by admin | Apr 17, 2020 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
The Englisch Daughter was not at all what I expected but in my opinion that’s what made it so good. A multi-faceted story of betrayal and lost hopes and dreams, this book is an honest and open look at the life of an Amish couple and their close friends and family. The wife has sacrificed her own dreams to take care of her home and family, putting aside funds for the future business she has long desired. When the time is right she learns that her plans have been for nothing and she has a new added responsibility that came as the result of a hurtful secret her husband has carried on his own.
What a wonderful story of repentance, forgiveness, and restoration! The narrative was written in such a way that I was never certain if everything would turn out well or not. I could easily relate to the feelings of both Jemima and her husband Roy and suspected there was more to the story than it seemed. A difficult situation that was deftly handled by the author, The Englisch Daughter is so good. I recommend it to all readers but especially to those who love Amish fiction.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Waterbrook Multnomah. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What happens when your spouse has become a stranger?
Old Order Amish wife and mother Jemima Graber has put her marriage and young children ahead of herself for years. For the last decade she’s set herself aside while her husband, Roy, invested in the family’s successful horse farm. While raising four little ones, she’s followed all the rules and patiently waited to finally chase a dream of her own.
But now, at the time when her dreams are about to be realized, Roy has grown distant from Jem, and she doesn’t know what to make of his unusual moods and absences. Is his erratic behavior somehow connected to the tenant in the family’s rental property, an Englisch woman Roy dated during his rumschpringe days? And if so, how far does God’s forgiveness extend in impossible situations?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
CINDY WOODSMALL is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author of twenty-five works of fiction and one nonfiction book. Cindy’s writing has been featured on ABC’s Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal. She lives outside Atlanta with her husband.
ERIN WOODSMALL is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of four. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade. More recently she and Cindy have coauthored five books.
by admin | Sep 26, 2019 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Romance
MY REVIEW:
A Christmas Haven is another heartwarming Christmas novella by the team of Cindy Woodsmall and her daughter-in-law Erin. In this book readers will revisit characters from last year’s Christmas novella, The Christmas Remedy. Not only will they catch up with Holly and Joshua but Holly’s sister Ivy takes center stage along with a couple of totally new characters.
The story itself actually covers a number of months but concludes during the Christmas season. Ivy finds the strict rules of her Old Order Amish community to be restrictive and has already begun to make plans to leave when Arlan and his sister Madga take refuge in her family’s home. The brother and sister are members of an even more conservative Amish group and find the Old Order practices to be quite liberal in comparison to how they have been raised. Over time both Arlan and Ivy begin to question their personal beliefs and decisions they have made.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Christmas Haven and appreciated the spiritual journey that several characters traveled during the course of the book. I encountered a number of very quotable passages during my reading and particularly liked the conclusions that Arlan came to about grace.
A Christmas Haven is another keeper for my growing collection of Christmas themed books. Readers who enjoy Amish fiction should love this one.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Waterbrook Multnomah. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
For fans of holiday romances and Amish life comes a new Christmas tale of surprising expectations and discovering miracles.
Old Order Amish Ivy Zook is wrestling with her need to shed her community’s ways so she can grow the business of her dreams: planning parties. As long as she’s stuck living without modernization, she can barely get her business on its feet. But if she leaves too soon, she’d cause trouble for her sister, Holly, who is planning her wedding to Joshua Smucker. All of their plans become twice as complicated when an old car crashes into the storefront of Greene’s Pharmacy, carrying a Swartzentruber (ultra-conservative sect) Amish man, Arlan, and his very ill sister.
The Zooks take in Arlan and Madga, tending to the woman’s illness and Arlan begins helping around the family farm. Ivy and Arlan are on different tracks, one wanting to leave her community and the other to return to his. But both young people are trying to discover what God has in store for their futures and what miracles might lie around the corner this Christmas season.
Read the first chapter Here.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Cindy Woodsmall is the “New York Times” and CBA best-selling author of eighteen works of fiction. She’s been featured in national media outlets such as ABC’s “Nightline” and the “Wall Street Journal.” Cindy has won numerous awards and has been finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards. Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in Flowery Branch, GA.
Erin Woodsmall is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of three. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade. She is very excited about their first coauthored book.
Find out more about Cindy and Erin at http://www.cindywoodsmall.com.
by admin | Aug 3, 2019 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have not read very many suspense novels that featured the Amish but Amish Covert Operation is one such book. In it widow Katie Schwartz finds herself in the center of a very dangerous situation and her life in danger just because she tried to find her brother. Saved by federal agent Adam Troyer, Katie soon learns that she is in deep trouble and needs his protection.
The plot of Amish Covert Operation is fast-moving with plenty of action and danger. It is a given that there is also romance involved – after all it is a Love Inspired novel and the attraction between Katie and Adam is resisted by both which is also pretty much expected. Of course all readers of Love Inspired novels know the basics of how this will end but all the fun is in seeing how the characters reach that point. True-to-life example of faith under fire including natural doubts during the trials is illustrated well. Anyone who enjoys Amish fiction or suspense should love this book. Others may enjoy it as well.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She witnessed a crime
Can an agent in disguise keep her safe?
After Amish widow Katie Schwartz’s search for her reclusive brother results in a shooting and her finding a cryptic message, she must rely on federal agent Adam Troyer to shield her. But, undercover as a Plain man, can Adam save her brother’s life and protect Katie? Trusting the handsome Englisch agent is already dangerous…but falling for him could risk everything Katie holds dear.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
By sixth grade, Meghan Carver knew she wanted to write. After earning a degree in English from Millikin University, she detoured to law school, earning a Juris Doctorate from Indiana University. She then worked in immigration law and taught Comp 101 at the local college. Now, she homeschools her six children with her college professor husband. When she isn’t writing, homeschooling, or planning the family’s next travel adventure, she is active in her church, sews for her kidlets, and reads.
by admin | Jul 8, 2019 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Married to a Stranger was just the kind of good read that I expect from Laura V. Hilton. She always manages to take a somewhat unique idea and turn it into an engaging story with a few unexpected twists along the way. Her characters are well-rounded and believable and most important, perfectly normal human beings with emotions and faults like the rest of us.
In her latest novel, Hilton gives her readers a tale featuring a young Amish woman falsely accused of misbehavior that resulted in an out-of-wedlock pregnancy. Her outraged father immediately coerced a young widower, a stranger to Bethel into marrying her quickly. Devastated that her father didn’t believe her, Bethel agreed to the marriage because she was afraid she might be forced to marry another man she feared.
Married to a Stranger is a charming story of an arranged marriage that eventually turns out well (let’s be honest – that’s not really a spoiler). A bit of mystery and romance combine to make an enjoyable tale that should satisfy the most discriminating reader of Amish novels. It is a story of faith in the midst of hardship and tragedy and ultimately forgiveness and restoration. Laura V. Hilton has become my favorite Amish author and I would recommend her books to anyone who enjoys that genre.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Book: Married to a Stranger
Author: Laura V. Hilton
Genre: Christian Amish Romance FictionRelease date: July 2, 2019 |
|
He marries her out of need. She marries him to escape. What does love have to do with it?
When her father falsely accuses a stranger of dishonoring her, Bethel Eicher finds herself promised in marriage to a man she’s never met. Not exactly a dream come true, but since she has spent several years caring for her handicapped mother, she’s already considered an old maid at twenty-five—and she longs to escape her lonely life as permanent caregiver.
When newly-called Amish preacher Gideon Kaiser learns he’s been accused of a dishonorable act, he’s horrified. But his wife died in childbirth and his baby needs a mother, so he figures marrying a woman he’s never met could be beneficial.
How can Bethel and Gideon possibly make their marriage work—especially when the truth behind the accusations is revealed?
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Laura V. Hilton is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews published on the Internet.
Laura’s first series with Whitaker House, The Amish of Seymour, includes Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts, and Promised to Another. In 2012, A Harvest of Hearts received a Laurel Award, placing first in the Amish Genre Clash. Her second series, The Amish of Webster County, consists of Healing Love, Surrendered Love, and Awakened Love, followed by a stand-alone title, A White Christmas in Webster County. Laura’s last series, The Amish of Jamesport, includes The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse. Prior to Married to a Stranger, Laura published Firestorm, Love by the Numbers, The Amish Firefighter, and The Amish Wanderer.
Previously, Laura published two novels with Treble Heart Books, Hot Chocolate and Shadows of the Past, as well as several devotionals.
A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Laura earned a business degree from Ozarka Technical College. She and her husband, Steve, have five children and make their home in Arkansas. To learn more about Laura, read her reviews, and find out about her upcoming releases, readers may visit her blog at http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/.
READ AN EXCERPT:
He marries her out of need. She marries him to escape. What does love have to do with it?
He’s falsely accused of dishonoring her. She longs to escape her father’s household. Can they make their forced, arranged marriage work?
“Gideon, choose love. Not loss.” Lizzie gave a quiet sigh and then her eyes rolled back in her head.
“It’s a lie.” Bethel straightened. “Whoever he described has never touched me. Nobody has.”
Either he marry the woman who’d accused him of sexually assaulting her—a woman he had nein recollection of ever meeting, not to mention the fact that he had never touched any woman besides his beloved frau—or his name would be dragged through the mud for a sin he hadn’t committed, a sin for which he’d be forced to kneel and confess.
It wouldn’t do any gut to ask der Herr for this stranger—what was his name, anyway?—to be nice to her, because it seemed apparent Gott hadn’t heard one word of her endless prayers over the last few days. Either that, or He callously chose to disregard her requests.
It was probably the only wedding nacht in history during which the groom had hidden in the basement and raged, huddled upon and beneath a pile of blankets for warmth—warmth that never seemed to reach his core—before he cried himself into a fitful sleep.
At least, with this situation being handled directly between Gideon and both their fathers, with nein preacher or bishop involvement, none of the potentially damaging dirty laundry was hung out to dry.
The condemning stares from Gideon’s family members seemed to bore into Bethel’s back the entire time she prepared their breakfast and then washed the dishes.
She should’ve packed her bags and run away instead of going through with the wedding. Which was probably what her sister had done, kum to think of it.
He could see the hurt and bewilderment lingering in her eyes, as if she still didn’t fully realize how she’d gotten here, or why her father had chosen to believe an old widower over his own dochter.
Bethel’s first time changing Elam’s diaper didn’t go as badly as she’d feared. Lying on the changing table in his bedroom, the boppli waved his feet in the air and blew bubbles at her, completely winning her heart.
BLOG STOPS:
The Avid Reader, July 2Through the Lens of Scripture, July 2
Maureen’s Musings, July 3
Among the Reads, July 3
Emily Yager, July 3
Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, July 4
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, July 4
For The Love of Books, July 4
EmpowerMoms, July 5
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, July 5
Bigreadersite, July 6
Through the Fire Blogs, July 6
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 6
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 7
Life of a travelers Wife, July 7
Texas Book-aholic, July 7
Daysong Reflections, July 8
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, July 8
|
Mary Hake, July 8
Blossoms and Blessings, July 9
Britt Reads Fiction, July 9
janicesbookreviews, July 9
Carla Loves To Read, July 10
Reading Is My SuperPower, July 10
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 10
For Him and my Family, July 11
Moments, July 11
A Reader’s Brain, July 11
She Lives to Read, July 12
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 12Older & Smarter?, July 13
Inspiration Clothesline, July 13
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 14
Pause for Tales, July 14
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, July 15
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, July 15
Inklings and notions , July 15
|
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Laura is giving away a grand prize of a $20 Starbucks Card and a surprise 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/e594/married-to-a-stranger-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Feb 16, 2019 | Amish, Books, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Mending Fences is so much more than an Amish romance novel. It probably contains the absolute best examples of forgiveness and restoration that I have encountered in any other novel. It was both gratifying and touching to follow Luke’s journey through making apologies to each person he hurt through his past actions, especially as he began to realize exactly how his unthinking pranks had affected others. Then the revelations at the end that illustrated even further the depths of forgiveness other characters had given in their own situations left me with the belief that this novel was definitely inspired by God.
The story itself is very well written with the serious subject of rehabilitation and restoration lightened by a few quite humorous incidents scattered throughout including a time or two when Luke’s attempts to make things right backfired on him. At least his intentions were pure! I loved all the other characters and enjoyed encountering a few from earlier novels. I especially liked David and his loving method of imparting wisdom to others.
I am so thankful that I agreed to review this book. Even if you are not a fan of Amish fiction, Mending Fences is one book you should not miss.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future.
Luke Schrock is a new and improved man after a stint in rehab, though everyone in Stoney Ridge only remembers the old Luke. They might have forgiven him, but nobody trusts him. He has been allowed to live at Windmill Farm under two conditions. First, he must make a sincere apology to each person he’s hurt. Second, he must ask each victim of mischief to describe the damage he caused.
Simple, Luke thinks. Offering apologies is easy. But discovering the lasting effects his careless actions have caused isn’t so simple. It’s gut-wrenching.
And his list keeps growing. Izzy Miller, beautiful and frustratingly aloof, also boards at Windmill Farm, and Luke’s clumsy efforts to befriend her only insult and annoy her. Eager to impress, Luke sets out to prove himself to her by locating her mother. When he does, her identity sends shock waves through Stoney Ridge.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than thirty books, including Mending Fences, as well as the Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, among other novels. She is also the author of several 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 Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter @suzannewfisher.
by admin | Feb 10, 2019 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I am one of those readers who sometimes wants to say “enough already” with Amish fiction although there are a few authors I will read. Laura V. Hilton is one of those authors because I know I will find an entertaining plot with authentic characters and situations, as well as a liberal dose of practical faith. I am always happy to read a book by this author.
The Amish Candymaker is entertaining and sometimes humorous yet probes deeply into the insecurities that affect the way Agnes Zook and Isaac Mast view themselves. I loved the way the author wove both scripture and Amish quotations into the story. Bishop Miah was an important character with plenty of wisdom who helped Agnes and Issac to overcome their past by constantly reminding them of their God who never fails.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book although I was tempted to distraction by the frequent descriptions of wonderful food. Sugar is no longer part of my diet but I do remember it well. It was also fun reading about characters from previous books and seeing them from a different point of view. As far as I’m concerned there is nothing not to like about The Amish Candymaker and I recommend it to other readers – even those who do not really like Amish fiction.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: The Amish Candy Maker
Author: Laura V. Hilton
Genre: Amish Christian Fiction
Release date: February 5, 2019
Publisher: Whitaker House |
|
Agnes Zook finds herself on her own in a small Amish community in Mackinac County after a tragedy kills her family. Most of the Amish call her “off in den Kopf” (strange) since she’s starting her own business and forging her own way in the community instead of relying on the bishop to take care of her. Since she’s viewed as non-submissive and too-forward for an Amish woman, she’s not courted by young men in the area.
Isaac Mast is on the verge of leaving the Amish church. He’s become a sought-after auctioneer and has a thriving business, but he feels confined by the strict rules. When his brother is severely injured in a wild fire, Isaac receives a letter from his sister-in-law, begging him to come to Mackinac County to help out while his brother is hospitalized. Isaac agrees but is unsure how to manage their young children when he has weekend auctions he’s expected to attend.
Agnes may be the answer to a prayer. Sparks fly when she and Isaac meet. But could their differences help them form a deeper connection to their faith…and each other?
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura Hilton is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews published on the web. Her first series with Whitaker was The Amish of Seymour, comprising Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (2012 Laurel Award winner, first place in the Amish Genre Clash), and Promised to Another; and her second was The Amish of Webster County, comprising Healing Love, Awakened Love, and Surrendered Love. Her next series was The Amish of Jamesport, featuring The Post Card, Snow Globe, and The Birdhouse. Her latest books include The Amish Firefighter, The Amish Wanderer, and Love By the Numbers. Laura and her husband, Steve, live in Arkansas with their five children, whom Laura homeschools.
RECIPE FOR FUDGE À LA AGNES ZOOK
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Fudge
Courtesy of Laura V. Hilton
1 bag (12 ounces) milk chocolate chips
1 bag (10 ounces) peanut butter chips
2 cans sweetened condensed milk, divided
6 tablespoons butter, divided
20 to 30 miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or six regular-size ones broken into four or five pieces each
For the chocolate layer: Line a greased 8-by-11.5-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a double boiler or metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, combine milk chocolate chips, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, and 4 tablespoons butter. Stir until melted and smooth.
Pour into prepared baking dish and allow to cool to room temperature, then move to the refrigerator while preparing next layer.
For the peanut butter layer: In a double boiler or metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, combine peanut butter chips, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons butter. Stir until melted and smooth.
Pour on to the milk chocolate fudge layer and press pieces of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the surface. If desired, group candy pieces in a grid-like fashion for easier cutting later.
Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight or until set.
Remove from refrigerator, lift out of the pan by the edges of the parchment paper, and cut into squares, with roughly one miniature peanut butter cup or piece of a cup per square.
Store in the refrigerator.
BLOG STOPS:
Christian Author, J. E. Grace, February 5
My Devotional Thoughts, February 5
Carla Loves To Read, February 5
Among the Reads, February 6
Girl’s In White Dresses, February 6
Britt Reads Fiction, February 6
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 7
The Avid Reader, February 7
Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, February 7
Emily Yager, February 8
Quiet quilter, February 8
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 8
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 9
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 9
Maureen’s Musings, February 9
Bibliophile Reviews, February 10
Vicky Sluiter, February 10
Through the Fire Blogs, February 11
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 11
Daysong Reflections, February 11
Texas Book-aholic, February 12 |
Janices book reviews, February 12
Carpe Diem, February 13
A Baker’s Perspective, February 13
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14
SusanLovesBooks, February 14
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 14
Blossoms and Blessings, February 15
Stephanie’s Life of Perseverance, February 15
Inspiration Clothesline, February 15
Inklings and Notions, February 16
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 16
Pause for Tales, February 16
Have A Wonderful Day, February 17
For the Love of Books, February 17
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 17
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 18
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 18
Bigreadersite, February 18
|
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Laura is giving away a grand prize of a large and small spatula set and a $10 Starbucks 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/d9a6/the-amish-candy-maker-celebration-tour-giveaway