First Line Fridays - 9/23/16 - Newton & Polly

I am happy to introduce a new co-conspirator in our First Line Friday fun! Please help me welcome Andi from Radiant Light! If you want to join in on spreading First Line cheer, let Carrie know from Reading is my SuperPower. 

I am so excited that it is OFFICIALLY Autumn!!! This is my favorite time of year! What is YOUR favorite season???

Newton & Polly: A Novel of Amazing Grace - Jody Hedlund

My Rating
★★★★★★ - Heaven help me, you taste like Christmas! (More Info) (Updated after I created a new rating)









About the Book

Now remembered as the author of the world's most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty is to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father until the night he hears Polly Catlett s enchanting voice, caroling. He's immediately smitten and determined to win her affection. An intense connection quickly forms between the two, but John's reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life are concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern leaves John imprisoned and bound, Polly must choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves? Step back through the pages of history, to uncover the true love story behind a song that continues to stir the hearts and ignite the faith of millions around the globe.

My Favorite Things - Top Reads of 2015

The year 2015 has been one of adventure, challenges, growth and settling for my family. Throughout it all I have been so thankful for the chance to read so many wonderful books. Many of the stories I read, I needed at that specific time in my life. Therefore they touched my heart in a special way. Choosing my favorites was an almost impossible task! Yet here we are, with my top picks of the year. The common core in all of these books is that we all face challenges in our daily lives. But what we do with what we have been given can make all the difference. Whether we are fighting for survival during a war, defying all odds to find true love, risking everything to follow our heart or simply having the freedom to be who we were created to be, our Father is with us every step of the way. He is always watching over us, guiding us, protecting us. True, life does not always play out in the way that we hope or plan. But we must remember to trust that He knows what He is doing.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose - Romans 8:28 NIV

Amish Christmas at North Star - Four Stories of Love & Family - Various Authors

Snowy winter nights, the sound of a blazing fire crackling, laughter of family and the joy of Christmas. Amish Christmas at North Star is the perfect book to read during this Christmas season!

On a cold winter night 25 years ago, four babies were brought into the world under the same roof, at the hands of the midwife Rebekah Schlabach. Life has taken the children in different directions, but God found a way to bring them together again. Follow their stories of love, loss, forgiveness and redemption. 

This is the first Amish Fiction that I have read. I believe that it was the perfect choice! I was introduced to various author's style and learned a lot about the Amish community. My interest is very much piqued and I can not wait to read more now! I love books that put you in a festive, Christmas mood. The stories in this book remind us that Christ should be at the center of Christmas. It is not about how much "stuff" we want, or will receive, but about family and love and cherishing the moments we have with each other. All the while knowing that Christ's birth is the reason we celebrate. If you are looking for a lighthearted Christmas read, pick up

Luther and Katharina: A Novel of Love and Rebellion - Jody Hedlund

Amidst the flames of the Reformation, the bonds of love become an overpowering force.

The year is 1523, Martin Luther's teaching have slipped into the abbey were Sister Katharina von Bora resides. His words are powerful and awakens the desire for marriage and a family in Katharina. She leads a handful of nuns in an escape from the abbey, to forsake their vows and follow Doctor Luther. Danger follows the sisters and Abbott Baltazar will stop at nothing to see the nuns returned and punished for their sinful ways. Doctor Luther protects the sisters and finds them husbands and homes to begin a new life. All the while steadfast in his vow to remain single. Katharina and Martin are as opposite as can be, yet they are drawn together despite the never ending tension. Little does he know that the fiery sister who led these brave nuns to freedom would steal his heart. Katharina is of noble birth however, and longs to return to her social class and regal way of life. Will she be able to put aside her stubborn desires for true love? Will Doctor Luther be able to forsake his vow of isolation? When life is at its darkest, love triumphs through it all. 

I will begin by saying that I can not believe the historical accuracy of this book. I was eager to read the author's note and