
The true friendship that is perfect and sincere, and actually attainable. This is a handbook that contains a road map to the higher purpose and existing reality and the goal of life. It comes through the friendship that can be attained by studying and applying the wisdom contained in this book.