Past Darkness by Laurel Woiwode

Past Darkness is the poignant story of a lost young woman who has her anchor ripped away when both her parents die in a tragic accident and all she holds dear is taken from her. Leaving behind the big city to go live on a ranch with family she barely knows, Gabrielle Larson is introduced to a world she never knew existed.
Told in first person, this novel is much like catching up with a good friend after having lost contact for many years. Gabrielle's story is a beautiful journey of down the road of healing to find peace.
The only things I didn't care for about the book is that there were some curse words and that the ending is a bit abrupt. That being said, I read a pre-released copy from Netgalley, so there could be some final editing before it's released.
I did like the message of forgiveness in the story. And, I can relate to the music themes in the story!

Two Songs

This is another tough one for me, since there are so many good songs out there! Out of hymns, at the moment, I would say that my two favorites are:

1. Lone Wild Bird

2. Pass Me Not, Oh Gentle Savior

(you can see why when the Bountiful String Quartet releases their Hymn arrangement CD March 20th.:D )

I'm going to include my two favorite Christian songs too:

1. Beautiful by Mercy Me

2. City on a Hill by Casting Crowns

Beyond the Valley

All Sarah Carr ever wanted was to be loved and appreciated. Growing up in an orphanage, she jumps on the chance to marry when a net maker offers to make her his wife. Life on the wild shores of England is unpredictable, and Sarah is soon left a heartbroken widow with a baby on the way. Left with no family, she turns to her husband's family for help, only to be sold into an indentured servant position that sends her to America.
I haven't read the previous two books in this series, but that didn't keep me from enjoying this one! I like that the novels compliment one another, but can also stand alone.
While the story was predictable and fast pace (not allowing a lot of time for plot or character development) it is still a sweet story. Fans of the other two in the series should be happy with the finale!

A Year With G. K. Chesterton

With a new year, comes the chance to pick up a new devotion to guide one's Christian walk. A Year With G. K. Chesterton gives fans a chance to read excerpts from different articles and books Chesterton wrote. The devotions are set up in an interesting combination of Chesterton, scripture, and the author's (Kevin Belmonte) thoughts.
While I thought that the continuity of the devotions lacked at times, since a lot of Chesterton's works weren't meant to be broken up into a couple of paragraphs here and there, I did enjoy reading articles and bits of his stories that I hadn't read before.
I didn't always agree with the theology in this devotion, but it did give me a lot to chew on and think about through the day. I think that Chesterton has a way of putting "common sense" in a way that makes you stop and really think about the things one takes for granted. I like that about his writings and this book. It's also fun for a literature buff to see the parallels that he draws between religion and fiction.
Whether you are a fan of Chesterton or of C.S. Lewis, I think this book is a worthy one to add to your collection. Someone who isn't into those two authors might be a bit lost at times when reading through this devotion.

Come to the Table

Even though I haven't read any of Neta Jackson's Yada Yada Sisters, I did read the first book in this series, so I was thrilled at the chance to read and review the second book in the SouledOut Sisters. This one is another winner!
Starting up where "Stand By Me" left off, Kat Davies and her friends have welcomed Rochelle and Conny (the homeless mother and son that God brought into their lives) into their apartment and lives. But, things are never as easy as they should be. With new people in the household, relationships change and have to be re-defined. Nick works toward being a pastor, Kat continues to volunteer at the summer tutoring program while applying for a teaching position, and Bree keeps up with her large family while working at the coffee shop.
I love that this series challenges people to get involved in their community and reach out to those around you.

A Change of Fortune

After losing everything to the very people her family trusted, Lady Eliza Sumner undertakes the responsibility to recover her stolen inheritance. Shedding her title to be better able to play the sleuth, Eliza heads towards America and working as a governess for the Watson's. A hilarious comedy of errors and propriety ensues as Eliza goes on the adventure of a lifetime.
This book isn't quite what I thought it would be. I figured it would be more serious, while it was more like "The Importance of Being Earnest" without the sophistication of Oscar Wilde. I felt like the characters could of been developed more, but the author might of been going for over the top quirky. If that was the goal, then it was more than met.;)
I did like that this novel wasn't solely about romance. The story was busy enough that the romance complimented it, rather than took over.
Another good element is that Eliza's faith is tested and she must learn that sometimes God allows us to go through valley's in order to better experience the mountain tops. That sometimes being in the center of God's plan is to lose all you think you love.

Peace on Earth

This is one of my all time favorite Christmas songs! When Casting Crowns put it on their Christmas cd, I couldn't of been more thrilled. It is such a great reminder that, even when things look bleak, when hate is strong in the world, when there doesn't seem to be peace in this world, that God has everything under control. He offers us hope and peace, joy in times of sorrow. We may not know why things happen in this life time, but His arms are open to offer comfort. The world will revolve from night to day.