Liar Lindly Brandt by Aften Brook Szymanski

Lindly Brandt is caught in an impossible situation and her only way out is to tell a lie. Things spiral out of control from there.

I really related to Lindly. I have been put in the same kinds of situations and reacted in the same way. :) I loved watching the progression through the book. The more lies Lindly tells, the worse things get. When she finally decides to tell the truth, things start to turn around. This was a short book, but the characters were well thought out. Lindly was very likable and I found myself invested in her. I am excited to read the rest of the books in the series. I am also excited to share this book with my 9 year old daughter. I think that she will love it as well. I would give this book 4.5/5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my review.

The Mix & Match Guide to Companion Planting by Josie Jeffery

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Blogging for Books program.  This is a great book!  I know almost nothing about gardening.  The book starts out with some basic info about gardening in general and why companion planting is beneficial.  Most of the book is a section that lets you compare different plants and decide which ones would be good to plant together.  I love the versatility of this section.  It allows you to find plants that you like, that work well together.  It also tells you why they work well together.  I would give this book 4/5 stars.

Let's Sew Together by Rubyellen Bratcher

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Blogging for Books program.  This is a really cute book.  I have been wanting to do some simple sewing projects with my daughter and there are some great ideas in this book.  Each project is very nicely laid out.  There are several pictures as well as written instructions for each project.  There is a lot of variety in the projects, so everybody should be able to find something that they love.  I also like that a lot of the projects involve drawing on the fabric to incorporate children's art.  I look forward to making some of these with my kids.  They would also make great presents for grandparents.  I would give this book 4/5 stars.

For Every Season by Cindy Woodsmall

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Publishers.  Rhoda Byler is committed to working the orchard in Maine.  She has partnered with Samuel King and things should be wonderful.  If only thins weren't so strained with Jacob King.  She loves Jacob, and he loves her, shouldn't that be enough.

This is the third book in the Amish Vines and Orchards series.  The characters are likable and believable.  There are a lot of hardships to deal with.  As always it is interesting to get a glimpse of what Amish life is like.  The plot felt a little contrived.  It didn't always seem like the characters were making  decisions that fit them.  I did enjoy the story.  I would give it 3/5 stars.

A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.  This is the third book involving the same circle of friends.  The characters are always a lot of fun.  The book is set in the 1880's.  The book is a lot of fun to read.  The characters manage to put themselves in impossible situations.  The book does not feel historically accurate, but it is such a fun ride that I don't care.  A lot of ridiculous things happen which just add to the enjoyment.  I would give this book 3/5 stars.

Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale.  Julia Elliston has lost everything.  Her father and mother have died.  Her guardian is sending her to Scotland to be a servant, and the boy that she loves has turned his back on her.  She must secure her future any way that she can.  But who can she trust?

This was a very good book.  I really enjoyed the characters.  They were believable and interesting.  There were so many twists in the story.  The mystery is unfolded very slowly.  There were several unexpected turns of the story.  It is quite a captivating book!  I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.

A Home for My Heart by Anne Mateer

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House publishers.  Sadie Sillsby lovers her job.  She has the opportunity to be the Matron at the Children's Home that she grew up in.  She can finally do for others what someone did for her.  The only problem is that the matron is not allowed to be married, and she isn't sure that Blaine will understand.  Should she choose Blaine or the children?

This was a good story.  The characters were interesting and seemed real.  I really felt for Sadie.  I liked how we were able to see her grow.  I liked how we could see Sadie's view changing, and see her mature.  I felt like Blaine could have been more understanding.  Sadie had waited for him for years, and he couldn't wait for her at all.  I would give it 3.5/5 stars.