Here is Where by Andrew Carroll

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Blogging for Books program.  I really enjoyed this book!  The author has a very conversational tone, and he has some great stories to tell.  The stories are about forgotten things in America's history.  Many of the stories happened in places that I connected to, or they were extensions or other viewpoints of events that are more widely know.  I loved reading all of the stories.  I also loved the people that the author met along the way.  This book was a very easy read.  Lots of interesting information about history without being dry.  I would give this book 4.5/5 stars.

Out of the Depths by Edgar Harrell with David Harrell

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers.  Edgar Harrell was on the USS Indianapolis when it was sunk on July 30, 1945.  For four days nobody knew that the ship had sunk, and the survivors were adrift in the ocean.  Hundreds of men are in the water with only their life jackets to keep them afloat.  Sharks are their constant companions.

This is an amazing story.  I cannot imagine experiencing what these men did.  They suffered unimaginable deprivation, constant horror and worry.  It is a story that should be told and remembered.  These men should be honored.

I found the material amazing, but I did not enjoy the writing style.  The voice seemed almost detached.  There was almost too much detail, it detracted from the overall feeling of the book.  I would give this book 3/5 stars.

Mark of Distinction by Jessica Dotta

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale.  This is the second book in the Price of Privilege Trilogy.  Julia is now under the protection of her father, Lord Pierson.  Things are not working out like she had hoped.  She has lost complete control of her life.  Everything that she does is scripted for her.  How much longer can she withstand the charade?

I have mixed feelings about this book.  The writing is wonderful and I am completely drawn into the story as I read it.  I feel that some aspects of Julia's personality are conflicting.  I don't feel like the character is acting in the way that she should, based on how she was developed.  But this is far outweighed by the well told story line, and the interesting characters that are included.  I would give this book 4/5 stars.

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.