Tag: Amish Fiction

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Review of two Love Inspired books: The Marine’s Deadly Reunion and An Amish Mother for His Child

240 pages Inspirational The Protectors Collection publisher December 26,2023 publication date grab a copy here

ABOUT THE BOOK

To keep a child safe

They must outrun a killer…

When Sergeant Daria Gordon saves US Marine Jake Fisher and his baby niece from an attacker, she instantly puts a target on her own back. Someone murdered Jake’s sister and now they want Jake and Daria dead. To survive, Jake and Daria must discover this ruthless killer’s identity. But can they uncover the truth and keep the baby safe…before the killer finds them?

MY THOUGHTS

Every page is soaked with nail biting tension. When Sergeant Daria Gordon saves US Marine Jake Fisher and his baby niece from an attacker, she instantly sets herself up for trouble as she becomes the intended target. Baby Emma’s parents have been killed in what was intended to look like an accidental car crash. Daria’s best childhood friend, Jake is now back from the Marine’s to take care of his niece Emma whose parents have died in what he believes is a case of murder. Can he convince her this case is murder? Marine Jake Fisher has all the strategies he needs from his Marine training now he just needs to convince Sergeant Daria Gordon he will step in and help her to solve this high-tension case. Every page had me holding my breath. This is an action-packed suspense with a strong female lead. I wasn’t sure who to trust and who not to. I enjoyed seeing how Daria and Jake worked together to keep sweet little Emma safe. As soon as I thought the case was solved, here we go again, more action coming at you from all sides. An inspirational suspense that’ll keep you on your toes.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Loretta Eidson lives by the motto ‘never a dull moment,’ especially with her husband, four children, and thirteen grandchildren. Her love of reading began in middle school, where she devoured Phyllis Whitney’s mystery novels. Loretta’s heart is writing romantic suspense. She believes in the power of prayer and loves putting her hero and heroine in realistic predicaments where they must trust God to pull them through.

Connect with Loretta on social media or through her website at http://www.lorettaeidson.com. Be sure to sign up for her quarterly newsletter http://www.lorettaeidson.com/newsletter-signup/

224 pages Love Inspired publisher December 26,2023 publication date grab a copy here

ABOUT THE BOOK

She’ll make the ideal mother…

But could she be his perfect match?

Marrying a virtual stranger gives Verna Kauffman almost everything she’s ever wanted—a husband, a daughter…and a list of childcare rules. Despite Adam Lantz’s strict standards and formal demeanor, Verna is determined to turn their convenient arrangement into a happy union. But when their growing relationship is challenged, can they overcome their opposite views of marriage to discover what they really need is each other?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Amish Country Matches

Book 1: The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma
Book 2: Their Amish Secret
Book 3: The Amish Marriage Arrangement
Book 4: An Amish Mother for His Child

MY THOUGHTS

Verna Kauffman has wanted to be a mother for a long time and when it hadn’t happened in the conventional Amish way of buggy rides, singings and courting she enters into an arranged marriage with Adam Lantz to become a mother to his daughter Amanda by way of a matchmaker.

Amanda is a sweet little girl, very smart and wants to be called Mandy like her friends call her.

A faith filled and encouraging story we see the author take a situation that has some drama in it and misunderstandings and turn it into a happy family union filled with love and respect.

I enjoyed seeing the character growth of all the main characters and seeing how their needs were met. Uplifting and encouraging, this is a delight that will be read again.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Publishers Weekly bestselling author Patricia Johns writes sweet romance for Harlequin Inc. and Kensington Books.

She writes from Alberta, Canada, where she lives with her husband and son.

Thank you for stopping in. Have an uplifting day.

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The Warmth of Sunshine (Amish Blessings Book 2)

380 pages Zondervan publisher July 5,2022 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Abigail’s Amish life has always followed a certain path . . . until an Englisch woman disrupts all she’s known to be true.

Growing up Amish, Abigail Bontrager often felt like a square peg in a round hole. Her pie crusts always turned out tough. Her stitches always ran crooked. She was clumsy. Not ideal for an aspiring Amish wife and mother, but her faith and love of her family, which are so much more important, are solid. Plus, her relationship with the attractive and kindhearted Owen Kurtz is moving in the right direction.

Owen is part dreamer, part entrepreneur. His friendship with Abigail has gradually blossomed into a sweet and loving courtship. Inspired by the hope of a future with the girl of his dreams, he decides to take the next step in building a business of his own—in the promising new industry of growing sunflowers.

When an outsider claiming to be Abigail’s birth mother abruptly enters her life, Abigail’s world comes crashing down. Confused and upset, she is determined to discover who she really is. Her journey of discovery leads to the possibilities of a new life waiting for her in the Englisch world. But is this new life really worth giving up everything and everyone she’s known? How can Abigail and Owen follow their hearts—and God’s plan—when these new paths now lead them into the unknown?

MY THOUGHTS

Kelly Irvin has written such a heartfelt book so full of emotions.
Amish woman Abigail Bontrager has never felt she’s fit in with the other Amish in her community; a terrible baker and she can’t sew a straight stitch. Then she gets earth shattering news, she’s been adopted into her Amish family as a baby and her parents are English.


Mad at her adoptive parents, she’s confused and wants answers as to why they’ve never told her this information. Leaving her adoptive parents and Amish boyfriend she knows to be comfortable in life she must explore this English side of herself.

Her experience in the English world is so eye opening, the clothing feels uncomfortable, and she doesn’t feel covered enough, everything is faster, brighter, louder and more open. There are not the rules and restrictions she is used to, and her faith becomes severely tested especially when she starts dating an English man.

How will Abigail handle the pressures of the outside world, will she crave the less restrictions in this new fast life, or will her family and faith pull her back home? Such a beautiful story of a young woman following her heart while letting God lead the way.

Pub Date 05 Jul 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Best-selling novelist Kelly Irvin’s latest Amish romance, Every Good Gift, debuted in February 2023. The third novel in the Amish Blessings series takes place in Yoder and Haven, Kansas. The series takes a look at adoption in Amish communities. The first book, Love’s Dwelling, won second place in the Selah Awards contest in the long contemporary romance category. The series follows the Amish of Sky Country series, which featured Amish communities in Northwest Montana affected by wildfires that destroyed thousands of acres in the state in recent years. The first book, Mountains of Grace, debuted in August 2019, and delves into the impact on not only an Amish man and woman, but also a smoke jumper, a sheriff’s deputy, and a young English woman forced to confront her past because of the fires.

Kelly also writes romantic suspense novels. Her most recent forays into this genre include Trust Me, Her Every Move and Closer Than She Knows, all set in San Antonio and South Texas. Publishers Weekly says of Closer Than She Knows, “this brisk, smoothly written thriller from Irvin pits court reporter Teagan O’Rourke, a murder mystery lover, against a cunning and vicious serial killer. Fans of serial killer fiction with a Christian slant will be satisfied.”

Of Tell Her No Lies, The Library Journal says, “Irvin creates a complex web with enough twists and turns to keep even the most savvy romantic suspense readers guessing until the end. Known for her Amish novels, this two-time Carol Award finalist shows that her talents span subgenres from tranquil Amish stories to rapidly paced breathless suspense.”

Kelly is also the author of the Every Amish Season series, which included four books that chronicle the lives of Amish widows who are in different seasons in their lives. These women are linked by life altering experiences that bring them together as wives, mothers, and grandmothers in the small town of Jamesport, Mo. The first book, Upon a Spring Breeze, received critical acclaim from the Library Journal: “A moving and compelling tale about the power of grace and forgiveness that reminds us how we become strongest in our most broken moments.”

Kelly Irvin is also the author of The Amish of Bee County series, which includes the critically acclaimed The Beekeeper’s Son. Publishers Weekly called the first book in the series a beautifully woven masterpiece and Romantic Times Magazine called Kelly a storyteller extraordinaire. It was followed by The Bishop’s Son and The Saddle Maker’s Son, which is an ECPA bestseller.

A two-time ACFW Carol finalist, Kelly’s novellas have been included in numerous anthologies, including An Amish Summer, The Amish Christmas Gift, An Amish Market, an Amish Christmas Love, and Amish Quilt, An Amish Reunion, An Amish Picnic, and An Amish Christmas Bakery.

She also penned the Bliss Creek Amish series and the New Hope Amish series, both published by Harvest House Publishers. Love Still Stands, the first book in the New Hope series, debuted in September 2012, and the follow-up, Love Redeemed, released March 1, 2014. The final book in the series, set in Branson, MO., was A Plain Love Song, released in July 2014.

The Bliss Creek Amish series, set in Kansas, includes To Love and to Cherish, A Heart Made New, and Love’s Journey Home.

In the New Hope series, familiar characters from Bliss Creek move to Missouri to start a new district and a new life.

The Kansas native is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the ACFW San Antonio local chapter Alamo City Christian Fiction Writers, as well as Sisters in Crime and Women’s Fiction Writers Association.

A graduate of the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism, Kelly wrote nonfiction professionally for thirty years. She studied for three semesters at the University of Costa Rica, learning the Spanish language. As a journalist, she worked six years in the border towns of Laredo and El Paso, where she was exposed to culture and language that serves as fodder for her fiction writing. She has written hard news, features, entertainment pieces, restaurant critiques, editorials, and weekly columns. Writing awards include the Silver Star Award from the Texas Mental Health Association for articles pertaining to mental health and numerous awards in news, feature, and editorial writing from the Texas Press Association and Texas Press Women.

Kelly retired in 2016 from her position of 22 years as public relations manager for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department, where her duties included writing and designing an employee newsletter, writing news releases, collaborating on marketing campaigns, coordinating ribbon-cuttings and groundbreakings, coordinating press conferences, updating the web site, and acting as a media spokesperson.

Kelly has been married to photographer Tim Irvin for 35 years. They have two children and four grandchildren. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories and poetry, read books by her favorite authors, and visit the babies.

For more information, visit http://www.kellyirvin.com

Have a happy weekend. Thank you for visiting today.

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The Teacher’s Christmas Secret: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Seven Amish Sisters Book 3) by Emma Miller

203 pages September 26,2023 publish date Love Inspired publisher

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Amish school brings them together.

Will his secret break them apart?

When widowed schoolteacher Tobit Lapp is injured, he reluctantly agrees he needs Cora Koffman’s help. Cora’s still upset Tobit got the job at the Amish schoolhouse, but she agrees to teach his class till he’s able. As they work together on lessons, a surprising friendship blossoms between them, but Tobit’s heart is torn. He’s falling for Cora—yet his secret could ruin everything…

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Seven Amish Sisters

Book 1: Her Surprise Christmas Courtship
Book 2: Falling for the Amish Bad Boy
Book 3: The Teacher’s Christmas Secret

MY THOUGHTS

Human nature being what it is Cora Koffman tries not to be upset and jealous when newcomer to their Honeycomb, Delaware Amish school Tobit Lapp gets the teaching job she has yearned for. Getting off on the wrong foot, anger clouds her judgement of widowed Tobit who has a young teenaged son.

When an accident proves disastrous to Tobit and leaves him unable to teach, he reluctantly lets her take his place while he recovers.

I’ve seen this in stories a lot recently, the grumpy and sunshine pair and it actually works in most books including this one.

Having never taught before Cora is nervous but excited about teaching and she excels at it. As she spends more time with him, he sees how smart she is and realizes some of her teaching ideas really are great and they implement them into the teaching program. I enjoyed reading about the Christmas program the teacher and children are putting together.

Cora and Tobit seem to be falling for each other and Cora looks forward to being courted by Tobit until an unbelievable secret comes to light. Will the romance be able to possibly be saved?

I’ve really enjoyed many books by this author in the past. The books feel realistic, and I love her writing style, it is realistic and encouraging. Though a short book the story feels complete and not rushed. I suggest you read the other books in the series though each story is a stand alone.

Pub Date: 26 Sep 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Pre-order here

credit here

THE AUTHOR

Emma Miller is a wife, mother and a grandmother who lives a quiet life in Delaware. She’s the author of the Hannah’s Daughter’s series and is at work on her next Amish romance novel.

Have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for stopping in. Does this sound like a book you’d read?

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The Heirloom: (Prequel to The Shunning, An Amish Christian Fiction Book)

327 pages Sep. 12,2023 publish date Bethany House Publishers

SYNOPSIS

This heartwarming prequel to The Shunning is a tender story of love, belonging, and the courage to move forward.

After her widowed father remarries, nineteen-year-old Clara Bender is no longer needed to help run his household. Marriage seems like her best hope of moving out, but there are few young men in her tiny Indiana Amish community. When she comes across letters from her mother’s aunt Ella Mae Zook, she sets off to visit Lancaster County’s Hickory Hollow to decide where her future lies.

Ella Mae is not quite ready to move from the farmhouse where she and her recently deceased husband spent over fifty happy years, but her children are eager to resettle her, making Clara’s visit seem like an answer to prayer. The two women form a warm bond while restoring an heirloom wedding quilt and sharing their lives, with Ella Mae confiding about a tragedy from her courting years. Eventually, Ella Mae suggests Clara stay for the summer, allowing Ella Mae more time with her and giving Clara an opportunity to meet the area’s eligible young men. But when the unexpected happens, will Clara find where her heart truly belongs?

MY THOUGHTS

I have read this author’s books since she started writing them. She is the one who started me reading Amish fiction. What I like about her books is how realistic they are. I love her writing style. The situations portrayed are realistic and believable. And I can always learn something about the Amish culture from her books. They are always very well researched.

Having read her book The Shunning and the rest of that series when it was first published many years ago, I was thrilled to see a prequel to this series in The Heirloom.

Clara Bender lives in Hickory Hollow, Indiana, and her widowed father is newly remarried. I didn’t like her new stepmother when we first met in the book. Her character is portrayed as unlikeable, as many stepmothers are portrayed. She doesn’t make much of an effort to get along with Clara or empathize with her.

Missing her mother, Clara reads some letters that were bundled away and sent from her aunt to her mother over the years. The two had a close and loving relationship. Clara contacts her aunt about a visit, as she wants to get to know her and hear more about her mother in her younger years.

I loved it when letter writing was popular and used to write and receive letters from my grandmother. The pretty stationery was always a treat to see. Clara’s father isn’t crazy about her going to visit her aunt because it’s a different church district and the rules are different in that district. He relents when she makes plans to stay for a short amount of time.

Once arriving, I enjoyed getting to know the aunt, and we see a bit of a timeslip as we are taken back in time to her aunt’s youth and get to meet some of the youngsters her aunt knew. Just like with today’s youth, there were the reliable and steadfast youth and the braggarts and show-offs. We see from this why the bishop back then made the rules so strict after some mishaps, and this explains why Clara’s aunt is the way she is and also why she doesn’t speak of this time period with anyone.

I enjoyed reading about fixing the heirloom quilt and its repair process.

After acclimating herself to her new homestead in the Lancaster area, she and her aunt would like her to stay longer. Also, the new beau she has wants to grow closer to her. He is a strong man of faith. I enjoyed seeing how Clara and her aunt drew closer in their relationship with each other and with God. Clara goes through some uncertainty when she decides she wants to make this her permanent home, and her father can’t agree to her staying in Lancaster for many reasons. Because of her upbringing, she will not disobey her father. But God always has our best interests and will bring us through our trials and tribulations.

This is an excellent book. This author, with her steadfast faith, never fails to write an inspirational book.

I was given a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Beverly Lewis (beverlylewis.com), born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 19 million books in print. Her stories have been published in 12 languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today. Beverly and her husband, David, live in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, making music, and spending time with their family. –This text refers to an alternate kindle edition edition.

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Lost and Found: (A Clean Amish Christian Romance Novel) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

320 pages Revell publisher September 26,2023 publish date

Pre-order here

About The Book

rudy Yoder shares a passion for birding with Micah Weaver–and she has an even greater passion for Micah. Their friendship is finally turning romantic when Micah abruptly grows cold. Worse still, he wants to leave Stoney Ridge.

Micah Weaver thought he was over Trudy’s older sister. A year and a half ago, Shelley had broken his heart when she ran away from Stoney Ridge to pursue a singing career in Nashville. Then, out of the blue, she’s started to leave distressing phone messages for him.

When the bishop asks for volunteers to scout out a possible church relocation in Tennessee, Micah is the first to raise his hand. Despite scant details, he’s confident he can find Shelley. After all, his reputation as a field guide is based on finding birds that don’t want to be found.

What Micah doesn’t know is that what you’re looking for isn’t always what you find.

photo credit here

My Thoughts

I have read most books by this author and all in this series. I have and will continue to enjoy the Stoney Ridge series. I enjoy the fact there are so many recurring characters in the books, so we know what to expect from their personalities.

This is the second book about birding in this series. It is a topic unusual for an Amish book, but I am enjoying it. The birding takes place mostly in Pennsylvania where I live so I am familiar with the birds. Another thing I enjoy about the books is how realistic they are.

The author is not afraid to show weakness and fear, a sense of uncertainty and a vulnerableness to the characters. She also shows remarkable strength as they lean on God to get them through. An inspirational feel-good book that has subtle lessons, but they are not condescending. 

God shows us that through him what we are looking for may be right in front of us and what we already have. This book is such a blessing to have read. It is such an encouragement. I received a complimentary copy from Revell Books and Interviews and Reviews. All opinions expressed are my own. 

photo credit here

The Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher loves stories worth telling about people worth remembering. With over a million copies of her book sold worldwide, this bestselling, award-winning author of more than 30 books is always on the lookout for the unsung hero with an untold story.

Readers are invited to stop by Suzanne’s website at: http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

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First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill (The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Book 10)Amish Romance by Jennifer Beckstrand

289 pages September 28,2021 publish date Zebra publisher

About The Book

Before irrepressible eighty-somethings Anna and Felty Helmuth became Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin’s most-beloved matchmakers, they were mismatched young lovers facing seemingly impossible obstacles . . .
 
She can’t cook, sew, sing, or clean. And no matter how hard young Anna Yoder tries, she’d much rather help people in trouble than be a well-behaved pretty face and properly perfect Amish maidel. So she instantly reaches out to her old schoolmate, Felty Helmuth, when their Amish town ostracizes him for his Korean War army service. He’s still the only one who’s ever understood Anna—and liked everything from her green Jello carrot salads to her love of books. And this holiday season, she can’t help hoping that somehow she and Felty can find a way to be the perfect match . . .
 
Felty sensed he was called by Gotte to serve his country, though it went against his community’s peaceful ways. Troubled by his wartime experiences, he is resigned to being an outsider avoided by most eligible Amish girls. But lively, intelligent Anna has grown into a warm-hearted generous woman who accepts Felty for who he is. And in the face of family and community opposition, he and Anna will take a leap of faith to prove they are made for each other—and a lifetime of happiness.

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts

I have read every book in the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. I will admit I absolutely love Anna and Felty, they are my favorite older Amish couple to read about.
They are just the cutest couple ever! You just can’t help but love them. Anna and Felty are older, in their eighties but spunky and have so much living to do as well.


They have lots of grandchildren and under the pretense of needing some work done around the house or some other nonsense they get their grandchildren to come visit them one by one and they match make for each of them. Everyone in their family knows how meddling they are but they don’t do it in a bossy way and all of their family adores them. When their latest conquest, er grandchild comes to visit the matchmaking once again starts up.


But instead of the story revolving around the grandchild’s story it takes us back in time to Anna and Felty’s own courting story when they were much younger. Though Amish Felty feels led by God as a young man to enlist, he did some things while enlisted that he’s not proud of and won’t talk about it as an older man.

Returning home after his time serving, the Amish don’t welcome him home as they are a peaceful people and don’t condone violence. When he becomes an instant hero after a near tragedy, he is heartily welcomed home. Anna and Felty had feeling for each other before he left but neither knew it at the time. I love that Felty loves Anna for who she is despite her being a terrible cook and seamstress.

He has a chance to have the prettiest girl in their community and she’s the bishop’s daughter, but he just wants his Annie. This is what I call genuine love. At the end of the book, it does switch back to modern times where the grandparents are older. Such devotion to each other, this couple has it for sure. Loving this series. This is a long running series that I will continue to read as long as she keeps writing them.

Pub Date 28 Sep 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About The Author

Jennifer Beckstrand is the USA Today Bestselling author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series, The Honeybee Sisters series, The Petersheim Brothers series, and The Amish Quiltmaker series for Kensington Books. Two of Jennifer’s books were nominated for the RWA RITA® Award, and she is a #1 Amazon bestselling author. Jennifer has written twenty-eight Amish romances and the nonfiction book, Big Ideas. She has also written two Western historical and two contemporary romances as Jen Spencer. She and her husband have been married for thirty-seven years, and she has six children and eight adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

Homepage

https://www.facebook.com/jenniferbeckstrandfans

Instagram: j.beckstrand

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A Season of Change (The Amish Inn Novels Book 3) by Beth Wiseman

336 pages October 05,2021 publication date Zondervan publisher

About The Book

Two sisters have their hands full with matchmaking for their new employee, Rose, and the handsome handyman who just moved to town—all while trying to get to the bottom of who could be one of their own secret admirers.

Sisters Esther and Lizzie have a new employee, Rose Petersheim, to help them tend to The Peony Inn. But their old matchmaking ways have stayed the same. The sisters focus their efforts on the lovely twenty-five-year-old Rose. Though Rose is witty and outspoken, her nervous chattering makes her the best match for someone calm and good at listening. Someone like Benjamin—the handsome handyman who recently moved to town.

But when Esther receives an anonymous love letter and flowers, Rose’s love life is no longer the only one capturing the sisters’ attention. As they sleuth around searching for Esther’s secret admirer, they uncover that their grumpy renter, Gus, has a secret of his own that could bring about a difficult change in all their lives. And their continued meddling in Rose’s affairs reveals she, too, is hiding something—an old wound that could threaten her future happiness.

As Rose, Lizzie, Esther, and Gus struggle to release the weight of their pasts, they discover that although people are complicated, love doesn’t need to be.

This charming third installment of the Amish Inn series from bestselling author Beth Wiseman is a picture of loss and healing in which forgiveness will prove to be the greatest act of love.

  • Charming and uplifting Amish romance
  • The third installment of The Amish Inn Novels
    • Book 1: A Picture of Love
    • Book 2: An Unlikely Match
    • Book 3: A Season of Change
  • Book length: 85,000 words
  • Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Amish woman posing with hen

My Thoughts

A Season of Change is the third book in the Amish Inn series but the first in the series I’ve read. My husband has read all of them though and loved them, recommending I read the first two, which I hope to make time for soon. With that being said I do feel as if I could easily read the other books in the series to quickly catch up in this series as there are many repeat characters especially the main characters.


This is such an emotional book with so much going on. I just loved all the characters especially the two older 70+ ages sisters who run the Amish Inn. One is outgoing and a bit pushy the other compliments her perfectly, she is reserved and not as apt to try new things or circumstances.


At the inn they have a cook/housekeeper named Rose, now this sweet Amish girl has a beautiful personality, is bubbly and outgoing and if you let her she’ll talk your ear off. The inn’s guests love her for it. When Rose overhears the sister’s talking about her saying maybe the reason she can’t get another date with the men she goes out with is because she talks too much, she takes it to heart.


She is so excited to go on a date with handsome Benjamin and knows she’ll put into practice her “quiet” self. Benjamin is quiet himself and needs a mate that is a bit more talkative to balance him out . Benjamin is so disappointed that Rose is so quiet and though he can’t stop thinking about her he can’t go on another date with her because she is so quiet.


I did like the character Gus as well, a man living in one of the cottages on the property. Gus has a secret he’s keeping. Rose, Gus, and innkeeper sisters Lizzie and Esther all have things in their past holding them back that they need to work through.
Keep the box of Kleenex nearby you’re going to need it multiple times in this emotional and compassionate love story.
I greatly look forward to the next book in this Amish series.

Pub Date 05 Oct 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Grab A Copy Here

About The Author

Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Having sold two million books, her novels have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) Bestseller List and the CBA (Christian Book Association) Bestseller List. She was the recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013. She is a three-time winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and an INSPY Award winner. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series—Seek Me With All Your Heart—was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing into the year 2018, and she has published thirteen novels and thirteen novellas to date.

As a former newspaper reporter, Beth was honored by her peers with eleven journalism awards, including first place news writing for The Texas Press Association. She has been a humor columnist for The 1960 Sun in Houston and published articles in various publications. However, writing novels is where her heart is. She left her job as a journalist in 2008 to write novels fulltime.

Beth has a deep affection for the Amish and their simpler way of life, and while she plans to continue writing Amish love stories, she is also branching out into other areas. Her first non-Amish, contemporary—Need You Now—released in April 2012 and landed on the CBA Bestseller List. She enjoyed writing the story based in a town near where she lives, and she chose another small Texas town for her next non-Amish contemporary—The House that Love Built—which is based in Smithville, the same quaint town where movies such as Hope Floats and Tree of Life were filmed. Beth continued to spread her wings when she released The Promise in October 2014. Inspired by actual events, The Promise follows Beth’s characters all the way to Pakistan. Beth was involved in the real-life rescue when her friend was held captive in Pakistan. Beth is currently working on book #2 in her new Amish Secrets series, tentatively titled Jacob’s Ladder. Book #1—Her Brother’s Keeper—recently released and was chosen as a Top Pick by RT Reviews Magazine.

Beth and her husband are empty nesters enjoying the country life in Texas. When she’s not writing, she loves to travel, paint, and enjoy time with friends and family. You can find Beth at Fans of Beth Wiseman on Facebook where she interacts with readers and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bethwiseman.

Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Having sold two million books, her novels have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) Bestseller List and the CBA (Christian Book Association) Bestseller List. She was the recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013. She is a three-time winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and an INSPY Award winner. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series—Seek Me With All Your Heart—was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing into the year 2018, and she has published thirteen novels and thirteen novellas to date.

As a former newspaper reporter, Beth was honored by her peers with eleven journalism awards, including first place news writing for The Texas Press Association. She has been a humor columnist for The 1960 Sun in Houston and published articles in various publications. However, writing novels is where her heart is. She left her job as a journalist in 2008 to write novels fulltime.

Beth has a deep affection for the Amish and their simpler way of life, and while she plans to continue writing Amish love stories, she is also branching out into other areas. Her first non-Amish, contemporary—Need You Now—released in April 2012 and landed on the CBA Bestseller List. She enjoyed writing the story based in a town near where she lives, and she chose another small Texas town for her next non-Amish contemporary—The House that Love Built—which is based in Smithville, the same quaint town where movies such as Hope Floats and Tree of Life were filmed. Beth continued to spread her wings when she released The Promise in October 2014. Inspired by actual events, The Promise follows Beth’s characters all the way to Pakistan. Beth was involved in the real-life rescue when her friend was held captive in Pakistan. Beth is currently working on book #2 in her new Amish Secrets series, tentatively titled Jacob’s Ladder. Book #1—Her Brother’s Keeper—recently released and was chosen as a Top Pick by RT Reviews Magazine.

May your day be filled with joy. Thank you for stopping in today.

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New Release, One More Time For Joy by Amy Lillard

About The Book

290 pages Zebra Books March 28,2023 publish date

In this uplifting inspirational romance series, award-winning author Amy Lillard unites a “Widows Club” of women who share solace, friendship, faith—and mouthwatering Whoopie Pies—in the Amish community of Paradise Valley, Missouri. Will appeal to fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Molly Jebber, Susan Lantz Simpson, and Kelly Long.

At the heart of a Missouri Amish community, a circle of caring friends—the Widows’ Club of Paradise Valley—sees each other through life’s storms, in this uplifting series from award-winning author Amy Lillard . . .
 
Joy Lehman has pressed on faithfully since losing her husband, raising their children and running a thriving bakery alone. Even caring for her oldest son, Johnny—seriously injured after a fall—has not shaken her fierce independence. Johnny will walk again, she’s sure. Until then, a meeting of the Widows’ Club at her home makes it clear that Joy must consider some costly renovations. Her brother-in-law, Uriah, is happy to provide the lumber and the labor—if Joy will accept his help.
 
Uriah understands family challenges—he’s a widower himself, and father to four daughters. Yet he can see that Joy’s struggle lies deeper than house repairs, in learning to accept an altered future for her son. As Uriah’s daughters begin helping in the bakery, and Joy and Uriah’s bond grows deeper, a new possibility glows bright—the unexpected happiness that lies in embracing one strong, united family, filled with support and love . . .
 
“Readers will delight in this sweet love story and stay hungry for the next installment.”
–Publishers Weekly on Marry Me, Millie

My Thoughts

I can't even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this book.
It was such a powerful and uplifting that I felt so good while I was reading it and even afterwards.
In this third book in the Paradise Valley series the “Whoopie Pie Widow’s Club,” a group of widowed women whom Joy is a part of help each other and others in need in the community in their time of need. In Joy's case she has a wheelchair bound son who is bitterly disappointed when doctors tell him he'll never walk again.
I just loved Joy's character, after her husband's death she has to support her children and she works long, exhausting hours in her home bakery, with very little help.
Widower Uriah, who happens to be her brother-in-law is contacted by the Widowers club to help with some home improvements at Joy's home to accommodate her son's wheelchair.
Joy and Uriah both being widowed with children have challenges in their daily lives but do have a positive outlook on life. I loved seeing the children from each family become more involved with the other family in trying to bring their parents together. I very much enjoyed meeting Johnny, Joy's wheelchair bound son and hope we'll see an update on him in a future book.
There is support from each family member as the relationship between Joy and Uriah progresses and I think they know how the relationship will turn out before the couple does.
Such a positive and uplifting book that I was happy to have read.

Pub Date 28 Mar 2023
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: www.amylillardbooks.com.

Have a wonderful day and don’t forget to share a smile with someone.

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Her Heart’s Desire (A Season in Pinecraft Book #1) Amish fiction by Shelley Shepard Gray-Review

Print length 291 pages Revell Publisher Jan 3,2023 Publication Date

Grab A Copy Here

About The Book

Mary Margaret Miller needs an escape from her small Amish community. She boards a bus, all alone, for a vacation in Pinecraft, Florida. Meeting Betsy and Lilly on the way, she’s amazed to find two kindred spirits. They become fast friends and determine to have the best two weeks of their lives. For Mary, it starts when she meets Jayson Raber. The handsome and charming carpenter is taken by Mary from the get-go, but he has responsibilities back home in Kentucky–including a girl he’s supposed to marry.

When someone from Mary’s past shows up in Pinecraft, it seems like her perfect vacation is ruined. But that’s nothing compared to what’s coming when she realizes what Jayson has been hiding.

Take a vacation with New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray as she explores what happens when we allow our pasts to define our futures in this story of friendship, romance, and new beginnings.

My Thoughts

I always look forward to the author’s newest releases coming out. This one is the start to a new series, and we are once again back in Pinecraft, which I would love to visit someday. It sounds so peaceful.
This is A Season in Pinecraft, #1.


The author is such a master storyteller. no matter the genre she writes, I especially enjoy her Amish stories. Her stories are so compelling with such a nice faith message in them. I always feel so much better after reading her books, such a positive boost they give me.


I was moved by the characters, how they examined who they were and worked on improving their character.
I am looking forward to the next delightful book in this series.

Pub Date 03 Jan 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About 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.

You have blessed me by visiting my blog today. Thank you, friend!

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Happily Ever Amish (The Amish of Apple Creek #1) by Shelley Shepard Gray-Review

About The Book

Combining the appeal of a small-town Amish setting and favorite romance tropes, New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray—one of the most beloved voices in inspirational romance—presents the first in a heart-warming new series perfect for fans of Beverly Lewis, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Charlotte Hubbard.
 
Addie Byler may be Apple Creek’s resident wallflower, but she knows she has a lot to offer—and much to be grateful for. Raised by her loving grandmother, she lives a life filled with good friends and hard work. Wary of romance, Addie assumes no man will look beyond her glasses and her tendency to talk to her rescue donkey, Snickers—until the day she finds a note from a secret admirer. A prank, most likely. But then, a second note arrives . . .
 
It’s not that Daniel Miller doesn’t like Addie, he just doesn’t want to court her. She’s too willful, too chatty, too odd. Yet when he learns she’s been teased because she’s never had a beau, he decides to send a little note of encouragement. One note leads to another. And when Addie begins replying with thoughtful messages of her own, he’s struck by her sweetness and warmth.
 
As chilly winter melts into spring, what began as a gesture of sympathy becomes something much deeper. Daniel fears revealing the truth, but with courage, faith—and a helping hand from their close-knit community—Apple Creek’s most unlikely couple may find their path to happiness . . .

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts

An Amish wildflower raised by her grandmother; Addie Byler feels that she doesn’t quite fit in with the other Amish youth. Apple Creek, Ohio, a small, vibrant Amish community where Addie lives helping her elderly grandmother and talking to her rescue donkey, Snickers. I really loved the character Snickers I think he helps Addie to relax and be less anxious. I have read so many of this author’s books over the years, she has quite a few and they are all equally amazing. She truly writes from the heart and brings these characters to life. Not everything is wonderful all the time but it’s realistic and the characters talk things out and offer each other compassion, forgiveness and love.
Realistic daily Amish life is what you’ll find in this book. Surprises along the way offer up joy and a chance at a new beginning. An inspiring book full of hope and family values.

Pub Date 25 Oct 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own. 

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. 

The Series


2

Once Upon a Buggy (The Amish of Apple Creek Book 2) Releasing March 28,2023

by Shelley Shepard Gray (Author)

This sweet Amish retelling of Beauty and the Beast from New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Shelley Shepard Gray—one of the best-loved names in inspirational romance—will delight fans of heartwarming fiction and readers of Charlotte Hubbard, Beverly Lewis, and Beth Wiseman.

May Schott would do anything to change the tragic moment when she stepped too close to the fire that left her best friend, Carl Hilty, devastatingly burned. After Carl left Apple Creek for extensive surgeries, May patiently prayed for one chance to ask his forgiveness. Now, six years later, Carl Hilty is coming home.
 
The reunion goes nothing like May anticipated. Overwhelmed with emotion at seeing Carl again, she is speechless, unable to look away. And Carl’s own stone-cold silence leaves her certain that whatever attraction they once shared has been replaced by his hatred of her.
 
After hiding in the shadows of the big city, Carl has returned to connect with his family and to see if May can overlook his scars and accept his tender love—but her reaction makes it clear that she wants nothing to do with him. He grudgingly agrees to stay with his family for a time before retreating to anonymity once again.
 
But in Apple Creek, it’s easy to miss what everyone around you sees plain as day. For two people who belong together, it will take a few helping hands to heal the hurts of the past and make a miraculous new beginning.

Do you have either book in this series on your want to read list?

Thank you for stopping by today. Have a great day.