Monday, July 27, 2020

An Appalachian Summer by Ann H. Gabhart

A beautiful story of a young woman discovering her purpose in life and her destiny.  Piper knew that she wanted to be something more than just a debutante.  

Piper's experiences in the Appalachia was life changing.  She was doing things she never imagined.  She was blossoming in her new role as a courier.  Piper knew that a decision had to be made: take the safe route or follow your heart.

Have you ever needed to get away so you could clear your head and make a decision?  There might be a special place that you are at peace and can think clearer or be closer to GOD.  I have a better chance of hearing GOD when I am in the country or by water.  Probably because you are away from all the noise.

Piper and her Aunt Truda discovered their calling.  

I loved the book.  It was truly a vacation without leaving the comfort of my house.  of

I received this book from Revell Books for free to review.

Friday, July 17, 2020

The Mockingbird's Song by Wanda Brunstetter

Sylvia has a difficult time getting through each day.  She is in mourning.  How could she ever be happy again?  She is going through the motions to protect her children.  Sylvia believes that she will not have anything to look forward to.

Sylvia's Mother, Belinda, has the world on her shoulders.  She is dealing with her own grief as well as her family's.  She is doing everything to keep her business afloat.

Henry, Sylvia's brother, deals with his loss by rebellion.

The neighbor across the street, Lydia, is dealing with her loss. She resents living in the country and losing her friend.


Grief hits everyone differently.  You can't put a time limit on it.  There are phases that each goes through to get to the other side. This story demonstrates how each member handles their loss and moves forward.

I can't wait to see how the story continues.  Ms. Brunstetter leaves the door open for romance and see if there is hope for happiness.

I highly recommend this book for my friends and family. 

Saturday, July 11, 2020

A Reckless Love



This was book #3 of a series called the Daughtry House.   Beth White did an excellent job in all the fine details of this historical story of Aurora and Zane.

Aurora was spunky and determined to get things done her way.  She was aware of her deficits.  She attempted to hide her insecurities for all the world to see.

Zane was haunted by his memories.  He was dealing the best he could with his physical handicap but no one could see his internal struggles. He would not allow anyone too close so he could keep his pain a secret. 

Aurora and Zane were brought together under unusual circumstances.  GOD had a plan.  Zane just didn't see it yet.

The definition of AURORA is a beautiful astronomical light show. Aurora's radiance could not be ignored especially by Zane.

I received this book for free from Revell to review.





Tuesday, July 7, 2020

-His Pretend Amish Bride

Why is it that we don't give ourselves credit?  This is common whether you are Amish or an Englisher.  

Priscilla could do so much for others but is hesitant to stand up for herself.  Gabriel hated speaking in front of others.  He had no problem if it meant protecting someone he cared about.  


Priscilla was trying to stay strong and be faithful.  She handled her heartbreak by prayer and trusting GOD had a plan.  Gabriel thought he had a plan but GOD knew differently.  

An interesting twist to this story is the camel milk farm Gabriel owns.  I never heard of drinking camel milk.  What an interesting sight it would be?  You are driving down a country road and you see a bunch of camels in the field.  I think I would be drawn to go into the store and try it.  Would you?

I enjoyed visiting characters that were in a previous book: His Unexpected Amish Twins.  

I received this free to review from Celebrate Lit.

His Pretend Amish Bride FB BannerAbout the Book

Book:  His Pretend Amish Bride
Author: Rachel J. Good
Genre:  Amish Romance
Release Date: June 30, 2020
his pretend Amish brideIn a small Amish town like Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, one solution to an indiscretion is to get married. Or perhaps, fake a respectable engagement . . .

Priscilla Ebersol has a fulfilling life teaching special needs children—until her boyfriend’s humiliating betrayal ruins her reputation and threatens her job. Shunned for something she didn’t do, Priscilla throws herself into a project on the benefits of camel’s milk for autism. Her research leads her to a newly opened Amish camel farm, where she discovers far more than she bargained for. . .
When a pushy Englisch company shows interest in shy, handsome Gabriel Kauffman’s camel farm, he struggles to get out of a sticky negotiation. Lovely, well-spoken Priscilla appears at the perfect moment and defends Gabe’s business so well that she is mistaken for his wife, a pretense they both secretly wish could be true. But though their bond deepens, Priscilla’s heart is still wounded, and Gabe battles with a troubling secret. And when a misunderstanding comes between them, it will take faith, honesty, and trust in God to overcome the past—and to allow their partnership to blossom into something more.


Click here to get your copy!



About the Author

rachel_headshotUSA Today bestselling author RACHEL J. GOOD writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. She grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.
Rachel is the author of several Amish series in print or forthcoming – the bestselling Love & PromisesSisters & FriendsUnexpected Amish BlessingsSurprised by Love (2021), and two books in Hearts of Amish Country – as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Books. In addition, she has stories in many anthologies, including Love’s Thankful Heart, Love’s Christmas Blessings, Plain Everyday HeroesLove’s Truest Hope, and the forthcoming Amish Christmas Twins (September 2020) with Shelley Shepard Gray and Loree Lough. She is also the coauthor of the Prayerful Author Journey: Inspirational Yearly Planner.

More from Rachel

A few years ago, I passed Amish camel farm in Bird-in-Hand, PA. As an author, seeing anything new or different always piques my interest, so I went for a visit. Not only did I explore the farm and store, I bought camel’s milk to drink. I think it’s important to do in-depth research for the settings and information I include in my Amish novels.

I was fascinated to discover camels usually bond to one milker, only give a little milk each day, and are extremely expensive to buy. All of those are reasons why camel’s milk is so expensive. It costs $15 for a pint. Much pricier than cow’s milk.

And if you’re wondering how camel’s milk tastes, the best way I can think of to describe it is a slightly salty version of powdered milk. It’s more watery than cow’s milk.

Because I grew up drinking powdered milk during my early childhood years when we lived in Africa, I’d always vowed never again to drink it once we moved back to the United States. A vow I’ve kept. That was never a problem living in Pennsylvania, where there’s plenty of farmland, cow, and Amish, of course.

The camel’s milk was enough like powdered milk to make me gag. But because I want to be sure my books are authentic, I drank it. So, readers, now you know how much a I care about you.

My concern for you also extends to more than just getting factual information correct. I pray for each and every one of you as I write my stories. I hope that they will touch your heart and bring you closer to God.

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, June 29
Among the Reads, June 30
Bigreadersite, July 9
Pause for Tales, July 11
Lighthouse Academy Blog, July 11 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Artistic Nobody, July 12 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Vicky Sluiter, July 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed copy of the book and $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Thursday, July 2, 2020

A Walk Along The Beach



Be prepared to be touched and moved by Debbie Macomber's new book.

Willa and Harper had a very close relationship.  They gave each other strength during difficult times.  They had each other's back.  They were and always will be sisters.
I see this as a blessing.

Sean entered the Bean There Coffee Shop for a coffee but really came there for a chance to meet Willa.  Was there room for Sean in Willa's life?  Was there room in Sean's life for Willa?  Do they have what it takes to have a relationship?

I felt every emotion while reading this story.  I laughed and cried.  I prayed for a miracle to happen.  The ending was one of tears: tears of joy and sadness.

I loved the book.  I knew I would as Ms. Macomber never disappoints me.  I know you would love this story as much as I.

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Thirteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2020, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publications include A Walk Along the Beach (July) and Jingle All the Way (October). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, an adult coloring book, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and five have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Return to Love's Promise

No.  It can't end there.  There has to be another page.  This is how I felt when I finished this latest addition to the The Amish Bonnet...