The Healing Quilt Book Review

Book Review of The Healing Quilt

  by Wanda E. Brunstetter
"Return of the Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club"


REVIEW BY:C. Szymoniak

     I read this book for my daughter's blog, and this is "my kind of reading."  I loved the book because it exemplified all the healing God can do in people's lives just by the little things we do, the acts of kindness, a listening ear, and encouraging one another.  I also enjoyed the snippets of Scripture that are interlaced throughout the story.  Emma and Lamar Miler are living in a winter home in Sarasota, Florida.  As usual, Emma brings her quilting supplies and begins to offer classes.  Wounded and hurting people from all walks of life come to the classes.  Through  Emma's tender hand, and loving, encouraging spirit, healing is brought to her students.  People facing illness, hard knocks, and more, Emma loves them, even when romance is thrown in the mix.  I would recommend this read for women ages 13 and up.  This is a beautiful story of healing and encouragement and quilting!

(I received this book free from Handlebar Marketing Blog Network as part of their blogging program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Fall.... 

A Robertson Family Christmas by Ms. Kay Robertson

A Deadly Business Book Review

Book Review of A Deadly Business

  by Lis Wiehl
"A Mia Quinn Mystery"


REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

     You already know I love, love, love anything from Lis Wiehl.  She's my favorite modern thriller author, and this new book doesn't displease.  A Deadly Business picks up where A Matter of Trust left off.  Right from the beginning, Mia Quinn is physically attacked in the courtroom, making your heart pound.  She is then thrust into a new case involving minors, in which she spends countless hours deliberating if they should be charged as juveniles or adults.  The pros and cons of both sides, will keep you guessing.  In the midst of all of this, sidekick detective Charlie Carlson brings to light that Mia's dead husband may have been murdered.  There is scandal, mayhem and intrigue, in true Wiehl style. 

     I love all of her books, and this one is no different.  She left a good cliffhanger on where Mia's love interest will go in the next installment.  This book will keep you on the edge of your seat, as her books always do.  I recommend this book for 14 years old and up, as there is violence, attempted murder, euthanasia, murder, and prostitution mentioned.  It's a quick and easy read for the mystery-lover in all of us.

(I received this book free from BookLook Blog Network as part of their blogging program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Fall.... 

The Healing Quilt by Wanda Brunstetter

The Confession by Robert Whitlow

A Robertson Family Christmas by Ms. Kay Robertson

Blind Descent Book Review

Book Review of Blind Descent

  by Brian Dickinson
"Surviving Alone and Blind on Mount Everest"


REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

      I read this book because it sounded very interesting.  Here is what the book blurb states...

"Former Navy rescue swimmer Brian Dickinson was roughly 1,000 feet from the summit of Mount Everest—also known as “the death zone”—when his Sherpa became ill and had to turn back, leaving Brian with a difficult decision: should he continue to push for the summit, or head back down the mountain? After carefully weighing the options, Brian decided to continue toward the summit—alone. Four hours later, Brian solo summited the highest peak in the world. But the celebration was short-lived. After taking a few pictures, Brian radioed his team to let them know he had summited safely, and got ready to begin his descent. Suddenly, his vision became blurry, his eyes started to burn, and within seconds, he was rendered almost completely blind. All alone at 29,035 feet, low on oxygen, and stricken with snow blindness, Brian was forced to inch his way back down the mountain relying only on his Navy survival training, his gut instinct, and his faith. In Blind Descent, Brian recounts—in fantastic detail—his extraordinary experience on Everest, demonstrating that no matter how dire our circumstances, there is no challenge too big for God."

    Don't do as I did and get your hopes up for a good read.  This book has nine painfully long chapters.  The first seven (that's right, SEVEN) just discuss tools needed to summit a mountain, explain the long road to get to the various mountain side camps, and other nonsensical rantings that have nothing to do whatsoever with the blind descent we all want to read about.  You will get about thirty minutes of the actual account of descending blind.  Also, do not be led astray that he descended the entire mountain this way.  He descended the beginning of the mountain, until his buddies found him.  Now, the actual blind descent is miraculous, and awe-inspiring.  And, I wish the author would have written the majority of the book about it, and went into detail about the one-on-one experience he had with God on the side of the mountain.  But, you won't get any of that here.  If you are big into climbing mountains, you may want to read this book.  If you aren't...just read chapters 7-9 and you won't miss a thing.

(I received this book free from Tyndale Blog Network as part of their blogging program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Fall.... 

The Healing Quilt by Wanda Brunstetter

A Deadly Business by Lis Wiehl

The Confession by Robert Whitlow

A Robertson Family Christmas by Ms. Kay Robertson

Daisies Are Forever Book Review

Book Review of Daisies are Forever

  by Liz Tolsma


REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

      If you enjoy historical (circa 1945) fiction, you will truly enjoy this new novel by Liz Toslma.  She expertly takes the real life stories of two German women who survived World War II and the subsequent retaliation on Germany; and joins them into one story of one woman that takes the horrific journey from Heiligenbeil, East Prussia to Berlin, Germany. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat as the bloodshed is unimaginable and the turns are surprising, but it is also full of heart and the will of the human spirit to survive.  God's love, and the hope of a better future urge the characters on and into the unknown.  You will certainly come to love Mitch, think the elderly sisters are amusing and adorable, and want to rock poor Gisela to sleep on your lap.  I recommend the book for mature teens and older.  There is much reference to killing and rape.  This is an excellent story, from an exceptional best-selling author. 

(I received this book free from BookLook Bloggers as part of their blogging program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Summer.... 

Blind Descent by Brian Dickinson

One God One Plan One Life Book Review

Book Review of One God One Plan One Life

  by Max Lucado
"A 365 Devotional"


REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

      Are you a teen looking to start or amp up your quiet time and relationship with God?  This book is a super place to start. Guys and girls can find 365 days of spot-on devotionals written just to them.  Each day starts with a verse.  Then follows Lucado's devotional chock-full of wisdom, life application and Godly vision.  Each day is wrapped up with "One More Thought" reiterating the devotional and giving advice that teens need.  This book is beautifully written, but more over it's sturdy and small enough to fit on the nightstand,  gym bag or airplane carry on.  The book will run you around $15, but is well worth the investment.  You will not only get a years worth of reading, but eternal rewards as well. 

(I received this book free from BookLook Bloggers as part of their blogging program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Spring.... 


Hidden Falls (some episodes) by Olivia Newport

Blessings of The Cross by assorted authors

Blind Descent by Brian Dickinson

Primal Fire Book Review

Book Review of Primal Fire

  by Neil Cole with Dezi Baker, Ed Waken, Phil Helfer and Paul Kaak
"Reigniting the Church with the Five Gifts of Jesus"


REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

      Right now!  Don't even bother reading my review.  Just go get the book. 

    If you are in ministry in any capacity  - pastor, missionary, nursery care, Bible study leader, Sunday morning muffin baker - you need to get this book. 

    Sometimes we wonder where we fit in the Great Commission, it's God's Kingdom and within our church.  We feel pressure to "do it like her" or "be like him".  You aren't "him" and you certainly aren't "her" - you are YOU!  You were created in God's image which means you hold in your soul one of Jesus' five gifts.  This book will help you identify where you will best fit in ministry - and it's probably not what you think.  The book is so much more than that as well.  There's historical theology and Cole's exegesis is phenomenal.  Everything points back to Jesus' ministry, really equipping you to get out and do what you are called to do.  I think not only the congregation of a church, but all church leadership needs to get a hold of this book, and fast.  The hierarchical leadership in modern churches is pushing out people with gifts that need to be used in the church.  Isn't the church about furthering God's Kingdom?  Isn't that the whole point of the Great Commission?  Doesn't everyone sitting in a church wonder blankly, "Where do I fit here?"  This book will help guide the reader to what ministry position they are best suited for; and help leaders point their members to the right direction, and not stick them in a place they won't thrive.  A fire will light inside of you begging you to find your place, and urging you on for something more.  Not all of the gifts are leading a Sunday School class - some are out in the wilds and on the road.  Are you excited yet?   I recommend this book for 16 years old and up, or for a younger student seriously considering where they fit within the church and out in ministry of any kind.

(I received this book free from Tyndale Blog Network as part of their blogging program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Spring.... 


Hidden Falls (some episodes) by Olivia Newport

Blessings of The Cross by assorted authors

Blind Descent by Brian Dickinson

Blessed Child Book Review

Book Review of Blessed Child

  by Ted Dekker with Bill Bright


REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

      I will tell you right now that this is the third, possibly fourth time I have read this book.  Obviously, I'm going to tell you I really like it. 

    This books opens with a bang, like any other Ted Dekker book you may choose to read.  The action begins at the Debra Damarro, an Ethiopian Orthodox monastery in a remote corner of Tigre in northern Ethiopia.  A boy is rescued from near death, all the while, his liberators are running for their lives as well.  Ending up in America, this rescued boy, Caleb, is unveiled to be something special.  Something so remarkable, the world has not seen anything like him before.  You must read to find out if his powers are psychic, supernatural, miracles, or purely a child that walks with God. 

    I have always loved this book for many different reasons.  Mostly because it will really make you deeply question your own ability to walk in God's kingdom.  Also, because Dekker is just a plain out amazing author.  I don't think there are many stories tellers as good as he is around today.  He may just be the best.  This book is followed up with the sequel A Man Called Blessed which is also remarkable.  I recommend this book to anyone ages 12 and up for a good adventure read that also contains strong life application.  Note to parents:  There are guns, shooting, and some mild violence by a horrid caregiver.  Grab a copy and get to reading!

(I received this book free from BookLook Bloggers as part of their blogging program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Spring.... 

Primal Fire by Neil Cole 

Hidden Falls (some episodes) by Olivia Newport

Blessings of The Cross by assorted authors