Reviews by Jodi Youngman
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The House that Love Built
On 5/6 Jodi Youngman wrote: Brooke has only loved one man, her late husband. Owen’s rebuilding after a painful divorce. Can a mysterious house bring them together for a second chance at love?In the charming town of Smithville, Texas, Brooke Holloway is raising two young children on her own, supporting them by running the family ... The House that Love Built
Letters to Katie
On 4/26 Jodi Youngman wrote: Everything changed between them the first time he called her Katie.Katherine Yoder has loved Johnny Mullet since they were children, but he never actively returned her affections. Like so many things in their world, he assumes Katherine will always be there. Once his horse farm is a success, then he ... Letters to Katie
Broken Wings
On 4/2 Jodi Youngman wrote: Angels with wings of blade. Demons with renewed sight. And a girl who has never been more broken.Brielle has begun to see the world as it really is, a place where angels intermingle with humans. But just when she thinks she’s got things under control, the life she’s pieced together begins to crumble.Her ... Broken Wings
A Matter of Trust
On 3/1 Jodi Youngman wrote: When life is murder, who can you trust?One minute Mia Quinn is in her basement, chatting on the phone with a colleague at the prosecutor’s office. The next minute there’s a gunshot over the line, and Mia listens in horror as her colleague and friend Colleen bleeds to death.Mia’s a natural for heading ... A Matter of Trust
Asylum
On 2/25 Jodi Youngman wrote: When Chase’s wife, Trista, goes missing, he follows a trail that leads to imprisonment on a space-based facility for the insane. Chase leads a revolt against the doctors and takes control. Other circumstances bring Trista to the ship, but when she encounters Chase, she is different. She calls herself ... Asylum: The Circeae Tales
Silent Night
On 12/27 Jodi Youngman wrote: As Christmas day nears, Bree and her faithful search-and-rescue dog Samson follow the trail of a troubling mystery into the snowy forests of Rock Harbor.Bree Matthews is preparing for Christmas guests, but her heart is reeling from the recent and tender loss of her unborn child. Her sister-in-law, Lauri, ... Silent Night
Secretly Smitten
On 12/26 Jodi Youngman wrote: Summer, fall, winter, spring—Smitten, Vermont, is the place for love . . . and mystery! There’s a secret in Grandma Rose’s attic—a forgotten set of dog tags belonging to her first love. But David Hutchins was killed in action and never returned to Smitten. How did the dog tags end up in the ... Secretly Smitten
His Love Endures Forever
On 12/21 Jodi Youngman wrote: An unplanned pregnancy. An absent father. Can love really endure all things? Danielle Kent is anything but Amish. But as destiny would have it, she has fallen in love with an Amish man. Now she’s 18, pregnant, and hopeful that the child’s Amish father—Matthew Lapp—will do the right thing and ... His Love Endures Forever
Right Where I Belong
On 11/23 Jodi Youngman wrote: Natalia’s about to discover her place in the world . . . and it’s not following in her father’s footsteps.After watching her father jump from one marriage to the next, Natalia has completely written off love. And when her father divorces his third wife—the only one who has been a mother to ... Right Where I Belong
Come to the Table
On 11/21 Jodi Youngman wrote: Kat Davies is suddenly wondering if her good deed was a bad idea.Kat may be new in her faith, but she’s embraced the more radical implications of Christianity with reckless abandon. She invited Rochelle—a homeless mother—and her son to move in the apartment she shares with two other housemates. ... Come to the Table
The Scent of Rain
On 11/8 Jodi Youngman wrote: When deprived of her most prized sense, Daphne discovers a life she never expected, right under her nose. Daphne Sweeten has left Paris – and a career she loves – in order to marry a man she loves even more. But when he stands her up on their wedding day, Daphne’s left reeling. Trained as a ... The Scent of Rain
Lovelier Than Daylight
On 11/3 Jodi Youngman wrote: Susanna is a lady of principles who values family above all. Johann seems to represent all she despises . . . but appearances can be deceiving. In 1875, Susanna Hanby is headed off to college in Westerville, Ohio, when she discovers her sister Rachel and Rachel’s children have disappeared. Susanna ... Lovelier Than Daylight
House of Mercy
On 10/14 Jodi Youngman wrote: When Beth’s world falls apart, can she ever be whole again?Beth has a gift of healing—which is why she wants to become a vet and help her family run their fifth-generation cattle ranch. Her father’s dream of helping men in trouble and giving them a second chance is her dream too. But it only ... House of Mercy
Crazy Dangerous
On 9/5 Jodi Youngman wrote: "You probably want to hear about Jennifer and the demons and how I played chicken with a freight train and—oh yeah—the weird murder . . . you're definitely going to want to hear about that."Sam Hopkins is a good kid who has fallen in with a bad crowd. Hanging around with car thieves and thugs, ... Crazy Dangerous
Song of the Brokenhearted
On 8/26 Jodi Youngman wrote: Ava has a loving family, a beautiful house, and a solid faith.Suddenly, her ideal life will be completely broken . . . in the best of ways.Ava’s life is full of great things. Her daughter is getting married to just the right guy, her husband’s company has kept them financially thriving for years, ... Song of the Brokenhearted
Faithful to Laura
On 8/9 Jodi Youngman wrote: Laura’s Amish faith requires her to forgive, but she can only think of revenge.Laura Stutzman leaves her Kentucky community for Middlefield, Ohio, with one purpose: to find Mark King, the man who pledged his love to her, then left. She can’t move on with her life until he explains why.Sawyer Thompson ... Faithful to Laura
Tidewater Inn
On 8/5 Jodi Youngman wrote: Welcome to Hope Beach Where the sea breeze is fresh, sun sparkles on sand . . . and trouble appears with the force of a hurricane.Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the seaward shore of Hope Island could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer’s talent and love of history. ... Tidewater Inn
Starring Me
On 7/11 Jodi Youngman wrote: Kara McKormick is told she’s auditioning to star in a new teen variety show. But it’s what she isn’t told that could change her life.The feisty New Yorker moves to sunny Orlando to participate in a month-long audition, where she’ll live with nine other contestants and an eccentric housemother. ... Starring Me
The Beauty Book
On 7/9 Jodi Youngman wrote: Learn with Lily and her friends just what it means to be beautiful in God’s eyes—inside and out!In a society so focused on the idea that external beauty reigns supreme, it can be difficult for young girls to figure out what “true” beauty is all about. This unique and creative book for girls ... The Lily Series: The Beauty Book
Here's Lily
On 6/9 Jodi Youngman wrote: Grow with the spirited, sometimes awkward, but always charming Lily as she learns what real beauty is.In this fun, entertaining story, readers meet awkward sixth grader Lily Robbins who, after receiving a compliment about her looks from a woman in the modeling business, becomes obsessed with her appearance ... The Lily Series: Here's Lily
Hope Springs
On 5/30 Jodi Youngman wrote: In a small Southern community where everyone is holding tight to something, the biggest challenge may be learning to let go.Hope Springs, North Carolina, is the epitome of small town life—a place filled with quiet streets where families have been friends for generations, a place where there’s not ... Hope Springs
Garden of Madness
On 5/19 Jodi Youngman wrote: The Untold Story of King Nebuchadnezzar’s Daughter.For seven years the Babylonian princess Tiamat has waited for the mad king Nebuchadnezzar to return to his family and to his kingdom. Driven from his throne to live as a beast, he prowls his luxurious Hanging Gardens, secreted away from the world.Since ... Garden of Madness
Need You Now
On 4/6 Jodi Youngman wrote: When big-city life threatens the safety of one of their children, Brad and Darlene Henderson move with their three teenagers from Houston to the tiny town of Round Top, Texas.Adjusting to small-town life is difficult for the kids, especially fifteen-year-old Grace who is coping in a dangerous way.Married ... Need You Now
Eyes of Justice
On 3/23 Jodi Youngman wrote: The Triple Threat Club has solved intense murder mysteries before…but this time it’s personal.Cassidy, Allison, and Nicole fight for justice every day—Cassidy as a crime reporter, Nicole as an FBI agent, and Allison as a federal prosecutor. Together they’re a Triple Threat to be reckoned with.But ... Eyes of Justice
Stand By Me
On 3/11 Jodi Youngman wrote: Kathryn Davies is a bright young woman from a prominent Phoenix family. But after making a leap of faith at a Christian music fest, dropping out of med school, and moving to inner city Chicago, her family has all but disowned her. Kat’s enthusiasm for her newfound faith tempers the sting of their rejection.When ... Stand By Me
Dawn Comes Early
On 3/3 Jodi Youngman wrote: Disgraced dime novelist Kate Tenney fled the city that banned her latest novel for the emptiness of the desert. Answering an ad to be “heiress” to a vast cattle ranch in the Arizona Territory, Kate hopes ranching turns out to be as romantic as she portrayed it in her novels.But what awaits her is ... Dawn Comes Early
Beauty for Ashes
On 2/10 Jodi Youngman wrote: 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 ... Beauty For Ashes
From Blah to Awe
On 2/2 Jodi Youngman wrote: Have you ever felt bored with God?Everyone, especially teenagers, struggles with being bored with God from time to time. Sometimes church services and Bible reading don’t seem that exciting, and it’s easy to get busy and not make time to pray . . . but when this happens, we are missing out!Jenna ... From Blah to Awe
Heart of Gold
On 1/28 Jodi Youngman wrote: Against Shannon's wishes, love stakes its claim in her heart. Will she discover treasure or treachery?When Shannon Adair accompanies her minister father to the western gold rush town of Grand Coeur, she's certain she'll never be happy away from her beloved Virginia, even though the South is still gripped ... Heart of Gold
Beyond Molasses Creek
On 1/18 Jodi Youngman wrote: Three lives are bound by a single book . . . and the cleansing waters of Molasses Creek.Having traveled to the ends of the earth as a flight attendant, Ally Green has finally returned to the Lowcountry to bury her father as well as the past. But Vesey Washington is still living across the creek, and ... Beyond Molasses Creek
Daily Gifts of Grace
On 12/28 Jodi Youngman wrote: From the publisher: Women of Faith speakers share insight, advice, laughter, and maybe even a few tears in this daily devotional. Voices from fiction, recognizable names from Christian conferences, and well-known Christian writers also are included.Daily Gifts of Grace is a daily devotional designed ... Daily Gifts of Grace
First Date
On 12/25 Jodi Youngman wrote: Addy Davidson is the last girl in the country who wants to be on the new reality TV show to win a date to prom with the President’s son. She’s focused on her schoolwork so she can get a scholarship to an Ivy League college, uncomfortable in the spotlight, never been on a date, and didn’t even audition ... First Date
Bittersweet Surrender
On 12/24 Jodi Youngman wrote: Carly Westlake is living the dream. She spends her days at a spa (okay, so she owns the place), she's dating a hunk, and she's surrounded by chocolate—milk chocolate, her favorite—that she uses for the chocolate facials that made her spa famous.But when long buried secrets threaten Carly's business ... Bittersweet Surrender
Heart of Ice (trade paper)
On 12/14 Jodi Youngman wrote: The Triple Threat Club novels follow three fiercely intelligent women—a TV reporter, a Federal prosecutor and an FBI agent—as they investigate crimes as current as today’s headlines.The Triple Threat women have faced intense situations before…but never such a cunningly cold-blooded murderer.Elizabeth ... Heart of Ice
Smitten
On 12/2 Jodi Youngman wrote: Four friends devise a plan to turn Smitten, Vermont, into the country's premier romantic getaway-and each finds her own true love along the way.With Smitten Lumber closing, residents wonder if their town can stay afloat. Then four friends and local business owners-Natalie, Julia, Shelby, and Reese--decide ... Smitten
Cliques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks
On 11/21 Jodi Youngman wrote: "Just when April Grace thought the drama was over . . .After an automobile accident, Isabel St. James—resident drama coach and drama queen—needs help putting together the church play. Mama insists April Grace and Myra Sue will help. April’s fall is now devoted to spending every afternoon with Isabel ... Cliques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks
An Amish Wedding
On 11/11 Jodi Youngman wrote: I received a complimentary copy of An Amish Wedding by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Long through the Thomas Nelson Publishing Booksneeze blogger program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Wiseman, Fuller, and Long are favorite ... An Amish Wedding
Lonestar Angel
On 10/26 Jodi Youngman wrote: When I read the description of Lonestar Angel on Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze Blogger program I knew I had to request a complimentary copy! I received a free download of the book in exchange for a review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I was drawn into this book immediately, starting with the very ... Lonestar Angel
Softly and Tenderly (tpc)
On 10/23 Jodi Youngman wrote: I love Sara Evans' music. I often get lost in her sentimental songs and soulful voice. When I found out that she is now an author too, I was extremely excited to download a complimentary copy of Softly & Tenderly through the Booksneeze blogger program in exchange for a review. I was not required ... Softly & Tenderly
Heaven is for Real for Kids
On 10/13 Jodi Youngman wrote: I received a complimentary copy of Heaven if for Real for Kids by Colton Burpo through the Thomas Nelson Publishing Booksneeze blogger program in exchange for a review. I was not required to provide a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own. Heaven is for Real for Kids is a sweet ... Heaven is for Real
Three Cups
On 10/13 Jodi Youngman wrote: A five-year-old boy is given three cups from the family cupboard for his birthday. Little does he know that this is the beginning of a wonderful journey. Walk with Tony Townsley as he learns how to divide his allowance between three cups; saving, spending, and giving. This book would be a wonderful ... Three Cups
His Steadfast Love
On 10/11 Jodi Youngman wrote: I recently downloaded a complementary copy of the eBook His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons through the Booksneeze blogger program at Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for a review. I was not required to provide a positive review, and all opinions are my own. If you enjoy Historical Christian ... His Steadfast Love
Just in Case You Ever Wonder
On 10/6 Jodi Youngman wrote: In Case You Ever Wonder is a delightful Christian children's book by Max Lucado. With beautifully drawn illustrations and sweet words, Lucado reminds children that they are created by God and loved by God and their parents. The book tells children about how carefully crafted they are by the same hands ... In Case You Ever Wonder
The Wonder of Your Love
On 9/29 Jodi Youngman wrote: Katie Ann is a forty-something Amish woman with a newborn son whose husband left her for another woman. After his dead in the Englisch world she is heartbroken and looking for answers. Her neighbor's cousin, Eli visits for a wedding after finally marrying off the last of his six children. He plans on ... The Wonder of Your Love
Thank You, God, For Blessing Me
On 9/21 Jodi Youngman wrote: Thank You, God, for Blessing Me by Max Lucado is a short and sweet Hermie book. The illustrations are typical of the Hermie series and I enjoyed the rhythm of the poetic story. Hermie is in his garden, praying his thanks to God for all that he has. It would be a perfect book to introduce young children ... Thank You, God, for Blessing Me
Night Night Blessings
On 9/20 Jodi Youngman wrote: Night Night Blessings by Amy Parker is a sweet bedtime book that reminds children of the many blessings in their life. The rhythm of the book is nice and makes it fun to read. The illustrations are beautifully drawn and enhance the overall feel of the book. I sincerely enjoyed reading "Night Night ... Night Night Blessings
Hermie, a Common Caterpillar
On 9/20 Jodi Youngman wrote: I downloaded a complementary copy of Hermie A Common Caterpillar through the Booksneeze blogger program. My three-year-old and almost two-year-old love reading books on my Nook Color, and I'm always on the lookout for new ones~especially books with Bibically sound storylines. I was a little disappointed ... Hermie A Common Caterpillar
Gabby, God's Little Angel
On 9/3 Jodi Youngman wrote: Last night before bed, I read Gabby, God's Little Angel by Sheila Walsh to my three-year-old daughter. About three or four pages into the book my daughter looked at me and declared "This is a long book you picked, Momma." Indeed, it is a bit long for a three-year-old, but she listened intently through ... Gabby, God's Little Angel
It Couldn't Just Happen
On 8/22 Jodi Youngman wrote: It Couldn't Just Happen; Knowing the Truth About God's Awesome Creation is a book designed to answer childrens' questions about the world from a Creationist point of view. While I love the concept of this book, I also found it to be a bit dry and wonder how it would keep the attention of a child. The ... It Couldn't Just Happen
Cherished
On 8/19 Jodi Youngman wrote: I received a complimentary copy of the eBook, Cherished by Kim Cash Tate through the Thomas Nelson Publishing Booksneeze program. I am not required to provide a positive review, and all opinions are my own. Brian and Kelli have a sorted past that ended with broken hearts and broken dreams. When Kelli's ... Cherished
Smack Dab in the Middle of God's Love
On 8/16 Jodi Youngman wrote: Smack Dab in the Middle of God's Love is a delightful children's book by Brennan Manning and John Blase. Based in Hupi, Mexico the book introduces us to a couple that is full of love for all the children of their neighborhood. Ana makes sopapillas with the children and they put honey "smack dab" in the ... Smack Dab in the Middle of God's Love
Treasuring Emma
On 8/15 Jodi Youngman wrote: I received a copy of Treasuring Emma by Kathleen Fuller from the BookSneeze blogger program. I was very excited to get a Christian Fiction book, and this was the second Amish book I've read. I really enjoyed this book. The characters are lovable, but also flawed and real. The author has an easy to read ... Treasuring Emma
We Be Big
On 6/13 Jodi Youngman wrote: I received a complementary copy of "We Be Big The Mostly True Story of How Two Kids From Calhoun County, Alabama, Became Rick & Bubba" by Rick Burgess and Bill "Bubba" Bussey through the Booksneeze blogger program. Rick and Bubba are on air radio personalities that are big on redneck humor and faith ... We Be Big
Read and Share: The Ultimate DVD Bible - Volume 2
On 1/28 Jodi Youngman wrote: When I saw that Booksneeze was requesting people to review a new children's DVD Read and Share Bible, I jumped on the chance. I reviewed volume one a while back, and my daughter has grown to love that DVD since then. It is certainly one of her favorites (and what Christian parent doesn't love hearing ... Read and Share Bible
Same Kind of Different As Me
On 1/15 Jodi Youngman wrote: I received a free copy of "Same Kind of Different as Me" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore through Thomas Nelson Publishers Booksneeze.com book review blogger program. I must admit that it took me a long time to get into this book. The writing is gritty and true to the story, which is a good thing, as it ... Same Kind of Different as Me
Sarah's Garden
On 7/20 Jodi Youngman wrote: I really enjoy reading Christian fiction stories. However, when I requested Sarah's Garden by Kelley Long from Booksneeze.com I was a little apprehensive. I have never read any books about Amish communities and have to admit that I don't really know very much about their beliefs. As I opened the book ... Sarah's Garden
Read and Share: The Jesus Series, Life and Miracles
On 6/10 Jodi Youngman wrote: I recently obtained a copy of "The Jesus Series DVD Read and Share Bible" through Booksneeze. The episode that we watched is called "Life and Miracles." This DVD is beautifully animated, with well crafted images and nice voice overs. It runs through a handful of stories from the Bible that quickly run ... Life & Miracles
Friendship for Grown-Ups
On 5/10 Jodi Youngman wrote: Lisa Whelchel's latest book, Friendship for Grown-Ups; What I Missed & Learned Along the Way is a very inspirational and eye-opening book. In addition to revealing her personal journey from childhood star ("Blair" on The Facts of Life) to pastor's wife, homeschooling mother, and public speaker, Lisa ... Friendship for Grown-Ups