Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Isabel Creston never dared to dream that love could be hers. Now, at the edge of a forest filled with dark secrets, she faces a fateful choice between love and duty.

MY THOUGHTS:
Don't you just love computer errors? I had a nice review all written and saved...and my laptop crashed. Apparently the crash corrupted my file, as OpenOffice can't seem to recover it. I hate when that happens! I can't ever remember everything I so eloquently said! ;-)

Well, let's just cut to the chase and say that Sarah's descriptions are rich and exciting. I love historical British Victorian/Regency kind of tales! Isabel is startled by her unknown family's summons, though she dearly longs for a home. However, it is quickly obvious that her aunt isn't welcoming to her niece or her younger sister. Isabel's uncle seems eager to marry her off, and the mysteries of the dark woods outside her window only add to the awkward and uneasy situation.

Dawn at Emberwilde will keep you reading to see if Isabel ever finds love and home.

Another lovely novel by Sarah! I loved it!

Thank you to Sarah and Thomas Nelson through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!

Did you find my review helpful? Please rate it on Amazon and Christianbook.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Daisies are Forever by Liz Tolsma

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Gisela must hold on to hope and love despite all odds in the midst of a war-torn country.

Gisela Cramer is an American living in eastern Germany with her cousin Ella Reinhardt. When the Red Army invades, they must leave their home to escape to safety in Berlin.

However, Ella is a nurse and refuses to leave, sending her young daughters with Gisela. During their journey, Gisela meets Mitch Edwards, an escaped British POW. She pretends she is his wife in order to preserve his safety among other Germans, especially one wounded German soldier, Kurt, who has suspicions about Mitch's identity. Kurt also has feelings for Gisela and tries to uncover the truth about her "marriage."

Their journey to Gisela's mother in Berlin is riddled with tragedy and hardship, but they strive to keep Ella's daughters safe so they can reunite with their mother. During the journey Gisela and Mitch begin to develop feelings for one another beyond friendship. They reach Berlin, but their struggles are far from over. Gisela and Mitch must learn to live for the day and find hope in the darkest of circumstances.

In this moving, historically accurate portrayal of WWII Germany, the characters learn that, even with destruction all around them, some things last forever.

MY THOUGHTS:
I'm afraid I didn't like Daisies are Forever as well as Snow on the Tulips. I wasn't able to connect very well with the characters (too many at once to get to know anyone...and I never could figure out exactly why Kurt and Audra continued to hang with the group, even before their ulterior motives were revealed, nor why Mitch seemed to move so effortlessly through Germany without a disguise...and didn't work harder to get back to his unit).

I also felt like some of the story wasn't edited well. For example: Gisela and Mitch enter a house and two blondes hug Gisela's legs (the little girls she is taking care of), but in the next paragraph or so, Mitch asks Audra (who watched the couple come into the house) where the girls are. She replies that they are napping, and Gisela says she will go lie down with them and sleep.

Another: during a confrontation with Mitch and a German soldier, Mitch looks over to see that Kurt is just standing by with his arms crossed. I apologize if I'm being insensitive, but I thought Kurt was missing an arm? Even if just a figure of speech, it didn't make sense.

Strange misses like this caused me to often shake my head or flip back a few pages to see if I'd missed something...or double check to see who was supposed to be speaking.

I was really impressed with Snow on the Tulips, so my reaction to book 2 (which is a complete standalone) surprised me. The writing style seemed totally different and the story more far-fetched (although Liz's note at the end says the inspiration was combined from the actual stories of two different ladies).

Eh, sometimes that happens with a book. Unfortunately, Daises are Forever just wasn't much of a page-turner for me. If you want to read an exciting, couldn't-put-down book of Liz's, pick up Snow on the Tulips.

That's what I thought! Click HERE to see what other reviewers are saying!

Thank you to Liz and Thomas Nelson through Litfuse for sending me a copy to read and review!

Did you find my review helpful? Please rate it on Amazon and Christianbook.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Carolina Gold by Dorothy Love

ABOUT THE BOOK:
The war is over, but her struggle is just beginning.

Charlotte Fraser returns to her late father's once-flourishing rice plantation on the Waccamaw River, determined to continue growing the special kind of rice known as Carolina Gold. But Fairhaven Plantation is in ruins, the bondsmen are free, and money is scarce.

To make ends meet, Charlotte reluctantly accepts a position as tutor to the young daughters of Nicholas Betancourt, heir to the neighboring Willowood Plantation. Then Nick's quest to prove his ownership of Willowood sends Charlotte on a dangerous journey that reveals an old family mystery---and threatens all that she holds dear.

Inspired by the life of a 19th century woman rice planter, Carolina Gold continues Dorothy Love's winning tradition of weaving together mystery, romance, and rich historical detail, bringing to life the story of one young woman's struggle to restore her ruined world.

To keep up with Dorothy Love, visit www.dorothylovebooks.com, become a fan on Facebook (Dorothy Love Books) or follow her on Twitter (@writerDorothy).

MY THOUGHTS:
I really liked the Southern Lowcountry style of this book. Although not all of Charlotte's circumstances were pleasant, the descriptive writing of the post-war South and plantation restoration was smooth and warm, bringing to my mind scenes from the movie Gone with the Wind.

Charlotte's solo trip to New Orleans, with such little evidence, seemed a little far-fetched for a genteel 19th-century woman, but my imagination liked that she cared so much about others to do what she thought was right. And Josie! My, what a spoiled Southern girl she seemed to be!

I especially love when authors are inspired by the life of a real person and I enjoyed this fictionalized story of Mrs. Pringle, a long ago rice farmer.

That's what I thought! Click HERE to see what other reviewers are saying!

Thank you to Dorothy and Thomas Nelson through Litfuse for sending me a copy to read and review!

Did you find my review helpful? Please rate it on Amazon and Christianbook.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Sweeter Than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Music offers Kate sweet refuge from her troubles . . . but real freedom is sweeter.

In Westerville, Ohio, 1855, Kate Winter’s dreams are almost within reach. As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she’ll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family. But with her mother determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, Kate must face reality. She has to run. Now. And she has the perfect plan. Join the upcoming musical performance—and use it to mask her flight.

Ben Hanby, Otterbein College’s musical genius, sees Kate Winter as an enigmatic creature, notable for her beauty, yet painfully shy. Then he hears her sing—and the glory of her voice moves him as never before. He determines to cast her in his musical and uncover the mystery that is Kate. Still, he must keep his own secret to himself. Not even this intriguing woman can know that his passionate faith is driving him to aid fugitives on the Underground Railroad.

A terrifying accident brings Kate and Ben together, but threatens to shatter both their secrets and their dreams. Kate can no longer deny the need to find her courage—and her voice—if she is to sing a new song for their future.

MY THOUGHTS:
Rosslyn continues the story of the Hanby family in Sweeter Than Birdsong. Inspired by

Beauty for Ashes by Dorothy Love

ABOUT THE BOOK:
She’s a beautiful young widow. He’s a Southern gentleman with a thirst for adventure. Both need a place to call home.

After losing her husband in the Civil War, Carrie Daly is scared she will never have the family she longs for. Eligible bachelors are scarce in Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, but Carrie Daly has found love. Not the weak-in-the-knees kind, but something practical. Still, she isn't quite ready to set a wedding date with Nate Chastain.

Griff Rutledge is a former member of Charleston society, but has been estranged from his family for years. He’s determined to remain unattached, never settling in one place for too long. But when asked to train a Thoroughbred for an upcoming race in Hickory Ridge, he decides to stay awhile.

Despite objections from the townsfolk, and her fear that true happiness has eluded her, Carrie is drawn to Griff's kindness and charm. It will take a leap of faith for them to open their hearts and claim God's promise to trade beauty for ashes.

MY THOUGHTS:
I enjoyed Dorothy’s first book in her Hickory Ridge series, Beyond All Measure, so I was glad for the opportunity to review Beauty for Ashes

His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons

Our country is pretty divided nowadays, but I just can’t imagine living during the Civil War. What an awful time for our nation.

His Steadfast Love takes you to coastal Texas during the conflict between the North and the South. As the war dawns, Amanda Belle falls in love with a captain of the federal troops. When Texas secedes, Captain Kent Littlefield must return north to fight with the Union soldiers. Amanda’s own brother enlists with his fellow Johnny Rebs.

Amanda’s father forbids any contact with a northerner, so a courtship with her beloved Kent seems doomed. But when her father’s disapproval is no longer an issue, Amanda’s brother’s bitterness threatens to keep the hatred against the north (and Kent) alive.

I am always a bit

Nelson's Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts

Chock full of outlines, charts, pictures, and maps, Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts is a fantastic visual Bible study resource.

My favorite part: how the book is organized. The book is divided into Old Testament and New Testament and then each book of the Bible is given its own chapter. Having the book set up in the same order as the Bible makes research super simple.

If you’re studying Nehemiah, you don’t have to flip through pages and pages of maps to find what Jerusalem looked like in his time. Find ‘Nehemiah’ in the index and then you’ll have all kinds of ‘Nehemiah’ information at your fingertips.

Author, dates, outlines, timelines, historical background…

Another great part of Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts: COLOR maps! These maps (as well as all of the other charts and timelines) are reproducible for use in a class or Bible study setting. Also, you can download free .pdf versions of all of the maps and charts at Thomasnelson.com/MapsAndCharts.

I am a visual learner, so I really appreciate Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts. Having so much information all in one book is an invaluable resource.

Surprisingly, the cost of this book is only around $13, through Amazon or Christianbook. Nelson's Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts would make a wonderful addition to any Bible student's library.

Recommend: YES

Also reviewed on Amazon and Christianbook.





**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family.**
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Tags: Thomas Nelson Nelson's Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts Bible study book reviews

The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble

I’ve seen several of Colleen Coble’s books in my catalogs and in bookstores, but I’ve passed them by, because most of them are written in today’s time period. And you all know how much I love that setting… ;-)

When I was given a chance to review The Lightkeeper’s Daughter, set in the early 1900’s, I thought I’d give Colleen a try.

The Lightkeeper’s Daughter is the story of Addie Sullivan, who may not be who she thinks she is.

When a strange man shows up at the lighthouse, claiming Addie had been shipwrecked as a little girl and is actually part of the wealthy Eaton family, Addie agrees to leave the lighthouse to become the governess in the Eaton’s home, while an undercover investigation of her real identity continues.

The Lightkeeper’s Daughter is full of twists and turns and strange characters to keep the reader interested. At times, I felt like I was watching a very fast paced movie and was wishing for a commercial.

While fiction is exactly that - fiction! - The Lightkeeper's Daughter seemed unrealistic to me for that time period. For one example, I had a hard time finding the escape from... oh, I can't tell you that, in case you read the book.

Overall, The Lightkeeper’s Daughter was okay. The story itself was neither good nor bad. I had to reread a few different confusing paragraphs to see if I’d missed something, when I think some simple errors were just missed during editing.

Although romantic suspense is not really my cup of tea, Colleen Coble delivers her specialty in The Lightkeeper's Daughter.

Also reviewed on Amazon and Christianbook.





**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family.**
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Tags: Colleen Coble The Lightkeeper's Daughter Christian fiction Thomas Nelson book reviews

Review: An Amish Christmas by Fuller, Wiseman, and Cameron

I finally had a chance to read An Amish Christmas, three short stories written by Kathleen Fuller, Beth Wiseman, and Barbara Cameron.

Because I had already read books by Kathleen and Beth, I almost flipped to the end to read the last story in the book by Barbara. For some reason, I changed my mind and was glad that I did. Unlike many novellas, An Amish Christmas was definitely a collaboration by Kathleen, Beth, and Barbara, intertwining the lives of previous characters.

Although you wouldn’t have to read the stories in order, it certainly keeps the characters and relationships a bit clearer.

Kathleen Fuller writes “A Miracle for Miriam,” a story about unmarried, “plain” Miriam. Miriam has always struggled with her self-esteem, especially because of some painful teasing during her school days. When the tormenter apologizes years later, Miriam has a difficult time believing his sincerity.

In “A Choice to Forgive,” Beth Wiseman tells us about Lydia, a widow who is unprepared for the surprise appearance of her first love on her doorstep. Daniel, her dead husband’s brother, left her on a Christmas Eve almost 20 years ago with nothing but a short note. When Lydia hears the truth, she feels doubly betrayed.

“One Child” by Barbara Cameron shares the struggle of Sarah and David to have a baby. The couple, still grieving a miscarriage that happened last Christmas, opens their home to an Englisch couple during a terrible winter storm. Jason and Kate are very clearly expecting their first child…soon. Will the pregnant guest and the coming baby add to Sarah’s hurt or help heal her grieving heart?

For the most part, I enjoyed each story. Even though novellas are meant to be fairly short, each story in An Amish Christmas was well developed and interesting. “A Choice to Forgive” was my least favorite. I felt that the physical tension between Lydia and Daniel was a bit too edgy for my taste. Although this didn’t really surprise me, since I’d read a previous book by Beth.

Thank you, Kathleen, Beth, and Barbara for allowing me to review An Amish Christmas through Thomas Nelson.

Also reviewed on Amazon and Christianbook.





**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family.**
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Tags: An Amish Christmas Kathleen Fuller Amish fiction Beth Wiseman book reviews Barbara Cameron Thomas Nelson

An Amish Christmas by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Barbara Cameron

Here's a new Amish Christmas-themed novella, published by Thomas Nelson:

An Amish Christmas: December in Lancaster County
By Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Barbara Cameron

Book Description

Follow the lives of three Amish families through the Christmas season.

A Miracle for Miriam: Miriam fell for Seth, but he broke her heart. Years later, after he’s nearly killed in an accident, Miriam sees him at a Christmas party and notices something is different about him—not just how he looks, but how he acts. When Seth pursues her, she must decide whether to guard her heart or accept his love.

A Choice to Forgive: Lydia has loved two men in her life. Daniel disappeared one Christmas Eve long ago, leaving only a note saying he wanted to live in the Englisch world. And Elam, Daniel's brother, to whom she has been happily married for 15 years. When Elam dies, Lydia gives up on ever loving again. But she is shocked when Daniel wants to return to the Order and her life.

One Child: The birth of one child forever changed the world two thousand years ago. On this snowy Lancaster Christmas Eve, another child will change the world of two couples.

*As I did not receive my copy in time for a personal review, I can't give a full thumbs up or down. However, I've read books by both Wiseman and Fuller, and think An Amish Christmas would be an enjoyable read*





**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family.**
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Tags: Beth Wiseman Kathleen Fuller Amish fiction Barbara Cameron book reviews An Amish Christmas Lancaster PA

Review and GIVEAWAY: Busy People's Fast & Frugal Cookbook by Dawn Hall

Have you ever thought that cooking with more healthy options was just too expensive? When Dawn Hall realized how difficult it was becoming to stretch her grocery budget just so she could eat healthier, she decided to write the Busy People’s Fast & Frugal Cookbook, for those who were struggling with the same thing.

After I looked through each recipe in Dawn’s cookbook, I thought to myself, “This is like semi-homemade cooking…only healthier!”

Dawn has created every recipe in the Busy People’s Fast & Frugal Cookbook to be seven ingredients or fewer and prepared in 30 minutes or less.

To cut down on prep time, Dawn utilizes many prepackaged products, but specifies the salt-, sugar-, and fat- free versions.

To maximize the grocery budget, Dawn spends money on low fat options of high fat products (such as cheese and butter) and almost always uses egg whites instead of whole eggs, but saves her hard-earned money on things like pasta. The higher cost of whole-wheat pasta, for instance, isn’t worth her benefit, unless on sale.

Each recipe in the Busy People’s Fast & Frugal Cookbook is just as the title says: fast and frugal (IF you’re trying to maintain a more healthy diet).

Here’s an example of one of Dawn’s recipes that you’ll find in the Fast & Frugal Cookbook:

PENNE IN CREAMY ITALIAN SAUCE

Isn’t it nice to know that we can enjoy creamy pasta without all of the fats usually associated with cream sauce?

1 (16-ounce) box penne pasta
1 can pitted ripe (black) olives
1 cup fat-free sour cream
1 (14 ounce) jar pizza sauce
1 (14.5-ounce) can Italian diced tomatoes
½ cup low-fat ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon garlic salt

Add 3 quarts of water to a large Dutch oven or soup pan, and bring to a boil over high heat.

Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Return to a boil and stir occasionally.

Open, drain, and discard the liquid from the can of olives. Place the drained olives in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1 minute; set aside.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain and return to the pan.

Stir in the sour cream, pizza sauce, tomatoes, ricotta cheese, garlic salt, and the heated olives. Return the pan to medium heat and cook until all ingredients are fully heated.

Alongside each recipe, Dawn also gives nutritional information, an itemized grocery list, and suggested side dishes.

If you’re a cookbook collector or are trying to eat a bit healthier, you’ll like the Busy People’s Fast & Frugal Cookbook!

384 pages by Thomas Nelson.

GIVEAWAY ALERT:
And, if you’re one of my readers, you have a chance to WIN a copy of Dawn’s cookbook!

To enter, leave a comment telling me whether or not eating healthy is important to you and what you do to help cut costs of preparing healthy foods for you or your family.

For additional entries (must do above first to qualify):

Become a follower or subscriber and comment letting me know!

Blog about my giveaway and comment with your link!

Entries accepted until November 7.




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Tags: Dawn Hall Busy People's Fast & Frugal Cookbook cookbooks Busy People's Cookbook book reviews frugal recipes recipes blog giveaway giveaways

Plain Promise by Beth Wiseman

From the back of Plain Promise:

Young Amish widow, Sadie Fisher, leads a simple life in the quiet countryside of Lancaster County – selling Amish goods to a steady stream of tourists. Though it is a good life, lately she’s wondered if it is God’s will for her to remain without a husband and a family.

Winters can be brutally cold and lonely in Pennsylvania, so Sadie rejoices when a renter signs up for a three month stay in her guest cottage. But when wealthy, impulsive Englischer Kade Saunders arrives, she isn’t sure she wants him around that long. Sadie feels the stress of the bishop’s watchful eye, expecting her to act in accordance with the Ordnung, the understood behavior by which the Amish live. To complicate things, Kade is soon surprised with sole custody of a child he barely knows – his five-year-old autistic son, Tyler.

I’m always so disappointed when a book doesn’t meet with my expectations; when a publisher’s recap makes the book sound interesting to me…but the actual story has so many more facets that it’s just not what I would normally read.

By the end of chapter 4, I was already wondering what kind of a review I was going to write. I was uncomfortable with some of the subject matter and didn’t like the feeling of worldliness that came across while I was reading.

Turns out that Kade is a VERY wealthy man, even appearing on covers of well-known magazines…but, by the end of the book is seriously considering joining the Amish, (supposedly) not for the love of Sadie, but for a better “connection” with God.

I liked the idea behind the story – a woman’s struggle between the man who seems all right and the man who seems all wrong – the classic plot in many books. But, I just couldn’t get past the edginess and feel-good doctrine that made the book wrong for me.

I still appreciate Beth and Thomas Nelson for giving me the opportunity to review this book, but I only keep books on my shelf that I would someday feel comfortable letting my daughter read. I’m afraid Plain Promise will not be one of them…

352 pages by Thomas Nelson.

Recommend: NO




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Tags: Beth Wiseman Plain Promise Christian fiction Amish fiction book reviews Thomas Nelson

A Man of His Word by Kathleen Fuller

Ahh, another “Amish” book.

But, I couldn’t resist when I was given the opportunity to review A Man of His Word. I didn’t really like the cover design, but I’ve always tried to remember the often-true saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

I’m glad I kept those words in mind…A Man of His Word was really good! Of all the “Amish-genre” authors that I’ve read, my favorite has always been Beverly Lewis. I sincerely hope that Kathleen Fuller will take it as a compliment that I felt I was reading one of Beverly’s books.

Moriah Miller, newly married and expecting a baby, is abandoned by her Amish husband. Stunned, utterly confused, and blaming herself, Moriah moves back with her parents, hoping and praying that her husband Levi will realize his mistake and return to his family.

In the background is Levi’s twin brother, Gabe, longing to offer Moriah more than his support and sympathy.

Kathleen writes an emotional story of loss and love. A Man of His Word was very engaging with well-developed characters. The book was a quick, easy read that I enjoyed.

Kathleen has another Amish-set book coming out in March 2010. I look forward to reading An Honest Love, as well as others by her.

320 pages by Thomas Nelson.

Recommend: YES




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Tags: Kathleen Fuller A Man of His Word Christian fiction Amish Fiction book reviews Amish Thomas Nelson Beverly Lewis

DVD: Skeeter and the Mystery of the Lost Mosquito Treasure

Skeeter and the Mystery of the Lost Mosquito Treasure is part of Max Lucado’s Hermie and Friends series.

Surprisingly, my 2 ½ year old sat and watched the entire movie with me. I did not think it would hold her attention, but she seemed to enjoy it. Obviously, at 2 ½, I’m sure she did not understand the main lesson – uniqueness.

Skeeter, a mosquito with a crooked stinger, has always felt badly that his stinger gives him a bad sense of direction and gets him lost. While Skeeter has a crooked stinger, his brother has a perfectly straight one and has been on all kinds of exciting adventures. Skeeter has always believed that his dad liked his brother better… Skeeter’s brother, Sinclair M. Skeeto, arrives in the garden to the awe and adoration of all the other insects. Sinclair is on a treasure hunt…and needs help! Much to Sinclair’s dismay, the only one who can help him is Skeeter.

Working together, the two brothers realize that God made each of them special…and that their dad loved each of them for his own uniqueness.

My only real complaint of the DVD is trivial to most, I’m sure. John O'Hurley, who I cannot stand, is the voice of Sinclair M. Skeeto. Drove me crazy and I wished to hurry through the story! However, Tim Conway fits his “Hermie” character quite perfectly. The DVD also contains bonus features, like a trivia game, silly nursery rhyme song, and a look into how sound gets into a movie.

In a day and age where appropriate television is hard, if not impossible at times, to find, Skeeter and the Mystery of the Lost Mosquito Treasure is fairly safe. Our family is quite strict with what we allow ourselves to watch. Being a “Christian” based movie does not always mean that it is appropriate, either. I am not sure that the voice actors are “Christians” and it always bothers me when they are cast in such movies. Each family must use discernment in their viewing habits – whether for the child or adult!

60 minute DVD by Thomas Nelson Publishers.






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Tags: Max Lucado Hermie and Friends Hermie Thomas Nelson book reviews Tim Conway John O'Hurley

Rex by Cathleen Lewis

When I saw this book, my interest was immediately piqued, as my young nephew has been diagnosed with autism. As a mom, I could not help but be pulled in by Cathleen's determination to do her very best for her special needs son. I could understand her struggle in those first few months of hearing bad diagnosis after bad diagnosis: blindness, autism, will never walk, etc. I mourned with her the loss of her "normal" child.

Lest you think this book is all doom and gloom, think again! Although Rex was born blind and diagnosed with other issues, you can't help but be inspired by him, his mother, and his teachers. Receiving a small keyboard from his father on his second birthday, Rex begins to make strides that no one thought he would. Unbelievably, although Rex couldn't even walk around his own living room without becoming disoriented, he could play complicated pieces of music... without the music. His piano teachers could play a series of notes or even whole selections of music - something Rex had never heard before - and, Rex could play it back note by note.

You can't help but admire Cathleen and her tireless journey of advocating for her son. Only those with a special needs child could truly understand and appreciate the commitment it takes. Rex represents many special young people. True, many children with disabilities may not be able to play the piano like a master – but, I’m afraid we have underestimated their ABILITIES! After reading this book, you can’t help but look at those children that “professionals” have diagnosed as disabled and try to see beyond what the doctors see. Seeing instead, the amazing abilities and talents they DO have and trying to nurture them.

256 pages by Thomas Nelson Publishers.




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Tags: Cathleen Lewis Rex autism Thomas Nelson Publishers book reviews musical savant savant