Sunday, July 25, 2010

A Sister’s Test
Wanda E Brunstetter
Barbour Publishing, Inc
P.O. Box 719, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683
www.barbourbooks.com
978-1-59789-272-8
$10.99
287 Pages

In the second book of “Sister’s of Holmes County,” we find the Hostettler family continues to be under attack. “A Sister’s Test,” is filled with suspense, mystery, murder and a surprise visit from Roman’s sister Rosemary, who left home thirty years ago and was never heard from again.

Could the attacker be someone from Grace’s past? Or the young Amish man who worked for Roman, and was fired. Why isn’t the Sheriff doing more to find the person who is responsible for the acts of violence?

This book is intriguing from the start of the book until the end. If you like this genre you will love this book.

This book is rated G

Sandra Heptinstall

(Post in August)

Monday, July 19, 2010

I Am Hutterite

I Am Hutterite
The fascinating true story of a young woman’s journey to reclaim her heritage.
Mary-Ann Kirby
Thomas Nelson, Inc
P.O. Box 141000 Nashville, TN 37214
1-800-251-4000
thomasnelson.com
978-0-8499-4810-7
19.99- publisher
13.99 – Amazon.com
272 pages

This book took me by complete surprise. I had never even heard of the word Hutterite, let alone know that it was a religious sect. Or that there were colony’s of Hutterite’s.

Once I began to read this book I could not wait until the next page.
The author gives us a history lesson as well as the understanding of what life was like, living in a Hutterite Colony. While it was a very structured environment, it was also one filled with love.

Mary-Ann's father had butted heads with the senior minister more than once. One time he asked to borrow a vehicle so that they could get to the hospital and sign the papers needed for their son to have emergency surgery. They were denied and by the time they did get to the hospital it was to late to save their son's life.

It was with much sadness that her father decided to leave the colony and moved into the English world. Yet he felt it was best for his family. Life was totally different for her family on the outside. They had many obstacles that they had never had before. Where once they never had to worry about where food,clothing or a place to live now they did.

The change from Hutterite schools to English schools was hard for Mary-Ann and her siblings. English kids made fun of the way they dressed and even what they brought to eat for lunch. That left them with a longing to return to the colony.

I have really enjoyed this book. I have learned about a way of life that I never knew existed. Some lessons that I think we could all benefit from today. And a wish that the author will someday continue on with her life story.

Sandra Heptinstall

Monday, July 5, 2010

“Every Natural Fact”
Five Seasons of Open Air-Parenting
Amy Lou Jenkins
Holy Cow Press PO. Box 3170 Mount Royal Station, Duluth, Minnesota 55803
www.holycowpress.org
978-0-9823545-1-3
$14.95
181 pages



It is said we are all products of our environment. Amy Lou Jenkins wanted more for her son DJ than playing video games, watching TV, being on the computer or talking on the phone. She wanted to create a stronger bond with him, and to help him to learn some of life's lessons he would be facing someday. That was the beginning of their nature walks together, across Wisconsin.

With each new trip or adventure DJ was learning to love the magic of nature. Watching a bird that had been on the endangered list, or learning about plants and seeing trees as they changed was something DJ came to love. The history of an area or the folklore fascinated him.

When Amy would talk about her family or different experience’s, she was teaching him the importance of not only family but of man and nature to connect. That it is our responsibility to take care of our planet. To ensure it is just as beautiful for the next generation to come.

They also enjoyed the fun they had just being together. Laughing and learning new things on each trip they took. To me, what I enjoyed so much was the descriptive way the author talked. I was able to learn also. This book is a great read for anyone.