by admin | Jan 17, 2014 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
During the years I have reviewed Christian fiction I have read a good number of books about the Amish. Suzanne Woods Fisher has always been one of my favorite authors of this genre because her books seem to focus on the individuals than on the rules and regulations of the Amish life. “The Calling”, second book in The Inn at Eagle Hill series, more than met my expectations.
“The Calling” takes up its story shortly after the ending of “The Letters” and focuses primarily on Bethany whose discouragement over her life leaves her feeling restless and out of place in Stoney Ridge. Cleaning the Sisters House is not how she wants to spend her life and although Jimmy Fisher is both attractive and attentive, Bethany is not sure she can trust him. Because of her involvement in a special project with the sisters, a friendship with the new guest at Eagle Hill, and a growing friendship with Jimmy, Bethany finds herself with new interests in her life and a major change in her attitude.
“The Calling” is so much more than the usual Amish romance. With drama, humor, and plenty of secrets that are unearthed, it is a narrative of Bethany’s life as she matures from a judgmental “me-first” person to a compassionate and understanding young woman. Characters as well-rounded and the plot is excellent but to me the number one positive aspect of the story is that it caused me to question my own priorities and to consider ways that I can be of service in my own community. I sincerely hope that I don’t lose sight of that.
I enthusiastically recommend “The Calling” even if you are not usually a fan of Amish fiction. The entire series is well worth your time.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bethany’s restless heart is searching for answers–in life and in love
Bethany Schrock’s love life has derailed, her faith hangs by a thread, and she is spending hot summer days wading through a lifetime of accumulation at the home of five elderly Amish sisters. She’s not sure what she wants out of life, but she knows that she’s not finding it in Stoney Ridge.
Then a new guest at the Inn at Eagle Hill ropes her into volunteering in a community project for down-and-outers. Reluctant at first, Bethany starts to feel a bit of joy and satisfaction again. But not so much that Jimmy Fisher, adorable and impossible, can woo her affections with his winks and tricks. Well, maybe a little.
When a figure from her past reenters her life, Bethany must decide: What does the past mean to her future?
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher delivers her trademark twists, turns, and tender romance in this delightful and exciting visit to the quiet community of Stoney Ridge.
Read an excerpt from “The Calling” HERE.
“Fisher’s characters are living the simple life–or trying to, despite the hardships they are facing–and learning how to adjust their way of life without compromising their beliefs. We get a glimpse of life few outsiders are privileged to see, with some surprises, twists, and turns.”–RT Book Reviews
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Letters, The Calling, the Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of an Amish children’s series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting. She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.
by admin | Nov 28, 2013 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I enjoyed spending another Christmas in Apple Ridge with Cindy Woodsmall’s latest Christmas novella “The Dawn of Christmas”. Featuring Sadie and Levi, the story also features characters from the two previous books in this series.
On the eve of her wedding, Sadie witnesses something that breaks her heart and causes her to cancel her wedding. Her father agrees for her to move to another town to work as well as go to the mission field. Several years have passed since that day and Sadie’s family is ready for her to come home and settle down with a husband. Sadie likes her life the way it is and has no interest in the matchmaking schemes of her family.
Due to a broken marriage in his family, Levi is also disinterested in marriage but is constantly urged to settle down. When he and Sadie meet unexpectedly, they immediately find themselves at ease with each other and quickly form a fast friendship. Their friendship endures several ups and downs but Sadie’s fear of another relationship and Levi’s distrust of women keeps a barrier between them. Just when a breakthrough seems eminent, a meddling person from Sadie’s past could ruin everything.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Dawn of Christmas” with its theme of second chances and learning to trust. I hope that Cindy will continue to write more Christmas novellas because I look forward to them during the holiday season each year.
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group Blogging For Books program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
This Christmas, experience learning to trust alongside the Plain folk of Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania in this heart-warming tale of second chances.
Sadie enjoys her freedom away from home and her mission trips to Peru, but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it’s time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan—but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together? – See more HERE.
Click HERE to download chapter one of The Dawn of Christmas.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author of numerous works of fiction and one of nonfiction. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media. She lives in the Foothills of the North Georgia Mountains with her family.
by admin | Nov 22, 2013 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
It would simply not be a complete Christmas season without Melody Carlson’s latest Christmas novella so I eagerly accepted the invitation to review “A Simple Christmas Wish”. Once again Melody has proven her talent and versatility as an author with this heartwarming tale that takes the reader from a Chicago apartment to an Amish farm in Ohio.
It was easy for me to identify with Rachel’s reluctance to follow the specifications in the will of her brother and his wife Miriam which granted custody of their daughter Holly to Miriam’s sister Lydia.. An extended stay in Lydia’s Amish home did little to ease Rachel’s misgivings but she had little choice in the matter. In fact the only glimpse of hope was Lydia and Miriam’s brother Benjamin who seemed to be sympathetic to Rachel and Holly’s dilemma.
A timeless story with more than one plot twist or surprise, “A Simple Christmas Wish” is the perfect choice for a quiet and relaxing winter evening by the fire.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One girl in need of a home. One woman in search of a home for her heart. One Christmas where it all seems possible.
It felt strange to be out here in the middle of the night, still wearing the Amish dress–a dress that had belonged to Miri. Rachel’s footsteps crunched in the snow, and halfway between the barn and the house, she paused to look up at the night sky, wondering if more snow was in store, but all she saw was velvety black and stars. Millions of twinkling stars. She had never seen stars like that before, so bright and so close, almost as if she could touch them with her hand.
Rachel Milligan never imagined that she and her seven-year-old niece would spend the week before Christmas on a quaint Amish farm in Ohio. But with so many unexpected occurrences of late, perhaps she shouldn’t have been surprised.
With her young niece Holly in tow, Rachel anxiously makes her way from Chicago to Ohio’s Amish country. As love begins to blossom, family secrets emerge, and old wounds are healed, Rachel realizes that she will do whatever it takes to ensure that Holly has the loving family she needs.
Join bestselling author Melody Carlson on an emotional journey into the heart of what family truly means at Christmastime.
Read an excerpt of A Simple Christmas Wish HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than five million. She is the author of several Christmas books, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, Christmas at Harrington’s, and The Christmas Pony. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. For more information about Melody visit her website at www.melodycarlson.com.
by admin | Nov 6, 2013 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
SILENT NIGHT AND HOLY NIGHT – CHRISTMAS NOVELLAS BY COLLEEN COBLE:
Holy Night: One sinister phone call has derailed their wedding. Will they let it tear them apart forever?
A Christmas wedding on the beach—what could be more perfect? Poinsettias and fragrant pikake blossoms, soft sand and mistletoe, the gentle sound of the surf and the wedding march played on a ukulele. This wedding has been a long time coming, with Bane’s trust issues and Leia’s worries about her childlike sister, Eva.
Now they can hardly wait for the day to arrive. Thrilled to be a bridesmaid, Eva keeps trying on her ruffled dress. The tent is reserved, the caterers paid. Everything is going as planned—until Leia’s phone rings and her world skids out of control. A muffled voice informs Leia that Eva’s been kidnapped and will be killed unless Leia calls off the wedding without explanation—and no police! If she disobeys instructions and tells Bane, she’ll risk her beloved sister’s life. But how can she ever handle this without his help? And how can he ever trust her if she lies to him now?
Purchase a copy of Holy Night: http://ow.ly/qbrG0
MY REVIEW:
“Holy Night” is a Christmas novella featuring familiar characters from Colleen Coble’s Aloha Reef series. Bane and Leia have finally planned a wedding when Leia’s special needs sister is kidnapped. As the wedding is postponed to meet the kidnapper’s demands, old issues once again rose to the surface and threatened to cancel the wedding forever. In the face of danger, Leia and Bane race against time to find Eva before it is too late. As expected everything ends well but not before putting everyone through their paces.
“Holy Night” is short but sweet and is a good way to catch up with your favorite people from one of Coble’s earlier series. It is the perfect read for a winter evening when you have only just a bit of time to indulge.
Silent Night:
As Christmas day nears, Bree and her faithful search-and-rescue dog Samson follow the trail of a troubling mystery into the snowy forests of Rock Harbor.
Bree Matthews is preparing for Christmas guests, but her heart is reeling from the recent and tender loss of her unborn child. Her sister-in-law, Lauri, suddenly turns up on the doorstep of the lighthouse home Bree shares with her husband, Kade, in Rock Harbor. Secretive and withdrawn, Lauri seems curiously intent on discovering what happened to a parachuter who disappeared in the North Woods along Lake Superior’s icy shore.As Bree and Samson, her search-and-rescue dog, plunge into the search, Bree wonders if Lauri may know more than she’s admitted about the parachuter. And then the clues lead them to the trail of a young woman whose family fears the worst about her disappearance.Will the search on this snowy, silent night lead Bree and Samson to more than clues about the missing girl? And will Bree’s prayer for a baby ever be answered?
Purchase a copy of Silent Night: http://ow.ly/qbrTE
About the Author: Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com.
MY REVIEW:
Silent Night: For fans of Coble’s Rock Harbor series, “Silent Night” is a wonderful chance to catch up with Bree and Kade and their dog Samson as well as other familiar family and friends from previous novels in the series. With a wintery Christmas setting, the short novella offers a mystery that is quickly resolved as well as a surprise or two for Bree.
I enjoyed “Silent Night” but as a fan of all Coble’s books, I found it much too short. I have to admit that it would be humanly impossible for Colleen to write enough books to satisfy me.
A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR ROSE BY TRICIA GOYER:
Inspired by a true story, A Christmas Gift for Rose is a heartwarming novella of sacrifice and deep love.
Born in the midst of the hardships of The Great Depression, Rose grew up in Berlin, Ohio, in the arms of a loving Amish family. But she is overwhelmed by self-doubt when she learns the truth of her birth. She was born Englisch and abandoned when her family moved West in search of work. Was she meant to be Amish or would she have been better off growing up with her own kind—Englischers? And was her intended’s gift of discovering her birth family given out of love or fear?
Don’t miss award-winning author Tricia Goyer’s first Christmas novella.
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qbs31
About the Author: USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and “Lead Your Family Like Jesus,” (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children.
Find out more about Tricia at http://triciagoyer.com.
MY REVIEW:
“A Christmas Gift For Rose” is a heart-warming historical Amish novella that takes place at the end of World War 2. Because of their pacifist beliefs, most Amish men chose not to enlist during the war and if they were drafted, chose to go to prison instead. Rose’s fiance Jonathan’s conscience would not let him rest until he enlisted as a medic to help the wounded men. Despite her love for Jonathan, Rose listened to the talk about him and decided she could no longer marry him. Already sad because of her decision, Rose’s world is shaken when a secret about her past is revealed.
Although “A Christmas Gift For Rose” is a shorter format novella, it is full of everything that I look for in a good book. The plot is to-the-point with few wasted words yet was satisfyingly complete. It was easy to become quickly caught up in Rose’s story and to share her joys and sorrows. Jonathan was a true hero in so many ways but his devotion to Rose was admirable.
“A Christmas Gift For Rose” is a perfect story to prepare for the upcoming Christmas season. Its theme of faith and family, love and loyalty, and most of all forgiveness is one with which most readers can identify.
PLAIN PEACE BY BETH WISEMAN:
A Daughters of Promise book.
Anna’s grandfather seems determined to ruin her Rumspringa . . . and any hopes she has of finding a husband.Anna Byler should be enjoying her Rumspringa as allowed by her faith. But because of the strict rules enforced by her grandfather—the bishop—the available suitors in town are afraid to court her. Even Anna’s grandmother is keeping a big secret from Anna’s grandfather in an effort to keep the peace. Under her grandfather’s oppressive watch, Anna begins to feel her faith slipping and wonders if God has forsaken her.
Jacob Hostetler and his family have relocated to Lancaster County following a family tragedy in Ohio. As his family struggles to rebuild their lives, Jacob is forced to act as head of the household when his father is unable to cope with recent events. It’s been a long time since Jacob has felt any joy. Until he meets Anna Byler. But will Anna’s grandfather succeed at keeping them apart? And can Jacob put the past behind him and open his heart?
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qbsj7
About the Author: Beth is a Carol Award Winner, Inspirational Readers Choice Winner, INSPY Winner, and the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. All of her books have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) bestseller list and the CBA (Christian Book Association) bestseller list. She grew up in Houston, Texas and now resides in a small town west of Houston with a population of around 300. She lives with her husband, two dogs, two cats, two pot bellied pigs, two chickens and a pygmy goat. Her two grown sons also live in Texas. Beth has been writing in some capacity for most of her life. She’s a former award-winning journalist with eleven honors, including ‘First Place News Writing’ for The Texas Press Association. However, writing love stories with a spiritual message is where her heart is. When Beth isn’t writing (which is seldom these days) she enjoys traveling, cooking, fishing, reading, or just settling in for a good movie. Her best times are spent with family and friends!
Find out more about Beth at http://bethwiseman.com.
MY REVIEW:
“Plain Peace” may be the most entertaining Amish novel I have read thus far. Although it deals with several serious issues and delivers a strong message of faith, this novel is peppered with so many humorous incidents that it kept me amused the entire time it took to read it. I especially enjoyed the scenes with Anna’s grandmother.
Although essentially an Amish novel, “Plain Peace” could easily be about any believers in Christ. We all deal with tragedy and loss much the same way and our emotions are common to all humans. I loved the way that the author was able to communicate several valuable lessons on forgiveness, reconciliation, and reaching out in love rather than judgement. Such a fitting story for the upcoming holiday season of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Celebrate Christmas early with Colleen Coble, Tricia Goyer, and Beth Wiseman!
Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction are hosting the 12 Days of Christmas! They’ve teamed up with three of their authors for a Merry Facebook Party on November 12th {5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern}. Colleen, Tricia, and Beth will host an evening of book chat, Christmas traditions, and of course plenty of presents!
But wait! There’s more! Each day between now and November 12th a different book (10 copies of each book) will be given away on the Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Facebook Page. Ring in the holiday season and warm your heart with some great reads from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan!
Click here to ENTER each day’s giveaway here.
RSVP for the Christmas Party here!
Good luck and hope to see you on the evening of the 12th!
by admin | Oct 24, 2013 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Quilts
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Christmas QuiltAbingdon Press (October 15, 2013)byVannetta ChapmanABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word From The Author:
I hold a BA and MA degree in English, and I am proud to be represented by Mary Sue Seymour, AAR. I have published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, and have received over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. I am honored to be a member of Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Faith Hope and Love.
I live and teach in the Texas hill country with my husband, cats, and a rather large herd of deer. Our four children have flown the nest; however, we are fortunate that they all live close enough to visit.
I have always felt that my faith was at the very center of who and what I am, and I am thrilled beyond words to be able to now write about something that is so near to my heart. At various times I have served as a pianist, teacher, church secretary, and worship team member. While living in the Dallas area, I served as an adjunct professor of English Literature at Dallas Baptist University. When we moved to a small town in Central Texas, I continued teaching for a few years, but I now write full-time and I play the keyboard in our church’s praise band.
My grandfather was born in Albion, Pennsylvania, and I am currently researching whether I might have Amish roots.
Learn more about Vannette and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Annie’s life is deliciously full as the Christmas season approaches. She helps her husband, Samuel, attend to the community’s minor medical needs. She occasionally assists Belinda, the local midwife, and most days, she finds herself delivering the buggy to her brother Adam. Annie’s sister-in-law Leah is due to deliver their first child before Christmas morning, and Annie is determined to finish a crib quilt before the boppli arrives. With six weeks to go, she should have no problem . . . but God may have a different plan. Leah is rushed to the English hospital when the infant arrives early, and Annie discovers the Christmas quilt may hold a far greater significance than she ever imagined.
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Christmas Quilt, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Although the primary focus of The Christmas Quilt is the young Amish couple Adam and Leah who are expecting their first children (twins), Adam’s sister Annie also has a major role in the story. Leah and Adam have experienced marital problems due to her pregnancy but premature labor forces Leah to spend an extended time in the hospital until the twins’ birth. As a trained nurse and close friend, Annie agrees to stay to help Leah through the difficult days ahead. To help pass the time, Annie and Leah work on the unfinished quilt Annie has started for Leah’s babies and decide to share a story featuring a fruit of the Spirit for each block.
To me, the stories that Annie and Leah shared were the pivotal portion of the book as they touched Leah’s heart and changed her attitude toward her husband. At the same time their enforced separation inspired Adam to spend more time seeking the Lord and reading his bible which also changed his attitude toward Leah.
The Christmas Quilt is Amish fiction but the truths it conveys applies to anyone who is a follower of Christ. A warm-hearted story with a timely message, The Christmas Quilt is the perfect book for the days that lead to the Christmas season.
by admin | Oct 15, 2013 | Amish, Birds, Christmas, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“A Christmas Gift For Rose” is a heart-warming historical Amish novella that takes place at the end of World War 2. Because of their pacifist beliefs, most Amish men chose not to enlist during the war and if they were drafted, chose to go to prison instead. Rose’s fiance Jonathan’s conscience would not let him rest until he enlisted as a medic to help the wounded men. Despite her love for Jonathan, Rose listened to the talk about him and decided she could no longer marry him. Already sad because of her decision, Rose’s world is shaken when a secret about her past is revealed.
Although “A Christmas Gift For Rose” is a shorter format novella, it is full of everything that I look for in a good book. The plot is to-the-point with few wasted words yet was satisfyingly complete. It was easy to become quickly caught up in Rose’s story and to share her joys and sorrows. Jonathan was a true hero in so many ways but his devotion to Rose was admirable.
“A Christmas Gift For Rose” is a perfect story to prepare for the upcoming Christmas season. Its theme of faith and family, love and loyalty, and most of all forgiveness is one with which most readers can identify.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Inspired by a true story, A Christmas Gift for Rose is a heartwarming novella of sacrifice and deep love.
Born in the midst of the hardships of The Great Depression, Rose grew up in Berlin, Ohio, in the arms of a loving Amish family. But she is overwhelmed by self-doubt when she learns the truth of her birth. She was born Englisch and abandoned when her family moved West in search of work. Was she meant to be Amish or would she have been better off growing up with her own kind—Englischers? And was her intended’s gift of discovering her birth family given out of love or fear?
Don’t miss award-winning author Tricia Goyer’s first Christmas novella.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and “Lead Your Family Like Jesus,” (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children. You can find out more about Tricia at www.TriciaGoyer.com.
Find out more about Tricia and her books at http://triciagoyer.com.
Double Kindle HDX Christmas Gift Pack from @TriciaGoyer!
Tricia Goyer is celebrating the release of her first Christmas novella, A Christmas Gift for Rose, with a Christmas Gift giveaway!
Enter to win a NEW Kindle Fire HDX for you AND one for a friend!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A brand new Kindle Fire HDX and one to give away to a friend!
- A Christmas Gift for Rose, by Tricia Goyer for you and your friend!
Four second place winners will receive:
- A Christmas Gift for Rose Christmas pack (includes a recipe card, bookmark, a signed book plate, discussion questions, and a Gathering & Giving handout!)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 19th. All winners will be announced October 21st at Tricia’s blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Tricia’s blog
on the 21st to see if you won one of the great prizes!
(Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner
announcement delivered to your inbox!)
