What was the last live performance you saw?
Last year when we were traveling in the New England states we saw a street show. They were acrobatic and funny. Unfortunately I can’t remember the name of the group.
Thank you for all prayers and kind words for our area ♥️
Some of you know I live in a rural area. We all saw the devastation of the California fires recently. We now have two forest fires burning uncontrollably in our area. We were under a burn ban and recently it just got lifted. So far, the fire hasn’t burned any homes but as of 3 p.m. today it’s at 1,300 acres and 0% contained. I know on Facebook the coverage is massive since it’s our area. Is it on national television, I have no idea because I don’t watch television. Started Wednesday night and now it’s Friday night and it’s just getting worse. It’s a tragedy, it’s burning our state forests. It’s in Cumberland County Pennsylvania. They suspect a hiker started it but they are not saying if they believe it was accidental or intentional. There have been some evacuations, but no home affected yet, they’ve been able to hold it back so far. We are 30 miles away so while it’s not right here our whole community is coming together donating water, food, Gatorade and offering space for livestock on other farms as we are a farming community.
We’re posting updates on the two wildfires burning in Cumberland County here: https://www.wgal.com/…/pennsylvania-smoke…/64586978… #breakingnews #panews
NOT MY PICTURES
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1A7aWMvqW5
Firefighter Lamar Buckwalter shot video as he drove through the Michaux State Forest fire in Cumberland County, capturing an eerie nighttime scene. We’re posting updates here: https://www.wgal.com/…/pennsylvania-smoke-sky…/64586978 #wildfire #panews #michauxstateforest
ABOUT THE BOOK
Love Blooms at Hollyhock Farm
After an amazing year looking after Hollyhock Farm, on the beautiful island of Jersey, pregnant Lettie needs to step back from farming. The problem is, with her family overseas, there’s no one to take over.
But then help comes from two places at once. Handsome fire-fighter Joe needs to escape his small home since his mother and her new husband came to stay; he offers to help run the farm in exchange for board in one of the spare rooms. Then, adventurous newcomer Skye takes the other room, excited to try her hand at farming in such an amazing place.
But managing the farm together may be more than either of them bargained for, especially as each of them drives the other crazy, in more ways than one. Will the tension get too much for Joe and Skye, or could love bloom with the Jersey flowers this spring?
MY THOUGHTS
If you’re looking for a feel-good heartwarming series, you need to look no further than the Hollyhock Farm series.
I’ve read all of the books in this series and other books by the author, and they never fail to make me smile and are the perfect relaxation read.
Taking place on the island of Jersey, the descriptions have me ready to visit and just kick off my shoes.
Once again, we see the inclusion of characters from other books in this series, and this always enriches the story.
This is Skye and Joe’s story, they’ve both ended up at Hollyhock Farm for a different reason and their first meeting wasn’t the greatest, but this doesn’t last once they start to get to know each other.
Skye has always had a supportive granny in her life after her mother passed away when she was a young teen, but she needs some answers about an important issue she’s been dwelling on.
I enjoyed seeing how supportive Joe is in her quest for answers and also enjoyed seeing the fun and supportive interaction between the other characters. I’m always up for reading a wonderful book by the author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/LoveBloomsat
MEET THE AUTHOR
Georgina Troy writes contemporary romance series set on the island of Jersey where she lives with her family and three rescue dogs near two wild and wonderful beaches.
Her latest series is set on a fictional farm on the island. Welcome to Hollyhock Farm and Second Chances at Hollyhock Farm are out now. Love Blooms at Hollyhock Farm is out April 2025 with a fourth book out later this year.
Georgina’s other series:
The Sunflower Cliffs series
The Golden Sands Bay series
The Sunshine Island series
Social Media Links
Facebook: @GeorginaTroyAuthor
Twitter: @GeorginaTroy
Instagram: @georginatroyauthor
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/GeorginaTroyNews
Bookbub profile: @GeorginaTroy
Thank you for stopping in today.
About The Voice We Find
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (April 15, 2025)
• Paperback: 416 pages
Two voices. One story. A chance to rewrite their future.
Sophie Wilder returns home to California with nothing more than a failed Broadway career and a geriatric cat. Stuck working at the family winery with her egotistical brother and desperate for a way to revive her acting dreams, she takes a side gig as an audiobook narrator with Fog Harbor Books. But getting mixed up in the life of her reluctant sound engineer was never a part of her plans.
August Tate is still reeling from taking on guardianship of his teen sister. Determined to find a solution to her degenerative hearing loss and to prevent his private recording studio from going under, he agrees to produce audiobooks part-time. When Sophie breathes new life into his creativity and forms an unexpected bond with his sister rooted in their common faith, he must confront the reasons he turned away from his own or risk losing the second chance he’s only just started to believe in.
The Voice We Find is the third book in Nicole Deese’s Fog Harbor Romance Series for fans of clean, faith-based stories, deaf and hard of hearing representation, workplace romance, books about books, found family, and sibling bonds.
MY THOUGHTS
Just like when you read any of the author’s other books you know you’ll be in for an emotional roller coaster.
I liked that the book had ASL and deaf representation. This is a closed-door romance.
The book really had me experiencing a wide range of emotions. I was rooting for the ones who seemed to not be represented but fell into the background. Full of hope on every page these characters have found their voice and their strength by books end.
Every book I read by the author has me contemplating what the outcome will be. Hard hitting this is one you’ll not be able to put down until you’re done.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
About the author
Nicole Deese is a Christy and Carol Award-winning and bestselling author. When she’s not sorting out character arcs and story plots of her own, she can usually be found listening to an audiobook and multitasking at least four different chores at once. She’s a hoarder of sparkling water, a lover of long walks and even longer talks with friends, and a seeker of fun and adventure at all times. She lives in small-town Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two freakishly tall teenage sons, and one princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.
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Have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping in.
289 pages Publisher Kensington Publication date January 21, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
Raised by their divorced, lapsed-Amish father and English mother, siblings Jonny, Martin, Kelsey, and Beth can’t wait to reinvent their lives. The four don’t have much in common, but they long for the stable sense of family they felt when visiting their New Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful Holmes County, Ohio. And the Schrocks couldn’t be more surprised when the grandkids want to try living with them—and joining their faith . . .
When Jonny hears startling news about his health, he knows it’s past time to change his life. Quitting college, he unexpectedly finds the fulfilling job of his dreams. And he’s instantly smitten with cafe owner Treva Kramer, whose baked goods are as warm and delicious as her lively personality. But no matter how hard Jonny tries, he can’t seem to get past her secret sadness and distrust. Can he prove that his feelings for her are for real—and forever—in time?
A bad breakup left Treva heartbroken—and resolved to be independent without relying on anyone ever again. Exhausted from pouring everything she’s got into her cafe, she’s stunned by Jonny’s easygoing ways—and drawn to his optimistic nature. But when she thinks his real interest is in becoming Amish, she’s even more determined to stay focused—and keep her heart safe . . .
Soon, deep secrets and hidden family truths will test Jonny and Treva in unexpected ways. And with help from his warm-hearted grandparents, he and Treva might gain the happiness they secretly long for—with each other.
MY THOUGHTS
This is the second book in the Amish ABC’s series. It’s a heartwarming series and the author’s books always leave me with a smile.
Four English raised siblings are looking for a sense of purpose in life and are considering becoming Amish and coming home to their roots. Their mother was English, and their father is a lapsed Amish man.
As they live with their grandparents, they discover life amongst the Amish is harder than they thought and they will need to experience some unexpected changes. This isn’t deterring them and love just may be in the cards as awareness and self-discovery of what’s really important takes place.
Heartwarming and realistic, the characters and plot kept me reading. Looking forward to the next in the series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She’s published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.
Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.
She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.
Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. Shelley can also be found on FaceBook, Instagram @shelley.s.gray, or on Twitter @ShelleySGray.
208 pages Publisher Love Inspired Publication date May 27, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
From a lifelong friendship
To an unexpected courtship…
After years of overlooking his best friend, Amish farmer Freeman Yoder finally begins to see Evie Ebersol through new eyes. But Evie is convinced that she would be a rebound—and that her physical challenges would be a burden. Despite loving Freeman for most of her life and yearning for a family and home of her own, she refuses to hold Freeman to his decades-old promise to marry her. Now he’s determined to show Evie that she’s the only one he wants to build a future with.
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
MY THOUGHTS
Friends since childhood a young Amish woman with insecurities doesn’t believe she can be all Amish farmer Freeman Yoder needs. When he begins seeing her in a new light, she’s still not convinced though her friends try to tell her otherwise. An uplifting and encouraging inspirational romance that will have you believing that kindness, patience and goodness still exist. Very enjoyable read.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
THE AUTHOR
Amy loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family…and maybe homemade tacos…and nail polish. But reading and writing are definitely high on the list.
Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, two spoiled cats, and one very lazy beagle. Oh, and don’t forget the stray kitty that has taken up residence on her front porch. ^..^
When she’s not creating quirky characters and happy endings, she’s chauffeuring her prodigy to guitar lessons, orchestra concerts and baseball practice. She has a variety of hobbies, but her favorite is whatever gets her out of housework.
Amy also writes contemporary romances under the pen name Amie Louellen.
An award winning author, Amy is a member of RWA and ACFW. She loves to hear from readers. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest. For links to the various sites, check her website: http://www.amylillardbooks.com.
Have a super day. Thanks for stopping in.
315 pages Publication date March 25, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
A pickpocket turned lady and a prince with a forgotten past find love in the most unexpected place…
Juliet Dash, orphan and former pickpocket, yearns to leave her troubled past behind. So when she arrives in British Columbia and takes a respectable job working for a pair of society sisters who offer to give her etiquette lessons, she’s one step closer to that dream. But when an unexpected encounter with an unconscious man turns her world upside down, Juliet must choose between her heart and her aspirations.
Weary of the pressure of royal life, Prince Henry Graighton longs for solace and anonymity. But when tragedy strikes and his brother winds up dead, Henry finds himself thrust into the role of heir apparent, leaving him to struggle with the weight of his grief and unwanted responsibility. And when Henry is kidnapped, he narrowly escapes with his life…but loses his memories in the process. In his darkest hour, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of Juliet, his savior and the key to unlocking his forgotten past.
With danger lurking at every turn and the weight of Henry’s royal duties looming over them, can their budding romance withstand the trials that lie ahead, or will Juliet be forced to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of Henry’s kingdom?
MY THOUGHTS
I loved the Bride Ships: New Voyages series. This is the fourth and final book in it. Each book features a different woman who has sailed on a journey to a new start leaving bad memories behind.
It’s always fun to meet up with characters from previous books in a current read and see how things have progressed for them.
Full of surprising twists and turns this is a faith filled Christian fiction series that kept me reading late into the night.
I was so happy to see our young couple get their magical fairytale like ending. I enjoyed seeing our characters grow and mature as life lessons were learned and accepted.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet, clean romances with plenty of sizzle (but without the spice).
Have a lovely weekend. Thank you for stopping in.
343 pages Bethany House Publishers April 1, 2025 publication date
ABOUT THE BOOK
During her voyage on a ship to America, Norwegian immigrant Amalia Gunderson makes a solemn promise to a dying mother to watch over her five-year-old daughter, Ruth. Together, Amalia and Ruth trek to Iowa to claim the farm and former boardinghouse that Ruth has inherited, despite opposition from a difficult cousin. Struggling with an empty house and scarce resources, Amalia resolves to return the boardinghouse to its former purpose, aided by the kindness of strangers and the resilient spirit of her young charge.
As Amalia and Ruth endeavor to make ends meet, tensions rise due to a trail of orphans showing up on their doorstep. Meanwhile, Absalom Karlsson–the magistrate’s son–offers legal assistance and helps them advocate for justice. With each challenge they face, Amalia and Ruth find hope in believing that with faith and determination they can overcome even the most daunting of trials.
In this heartwarming series starter, bestselling author Lauraine Snelling weaves together a delightful story of new beginnings.
MY THOUGHTS
I am always so excited to read a book by one of my favorite Christian fiction authors. I know some years ago I read a series by the author with Norwegian characters and the Norwegian culture and enjoyed it very much this has the same in it.
I read it awhile ago so I can’t remember if any of the characters from that series are in this book or not.
Making a new start is not easy but when the unexpected happens it’s doubly hard.
On a ship bound for America Norwegian immigrant, Amalia Gunderson becomes the guardian of a young girl who lost her mother on the voyage.
She and five year old, Ruth find themselves in a strange and new land with a house, Ruth will inherit when she is of age but it is not empty.
Despite being pushed and pulled in a lot of directions with opposition to what she is doing and some bad advice Amalia show her strength and perseverance. Doing what is right in this new land by taking care of the child and honoring God is her mission and though struggles are ever present she will not give up on herself or God.
With a boarding house being run there are other orphans that show up and through hard work and sacrifices all work towards a common good.
The author has a way of writing realistic fiction that I feel as though I am there experiencing it as well.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley for my honest opinion.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Award-winning and best selling author Lauraine Snelling began living her dream to be a writer with her first published book for young adult readers, Tragedy on the Toutle, in 1982. She has since continued writing more horse books for young girls, adding historical and contemporary fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers to her repertoire. All told, she has over eighty books published with more than 4 million copies in print.
Shown in her contemporary romances and women’s fiction, a hallmark of Lauraine’s style is writing about real issues of forgiveness, loss, domestic violence, and cancer within a compelling story. Her work has been translated into Norwegian, Danish, and German, and she has won the Romantic Times Career Achievement award for Inspirational Fiction, the Silver Angel Award for An Untamed Land and a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart for Song of Laughter.
As a sought after speaker, Lauraine encourages others to find their gifts and live their lives with humor and joy. Her readers clamor for more books more often, and Lauraine would like to comply … if only her paintbrushes and easel didn’t call quite so loudly.
Lauraine and her husband, Wayne, have two grown sons, and live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a watchdog Basset named Winston. They love to travel, most especially in their forty-foot motor coach, which they affectionately deem “a work in progress”.
Thank you for stopping in.
320 page Crooked Lane Books publisher June 24, 2025 publication date
ABOUT THE BOOK
Detective Nate Fisher must go back to the Amish community he left behind and confront his past to help the woman he once loved in this dual-POV mystery, perfect for fans of Linda Castillo.
Back to active duty after an administrative leave of absence for the use of deadly force, the last thing Detective Nathan Fisher wants to do is return to the conservative Amish community he left behind, but when his father passes, he has no choice. Hoping to clear his head and perhaps mend fences with his family, he returns to his small Mississippi hometown despite not being welcome. What was supposed to be a quick visit turns into a prolonged stay when his former love pleads for his help.
Rachel Hostetler’s world is turned upside down when she finds her brother’s body hanging in her family’s barn. Rachel is sure her brother Albie did not kill himself, but neither her father nor the police are willing to listen. When she spots Nate, her ex, now a detective in Oklahoma, back in Cedar Creek, she knows he is the answer to her problem and begs him to intercede.
As Nate and Rachel come to terms with their shared history, despite knowing nothing can come of the longing they have for each other, the pair must look into Albie’s death as suspects stack up. The truth is out there, but can they find it before Nate has to return to his real life and face the shooting that has him so desperately searching for peace?
MY THOUGHTS
I love the cover, very intriguing for a mystery book. This is an Amish mystery which I was drawn to because I live amongst the Amish here in Pennsylvania.
The book starts off with a bang, as we get right to the mystery. Fast paced this was hard to put down. A tragedy strikes an Amish family and a former Amish man who is now a policeman/detective comes back home. While there he seems a former girlfriend who the tragedy happened to her family.
As he tries to fight romantic memories and those renewing feelings she begs him to help investigate the case because the local police aren’t taking it seriously.
I enjoyed the book but there are some unrealistic things here the Amish would not get involved in and also some repetitive thoughts throughout the book but it did not take away my enjoyment of the book.
Fast paced and I had a hard time putting it down. Looking forward to reading more by the author soon.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
THE AUTHOR
Amy loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family…and maybe homemade tacos…and nail polish. But reading and writing are definitely high on the list.
Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, two spoiled cats, and one very lazy beagle. Oh, and don’t forget the stray kitty that has taken up residence on her front porch. ^..^
When she’s not creating quirky characters and happy endings, she’s chauffeuring her prodigy to guitar lessons, orchestra concerts and baseball practice. She has a variety of hobbies, but her favorite is whatever gets her out of housework.
Amy also writes contemporary romances under the pen name Amie Louellen.
An award winning author, Amy is a member of RWA and ACFW. She loves to hear from readers. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest. For links to the various sites, check her website: http://www.amylillardbooks.com.
May your days be filled with sunshine.
Vegan Book Blogger