by admin | Oct 12, 2016 | Amish, Books, Historical
MY REVIEW:
Over the years I have read many novels about pioneers who travel west by wagon train but “Mattie’s Pledge” is the first one I’ve encountered that features the Amish. I found their story to be interesting, especially the contrast in their views from other settlers toward protecting themselves and their property.
When Mattie’s family decides to move west to a new settlement in Indiana, she was eager to go. Mattie had a good case of what many might call wanderlust and felt that if she could just see what was over the mountains, the emptiness in her soul would be filled. Jacob Yoder, Mattie’s childhood friend, and his family are part of the group of travelers. All Jacob wants is a home of his own and hopefully Mattie as his wife. Although they care for each other, neither of them quite understands the other’s dreams. The Amish travelers’ trail is dogged by a group of men who are intent on stealing their horses and one of them has his eyes on Mattie. Danger seems imminent but only Jacob seems to discern the threat.
Overall, “Mattie’s Pledge” was an enjoyable story but I did grow frustrated with Mattie and her sometimes foolish actions. I was also disappointed that the author did not take the opportunity to illustrate that the emptiness Mattie felt could only be filled by the Lord. Nevertheless, I believe that most fans of Amish fiction should love “Mattie’s Pledge.
A free copy of this book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When she feels the pull of both home and the horizon, which will she choose?
Mattie Schrock is no stranger to uprooting her life. Even as her father relocated her family from one Amish community to the next, she always managed to find a footing in their new homes. Now as the Schrock family plans to move west from Somerset County to a fledgling Amish settlement in Indiana, she looks forward to connecting with old friends who will be joining them from another Pennsylvania community–friends like Jacob Yoder, who has always held a special place in her heart.
Since Mattie last saw Jacob, they’ve both grown into different people with different dreams. Jacob yearns to settle down, but Mattie can’t help but dream of what may lie over the western horizon. When a handsome Englisher tempts her to leave the Amish behind to search for adventure in the West, will her pledge to Jacob be the anchor that holds her secure?
Tender, poignant, and gentle, Mattie’s Pledge offers you a glimpse into Amish life in the 1840s–and into the yearning heart of a character you’ll not soon forget.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jan Drexler brings a unique understanding of Amish traditions and beliefs to her writing. Her ancestors were among the first Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren immigrants to Pennsylvania in the 1700s. Their experiences are the basis for her stories. Jan lives in South Dakota with her husband, their four adult children, two active dogs, and a cat. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys hiking the Black Hills and the Badlands. She is the author of the Love Inspired novels The Prodigal Son Returns, A Mother for His Children, and A Home for His Family (September 2015).
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by admin | Sep 2, 2016 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
All three Stoltzfus brothers had left their Amish home due to conflicts with their father. When older brother David moves back home and marries her sister, Mary Elizabeth hopes that Sam, the brother she loves, will soon follow. When he tells her otherwise, Mary Elizabeth decides she needs to move on with her life and there just happens to be a new resident in the community who is all too willing to court her. But nice as he is, her heart just isn’t in it.
I really liked the way “Seasons in Paradise” was written with emphasis on other aspects of characters’ lives other than their love life. Of particular interest to me was the way Mary Elizabeth and her sisters worked with the Englisch women’s shelter by teaching the women to quilt and donating food, supplies, and their time to help them. I really enjoyed reading about the Amish and Englisch working together to help their community.
The story was well developed with an interesting plot and characters. I was not so certain that I liked Sam at first but as I grew more familiar with him I decided he was a pretty good fellow. On the other hand, I never did quite trust the other man who was interested in Mary Elizabeth and applauded the caution she used in her interactions with him.
All-in-all, “Seasons in Paradise” is an enjoyable story. Although it is the second in the series, I had not read the first book and found that this one could easily stand on its own. I now really want to read the third volume in order to find out how things turn out with the “bad boy” Stoltzfus brother.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Amazon Vine.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sam Stoltzfus left the Amish community and followed his older brother, David, into the Englisch world, walking away from a chance for love. Sam had clashed with his father, but is there more to his leaving the community than what he says?
Mary Elizabeth, the woman he was starting to love before he left, is determined to find out the reason and bring him back into the fold in time for Christmas.
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, 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.
Find out more about Barbara at BarbaraCameron.com and Amishliving.com.
by admin | Sep 2, 2016 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Christmas at Promise Lodge” is a cozy fall and winter holiday novel featuring a somewhat new Amish community in Missouri. Complete with sleigh rides and ice skating on the pond the story is a warm reminder of simple celebrations among family and good friends.
Yet everything is not all warm and cozy in the Promise Lodge settlement. The community was established by a group of Amish who wanted to get out from under an overbearing bishop but quickly found themselves with another bishop who insisted on setting his own unreasonable rules. Then accidents and illness bring major complications to plans for the holidays and one particular wedding is put on hold, possibly forever.
The people of Promise Lodge are a varied group with individual and sometimes quirky personalities but they are a close-knit group who work together well and take care of each other. I loved the way they extended grace and mercy even to the most undeserving members with forgiveness the principle they lived by.
“Christmas at Promise Lodge” is the perfect book for lovers of Amish literature, especially as this year winds down and advances toward another holiday season.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Amazon Vine.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As the year draws to a close, the brand-new colony of Promise Lodge is thriving, a welcoming community that offers three Amish sisters a fresh start. And as Christmas approaches, gifts big and small are given with love . . .
As Promise Lodge’s first wedding arrives, the evidence of a community building a foundation for the future is a cause for celebration. But the bishop’s narrow-minded wedding sermon doesn’t sit well with the Bender sisters, the town’s courageous founders, especially widowed Mattie Schwartz. She believes marriage and family aren’t the most important of God’s gifts—even if she suspects her tender feelings for Preacher Amos Troyer run deeper than simple friendship.
Amos hasn’t given up hope that stubborn, spirited Mattie will change her mind about taking another husband, but when an accident threatens to change the course of his life forever, he wonders if the Lord has sent him a message. He’ll need faith, hope, and charity to find the right path—and a Christmas blessing to convince Mattie to walk it with him.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Charlotte Hubbard sold her first historical romance in 1990, and she’s been a slave to her overactive imagination ever since. As she writes, her stories invariably take on a life of their own, different from the way she proposed them: unforeseen characters and plot twists come along, and they keep her guessing right along with her readers!
Charlotte has lived in the Midwest most of her life. When she’s not writing, she loves touring historic homes, trying new recipes, crocheting, and playing with her Border Collie, Ramona. She’s a Presbyterian deacon, sings in her church choir, and plays in the percussion ensemble. She’s married to a fine man who—bless him—has never once suggested she get a real job!
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by admin | Aug 29, 2016 | Amish, Books, Novella
MY REVIEW:
“Blueberry Cupcake Mystery” is a warm and cozy mystery just right for reading in one sitting. This short novella is sweet in more ways than one and will not only whet your appetite for a bit of mystery but might just tempt your taste buds with its descriptions of The Sweet Shop’s offerings.
No romance in this one, just a short but sweet mystery with interesting characters and an obvious moral lesson. I loved Katie’s reaction when it became obvious to her who had broken into the Sweet Shop…and why. If only more of us could solve problems the same way the world might be a better place.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the small town of Abbott Creek, mystery is as much a part of daily life as The Sweet Shop’s sugar cookies.
Katie Chupp spends her days at The Sweet Shop, taking care of customers and baking delicious treats . . . not exactly a profession where one expects to be thrown into the midst of mysteries and mayhem.
But when the bakery is broken into, someone has to find the thief . . . besides finding another place to do the baking and get the orders to the customers.
Is this a random theft, or is the thief trying to ruin the town’s Independence Day celebration?
Purchase your copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Naomi Miller mixes up a batch of intrigue, sprinkled with Amish, Mennonite, & English characters, adding a pinch of mystery – and a dash of romance!
Naomi’s day is spent focusing on her writing, editing, and blogging about her experiences with writing. When she’s not working diligently to finish the next book in her Sweet Shop Mystery series, Naomi tries to make time for attending workshops and writers conferences. One of her favorites is the four-day event that the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) organization holds annually.
Naomi also enjoys traveling with her family, singing inspirational/gospel music, taking a daily walk, and witnessing to others of the amazing grace of Jesus Christ.
GUEST POST FROM NAOMI MILLER:
Naomi Miller mixes up a batch of intrigue, sprinkled with Amish, Mennonite, & English characters, adding a pinch of mystery – and a dash of romance!
Naomi’s day is spent focusing on her writing, editing, and blogging about her experiences with writing. When she’s not working diligently to finish the next book in her Sweet Shop Mystery series, Naomi tries to make time for attending workshops and writers conferences. One of her favorites is the four-day event that the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) organization holds annually.
Naomi also enjoys traveling with her family, singing inspirational/gospel music, taking a daily walk, and witnessing to others of the amazing grace of Jesus Christ.
BLOG STOPS:
August 23: A Baker’s Perspective
August 23: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
August 23: Blogging With Carol
August 24: cherylbbookblog
August 24: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
August 24: Running Through The Storms
August 25: A Greater Yes
August 25: A Holland Reads
August 25: Mary Hake
August 26: Gypsy Road
August 26: D’s Quilts & Books
August 26: Cassandra M’s Place
August 27: Bigreadersite
August 27: Bibliophile Reviews
August 27: Christian Bookaholic
August 28: Lighthouse Academy
August 28: Book Babble
August 29: Karilyn Putt
August 30: Karen’s Krayons
August 30: Daysong Reflections
August 31: Quiet Quilter
August 31: Blossoms and Blessings
September 1: Lights in a Dark World
September 1: Just Commonly
September 2: Singing Librarian Books
September 2: His Grace is Sufficient
September 3: Bukwurmzzz
September 4: Ashley’s Bookshelf
September 4: just the write escape
September 5: Reading Is My SuperPower
September 5: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Naomi is giving away a gift bag full of treats and an advanced copy of her new book Christmas Cookie Mystery! Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/a20c
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by admin | Aug 23, 2016 | Amish, Books, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Amish fiction is not my very favorite genre but I have to say that the Honeybee Sisters and their Aunt B are so entertaining. In the second book of the series “A Bee in Her Bonnet”, sister Poppy Christner takes center stage. Always something of a tomboy, Poppy is not particularly interested in men – except to prove that she doesn’t need their help. Neighbor Luke Bontrager seems to show up at the worst of times – just when Poppy finds herself in need of a hand. Wanting to be a good neighbor, Luke attempts to save Poppy over and over, much to her dismay. After all he is just one of the boys she grew up with who always loved to make fun of her. Luke was not interested in Poppy, he wanted a more feminine girl in his life. So why could he not get Poppy out of his mind?
I thoroughly enjoyed “A Bee in Her Bonnet”. The Christner family is so much fun. I loved the unique names their aunt came up with for each pet in the household. Even the cats had their own personality. An ongoing mystery that began in book one continues through this one but has yet to be resolved. I can guarantee that I will have to read book three in order to find out who is behind the vandalism and threats on the family’s farm. The interaction between characters is excellent and the development of the romance between Poppy and Luke was inspired.
Jennifer Beckstrand has found a new fan with her witty and entertaining novels. I look forward to “Like a Bee to Honey”, the third book of the series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Amazon Vine.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Their bees produce the most delectable honey in all of Wisconsin. And the three Christner girls are fondly known as The Honeybee Sisters throughout their peaceful Amish community–where their spirited sweetness is attracting any number of hopeful suitors. . .
Lively, determined, and independent, Poppy Christner isn’t about to let some vandal keep making mischief on her family’s farm. She’s been outrunning boys and standing up for picked-on children ever since she was a girl–no matter how much her prideful, arrogant schoolmate Luke Bontrager insulted her. So Poppy certainly doesn’t need his interference now, especially since he’s made it plain he prefers demure, ladylike companions. In fact, if Luke doesn’t stop helping her find the culprit–and growing humble and remorseful–she’ll be forced to notice how handsome his change-of-heart is making him. And that could mean falling in love–maybe for a lifetime…
Purchase a copy of “A Bee in Her Bonnet” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jennifer Beckstrand is the bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer was nominated for the RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award and the 2015 RITA® Award, and Huckleberry Hill won the 2014 LIME Award for Inspirational fiction. Both Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Christmas appeared in Examiner.com list of top ten inspirational books for 2014.
Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a background in editing. She and her husband have been married for thirty years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and four adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.
http://www.jenniferbeckstrand.com/
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by admin | Jul 23, 2016 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Cindy Woodsmall has a unique talent for taking an Amish novel and making it so relevant for almost everyone, no matter what their religious preference might be. “Fraying at the Edge” is the second book in her The Amish of Summer Grove series and continues the story of two babies accidentally swapped at birth who have spent their lives with the wrong families. The two young women could not be much more different and when forced to live with their biological families for one year, their lives are changed forever.
Ariana misses her Amish family and finds modern life in the city stressful and confusing, however she quickly learns to adapt and even enjoys driving a car. She is only allowed to be in contact with one Amish person, Quill, a long-time friend but she is still angry with him because she believes he lied and deceived her more than once. Nevertheless, Quill is the only person who can help answer some of her questions so she is in contact with him frequently. If she only knew he loved her would she run the other way?
Skylar is not at all happy to be a part of a large Amish family and resents helping with the chores and work around the farm and in Ariana’s restaurant. Not only that but it has become increasingly difficult for her to find the drugs she needs to support her addiction. Is there any hope for Skylar and can the selfless love of her Amish family help her overcome?
“Fraying at the Edge” is such a powerful novel that I find it difficult to put into words. Each character is so well defined that I felt I knew them intimately. Each of them had things in their lives that made them react the way they did. I liked the way Quill and Ariana discussed their faith which made her question why she believed what she did. I also loved seeing the changes in Skylar’s behavior as she responded to the unconditional love of her family.
“Fraying at the Edge” is one of those books that is better read in order in its series. Book one, “Ties That Bind” lays the background necessary to understand “Fraying at the Edge” more completely. Now I cannot wait for the final book of the series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Blogging For Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Family, community, faith, and love.
These “quilt blocks” sewn together made Ariana’s beautiful life.
When they are pulled to pieces, will anything familiar remain?
The Old Order Amish life Ariana Brenneman loved vanished virtually overnight with the discovery that she was switched at birth twenty years ago. Now she’s immersed in the Englischer world, getting to know her mother and under the authority of her biological father, an atheist intellectual with resolute plans to expand Ariana’s worldview. Only Quill Schlabach, a childhood friend living Englisch, can help steady Ariana’s tilting ground between the two worlds, but can she trust him after so many betrayals?
At the same time, Skylar Nash is forced to choose rehab or spend several months with her true relatives, the large Brenneman family and their seemingly backward life—no electricity, no technology, no fun. What the young woman can’t leave behind is her addiction to illegal prescription drugs and deep emptiness from the belief that she doesn’t belong in either family.
New ties are binding Ariana and Skylar to the lives they were meant to have. Can they find the wisdom and strength they’ll need to follow God’s threads into unexpected futures?
Fraying at the Edge is the second novel in The Amish of Summer Grove series.
Read an excerpt of Fraying at the Edge
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.
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