Review + Giveaway / / Heaven On Earth Series By Ruth Reid

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Title: The Promise Of An Angel
Author: Ruth Reid
Source: Purchased From Amazon
Number Of Pages: 296
ISBN: 9781595547880
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: 2011
My Rating: 5 Out Of 5 Stars
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"Interrupting the ordered routine of the Mecosta County Amish settlement, an angelic visitor awakens Judith to a new faith.

All Judith Fischer ever wanted is to marry within her community and raise a family. She longs for the day when her parents will allow Levi Plank to officially court her.

But on the day Judith suspects Levi will ask her parent's permission, her younger brother Samuel has an accident under her charge. Rushing to Samuel's aid, Judith spies a strange man helping him; a man she later believes was an angel.

When she shares her conviction with her family and close friends, she is shocked to find that no one believes her, including Levi. In the days following the accident, the angel visits Judith with information that may guide her down the path of faith, should she choose to follow.

As her community slowly distances themselves, only one person is willing to stand up for her the bishop's son, Andrew Lapp. But can he convince the settlement to listen to her? With a show of faith that flies in the face of her conservative upbringing, can Judith hold strong to the promise that there are even greater things in store for those who believe in God's miracles?"

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Judith is supervising some of the children in the community when her little brother Samuel climbs up onto the roof of their barn during a barn raising. When Judith sees her brother in such a dangerous situation she shouts for her charge to come down, causing him to startle and fall off the top of the barn. When she is the first by his side (or so she thought) she saw a man with bright blue eyes kneeling over him, when she looks up at him all he says is something along the lines of "Have faith, for Samuel's steps are ordained by God." She later finds that her brother is paralyzed from the hips down. Who was this man that spoke in the place of God? She believes he is an angel. When Judith shares her experience with some of her friends and relatives, things turn sour. Why won't any one trust her? Andrew Lapp is the only person who believes her, and since he is the bishops son she doesn't want to share much with him either.

 This book was amazing! This is actually the second time that I have read it, and I think it was even better the second time. I love the thought of an angel appearing in modern times. This is yet another book that caused a book hangover for me. It's so realistic that I feel like the characters are my friends. Well, most of them. ;)

I loved how this story came to life so soon in the book. Unlike a lot of books where you have to get five chapters or so into the book before it gets interesting, "The Promise Of An Angel" brings you in on like, the third page. It was a great read that shows just how faith and the power of our Almighty God can overcome all things. READ IT. 

 

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Title: Brush Of Angel's Wings
Author: Ruth Reid
Source: Review Book From The Author
Number Of Pages: 368
ISBN: 9781595547897
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers
Publication Date: 2012
My Rating: 5 Out Of 5 Stars
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"He doesn't plan to stay Amish. She doesn't have a plan.

Then an angel draws their hearts toward God . . . and each other.

A buggy-racing champion, a hardworking field-hand, and a terrible cook, Rachel Hartzler does not fit her Amish community's standards for an eligible bride. Hurt by their rejection and still grieving the loss of her brother, Rachel is ready for change.

She's not, however, ready for Jordan Engles. Rachel's father hired him to help tend the fields so Rachel can learn to cook and sew, thus increasing her chances of finding a husband. She can't understand why her father doesn't want her help and blames Jordan for trying to replace her beloved brother.

Jordan plans for his time on the Michigan farm to be short. Before his mother passed away, he promised her he'd give her Amish roots a chance. Upon her death, uncertain about what else to do, he came to stay with his Uncle Isaac in Hope Falls. He's curious why his mother left the community she obviously loved. But it doesn't take Jordan long to conclude that the strict lifestyle and the three hour church services are not for him.

But there isn't just human interaction at play. Nathaniel, an angel of God, sees the potential in Jordan and Rachel's hearts from heaven's perspective. His goal is to shepherd them toward the path of healing and love.

When tragedy strikes, then strikes again, this angelic being is sent to guide them toward the healing and abundant life promised in God's Word - if only they will listen."
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Wow. This book was even better than the first one, if that's even a possibility. I loved the first book in this series because of the human interaction with the angel, and this one also had that. Plus, Brush Of Angel's Wings had some scenes with the enemy too. I loved how Ruth showed the power of prayer, and how when a child of God prays demons sink into the floorboards so to speak. This book is not only a wonderful novel for its plot, but for it's message also. I felt really encouraged when I finished it, and I felt like God used it to prod me to spend more time in prayer. I would most definitely recommend this book for anyone and everyone who can see straight enough to read it. And if you like Amish fiction, this is your new favorite book.

I also loved the main character. Rachel isn't your average bear if ya know what I mean. She has a competitive streak a mile long, she can't cook, she's not the best homemaker and boys don't seem to know that she even exist. I can relate ;) . I loved how when the angel was comforting either Rachel or Jordan he touched them with his wings. Way to work in the title, Ruth! All the characters are so relatable, and I hope that there is a fourth installment in this series very soon!

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Title: An Angel By Her Side
Author: Ruth Reid
Source: Review Book From The Author
Number Of Pages: 358
ISBN: 9781595547903
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: 2012
My Rating: 5 Out Of 5 Stars
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"Katie has lived through tragedy and heartache. But with the angel Elias by her side, the best years of her life are just ahead.

When Katie Bender's fiance died in a tragic accident, so did her hope of finding love. Though heartbroken, Katie is also practical. In the years since the accident she has discovered her gift for teaching. But when a tornado destroys her small Amish settlement, including the schoolhouse, Katie doesn't know how she will provide for herself.

Seth Stutzman arrived in Hope Falls days before the storm. And when he helps usher Katie and the children to safety, sparks fly. But Seth is only in town to help his brother, Amos, get back on his feet following the death of his wife. He can't afford to have feelings for Katie.

Rebuilding the community is a huge task, and soon, Katie and Seth are working side by side. As they privately wrestle with their feelings for each other, another silent--and ultimate--battle for their hearts rages unseen.

Sworn to protect what God has ordained, the mighty angel Elias appears to them as a mysterious visitor. And with his guidance, Katie and Seth find the courage to take the first small steps toward the life, and love, they were destined for."

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Katie Bender is a young Amish school teacher who is content with her lot in life. After her fiance James died a couple of years ago, she had given up on marriage and a family. She was happy to teach the children of Hope Falls and live in her own little house by herself. Until a tornado struck the town and demolished the schoolhouse and everything in it.

Seth Stutzman is just passing through, helping his uncle with a bee hive project. He plans to leave as soon as the job is done, so that he can get back to his own business. But then his uncle is struck with temporary blindness and he is needed more than ever.

Circumstances draw these two together despite their reservations, and strange things start happening when they pray and put their faith in the one who has it all under control.

One of the things that I like about this book (and this whole series really) is that it doesn't need a bunch of romance to enhance the story. Though there is a little, it's not the main focus of the book. The main focus was on the actual people and the spiritual battle warring on within them. Katie was just a plain school teacher, yet God sent his angels down to protect and encourage her. It just goes to show that no matter how big or how small you might think you are, God created you and he loves you.

I love all of the books that I have read by Ruth Reid, and I can't wait to see more from her. There is absolutely NOTHING that I would change about these books. They're absolutely fantastic.

 

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We would like to sincerely thank Ruth Reid, who has so generously consented to giving away a copy of her book Brush Of Angel's Wings to one of our followers. All you have to do is click on the rafflecopter widget below and do the listed activities to enter to win our giveaway. You can enter via email, or facebook. Good luck!

~ The Literary Maidens

N o t e : : I was not paid to review The Heaven On Earth series or giveaway a copy of Brush Of Angel's Wings on this blog. After contacting the author with a request to host a review and giveaway, Madi was sent a free copy of Brush Of Angel's Wings and An Angel By Her Side from the author to read and review, and was not paid to do so. All thoughts expressed in the review are my own and completely honest and unbiased.

 

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