Money Secrets of the Amish by Lorilee Craker

New York Times Best-Selling author Lorilee Craker's Money Secrets of the Amish was an interesting read. Subtitled Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving, I expected a well-organized book of frugal tips and tricks. While the book was relatable to me as person who grew up in a frugal household, this book left me wanting much more. It left out the application of just how to simplify, share and save.

In the Introduction the author shared her Amish roots. Her explanation of her ties to the Amish was more of a connection with tradition in the way of dress, eating and verbiage. I don't recall mention of Amish theology. I did appreciate the logo on the back of the book with the website www.amishliving.com as I am intrigued with the simple lifestyle of the Amish in this country.

Secular cultural references (Oprah, Nate Berkus, NPR, etc.) as well as websites and retail stores for hard to find items were threaded throughout the book. Unfortunately I found the topics in each chapter to be randomly scattered. While I did enjoy the author's conversational (and sometimes humorous) writing style, if I had purchased this book to save money, I would have been disappointed. After reading this book I cannot recall one money-saving tip that I would implement into my own lifestyle.

While the author's testimony of repairing her dented car with white tape (dents became almost invisible!) saved her money, I have to say that this technique is not something I would personally attempt. Many accounts the author shared of situations in which she wanted to buy something but did not (almost a WWAD - What Would Amish Do? as opposed to WWJD - What Would Jesus Do?) "because after all the Amish wouldn't" was not a mantra I would adopt.  The subtitle Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving was a promise not kept.

For an offering in the Business & Economics/Personal Finance/General category this book needed more practical how-to save money tips, tricks and practical secret sharing. Personally, I do not believe driving a nice car, wearing nice clothes and jewelry is bad. I work hard, play hard and strive to look nice. Everything in moderation is my mantra. If I can pay my bills, tithe my ten percent, and meet all other financial obligations, I can rejoice in the blessings that God has given me. If you've got it, wear it!

The Amish  lifestyle is to be applauded. I would have liked to hear more about the Average Joe Amish and less about how to save a dime by living the American lifestyle while trying to "be Amish.". The cover of the book hooked me as it depicted four Ball jars. I would have enjoyed hearing how the Amish live from the land and put away for the future. Practical tips and tricks to save money was my goal in reading this book. However, if I had paid the $15.99 cover price I would have asked for a refund. Sorry to say but that would not have been very Amish of me....

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

The Secret of Lies by Barbara Forte Abate

Sisters Stevie and Eleanor opened Chapter One. I related to the teasing. The banter of sisters who clearly loved each other made me want to immediately call my own sister.
The story was told from sister Stevie's perspective. Stevie gave entrance into her world with a down-to-earth yet slightly humorous conversational voice. Throughout the story, words were beautifully strung into visual accounts of Stevie's memories of days gone by (some good, some not-so-good, some awfully grievous).

One example of the author's amazing visual account of Stevie's growing up was on page 96, "Once I'd determined how to operate the phonograph, the music magically swelled outward, flooding the enormous room and washing over the gloom with waves of vigorous energy. And while the rain battered down unabated against the skin of weather beaten clapboards sheathing the house, pummeling sea and sand like machine-gun fire - I danced-spinning, twisting and gyrating with wild wicked abandon, as song after song dosed me with an invigorating intensity." Now who hasn't done that?!

Sadly, the sisters' unified front begins to fray beginning on page 113. Without being a spoiler, lies began to grow and the truth became quickly muffled by silence. At times I slammed my fist on the table next to me, shook my head in disbelief and cried tears of joy as well as sadness. Stevie was so courageous - but silent. I desperately wanted Stevie to shout for all the world to hear - for her to be angry - to be vociferous, to report in detail everything that had happened to someone other than her aunt (who muzzled her).

Thankfully, I got to witness the loose and extremely frayed ends become tied. A "you reap what you sow" last chapter. Many may refer to Karma or "getting back what you put out." However the reader views the last chapter, I smiled inwardly because truly Stevie did win in the end. Actually, she was awarded a new beginning. She had a Bible with the names of her deceased family members written in it. I silently hoped that one day she would crack that Bible open for more than recording her geneology and instead learn about her Saviour's geneology. If not for her or her husband - but for her future children. But that is just me, being a believer...

I was blessed to travel through the pages of The Secret of Lies and read of the romantic, PG-rated accounts of Stevie's romantic adventures. Both of her suitors respected her as a woman and both were heroes. I did not find redemptive value in the other characters other than in her mother's cautious but loving care. The last chapter was my favorite chapter. Actually, the last scene I shall not soon forget. I felt the author may have left the door open for a sequel.

Ms. Barbara Forte Abate's  work was peppered with amazing images of seaside storms, childhood struggles, dysfunctional fleshly family members as well as several accounts of human frailty and fear. I was sad to have to turned the last page. Stevie was a survivor. No doubt she grew wiser as a result of covering up the truth.

I hope those two suitcases never left the farmhouse. I hope the luggage remained side-by-side for many years. No doubt the secrecy ended as the screen door slammed shut just before the couple headed up the stairs to mend their first feud as husband and wife. In the morning as they rose, no doubt a new chapter began.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from http://www.promotionalacarte/ as part of their Courtesy a la Carte book review bloggers program. 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.