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Thursday, October 4, 2012

Sadie's Montana Books 1-3 Review


Wild Horses (Sadie's Montana) by Linda Byler


Book Description:
Wild Horses (Sadie's Montana)The Miller family's move from Ohio to Montana was, for the most part, uneventful, except that Sadie Miller had to leave her beloved horse, the palomino named Paris. Still, she likes the Montana snows and her job at Aspen East Ranch serving the ranch hands.
Unexpectedly, Ezra appears, the man who seems to be perfect in every way and fully intends to marry Sadie. But does she love him back? And who is this fascinating Mark who helps to rescue a dying horse and shows up at the Amish hymn-sing though he is English? Why can't she get his dark eyes and tall stature out of her mind? 
Now Sadie's own close-knit family is falling apart. Mam claims her head is cluttered and unclear, and she no longer trusts herself to make a chocolate cake from scratch or to cut Reuben's hair in a straight line. The worst part is, Dat refuses to acknowledge Mam's struggles.
Sadie finds some refuge in Nevaeh, a black and white paint. But when a dreadful accident involving wild horses occurs, Sadie must move forward into the unknown future. 
Will Dat let Mam seek professional help? Will Mam be willing to go? 
Will Mark be at the next hymn-sing? Is he Amish or English? Will he like her favorite pink dress? 
Will she see the wild horses again? Why do these phantom-like animals take her breath away every time they appear on the horizon? 


My Opinion:
This was the first book from Linda Byler that I ever read. I loved it so much I went right out and bought the sequel! This took me by surprise with Linda's twists and turns! The relationship between characters is fabulous, and the ending could not have been foreseen! This book is heartbreaking in parts, mysterious, and shocking in others. Fabulous all the way around! I did have a few issues with the editing, WARNING: possible spoiler alert, but editing error alert! The horse Nevaeh was changed from a boy to a girl constantly in the book, and the main characters name was changed in one scene to something completely different (which was a little confusing). Also some things (in my own opinion) where unrealistic; mainly when talking about the horses. Even though I had some issues with the errors I was SO happy I read it, and I couldn't wait for the next book "Keeping Secrets Book2 (Sadie's Montana)".

My first song for this book is not a perfect fit because this is an Amish book, but I just like it: "The Way I Loved You" by Taylor Swift

And my second is: "Pass Me Not" by Cluster Pluckers

~ASC

Acts 16:31 (Read it, Believe it, and Be Saved!!!)




Keeping Secrets Book2 (Sadie's Montana) by Linda Byler


Book Description: 
Keeping Secrets: Sadie's Montanta (Book Two) (Sadie's Montana)There’s horse trouble in Montana again. Only this time, horses aren’t being stolen, they’re being shot. Snipers are driving a blue pickup and shooting selectively. No hard-working ranch horse or Amish horse and buggy is safe.

Still, Sadie rides, despite daily warnings from Dorothy down in the kitchen of Aspen East Ranch. But Sadie’s getting used to ignoring Dorothy’s advice. Sadie’s heart is set on Mark even though Dorothy tells her to steer clear after he ditches her in the middle of their first date.

Mark, on the other hand, finds it hard to tell Sadie the secrets of his past. He tells her pieces of the shadowy story, then won’t speak to her for weeks.

As Sadie’s world spins out of control, her palomino, Paris, remains her sole confidant. But does Sadie put Paris in danger every time they go riding? Or, together, can they discover who these mysterious snipers are? 

Why, Sadie wonders desperately, are there so many secrets? Will the truth surface, or is it too hard to bear?


My Opinion:
Again Linda Byler takes you on a shocking and mysterious journey! Again with Sadie we are on a, at times, dangerous adventure! In this book Linda will break your heart, make you laugh, and shout for joy! The mystery surrounding Mark is revealed. Sadie is almost killed, again! And will Mark and Sadie end up happy and together. Or will there be someone else? Linda's characters are wonderful from the main to the minor! Excellent, wonderful book! A must read! Full of twists and surprises!

My songs for this book are: "When They Ring Those Golden Bells" by the Cluster Pluckers and "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms" by Alan Jackson

~ASC

John 3:15-16 (Read it, Believe it, and Be Saved!!!)




The Disappearances (Sadie's Montana) by Linda Byler

Book Description:
The Disappearances: Sadie's Montana (Book Three)
Sadie may be married now, but she’s as spirited as ever, and her life is far from tame.

In fact, soon after she and Mark are settled into the farmhouse which Mark is renovating, she’s visited by three FBI agents who question her about the two children who mysteriously appeared one day at the Ranch. Before the agents leave, they warn Sadie that her beloved horse, Paris, is highly valuable, and that she and Mark may be in grave danger because of Paris.

This news, on top of Mark’s unexpected black moods, leaves Sadie sometimes wishing she could go home, “lay her head on Mam’s shoulder, and ask why she hadn’t warned her.”

But when Sadie is kidnapped at gunpoint by two men in ski masks, her stubborn strength is tested beyond her imagining.

Now Sadie has disappeared, leaving Mark and her family wracked with worry. And Anna, Sadie’s youngest sister, desperate for Neil Hershberger’s attention, refuses to eat, plagued by an eating disorder as she fades away.

And yet, Mark’s younger brother Timothy appears, bringing unexpected life and hope to the family.

Mercifully, healing and courage reappear in unexpected times and places in this concluding volume of the Sadie’s Montana series.


My Opinion:
When I started reading this final book, I was a little disappointed with the way it was written. It is a little too fast paced and I was afraid Linda Byler took one of the biggest mysteries and just closed it in the first few chapters. But I kept reading, and I am SO happy I did. As usual Linda shocked and surprised me with this plot just like the last two. I then decided for this review to make a pros and cons list, but then I realized that the pros out weighed the cons too much. So let me just tell you that if you have read or are interested in the first two books do not hesitate to buy and read this last book. It ends wonderfully, wrapping loose ends, and with the promise of hope! You can't help but fall in love with the tight nit community and the many characters tie in through out! A good end with just as much surprise as the first two in the series. I highly recommend the whole series. There are issues with the editing, but that has more to do with the publishing and not the actual writing. Linda Byler's writing is always SO good and clear; the book gets better as you read on!

I have two songs again for this book is: "The Glory Of Love" by Bette Midler and "Standing On The Promises" by Alan Jackson

~ASC

John 8:12


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2 comments:

  1. There is only three books? At first me and my friend thought there were only two. It is so cool that there is three.

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    Replies
    1. Yup three! :) The Disappearances has some strange things and I'm not sure it ties up all ends securely, but I think it's a must read if you follow the series. It's a good wrap up mostly. I can see why you and your friend thought there where only two the second one ended with no cliff hanger and kinda wrapped everything up to! When I read it I was holding my breathe waiting for the other shoe to drop in a cliff hanger! LOL! :) One thing I really liked about the third book is that it focuses on married life after the vows are taken!
      Thanks for coming by and commenting! :)

      ~ASC

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