by admin | Oct 23, 2018 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have never met a book by Cindy Woodsmall that I did not enjoy and that includes those for which she has recently joined forces with her daughter-in-law Erin. The two of them make a great team and the story flows so flawlessly that I couldn’t determine that more than one person was involved in its creation.
The Christmas Remedy features an unexpected Amish character, a young woman so vested in the health of her community that she is willing to forego a husband and family in order to become a pharmacy technician. If only she were not so tempted by Joshua Smucker who always makes her think of a home of her own with him.
This wonderful book is populated by wonderful characters – some good ones and perhaps one or two who are not so good. Holly’s giving spirit and focus on helping others made her a favorite of mine. Joshua’s understanding support of Holly and his willingness to help her succeed made him the perfect hero. The story was spun against an idyllic small town backdrop and an unexpected mystery added the perfect counterpoint to the sweet romance developing between Joshua and Holly.
The Christmas Remedy is the perfect read for a long winter evening by the fire. I enjoyed it very much and am sure others will also.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Waterbrook Multnomah. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When an Old Order Amish woman takes a job at a small-town pharmacy struggling to survive in a world of “big box” stores, her motive is to help her Plain community. But the advent of the holiday season brings an unusual mystery to the surface–and possibly love.
Twenty-four-year-old Holly Zook lives a unique life for a young Amish woman. Years ago, her bishop allowed her to continue her education and become the lead technician for Greene’s Pharmacy, an old-timey drugstore that looks out for the Amish community–a group largely without secure healthcare plans. She knows she can’t marry and hold onto her professional job. She’s Amish, and she can only have one or the other, so she spurns love and works toward addressing treatable diseases–like the one that claimed her father’s life.
As long as Holly continues to avoid Joshua Smucker, the one man who draws her like a warm hearth in winter, she should be fine. When something unexpected threatens Greene’s Pharmacy, Holly and Joshua must work together to unravel what’s happened and find the “missing” patient before the Board of Pharmacy shuts them down. As the snows of December arrive, with Christmas in the air, will Holly succumb to the generous spirit of the season?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times, CBA, ECPA, and USA Today best-selling author who has written twenty-two (and counting!) works of fiction and one of nonfiction. Cindy has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal,and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life. Wall Street Journal listed Cindy as the one of the top three most popular authors of Amish fiction.
She’s won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer’s Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings’ Best Books of the Year. She’s been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards.
Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. Though she didn’t realize it at the time, seeds were sown years ago that began preparing Cindy to write these books. At the age of ten, while living in the dairy country of Maryland, she became best friends with Luann, a Plain Mennonite girl. Luann, like all the females in her family, wore the prayer Kapp and cape dresses. Her parents didn’t allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. During the numerous times Luann came to Cindy’s house to spend the night, her rules came with her and the two were careful to obey them–afraid that if they didn’t, the adults would end their friendship. Although the rules were much easier to keep when they spent the night at Luann’s because her family didn’t own any of the forbidden items, both sets of parents were uncomfortable with the relationship and a small infraction of any kind would have been enough reason for the parents to end the relationship. While navigating around the adults’ disapproval and the obstacles in each other’s lifestyle, the two girls bonded in true friendship that lasted into their teen years, until Cindy’s family moved to another region of the US.
As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children. Over the years Cindy has continued to make wonderful friendships with those inside the Amish and Mennonite communities–from the most conservative ones to the most liberal.
Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in their now empty nest.
If you’d like more information or to contact her, you can go to her website: http://www.cindywoodsmall.com or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authorcindywoodsmall
by admin | Jul 17, 2018 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
It is quite possible that Laura V. Hilton could be my favorite author of Amish fiction. Although her characters are mostly Amish and her stories are set in Amish communities, I like how there is not so much emphasis on the rules and regulations according to the Ordnung. In Firestorm, a time or two Bridget wonders if certain expectations are the same as in her previous community and more than once Gabe is certain he will be reprimanded by the pastors. Yet overall, Hilton’s books are real life stories about everyday people who live and love and make mistakes just like you and me.
Firestorm is filled with unexpected problems from the very beginning when Bridget’s family is unpleasantly surprised by the condition of their new home that was purchased sight unseen. Fortunately the community rallies to help get things into shape but one accident after another slows their progress. The characters are vivid and so realistic. Several of them struggle with common human failings such as pride and low self-esteem but as they walk through difficulty and tragedy, the Lord sharpens and heals them. Despite all the difficulties and tragedy within its pages, Firestorm contains a good measure of humor that helps keep it from getting too dark.
I particularly liked the powerful scene during the fire when Gabe understood the true power of God, perhaps for the first time. This author’s books are the perfect blend of drama, romance and faith. If you haven’t read anything from Laura V. Hilton, please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Firestorm, the first volume of The Amish of Mackinac County series.
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: Firestorm
Click to purchase
- Author: Laura Hilton
- Genre: Christian Amish
- Release Date: July, 2018
Bridget Behr and her family migrate from the bustling Amish community where she grew up in Ohio to the mostly unpopulated Upper Peninsula of Michigan after a stalker breaks into their home. While her father and brother try to find work in the area, the family is forced to reside in a borrowed RV until the house and barn are rebuilt. While Bridget is hoping for a fresh start, she’s afraid to trust anyone—even Gabriel, the overly-friendly Amish man who lives nearby. Bridget thinks he’s a flirt who serial dates and doesn’t even remember the girls’ names.
Due to not enough construction work in his Florida community to keep him out of trouble, Gabriel Lapp has been sent to Michigan to work. His father is desperate for his son to settle down. When the family walks into Gabe’s home in the middle of a thunderstorm and he discovers their circumstances, he offers to help with construction. For Gabe, the beautiful girl he teasingly calls “the recluse” once he discovers she doesn’t attend youth events, confuses him like none other.
As Gabriel and Bridget grow closer, they realize there is more to a person than meets the eye. Just as Bridget is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding love, tragedy strikes. Now Bridget and her family must decide if they should move to another Amish community, or dare to fight for the future they’d hoped for in Mackinac County.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with over twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write.
Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.
When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.
GUEST POST FROM LAURA HILTON:
I read a series of books a year or so ago by another Amish author who had set her books in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. As a Michigan native, I was curious, and I researched, but found nothing about Upper Peninsula Amish except a notation that one had tried and failed. So I contacted the author. She told me that she’d never been there, and her research had all been hearsay, so with that lack of firsthand knowledge and no trip to the Upper Peninsula planned, no trip to see for myself would be possible. At least at that time.
Then God intervened. My son who is in the United States Coast Guard was stationed in the Upper Peninsula this past summer (2017.) He saw the Amish driving around in their buggies. And he felt like a stalker as he followed one to see where he went and drove through the area. He even sent pictures. (Shhhh.)
Yes, there are Amish in the Upper Peninsula – at least at the time this book was written.
Okay, as a Michigan native, I used some terms that may not be familiar to non-Michiganders. A Yooper is someone who lives in the Upper Peninsula. A Troll is someone from the Lower Peninsula. A pastie is kind of like a Hot Pocket, except it’s a meat pie made with root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and rutabagas. They are so good. And the straits are the area of the Great Lakes connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
As for the wildfire, the earliest wildfire I could find any documentation on in the Upper Peninsula was in April. It is generally a snowy area — trust me. I lived near the Muskegon area and saw snow drifts in May. We sometimes had over six feet of snow on the ground at one time. So, to get the wildfire when I wanted/needed the wildfire I used artistic license. Yes, fires really happened in Michigan’s history. Just not in the month mentioned in the book.
I am attaching a meme about Michigan seasons. We’ll call the fire set in “fool’s spring.” My son got married during the “third winter” this year. April 21 and there’s snow on the ground. He and his beautiful bride got married at a water fall (Tahquomenon Falls) very near where the story is set.
Thanks for reading Firestorm!!
BLOG STOPS:
| Carpe Diem, July 10
Blogging With Carol, July 10
Reading Is My SuperPower, July 11
Moments Dipped in Ink, July 11
The Avid Reader, July 12
Blossoms and Blessings, July 12
Texas Book-aholic, July 12
God’s Little Bookworm, July 13
Inklings and notions, July 13
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 13
Among the Reads, July 14
Because I said so- adventures in parenting, July 14
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, July 15
Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, July 15
A Reader’s Brain, July 16
Luv’N Lambert Life, July 16
Daysong Reflections, July 17
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Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, July 17
Janices book reviews, July 17
Inspiration Clothesline, July 18
lady ansel book blog, July 18
Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 18
cherylbbookblog, July 19
Two Points of Interest, July 19
A Baker’s Perspective, July 19
Pause for Tales, July 20
Ashley’s bookshelf, July 20
amandainpa, July 21
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, July 21
Bigreadersite, July 21
proud to be an autism mom, July 22
Bibliophile Reviews, July 22
For The Love of Books, July 23
Pink Granny’s Journey, July 23
Little Homeschool on the Praire, July 23
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GIVEAWAY:
Grand prize: Firefighter Puppet 9 (Melissa & Doug), Copies of Amish Firefighter and Firestorm by Laura Hilton.
First place prize of “I Love You to the Cross & Back” Mug (Gardenfire) & Firestorm by Laura Hilton!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/cf87/firestorm-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | May 24, 2018 | Amish, Books, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Although the title and cover of Buried Secrets made me hope for a mystery/suspense type novel, thus leading to a bit of disappointment, the book was nevertheless an enjoyable read. The plot and characters were very well developed which made it easy to care what happened to them. I agreed with other characters that Luke and Rose were perfect for each other so it was sometimes frustrating to see how hard they fought their obvious attraction.
The secrets alluded to by the book’s title did have a lot to do with Luke and Rose’s behavior but bringing those secrets to light eventually solved their problems even if some misunderstanding had to be overcome first. I loved the inclusion of the cardinal into the story line and adored Rose’s little son Daniel who brought a special touch to the story.
This well written and pleasant story is sure to make a welcome addition to the libraries of most lover of Amish fiction.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Gilead Publishing. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Family secrets could get in the way of a second chance at love
After her husband dies, Rose longs to be near her family—especially her twin sister, Lillian—so she packs up her young son and leaves their life in Ohio to move back to Paradise, Pennsylvania.
Luke Miller is ready to settle down in Paradise. He soon forms a partnership with Rose to help farm her land. He finds that he’s enjoying the company of the quiet, modest widow and she may be just the woman he’s been waiting for. But is Rose hiding a secret beneath her reserved exterior—one that could keep her from having a future with Luke?
And Rose isn’t the only one concealing something. Luke has a secret of his own, and it could threaten their partnership—and their chance at love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
 |
Barbara Cameron has a heart for writing about the spiritual values and simple joys of the Amish. She is the best-selling author of more than 40 fiction and nonfiction books and three nationally televised movies, and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Her books have been nominated for Carol Awards and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award from RWA’s Faith, Hope, and Love chapter. Barbara resides in Jacksonville, Florida. |
GIVEAWAY:
Click HERE to enter!
by admin | Mar 12, 2018 | Amish, Books, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Shelley Shepard Gray is one of the authors of Amish fiction who manages to keep her books both fresh and exciting. “His Risk” features Cal, a formerly Amish man working undercover in a gun-running gang who sees no way out but death. When he returns home to be with his brother through some serious surgery he meets Alice, the sweet Amish girl house sitting for her brother across the street. Although both know it is a terrible idea, the two of them cannot seem to avoid becoming friends (or more) as they continue to spend time together. All Cal can think of is that he could be bringing danger to everyone he cares about.
This may be one of my favorites of this author’s Amish novels. “His Risk” includes excellent character development with several points of view that help to flesh out the story. The narrative is filled with plenty of drama and suspense laced with several surprises along the way. I’m not 100% sure that I entirely liked how the gang situation was resolved but Cal’s explanation to Alice’s friend Irene made perfect sense to me.
This book contained excellent examples of how often people are not exactly what they seem and even “bad” people may be motivated by wounds from their life. An example of one laying down his life for another was an unexpected event that really touched me.
I would highly recommend this book to all who love Amish fiction and even to those who believe they don’t like it. “His Risk” is definitely worth taking the time to read.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
An undercover English DEA agent will do anything to protect the Amish girl he loves.
Calvin Fisher left the Amish community at fourteen and never looked back. Only his brother’s illness can bring him back to Hart County. Now, as Calvin works to make amends, he meets Alice, a local nursery school teacher, and falls hard for her. But he has a secret that could threaten the happiness he’s finally found.
Alice shouldn’t like—or want—Calvin. He’s English, has a questionable past, and an even more questionable job. Still, she can’t help being intrigued. Though Calvin assures Alice that he’s worthy of her, she’s torn between surrendering to her growing feelings and steering clear of him.
When a sudden surge of criminal activity alarms the community and even targets Alice, Calvin fears that his double life has put everyone he loves at risk. As for Alice, she can’t help but wonder if the brave and honorable man she’s lost her heart to is far more dangerous than she could ever imagine.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Shepard Gray is a “New York Times” and “USA Today” bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. 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.
Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
GIVEAWAY:
Enter to win a copy of His Risk. Five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced March 28 on the Litfuse blog!
by admin | Feb 19, 2018 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
If you are a reader who mostly avoids Amish fiction because you think you cannot relate to what many think of as a perfect, sinless lifestyle that might be just a little boring, you really should give Laura Hilton’s novels a try. In them you will find Amish characters who struggle with the same problems and temptations that everyone else experiences – you know the old “lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”. Yes the Amish deal with those issues too and Hilton writes about those issues beautifully and scripturally.
In “Love by the Numbers” Hilton’s characters come to life within the pages, especially Lydia and Caleb. Lydia has come to Jamesport to run her aunt’s gift store because she needs a safe place to stay due to false accusations made against her. Caleb was instantly attracted to Lydia and grew to care for her as he got to know her better but because of guilt from his own past he feels he is not good enough for her. Their story involves learning to trust God and to accept His grace in their lives.
There are several scenes in which Caleb and Lydia are strongly tempted by their attraction. Although the scenes are quite tastefully written and are not at all explicit, some readers may not want to share this book with younger teens.
I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every book I have read thus far by Laura Hilton and appreciate the honesty with which she writes. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
After her fiancé dies in a buggy accident, Lydia Hershberger is invited to Jamesport to manage her Mennonite aunt’s gift store while her aunt and uncle are on a mission trip. While there, Lydia gets acquainted with her aentie’s best friend, Bethel Bontrager, and her grown son, Caleb. Lydia is surprised to find herself drawn to handsome clockmaker, Caleb Bontrager. But in spite of an instant flame of attraction between them, he doesn’t seem interested. In fact, pesky Caleb treats her like he doesn’t even like her.
Bright and sparkly. That’s Caleb’s first impression of Lydia. He’s always been attracted to sparkly things. In fact, his affinity for those things, and the trouble they can cause, are exactly why he’s determined to change his ways and settle down. With Lydia’s aentie gone, he is handling the books for the gift shop and is forced to spend too much time in her presence.
When God offers Lydia a second chance at love and family, will she take it? Or will the secret Caleb harbors cause her even more heartbreak?
Click here to purchase your copy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with almost twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write and Putting on the New.
Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.
When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.
GUEST POST FROM LAURA V. HILTON:
Story Behind the Story – Love by the Numbers
Caleb was a minor character in couple of my Amish books – I think he first made a by name appearance in Amish Wanderer and Christmas Admirer. A minor character. Lydia was a very minor one-time appearance in those stories, too, a girl who happened to be in the room with Bethany and Susanna at a wedding. (This story is stand alone!) But I knew when Caleb first saw Lydia that they would end up together by the way he reacted to her presence. I wondered what their story was.
March and April is tornado season in Arkansas (and in many other states) and in 2011 we had a bad one. I was out and about that day, driving to the county seat with my five children, and there was something in the air. It was heavy, hard to breathe, and the sky was black off to the west. I’m sure I broke speed limits racing to Melbourne, and then home again so we wouldn’t be out in the storm.
Later that afternoon, tornado sirens went off. One went over our house – even from the basement we could hear the sound of a train roaring overhead. Scary. And still thanking God it didn’t touch down. Highland, Ash Flat, and Evening Shade, Arkansas were hit hard. Buildings completely gone. When we drove out that way later in the week there were pickup trucks in the tops of trees. Other things in odd and unusual places. I always wondered how they got the treetop pickups down. I would’ve stopped to watch if I’d been out there when it was done. I did hear that some of those trucks weren’t damaged at all. Unreal. My two sons and my husband both helped with clean up and my oldest son went with a crew to Joplin, Missouri, to help with clean up there.
There has been other occasions I’ve been out in tornados. Once I was in the Walmart parking lot when a tornado went through a town west of it. We could see the funnel touching down from where we stood. It did hail when we were on our way home, praying our house was still standing. It was.
On a different note, in 2016 my oldest son came home with a kitten. She was the sweetest thing ever, and he named her Rosie. Sadly, I was highly allergic to her. I couldn’t even be around the children after they played with her. They’d have to go change clothes and wash their hands, otherwise I couldn’t breathe. Rosie was full Siamese, blue eyes and all, and she was so adorable. I allowed my son to keep her in the shed. I was about four chapters into the story when Rosie found some poison (I think, not sure) and died. We all cried.
Also about the time I was writing this, a very dear friend of a lot of writers died. I told my street team I was going to name a character after her, and was told a lot of writers would be. I agreed. And a lot of their books were released already. But Aenti Judith in this story is named after Judy Burgi. I still miss her and pray for her family.
One of the verses my daughter had to memorize in Sunday School was 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. ‘We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.’ Perfect for the faith message in Love by the Numbers! I love how God always provides the perfect verse for my characters’ faith messages. I’m pretty sure this verse is one I never memorized, and I never would of thought of it on my own, but God put it in my daughter’s lessons for Sunday School, so she had to memorize it – and thus I did too since I help my daughters learn their verses every week.
I hope you’ll enjoy the story!
Because of Him,
Laura V. Hilton
BLOG STOPS:
Pursuing Stacie, February 13
Quiet Quilter, February 13
Red Headed Book Lady, February 13
Babs Book Bistro, February 13
Blogging With Carol, February 14
Among the Reads, February 14
Reading Is My SuperPower, February 15
Blossoms and Blessings, February 15
SusanLovesBooks, February 16
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 16
Carpe Diem, February 16
A Baker’s Perspective, February 17
Splashes of Joy, February 17
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 17
Two Points of Interest, February 18
vickysluiter.com, February 18
A Reader’s Brain, February 19
Zerina Blossom’s Books, February 19
C Jane Read, February 20
Daysong Reflections, February 20
margaret kazmierczak, February 20
proud to be an autism mom, February 21
Bibliophile Reviews, February 21
A Greater Yes, February 22
Texas Book-aholic, February 22
Pause for Tales, February 23
Have A Wonderful Day, February 23
cherylbbookblog, February 24
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 24
Simple Harvest Reads, February 24
Christian Bookaholic, February 25
Janices book reviews, February 25
For The Love of Books, February 26
Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 26
Bigreadersite, February 26
GIVEAWAY:
In honor of the tour, Whitaker House is giving away
Grand Prize Package: Love By the Numbers, Healing Love (Amish of Webster County #1), and The Snow Globe (The Amish of Jamesport #1) by Laura Hilton; “The Angels Cry Holy” scented candle in tin with lid from Abba Jerusalem
1st Place Package: Love By the Numbers, The Snow Globe (The Amish of Jamesport #1) by Laura Hilton, and Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils
2nd Place Package: Love By the Number by Laura Hilton and Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils!!!
by admin | Nov 21, 2017 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Romance
MY REVIEW:
It seems like every time I decide I’m done with Amish fiction, I have the opportunity to read a book by one of the better Amish authors such as Laura V. Hilton and I have to rethink my decision. Yes there are plenty of Amish books out there that strike me as carbon copies with reworked characters and/or plots but I have also found a few authors whose novels are well worth my time. At this point, I won’t turn down a book by Laura V. Hilton.
Although her books are about the Amish, her characters are so full of life and they struggle with the same personal problems that the people I know experience. They may live a different lifestyle than I but I can easily identify with their doubts, their joy, and their pain. Not to mention that we all serve the same God. Another thing that keeps me reading Hilton’s books is that her romances have a certain “sizzle” yet retain their purity.
“The Christmas Admirer” features Benaiah Troyer and Susanna King who had planned to marry until tragedy struck his family. Because of added responsibilities, Benaiah decided that for her own good, it was best to break up with Susannah. Yes, he was one of those men who made decisions for another without getting their input. Then there was Susanna’s father who seemed to be good at doing the same thing to her. Everyone making decisions about her life without asking was enough to upset any woman.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit although there were a few times I did want to give Benaiah and Susannah’s dad a good shake or two to make them realize what they were doing to her. It was fun to read about Amish glassblowers but I would have loved to know a few more particulars about their craft. Nevertheless it was a great story and everything worked out to my satisfaction before it ended.
I would recommend “The Christmas Admirer” as well as other books by this author even if you don’t think you would enjoy Amish fiction.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Amish romance fans will love this heartwarming holiday story, perfect for gift-giving.
Benaiah Troyer has loved Susanna King for as long as he can remember, but when his parents died in an accident a year ago, he broke up with her—for her own good. After all, he was now the sole caregiver for his three younger sisters. What woman would want to put up with that? Still, against his better judgment, he can’t help leaving her a gift now and then, anonymously addressing her name in big block print, just to catch a smile. Roses one month, maple syrup candy another; and maybe this time, something special for Christmas.
Susanna has never gotten over losing Benaiah, but now the clock is ticking. Her father is selling his glass-blowing business, remarrying in January, and moving to Iowa with his bossy wife-to-be. Angry and frustrated, Susanna realizes she’s left with three options: one, go with Daed to his new home with a new mom; two, stay in Jamesport, Missouri, as an old maid; or, three, the best yet, flush out her mysterious secret admirer. But how could she be with anyone else when her heart is still with Benaiah?
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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.
GUEST POST FROM LAURA V. HILTON:
Glass Blowing and The Christmas Admirer
Right before my youngest son joined the Coast Guard we went on a short mini-vacation to Springfield, Missouri, actually going farther north almost to Kansas City to see another Amish community near there in Osceola. There is a cheese factory there and my son wanted to try some of their cheeses – such as a ghost pepper cheese. Too spicy for me.
But upon the return to Springfield, Steve read about a glass blowers shop in the downtown area. We found the address and went to visit it. It is owned by an older gentleman and his son. They had a display area set up where people could see their wares and buy them and then a work area where the son mostly worked, and talked about how the fire needed to be so hot, and showed us how he worked and made things. As we watched, he made a lovely flower, a lily, in different colors of glass, green, white, pinks.
It was fascinating.
And I got to thinking what if…
So I did some more research. Asked questions. Probably drove them nuts. But when Whitaker House indicated they’d be interested in a Christmas novel, I proposed one about a glass blower.
The story is set in Jamesport, Missouri, and while completely stand alone, it does have some continuing characters from other books I’ve written set in Jamesport. If you are interested, the books set there are:
Amish Books set in Jamesport, Missouri:
The Snow Globe
The Postcard
The Birdhouse
The Amish Firefighter
The Amish Wanderer
The Kissing Bridge (part of Springs of Love collection)
The Christmas Admirer
Gingerbread Wishes (part of A Plain Thanksgiving collection–November 2018)
Love by the Numbers (February 2018)
I haven’t read any books about an Amish glass blower, but that’s not to say they aren’t out there. I haven’t read all the Amish books available. Jamesport is an area that is more tourist-oriented than the books set in Seymour / Webster County Missouri. They give buggy tours, have bed and breakfasts, open their homes for visitors to eat supper with them, and have businesses.
All Amish districts are different and the rules vary depending on the bishop and preachers. Some are more liberal and some more conservative. Some keep themselves distant and don’t welcome attention from non-Amish and some embrace it. While Jamesport is not as touristy as some districts in Lancaster Pennsylvania or in Ohio, it is much more so than others.
Susanna’s Cranberry Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed), chopped
- 1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 medium apple, chopped
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix the first six ingredients until blended. Refrigerate, covered, overnight.
- In a large bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form. Just before serving, fold cream and walnuts into cranberry mixture.Makes 16 servings.
Susanna’s Cranberry Sauce
For on top of turkey sandwiches as Becca requested
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed), chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water or orange juice
Directions
In colander, rinse cranberries. In sauce pan, add water or orange juice and sugar, boil until sugar is dissolved. Add cranberries and return to a boil. Lower to simmer and cook about 10 minutes or until most of the cranberries had burst. Let cool.
Susanna’s “Love Portion” Gingerbread
Ingredients
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 T baking powder
- 1 T ground ginger
- 1 t ground nutmeg
- 1 t ground cloves
- 1 t ground cinnamon
- 1 cup shortening, melted slightly
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ c water
- 1 egg
- 1 t vanilla
Directions
Shift together flour, baking powder, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon. Set aside.
In mixing bowl, mix shortening, molasses, brown sugar, water, egg and vanilla until smooth. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until they are absorbed. Divide dough into three pieces, pat down until about 1 ½ inch thickness, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for three hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. On lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to ¼ inch thickness. Cut in desired shapes. Place cookies about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 10 – 12 minutes in preheated oven. Cool on wire racks. When cool, decorate as desired.
BLOG STOPS:
ASC Book Reviews, November 9
Books n Baubles, November 9
Janices book review, November 9
Avid Reader Book Reviews, November 10
Have A Wonderful Day, November 10
A Greater Yes, November 10
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 11
God’s Little Bookworm, November 11
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 11
Eat, Read, Teach, Blog, November 12
A Holland Reads, November 12
Simple Harvest Reads, November 12
Reading Is My SuperPower, November 13
Beck To Basics, November 13
Carpe Diem, November 13
Christian Bookaholic, November 14
Blossoms and Blessings, November 14
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, November 15
Reader’s cozy corner, November 15
Christian Author, J.E.Grace, November 15
Baker Kella, November 16
Quiet Quilter, November 16
Karen Sue Hadley, November 16
Pause for Tales, November 17
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, November 17
Pursuing Stacie, November 17
For The Love of Books, November 18
Blogging With Carol, November 18
Pink Granny’s Journey, November 18
Bigreadersite, November 19
Vicky Sluiter, November 19
SusanLovesBooks, November 19
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 20
Moments Dipped in Ink, November 20
New Horizon Reviews, November 20
The Fizzy Pop Collection, November 21
A Simply Enchanted Life, November 21
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 21
Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 22
Daysong Reflections, November 22
Splashes of Joy, November 22
In honor of her tour, Laura is giving away
Grand Prize Package: The Christmas Admirer, “Unto Us a Child is Born” painting on decorative serving plate by Donna White, The Hearthside Collection, Inc., and commemorative Whitaker House/Anchor Distributors coloring book (not in photo).
1st Place Package: The Christmas Admirer and The Very First Christmas by Juliet David with interactive illustrations by Pauline Siewert (children’s book).
2nd Place Package: The Christmas Admirer and “The Woman Who Honors The Lord Shall Be Praised” myrrh-scented candle from abba Jerusalem!
Click the link to enter! https://promosimple.com/ps/c16f
