Plain Wisdom: Book Review

Plain Wisdom

by Cindy Woodsmall & Miriam Flaud


Cindy Woodsmall, a Christian inspirational fiction author, co-wrote Plain Wisdom with her Amish friend Miriam Flaud. The two met through a mutual friend, and soon became fast friends themselves. As they spent more time together they realized more and more that they wanted to write a book together - a book comprised of wisdom from both "Englischer" (non-Amish) and Amish cultures, but with one single tie: a deep faith in God through the years.

This is the type of book that you don't have to read through all at once. Because it contains snippets of wisdom in short story format from both women in each chapter, I imagine it could be useful to read alongside a daily scripture reading or devotional. You can be reading another book, and still come back to this one without missing a beat.

I found it very interesting to learn more about the Amish lifestyle and traditions. I was also surprised at how open the Amish people are to the "Englischers," inviting them into their homes. At least in the example of the Flauds, they are understanding about the differences between the two cultures - never looking down on those who don't hold the same views, but very steadfast in their cultural traditions.

I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about another culture while being encouraged in one's faith.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbook Multnomah. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements & Testimonials in Advertising."

While the World Watched: Book Review

While the World Watched, by Carolyn Maull McKinstry

While the World Watched tells the story of Carolyn Maull McKinstry’s life growing up during the height of the Civil Rights torn south. From the first page, the reader is given a glimpse into what it was like to live as an African American in Birmingham, Alabama in the 1960s. The central event of the book is the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing in1963, but McKinstry details many other incidents of Civil Rights unrest in the deep south.

I really enjoyed this book. McKinstry’s writing style was easy to follow, and I found myself gaining a better understanding of the depth of the Civil Rights problem in the south. I especially appreciated her candid discussion of her faith in God, and how forgiving those who wronged her, changed her life. The one thing that I did not like was the back and forth style at the beginning of the book, going from discussing different characters and events, to the day of the bombing, and back. It would have been easier to follow if she had just started from the beginning and led up to the bombing.

Overall, it was a great book, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves history and desires a deeper understanding of historical events.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Deadly Ties: Book Review

Deadly Ties, by Vicki Hinze

Lisa Harper is about to help her mom move away from her controlling husband, Dutch Hauk. The only thing is, Dutch isn't about to give up control of his wife, and his hatred of Lisa has never run deeper. Mark Turner is a former spy who has taken on the job of guarding Lisa and her mom. Both he and Lisa have feelings for each other, but trust and timing keep them apart.

Vicki Hinze does an excellent job of taking the reader on a suspenseful journey. She kept me turning the pages, not wanting to put the book down. Even before I was finished with the book, I was searching for more of her books. I am already planning on reading Forget Me Not, the first book in the Crossroads Crisis Center series, and am looking forward to the next book, Not This Time.

Please click here to rank my review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."