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 31, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Book two of Herne’s Double S Ranch series, “Home on the Range” features Stafford brother Nick. With a nod to the parable of the Prodigal Son, Nick is the older brother who stayed at home to help his father run the family ranch while his two brothers left to do their own thing. The reader will even catch him wondering why it is that when he did everything right, his life could go so terribly wrong. Raising his two young daughters on his own after their mother walked out on them, Nick figures there’s not much else that could go wrong until he finds out that without outside help his troubled oldest child will not be promoted. That’s where Dr. Elsa Andreas entered their lives and things began to change for the better – at least it seemed that they did.
“Home on the Range” is a dramatic yet charming book set primarily on a ranch in Washington state. I enjoyed reading about the Stafford family once again and getting to know Nick’s side of the story. His daughters added an extra depth to the tale that made it all the more realistic. The plot is filled with drama, conflict, family values, and romance (of course). A story of hope, forgiveness, and renewed faith, this novel is a heartwarming example of how hurting people can help change the lives of other hurting people.
I very much enjoyed “Home on the Range” and look forward to reading the next installment of this excellent series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Blogging for Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can the brother left behind and a woman without hope work together for the good of two precious children?Nick Stafford stayed in central Washington, working his family’s large ranch after his brothers left to pursue other passions—but his toughest job is being a single dad. As a child he watched his father fail at marriage and parenting, so Nick was determined to show him up. He’d be a better husband, father, and ranch manager than Sam Stafford ever was. Despite that commitment, three years after Nick’s wife left him, he has a daughter in trouble at school and both of his girls are facing issues that force him to rethink his stubborn plans.
For Dr. Elsa Andreas, life fell apart when tragedy caused her to abandon her family therapy practice and retreat to the backwoods of Gray’s Glen. Her school principal sister believes Elsa can guide the Stafford girls and that working with kids will draw Elsa out of her protective bubble.
Summer on the Double S teems with life and adventure. Amid the bounty of God and land, will Nick and Elsa find the courage to build futures based on faith rather than fear?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
With more than half a million books in print, RUTH LOGAN HERNE is the popular author of fifteen Love Inspired contemporary novels, three self-published novels and contributed to two novella collections. She lives on a farm in upstate New York with her husband and has six adult children.
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by admin | Aug 27, 2016 | Books, England, Revell, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
One of the hazards of reviewing books is the frequent addition of new authors to my must read list that continuously increases. At this rate I will never read all the books I want to read. And yes, you guessed that I’ve added Janine Mendenhall to my list. I absolutely adored “Starving Hearts”!
Annette and Peter were both unforgettable characters. Despite her serious health problems that embarrass her mother so, Annette is actually a strong and intelligent young woman who is determined to make a difference to others. No way is she planning to let her mother force her into an unwanted marriage, especially to the man who assaulted her. Peter is one of those men with outstanding character who are often overlooked by those whose aim to to succeed at all costs. I thoroughly enjoyed watching as the relationship between him and Annette became stronger despite all the odds stacked against them.
What a story “Starving Hearts” is! Not only is it a delightful regency romance but it is also suspense filled mystery of the very best kind. It is one of those tales where just when everything looks to be going in the right direction, another complications appears out of nowhere to send everything off course once again. Annette and Peter are caught up in the malevolent plans of a deranged man who will stop at nothing to achieve his revenge. Death and danger lurk around each corner and hope seems lost more than once. This story has more twists than a mountain road and I held my breath at times in fear of what could happen. I so appreciated the way the tables were turned on the villain at the end. They say that “all’s well that ends well” but what a suspenseful journey to get to that end!
I am so looking forward to the next book in this series “Never Past Hope”.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage.
She yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God’s existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way. . . .
Mr. Peter Adsley is joining the clergy, and he desires a godly wife by his side. After a failed attempt to obtain one, he engages in a clandestine meeting with the bewitching young woman who keeps crossing his path. But she is so unsettling.
Destined for disappointments, Peter and Annette both endure disgraceful situations. Will Peter’s faith sustain him through overwhelming setbacks? Can Annette overcome her doubts? Or will their starving hearts yield to the machinations of a mad man?
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/28OtflH
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janine Mendenhall teaches teens English, of all things! Sometimes she sleeps, but most nights she reads, writes, or watches movies like “Pride and Prejudice” and claims she’s researching her next book. “Splickety Love” and “Splickety Prime” have published her flash fiction. She and her husband, Tom, live in North Carolina where they and their two golden retrievers help gratify the needs of their five children and two cats.
Find out more about Janine at http://www.janinemendenhall.com.
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Janine Mendenhall’s ‘Starving Hearts’ Prize Pack Giveaway
Will Annette’s search for love and acceptance replace the loss and hurt in her heart? Find out in Janine Mendenhall’s book one, Starving Hearts, of the Triangular Trade Trilogy. Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage. But she yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God’s existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way. . . .
Join in the search for love and acceptance with Janine and Starving Hearts by entering to win the Delightful Heart Gift Pack Giveaway.
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on September 12. The winner will be announced September 13 on Janine’s blog.
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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 | Aug 23, 2016 | Appalachia, Books, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I fell in love with the Appalachian Blessings series with its very first introductory novella and have eagerly awaited each subsequent book. I especially liked “Miracle in a Dry Season” but I now believe “A Tapestry of Secrets is my very favorite one.
If asked what makes this series and this book so outstanding to me, I would be hard pressed to come up with a definitive answer. I loved the Appalachian setting, the strong bond between family members and in turn their relationships with their neighbors. The close connection the characters had to their roots and the underlying spiritual thread that ran throughout were also important features.
I loved reading about Perla once again but it was also a bit sad to see her declining health in her old age. I liked Ella’s character and have to admit that I much preferred one of her suitors over the other. I was happy with how things turned out for her and also was impressed with how the author resolved the situation with the other man. Some important lessons and bits of wisdom were scattered though “A Tapestry of Secrets” if one pays even a smidgen of attention.
I know all good things must come to an end and I suspect the Appalachian Blessings series may now be complete. I hate to see it end but anticipate equally great books from Sarah in the future. I can’t wait to see what she has to offer her readers next!
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What is the weight of a secret?
And what happens when that burden becomes almost too much to bear?
For decades, Perla Phillips has hidden the truth of a decision that still fills her with guilt. But now, seeing her granddaughter, Ella, struggle in a similar way, she’s prepared to finally open the past to her family, no matter the consequences. But when the opportunity is snatched from her in a most unexpected manner, will she have waited too long?
Spanning generations, this moving family drama weaves together the interlocking stories of two women as they navigate relationships, family, faith, and the choices that will shape their lives. Heartwarming and nostalgic, the story explores the courage to share the wounds of the past and celebrates the legacy a family passes from one generation to the next.
Read an excerpt from “A Tapestry of Secrets” HERE.
Purchase a copy of “A Tapestry of Secrets” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Kristen Delliveniri
Sarah Loudin Thomas is a fundraiser for a children’s ministry and has written for Mountain Homes Southern Style and Now & Then magazines, as well as The Asheville Citizen-Times. She is the author of Miracle in a Dry Season and Until the Harvest. She holds a BA in English from Coastal Carolina University. She and her husband reside in North Carolina.
She can be found online at www.sarahloudinthomas.com.
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by admin | Aug 23, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
What had seemed to be an idyllic childhood in Nantucket ended with their mother’s death. All grown up, all but one of the children have moved on with their lives away from home and rarely return. The youngest child Lynette seems to be stuck there caring for their home and failing father and suffering from nightmares that hint of something she can’t quite remember about the day her mother died.
“The Things We Knew” is a beautiful yet sometimes difficult to read story about family and friendship that delves into several uncomfortable subjects including addiction, adultery, dementia, abusive relationships, etc. Personal secrets, both past and present threaten to interfere with already tenuous relationships and fear allows them to fester. But God had other plans for the Carlisle family and Nicholas Cooper and little by little as they learned to trust Him and each other, His grace touched each one in just the perfect personal manner .
Reconciliation and redemption abound in this poignant tale that touched me as I read. The romance between Nicholas and Lynette was an added bonus but was not what I considered to be the meat of the story. I enjoyed “The Things We Knew” very much and hope to read more by Catherine West soon.
Copies of this book were provided for review by LitFuse Publicity and The Fiction Guild.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A tragedy from the past resurfaces in this tale of family secrets and reignited love.
After her mother’s death twelve years ago, Lynette Carlisle watched her close-knit family unravel. One by one, her four older siblings left their Nantucket home and never returned. All seem to harbor animosity toward their father, silently blaming him for their mother’s death. Nobody will talk about that dreadful day, and Lynette can’t remember a bit of it.
But when next-door neighbor Nicholas Cooper returns to Nantucket, he brings the past with him. Once her brother’s best friend and Lynette’s first crush, Nick seems to hiding things from her. Lynette wonders what he knows about the day her mother died and hopes he might help her remember the things she can’t.
But Nick has no intention of telling Lynette the truth. Besides the damage it might cause his own family, he doesn’t want to risk harming the fragile friendship between him and the woman he once thought of as a kid sister.
As their father’s failing health and financial concerns bring the Carlisle siblings home, secrets begin to surface—secrets that will either restore their shattered relationships or separate the siblings forever. But pulling up anchor on the past propels them into the perfect storm, powerful enough to make them question all they ever believed in.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Catherine West writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border collie for long walks on the beach or tending to her roses and orchids. She and her husband have two grown children.
Find out more about Catherine at http://www.catherinejwest.com.
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