Friday, February 17, 2017

Amish Wanderer by LauraV. Hilton

Amish Wanderer by Laura V. Hilton

I completed this book with difficulty.  I felt so sad for the main character, Bethany Weiss.  I so wanted to give her a hug and let her know that ALL IS FORGIVEN and that she is loved by God.

To feel this strongly is due to the writing skills of Ms. Hilton.  My feelings for Bethany were strong.  She needed to learn that she can be loved by just being Bethany.  It wasn't easy for her to learn.  So many people don't know how to let go of their pasts and the pain continues to cause such grief.

Silas Beiler found him himself in Jonesport, Missouri as he wandered from town to town to escape his childhood shame.  He couldn't stay there long as he didn't want to risk his secret coming out and falling for Bethany.  Bethany saw Silas as a way to escape her shameful secrets.

Both had to learn that their location couldn't and would not take away these feelings.  When they fInally put their faith and love on God, healing took place.

This  book dealt with very serious issues.
Giveaway-

https://promosimple.com/ps/b0d8

Four stars.
Laura V. Hilton
Amish fiction lovers responded positively and immediately to Laura V. Hilton’s debut novel, Patchwork Dreams, when she burst on the scene in 2009 with her unique series, The Amish of Seymour, set in the tiny town of Seymour, in Webster County, Missouri. Fans of the genre immediately recognized Hilton’s insider knowledge, not only of the Webster County community, but Amish culture in general. Her natural speech and writing patterns, she says, are uniquely “Amish,” acquired from her Amish maternal grandparents. The Amish of Seymour, includes Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts, and Promised to Another. Her second series, The Amish of Webster County, is comprised of Healing Love, Surrendered Love, and Awakened Love. A stand-alone title, A White Christmas in Webster County, was released in September 2014. The Amish of Jamesport includes The Snow Globe,The Postcard and The Birdhouse. In spring 2016 she released The Amish Firefighter with the setting in Jamesport, MO, the same as for The Amish Wanderer.
Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer. Laura and her husband, Steve, have five children, whom Laura homeschools. The family makes their home in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas.



Saturday, February 11, 2017

The Newcomer by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This book is set in the 1700's where living on the Frontier is dangerous and so difficult.  This is the second book of An Amish Beginnings Series.  The book is about Anna and her journey in the new world.

I loved the story but was getting extremely nervous about the outcome.  I kept turning the page with high hopes it would turn out the way I wanted.

It was a great read and I highly anticipated the next book -The Return.

My ancestors immigrated to America in a much grander scale than Anna and the members of the Church of Ixheim.  My family had the dream of better jobs and the opportunity to prosper.  Anna had the same dream.

This book explored the theme of coming to terms with your faith and finding inner peace.  This relates as much today as it did in the 1770s.

Five stars!  You must pick it up and read this.

Giveaway-
https://promosimple.com/ps/b0d1

ABOUT THE AUTHOR-
Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than a dozen novels, including Anna’s Crossing, The Bishop’s Family series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.



Friday, February 3, 2017

Two Suitors for Anna by Molly Jebber

I have been a fan of Amish Fiction for awhile but never heard of Molly Jebber until just recently.  Her book about Anna and the choice she must make is wonderful,  I had no problem getting caught up in the story.  It is easy to do what is comfortable but sometimes we have to step outside the box.  Anna had to do just that.

Anna expected life to go on as normal in Berlin, Ohio.  She didn't think that anything would change once she married Noah.  But Noah had a surprise for her....Anna knew that the decision she must make would change the rest of her life.

I loved this story as it unfolds.  Anna was never alone.  She had her faith to guide her.  Her Mother and sisters were there to support what ever decision she made.  Her friend, Grace, was always available to share her thoughts with.  Anna needed them all.

I always feel that I have gone on a vacation when I read a story about the Amish.  It takes me to a happy place and makes me envious of the loyalty and the love of family that exists in their community.  Anna has a close relationship with her sisters and her mother.  Could she leave them? 

Will Anna find the happiness she longs for with Noah or with Daniel?  I knew who I would pick.

I received this book free to review. 


Giveaway:

https://promosimple.com/ps/af95



Wednesday, January 11, 2017

If Not For You by Debbie Macomber

What is not to love about Debbie Macomber's books?  I was so excited to see this in Net Galley.  This book didn't disappoint.  I enjoy reading her books that are part of a series.  Beth is attempting to grow up and live her own life.  An accident occurs and her life will never be the same.  Beth wants everyone to be happy and attempts to make it happen for the ones she loves.  You can't help but want everything to turn out ok.  Five stars to Ms. Macomber for writing another winner.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Never Forget

Today is the release date of this delightful story written by one of my favorite authors.  I have recommended all of Jody Hedlund's books to friends and family members and I won't hesitate to recommend this one, too!


Due to the holidays, I didn't get started as fast as I wanted to.  I knew that once I cracked open the cover, I wouldn't put it down until I was finished.  I quickly read through this book as well.  


The main characters are Abbie and Nathaniel.  Abbie made some very poor decisions that she would regret later.  Her decisions were always made with good intentions.  She loved her grandfather and tried to help him any way she could. She must come up with a plan to keep the lighthouse and stay on Rose Island.


Nathaniel was lost and didn't know it until he was washed ashore the island.  This is when he really knew where he belonged.


Abbie and Nathaniel renewed their faith and found God's love and the light that would transform their lives.  This light was brighter than the light that shines from the lighthouse.


You won't be disappointed reading this.  This is the last book I completed in 2016.  What a great way to end the year.  


We all make mistakes.  Sometimes our mistakes seem unforgivable.  We are forgiven and this allows us to start anew.  The past is the past and today is a new day.  Great message to start this new year!


About the Author

jody-hedlund-web-copyWinner of the 2016 Christian Book Award and Christy Award,  best-selling author Jody Hedlund writes inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).
When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

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.


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