Tuesday, October 21, 2025

To Reveal A Reckless Love

I was invited to read this book by Robin Hatcher. The cover was beautiful and I was eager to start.

Victoria found herself stranded by the side of a stagecoach. The coach was not going anywhere. She wasn't sure what to do. It didn't take long before she was rescued by another coach headed in her direction. She was searching for her lost brother. But what she found changed her life completely.

The location of this story was the western part of the US. Ms. Hatcher described the views as an artist would. It was breathtaking. And Roger, an artist, attempted to capture this in his art.

The relationship between Victoria and Roger started out friendly. But with time, they both felt much more.

Did Victoria ever find her brother? Did she lose her heart in the process? And what role did Hope have in her future?

I received this book to review by Robin Hatcher.

#blogtour

About the author

Robin Lee Hatcher is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 90 novels and novellas with over five million copies in print. She’s known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of courage, faith, and love. In addition to many writing awards—including the Christy, Carol, and RITA Awards—she’s the recipient of prestigious lifetime achievement awards from both ACFW and RWA. She lives in the Boise area with a demanding papillon dog.

Monday, October 20, 2025

The Amish Ballerina

Sooner or later, not telling the truth is going to get you in trouble. Arie Kauffman soon found out.

Her passion for ballet drove her to keeping secrets. She loved to dance but was it worth it? She was hurting her boyfriend and her parents. An Amish girl wasn't supposed to be a ballerina.

A cute story of a young girl trying to figure out who she is and what does she want in life. It takes an accident for her to realize what she risks if she continues.

This book is written by the granddaughter of Wanda E. Brunstetter with help from Mrs. Brunstetter. Richelle Brunstetter will have an amazing future ahead of her as a writer.

I received this book to review from #Wanda'sClippityClopClub!

#blogtour.

Official Bio

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written more than 100 books translated in four languages. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nation’s most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Richelle Brunstetter

Brunstetter, Richelle: - Richelle Brunstetter lives in the Pacific Northwest and developed a desire to write when she took creative writing in high school. After enrolling in college classes, her overall experience enticed her to become a writer, and she wants to implement what she's learned into her stories. Just starting her writing career, her first published story appears in The Beloved Christmas Quilt beside her grandmother, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and her mother, Jean. Richelle enjoys traveling to different places, her favorite being Kauai, Hawaii.

Sunday, October 12, 2025

A Hidden Hope

Dok had her hands full. She had a lot on her plate. She was not only busy with her practice but was supervising two new doctors and a nurse.

An entertaining story of the Amish and the Englishers living together in this country community.

Bishop David, also Dok's brother, owned a shop but he was the leader of the Amish community. He also carried a heavy load. At times, something or someone fell through the cracks.

Evie loves being a nurse. She is heads over heels in love with Charlie, a new doctor. She is trying hard to not let her feelings show. Charlie finds it difficult to pass the necessary exams to make his dreams come true.

Wren will be a great doctor. Things come easy for her. But she has a hidden agenda for wanting to be supervised by Dok.

Annie, poor Annie, wants to be an EMT. But something stands in her way.

I highly recommend the story. I loved all the characters. Fern and Birdy have the most common sense. They cook great meals and supportive to all in the community.

I can't get enough of these type of stories. Wonderful characters. Enjoyable storyline.

I received this book to review from Celebrate Lit.

#blogtour

#celebrate lit

About the Book

Book: A Hidden Hope

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Amish Fiction

Release Date: October 7, 2025

Supervising two newly minted medical residents might be the toughest challenge Ruth “Dok” Stoltzfus has ever faced. Wren Baker, sharp and ambitious, graduated at the top of medical school with a hidden agenda in tow. Charlie King, at the bottom of the class, is determined to succeed–though Dok isn’t convinced he’s got what it takes. Then there’s traveling nurse Evie Miller, whose quiet love for Charlie doesn’t go unnoticed, especially by Wren.

Boarding at Windmill Farm, the trio struggles to balance modern medicine with plain living. Between medical emergencies, cultural misunderstandings, and brewing romantic tensions, Dok finds herself juggling far more than she bargained for. Soon the stage is set in the small Amish community of Stoney Ridge for plenty of professional and personal complications.

Click here to get your copy!

About The Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a Christy finalist, a Carol and Selah winner, a two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, and Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of more than forty books. Her genres include contemporary and historical romances and Amish fiction. Suzanne and her husband live in a small town in northern California. Most friends act a little nervous around her because they usually wind up in one of her novels. She has four grown children and enough grandchildren to keep her young.

More from Suzanne

The Kitchen Garden by Suzanne Woods Fisher

“Gardening is a way of showing that you believe in tomorrow.” Amish proverb

Whenever I visit my Amish friends, I always make a point of wandering out to their vegetable gardens to see what’s growing. Their gardens, usually not far from the kitchen, are bigger than most people’s backyards. Gardens, for the Amish, are a family affair. Husbands help their wives ready the soil and add the homebrewed fertilizer (ahem, manure), children help their moms plant, weed, and harvest.

Like so many parts of the Plain life, their value of the home garden—for the sake of nutrition, for sustenance, for well-being—is a wonderful example to those of us who weren’t farm-raised. They’ve been living a sustainable life filled with fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables for over four hundred years. The rest of us are just catching on.
One Amish mom told me a story about her daughter, the youngest of seven. “This girl was a born worrier. Whenever she started on her worry loop, I would send her out to weed in the garden. When she came back in, her worries were gone. There’s just something about weeding that helps a soul settle down.”
I could expand that thought a little further. There’s just something about gardening that helps a soul settle down.
So, it’s late on Saturday and I just wrapped up a very long week. I spoke at three book events and finished the first draft (the drafty-draft) of a novel. I can’t stop thinking about the novel. Is it a mess? As tired as I am, tonight I don’t think I’ve got one more word in me—not to speak, not to write. I’m spent! Done. My husband is out for the evening, so I had a few hours alone at home to relax.
What did I do?
I planted in my garden: lettuce and radishes and carrots. As I dug in the spongy soil, I could feel my soul settle. Worry and exhaustion slipped away as I scattered seeds into furrows. Little by little, that wonderful God-given sense of re-creation returned. Tomorrow, I would write again. Time spent in my little garden does that for me. It renews me and gives me a hope for the future.
Or, at the very least, a good salad.
Overnight Blueberry French Toast
On a sunny July morning, we were served this breakfast dish at an Amish friend’s home and my husband couldn’t stop talking about it. You might be shocked at the amount of eggs, but don’t skimp! It’s worth every bite.
12 slices bread cut in 1” cubes
8 oz. cream cheese cut in ¾” cubes
1 ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
12 eggs
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 cups milk
Place half the bread cubes in a 9×13 baking dish. Top with cream cheese blueberries and the remaining bread. Beat eggs, syrup and milk and pour evenly over bread.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until well done.
Blog Stops
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 7
The Avid Reader, October 7
Maureen’s Musings, October 8
Life on Chickadee Lane, October 8
Simple Harvest Reads, October 9 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 10
Devoted To Hope, October 10
lakesidelivingsite, October 11
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 12
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 12
Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 13
Mary Hake, October 13
She Lives To Read, October 14
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 15
Empowermoms, October 15
Texas Book-aholic, October 16
Blossom and Blessings, October 16
Vicky Sluiter, October 17
Little Homeschool on the Prairie , October 17
For Him and My Family, October 18
Holly’s Book Corner, October 18
Cover Lover Book Review, October 19
Blogging With Carol, October 20
Southern Gal Loves to Read, October 20
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/3d270/a-hidden-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, October 9, 2025

On a Midnight Clear

Three stories in one collection. I had to read this as the three authors are my favorites to read.

Tracie Peterson - The Shepherd's Heart

Misty M.Beller- No Room at the Inn

Karen Witemeyer- A Star in the West

Each novella was a joy to read. I loved The Shepherd's Heart. It was very touching. I loved that the main character was named Angel. She was one especially to widower Vincent and his two children.

No Room at the Inn was the story of Hope. She owned and worked at the Stage Inn with her brother. She never expected to find love especially at her age and because of where she lived. She didn't give up hope that she had in her heart for a husband and a family of her very own.

A Star at the Inn

Stella couldn't leave her father. She promised to take care of him after her mother died. But then she met Frank. Romance bloomed between them. Both have reservations over their future. Could she leave her father and her family home for Frank? Could Frank give up a job he loves for a chance of happiness with Stella?

A quick and enjoyable read. Inspirational. Happy Endings.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit to review.

#blogtour

#CelebrateLit

About the Book

Book: On a Midnight Clear: A 3-in-1 Christmas Novella Collection

Authors: Tracie Peterson, Misty M. Beller, Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 5, 2025

Can they find a place to put their hearts and hope this Christmas?

Beloved authors Tracie Peterson, Misty M. Beller, and Karen Witemeyer come together with this festive novella collection inspired by the Nativity story and filled with faith, promise, and romance.

The Shepherd’s Heart by Tracie Peterson
On the frontier, widowed sheep rancher Vincent Duran seeks a mother for his two children. Angel Lewis agrees to marry him despite believing Vincent will never truly love her, but as they work together during a fierce winter storm, will their broken hearts finally find peace, joy, and love?

No Room at the Inn by Misty M. Beller
When Noah Bentwood and his charge are snowed in while traveling through the Rocky Mountains, he must stay in a barn since the stage inn has no vacant rooms. Then innkeeper Hope Palmer’s family heirloom disappears, and she and Noah work together to find it before Christmas. While the snowfall holds them captive, will unexpected feelings bloom?

A Star in the West by Karen Witemeyer
Friendly correspondence with Stella Barrington evolves into something more when Harvard mathematics professor Frank Stentz arrives in Waco, Texas. As the two experiment with extending their relationship beyond letters, an impossible dilemma arises between love and logic. Will her wise man be able to calculate a way for them to be together?

Rediscover the joy of Christmas with these faith-based historical romances from bestselling authors featuring sweet Western frontier stories with themes of marriage of convenience, forced proximity, and friends-to-more.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling author of more than 100 novels, with more than 6 million copies sold. Learn more at TraciePeterson.com.

USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories woven through with the truth of God’s love. Learn more at MistyMBeller.com.

Bestselling and award–winning author Karen Witemeyer pens historical romance with a flair for humor and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Learn more at KarenWitemeyer.com.

More from Misty

When Friends Join Forces…Magic Happens!

For me, teaming up with my dear friends Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer has created pure Christmas magic!

Ever since I was young, Christmas stories have held a special place in my heart. There’s something truly enchanting about the season—the warmth, joy, and love that seem to fill the air. And when you combine that with the charm of a good story? It’s absolutely irresistible! Can you relate?

I’ve also long been a HUGE fan of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer. Their books have been favorites of mine for years, and I’ve read so many of them multiple times. The chance to join them on this Christmas novella collection, On a Midnight Clear, has been a dream come true in every way.

If you love Christmas books as much as I do, you won’t want to miss On a Midnight Clear. This collection is our holiday gift to you, our readers—stories filled with the wonder of the season, unforgettable characters, and the timeless message of love and hope.

We hope these novellas bring the same joy and warmth to your heart as they brought to ours while writing them.

So, curl up with your favorite blanket, grab a cup of cocoa, and let the magic of On a Midnight Clear transport you to a world of Christmas cheer.

Merry Christmas reading!

Misty

Blog Stops

Library’s Lady Kid Lit, September 30

Madi’s Musings, September 30

The Avid Reader, October 1

lakesidelivingsite, October 1

Simple Harvest Reads, October 1 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 2

Pens Pages & Pulses, October 2

Inkwell Inspirations, October 2

Devoted To Hope, October 3

Leslie’s Library Escape, October 3

By the Book, October 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 4

Devoted Steps, October 4

Texas Book-aholic, October 5

Maureen’s Musings, October 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 6

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 6

She Lives To Read, October 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 8

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 8

For Him and My Family, October 9

Blogging With Carol, October 9

Vicky Sluiter, October 10

Pause for Tales, October 10

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 10

Stories By Gina, October 11 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 11

Bizwings Blog, October 12

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 12

Cover Lover Book Review, October 12

Holly’s Book Corner, October 13

Blossoms and Blessings, October 13

The Bookish Pilgrim, October 13

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Tracie, Karen, and Misty are giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://sweepwidget.com/c/92784-eg7nu2a1

Monday, October 6, 2025

The Forever Cowboy- Jody Hedlund

Cowboys. I can't resist a cowboy. I love men in jeans, boots and cowboy hats. Fortunately, Sterling wore all three. Hard to resist. But he was lacking one thing- a bride.

Violet Berkley was Sterling's bride to be. A few months ago, she jilted him at the altar. And he couldn't find himself able to forgive her.

Now Violet and her sister show up at his cabin looking for help. Could he forgive her enough to help her out of a terrible situation?

I loved the story.

I received this book to review from the author.

#blogtour

#JodyHedlund

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle. Find out more at jodyhedlund.com.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. 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.

Jody Hedlund- The Favored Cowboy

Amelia was desperate. Becoming a mail order bride is her only chance of escaping her husband's killer.

Thacher, the town's veterinarian, is desperate for a companion. After only a few letters, he send away for one.

Thatcher and Amelia marry as soon as she arrives. It takes awhile before the truth comes out. And the truth threatens their future.

I enjoyed this story of mistaken identity. You would think Amelia could have put two to two together right away. I'm sure she was nervous and was desperate.

Thatcher was beyond understanding with Amelia's circumstances. She was fortunate that he was a good man but also hot!

I recommend this book. Fast read. Lovely couple. Drama. Romance.

Thank you, Jody Hedlund, for accepting me on your tour.

#blogtour

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle. Find out more at jodyhedlund.com.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. 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.

Sermons from a Soapbox

About the Book

Book: Sermons from a Soapbox

Author: Ladonna Shanks

Genre: Devotional, based on personal experience; Memoir; Adult Nonfiction; “Life Lesson Essays”

Release Date: April 8, 2025

“What is God like?

Does He even exist, other than as a figment of the imagination?

Or is He real, a part of daily life and our world?

In Sermons from a Soapbox, Ladonna Shanks shares her personal spiritual journey of more than seventy-five years. “I cannot write what I have not experienced,” serves as the base of her easy-to-read, anecdotal essays. The short “sermons” challenge the reader to think, question, search, and consider living where God is . . . in the spiritual, long-term, instead of humankind’s physical, short-term.

Excerpt from the Book

Absolutes and Precepts

The Basics of God

absolute: n. That which is independent of context-dependent interpretation, inviolate, fundamental. Adj. Certain, not to be doubted.

precept: n. A rule for action or behavior, esp. one based on moral consideration.

Absolutes make up the foundation of our planet, its functions, and cycles:

Each and every day, with surety, the ocean’s tide rises and falls.

Without exception, in a journey of approximately 365 days planet Earth rotates on its axis while circling the sun, the center of our solar system.

Weather remains a daily constant in the lives of humankind. While often unpredictable, and despite its importance in our lives, we hold no authority over it. Instead, every facet of weather regularly controls and influences us—how and where we live, our activities, the clothing we wear, and our emotional and physical well-being too.

Every day, physical life begins when an egg and sperm meet, conception takes place, and a new life is created. The mother’s womb provides a cocoon for development and growth. Months later, when enough time has passed and life can survive independently, birth takes place.

On the other end of the spectrum, physical life ends daily worldwide.

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

Excerpt One: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/sermons-from-a-soapbox-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Two: https://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/sermons-from-a-soapbox-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Three: https://www.fictionbooklover.com/posts/sermons-from-a-soapbox-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Four: https://www.deniselbarela.com/posts/sermons-from-a-soapbox-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Five: https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2025/10/11/sermons-from-a-soapbox-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Six: https://nannie3.blogspot.com/2025/10/sermons-from-soapbox.html?m=1
Excerpt Seven: https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/2025/10/celebrate-lit-epic-book-launch-presents.html

About the Author

Ladonna Shanks was born and raised in Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley. During her several decades of life, she has been an entrepreneur, a small business owner, and, most recently, a writer. Her first book, Tidbits and Pearls, A Book of Essays on Living Everyday Life with God was published in 2019. Ladonna’s family, including five grandgirls, and her commitment to God serve as her priorities.

Friday, October 3, 2025

Christmas Mail Order Brides Anthology

Not many more days to Christmas! But reading this collection brought me closer to that wonderful season.

I was excited to read this when I saw the cover and who the contributing authors were. I wasn't disappointed. I loved all three stories. How could you not?

I think I enjoyed Amelia's story the best. She was busy finding matches for all her customers. She was ready to retire, but she had one disappointing match that failed. She had to correct this mistake. And this led her right into the arms of a dear friend.

Great stories.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit to review.

#blogtour

About the Book

Book: Christmas Mail Order Brides, Anthology

Authors: Vickie McDonough, Carrie Turansky, Susan Page Davis

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 9, 2025

a's Marriage arrives by mail-order—just in time for Christmas.

Ride the transcontinental railroad as three mail-order brides head west in search of new futures. Annika arrives in Wyoming to discover her intended groom is missing. Jolie’s journey to Nevada is derailed by disaster, and Amelia travels to California to wrap up her final attempts at matchmaking. Will the holiday season be the ticket to spark love in unexpected ways?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

Carrie Turansky has loved reading since she first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. Her love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas. Carrie has won the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Scott. They have five grown children and twelve grandchildren who bring them much joy. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her walking around the lake near her home, working in her flower gardens, cooking healthy meals for family and friends, or leading women’s ministry at her church.

Susan Page Davis is the author of more than 100 published novels and novellas in the romance, mystery, historical, and romantic suspense genres. She’s a winner of the Carol Award, Will Rogers Medallion, and the Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice Award, and a finalist in the Selah Awards and Willa Literary Awards. A Maine native, she now lives in western Kentucky with her husband, Jim.

.Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 54 books and novellas. Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, OWFI Best Fiction Novel Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, making cards, gardening, and traveling.

Bringing a Swedish Christmas to the American West

By Carrie Turansky

In my novella, A Trusting Heart, part of the Christmas Mail-Order Brides Collection, Annika Bergstrom, who is originally from Sweden, leaves her home in Chicago and travels to the rugged Wyoming Territory in 1880 to marry a man she’s never met. Though she carries only a small trunk, she brings with her something far more meaningful—cherished Christmas traditions from her homeland.

Swedish Christmas celebrations begin early with the first Sunday of Advent. Annika remembers her mother lighting a candle each week leading up to Christmas, filling their home with warmth and anticipation. In her new Wyoming home, she lights a candle, longing for connection and clinging to faith and hope as she begins this new chapter of life.

December 13 brings one of the most beloved Swedish traditions—St. Lucia Day. In Sweden, the youngest daughter dresses in a white gown with a red sash and wears a crown of candles, waking her family with coffee and saffron buns. Annika lovingly bakes these sweet rolls with her intended’s daughter, hoping it will draw them all closer.

As Christmas Eve—Julafton—arrives, Annika prepares a modest version of a Swedish smörgåsbord: roasted ham, root vegetables, and creamy rice pudding. She hides an almond in the pudding, smiling as everyone at the table eagerly searches their bowls. According to Swedish tradition, the one who finds the almond will marry in the coming year. Laughter and joy fill the room, and Annika feels a growing sense of belonging with her new family.

Swedish traditions add depth and richness to A Trusting Heart, reminding us that wherever we go, the light of Christmas can shine brightly—especially when carried by a trusting heart.

We hope you’ll enjoy reading Christmas Mail-Order Brides which includes three novellas: The Prodigal Groom by Vickie McDonough, A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky, and Mrs. Mayberry Meets Her Match by Susan Page Davis. Each heartwarming story that will transport you back to a joyful, old-fashioned Christmas.