Reviews by Rita Barriga
When Mockingbirds Sing
On 5/21 Rita Barriga wrote: When Mockingbirds Sing by Billy Coffey is poetically breathtaking. This is the story of Amy and the wonderful townspeople who are in for a life altering experience, to say the least. This story weaves the struggles of belief and understanding like no other novel has done in quite a while. It was stunningly ... stunning
Sherlock Holmes and the Needle's Eye
On 5/14 Rita Barriga wrote: herlock Holmes and the Needle's Eye by Len Bailey is transportive. Watson and Holmes are fantastically reinvented in this amazing novel. The idea of traveling and connecting biblical references with the situation these men must solve is thrilling. It grabs you from the first page and does not let go ... journey
Simply Delicious Amish Cooking
On 5/8 Rita Barriga wrote: Simply Delicious Amish Cooking Recipes and stories from the Amish of Sarasota, Florida By Sherry Gore is a fantastic recipe book. First I read it then I made the mayonnaise chocolate cake recipe and it was a huge hit with my family. When I say I am not a baker, I mean I can count the number of times ... Delicious
Afloat
On 4/24 Rita Barriga wrote: Afloat by Erin Healy is like no novel I have ever read, she grips you from the first sentence and takes you for a ride. I am used to novels that you can already know where the story is going but still not be bored with the story. Fortunately this story had many twists and turns that I had no idea what ... Intriguing
Stress Test
On 4/9 Rita Barriga wrote: Stress Test by Richard Mabry is one thrill ride of a novel. I am not the type of person to read medical related novels or even watch all the doctor shows available for viewing. Fortunately something told me I had to grab a copy and am I glad I did. I cannot believe how many hours I thoroughly enjoyed ... Thrilling
The House that Love Built
On 3/13 Rita Barriga wrote: The House that Love Built by Beth Wiseman is the perfect combination of cute and sweet, if that can be said of a novel. I fell hard for the story of Brooke and Owen right from the beginning. It is the story of a man and a woman struggling with life shattering issues and both are taking the steps to deal ... Sweet
Truth Stained Lies
On 3/5 Rita Barriga wrote: Truth Stained Lies (Moonlighters Series) is intriguing. The premise being that Cathy and her sisters solve the murder of their brother's ex-wife so that he does not serve a life sentence of the crime. Each of the sisters are doing their part to investigate what happened and why the criminal is after ... Intriguing
The Survivor
On 2/19 Rita Barriga wrote: The Survivor by DiAnn Mills was intriguing and exciting. I was gripped from the first sentence to the last. I love this genre of novels, crime with love mingled in. Kariss is one tough cookie and can handle most anything that comes at her. Women that are strong are always a joy to read because I believe ... Intriguing
Broken Wings
On 2/11 Rita Barriga wrote: Broken Wings by Shannon Dittemore is book two in the Angel Eyes trilogy and just like book one, Broken Wings gripped me from the first sentence. Brielle, aka Elle, has a lot to deal with. Jake, the boyfriend, and her dad do not get along with high tension from both. She and Jake are struggling with their ... Gripper
Moon Over Edisto
On 1/22 Rita Barriga wrote: Moon Over Edisto by Beth Webb Hart is the story of Julia, filled with betrayal and forgiveness. Both of which make for a magical tale unweaving as you read each word and turn each page. This believable plot of a woman coming to grips with betrayal literally knocking at her door unexpectedly hit me like ... magical
Waiting for Morning
On 1/13 Rita Barriga wrote: Waiting for Morning by Margaret Brownley is a wonderful story about Molly Hatfield and her younger brother Donny. Molly is solely responsible for her Donny and he needs more care than the average younger brother. All Molly wants is that everybody treat Donny as if he is just like them, not something ... Cute
Fire Prophet
On 12/12 Rita Barriga wrote: Fire Prophet by Jerel Law is adventurous. Sadly, I have never read a Law novel and am I glad I read this one. I know this novel was meant for young readers, but this can be read by anyone. The plot line of 1/4 angel beings on a journey is a must read, and the action alone is worth flipping through this ... Adventure
Right Where I Belong
On 11/20 Rita Barriga wrote: Right Where I belong by Krista Mcgee is transforming. I have never read a novel by Krista and I am so glad I did. She writes in a way that I could never explain properly but I will say she sure knows how to tug your heart strings. Just like in this tale you have to get out of your comfort zone to find ... Transforming
Confessions of April Grace: Chocolate-Covered Baloney
On 11/14 Rita Barriga wrote: Confessions of April Grace: chocolate covered baloney is my kind of novel. I love reading and am proud of the fact that I have overcome my battle with it but some vocabulary stumps me. So, I tend to read young adult novels and this tale was perfect for me. I believed all aspects of poor April's crazy ... Hilarious
Soul's Gate
On 11/6 Rita Barriga wrote: Soul's Gate by James Robart was amazing. Fantastic. Believable. I am the last person to ever want to read a fiction novel like this one, but I was captivated by the cover. And I was not let down and I am one happy reader because of this one story. James was a new writer to me and I am now going to make ... Amazing ride
Lovelier Than Daylight
On 10/15 Rita Barriga wrote: Lovelier than Daylight by Rosslyn Elliott is a must read. It is the story of Susanna and Joahnn, she a college student and he a reporter. They could not be more different and yet the perfect pairing of a couple. They both come to an arrangement that blossoms to a lot more. which for the both of them ... Lovelier
Share the Bounty
On 10/10 Rita Barriga wrote: This was such a wonderful surprise of a cook book filled with amazing stories and lovely recipes. I spent more time reading than looking at the pictures of the meals that could be made, which was a first for me. I am not the cook in my household I leave to my daughter and she even loved the recipes provided ... Yummy
His Love Endures Forever
On 9/19 Rita Barriga wrote: His Love Endures Forever by Beth Wiseman is inspiring. In all honesty I thought this novel was just going to be about Danielle and her path to Levi and only that. When in fact it is about forgiveness, love, strength, trust, and His guidance. I truly believe that we can create and recreate our paths to ... Love
The River
On 9/4 Rita Barriga wrote: The River by Micheal Neale is transforming. I literally could not put this book down because I had to know how the story was going to continue. This story grabs you and takes you to a place you did not know you even existed. I was happy, I was sad, I even cried while reading this amazing story. This ... Transforming
52 Little Lessons from It's a Wonderful Life
On 8/21 Rita Barriga wrote: 52 Little Lessons from It's a Wonderful Life by Bob Welch is exactly that a one-stop reference to the most memorable moments in the movie. They are perfectly fitting to today and I thought that was amazing. This book made me put in the movie and watch it for the 100th time and it was just that much more ... Life
You Be Sweet
On 8/15 Rita Barriga wrote: I am not a baker nor a cook but this cookbook has me wishing I were. I think I may even try my hands at several of their recipes. You Be Sweet by Patsy Caldwell and Amy Lyles Wilson was more and better than I thought a recipe book could ever be. I was pleasantly surprised with the easy to read instructions, ... Delicious
Song of the Brokenhearted
On 8/1 Rita Barriga wrote: Song of the Brokenhearted by Sheila Walsh and Cindy Martinusen Coloma is a beautiful tale. It is the journey one woman has to take to make it through the curve balls that life finds a way of throwing themselves at us. Ava is living a very safe life and never thought anything could or probably would go ... Song
A Path Toward Love
On 7/25 Rita Barriga wrote: A Path Toward Love by Cara Lynn James is such a beautiful story about a widowed woman and the man she grew up with, Andrew. These two individuals may not have started out or even had a relationship to speak of but times have changed and they need each other now. So begins the path to their love. Andrew ... Love
The Scent of Rain
On 7/18 Rita Barriga wrote: The Scent of Rain by Kristen Billerbeck is the perfect blend of two people unwittingly being helped by Him with their lives. He knows these two, Jesse and Daphne, need help in the direction of love and so he does just that. He helps them. I loved this take on the old tale of love between two people not ... Scent
Tidewater Inn
On 7/11 Rita Barriga wrote: Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble was a magical tale of a woman coming into the woman she was meant to be. I really enjoyed this character and the troubles she overcame to get to where she needs to be. I related to many aspects of her life that it almost felt real. I will be keeping Coble in my mind when ... Inn
Starring Me
On 6/20 Rita Barriga wrote: Starring Me by Krista Mcgee is adorable. How can you go wrong with a story about young love. I really enjoyed the whole story of a young woman trying to get her dreams of acting off the ground but it was intervened by God. Which was were she should have been looking to in the first place. I was grinning ... Love
Through Rushing Water
On 6/13 Rita Barriga wrote: Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond was a perfect telling of the struggles women faced in the 1800's; love, marriage, and their place in the world. Sophia is the kind of woman we all want to be but know it will take us a lot of work to get their in our lives. She faced her problems with grace ... Rushing
Hope Springs
On 6/5 Rita Barriga wrote: Hope Springs by Kim Cash Tate is amazing. This is the story of a family coming together through God and his guidance. All the while they are trying to enjoy the christmas holiday. In my opinion Kim weaves the christian faith in way that enlightens rather than annoys. The Sanders clan is a family to read ... Hope
Simply Grilling
On 5/16 Rita Barriga wrote: Simply grilling by Jennifer chandler is amazing. I could not put this recipe book down after I opened the first page. The recipes are so easy to read and all the ingredients are staples in my kitchen. I am using this book all summer long and more because in California the weather is summery for a lot ... Grilling
Eyes of Justice
On 3/12 Rita Barriga wrote: Eyes of Justice by Lis Wiehl and April Henry is another Triple Threat Club mystery. Cassidy, Allison, and Nicole are about to embark on the single greatest threat to their group. They are dealing with a killer like no other and each of them is pushed to the brink. Just as the ladies help in capturing ... Exciting
Blue Moon Promise
On 3/6 Rita Barriga wrote: Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble was, to me, wonderful. It is the story of a woman alone with her younger siblings to raise. She needs a job for the necessities and unfortunately she also has some criminals after her. They believe she owes them a collection of property taken from them. Through God ... promises
First Date
On 1/17 Rita Barriga wrote: FIrst Date by Krista McGee is about Addy and her quite existence. She is more focused on getting into her college of choice than being on a reality show in front of way too many eyes watching. Unfortunately there are other hands at play and she is selected as one of the contestants for a date with Jonathan. With ... First Date
Love Lifted Me
On 12/14 Rita Barriga wrote: Love Lifted Me by Sara Evans with Rachel Hauck is so beautifully written I cried at times and was angered at others but altogether it was a magnificent emotional roller coaster of a read. This is the tale of Jade, Max, and Asa. Jade and Max are married but what Jade doesn't know is that Max has an affair ... Love
An Amish Wedding
On 12/5 Rita Barriga wrote: An Amish Wedding by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, & Kelly Long was a pure enjoyment to read. Then again I may be biased because each of these ladies are my favorite amish writers. I loved this collaborative piece in which they told the amazing love tales of a group of ladies from one county. Each of ... Love
The Christmas Note
On 11/2 Rita Barriga wrote: This review is from: The Christmas Note (Hardcover) The Christmas Note by Donna VanLiere is such a beautiful tale of one woman's self discovery and anothers forgiveness. As luck would have it these two women, Gretchen and Melissa, become neighbors and become reluctant friends. Both need each other more ... Christmas
The Realms Thereunder
On 9/14 Rita Barriga wrote: The Realms Thereunder by Ross Lawhead was not my kind of novel. I tried reading it so many times I was so frustrated. I do not beleive it to be because of his writing, I just am not a sci-fi fan. I was expecting this to be a cross between action and thriller like. I was unable to get hooked into the ... Realms
Bonhoeffer*
On 8/9 Rita Barriga wrote: Bonhoeffer by Metaxas is a remarkable read. I have never been so enthralled with a book of this type. Sadly I assumed it would be dry with dates and tons of facts to his numerous acts. I was happily mistaken. We are given his entire life story, nothing left out. The best aspect is how Metaxas threaded ... Bonhoeffer
Stained Glass Hearts
On 8/2 Rita Barriga wrote: Stained Glass Hearts by Patsy Clairmont is a poignant book for those who need a new outlook on life. This book is also perfect for those who need not dwell on the bad points of any situation but to embrace them and look for the good in them. A lot of the time we become obsessed with being overanylitcal ... Right perspective
Sweet Sanctuary
On 7/26 Rita Barriga wrote: Sweet Sanctuary by Sheila Walsh and Cindy Martinusen Coloma was magical. I was completely blown away by this book. I thought it was going to be all mushy with tons of over the top scenarios of a single mother. These two ladies created an entire cast of characters and a world so believable that I wish ... Wren
Water's Edge
On 7/12 Rita Barriga wrote: Water's Edge by Robert Whitlow was nothing like what I thought it was going to be. It was not my kind of novel, I just could not get into this story. It was a complete dud for me. The main character, named Tom, seemed boring with the story plot slow and go. I expected more action and excitement. I well ... Water's
Cure for the Common Life
On 7/5 Rita Barriga wrote: Cure for the Common Life: Living in Your Sweet Spot by Max Lucado is the perfect solution for someone in need of a push to their right direction. Or more so just at a loss of what to do or where to go in life that will make them happy in doing so. I believe Max to be the forerunner in this area, he can ... cure
The Quotable Rogue
On 6/7 Rita Barriga wrote: The Quotable Rogue: The Ideals of Sarah Palin in Her Own Words By Matt Lewis was a treat to read. I have been a huge fan of Sarah palin but never had one book to reference any of her thoughts. And this was perfect. My favorite has to be the one were her father says, "never back away, just reload", just ... Rogue
A Reluctant Queen
On 5/31 Rita Barriga wrote: A Reluctant Queen: The Love Story of Esther by Joan Wolf was magical. Having been fictionally based on the story of Ahasuerus and Esther's relationship, I was plaesantly enthralled. I knew only bits and pieces but this telling makes their union sweet. Almost divingly purposeful. Esther was happily living ... Queen
The Promise of an Angel
On 5/17 Rita Barriga wrote: The Promise of an Angel by Ruth Reid is simply stated... magical. I can honestly say I have never enjoyed an amish novel like I have this one. This is the story of Judith Fischer. She only wants to marry and start her own family. But when she thinks she just might be asked a family tragedy occurs. She ... The Promise
Knitting Knee-Highs
On 5/3 Rita Barriga wrote: This review is from: Knitting Knee-Highs: Sock Styles from Classic to Contemporary (Paperback) Knitting Knee-highs by Barb Brown is filled with many wonderful patterns. I could not just pick one to start with, I want to create all of them. The photos of the patterned socks was also helpful in understanding ... knitting
The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World
On 4/20 Rita Barriga wrote: This review is from: The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World: Over 600 Secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom (Paperback) The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World by Susan Veness was insightful and frothful of fun facts. When I saw this book in the offerings I ... The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World
The Final Summit
On 4/19 Rita Barriga wrote: This review is from: The Final Summit: A Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity (Hardcover) The Final Summit by Andy Andrews was, I thought, going to be an amazing novel. Sadly I was wrong, he disappointed me with this novel. I just could not get into this one. I have loved all of his ... The Final Summit
Heart of Ice
On 4/18 Rita Barriga wrote: This review is from: Heart of Ice (A Triple Threat Novel) (Hardcover) Heart of Ice by Lis Wiehl with April Henry was okay. I have read most of their novels and I keep wishing they will get better but they do not. It takes more than half the book before they grab you. Or at least it is that way for me. ... Heart of Ice
Lilly's Wedding Quilt
On 3/15 Rita Barriga wrote: This review is from: Lilly's Wedding Quilt (A Patch of Heaven Novel) (Paperback) Lilly's Wedding Quilt by Kelly Long was a beautifully written tale about finding your own perfect mate, life partner. While Jacob was heartbroken to lose whom he thought as his one true love, Lilly, on the other hand, has ... Lilly's Wedding Quilt
What the Heart Sees
On 2/27 Rita Barriga wrote: This review is from: What the Heart Sees: A Collection of Amish Romances (Paperback) What the Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller is about Ellie Chupp and Christopher Miller dealing with tragedies from five years ago. They were both affected enormously and both were changed for ever. They also both dealt with ... What the heart sees
Love, Charleston
On 12/18 Rita Barriga wrote: This review is from: Love, Charleston (Paperback) Love, Charleston by Beth Hart will be my first bad read. I did not like the depth in to mundane things and the lack of back stories for the characters. Also I did not like that the two main characters were completely left out of the story for most of ... Love, Charleston
The Boy Who Changed the World
On 9/8 Rita Barriga wrote: The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews can easily be stated as the best. The best for being able to tell children that what they do can and will affect themselves and those around them. The best examples of how one decision can nurture another. The best illustrations to help narrate the story. ... The Boy Who Changed the World
Fearless
On 8/10 Rita Barriga wrote: This review is from: Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear (Hardcover) MAX LUCADO'S FEARLESS- IMAGINE YOUR LIFE WITHOUT FEAR SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A HOW TO DEAL WITH LIFE BOOK. IF YOU WERE TO COME ACROSS A LIFE SITUATION IT WILL BE REFERNCED IN THIS BOOK AND YOU COULD FOLLOW THE TEXT AS A HOW TO MAKE ... Fearless
Driftwood Lane
On 6/30 Rita Barriga wrote: This review is from: Driftwood Lane: A Nantucket Love Story (Paperback) A NANTUCKET LOVE STORY-DRIFTWOOD LANE BY DENISE HUNTER CAN BE SIMPLY PUT MAGICAL. SHE STARTS YOU OUT RIGHT IN THE THICK OF MEREDITH'S LIFE, LUNCH RUSH. AS SHE IS GOING ALONG SHE RECEIVES THE CALL THAT WILL CHANGE HER LIFE FOREVER. ... Driftwood Lane
Hermie: Who Is In Charge Anyway?
On 6/17 Rita Barriga wrote: WHO IS IN CHARGE ANYWAY? BY MAX LUCADO IS FABULOUS. I LOVED THE FACT THAT HE ANIMATED HIS STORY FOR CHILDREN. I BELIEVE THIS MAKES IT MORE EASILY UNDERSTANDABLE THAN ADULTS EXPLAINING IT TO THEM. WE ALL KNOW CHILDREN RELATE TO DRAWINGS AND CAN IMAGINE LIFE THROUGH THESE CHARACTERS. WHAT IS EVEN BETTER ... Who is in charge anyway?
A Summer Secret
On 6/2 Rita Barriga wrote: This review is from: A Summer Secret (The Mysteries of Middlefield Series) (Paperback) A SUMMER SECRET BY KATHLEEN FULLER WAS WONDERFUL. THE COVER PHOTO DOES GIVE AWAY SOME OF THE PLOT TO THE STORY. THERE IS A YOUNG AMISH GIRL LIVING BY AN ABANDONED BARN BUT WHAT IT DOES NOT SAY IS THAT SHE USES THE ... A Summer Secret
Jesus Manifesto
On 5/31 Rita Barriga wrote: This review is from: Jesus Manifesto: Restoring the Supremacy and Sovereignty of Jesus Christ (Hardcover) JESUS MANIFESTO BY LEONARD SWEET AND FRANK VIOLA. ONE WORD... AMAZING. IF THEY IS EVER THE NEED TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT CHRIST THIS IS THE DEFINITIVE BOOK FOR IT. I HAVE NEVER BEEN STRAIGHFORWARDLY ... Jesus Manifesto
Wonders Never Cease
On 5/7 Rita Barriga wrote: This review is from: Wonders Never Cease (Paperback) WONDERS NEVER CEASE BY TIM DOWNS IS AN INSPIRING STORY THAT RINGS TRUE. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN FOR FEAR OF LOSING MY MOMENTUM. I LAUGHED, I WAS ANGERED AND I WANTED TO CRY. I COULD NOT BELIEVE THE STEPS ONE WOMAN HAS TO TAKE TO GO ABOUT HER WAY ... wonders never cease
Plain Paradise
On 4/12 Rita Barriga wrote: Pure Bliss, April 12, 2010 This review is from: Plain Paradise (A Daughters of the Promise Novel) (Paperback) A DAUGHTERS OF THE PROMISE NOVEL, PLAIN PARADISE BY BETH WISEMAN WEAVES SO MANY OF LIFES DIFFICULTIES. FAMILY DYNAMICS, LOYALTY, ILLNESS AND MOST ... pure bliss
Read and Share: The Story of Easter
On 3/9 Rita Barriga wrote: READ AND SHARE THE STORY OF EASTER STORY RETOLD BY GWEN ELLIS, ILLUSTRATED BY STEVE SMALLMAN. IS BEAUTIFULLY TELLING THE STORY OF JESUS TO CHILDREN. YOU GET AN UNDERSTANDING THAT HE WAS BOTH LOVED AND HATED. THAT MANY DID NOT HAVE TRUST IN HIM AND NEEDED HIM GONE. THAT HE WAS TELLING THE TRUTH OF HIS ... The Story of Easter