Sharon R. Paavola

Life moments and Book Reviews

The Weaver’s Daughter -Historically Rich!

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The Weaver's DaughterThe Weaver’s Daughter by Sarah E. Ladd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The well defined characters in The Weaver’s Daughter face family loyalty while risking integrity. Kate Dearbourne lives in a community that survives on their weaving trade steep in tradition. Henry Stockton returns home from the Three Years War, seeking solace and restoration. Instead, he finds a battle about to explode between his wealthy, visionary family and the local weavers.

Kate’s eyes begin to open to her father’s stubborn ways as she continues to run into Henry. Both Kate and Henry must find their place with God, themselves, and the ongoing weaver’s barrage against progress. Henry struggles inwardly looking for his own path. Kate challenges everything she’s always known, even the suitor her father desires for her.

The Weaver’s Daughter moves quickly, delves into history, and shows the reader the real heart of her characters. I enjoyed this novel set in the Industrial Revolution.

I received a copy from Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own. 

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Hope Harbor – Truly Brings Hope!

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Hope HarborHope Harbor by Irene Hannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an enjoyable read as several characters crushed along life’s path find themselves in the same small, beach town, Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast. Is it really a harbor of hope? Tracy Campbell works to save her family’s cranberry farm against many odds along with her aging uncle. Michael Hunter temporarily flees his fast paced life in Chicago to seek solace by the sea and can’t imagine how he will heal his guilty and aching heart. A widowed hermit digs herself away from her former life accepting the longterm alienation from her only family member. How will Hope Harbor open them up to an abundant life full of caring friends and purpose? Can people find their way by helping others even when they are seeking solitude and space?

Themes of forgiveness, healing, and selflessness flow throughout this book. Irene Hannon has written a beautiful novel that speaks of our need for each other in our imperfect humanity. I highly recommend Hope Harbor!

I received this book from Revell Reads/Net Galley and am delighted to have given my honest review.

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The Heart of the Amish a Must Read for Life

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“The Heart of the Amish: Life Lessons on Peacemaking and the Power of Forgiveness” The Heart of the Amish: Life Lessons on Peacemaking and the Power of Forgiveness by Suzanne Woods Fisher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Heart of the Amish: Life Lessons on Peacemaking and the Power of Forgiveness is an amazing book. The accounts that Suzanne Woods Fisher collected as illustrations will fill your soul. The depictions of forgiveness reveal the deep devotion the Amish have to God and the innateness of forgiveness in their communities. Their ability to let go of the most horrendous acts, such as the Nikel Mines school shooting of ten Amish girls in 2006 will touch you deeply. Suzanne includes several people’s stories from this event including the wife of the shooter.
The chapters are brief, pointed, and begin with Amish quotes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! It’s amazing how healing forgiveness is in relationships and in life. Anyone struggling with pain in their heart from someone else’s actions or their own needs to read this book. The freedom to live without bitterness, grudges, or hate toward another person is clearly shown as the way to live. Sometimes the biggest offenses are the easiest ones to put down and walk away. I highly recommend reading The Heart of the Amish. You will not regret it and will learn a more peaceful way of life. Whether you have a strong belief system such as Christianity or not this is a valuable book for moving on from the past.

I received a copy of The Heart of the Amish from Revell Reads through Net Galley and have given my honest review.

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Change of Heart: Justice, Mercy, and Making Peace With My Sister’s Killer

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Change of Heart: Justice, Mercy, and Making Peace with My Sister's KillerChange of Heart: Justice, Mercy, and Making Peace with My Sister’s Killer by Jeanne Bishop
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had no idea what a profound effect this book would have on me when I started to read it. Immediately I was riveted by Jeanne’s harrowing story. I’ve never know anyone close to me who was murdered. Her struggles are many: how to come to grips with who the killer is, how to move on from this event, and what changes will come from it all. She is a highly intelligent woman and educates herself to be the best at defending the helpless. The book takes you on a journey and you suddenly realize that while on this trip you will come face to face with your own values. The depth, the angst, and the yearning to discover her destiny after her sister’s murder pulls you in and you must find out, too. Her acquaintances influence and support her as she ponders what she feels she must do. I believe I had a change of heart after following her steps toward peace and forgiveness. Yes, I did, which really surprised me. Read this story and see if you agree with her change of heart. You won’t regret it.

I highly recommend Change of Heart: Justice, Mercy and Making Peace with My Sister’s Killer by Jeanne Bishop.

I received an e-copy of this book from Net Galley and have given my honest review.

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Divine Christmas Story!

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Christmas at Rose Hill Farm: An Amish Love StoryChristmas at Rose Hill Farm: An Amish Love Story by Suzanne Woods Fisher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, my Christmas is on its way! This story will touch your heart and bring the Christmas season to full bloom. I loved this book and its characters. Since I am a rose lover and grower the focus on old roses added another great dimension. A darling Amish couple, Bess Riehl and Amos Lapp are headed toward their wedding day in a few weeks. Amos is preparing to paint their apartment over his family’s barn as Bess’ family finishes her dress. In the midst of all this, Bess discovers an old rose in the greenhouse. They own many old roses as part of their thriving rose business, but this one has been hiding. This rose brings with it a history that changes everyone’s life as Christmas approaches. I became more absorbed as the pages went by with several twists and turns added in. This quick read involves several Amish families in need of forgiveness, honesty, and grace which the author delivers beautifully. This is a must read for the Christmas season especially if you collect Christmas books. I stayed in a bath gone cold to finish it!

I highly recommend Christmas at Rose Hill Farm: An Amish Love Story by Suzanne Woods Fisher.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by The Book Club Network.

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