by admin | Oct 14, 2013 | Amish, Books, Mystery, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Plain DisappearanceB&H Books (September 1, 2013)byAmanda FlowerABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amanda Flower, an Agatha-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. Her debut mystery, Maid of Murder, was an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel. Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland.
Learn more about Amanda and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
USA Today recently hailed award-nominated author Amanda Flower for A Plain Death, calling it “the first Amish rom-com . . . bring on the next one!” As the enthusiastic reviews continue to mount, she’s back with her third Appleseed Creek mystery, A Plain Disappearance.
It’s Christmastime in Amish Country, and Chloe Humphrey has begun settling into her life in Appleseed Creek excited to see where her new relationship with Timothy Troyer will lead. Unfortunately it leads to murder when the couple discovers the body of Amish teenager Katie Lambright while on their first date.
Near the scene there is evidence that Timothy’s friend and auto mechanic Billy Thorpe is involved with the crime. The police reveal Billy is not really who he said he was and has been living the last decade in Knox County under a stolen alias. Now, Chloe and Timothy must find Billy, bring him to justice, or prove his innocence.
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Plain Disappearance, go HERE.
by admin | Sep 12, 2013 | Amish
MY REVIEW:
The third book in Gray’s The Days of Redemption series brings the series to a satisfying conclusion in which the many Keim family secrets and problems are all out in the open and finally resolved. “Eventide” features Elsie, Viola’s twin who is quickly losing her eyesight due to a rare disease. Elsie feels that her family treats her like a child and makes every effort to prove herself, sometimes to the point of stubbornness. She has also been a bit envious of Viola and their brother Roman who have experienced romance and found their lifetime partners. When new neighbor Landon Troyer appears to be interested, Elsie clings to a thread of hope that she can also find love.
All the favorite members of the Keim family are back in “Eventide” and each of them play a vital role in the narrative. I liked the way that the romance between Elsie and Landon was not a quick and sweet one but that both of them had to make serious and difficult decisions that would affect the rest of their lives. I also like the way that the author did not take the easy way out but included some surprises that might not necessarily end in the expected happy-ever-after.
I enjoyed “Eventide” and the entire series because it was more focused on the characters and their lives rather than the usual emphasis on the Amish belief system, etc. I would recommend the entire series not only to those who love Amish fiction but also to those who just love a good book.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A young Amish woman harbors a difficult secret. Does she dare share the truth with the man she hopes to marry?
Elsie Keim doesn’t want to be left behind. Her twin sister, Viola, and her older brother, Roman, have both found love and are building lives of their own. But Elsie? She’s still stuck at home, being treated like a child. No one seems to consider her a capable woman-all they see are the thick lenses of her glasses, constant reminders that Elsie suffers from keratoconus and is slowly going blind.
Elsie knows there’s much more to her than her disease. That’s why when a new neighbor, Landon Troyer, shows some interest in her, she doesn’t want anything to scare him away . . . even if it means keeping her condition a secret.
Landon is ready to start a new life and feels like Elsie may just be the right woman to start it with. But when Roman steps in and shares the truth about Elsie’s illness, Landon is floored. His job is demanding and takes him away from home, sometimes for days at a time. How could he keep up with his responsibilities and take care of Elsie?
Purchase your copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the “Sisters of the Heart”, “Seasons of Sugarcreek”, “Secrets of Crittenden County”, and Families of Honor series. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
Connect with Shelley here: http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com/
by admin | Aug 10, 2013 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Suzanne Woods Fisher’s “The Letters” is the first novel in her new The Inn at Eagle Hill series. In this book, readers will be able to revisit Stoney Ridge and catch up a bit with familiar characters from earlier novels that took place there. “The Letters’ features the Schrock family, especially Rose, who moved to Stoney Ridge after the failure of her husband’s investment business and remained after his untimely death. Rose’s primary goal is to care for her family as well as to find a way to repay all her husband’s investors who lost their savings. An ailing and grouchy mother-in-law only makes Rose’s life more difficult but somehow in the midst of all her troubles, Rose manages to keep a smile on her face and encourage everyone around her. When Rose feels led to open a Bed and Breakfast in the basement of their home, she meets with resistance from her mother-in-law but with the help of her children and a helpful neighbor, she soon opens the doors to her first guest who decides to stay for awhile. Interaction between Rose, her children, her guest, and her neighbor Galen King profoundly affects each of their lives in unexpected ways.
As I have come to expect from previous novels, the plot of “The Letters” moves at a steady pace with surprises galore. The characters are well-rounded and life-like and most of the situations and events are true to life and believable. I would love to be able to follow Rose’s example and learn to remain so calm and steady in the midst of everything life has for me whether good or bad. I look forward to reading about the family at The Inn at Eagle Hill in Suzanne’s next installment.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Suzanne Woods Fisher Invites Readers Back to Stoney Ridge in New Series
With her signature plot twists combined with gentle Amish romance, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites readers back to Stoney Ridge for fresh stories of simple pleasures despite the complexity of life. Fisher’s tale of God’s providence and provision will delight her fans and create many new ones. Welcome to the Inn at Eagle Hill.
Rose Schrock is a plain woman with a simple plan. Determined to find a way to support her family and pay off her late husband’s debts, she sets to work to convert the basement of her Amish farmhouse into an inn. While her family, especially her cranky mother-in-law, is unhappy with Rose’s big idea, her friend and neighbor, Galen King, supports the decision and he helps with the conversion. As Rose finalizes preparations for visitors, she prays. She asks God to bless each guest who stays at the Inn at Eagle Hill. As the first guest arrives and settles in, Rose is surprised to discover that her entire family is the one who receives the blessings, in the most unexpected ways. And she’s even more surprised when that guest decides to play matchmaker for Galen King.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author ofThe Choice,The Waiting,The Search,The Keeper andThe Haven, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award finalist. She is the host of internet radio show Amish Wisdom and a columnist forChristian Post Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California.
For more information, please visit www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher.
by admin | Jun 25, 2013 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have not read the first book in the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy but the author included enough background in “Pennsylvania Patchwork” that it could easily stand alone. The title of this novel is quite appropriate because there are so many different things going on in it and so many characters from varied backgrounds.
First there is Holly Fisher, who was raised in Seattle by her single mother because her father never came home from the Vietnam war. After some of her mother’s secrets were revealed, Holly and Esther had moved to Pennsylvania to live with Esther’s mother Anna, an Amish widow who have never ceased to pray that her daughter would return home. When “Pennsylvania Patchwork” begins, Holly is engaged to a Mennonite veterinarian Zach and her mother is planning to be baptized in the Amish church and marry an Amish man. Grandmother Anna is thrilled to have them with her but her health and memory are quickly deteriorating.
That is where everything gets a little crazy. Holly and Zach’s relationship becomes strained when a woman from his past shows up with some strong accusations against him. An Amish man and a friend of Holly’s from Seattle also show an interest in marriage to Holly and the three men seem to find a reason to bicker quite often. Holly finds each of the men attractive in his own way and is thoroughly confused as to what she should do. Meanwhile an unexpected package shows up that complicates Esther’s life and her fiance must leave town to investigate some unanswered questions that could cancel the wedding.
On one hand, “Pennsylvania Patchwork” has lots of action and interaction between characters which kept the story moving right along. On the other hand, there was so much going on that I was not fully able to relate to the characters in the way I usually enjoy. I understood that Holly had very strong feelings for Zach but there was so little communication between them that I never grasped why they felt the way they did. This novel was definitely entertaining and easy to read but it left me with too many unanswered questions at the end. Hopefully the third installment will wrap everything up nicely.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Seattle native Holly Fisher is smitten by Lancaster County, its simplicity and her long lost relatives. In the sequel to bestselling Leaving Lancaster, Holly embraces the Amish culture, learning to slow down to see what – and who – really matters.
Meeting the family that her mother had kept hidden from her, Holly comes face to face with her real life and blood legacy. She also falls for the charming Zach, a handsome Mennonite veterinarian who is everything she’s ever wanted in a husband: confident, kind, successful, and authentic. And Zach proposes marriage. Is this too soon? Is this the right choice? Mother and Amish grandmother think she’s rushing into too much of a lifestyle change. Holly is in love with Zach and that precludes everything. Until she meets an attractive Amish man. And an old suitor shows up.
Pennyslvania Patchwork is the moving, richly told story of one woman’s heart, her faith and trust, and the choices she makes. Never easy, but one choice can change your destiny.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Author Kate Lloyd is a passionate observer of human relationships. A native of Baltimore, Kate spends time with family and friends in Lancaster County, PA, the inspiration for her novels. She is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society. Kate and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest. Kate studied painting and sculpture in college. She’s worked a variety of jobs, including car salesman and restaurateur.
by admin | Jun 3, 2013 | Amish, Books, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The second book in Shelley Shepard Gray’s Days of Redemption series, Ray of Light continues the story of the Keim family that began in Daybreak. Various member of the extended Keim family have had some secrets, some of which came to light in Daybreak. Much to everyone’s surprise, even more family secrets are revealed in Ray of Light. Although distressed at first that their secrets are out of the bag, by book’s end, those who had their secrets exposed realize that hiding things from their family is actually more difficult than dealing with the past openly.
Then there is romance! Roman Keim who has been shouldering most of the farm responsibilities during his father’s absence takes a short vacation in Florida where he meets Amanda, a young widow and her daughter Regina. Roman quickly and unexpectedly finds himself head-over-heels with both Amanda and Regina but must return to his responsibilities in Ohio much too soon. Is it too much for Roman to hope that Amanda and Regina can ever be a permanent part of his life?
Ray of Light is a sweet romance that can be quickly read. It features New Order Amish who have telephones in their homes and vacation homes at the beach which is a different perspective than most Amish novels I have read. I enjoyed catching up with other members of the Keim family, especially Viola and Ed from Daybreak. Ray of Light is a must read for fans of Amish romance.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray brings inspirational romance to life in this sweet tale of love in the Amish community, Ray of Light, the second installment of her Days of Redemption series.
Roman Keim just wants a break from the family drama at his snowy Ohio home when he heads to an Amish snowbird community in Florida. There he meets Amanda Yoder and her daughter Regina who soon are warming his heart. But will Roman return to Ohio or will he stay and help the young widow embrace a second chance at love?
The author of the series Sisters of the Heart and Seasons of Sugarcreek, Shelley Shepard Gray delivers an honest, tender love story in Ray of Light, featuring the challenges of faith, family, and romance.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the “Sisters of the Heart”, “Seasons of Sugarcreek”, “Secrets of Crittenden County”, and Families of Honor series. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
Learn more at Shelley’s website.
by admin | May 28, 2013 | Amish, Books, Montana, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I will admit that as a reviewer I sometimes almost get burned out by the plethora of Amish themed books I receive but I have found Tricia Goyer’s novels about the Amish community in West Kootenai, Montana to be refreshingly different. Although they necessarily have plenty of content about the Amish lifestyle, in many ways the stories could be about anyone. “The Promise Box” is no different. I found that the subject matter was quite relevant no matter which Christian path one chooses to follow.
Lydia Wyse had fled the Amish life after learning some unwanted truth about her birth. Not only had she turned her back on the Amish but she had grown quite distant from God also. After receiving word of her mother’s death, she returned to West Kootenai to help her father, fully intending to return to her job as an editor in Seattle. The small mountain town and its residents grow on her, especially Gideon, one of the bachelors there to establish residency in order to hunt in the fall. But what has the biggest impact on Lydia’s life is the small wooden box of promises left to her by her mother. As she reads the letters and scriptures in the box, Lydia is gradually wooed by the Lord back into a relationship with him and she find healing for the deep pain in her soul. Gideon too will find healing in the woods of Montana where the Amish and the Englisch live and work together without conflict.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Promise Box”, especially the sweet promises that drew Lydia back to God. What a beautiful reminder of everything the Lord intends for His children that are often overlooked in the daily quest for “correct doctrine” and the attempts to follow the rules. I would highly recommend this novel, even to those who do not ordinarily enjoy Amish fiction.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
With her heart – and her loyalty – on the line, can she let true love in her life?
Every year, young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive ‘resident’ status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! Lydia Wyse, a book editor from Seattle who grew up Amish, returns to the small community of West Kootenai, Montana to give comfort to her father after her mother’s death.
She is drawn back to the familiar Amish ways after finding her mother’s most precious possession, a Promise Box of prayers and scripture. What her publisher sees, though, is an opportunity for a sensational ‘tell-all’ book about the Amish. Lydia soon finds herself falling in love with Amish bachelor Gideon Hooley. She wants nothing more than to forget her past and look forward to a future as an Amish bride. Will the pain of her childhood—and her potential betrayal of her community—keep her from committing her whole heart?
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of six, grandmother of one, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites.
In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Tricia, along with a group of friends, recently launched NotQuiteAmishLiving.com, sharing ideas about simplifying life. She also hosts the weekly radio podcast, Living Inspired. Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.
Find out more about Tricia at http://triciagoyer.com.
Welcome to the campaign for Tricia Goyer‘s latest novel, The Promise Box (Zondervan). Romantic Times says, “Goyer knows how to keep readers entertained, with twists and turns and surprises in her novels that readers will want to uncover. The second book in her Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series has something for everyone: romance, mystery and family secrets.”
Tricia is celebrating by hosting an Amish Baking Box Giveaway and connecting with readers during her June 12th Book Chat Party!
One “promising” winner will receive:
- Apron, hot mitts, and kitchen towels
- Amish baking items (rolling pin, pie plate, etc…)
- Sherry Gore’s Simply Delicious Amish Cooking
- The Memory Jar and The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 11th. Winner will be announced at the “The Promise Box” Facebook Author Chat Party on June 12th. Connect with Tricia for an evening of Amish fun – book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tricia will also share an exclusive look at the next book book in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.
So grab your copy of The Promise Box and join Tricia on the evening of June 12th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 12th!
