by admin | Feb 10, 2019 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I am one of those readers who sometimes wants to say “enough already” with Amish fiction although there are a few authors I will read. Laura V. Hilton is one of those authors because I know I will find an entertaining plot with authentic characters and situations, as well as a liberal dose of practical faith. I am always happy to read a book by this author.
The Amish Candymaker is entertaining and sometimes humorous yet probes deeply into the insecurities that affect the way Agnes Zook and Isaac Mast view themselves. I loved the way the author wove both scripture and Amish quotations into the story. Bishop Miah was an important character with plenty of wisdom who helped Agnes and Issac to overcome their past by constantly reminding them of their God who never fails.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book although I was tempted to distraction by the frequent descriptions of wonderful food. Sugar is no longer part of my diet but I do remember it well. It was also fun reading about characters from previous books and seeing them from a different point of view. As far as I’m concerned there is nothing not to like about The Amish Candymaker and I recommend it to other readers – even those who do not really like Amish fiction.
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: The Amish Candy Maker
Author: Laura V. Hilton
Genre: Amish Christian Fiction
Release date: February 5, 2019
Publisher: Whitaker House |
 |
Agnes Zook finds herself on her own in a small Amish community in Mackinac County after a tragedy kills her family. Most of the Amish call her “off in den Kopf” (strange) since she’s starting her own business and forging her own way in the community instead of relying on the bishop to take care of her. Since she’s viewed as non-submissive and too-forward for an Amish woman, she’s not courted by young men in the area.
Isaac Mast is on the verge of leaving the Amish church. He’s become a sought-after auctioneer and has a thriving business, but he feels confined by the strict rules. When his brother is severely injured in a wild fire, Isaac receives a letter from his sister-in-law, begging him to come to Mackinac County to help out while his brother is hospitalized. Isaac agrees but is unsure how to manage their young children when he has weekend auctions he’s expected to attend.
Agnes may be the answer to a prayer. Sparks fly when she and Isaac meet. But could their differences help them form a deeper connection to their faith…and each other?
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura Hilton is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews published on the web. Her first series with Whitaker was The Amish of Seymour, comprising Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (2012 Laurel Award winner, first place in the Amish Genre Clash), and Promised to Another; and her second was The Amish of Webster County, comprising Healing Love, Awakened Love, and Surrendered Love. Her next series was The Amish of Jamesport, featuring The Post Card, Snow Globe, and The Birdhouse. Her latest books include The Amish Firefighter, The Amish Wanderer, and Love By the Numbers. Laura and her husband, Steve, live in Arkansas with their five children, whom Laura homeschools.
RECIPE FOR FUDGE À LA AGNES ZOOK
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Fudge
Courtesy of Laura V. Hilton
1 bag (12 ounces) milk chocolate chips
1 bag (10 ounces) peanut butter chips
2 cans sweetened condensed milk, divided
6 tablespoons butter, divided
20 to 30 miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or six regular-size ones broken into four or five pieces each
For the chocolate layer: Line a greased 8-by-11.5-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a double boiler or metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, combine milk chocolate chips, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, and 4 tablespoons butter. Stir until melted and smooth.
Pour into prepared baking dish and allow to cool to room temperature, then move to the refrigerator while preparing next layer.
For the peanut butter layer: In a double boiler or metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, combine peanut butter chips, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons butter. Stir until melted and smooth.
Pour on to the milk chocolate fudge layer and press pieces of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the surface. If desired, group candy pieces in a grid-like fashion for easier cutting later.
Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight or until set.
Remove from refrigerator, lift out of the pan by the edges of the parchment paper, and cut into squares, with roughly one miniature peanut butter cup or piece of a cup per square.
Store in the refrigerator.
BLOG STOPS:
| Christian Author, J. E. Grace, February 5
My Devotional Thoughts, February 5
Carla Loves To Read, February 5
Among the Reads, February 6
Girl’s In White Dresses, February 6
Britt Reads Fiction, February 6
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 7
The Avid Reader, February 7
Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, February 7
Emily Yager, February 8
Quiet quilter, February 8
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 8
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 9
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 9
Maureen’s Musings, February 9
Bibliophile Reviews, February 10
Vicky Sluiter, February 10
Through the Fire Blogs, February 11
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 11
Daysong Reflections, February 11
Texas Book-aholic, February 12 |
Janices book reviews, February 12
Carpe Diem, February 13
A Baker’s Perspective, February 13
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14
SusanLovesBooks, February 14
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 14
Blossoms and Blessings, February 15
Stephanie’s Life of Perseverance, February 15
Inspiration Clothesline, February 15
Inklings and Notions, February 16
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 16
Pause for Tales, February 16
Have A Wonderful Day, February 17
For the Love of Books, February 17
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 17
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 18
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 18
Bigreadersite, February 18
|
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Laura is giving away a grand prize of a large and small spatula set and a $10 Starbucks gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/d9a6/the-amish-candy-maker-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Feb 5, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
As a rule, I would not expect corporate law to be anything but routine and boring but in author Rachel Dylan’s hands it is anything but. Stakes are high in Dylan’s third and final book in her Atlanta Justice series when a high profile case may be more than it appears on the surface. It just may be connected to the murder of Mia Shaw’s good friend Chase who was originally handling the case.
Determined to see Chase’s murderer receive justice, Mia vows to do everything she can to see that the accused man is convicted of the crime. After all, there is plenty of evidence pointing to him as the murderer. When she is assigned to complete the case Chase was working on, troubling facts begin to emerge and Mia finds herself a target and her life in danger. The only person she can depend on for help is the Noah Ramirez, the man working hard to prove his friend innocent of the murder.
Once again I found myself immersed in a book by this author, turning pages as quickly as I could read them to find out what would happen next. I also loved the fact that Mia was a new Christian and that several conversations about faith were so deftly woven into the plot that it flowed naturally. It is also evident that as a lawyer herself, Dylan knows her stuff when it comes to the legal aspects of the story which makes it all the more authentic. At risk of offending his fans, I would personally put her novels up against John Grisham’s any day.
If you enjoy romantic suspense with a legal setting, I would highly recommend Breach of Trust as well as the entire Atlanta Justice series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House Publishers. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Corporate litigator Mia Shaw suffers the shock of her life when she finds her colleague and friend brutally murdered. Grief-stricken and furious, Mia vows that she will do anything to seek justice and make the killer pay.
The man accused of the murder is a friend of security tech guru Noah Ramirez, but the evidence just doesn’t add up. To save his former ATF partner, Noah needs to convince Mia that the real killer is still on the loose.
Mia soon has more than the criminal prosecution to worry about, however. She is tasked with taking over her friend’s last case and learns he was hiding secrets about his client. She thinks she may have stumbled upon corporate espionage that has turned deadly, but she has no idea of the danger involved. Her only ally is Noah, despite their difference of opinion on the homicide case. Can he win Mia over to his side and protect her from ever-growing threats?
Read an excerpt HERE.
Purchase online:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Dylan writes legal thrillers and legal romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade including being a litigator at one of the nation’s top law firms. She enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. Rachel writes the Atlanta Justice Series which features strong, female attorneys in Atlanta. Deadly Proof, the first book in the Atlanta Justice series, is a CBA bestseller, an FHL Reader’s Choice Award winner, a Daphne du Maurier Finalist, and a Holt Medallion Finalist. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids–two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. You can find Rachel at www.racheldylan.com.
by admin | Feb 1, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have read and enjoyed several of Elizabeth Goddard’s Love Inspired Suspense novels so was pleased to learn that she had been signed by Revell for a series of full length novels. Never Let Go is the first of the Uncommon Justice series and if it is any indication of the books to follow, I will definitely be reading them all.
Put together a forensic genealogist and a former FBI agent who is also an ex-beau and have them work together to solve a cold case and you have the formula for a suspenseful and possibly romantic tale. Naturally the two lead characters Willow and Austin carry around a few secrets as well as major trust issues but it almost seems as though Willow’s grandfather is still playing matchmaker from beyond the grave. The plot is fast-paced and contains the requisite amount of danger, suspense, and major plot twists and surprises to keep most readers happy.
I personally had difficulty putting my copy down because I HAD to know what happened next but I reached the end much too soon. I am eager for the publication of the next book in this exciting series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Baker Book House. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As a forensic genealogist, Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather’s footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from the hospital more than twenty years ago. The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up when someone makes an attempt on her life to keep her from discovering the truth.
Ex-FBI agent–and Willow’s ex-flame–Austin McKade readily offers his help to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they’ll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he’s spent much of his life trying to forget. And even if it puts Willow’s tender heart at risk.
In this fast-paced and emotional page-turner, bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard keeps the stakes high, the romantic tension sparking, and the outcome uncertain until the very end.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elizabeth Goddard is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than thirty romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES–a 2011 Carol Award winner. Four of her six Mountain Cove books have been contest finalists. Buried, Backfire and Deception are finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, and Submerged is a Carol Award finalist. A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to home school her children and fulfill her dreams of writing full-time.
To get book news sign up for her newsletter at her website: http://elizabethgoddard.com
Follow her on Bookbub! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elizabeth-goddard
You can connect with Elizabeth on Facebook: http://facebook.com/elizabethgoddardauthor
or Twitter: http://twitter.com/bethgoddard
by admin | Jan 18, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Split Time
MY REVIEW:
I fell in love with Robin Lee Hatcher’s books a number of years ago when I first encountered her Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series. The whimsical and romantic western series was delightful and I have made it a point to read as many of this author’s books as possible since that time. One thing I have learned about this author is that although her books may vary from historical to contemporary romance and women’s fiction, I can always count on a satisfying experience when reading one. Who I Am With You offers the best of both worlds in a split time novel that features Jessica Mason’s current story side-by-side with her great-grandfather’s story from the early 1900s.
The tale of two wounded people attempting to just survive their pain with no intention of becoming involved with the opposite sex, Who I Am With You is a story that offers hope to its readers. well-developed characters with more strength than they imagine are brought together unexpectedly and form a bond that helps to heal them both. I loved how Jessica was encouraged in her faith by the notes in her grandfather’s Bible. It was also encouraging to read about his own marital struggles and his determination to keep his marriage together.
All-in-all, Who I Am With You is a story that will not only warm the reader’s heart but will give her plenty to think about in the following days. I am certain that this book may just be what someone might need to hear and the exact time she reads it – at least I do hope that will be the case.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Audra Jennings PR. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
For these two broken hearts, the first step toward love will be a huge leap of faith.
Jessica Mason isn’t looking for love when she meets Ridley Chesterfield. Instead she is still reeling from the tragic, unexpected loss of her husband and daughter—and awaiting the arrival of her unborn child. Harboring the secret of her husband’s betrayal, her pain is deeper than anyone knows.
Ridley Chesterfield is hiding out in Hope Springs, Idaho, avoiding a political scandal and the barrage of false media headlines that have tarnished his good name. The last thing Ridley wants is a relationship—but when fate leads Ridley to form a friendship with his reclusive and pregnant neighbor, he wonders if this small-town hideout might be more of a long-term destination.
When Jessica begins to read her great-grandfather’s Bible, she finds a connection with a man she never knew. Somehow the verses he marked and the words he wrote in the margins open her heart to healing. And as Ridley and Jessica help each other forgive the people who have broken their hearts, they must decide if the past will define them or if they will choose to love again.
Who I Am with You weaves together a modern-day romance with Jessica’s great-grandfather’s story from the 1930s, reminding us that some truths can cross generations and that faith has the power to transform families forever.
Who I Am with You is the first book in Robin’s new “A Legacy of Faith” series.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 75 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Robin is an ACFW Carol Award winner and an eight-time finalist and has won two RITA Awards and been a finalist eleven times. Her numerous other awards include the Christy Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award. She is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America.
When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin and her husband make their home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.
For more information, visit www.robinleehatcher.com, Facebook: robinleehatcher, Twitter: @robinleehatcher and Instagram @robinleehatcher.
GIVEAWAY:
TOUR SCHEDULE:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader |
1/14/2019 |
| Christian Bookaholic |
1/14/2019 |
| Genesis 5020 |
1/14/2019 |
| Positive Grace |
1/14/2019 |
| Beautifully Broken |
1/15/2019 |
| Jen around the world |
1/15/2019 |
| Living Outside the Lines |
1/15/2019 |
| Meagan Davenport |
1/15/2019 |
| Mother of Three |
1/15/2019 |
| Savings in Seconds |
1/15/2019 |
| sunny island breezes |
1/15/2019 |
| The World As I See It |
1/15/2019 |
| A Christian Writer’s World |
1/16/2019 |
| A Nest in the Rocks |
1/16/2019 |
| Kcreatives |
1/16/2019 |
| Beauty in the Binding |
1/17/2019 |
| Book by Book |
1/17/2019 |
| Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer |
1/17/2019 |
| Seasons of Opportunities |
1/17/2019 |
| Singing Librarian Books |
1/17/2019 |
| Texas Book-aholic |
1/17/2019 |
| Vickie’s Kitchen and Garden |
1/17/2019 |
| Cara Putman |
1/18/2019 |
| Daysong Reflections |
1/18/2019 |
| Janicesbookreviews |
1/18/2019 |
| Labor Not in Vain |
1/18/2019 |
| Mini Van Dreams |
1/18/2019 |
| Pause for Tales |
1/18/2019 |
| Southern Gal Loves to Read |
1/18/2019 |
| Splashes of Joy |
1/18/2019 |
| Through the Fire |
1/18/2019 |
| View from the Birdhouse |
1/18/2019 |
| Christian Chick’s Thoughts |
1/19/2019 |
| Everyday Shortcuts |
1/19/2019 |
| Inspired by fiction |
1/19/2019 |
| Seadreamfoto.blogspot.com |
1/19/2019 |
| Edits and Reviews by Leslie |
1/20/2019 |
| Gccbookworm |
1/20/2019 |
| Lighthouse Academy |
1/20/2019 |
| Milk & Honey Meadows |
1/20/2019 |
| Remembrancy |
1/20/2019 |
| The Christian Fiction Girl |
1/20/2019 |
| 2014 and Beyond |
1/21/2019 |
| A Modern Day Fairy Tale |
1/21/2019 |
| More Of Him |
1/21/2019 |
| Writing to Inspire |
1/21/2019 |
| Mocha with Linda |
1/22/2019 |
| My Journey Back-The Journey Back |
1/22/2019 |
| Radiant Light |
1/22/2019 |
| Two Girls and a Book |
1/22/2019 |
| Smart Mom Smart Ideas |
1/23/2019 |
| A Room Without Books is Empty |
1/24/2019 |
| God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae |
1/24/2019 |
| Homemaking Organized |
1/24/2019 |
| What’s She Reading? |
1/24/2019 |
| I am believing God |
1/25/2019 |
| Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic |
1/25/2019 |
| Red Headed Book Lady |
1/25/2019 |
| Vicky Slutier |
1/25/2019 |
| The Forgiven Former Feminist |
1/25/2019 |
by admin | Jan 7, 2019 | Books, Civil War, Contemporary Fiction, Historical, Michigan, Split Time
MY REVIEW:
Debut novelist Erin Bartels has taken on difficult subject matter in her novel We Hope For Better Things. This split time narrative explores relationships between blacks and whites through the stories of three different women in the Detroit, Michigan area. Their individual stories take place during the civil war, the volatile sixties, and the present time. While the reader is presented with views from both sides of the equation, it is evident that we still have a long way to go if we are ever to resolve the divide between the races.
Overall, the story is well told although I found myself lost a time or two when the plot switched from one time frame to another. The characters are strong ones but I would have liked to get to know each of them more thoroughly than was possible in a split-time story. I did feel like the story was well researched and presented a historically accurate view of the respective time frames, especially the effects certain choices made on the women and their families. By the end of the book, most of my questions had been answered with the exception of the true cause of one death. I have my suspicions but I imagine the author intended for her readers to draw their own conclusions.
Erin Bartels definitely has a way with words and should find more of her novels on store shelves in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The past is never as past as we’d like to think
When journalist Elizabeth Balsam is asked to deliver a box of old photos to a relative she didn’t know she had, the strange request seems like it isn’t worth her time. But as she explores her great-aunt’s farmhouse with its locked doors and hidden graves, she soon discovers just how dramatically some of the most newsworthy events of the previous two centuries shaped her own family. As she searches for answers to the riddles around her, the remarkable stories of two women who lived in this very house emerge as testaments to love, resilience, and courage in the face of war, racism, and misunderstanding.
Take an emotional journey through time–from the volatile streets of 1960s Detroit to Michigan’s Underground Railroad during the Civil War–to uncover the past, confront the seeds of hatred, and discover where love goes to hide.
Purchase a copy HERE.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
by admin | Jan 3, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Lynette Eason seems to up the ante with every novel she writes. Just when I think it is impossible for her to top her previous books, she manages to prove me wrong once again. I believe Code of Valor may be the best one yet so I am hoping she will continue the trend and make me gladly eat my words with her next book.
Featuring Brady, another brother in the St. John family, Code of Valor begins with an attempted murder and rescue that is only the introduction to a plot filled with murder and mayhem, escalating danger, and multiple secrets that could lead to death. Eason’s characters are well developed with strong personalities and convictions. I love how the members of the St. John family support each other as well as others who enter their fold. I also loved the interaction with characters from Lynn H. Blackburn’s Dive Team series. What fun! And what would a Lynette Eason suspense be without a bit of romance? The development of the relationship between Brady and Emily seemed natural even though it took place during a crisis situation.
Code of Valor is the perfect book for anyone who wants a novel that keeps you turning those pages while sometimes even dreading what comes next. I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She’s living proof that what you don’t know could kill you
What Detective Brady St. John really needs is a relaxing vacation. Unfortunately, just as the sun is setting on his second day at a friend’s cabin on Lake Henley, he hears a scream and races to rescue a woman from her would-be killer. When the killer escapes only to return to finish the job, Brady vows to utilize all of his many resources to keep her safe–and catch those who would see her dead.
Financial crimes investigator Emily Chastain doesn’t trust many people. And even though she’s trying to cooperate with the detective who saved her life, there are some things she doesn’t know–and some things you just don’t share with a stranger. Little does she suspect that what she doesn’t know just might get them both killed.
Purchase a copy HERE.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Oath of Honor, Called to Protect, and Code of Valor, as well as the Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.
Erin Bartels has been a publishing professional for more than 15 years. Her short story “This Elegant Ruin” was a finalist in The Saturday Evening Post 2014 Great American Fiction Contest. A freelance writer and editor, she is a member of Capital City Writers and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and is former features editor of WFWA’s Write On! magazine. She lives in Lansing, Michigan, with her husband, Zachary, and their son, Calvin, and can be found online at 
