Lilies in Moonlight - A Review

Lilies in Moonlight - A Novel by Allison Pittman

This novel is a Christian historical romance novel.  It is set during the time of flappers and prohibition, such an interesting time period.  Things were changing so rapidly; people were too.  Sometimes good changes; sometimes bad ones.

Lilly is the main female character.  She carries many emotional scars and a lot of extra "baggage" from her past.  By outward appearances, she is modern and hip and "one of those kind of girls".  But in her heart, she longs to be forgiven and loved.  

Cullen is the main male character.  His scars are emotional and physical.  Physical, due to mustard gas from the war.  Emotional, due to past mistakes and tragedies and now the mental state of his mother, which has everyone near her walking on eggshells. 

Lilly doesn't know where the next rent check will come from.  Cullen can hand out dollar bills, like it was penny candy.  When their worlds collide, no one involved will ever be the same.


This story was wonderful.  It held me captive from beginning to end.  I wanted to read more and more.  I haven't read too much fiction lately that has had that effect on me.  So this was like a breath of fresh air.


One of my favorite quotes from the book:
"The point is, what matters is the moment.  How precious, precious time is.  The past had to happen, and we cannot stop the future.  Why, then, should we live with a spirit of fear and regret?"


I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Plain Wisdom - A Review

Plain Wisdom
-An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women
by Cindy Woodsmall & Miriam Flaud
Available at ChristianBook.com







I have been fascinated with the Amish lifestyle for over 15 years now.  Ever since my first trip to Lancaster, PA.  Actually it began even before that while reading several series of Amish fiction.  But once I visited the place and saw some of the lifestyle in person, the fever struck.  And I had it bad.  I go back to Lancaster to visit as often as I can.  It is my favorite place to go camping.

In the meantime, while waiting on my next trip, I continue to read the novels that I enjoy.  Books about the Amish.  Cindy Woodsmall has written several great ones. This book, Plain Wisdom, is extra special because it is about real families.  Real families in real towns with real stories.  I enjoyed having an insider "tour" into their lives, homes, customs, hopes, dreams, trials, and struggles.

But the Plain aspect isn't the only thing to love about this book. It is also about the Wisdom.  Cindy and Miriam have opened their hearts and lives to share their wisdom with us.  It has the feel of a friendly chat.  Just little insights and stories to strengthen your faith, your resolve.  To lift your spirits and perspective. To strengthen your relationship with your family and your God.

Every time I sat down to read this book, I put it away feeling so encouraged.  I appreciate the authors' candor, taking the time to share so much of their lives with us, in hopes of helping other wives and moms. 

I say, "Job well done.  Mission accomplished."

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.