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.

Return to Huckleberry Hill

A lovely story about two people who were childhood friends and how they helped each other.  Fern is the friend we all need.  She is there for you and will tell it like it is.  Reuben needed her to learn some valuable lessons.

Their journey of discovery was a delight to read.   Three words came to me while reading this book- Loyalty, Pride and Forgiveness.  Fern was loyal to to Reuben.  She knew he  always looked out for her and had a warm, softer side.  Reuben allowed pride to blind him of what was important in his life.  Forgiveness was needed for Reuben to move on and to grab a hold of happiness.  I love to read anything by Jennifer Beckstrand.  I have no problem to RETURN TO HUCKLEBERRY HILL over and over again.

About the Author

Jennifer Beckstrand is the award winning Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hillseries and The Honeybee Sisters series for Kensington Books. 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 and the Honeybee sisters’ aendi Bitsy. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a passion for Jane Austen and Shakespeare. She and her husband have been married for thirty-two years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and soon-to-be six adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

GIVEAWAY-

https://promosimple.com/ps/b3b2

AMISH BRIDES

Three delightful stories of love lost and love found.  I enjoyed all three stories.

1.  The Reluctant Groom by Jennifer Beckstrand
I was excited to return to characters I have loved in her previous books.

Anna and Felty were up to it again.  Suvie wanted their help to find a groom.  Aaron, their grandson, needed help to begin living again.  Anna and Felty knew what it would take to bring the two of them together.

2.  Joshua's Bride by Molly Jenner
Joshua and Madeline had a date for their wedding.   But his parents were against it.  Would the wedding occur with their disapproval?  Neither gave up hope that they would change their minds.

3.  A Summer Wedding in Paradise by Amy Lillard
Aunt Reba needed a husband.  Her three nieces were in a mission.  They knew exactly who they had in mind - Abel.  But were Reba and Abel ready for what her nieces had in store?  Reba learned a valuable lesson.  She had to be true to herself and stop trying to be someone she's not.

All three of these stories were delightful and inspiring.  All three women in these stories had the family support they needed when times were difficult.  They had the love of GOD in their lives and they knew with prayer that they could survive anything.

Love, love, love this collection!

About the Author

Molly Jebber’s books have been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today’s HEA, and Romantic Times has given them a near excellent rating. She’s on RWA’s Honor Roll. She’s a speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, and she offers presentations on writing, publishing, Amish lifestyle and traditions. She has received widespread media coverage, including live interviews, across the United States for her books and speaking engagements.

She’s just signed a new contract for four more Amish books! She loves interacting with her readers. She loves God, her husband, family and friends. She has a hard time saying no to cupcakes, swimming, nine holes of golf, and walks on the beach. Coconut, oatmeal, and onions, on the other hand, are not hard to say no to!

Giveaway:
https://promosimple.com/ps/b3a7

Behind The Scenes by Jen Turano

At first glance, the cover made me think of Debbie Reynolds and the wonderful characters she played in the movies.

Permilia was considered a wallflower.  I beg to differ.  She just didn't fit in with the society crowd.  She was told she was a wallflower and she believed it.  BEHIND THE SCENES she was bright, funny, inquisitive and very talented.  She was loving and thoughtful.

Her stepmother continuously told her that she was odd and ackward. I

 Permilia was true to herself and Asher Rutherford was very interested.

This book has it all- romance, mystery, and humor.  I loved it.

The Farmer's Market Mishap by Wanda Brunstetter

I anticipated that I would love this book so I saved it for my vacation.  I read this while we drove home.  I guess you could say I devoured this book as the scenery flew by my window.

Elma was on her own after her sister married.  She was trying to keep her shop going, taking care of her home and being there for her pregnant sister.  At times, she felt overwhelmed and so lonely.  Was she destined to be a spinster?  She adopted a cat and a stray dog but she wanted so much more.

At times, Elma was so envious of her sister.   Elma prayed often and knew that GOD would bring her the answers.  She needed to be patient.

I loved that Elma didn't settle for second best. She could have.  Her sister tried to play matchmaker.  Elma stood firm.  Then a mishap happened at the farmer's market that changed her life.....was she willing to take a risk?

I loved this story.  It is so refreshing to read about families who love each other and will do what it takes to take care of them.  This story shows that at times we must make sacrifices for ones we love and that dreams can come true.

I always finish Ms. Brunstetter's books wanting more.  Thank you for giving me so much enjoyment especially today as I travelling down a boring highway.

The Ebb Ride by Beverly Lewis

This touching story is about Sallie, an Amish girl, who wants to travel the world beyond her Amish community.  Her family have been waiting patiently for her to join the Church but Sallie has other plans.

As you turn page after page, you are Sallie's growth.  She is a dutiful daughter but she comes to the realization of who GOD wants her to be.  It's not an easy decision.I

The Ebb Ride is the period between high and low tide.  After Sallie visited the ocean I see her right in the middle of the ebb tide.  She is trying to make the right decision.  With prayer and much needed time, the decision was very clear to her.

I loved this book.  I was quite surprised by the ending.  Thank you, Beverly Lewis.  Delightful journey to Cape May.

Trusting Grace by Maggie Brendan

I completed this book in just a couple of days-eager for Grace to find love and happiness!  Grace Bidwell is a woman of kindness, integrity and tenderness.  She is dedicated to get father and her friends.  Life hasn't worked out as she planned and she feels that her chance for happiness has slipped by.

But.... Robert Frazier comes to town looking for job.  He is employed by Grace but he found much more.

I cheered when the bad guy was defeated and was delighted when Grace and Robert discovered that life doesn't always turn out the way you planned.

Trusting Grace was a wonderful book to escape in.....trust me.....you'll love it!!

FOR LOVE AND HONOR BY JODY HEDLUND

There hasn't been one Jody Hedlund's book that I haven't loved.  She never disappoints.   I never would have known this was a juvenile book without checking first.   

This book centers around Bennet and Sabine.  They each have a cross to bear.  Bennet needs to save his ancestral home and belongings.  Sabine has a secret that she cannot share with anyone.

With a little scheming, Bennet and Sabine are brought together. I enjoyed their banter back and forth and was surprised in the twist of the story at the end.

Sabine was caged like a bird.  In order to be set free, she had to be open and allow herself to trust in the Lord that all will be ok.

Bennet learned that belongings and treasures really didn't make you rich.  His relationship with his loved ones was what mattered.

Great story for a senior like me as well as the audience it was written for.  

Once again, Ms. Hedlund entertained me with her excellent writing skills.

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves fairy-tales and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five teen-aged children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

Giveaway:  https://promosimple.com/ps/b6fc

A Spring of Weddings

A short and sweet collection of unexpected love:  One story is of a soon to be daughter-in-law and her fiance's mother and the other is about a couple doing a favor for their friends.
June is usually the time for weddings but in this collection Spring is the time for love.  I loved both stories and quickly Was involved in the storyline.  

 A Proxy Wedding - Carly wasn't too thrilled to go on a car trip with a stranger.  But this car trip changed her life.

Hope Beyond Savannah-  Lily adored her fiance.  But his mother was hard to get a long with.  Will the marriage be called off?  I loved that this story involved a family from Samoa.  

Great read for the Spring..the time for renewal....where things come to life again.  Enjoyed every moment.  I will recommend this collection...



GIVEAWAY:
 https://promosimple.com/ps/b614

About the Authors

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.

Melissa Wardwell was born and raised in a small mid-Michigan community living there still with her Husband and three children. She enjoys taking pictures, reading, and leisurely rides with her husband on their motorcycle. All her stories revolve around women who are mothers. Single mothers, widowed mothers, young mothers, married mothers, and even women who have a mother’s heart but no children of her own.

Her hope is that each story touches your heart, gives you hope, or just gives you a moment away from the chaos of life.