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 | Jul 15, 2016 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
What could be more fun than taking a break from the heat and humidity of July in the south than reading a Christmas novella? “God Bless Us Every One” is my first Christmas book for 2016 and I sincerely hope that I enjoy those to come as much as I enjoyed it.
In this thoughtful but fun story, “God Bless Us Every One”, Charlie Dixon’s life runs roughly parallel to the Dickens Christmas Carol she is helping with behind the scenes. Charlie eventually learns that sometimes our biggest disappointments can lead to the greatest blessings. Easily read in one evening, this novella is written with heart and is filled with love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Sweet and poignant, it is a must read this Christmas season.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Amazon Vine.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A timeless classic can change the future.Charlene Dixon—called Charlie by family and friends—is devastated at the recent loss of her job. For the last five years, the twenty-seven-year-old has blossomed as the activities director of an exclusive all-girls school. But when a misunderstanding with the head-mistress leads to a pink slip right before the holidays, Charlie packs up dreams and returns to Grandma Esther, who raised Charlie as her own.When Charlie arrives—broken and confused—Esther immediately puts her granddaughter to work behind the scenes of the local school’s Christmas play, A Christmas Carol. When Charlie disapproves of having to work with Dustin Kennedy, the seventh-grade English teacher, Grandma Esther encourages her to take a deeper look at why the book by Charles Dickens had been written in the first place and what the book could teach Charlie about the needs of the children in their own community.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Eva Marie Everson is an award-winning speaker and author of The Road to Testament, Things Left Unspoken, This Fine Life, Chasing Sunsets, Waiting for Sunrise, Slow Moon Rising, and The Potluck Club series (with Linda Evans Shepherd). She is the president of Word Weavers International, Inc., a member of AWSA, ACFW, RWA, the director of Florida Christian Writer’s Conference, and the contest director for Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference. She and her husband make their home in Casselberry, Florida.
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by admin | Mar 12, 2016 | Books, Christmas, Historical, Novella, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Somehow I overlooked posting a review for this sweet, historical Christmas romance novella by Sharlene MacLaren. It is the perfect book for a cold evening by the fire after all the Christmas preparations are finished for the day. I apologize if my negligence prevented anyone from enjoying this experience during the past Christmas season. I hope you will add it to your Christmas reading list for 2016.
The book itself is quite attractive with snowflake illustrations on many of the page margins. Another illustration of a Christmas tree is placed at the end of each chapter. I thought it was a nice touch.
After two years, young widow Sadie Bennett still mourns her husband of only one month and finds it difficult to move on with her life without him. She especially hates Christmas and except for her job and church on Sundays has become mostly reclusive. However, this is one Christmas that friends and family, particularly Reed Harris, decide to bring Sadie back to the land of the living. She finds herself asked to participate in various Christmas projects and slowly feels her icy heart begin to thaw. Could a new love be far behind?
I enjoyed “Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek” both times I read it. I particularly liked how both Sadie and Reed prayed and listened to that still small voice of the Holy Spirit that directed and encouraged. Reed was a special hero whose patience and obedience helped lead to Sadie’s healing and a promise for the future.
This book was provided for review by The Book Club Network, Inc.
ABOUT THE BOOK (144 pages): Two years ago this Christmas, Sadie Bennett’s beloved husband was killed in a tragic accident at the local sawmill. What was once her favorite time of year now haunts her, with its cheerful trappings a cruel reminder of the love she lost. The young widow would like nothing more than to hibernate until the festivities are over. When she finds herself assigned to the committee tasked with picking a Christmas tree for the town square of Little Hickman Creek, she begrudgingly agrees but determines to fulfill her duties to the bare minimum. As the search for a suitable tree gets under way, Sadie is dismayed to learn that one of her fellow committee members is a man she’s worked hard to avoid. Reed Harris owns the local livery, and while he’s friendly enough, good-looking, too, Sadie isn’t ready to invest in another relationship. In fact, she may never be ready, unless a Christmas miracle manages to thaw her frozen heart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born and raised in western Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University, earning a degree in elementary teaching. In 1975, she married one of her childhood friends, and together they raised two lovely daughters. Now happily retired from 31 years of teaching,”Shar” enjoys reading, singing, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and precious grandchildren.
by admin | Jan 14, 2016 | Books, Christmas, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Colleen Coble has long been one of my favorite authors so I was thrilled to find a copy of “All Is Calm, All Is Bright” in my mailbox. As a member/reviewer for The Fiction Guild, I never know what surprise I might find in the mail but a book from Thomas Nelson/Zondervan Fiction is always appreciated.
Rather than a full-length novel, “All Is Calm, All Is Bright” is composed of two Christmas novellas that return the reader to familiar settings from previous novels. “All Is Calm” took me back to one of my all-time favorites, Bluebird Ranch. I have a weakness for westerns so I enjoyed another visit there. “All Is Bright” was a return visit to the Tidewater Inn, another favorite place. Colleen’s descriptions are so vivid that I could easily imagine the crash of the waves and the cries of seagulls.
The best thing about this book is the romantic suspense. Colleen is a pro at keeping me on the edge of my seat while enjoying a developing romance at the same time. Could anything be better? As always, her plot moved along at the perfect pace with just the right balance of danger, drama, suspense, and romance. The Christmas setting added a special touch and as expected, I found a strong message of faith within the stories.
“All Is Calm, All Is Bright” is not to be missed if you are already a Colleen Coble fan. If you are unfamiliar with her books, it might be a good place to begin. If I guess correctly, it will just give you a taste that will make you a fan too.
This book was provided for review by The Fiction Guild.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
All Is Calm
It’s going to be an unexpectedly romantic Christmas at Bluebird Ranch.
Brendan Waddell has always considered Bluebird Ranch a little piece of heaven: an idyllic ranch that pairs abused children with abused horses, run by one of his Marine buddies. Now, it seems just the place to spend Christmas recovering from an on-the-job injury.
Lauren Everman first came to the ranch as a foster kid, but now knows it’s the perfect hideout. As the witness to a murder, Lauren needs somewhere to lie low. Her beauty immediately catches Brendan’s attention—but so does her secretive behavior. This Special Ops Intel man knows a woman on the run when he sees one. Can he trust her, or is she putting the ranch at risk? One thing is certain: he’s going to do everything he can to keep her safe so he can see what magic Christmas brings.
All Is Bright
A romantic Christmas wedding at Tidewater Inn gives Delilah’s unique gifts a chance to shine. But will her light be snuffed out before the bride and groom say “I do”?
As manager of the Tidewater Inn, Delilah Carter has been planning a spectacular Christmas wedding for her friend, Elin Summerall. But when Delilah’s car is forced off the road and into the ocean, she finally has to admit that the strange phone calls she’s been receiving lately may be more than just pranks.
Sheriff Tom Bourne has always had a soft spot for Delilah, and he’s determined to protect her. He hopes to win her heart by giving her the surprise gift of a lifetime . . . but first he has to make sure nothing happens to her before Christmas Day.
It’s the season of miracles. But will both Elin and Delilah get the ones they need this holiday season?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com.
by admin | Dec 11, 2015 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
I loved “Pieces on Earth”! Cathy has a special gift in making her characters come alive. They each have normal human frailties and their circumstances are so true-to-life.
A Christmas novella, the story focues on Liv Tulley, a navy wife who looks forward to having her husband home to celebrate Christmas with their family. His unexpected deployment and her unexpected pregnancy create unwanted stress for Liv and even some resentment toward God. Despite her troubling circumstances, Liv never totally loses her faith and her nightly bedtime routine with her daughter is a wonderfully simplified retelling of the Gospel complete with tender conversations.
I really liked how the author described broken people with Jesus as the “Fixer” who would pick up all the broken pieces. I also liked the redemptive message woven throughout the story and how one of Liv’s broken friends was affected by overhearing the nightly story time between Liv and her daughter.
Since reading “Pieces on Earth” I have suddenly begun to hear songs about brokenness that brought the story back to my mind, particularly one song – Brokenness Aside by All Sons and Daughters. Ellie Holcomb’s album “As Sure as the Sun” also several songs dealing with brokenness. I can’t help but believe that perhaps this theme is one that deserves more of my consideration.
A digital copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As the wife of a naval aviator in sunny Pensacola, Florida, Liv Tulley eagerly anticipates the first Christmas in several years with her husband, daughter, and extended family. Then her husband is unexpectedly deployed for an undetermined amount of time, smashing her white Christmas dreams. Can she find God’s peace in the midst of life’s pieces?
Purchase Links:
Print: http://www.amazon.com/Pieces-Earth-Christian-Fiction-Christmas/dp/1941699103/
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/PIECES-EARTH-Christian-Fiction-Christmas-ebook/dp/B017FV5AAG/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amazon best-selling author Cathy Bryant loves to write heart-stirring stories of God’s life-changing grace, and has done so through six Miller’s Creek novels, two Bible studies, one Christmas novella, and two devotional books written in collaboration with other Christian authors. She’s also written for The Upper Room devotional magazine. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her rummaging through thrift stores, romping in the great outdoors, or up to her elbows in yet another home improvement project in the mountain cabin she shares with her minister husband of over thirty years. You can connect with Cathy in the following online spots, including her website: http://www.CatBryant.com, where you can download a free eBook copy of one of her novels.
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PIECES ON EARTH $200 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway:
In celebration of the release of PIECES ON EARTH, Cathy is giving away a $200 Amazon Gift Card. The contest closes on December 21, 2015. Winner will be announced via social media channels on Cathy’s Reader’s Group Newsletter. Click here to enter: http://www.catbryant.com/win-a-200-amazon-gift-card/
by admin | Dec 8, 2015 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Amish Christmas at North Star” was a bit different from most Amish books I have read. A collection of four novellas written by four different authors, each story features one of four babies born on the same snowy night almost twenty-five years earlier. Not only does each story contain a romance, but each of them has a unique twist that often is just a bit of mystery.
I loved reading these stories by some of my favorite authors. Strong characters and interesting plots held my interest with no problem. I was particularly blessed by the compelling redemptive message of forgiveness and healing expressed by each of the novellas.
I believe that all readers who enjoy Amish or Christmas fiction would enjoy “Amish Christmas at North Star”. It is the perfect book for a cozy chair next to a blazing fire this Christmas season.
This book was provided for review by Blogging For Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One night four lives entered the world by the hands of an Amish midwife on the edge of North Star, Pennsylvania.
On a cold, snowy night almost twenty-five years ago, Rebekah, an Amish midwife, delivered four babies. Rebekah’s babies, as they are called, are now young adults. In four heartwarming novellas, each young person experiences a journey of discovery, love, and the wonder of Christmas.
Guiding Star by Katie Ganshert
Curiosity gets the best of Englischer Chase Wellington when he investigates the twenty-five-year-old disappearance of an Amish baby. When he finds adventurous Elle McAllister in Iowa, will his discoveries upend her world?
Mourning Star by Amanda Flower
Eden Hochstetler slips from her parents’ shop to investigate the death of her friend Isaac.? Who is guilty? Isaac’s handsome great-nephew Jesse, an angry Englischer, or someone else?
In the Stars by Cindy Woodsmall
Heartbroken Kore Detweiler avoids North Star after Savilla Beiler rejects his love. But when he is unexpectedly called home, he and Savilla must join forces to keep a family together.
Star of Grace by Mindy Starns Clark and Emily Clark
Andy Danner left North Star to join a new Amish settlement in Mississippi. His little brother devises a scheme to bring Andy home for Christmas, and unwittingly unleashes the power of forgiveness in an old widower’s life.
