8/4. Irish Encounter

Yarn and Ireland.  What could be better than that?  Of course, a handsome stranger..

Ellen agrees to go to Ireland with her daughter.  She was looking forward to shopping and seeing some beautiful scenery.  What happened to Ellen was unexpected and no way planned.  Should she take a risk? 

Decisions are made everyday..some are trivial decisions but some are life changing ones.  We can be afraid of change.  I, for one, was never thrilled with changes.  I settled maybe too long in a  bad relationship or in a career choice. But changes in our lives are evitable.

Ellen and Payne were both dealing with loss.  They wanted to protect their hearts from further pain. But do you allow your past to prevent you from real happiness?  This was the dilemma they both had to face.

I enjoyed the story as it has many components that I am interested in.  I love to crochet and visit yarn shops often.  Ireland is on my to go list to visit.  Plus You add a little romance.  I am sold on this book!!!

I received this free from Celebrate Lit to review.

About the Book

Book:  Irish Encounter

Author: Hope Toler Dougherty

Genre:  Sweet, inspirational romance

Release Date: May 7, 2015

After almost three years of living under a fog of grief, Ellen Shepherd is ready for the next chapter in her life, perhaps an adventure during a visit to Galway. Her idea of excitement consists of exploring Ireland for yarn to feature in her shop back home, but the adventure awaiting her includes an edgy stranger who disrupts her tea time, challenges her belief system, and stirs up feelings she thought she’d buried with her husband.

After years of ignoring God, nursing anger, and stifling his grief, Payne Anderson isn’t ready for the feelings a chance encounter with an enchanting stranger evokes. Though avoiding women and small talk has been his pattern, something about Ellen makes him want to seek her—and God again.

Can Ellen accept a new life different than the one she planned? Can Payne release his guilt and accept the peace he’s longed for? Can they surrender their past pain and embrace healing together or will fear and doubt ruin this second chance at happiness?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Hope holds a Master’s degree in English and taught at East Carolina University and York Technical College. Forever Music is her fourth novel. Residing in North Carolina, she and her husband enjoy visits with their daughters and twin sons.

More from Hope

Inspiration Behind Irish Encounter

A few years ago, I was staring at the first day of the rest of my life. My oldest daughter was set to graduate high school in less than a month. Two years later, her sister would march right behind her, followed in two years by their twin brothers.

Life as I’d known it for the preceding eighteen years was about to change enormously.

Throughout my tenure as a stay-with-my-children mom, I’d written for publications—sporadically—but I had a portfolio of articles with my byline in print.

That May afternoon, I decided to write something for Guideposts, a magazine filled with inspirational, faith-filled stories. I’d just completed “The Life of Moses” with Bible Study Fellowship, and I envisioned sharing wisdom and insight gleaned from thirty two weeks of study.

I penned What I learned from Moses on the top line of a yellow legal pad. As soon as I wrote this fascinating title, I immediately began daydreaming—about Ireland, not Moses.

In my daydream, a woman in an Irish café scribbled in a journal. A little old man in a tweed vest approached her, introduced himself, and began talking about his late wife.  I saw the wooden buttons on his vest and the Irish cap clutched in his hands.  Suddenly another man, dressed in dusty safari clothes, appeared to the woman’s left, lounging at his table and eavesdropping on their conversation.

This scene interested me infinitely more than the Moses idea. I turned the page to a fresh sheet and wrote everything I saw and heard in that Irish coffee shop.

Irish Encounter began that day. I didn’t know it yet, but God did. I just hurried back every morning to my desk to see what happened next. Before writing, I’d recite Bible verses from the Moses study, like Exodus 3:12 “And God said, ‘I will be with you’” and Exodus 4:12 “Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (NIV)

I’d pray for guidance and help, and then I’d travel to Galway.

God led me onto this writing journey with a lot of prodding and pulling and nudges toward those interesting characters. I’m thankful every day He did, and I hope readers will enjoy the trip to Ireland with Ellen and Payne, too!

Blog Stops

Batya’s Bits, July 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 28

Inklings and notions, July 29

deb’s Book Review, July 29

Texas Book-aholic, July 30

Genesis 5020, July 30

For Him and My Family, July 31

The Collaborative Press, July 31

Through the Fire Blogs, August 1

Godly Book Reviews, August 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 2

Older & Smarter?, August 3

Writing from the Heart Land, August 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 4

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 4

Reflections From My Bookshelves, August 5

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 5

Betti Mace, August 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 6

Locks, Hooks And Books , August 7

Maureen’s Musings, August 7

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, August 8

Pause for Tales, August 8

Just the Write Escape, August 9

Read Review Rejoice, August 9

Emily Yager, August 10

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, August 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour Hope is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card & a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/fe36/irish-encounter-celebration-tour-giveaway

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.

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. 

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.

-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.

About the Book

Book:  His Pretend Amish Bride

Author: Rachel J. Good

Genre:  Amish Romance

Release Date: June 30, 2020

In 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

USA 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 & Promises, Sisters & Friends, Unexpected Amish Blessings, Surprised 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 Heroes, Love’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

Through the Lens of Scripture, June 29

The Avid Reader, June 29

Among the Reads, June 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 30

Texas Book-aholic, July 1

Blogging With Carol, July 1

Inklings and notions, July 2

Batya’s Bits, July 2

She Lives To Read, July 3

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, July 3

Splashes of Joy, July 4

reviewingbooksplusmore, July 4

For Him and My Family, July 5

Books, Life, and Christ, July 5

For the Love of Literature, July 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 7

deb’s Book Review, July 7

Blossoms and Blessings, July 7

Older & Smarter?, July 8

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 8

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, July 8

Reading Is My SuperPower, July 9

Bigreadersite, July 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 10

Maureen’s Musings, July 10

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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/fcda/his-pretend-amish-bride-celebration-tour-giveaway

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.

A Bride of Convenience by Jody Hedlund

Zoe traveled far to escape her hardships in England and to find her brother.  Abe was determined to further his career.  But something called marriage interfered in both of their plans.  Zoe found herself  A BRIDE OF CONVENIENCE.

I loved the story.  You can't help but love Zoe.  She had a giving heart.  Abe fought his attraction to Zoe as he was fixated on a lost love.  He took too much time focusing on what he didn't have or what he wanted to achieve. He almost lost it all.

Many people are in the same situation.  We spend so much time trying to achieve a goal or envy what our neighbor has.  We don't realize how blessed we are.  We sometimes realize this after it is too late. 

I received this book for free to review. 

A great story that I know my friends and family would enjoy. 

Author: Jody Hedlund
Series: The Bride Ships Series, Book 3
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publication Year: 2020
ASIN: 0764232975
ISBN: 9780764232978

Unemployed mill worker Zoe Hart jumps at the opportunity to emigrate to British Columbia in 1863 to find a better life and be reunited with her brother, who fled from home after being accused of a crime.

The Highest of Hopes by Susan Anne Mason

Emmaline had the Highest of Hopes when she travelled to Canada to search for her father.  Jonathan had the Highest of Hopes that Emmaline could love him.

They both learned that feelings such as love and affection can not be forced.   It is a gift that is given to you without it being a competition or contest.

You don't have to earn GOD's love.  You don't have to impress GOD for him to love you.  His love is constant.

This is the second book of the Canadian Crossings Series.  I read the first book of the series.  They each can stand alone but a few characters in Book one appear in Book two. I have Book three ready!!!!


I received this free from Bethany House to review.

Book 2: The Highest of Hopes

For Years She Searched for Somewhere to Belong.
But is She Looking in the Right Place?

Emmaline Moore and her best friend, Jonathan Rowe, travel to Canada to find the father she never knew. Instead of the joyful reunion she anticipates, however, she finds Randall Moore is more concerned about his bid to become mayor of Toronto than getting to know his daughter. Jonathan has secretly loved Emma for years and hopes that during their trip he can win her heart. When she informs him that she has no intention of returning to England, Jonathan begins to despair. Will she ever come to see that Jonathan is her true home?

Purchase from Amazon.com
Purchase from Bethany House (Baker)
Purchase from Barnes & Noble
Purchase from Christianbook.com

I have always loved to write. As a teen, I wrote my first novel, only to be politely rejected by my publisher of choice.

Life got in the way – university, marriage and children became the priority. Then once I had time to start reading again, the writing bug bit once more.

I enjoy writing both contemporary and historical Inspirational romances. “Romance sprinkled with faith” describes my writing style. I love themes of forgiveness and redemption!

I am a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Romance Writers of America. My association with such amazing groups of people has been the biggest asset toward learning my craft.

Home for me is Brampton, Ontario, Canada (near Toronto), where I live with my husband and our two children. My day job is a part-time secretary at a local church. In my spare time, I like to read and research our family history online.

The Best of Intentions

I just finished this touching book by Susan Anne Mason.  I was sad for it to end but I already have the next book in the Canadian Crossings Series.

I couldn't put the book down.  I loved Grace and her compassion.  I wanted to shake Andrew because of his sense of responsibility.  I wanted to shout at Mr. Easton for being so stubborn and set in his ways.

I highly recommend this book.  I can't wait to give it to my Mother to read.  Ms. Mason wrote such a beautiful story that I have to share. 

I received this book for free from Bethany House to review.

Susan Anne Mason

Susan Anne Mason's (www.susanannemason.net) historical novel Irish Meadows won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of RWA as well as the Christian Retailer's Choice Award for Debut Novel. A member of ACFW, Susan lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children.

Wanda Brunstetter's Amish Friends Farmhouse Favorites Cookbook

I am not a cook.  I never have pretended to be.  The funny thing is that I love collecting cookbooks and antique kitchen items.

I can't resist cookbooks and when I received one by Wanda Brunstetter...well..I did a little happy dance.

This cookbook will be one I will use instead of it just sitting on my shelf.  I found a few recipes that I am ready to make.

The pictures are great and the pages are sturdy. It is not flimsy.  

A great addition is the section with tips and suggestions to use in the home.  

This will make a wonderful gift for anyone who loves to cook or someone like me.  It's my birthday this month so it couldn't have come at a better time.  Thanks, Wanda Brunstetter!  

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