The Hope of Christmas

Three stories-

So happy to receive this in time to read right before Christmas!  I love historical stories and I was not disappointed with these three stories of love and discovering what really matters. 

Picking A Bride For Paul is a delightful tale of finding love right in your front yard.  We often don't realize how good we have it and think that it is "greener" next door.

Typhoon Prompting is a powerful reminder what our servicemen and women deal with during times of war.  Jerry is pretty casual about his circumstances until he faces a life and death situation.  It makes him re-evaluate his life and love.

A Dr. in the House demonstrates the prejudices women faced when they went outside the box and started to become doctors, etc.  This story made me think of Downton Abbey.  Can Emma have it all or does she have to give up a man she has fallen for or a job she worked so hard for?

All three stories were written in the Christmas season.  This is appropriate as each main character had something they wished for and were gifted the true meaning of the holiday season.

I received this for free to review.

About the Authors

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests and is a member of ACFW. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.

Linda Shenton Matchettis a journalist, blogger, author, and history geek. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life-from Edison, New Jersey (named for the famed inventor of the light bulb) and Washington, DC to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (reputed to be the oldest summer resort in America). She volunteers at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a trustee for her local public library.

Giveaway

To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c514

 

December 13th-The Heart of an Agent by Tracey J. Lyons

Can one learn to love again after experiencing a loss?  The answer is yes!!!!  This is a delightful story of two people that can't escape their pasts.  They meet and it opens up new beginnings!  

Lily does not expect to find love at Great Camp.  Owen has lost his wife and now is losing his home.   He sure wasn't ready for Lily to change his life forever.

I loved the story and the location of this book.  I have never been to the Adirondacks but Ms. Lyons painted a beautiful picture with her words.  I can imagine staying at the camp enjoying all the sights and sounds.  Then you add the delightful cuisine from Mrs. Cuddieback's kitchen and you are in heaven!

Owen and Lily both had a lesson to learn.  It is best to be honest.  This is a lesson for all of us to learn.

I received this for free to review.

About the Author:

An Amazon Top Ten bestselling historical romance author of the Adirondack Pinkertons and the Women of Surprise series, Tracey was a 2017 National Excellence Romance Fiction Award finalist. She sold her first book on 9/9/99! Her books have been translated into several languages and are available in print, digital and audio formats. A true upstate New Yorker, Tracey believes you should write what you know. Her historical romances are all set in the New York State area. Tracey considers herself a small town gal who writes small town romances. You can learn more about Tracey and her books by visiting her website atwww.traceylyons.com.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tracey is giving away a Grand Prize Package of a tea-time themed gift box (Valued at over $75) and a $25 Visa Gift Card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!https://promosimple.com/ps/c1f6

My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate Utah - Leanna's Choice by Angie Dicken

I received this free to review so I thought what do I have to lose?  I started this on a Tuesday and finished it in a Thursday.  Nicely written. The majority of the characters were from Greece who immigrated to America for a better life.  This was totally different from anything I have read before.

The story is one of loss: the loss of a loved one, the loss of faith and the loss of knowing who you really are.  Leanna had an important decision to make.  She wasn't prepared for what would happen when Alex knocked on her door.  Alex was trying to forget his loss with hard work and determination.

The story was also about prejudice, class distinctions and intimidation.  We read how Alex and Leanna come to terms with all of the above as their feelings for each other deepen.

I enjoyed this book and I will recommend it to my friends and family.

Will Leanna and Alex beat the odds?  Can they blend their cultures and find true happiness?  I won't tell.  You have to pick up this book and read it for yourself.

Four stars!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

21 Days of Christmas

Christmas is coming sooner than we think.  So many of us are busy trying to prepare for the holiday season running here and there.  But I highly recommend that you pick up 21 Days of Christmas!  

This book contains 21 short stories celebrating Jesus' Birth.  Every one of the 21 stories has a message to share.  Each story touched me in some way.  It is a wonderful collection.  I plan to begin a new tradition.  Every year I am going to take this off my shelf and revisit the wisdom shared between the pages.

I was amazed that a 17 year old girl named Esther G. Seim wrote Home For Christmas!  I predict she has a wonderful Dr ahead of her.

Linda Bonney Olin's The Last Ember makes the point that reaching out to others makes a difference.

A Violet Christmas by Summer Robidoux makes you realize what is important.  

A lovely collection - a treasured gift that I will read year after year to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas!

I received this free to review.

Five Plus Stars!!!!!

GIVEAWAY:

https://promosimple.com/ps/c3c2

More About Kathy Ide

Kathy is the editor/compiler of the Fiction Lover’s Devotional series (www.FictionDevo.com) and author of “Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors” (http://secretsofbestsellingauthors.com). She has also written numerous articles, short stories, devotionals, play scripts, and Sunday school curriculum. She has ghostwritten ten nonfiction books and a five-book novel series.

She is also a full-time freelance editor, working with aspiring, new, and experienced authors as well as publishers.

Kathy speaks at writers’ conferences across the country.

She is the founder and coordinator of The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network (www.TheChristianPEN.com) and the Christian Editor Connection (www.ChristianEditor.com).

For more about Kathy, visit www.KathyIde.com.

Christmas Admirer by Laura V. Hilton

There is something about Amish fiction that gets me every time.  I love to read about their family relationships and their struggles in the world we live in. 

 Susanna has loved Benaiah all her life.  She longed for the day she would be his wife.  Benaiah wanted to make this happen but he had responsibilities to his family and he wasn't sure how it would work out.

  Prayer and patience were needed.  Will things work out for them?  Susanna was told to trust in The LORD.  Only then would she learn HIS plans for her. 

 I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I was so upset at Susanna's father but saw that he also had plans for her.  Great book.  Christmas is in the title but this book is for all seasons.   

I received this free to review.

About the Author

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.

Giveaway

In honor of her tour, Laura is giving away

Grand Prize Package: The Christmas Admirer, “Unto Us a Child is Born” painting on decorative serving plate by Donna White, The Hearthside Collection, Inc., and commemorative Whitaker House/Anchor Distributors coloring book (not in photo).

1st Place Package: The Christmas Admirer and The Very First Christmas by Juliet David with interactive illustrations by Pauline Siewert (children’s book).

2nd Place Package: The Christmas Admirer and “The Woman Who Honors The Lord Shall Be Praised” myrrh-scented candle from abba Jerusalem!

Click the link to enter! https://promosimple.com/ps/c16f

11/13/2017: Love's Thankful Heart

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is GOD's will for you in Christ Jesus.

This Bible verse comes to mind after reading this collection of stories based around Thanksgiving.  The three stories are wonderful examples of giving thanks and the miracle of prayers.

Gingerbread Wishes

Thanksgiving Strangers

The Thanksgiving Frolic 

I enjoyed reading all three.

In Gingerbread Wishes we revisit Becca Troyer.  She was in a previous book by Laura V. Hilton. This story was wonderful.

Thanksgiving Strangers -

What more can be relevant at Thanksgiving than providing a free meal to all that needs one?  Faiths Beiler, with her giving heart, pours God's love and grace into Crist.  Touching story.

The Thanksgiving Frolic-

Monroe as well as his family needed to learn some valuable lessons.  Rosemary, Monroe's girlfriend, opened their eyes to see the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

I loved Rosemary's grandfather.  We could all learn so much from someone like that.  

I am so grateful these three authors got together and wrote this book.  Happy Thanksgiving to them for sharing these "feel good" stories.

I received this for free to review.

Giveaway

To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away a Kindle Unlimited 6 month Subscription!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!https://promosimple.com/ps/c403

About the Authors

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with almost twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write and Putting on the New.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.

When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.

Rachel J. Good grew up near Lancaster, PA, the setting for many of her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends special time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events. Rachel is the author of several Amish series, including Sisters & Friends (Charisma), Love & Promises (Grand Central), and two books in the Hearts of Amish Country series (Annie’s Book Club). In addition, she has twoAmish Quilts Coloring Books as well as stories in several anthologies, including Springs of Love(CelebrateLit).

Thomas Nyewrites novels about horses and Amish life, with a touch of romance, and a foundation of faith in Christ. He and his wife, Shari, live on her family farm where they raised five children. Their six grandchildren love to visit Karma and Karla, a team of draft horses which Thomas purchased from an Amish friend. Walking a mail route for the U.S. Postal Service keeps Thomas close to nature and affords him many quiet hours which he uses to dream up novels. Over three decades of friendships with Amish neighbors has revealed a simple wisdom that he weaves into his writing. To find out more, visit:amishhorses.blogspot.com

12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep

The cover made me think of Charles Dickens type of stories.  So I was excited to read this Christmas tale of intrigue, love and murder.  It was a delight to read and I was not disappointed.  It left me guessing and surprised by the ending.

Things aren't always what they seem.
 Clara and the guests of Bleakly Manor
all wanted something and they believed that staying at the Manor would grant them their wishes.

 Christmas at Bleakly Manor gave them much more than what they wished for.

I loved taking a step back in time reading this book.  Michelle Griep gave me an early Christmas gift.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Colors of Christmas by Olivia Newport

Loss is difficult at anytime of the year but at Christmas it is extremely so.  These stories are examples of how our faith guides us through these moments and makes us stronger.

The book includes two stories. Both are about loss but also about helping others.  While helping others, you are healing yourself.

The first story is how Astrid  could have drowned in her loss but saw someone in need and reached out.

The second is about loss but also how you can heal through honoring the one you lost.

GOD is a healer.  He never leaves our side.  He is with us every step of the way.  He hears our cries.  He hears our prayers.

I enjoyed these two Christmas stories even though they are not typical Christmas stories.

I received this book for free to review.

Giveaway:

https://promosimple.com/ps/c319

About the Author

Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and twentysomething children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.

Straight Flies The Arrow by Sydney Tooman Betts

I have never read anything of this type.  I really didn't know what to expect.  I was blown away by the historical richness in the book and how the author added so much detail in each and every page.  I fell in love with this story and the characters who came to life to me through her words. How heart wrenching  was when the men went to battle and the women were preparing  what to do if they don't return.  Can you even imagine? -the grief they must have felt.

 Thank you, Sydney Tooman Betts, for adding Biblical readings at the end of each chapter.  It was a treasure to read this.

The Blessing I take with me after finishing the last page:
Trust In GOD with All Your Heart.  He Is there with you at all times.  He knows The plans He has for you.  

A rich and beautiful story.


I received this free to review.

About the Author

Sydney Tooman Betts and her protagonist-husband currently reside near the extensive cavern system that inspired the setting for several early chapters of this book.

While single, Ms. Betts (B.S. Bible/Missiology, M.Ed) was involved in a variety of cross-cultural adventures in North and Central America. After marrying, she and her husband lived in Europe and the Middle East where he served in various mission-support capacities. Her teaching experiences span preschool to guest lecturing at the graduate level and serving as the Sunday School Superintendent, Children’s Church Director, or Women’s Ministries facilitator in several evangelical denominations.

Before penning her first novel, A River too Deep, she ghost-wrote several stories for an adult literacy program.

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate her tour, Sydney is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed, soft-back set of The People of the Book trilogy!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!https://promosimple.com/ps/c202

Merry & Bright by Debbie Macomber

New book by Debbie Macomber...I'm in!! I look forward to every one of her books and I have never been disappointed. Her Christmas theme books are delightful and this one delivered.

How could you not love a character whose name is Merry and be based at Christmas time? Then you add a character whose last name is Bright... match made in heaven, right? Well, maybe, not.

I recommend this book for an enjoyable adventure of love and discovery. Merry and Jay learn the true meaning of the holiday season and the gift of giving to not only each other but to others.

My Heart Belongs in Shenandoah Valley- Lily's Dilemma by Andrea Boeshaar

I love everything historical and this looked just what I would love to read.  I was right.  This brought me back to the vacations I had to Williamsburg, Yorktown, Boston and Greenfield Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

This story had romance, intrigue, a villian, a hero and a lady in distress.  Lily was strong and determined.  She was responsible to save her family.  They relied on her to make the right decisions.  She had to fight for those she loved.  She knew what her heart was telling her but was it safe to listen?

I was lost in 1816 and I was in no hurry to escape this sweet tale.  I have never read any of the My Heart Belong series.  I need to look for more.  I received this free to review.

Waiting For Butterflies - Karen Sargent

What a beautiful story!  I can't begin to tell you how this book touched me.  I just put it down but it's message will stay with me forever.  

It appears that Sam and Maggie have it all.  But one accident changed everything.  Can life ever be the same again?  What needs to happen so the family can heal?  With forgiveness comes healing.....

What an appropriate title- WAITING FOR BUTTERFLIES 

Butterflies represent new life-rebirth.  This is the journey that Sam, Rachel and Olivia must take to navigate their "new" normal without Maggie.  Maggie can not be set free as a butterfly until she knows her family will be ok.

The characters in this book became so real to me.  This shows how well Karen Sargent wrote this book.  

So thankful that I was given this to read for free for a review.  Very emotional and touching story.  

About the Author

Karen Sargent creates characters whose imperfect faith collides with real-life conflicts, taking readers on a journey through grace and redemption to discover enduring hope. A romantic element is woven within each story. In addition to writing inspirational novels, she blogs at The MOM Journey…where moms aren’t perfect and that’s perfectly okay. Her writing has been featured in Guidepost’s Angels on Earth magazine and on ForEveryMom.com. When she is not writing, she teaches high school and college English in the beautiful Arcadia Valley where she resides with her husband and two daughters. Visit her at KarenSargentBooks.com.

Promotion Giveaway - https://promosimple.com/ps/bef1

The Beloved Christmas Quilt

I received this free to review.  I was thrilled to get this and held on to it for a few weeks as I knew that it would be a fast read and an enjoyable one.  It was and I can't wait to share this with my Mom.  This was written by Wanda Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, Jean Brunstetter and her granddaughter, Rochelle Brunstetter.  A family collaboration.  Wonderful job to connect the three stories.

I loved that the stories were three generations of the same family.  It shows that life goes on.  Everyone has trials and tribulations but God will get us through those tough times.  GOD does hear our prayers.

Every family has traditions or heirlooms of some kind or another.  I wear the wedding ring of my maternal grandmother.  She gave it to my Mom and my Mom gave it to me to wear.  I treasure it.  One day I'll pass this on to my daughter.  I wear it in her memory. She had her own trials and tribulations.  She survived World War II.  She immigrated to America from England on The Queen Mary in the 1950s.  Her strength was passed on to my Mom.

I look forward to seeing if these very talented ladies write together again.  Thank you for the early Christmas gift.

ALL SHE LEFT BEHIND by Jane Kirkpatrick

What a wonderful read!  I took the step back in time and was part of Jennie's world.  I cried when she cried.  I cheered when she conquered her fears.

She had dreams and desires.  She felt insecure and had guilt.  She sounds like so many wives and mothers I have met.  She felt responsible for her husband and son's misdeeds when she had nothing to do with them.

Jennie suffered a tragedy.  But with this tragedy, she was given the gift of renewal.  She was given the chance for making her dreams come true.

I was finishing this book late at night.  I didn't want to put it down.  And as I was turning the page....I turned to my husband and said " I'm not liking this".  I was quite surprised at the ending.

Wonderful story.  I had no idea that this was based on a real woman.  So interesting.

 I received this free to review.

Chief of Sinners by Caryl McAdoo

What a total mess Buddy made of his life and the impact of his sins on others!  I turned page after page hoping he would learn from his mistakes.  How Could He?  What?  Oh, No!!!

GOD is always present.  We only have to ask for His deliverance.  Just because you love someone doesn't mean it is good.  Buddy and Sandy's love or lust for each other was destructive, dangerous and deadly.  So sad to see what happened to the people they touched.

Was Buddy "THE CHIEF OF SINNERS"?  GOD'S grace is greater than sin.  There is always hope and salvation.

At times, I just cringed throughout the book.  I wanted to shake Buddy and Sandy back to reality.  What are you doing?

I received this for free to review.

This is part of a series.  I didn't read any of the others.  This book stood on it's own.

Promotion Giveaway:
https://promosimple.com/ps/bfd5

About the Author

Caryl McAdooprays her story brings God glory, and a quick scroll through her novels’ rankings by Christian readers attests to the Father’s faithfulness. She loves writing almost as much as singing the new songs He gives her—look her up on YouTube to hear a few. Her high school sweetheart husband won her heart fifty-one years ago, now they share four children and seventeen grandsugars. Ron and Caryl live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

The Christmas Blessing By Melody Carlson

Amelia found herself in a terrible predicament.  She knew what she had to do but it was at a cost. Could she do this for her son?  Would she regret her decision for the rest of her life?

As I read this story, I couldn't help to think about Jesus and the ultimate sacrifice he made for us. Jesus knew what he had to do to save us from our sins.

I read this quickly and enjoyed every page.  I was quite surprised by the ending.  It wasn't what I expected!

I have read a few of Melody Carlson's books and they were all great.  What a treat!  Her book "The Christmas Blessing" was a blessing to me.

I received this free to review.

About Melody

Melody Carlson is the award-winning, best-selling author of more than 200 books for women, teens and children. She and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest.

Find out more at www.melodycarlson.com.

ALL OF YOU BY SARAH MONZON

Picking up a book by an author you have never read can be daunting.  Will I like it?   Will it be a waste of time?

  Or just maybe it could lead to a fantastic discovery of a new favorite author.  Fortunately for me this book was a delight.  I opened the page not knowing what to expect.  By the time I finished, I was looking to see what else Sarah Monzon has written.

I was thrilled that the leading man was Michael. He was far from perfect.  He needed to learn a valuable lesson before he could accept his circumstances and find love.  Thanks to his Mom.  

Jack was not looking for romance after her previous disastrous relationship.  But thanks to her brother, love came walking into her garage.

I loved the throwback to Alice during World War II.  She was a brave and pretty daring woman.  You need someone like her in your side.

Great book.  Enjoyed the story.  I will be looking for more by this talented author.

I received this book free to review.

Five stars!

About the Author

Sarah Monzon is a Navy chaplain’s wife and a stay at home mom to the two cutest littles in the world. Playing pretend all day with them isn’t enough, she spends the evenings after their heads hit the pillow to create her own imaginary characters. When she isn’t in the world of make believe, she can be found in the pine forests of western Washington taking care of her family, fostering friendships, and enjoying all the adventures each day brings.

Her debut novel, The Isaac Project, skyrocketed to Amazon bestseller status while her Sophomore book, Finders Keepers, won the 2017 Selah award for contemporary romance.

 GIVEAWAY:

https://promosimple.com/ps/bd52

Terri Wangard- Wheresoever They May Be

Just finished, very difficult to put in words the impact of this book.  I'm going to sit here and let it soak in.  I read the last page and took a breath-WOW!  The book was way more intense than I expected.  It was a page turner.  Intense. Exciting. Sometimes jaw dropping!!!

I loved that it stayed real.  The book wasn't one where every thing turned out great.  It did give you hope.  You can survive.  You will grieve but GOD is there to help you pick up the pieces. 

GOD promises Everlasting Life.  This promise carries Lily through her darkest days. She believes and is strengthened by this.  She is comforted by GOD'S PROMISE.

I loved the historical content and adored Lily, Frank, Joe And Susan.  

I received this book for free.  I was happy to have the privilege to read and review this book

GIVEAWAY- https://promosimple.com/ps/bd12

About the Author

Terri 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.

Whisper by Mark Batterson

I received this for free and thought I would attempt to read this book.  I never heard of Mark Batterson.  After reading this book, I'm sure I'll look for his other books. 

 Whisper....a good title to grab your attention.  It's about hearing GOD when HE is talking to you.  Yes, HE does talk to you but often we don't pay attention.  There were many notes I took while reading this.  

1.  GOD enters by invitation only.  You have to invite him in.  He is ready when you are.  

2. FAITH is taking the first step before GOD reveals the second one.  Sometimes you have to leap based on faith alone.

3.  GOD puts people in our lives to draw out our potential.  GOD has a plan for us.  We don't know (only GOD does) the significance of whom we meet and have contact with on a daily basis.   A meeting with one person can alter our whole lives.  Mark Batterson calls this the " human pinball". 

4.  You are the answer to someone's else prayer.  This put things in perspective for me. A smile, a kind word, helping someone out......can make a major impact on someone.  At times, when I was working, I felt like what I was doing didn't really matter.  But later I was approached by previous clients and they told me that I did help them.  I asked one young man, please tell me what did I say?  Maybe I could use this piece of knowledge over And over again.  He said I listened.

GOD IS TALKING TO US.  We just have to listen.

The Return by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Return- What was returned?  What was lost?  Could it be returned without any problems or changes?  Could it be returned without pain and conflict?  Could it really be returned at all?

This book is set in the l700's in an Amish Community.  It is the story of Anna and Bairn coming to America and starting a new life.  This book is the third book of the series.  It is about Tessa, their daughter, and the conflict with the Indians and in their community.

Tessa was young but she was in love with Hans.  Could he return the love that Tessa so desperately desired?

Hans loved Betsy with all his heart.  Was Betsy able to return his devotion after everything has happened? 

Betsy longed to return to her home.  But could she really return? Could she forget the Indians that helped her in her journey?  Could she return and be the same?

Caleb knew he couldn't return to his mother's family.  But he could help Betsy return even if meant he lost someone so very special to him.

Hans was so angry and his need of revenge was strong.  Before he knew it, he was involved in a deadly situation.  His last gift to Betsy was to help Caleb return to his people.

Tessa did a terrible thing and quickly regretted it.  Was there anything that she could do to rectify the situation?  Could she really return what was lost?

I read all three books of this series and loved every minute of it.  It was very enjoyable and interesting to read.  I loved the historical content.  I was sad to see it end. 

Five Stars! 

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Anna’s Crossing and The Newcomer in the Amish Beginnings series, 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.

 To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is doing an amazing giveaway from August 1 through 14! Check it out:

Four winners will receive one of the prizes below:

• An Amish Gift Basket and a copy of The Return
• Amish popcorn sampler and a copy of The Return
• The Amish Beginning 3 book set series

One grand prize winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini

You can enter at Suzanne’s website (http://suzannewoodsfisher.com/contests/) or on her Facebook page (http://gvwy.io/q1kb9u4)

ANY DREAM WILL DO by Debbie Macomber

My dream is that Debbie Macomber continues writing books for years to come.  Starting to read a book by Ms. Macomber is like going on a vacation.  You are excited to start the trip.  You have a great time while on the trip and sad when it is over.  This book was no exception.

Any Dream Will Do shares that you must always have dreams and to not give up on them.

Drew lost the love of his life and the mother of his children.  He never thought he could love again.  Would he risk all for this second chance of love?

Shay had risked before and lost.  Could she take the chance of opening her heart?

I will wait as patient as I can for the next book by Debbie Macomber.  Enjoyed the story.

Wanda Brunstetter's The Blessing

The Blessing is that Mrs. Brunstetter continues to write such delightful stories that I love.  It is so easy to like her characters.  How could you not love Heidi?  She suffers such heartbreak but continues to be faithful and trusts that GOD does have a plan for her.

Each character blesses others in some way (big or small).  They each might have an obstacle to conquer in their own lives but by giving to others they are blessed in return.

I read this very quickly.  I loved it.  I don't read Wanda Brunstetter's books.  I devour them until she released a new one.  Thank you for blessing my life with your talents.

With You Always by Jody Hedlund

This is a wonderful story of Elise and her determination to make a better life for her and her family.  I was concerned when she came upon misfortunes and cheered when she conquered her fears.  Elise thought she was just a plain, immigrant girl but she was so much more.

  Thornton met Elise and couldn't get her off of his mind.  He knew she was someone special but he was so caught up with proving to his father he was worthy and the competition against his brother.  He almost lost a wonderful gift from GOD.

GOD was with Elise always.  She didn't realize it.  She fought against it.  She refused to believe it but GOD was right there.

The answers we often seek are sometimes right in front of us.  We get so caught up with everything around us that we need to just stop.  We need to stop- take a moment to reflect- pray to our Heavenly Father and the answer will come.  GOD is there to guide us every step of the way.

Elise and Thornton's story is an excellent example of this.   GOD was there and he provided.

Great book.  I loved the story and look forward to the next book in the series.  Thank you, Jody Hedlund, for giving me hours of enjoyment.

Heart On The Line by Karen Witemeyer

Amos and Grace didn't expect to find love any time soon.  Amos thought love was beyond his grasp.  Who would want to love him?  Grace was afraid to get close to anyone.  As long as she was in danger, she kept her distance from friends.  But what harm was there in striking up a friendship over the wires -  (Sounds like the internet and Facebook)?  But GOD had a plan for them..

Their paths crossed by wire and both of their lives changed.  Grace learned the valuable lesson of allowing others to help her with her struggles.  Amos took a risk and he discovered not only what he was capable of but the love of his life.

Valuable lesson- We need to believe that GOD is there every step of our way.  We are not alone.  He is protecting us and gives us strength in our moments of weakness.

Karen, this was such an enjoyable read.  I loved the story and was happy about the outcome.  I will always be eager for your new releases.

I took this book on a mini-vacation and enjoyed reading it while watching the waters of Lake Michigan.  It added to my rest and relaxation time.