Noela Nancarrow reviews PROMISE TO CHERISH by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Promise to Cherish (Promise of Sunrise, Book 3)

by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Howard  Books (October 7, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

 A tale that is as hard-hitting as it is gentle; a ‘Promise to Cherish’ jolts the reader with shattering and cruel realities but then carries you along on the wings of courage and hope, love, and faith in God. It is a beautiful, raw, and honest story taking place nigh the end of WW2, capturing your heart as misunderstood characters struggle with unexpected events that significantly impacts their future.

As a conscientious objector to the war, Eli Brenneman has been sent instead to work at an appalling and understaffed hospital for the insane. He is determined to make a difference and to arrive back to his Amish community with far more integrity and maturity than when he left. It is at the hospital that Eli befriends Nurse Christine Freeman, a beautiful albeit non-Amish girl, and soon finds his affection burgeoning although the outlook is grey. Christine’s feelings are directed elsewhere but when she’s assaulted and feels abandoned and unsure, he throws caution to the wind and invites her to stay with his family as his war service finishes.

Eli becomes hopelessly ensnared between his Amish community and the Englisher girl he’s fallen in love with. How can his family see that he’s any different when they look no further than the outsider he’s brought home? Or when they listen to rumors spread by an Amish girl besotted with Eli, giving credence to his previous character as one reckless with his affections? But then how can he give his all to Christine when she insists she can’t become Amish? When Christine’s former love interest arrives to take her back home, will this man be her saving grace or a nightmare come to re-visit?

‘Promise to Cherish’ delivers realistic insights into asylums of the war era, the controversies of civil public service in lieu of fighting, and an authentic depiction of the Amish. Poignantly conveyed was the tragic and traumatic experience Christine endured, but overall this gentle love story was about hope and healing, and features in my opinion, a true hero. ‘Promise to Cherish’ promises a rewarding read!

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You may purchase this book through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and other bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy! E-book for international winners!

Launch Party for Debbie Lynne Costello with Giveaway

Celebrate with us! "The Letter" in this year's A Cup of Christmas Cheer

                         Heartwarming Tales of Christmas Past

View more inspiration for “The Letter” at
 https://www.pinterest.com/debbielynne1/the-letter/

Some of the best gifts this season will be delivered via mail. Packages, boxes, gift certificates, and cards send our love, especially at Christmastime. And such is the case in Debbie Lynne Costello’s short story “The Letter” debuting in Guidepost’s A Cup of Christmas Cheer 2014. 

This touching story depicts a family torn by pride and separated by war who receives a life changing message of God’s healing and redemption, wrapped in an unassuming white envelope and sent via the United States Postal Service.

Despite a little postal intervention, holiday goodwill doesn't kindle easily, at least to a young war widow trying to raise her children without the help and support of her pampered mother-in-law. Only a Christmas miracle will melt the ice around the proud matron’s heart to embrace the best gift of all—family. But will nerves frazzle before the frost thaws between them?

Set at the end of World War II, after most surviving soldiers have returned home and families are rebuilding lives with or without loved ones, this story captures the high emotion of our country celebrating its first peacetime Christmas since before Pearl Harbor. 

Like all of Debbie Lynne Costello’s stories, it features a strong southern heroine whose courage is a pillar to her family, a touching tribute to the women who served at war-work while their men braved the battlefield. But will this struggling widow’s faithfulness prove enough to turn hard hearts and reconcile the past? 

Patriotism, forgiveness, and personal character abound in this beautiful story that will surely enrich every reader’s appreciation of family, home and country. Read this heartwarming story where God’s grace is the overarching theme, making miracles--both big and small--possible at Christmastime.

Celebrate with Debbie Lynne on her debut by entering to win this gift bag full of Christmas goodies to enjoy or to pass along to loved ones.  

Leave a comment about a special gift you sent or received in the mail with your email addy, and this prize package could be yours.

Cuddle up in this Christmas fleece with a tall cup of gourmet Godiva chocolate coffee and nibble on these toffees as you read A Cup of Christmas Cheer 2014. A papier-mâché mailbox holds handmade historical note cards, or use to store your own Christmas treasures. Cherish original sheet music from the era, and proudly display these ornaments that capture the historical ambiance of this story.

Another winner will receive a set of the 2013 collection of A Cup of Christmas Cheer (with Carrie's short story "Snowed In" and another commenter will receive the 2014 set of A Cup of Christmas Cheer, volumes 3 & 4, with Debbie Lynne's story!!!

Purchase your own copy of the Guideposts collection here: http://www.shopguideposts.org/catalog/product/view/id/2084

Connect with Debbie Lynne Costello on her blog, http://theswordandspirit.blogspot.com/

and facebook https://www.facebook.com/debbielynnecostello?fref=ts  

Leave a congratulatory comment here for Debbie Lynne for a chance to win one of these three prizes!

Murray Pura's new release LONDON DAWN reviewed by Marian Baay

London Dawn

LONDON DAWN - The Danforths of Lancashire #3

By Murray Pura

Harvest House Publishers, 2014

Reviewed by Marian Baay

~5 stars ~*****

Oh, how I enjoyed this last book in The Danforths of Lancashire Series! I even think I enjoyed this one the most of all. I was hooked from the first page where I was back at Ashton Park in 1934 and from there I was thrown right into a tense political situation in Germany with Catherine and Albrecht…and that was just the beginning of the action. The many twists and turns in this book kept me glued to the pages as each time I learned something new about the Danforth family members—they never cease to amaze me.

Several of Lord William and Lady Elizabeth’s grandchildren have joined the Royal Air Force, Navy, and Army. When Hitler starts the air attack on Britain in 1940, Lord Preston cannot do much more than pray for his family while they are flying their Spitfires to defend Britain from the German fighters. But will his prayers be enough to keep them all alive?

This is one of the most powerful fiction books I have read this year. The story is realistic, vividly written, and has a strong plot.

This book touched my heart in many ways; it had my heart racing several times when I witnessed the air battles—I could almost hear the roaring of the Spitfires’ engines and hear the bullets whistle by. There was heart-pounding action in the sea battle—it was like watching a movie as I saw the white caps thrashing the battle ship and heard the seagulls cry. There was heartache when loved ones died, but also heart-stirring romance when grandchildren found new love.

London Dawn was a perfect conclusion of this trilogy, but I hate to say good-bye to the Danforths. I shared in their joy and sorrow and won’t forget them soon.

Praise to the author for writing such an excellent series. Well done, Mr. Pura!

*Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Find Murray’s books at Amazon, CBD, B&N, DeeperShopping, and other bookstores.

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GIVEAWAY: Winners choice of a copy of one of the books in The Danforths of Lancashire series; Ashton Park, Beneath the Dover Sky, or London Dawn—paperback or ebook.
Why would you like to win? 
Leave a comment and your email address to be entered in the contest.

Audiobook review of “The Homecoming” by Dan Walsh

“The Homecoming” 

by Dan Walsh

(Revell, 2010)

I listened to this book as a download through audible.com where I have a platinum membership.  Like I said about “The Unfinished Gift” I consider these books as nostalgic fiction, i.e., not set long enough ago to be a historical nor recently enough to be a contemporary.  This second book in the series is a romance.  I believe I would have benefitted from having read the first book prior to listening to this one. 

WWII pilot, Shawn Collins, whose wife just died, is downed behind enemy lines. The story of his escape is a great start to the book. His son, Patrick, is stateside with his grandfather, Ian Collins.  While Shawn was struggling to survive, his father had his own epiphany and is working hard to provide a stable home for his grandson.

Meanwhile social worker, Katherine Townsend,  who is emotionally involved with Patrick, loses her job.  The Collinses need her help. The romance between Katherine and Shawn is handled very tastefully.  A tiny bit disconcerting to read this from a man’s perspective.

A very nice audiobook.  It is an easy listen. The plot struck me as rather simplistic.  It was still very well done. I kept thinking that perhaps the author, Dan Walsh, was deliberately keeping the wording simple to add to the nostalgic tone. But that very wondering pulled me from the story.  I think that is a fine balance to keep.  Tension in the story was good and the characters very engaging.  If I had listened to the first book prior, I would also not have wondered so much about what Katherine looked like, etc. 

I loved the whole twist about the USO tour--that was so neat!  The train scenes were awesome and I enjoyed the tension built in because Shawn's wife has died, he has gotten free, and now the military "thanks" him by sending him away from his family. Also super job with incorporating the romantic rival and making it believable. Very interesting reading a romance from a man's viewpoint but sometimes I just wanted Shawn to get a clue about Katherine.   Dan did a nice job of balancing out the grieving by the hero over his wife before allowing him to become emotionally involved with the heroine. 


There are so few Christian audiobooks out there and I am so glad I found this one. Very enjoyable.


Giveaway: Last day to leave a comment to be entered in the Dan Walsh giveaway. This week we are offering an ebook or paperback, maybe even CD, to our winner.  

Review by Marian Baay of A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin

A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin

5 stars *****
(Revell, 2010)


Review by Marian Baay

This is book two in the Wings of Glory series about the Novak brothers who serve as bomber pilots in WWII (available for purchase through CBD and others.) Most of this story takes place in England.

In this second book we meet Major Jack Novak, pilot on a B-17 bomber plane.When Jack gets injured and lands in the hospital, he meets Army Nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. Jack is determined to win Ruth’s heart. But Ruth is not interested in men. Eventually they become friends, but Ruth cannot give more of herself to Jack, because of something awful that happened to her 8 years ago.

Jack also has fears from his past. Both Jack and Ruth let their fears control their actions and it drives them apart. 

Can they let go of their fears and give it all in God’s hands? Or will their own need to be in control keep them separated?

Sarah writes so beautifully that I imagined myself in the B-17 together with Jack and his crew. I also went trough the training for Flying Nurse with Ruth. That was tough, I think I never would have made it!

Although the subjects in this book were pretty tough, there was much to learn from Jack and Ruth about love, faith, and forgiveness.


Format: Large print, Kindle and paperback available through Amazon. 

***SPOILER ALERT***

Ruth was raped 8 years ago. And when she comes to work with a male collegue she faces some pretty tough situations.

Bibliotherapy: Rape, death of parents, pride, and trust.


GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of one of any of Sarah's books including her upcoming release. Winner drawn on Saturday afternoon.  

Marian Baay reviews Sarah Sundin's A Distant Melody

A Distant Melody 
by Sarah Sundin
(Revell, 2010)

5 stars *****

Reviewed by Marian Baay

A Distant Melody is set during World War II. Allie Miller is the daughter of wealthy parents. They arranged a marriage with a man she doesn’t love. She hopes to get the approval of her mother with this marriage. So far she could never please her mother.When Allie is on her best friend’s wedding, she meets Walter Novak. He is the first person who seems to understand her.

Walter Novak is a pilot in the Army Air Force and flies a bomber plane B17. Shortly he has to leave for England.Walt is hopeless with women. But Allie is the first woman he can talk to and have fun with. Allie stays for a week with her friend and after the marriage she’s going home again. Walt has fallen hard for Allie and when she returns home they share addresses and promise to write each other.

Walt leaves for England and is fighting against the Germans. His crew respects him, but he told a little white lie to earn their respect.

Through their letters Walt and Allie get to know each other and fall in love. But Allie still has her boyfriend and soon is engaged to him. But Allie is unhappy. She’s willing to marry Baxter, but the Lord shows her that she can’t marry an unbeliever. Will she obey the Lord, or will she please her parents?

Allie is praying for Walt and his crew. When they are in trouble the Lord wakes her at night to pray.

Walt is falling more for Allie with every letter he receives from her. He decides he can’t love a woman who is soon to marry another man. It’s best to  stop writing and Walt tells another lie in his last letter to Allie. Allie is devastated by Walt’s news. Soon she wakes up again in the middle of the night and must pray for Walt. It’s the last time that the Lord awakens her to pray. What happened that night to Walt? Can Walt tell Allie about his lie before it’s too late?

This book was a nice surprise! Never before have I read a WWII book so very well written. I loved the historical accuracy, the growing love between Walt and Allie, to read about the normal life in the US during the war and the hard life for Walt and his crew in Europe. I learned rich lessons from reading about sacrifice and obedience.

I simply fell in love with this book and I’m looking forward to read the other books in this series: A Memory Between Us and Blue Skies Tomorrow.


CFP: This book is available in hardcover, paperback and Kindle on Amazon.