Sunday, April 23, 2017

Treasured Grace by Tracie Peterson

Treasured Grace by Tracie Peterson

When is the next book coming out?  I will be first in line for that one.  This story swept me up on the very first page.  Grace thought of others more than for herself.  She made decisions based on her head than her heart.  She paid the consequences for sacrificing her happiness.

Grace and her sisters were traveling West for a new life.  They got more than they bargained for.

The definition of GRACE in the dictionary is "do honor or credit to (someone or something) by one's presence."  This describes Grace perfectly.  She was a joy to know - a sister I would have Treasured to have.

 Five stars.  Loved it!

Friday, April 21, 2017

Witch by Denise Weimer

Witch

Whew!  It was wonderful!  Great story.  A meaningful message.

This book is the third of the series called Restoration.  I am so happy that I read book one and two.  It gave me the opportunity to see Jennifer and Michael's growth as they were fully restored.  They both carried such a heavy load and this created difficulty for their relationship to develop.

GOD brought the two together.  He knew their hurts and struggles.  But GOD had a plan for them. GOD is a waster of nothing.  GOD knew it was a matter of time that when they turned to him that all of their pain, sorrow and loss would vanish.

GOD is the RESTORER.  He has the power to cleanse our souls when we give our lives to him.  GOD is there to pick us up when we fall, to hold us when we are hurt  and to strengthen us when we are weak.

GOD was there for Jennifer.  She only had to open her heart to his WORD and she was on the path to recovery.  It took Michael a little more time but when they embraced the love of GOD, healing took place and their love could flourish.

I loved this book as well as the whole series.  It was thought provoking and made me want to move to that community

On a sidenote, my stepdaughter graduated in April 2016 with her Master's in Historic Preservation.  My interest to read this was peaked when I saw that it was based on Jennifer restoring historic properties.

Lovely book.  Five stars.
Giveaway:
https://promosimple.com/ps/b57b


About the Author

DENISE WEIMER holds a journalism degree with a minor in history from Asbury University. A former magazine writer, she is the author of romantic novella REDEEMING GRACE, The Georgia Gold Series (SAUTEE SHADOWS, THE GRAY DIVIDE, THE CRIMSON BLOOM, and BRIGHT AS GOLD – winner of the 2015 John Esten Cooke Award for outstanding Southern literature) and The Restoration Trilogy (WHITE, WIDOW and WITCH). Denise is a wife and swim mom of two daughters who always pauses for old houses, coffee and chocolate!




Thursday, April 6, 2017

Let Love Spring

Hope, prayer and renewal is the theme of this collection of stories called Let Love Spring.  Each story demonstrates that prayer and faith in GOD can create miracles in your life.

AN ANGEL FOR THE COWBOY BY JODIE WOLFE

Essie lost hope and was desparate.  Little did she know that GOD sent her a cowboy.  Was he The answer to her advertisement?

Judah was hurt and injured.  Was Essie his Angel?

SPRING RECAPTURED
 BY SANDY FAYE MAUCK

Andi had secrets.  She was afraid that they would be revealed.  She needed to come home to her Aunt but it put her at risk.  Ren lost hope and became bitter when Andi left town with no explanation.

GOD had a plan for Andi and Ren.

A LOVE NOT FORGOTTEN
BY LINDA SHENTON MATCHETT

Chaz had no memories of his life before.  Allison had faith and believed that their love could be renewed.

A Bible verse came to me while reading this collection.

John 4:13-14
Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."

 Spring is a time of new life.  Renewal.  

I loved the collection by three authors I have never heard before.  Great job and a wonderful start to my Spring reading.

Giveaway-https://promosimple.com/ps/b55e

About the Authors

Social Media 2015 (1)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.

0035ASM_5299 (1)Sandy Faye Mauck writes character driven historical fiction with a romantic heart and a sprinkle of humor. God’s truth is woven throughout her stories bringing hope and new life. She and her writer husband live in their own happily ever after on the Pacific Coast that holds their hearts.


linda-e (2)Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda Shenton Matchett has lived in historical places most of her life-from Edison, New Jersey (named for the famed light bulb inventor) and Washington, DC to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (reputed to be the oldest summer resort in America). A freelance writer for over ten years, her articles and devotionals have appeared in numerous print and online publications. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and a Trustee for the Wolfeboro Public Library. She lives in NH with her husband, Wes and her fur-baby, Ben. Visit her at http://www.lindashentonmatchett.com./

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Is she dead?

STILL LIFE BY DANI PETTREY

What an ending!  I never would have guessed the outcome.  I was totally surprised.  This genre isn't one I normally pick up.  I was ready for a change as I seem to read the same type of book over and over.

Avery has a lot on her shoulders.  She carries the shame of her past.  She also feels responsible for her friend, Skylar.

It was enjoyable and so suspenseful.  I quickly turned page after page until the ending.

Will Avery learn to forgive herself?

Will Parker allow himself to love again?

Will Skylar be found?

Who is responsible?

Dani Pettrey has all the answers.  I loved the suspense and enjoyed this book.

This is one book that makes you eager for the ending so the mystery is wrapped up but sad when it was over.

Great book!

Monday, March 27, 2017

Amanda Cabot's A STOLEN HEART

A Stolen Heart by Amanda Cabot

Can a heart be stolen?  Is it possible?  Lydia and Travis both carried broken hearts.   They spent years guarding theirs.  They were afraid to be hurt and to hurt others.

Travis never planned to give his heart to anyone.  That is, until Lydia stepped off the coach into Cimarron Creek, Texas.  Lydia went looking for her fiancee but found so much more than that.

Lydia was welcomed to Cimarron Creek with warmth and kindness.  She quickly realized she found a home.  But she had one strike against her, she was a Northener.

This was a delightful story.  I loved the characters and the town.  I am excited to see that this is the start of a new series called Cimarron Creek Trilogy.  I am ready to see what is in store for the residents of this wonderful town.

Monday, March 20, 2017

Such A Tease by Chautona Havig

What an appropriate title for this book!  It was a tease from beginning to end.  Madeline can't sit still.  She loved to help others and often puts herself in danger.
What was she thinking when she spent the night in the bank??

Madeline appears to others as confident and strong.  But she often hides from others her vulnerability and fears.  She turns to her friend, Russell, for advice.   But she knows that GOD is there listening to her prayers.

We need to remember that there are people in our lives that are not as strong as they appear.  Everyone has a vulnerable side and needs a shoulder to lean on once in awhile.

Madeline's Aunt tries to be a matchmaker.  Madeline shows no interest.  I do wanted her to connect with......won't name names.....lol.  But no!!  Ms. Havig is SUCH A TEASE!!!

This is one reader waiting for the next chapter of Meddlin' Madeline!!

Giveaway-

https://promosimple.com/ps/b2b8

Book:Such a Tease

Author:Chautona Havig

Genre:Christian Fiction/Historical/Mystery

Release Date: March 21, 2017

Madeline, with a little assistance, discovers her old adversary is gaining a following in Rockland! Can she expose him for the fraud she’s sure he is?

In book two of the Meddlin’ Madeline series, Madeline Brown has a new endeavor to occupy her time. But is it to keep her out of the way or a reward for her work in Sweet on You?With the help of her young friends, Madeline discovers her old adversary is gaining a following in Rockland! What’s a girl to do?

But her new position also gives her opportunities to observe, and what she sees sets more than one new investigation in motion. What does her old suitor, Delbert Jackson, know? Why is Mr. Merton giving important papers to that scoundrel, Vernon Smythe, and whatever happened to poor Abigail Cooper?

Add to these intriguing questions Henry Hardwick’s continued attentions, Edith’s newfound devotion to the temperance movement and Madeline’s determination to find her a more reliable suitor, and strange behavior from her Aunt Louisa and things heat up as summer fades from Rockland.

Her dear friend, Russell, busy with an important project at work, finds himself unable to help keep her out of trouble and away from danger. Is Madeline going too far? Will her meddling get her in serious trouble this time, will it destroy her reputation irreparably, or will she rid Rockland of a scoundrel once and for all?

About the Author

Author of the Amazon bestselling Aggie, Past Forward, and HearthLand series, Chautona considers herself blessed to live in California’s Mojave Desert with her husband and five of her nine children. When not writing, which she admits isn’t often, Chautona enjoys blogging, paper crafts, sewing, smocking, photo editing, and old (read: before her parents’ time) music.


Book: Such a Tease

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical/Mystery

Release Date: March 21, 2017

Madeline, with a little assistance, discovers her old adversary is gaining a following in Rockland! Can she expose him for the fraud she’s sure he is?

In book two of the Meddlin’ Madeline series, Madeline Brown has a new endeavor to occupy her time. But is it to keep her out of the way or a reward for her work in Sweet on You? With the help of her young friends, Madeline discovers her old adversary is gaining a following in Rockland! What’s a girl to do?

But her new position also gives her opportunities to observe, and what she sees sets more than one new investigation in motion. What does her old suitor, Delbert Jackson, know? Why is Mr. Merton giving important papers to that scoundrel, Vernon Smythe, and whatever happened to poor Abigail Cooper?

Add to these intriguing questions Henry Hardwick’s continued attentions, Edith’s newfound devotion to the temperance movement and Madeline’s determination to find her a more reliable suitor, and strange behavior from her Aunt Louisa and things heat up as summer fades from Rockland.

Her dear friend, Russell, busy with an important project at work, finds himself unable to help keep her out of trouble and away from danger. Is Madeline going too far? Will her meddling get her in serious trouble this time, will it destroy her reputation irreparably, or will she rid Rockland of a scoundrel once and for all?

About the Author


Author of the Amazon bestselling Aggie, Past Forward, and HearthLand series, Chautona considers herself blessed to live in California’s Mojave Desert with her husband and five of her nine children. When not writing, which she admits isn’t often, Chautona enjoys blogging, paper crafts, sewing, smocking, photo editing, and old (read: before her parents’ time) music.




Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Amish Weddings by Leslie Gould

This is Book 3 of the Neighbors of Lancaster County Series.  It is about 2 sisters- Lila and Rose.  They both have their lives planned but that was before Lila had an accident and Rose met Trevor.

Lila and Rose suffered in silence.  They didn't share their thoughts and concerns with anyone.  Rose made a mistake that could have cost her dearly.  Lila was ready to give up her chance of happiness because of her fears.

They both had lessons to learn before they could be truly happy.  Prayer is a necessity.  He is always listening.  It is important to communicate with your loved ones.  They are there for support and to lean on when you are weak.  Trusting the Lord that he is there for you in good times and bad.  Things don't always goes as planned but God does have a plan and purpose for all.

Lila and Rose came to this after many sleepless nights and troublesome days.

I received this book free to review.  Five stars!!!

Friday, February 24, 2017

Great read!!!!!

Amish Cooking Class
THE SEEKERS

BY Wanda Brunstetter

What is not to love about Wanda's books?  I am always eager to start a new book by Wanda Brunstetter.  It is so easy to be caught up into her books and finish it within a few days.  That is why I took my time in starting this delightful story of Heidi Troyer and her cooking class.  I knew that I wouldn't be able to put it down until the very last page.

Heidi not only taught her students how to cook but to learn that  God has a plan for each one of us.  Each student has an obstacle to overcome but God was right there beside them paving the way for better days ahead.

I loved this book and am looking forward to any future sequels.  Ms. Brunstetter hit it out of the park with The Seekers.  I highly recommend this to read.  I have never been disappointed by anything she has written.

Friday, February 17, 2017

Amish Wanderer by LauraV. Hilton

Amish Wanderer by Laura V. Hilton

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

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

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

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

This  book dealt with very serious issues.
Giveaway-

https://promosimple.com/ps/b0d8

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



Saturday, February 11, 2017

The Newcomer by Suzanne Woods Fisher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Friday, February 3, 2017

Two Suitors for Anna by Molly Jebber

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

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

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

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

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

I received this book free to review. 


Giveaway:

https://promosimple.com/ps/af95



The Pick-Pocket Orphans

  A sad but inspiring story of two young people who made the best of their unfortunate circumstances. Alice couldn't live with her fathe...