by admin | Nov 26, 2014 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“An Amish Second Christmas” is a compilation of four novellas by authors known for their Amish fiction. Each of the novellas stands alone with different settings and characters. The common thread is that each one highlights a way the Amish of that community celebrates the day after Christmas which they call “Second Christmas”.
“When Christmas Comes Again” by Beth Wiseman is somewhat different than the usual Amish novel. The story is a bit mysterious with a bit of humor and a touch of romance. It is also a touching example of family reconciliation and healing that might just bring the reader to tears.
“Her Christmas Pen Pal” by Ruth Reid is also a bit unexpected. A story that begins with an expected engagement gone wrong, a misdirected package and letter, and a correspondence that develops as a result, this novella is thoroughly delightful and entertaining in its entirety.
“A Gift for Anne Marie” by Kathleen Fuller tells the story of lifelong best friends Anne Marie and Nathaniel who are soon to be separated when Anne Marie’s widowed mother remarries and moves the family to another state. Anne Marie cannot imagine her life without Nathaniel and both of them realize possibly too late that their friendship has developed into much more.
“The Christmas Aprons” by Tricia Goyer is another story set in Kootenai, a place Goyer’s readers have come to love. Esther is a shy young woman who has always lived in the shadow of her more outgoing twin and has developed a pretty good case of low self esteem as a result. When her mother finally shares her famous pie recipe for Esther to bake for an auction, the young man who buys her pie discovers just how special Esther is.
All four novellas are quickly read and each is special in its own way. I enjoyed all of them and would find it difficult to choose a favorite. “An Amish Second Christmas” is just the right book for those who love Amish fiction and Christmas novels. 
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing..
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Celebrate Second Christmas, a treasured, lighthearted time of community, with four Amish romances.
“When Christmas Comes Again” by Beth Wiseman
Katherine knows the first Christmas without Elias will be hard for her and the children. But when a mysterious Englischer appears with photographs of her late husband, Katherine begins to wonder what other blessings Christmas could have in store.
Read a preview from When Christmas Comes Again HERE.
“Her Christmas Pen Pal” by Ruth Reid
Joy was expecting a wedding proposal from Henry; what she got instead was news of another woman. But when her heartfelt letter to a cousin ends up in the hands of a young cabinetmaker, an unexpected correspondence between two strangers gets interesting fast.
“A Gift for Anne Marie” by Kathleen Fuller
Anne Marie and Nathaniel have been best friends since they were kids. Now things are evolving . . . in ways everyone else predicted long ago. But when her mother suddenly decides to remarry in another state, Anne Marie’s new chapter with Nathaniel looks doomed to end before it begins.
“The Christmas Aprons” by Tricia Goyer
Vanilla crumb pie has been Esther’s mem’s calling card for decades. But when Esther finally gets her hands on the secret recipe, she discovers that vanilla crumb pie is more than just dessert . . . it’s bachelor bait.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
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Beth WisemanAward-winning, bestselling author Beth Wiseman is best known for her Amish novels, but she has also written several successful contemporary novels, set primarily in her beloved Texas, including Need You Now and The House that Love Built. Both have received glowing reviews. Beth’s The Promise is inspired by a true story. |
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Kathleen FullerKathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including *A Man of His Word and Treasuring Emma, as well as a middle-grade Amish series, The Mysteries of Middlefield. |
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Ruth ReidRuth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She’s a full-time pharmacist who resides in Florida with her husband and three children. |
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Tricia GoyerUSA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series. She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. Tricia and her husband John live in Little Rock, Arkansas where John works for FamilyLife. They have six children. |
by admin | Nov 23, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Revell, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Each year I look forward to reading Melody Carlson’s latest Christmas novel. I would be extremely disappointed if she decided to stop writing them. At this point, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without one. As expected, her latest, “The Christmas Cat” did not disappoint. It was a short and sweet story that contained a timely message appropriate to the season.
I felt immediate sympathy for Garrison and his aversion to his grandmother’s houseful of cats because of his allergic reaction to them. How would he ever meet the requirements of her will without becoming ill himself? I especially liked how Garrison found just the right owners for each of the cats and the special effects the cats had on their new owners. Most of all, I loved the changes in Garrison himself as he honored his grandmother’s last wishes and found himself blessed for it.
“The Christmas Cat” is a heartwarming tale that can be read in one evening. Do yourself a favor and begin a Christmas tradition with Melody Carlson’s Christmas books. I think you will love them as much as I do.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
He felt his face flushing as Cara opened the door. Wearing a garnet-colored knit dress and with her dark hair pinned up, she looked even prettier than he remembered. Suddenly he wished he’d thought to bring a hostess gift. Like a cat.
After years abroad, Garrison Brown finds himself at the home of his beloved grandmother who has just passed away. He must sort out her belongings, including six cats who need new homes. While he hopes to dispense with the task quickly–especially since he is severely allergic to cats–his grandmother’s instructions don’t allow for speed. She has left some challenging requirements for the future homes of her furry friends.
Can he match the cats with the perfect new owners? And is it possible that he might meet his own match along the way?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than six million. She is the author of several Christmas books, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington’s, as well as The Christmas Pony and A Simple Christmas Wish. 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. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.
by admin | Nov 20, 2014 | Books, Christmas, ebook, Historical, Novella, Romance
MY REVIEW:
During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season that encompasses Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is nice to find a bit of stolen time to relax with a book. The novellas that comprise The 12 Brides of Christmas novella series are absolutely perfect for that. I woke early one morning this week and instead of rattling around in the kitchen, I decided to let my husband sleep. In my comfy recliner, I was able to finish “The Nativity Bride” before he woke.
“The Nativity Bride” is a story about lost love, family secrets, broken family relationships, dedication to family, and second chances. The author managed to pack quite a lot into this short but emotional story that illustrates the affect that personal disappointments can have on future generations.
I loved this sweet story of forgiveness and restoration. I hope you will also.
This book was provided for review by Shiloh Run Studios.
Deborah Summers has waited five years and prayed for Curt Warren to return to Goldendale, Washington, passing up another marriage proposal by believing in her first love. When tragedy finally brings him home, will a rift with his father drive him away too quickly?
More About The Nativity Bride with Miralee Ferrell
A devoted young woman who cared for her mother rather than follow after the man she loved, Deborah’s heart springs to life when he returns for a brief visit. Once there, love flames anew but, as usual, misunderstandings abound.
What can a beautifully carved nativity set have to do with it?
And will she make a choice to love in spite of circumstances?
Set in beautiful Goldendale, Washington, The Nativity Bride‘s hero Curt is an honorable man struggling with a difficult past. Will he be able to overcome his disappointments to find happiness?
Who is Miralee Ferrell?
Miralee’s an avid reader and has a large collection of first edition Zane Grey books, which inspired her desire to write fiction set in the Old West. She rides horseback with her adult daughter and lives with her husband on 11 acres along the Columbia River in southern Washington.
For more information about Miralee, please visit her website: miraleeferrell.com
You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter
by admin | Nov 18, 2014 | Amish, Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingPromises to CherishHoward Books (October 7, 2014)byElizabeth YountABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is an Air Force officer’s wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch.
Learn more about Elizabeth and her books on her Website .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As World War II draws to a close, nurse Christine falls in love with roguish Amish boy Eli and must choose between a new, uncertain life in the Amish faith or face the judgment of a conservative postwar American society for her past mistakes.
It’s 1945, and Christine Freeman is a nurse at Hudson River State Hospital, where she works alongside members of a Civilian Public Service unit. Eli is one of the conscies—conscientious objectors to the war—and he is doing his best to become a man of character instead of the immature heartbreaker he used to be back home in his Amish community.
Christine and Eli are friendly, but when an old acquaintance, Jack, returns home from the war, Christine’s world is violently turned upside down. Eli, heartbroken to see his friend so hurt, offers her an escape within his Amish community. Despite her misgivings, Christine is fully embraced by Eli’s community. She slowly begins to feel valued and loved as she learns the Amish way of life.
Christine finds herself falling for Eli. But soon, the abusive Jack discovers Christine in her Amish hideaway and starts causing trouble for the quiet community. Christine can’t see herself becoming Amish, and she knows that if Eli leaves the church to be with her, he will be shunned. Will she escape Jack and possibly have to give up the one thing she holds most dear, or will she follow her heart and promise to cherish the Amish man who loves her?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Promises to Cherish , go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
“Promise to Cherish” is much more than the typical Amish fiction. Much of the story takes place in the Hudson River State Hospital during World War 2 where Christine Freeman is a nurse for patients with various mental problems. Eli, an Amish conscientious objector is assigned to her unit where he has a positive influence on many of the patients. The author’s vivid descriptions of hospital conditions and attitudes toward both the mentally ill and the conscientious objectors are eye-opening and disturbing.
The realistic plot covers some tough subjects without pulling any punches, yet manages to do so without unwelcome details. The Amish were not placed on a pedestal but were portrayed with a fresh honesty that revealed that deep down we are really not all that different. Well-developed characters who grew in their faith and managed to overcome despite their serious challenges were central to the story. I especially liked Aunt Annie whose acceptance, compassion, and wisdom made such a difference to Christine’s life.
I enjoyed “Promise to Cherish” and would recommend it to all who enjoy Amish fiction.
by admin | Nov 15, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Historical, Humor, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The sixth novella in The 12 Brides of Christmas series, “The Gingerbread Bride” is short, sweet, and funny. So far this novella is the most humorous one and had me laughing almost throughout. I am having a delightful time reading the various Brides of Christmas stories and look forward to the rest of them.
Maddie is in love with Harlan but is too impatient to wait for him to reciprocate. In order to hurry him up, she procures a “love potion” but panics when she discovers Harlan has eaten the entire plate of gingerbread she made with the “potion”. The results are hilarious but to tell more would give away the entire story.
Even with its humor, “The Gingerbread Bride” has a very important lesson about waiting on the Lord rather than trying to rush things through one’s own efforts. I remember Abraham having to learn a similar lesson.
This book was provided for review by Shiloh Run Studios.
Maddie Sinclair loves Harlan Calhoun, but feels like she can’t get his attention, so she visits an eccentric woman in the Ozark Mountains for an herbal mixture—a love potion—that she bakes into a batch of gingerbread cookies. When Harlan suddenly proposes, Maddie is torn by guilt and confusion. Is this true love or just the herbs talking?
Purchase a copy of
The Gingerbread Bride HERE.
More About The Gingerbread Bride with Amy Lillard
Amy Lilliard’s first historical novella starts out with a common problem but her heroine Maddie seeks an unusual solution in The Gingerbread Bride.
Maddie’s weakness is lack of trust in God. As a result, “she’s so desperate to find love that she grows impatient and takes matters into her own hands.”
The results, of course, backfire in a curious way involving a Christmas gingerbread man.
Set in Arkansas‘ Ozarks following the Civil War, The Gingerbread Bride features a zany young woman, the voice of reason in her younger sister and a lonely young man, Harlan, invited to Christmas dinner.
Amy enjoyed writing the story because of the close relationship between Maddie and her sister Grace. “It made me miss my own sisters. We don’t live close, but we always have each other’s back—even when we mess up,” she said.
A history major in college, Amy was always intrigued by this time period, “a nation rebuilding, still growing and pushing westward, settled, but still a little wild.”
During the writing of the novella she researched the location and period clothing, but also mistletoe traditions and when they started, Christmas trees in America, Christmas cookies, and wedding cakes.
“The idea that everyone is one of God’s children grew out of the story itself,” Amy added.
Christmas in the Lilliard household involves a big meal served around a fancy set table.
”But what makes the celebration different from year to year is we tend to invite anyone and everyone to come eat with us. It seemed natural to me that the pastor would invite Harlan to dinner. He has no family close and needs to be with others on Christmas Day. Family can mean so much more than those joined by blood or marriage.”
Amy has enjoyed working on The Twelve Brides of Christmas Collection. “I feel so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful and talented group of authors. I have made some great friends.”
Who is Amy Lilliard?
Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess. Amy is a native of Mississippi who currently lives in Oklahoma with her husband and son.
For more information about Amy, please visit her website: amywritesromance.com
You can also find Amy on Facebook and Twitter.
by admin | Nov 14, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, San Francisco
MY REVIEW:
I have been a reader of Julie Lessman’s books since the very first and have always enjoyed them. “Surprised by Love” came as no surprise to me. It contained the same skillfully crafted plot and characters as each of her earlier novels. Julie has a way of making her readers part of the series family and I for one do not want to miss a minute of their lives.
“Surprised by Love” features Megan, the sweet but retiring McClare daughter whose year in France transformed her into a young woman even her own family did not recognize. She quickly realized that her feelings for her longtime supporter Bram had grown into love but she also found herself pursued by Devin, her tormentor from school days. Another romantic triangle continues within these pages with Megan’s mother Cait, her uncle Logan, and Andrew Turner.
It is always fun to catch up with what is happening in the lives of the primary characters of the previous novels in a series and “Surprised by Love” indulges me in that respect. In fact, the entire series could be one continuing novel except for the change in primary characters in each one. A novel with emotional highs and lows, ample drama, some unexpected twists, and of course romance, “Surprised by Love” is certain to make all Julie Lessman fans happy readers for a few all-too-short hours.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She can turn the head of the man who spurned her–but can she turn his heart?
When Megan McClare left San Francisco to study in Paris, no one would accuse her of being poised and pretty. But on the other side of the Atlantic, this wallflower blossomed into a beauty with big dreams. When she returns to California and accepts an internship at the district attorney’s office, she’s thrilled that her life is taking shape. But the exciting opportunity quickly loses its glow when she discovers she’ll be working alongside Devin Caldwell, who mercilessly mocked her at school–and with whom she was hopelessly enamored.
Bram Hughes is the best friend to whom Megan has always turned for support and advice. But when she seeks his counsel about working with Devin Caldwell, Bram’s vision is clouded by his sudden unwelcome attraction to a girl he had always thought of as a little sister. He advises forgiveness, but can he forgive himself for pushing the woman he loves into the arms of another man?
Author Julie Lessman draws a romantic triangle that will touch your heart in this glittering Gilded Age tale of transforming love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Julie Lessman is an award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston series, the Winds of Change series, and The Heart of San Francisco series. The recipient of seventeen Romance Writers of America and other awards, Lessman was chosen as the #1 Romance Fiction Author of the Year in the Family Fiction magazine 2011 and 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards. She resides in Missouri with her family. Learn more at www.julielessman.com.
