A Hidden Truth was a well written book about Dovie, who goes to visit relatives in the Amana Colonies where her recently deceased mother was from. She goes looking for information about her mother's past as she would not share about it with her. I enjoyed this book, especially the peek into the life in the Amana Colonies, a group of villages where the people have chosen to live communally, sharing in the work and gains. While parts were similar to the Amish, they are actually very different and I found the historical aspect of the community fascinating. I enjoyed Dovie's transition into the community as well as her search for her mother's past, though it did seem a bit anti-climatic at the end. It was an enjoyable read and one I would recommend.

i recieved a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book is a very interesting and open take on understanding your husband. The author (wisely) states that not all men are the same of course and in light of the book he must generalize, and that's good to keep in mind as you read. My favorite line of the book? "Men are just like big toddlers." Cue laughter from all the women, along with vigorous head nodding. Anyway, he backs up his ideas with research and cultural and historical information. Some of it merely backs up what I have heard before, and other parts make my eyes bug out! I would love to read this with my husband and get his perspective; it would definitly make for an interesting couples study (if you can get your husband to do that!). The main parts of the book go through helping women understand his body, soul and spirit, and the last chapters of the book offer some practical advice on "freeing" each of those sections (body, soul and spirit). I really appreciate and recommend this book, and it will be one that I reread occasionally to make sure I am taking care of my husband's needs.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! It follows the main character of Lydia, an orphan who finally finds herself settled in a job she loves as a translator with the Navy. While there she comes in contact with Bane, and takes some extra translating work from him in order to save money to buy her apartment which she's come to love. Eventually of course, the playful verbal sparring between the two leads to love and adventure! While Bane loves Lydia, he's sworn off marriage due to a vow to destroy the man who kidnapped him into a life of opium selling. The chemistry between the two is well-written and the adventure/mystery is engaging, creative and well-done as well. While it is a Christian book, the faith aspect is rather low-key, and interestingly done as it is Bane (the underhanded rogue) who is the Christian and Lydia who has not had much interest in religion. This was an excellent book and I very much recommend it!

I recieved a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Fills in a few holes and gives a few more "fun" stories!

I really enjoyed this book, The Scarlet Cord. It is a fictional account of the life of Rahab, the "Harlot" from the Old Testament. While one has to remember that it is a novel and not inspired Scripture, it is an interesting peek into what the story behind Rahab's life and choice to help the Israelite spurs may have been. I really felt that the author spent a great deal of time researching the book and making it feel authentic and truly believable. I love that she thought outside the box with the storyline, giving a picture of a young, beautiful girl in the wrong place at the wrong time. While the subject matter of the Israelites slaughter of the Canaanites is difficult, the author does a nice job of presenting it in a believable and inspiring way. She gives a short discussion of this at the end of the book and also of the research and fictionalization of the story of Rahab. Excellent book and highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book from the editor in exchange for my honest review.

these books end terribly!!! don't read it unless you have the next one ready!