Wednesday, December 21, 2016

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen

Jeanette Fallon rated a book it was amazing
The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen
Just completed this book about Jane Bell and her journey of self-discovery. Jane is widowed and shows no interest in Ivy Hill. As time goes on, Jane blossoms and starts to care for Ivy Hill and all that is connected to this Inn.

In order for Ivy Hill to survive, changes must be made. Changes occur to the Inn as well as to all in the community. Change is not evil. It is important for personal as well as to the village growth. Jane's quest to save Ivy Hill is also saving her. She learns what is important and becomes more self-reliant. She is saving herself.

Thora, Jane's mother-in-law, learns to let go and begins a new chapter for herself.

Rachel, Jane's friend, learns she can survive losing her ancestral home with dignity and pride.

Charlie, Royal Mail Coach Driver, gives of himself to help a woman he had loved for years.

This story is rich in character development and elaborate detail of home and community.I

I loved it. Thanks, Julie Klassen! I enjoyed every minute.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

SOAR LIKE EAGLES BY TERRY WANGARD


What is there not to like about this book?  This book is so richly detailed and intriguing.  I loved reading about the obstacles the characters conquer while serving our country in World War 2.

Chet and Carol were very careful about allowing anyone to get too close.  Carol saw what happened to her friend who married way to quickly.  She felt it was best not to have any ties to hold her down.  She was not going to do anything rash and have regrets for the rest of her life.  Then she met Chet.

She was intrigued but was closely guarding her heart.  She thought if she was stationed in France she would be safe.

Chet and Carol each had a job to do but often would think of each other and pray that they were safe.

This was a wonderful romantic story but was very detailed.  I felt like I was in the cockpit with Chet.  It is amazing to think that the pilots continued to get in the plane over and over again.  They had a duty to serve and they served it well.

I loved the last chapter.  It was a pleasure to read.  Highly recommend.  This is a story that leaves you feeling patriotic and proud to be an American.  I will be looking for more books by Ms. Wangard to read in the future.

Giveaway:
https://promosimple.com/ps/aa5f

About the Book

soar-like-eagles-2-1Carol becomes a Red Cross doughnut girl, serving GIs and boosting their morale. Convinced wartime romances are doomed to disappointment, she attempts to avoid entanglements. She didn’t plan on Chet, the navigator who tempts her to throw caution to the wind.
Chet’s father and brothers always belittled him. As a squadron lead navigator, he longs to prove them wrong. He’s already been offered a terrific job with PanAm after the war. First he must survive his combat tour. Will he even have a future?

About the Author

terri-wangardTerri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. These days she is writing historical fiction, and won the 2013 Writers on the Storm contest and 2013 First Impressions, as well as being a 2012 Genesis finalist. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her research included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.


Friday, December 16, 2016


This book is a collection of three stories with a connection to baking and the love that goes into the recipes.
I am reviewing The Christmas Bakery on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand.

I've read a few books by Ms. Beckstrand so I knew I was in for a treat.

This story is about Titus and his wonderful grandparents - Anna and Felty.  His grandmother wanted Titus to find a wife and to be happy as she was in her marriage.

Katie Rose is being sent to stay with Anna and Felty during the Christmas season.  Her parents are hoping that an old neighbor, Adam, will propose after he samples some of Katie's cooking.  Anna knows he is not a match for Katie but her grandson, Titus, is perfect for her.

Katie knows how important it is for Adam to propose.  If he doesn't she'll be an old maid.  But he is so critical and doesn't appreciate her baking.  Titus realizes Adam doesn't deserve Katie and he is on a mission to win her hand.

Titus and Katie are very caring people.  They are very respectful and always try to make others happy.  You can't help to cheer for Titus in his quest to win Katie's affection.  It doesn't hurt that he has a Christmas goat to help him.

Great story.  I enjoyed reading this.

Giveaway: https://promosimple.com/ps/acec

The Christmas Bakery at Huckleberry Hill

When shy Katie Rose Gingerich’s dat sends her to Huckleberry Hill to secure a marriage proposal, she never expects to long for carefree Titus Helmuth—or to hope that he might want to spend every Christmas with her . . .


About the Author
Jennifer Beckstrand is the bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer was nominated for the RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award and the 2015 RITA® Award, and Huckleberry Hill won the 2014 LIME Award for Inspirational fiction. Both Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Christmas appeared in Examiner.com list of top ten inspirational books for 2014.

Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a background in editing. She and her husband have been married for thirty years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and four adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

Monday, December 12, 2016

Sweet On You- Meddlin' Madeline by Chautona Havig

Madeline just wanted what was best for her friend.  If that makes you meddling- so be it.

Madeline is going to discover the truth at all costs.  It is a joyful ride on Madeline's quest for the truth.  Southwest her friend's brother, Russell, goes along trying to keep her out of trouble.

Madeline is unconventional and it is easy to like her.  She is not shy and a lot of fun to be with.  She depends on Russell and would be lost without his friendship.  Russell attempts to see Madeline as his little sister but he realizes he is starting to have feelings for her that are not sisterly.

Madeline is a great friend.  It would be a lot of fun hanging with her.  She is not worried about how others think of her but more how it impacts the ones she loves.

Yeah!!! This is Book One of a series.  I'm hoping that Madeline and Russell show a little affection towards each other.  I guess I'll have to wait to the next book to see!

I enjoyed this book while on a cruise. It was a great vacation read.  It was delightful.

https://promosimple.com/ps/aa59




The Dock Girl's Shame

  Loretta loved working with her father at the docks.  But everything changed when her father made a deal with Oswald Lynch.  Trouble soon f...