Tag: Book Review

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Wreck the Halls: By Tessa Bailey

368 pages Avon publisher October 3,2023 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Melody Gallard may be the daughter of music royalty, but her world is far from glamorous. She spends her days restoring old books and avoiding the limelight (one awkward tabloid photo was enough, thanks). But when a producer offers her a lot of money to reunite her mother’s band on live tv, Mel begins to wonder if it’s time to rattle the cage, shake up her quiet life… and see him again. The only other person who could wrangle the rock and roll divas.

Beat Dawkins, the lead singer’s son, is Melody’s opposite—the camera loves him, he could charm the pants off anyone, and his mom is not a potential cult leader. Still, they might have been best friends if not for the legendary feud that broke up the band. When they met as teenagers, Mel felt an instant spark, but it’s nothing compared to the wild, intense attraction that builds as they embark on a madcap mission to convince their mothers to perform one last show. 

While dealing with rock star shenanigans, a 24-hour film crew, brawling Santas, and mobs of adoring fans, Mel starts to step out of her comfort zone. With Beat by her side, cheering her on, she’s never felt so understood. But Christmas Eve is fast approaching, and a decades-old scandal is poised to wreck everything—the Steel Birds reunion, their relationships with their mothers, and their newfound love.  

MY THOUGHTS

Wreck the Halls is another book by a new to me author I wanted to try. There is something to be said about trying new to you authors, there’s also something to be said about staying with the authors you are familiar with and enjoy. This was another author that a lot of people seem to like with a lot of reviews.

If you’re looking for a book that gives you Christmas vibes and you feel like you’re wrapped in Christmas, this one isn’t it. With that said, I thought the plot was lacking and by lacking, I mean almost nonexistent. What the author was trying to convey could have been made into about a 150 page, or less book. This had over 300.

I think the author was trying to go for cute and clever, maybe, with the main characters names. Beat and Melody. You can draw your own conclusion with the names. Beat and Melody are the son and daughter of two big name singing stars who were pregnant at the same time.

The band broke up and the two women have refused to speak to each other ever since. Beat is being blackmailed and each time he has to pay a higher fee to keep his mother’s name from being smeared. The women haven’t seen each other in years but there is a real push to have them reunite onstage for a Christmas show. With a romance between the adult children of such rock superstars you can imagine the chaos that ensues.

There were some heartwarming scenes, and this book may be just right for you.

Pub Date 03 Oct 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.

Hope your weekend is going great. Thanks for stopping in.

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The Last Restaurant in Paris: Completely heartbreaking and gripping World War 2 fiction

332 pages Bookouture publisher Pub Date 18 Jul 2022 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Paris 1944. To save her people, she served the enemy.

In enemy-occupied Paris, as the locals go to bed starving and defeated by the war, music and laughter spills through the door of a little restaurant, crowded with German soldiers. The owner Marianne moves on weary feet between its packed tables, carrying plates of steaming, wholesome food for the enemy officers. Her smile is bright and sparkling, her welcome cordial. Nobody would guess the hatred she hides in her heart.

That night, the restaurant closes its doors for the final time. In the morning, the windows are scratched with the words ‘traitor and murderer’. And Marianne has disappeared without a trace…

Years later, Marianne’s granddaughter Sabine stands under the faded green awning, a heavy brass key in her hand, staring at the restaurant left to her by the grandmother she never met. Sabine has so many questions about herself. Perhaps here she can find answers, but she knows she isn’t welcome. Marianne was hated by the locals and when Sabine discovers they blamed her for the terrible tragedy that haunts the pretty restaurant, she is ready to abandon her dark legacy.

But when she finds a passport in a hidden compartment in the water-stained walls, with a picture of a woman who looks like her grandmother but has a different name, she knows there must be more to Marianne’s story. As she digs into the past, she starts to wonder: was her grandmother a heroine, not a traitor? What happened to her after the tragic night when she fled from her restaurant? And will the answer change her own life forever?

A haunting and compelling story of love, strength, and sacrifice in Nazi-occupied Paris as one brave young woman risks everything to save the lives of those around her. Fans of The Nightingale, The Paris Library and The Alice Network will lose their hearts to The Last Restaurant in Paris.

Photo by JOHN TOWNER on Unsplash

MY THOUGHTS

A dual timeline taking place in modern times of 1987 and WW11 years. A gentle back and forth storyline each one easy to follow. Sabine finds out she has inherited a restaurant business in Paris from her grandmother. She is shocked to find out family secrets she had known nothing about.


The author vividly brings the story to life, and it is based on true events. Finding out these secrets is haunting as we can easily visualize the restaurant full of life.

While the young pretty owner of the Parisian restaurant smilingly serves the enemy German soldiers no one can guess the secret she harbors in her heart. Heartbreaking and thought provoking.

The main plot of the story is the action taken that causes her to be labeled a traitor and murderer. I enjoyed reading Gabriel’s thoughts as he actually knew Marianne during WWII. The book has the running of the restaurant as the main focus during the war, which is different than many books, I’ve read but it works well.

This is a book that won’t be easily forgotten.

Pub Date 18 Jul 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lily Graham is the author of the bestselling, The Last Restaurant in Paris, The Paris Secret and The Island Villa, among others. Her books have been translated into numerous languages, including French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese and Turkish.

She grew up in South Africa, and was a journalist for a decade before giving it up to write fiction full time. Her first three novels were lighter, women’s fiction, but when she wrote The Island Villa, a story about a secret Jewish community living on the tiny island of Formentera during the Spanish Inquisition, she switched to historical fiction and hasn’t quite looked back since.

She lives now in the Suffolk coast with her husband and dog.

Thank you for stopping in and enjoy your weekend.

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The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

304 pages St. Martin’s Press publisher January 9,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

THERE’S NOTHING AS GOOD AS THE RICH GONE BAD.

When Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore dies, she’s not only North Carolina’s richest woman, she’s also its most notorious. The victim of a famous kidnapping as a child and a widow four times over, Ruby ruled the tiny town of Tavistock from Ashby House, her family’s estate high in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

But in the aftermath of her death, her adopted son, Camden, wants little to do with the house or the money—and even less to do with the surviving McTavishes. Instead, he rejects his inheritance, settling into a normal life as an English teacher in Colorado and marrying Jules, a woman just as eager to escape her own messy past.

Ten years later, his uncle’s death pulls Cam and Jules back into the family fold at Ashby House. Its views are just as stunning as ever, its rooms just as elegant, but the legacy of Ruby is inescapable.

And as Ashby House tightens its grip on Jules and Camden, questions about the infamous heiress come to light. Was there any truth to the persistent rumors following her disappearance as a girl? What really happened to those four husbands, who all died under mysterious circumstances? And why did she adopt Cam in the first place? Soon, Jules and Cam realize that an inheritance can entail far more than what’s written in a will––and that the bonds of family stretch far beyond the grave.

MY THOUGHTS

I said to myself that this year I would branch out and try some new to me author's and books I wouldn't normally think I would enjoy. I "Knew" I had to try this one because it's a very popular author and has many reviews. What the heck, I'll try it I thought.

I know my opinions are in the minority here, but I wasn't interested in it. I'll clarify by saying I didn't think it was a bad book and I didn't dislike it but it didn't hold my interest though I did read it the whole way through. Are her other books a different writing style or basically the same as this?

I wasn't impressed with the writing style. To me it felt disjointed and chaotic, the story was not continuous, it was jumbled and all over the place. Going back and forth of topics, modern then back in time then slipping back to modern and having 
family letters too. I know a lot of people enjoy reading this author, but I was not the right audience for it.

Pub Date 09 Jan 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Hawkins (www.rachel-hawkins.com) was a high school English teacher before becoming a full-time writer. She lives with her family in Alabama, and is currently at work on the third book in the Hex Hall series. To the best of her knowledge, Rachel is not a witch, though some of her former students may disagree….

Enjoy your day. Thanks for stopping in.

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Blog Tour for Postcards from the Cove by Jennifer Bardsley!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Postcards from the Cove by Jennifer Bardsley

The little cottage sits atop the cove’s rugged cliffs, with its whitewashed walls and views of the deep blue sea. When Hannah discovers a jar of timeworn postcards hidden inside, will they lead to the fresh start she’s longing for?

Hannah Turner has always lived in the historic and beautiful seaside resort of Sand Dollar Cove. Now grieving the loss of her father, Hannah finds comfort in the places that remind her of him, including one of the resort’s oldest cottages. Heartbroken that it’s due to be knocked down—taking her memories with it—Hannah’s heart leaps when she finds the old postcards concealed within.

Reading “I still believe in our happily ever after” on one of the cards, Hannah feels a pang for the happy ending her father never had. She can’t bear someone else’s precious memories being destroyed, so she traces the postcards’ owner to New York and sends them off—inspired by her discovery to finally seize the day.

After watching Guy—the resort’s handsome new trainer—charming their older guests, Hannah’s new attitude pushes her to give dating a chance for once. Hannah can’t resist gazing into Guy’s blue eyes as she shows him the delights of the cove. But just as she’s about to let him into her heart, she is stunned to find one of the postcards in Guy’s bag. Is Guy somehow connected to them? Is this why he came to town in the first place?

Hannah is devastated that Guy is hiding something, but can she keep her heart open to love? And when the postcards reveal a surprising link between Hannah and Guy’s pasts, will the truth bind them together or tear them apart for good?

Let yourself be swept away to the beautiful coastal town of Sand Dollar Cove in this uplifting story of long-buried family secrets, the struggle to prove your worth, and learning to be vulnerable in love. Fans of Susanne O’Leary, Mary Alice Monroe and Kristin Harper will fall head over heels for this gripping novel.

Here are the beautiful covers of the first two books in the series.

MY THOUGHTS

The description of Sand Dollar Cove is so lovely. I surely want to visit there.
This is my first read by this author. I loved the descriptions of the area, so warm and inviting, waves crashing against the cliffs, sandy beaches and rustic cabins.
The seaside setting will draw you into this story.

The characters are likable, and I enjoyed getting to know them as the story progressed. There are a lot of emotions at play in this story. Hannah is such a strong character; she does a top-of-the-line job at work and is there for her family every step of the way.


A mystery, family dynamics, a warm and hospitable setting along with realistic situations and characters I loved will have me diving right into the second and third books in this series right away.


Cozy and entertaining this will be the one you’ll be recommending to your friends.

Pub Date: 15 Feb 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Link: https://geni.us/B0CNHFX2WBsocial

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Bardsley believes in friendship, true love, and the everlasting power of books. A graduate of Stanford University, she lives in Edmonds, Washington, with her husband and two children. Jennifer’s column, ‘I Brake for Moms’, has appeared in the Everett Herald every week since 2012. When Jennifer is not writing books or experimenting with her latest kitchen appliance, you can find her walking from her house to the beach every chance she gets. 

Social media

Website

https://jenniferbardsley.com

Facebook URL

https://www.facebook.com/JenniferBardsleyAuthor

Instagram URL

https://www.instagram.com/jenniferbardsleyauthor

Twitter URL

Have a lovely day. Thanks for stopping in today.

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Finally His Bride (Bride Ships: New Voyages Book 1)

303 pages February 13,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

A new world. A new hope. An unexpected love.
What life awaits these brides?

With the cotton mills closed and hunger rampant in Manchester, England, Willow Rhodes’s family encourages her to join the bride ship bound for the Pacific Northwest, where she is assured of employment. Willow agrees to go with the hope that eventually she can save enough money for her family to join her.

Rebellious knuckle-boxing champion Caleb Edwards loves Willow more than life itself. But Willow has been adamant that she sees him as a friend and nothing more. Unable to watch her sail away, Caleb uses his prize money to pay for passage to Vancouver Island to be with Willow.

After arriving, Willow finds work as a maid and Caleb is a farmhand on the same property. As Caleb struggles to keep his feelings for Willow from growing, he’ll do anything for her, even take the blame for a theft to keep her safe. As the crime catches up to them, they’re forced to make choices that could finally rip them apart forever.

Bride Ships: New Voyages
Book 1: Finally His Bride
Book 2: His Treasured Bride

Bride Ships by Jody Hedlund
Book 1: A Reluctant Bride
Book 2: The Runaway Bride
Book 3: A Bride of Convenience
Book 4: Almost a Bride

MY THOUGHTS

If you’ve enjoyed Jody Hedlund’s The Bride Ships series then I also suggest her newest series, Bride Ships: New Voyages.
The Rhodes family are locals in Manchester, England, after trying so hard to stay all together they are resigned to sending their daughter Willow to join the bride ship bound for the Pacific Northwest. She’ll work until she earns the money to send for the rest of her family.


She’ll miss her family greatly, but she’ll also miss her best friend, Caleb Edwards. When he joins her on her journey, she is shocked and how he earned the money to do so leaves her even more shocked.


I really enjoyed reading Willow and Caleb’s story and seeing how he is ready to go to the next step past friendship. Willow is so protective of Caleb and he of her. They have been friends for so long, each one being afraid to take the next step towards a romance for fear of the other not wanting that and losing that special friendship. I just wanted to tell them both, to just take that chance you could open a new world of possibilities.


The author so vividly paints the scenery of the interaction between the characters you can almost hear them taking. Great character development. This marriage of convenience story is not rushed, the characters have had a lot of time to develop their feelings from friends to lovers. This is something the author does well, developing her characters. The secondary characters feel important too and I wouldn’t be surprised to see any of them in future books.


I enjoyed this uplifting and positive faith filled book and greatly look forward to reading more in this series.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle.

Have a fabulous day.

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Love, Lies, and Cherry Pie: Fake dating but does Mother know best all along?

352 pages Atria/Emily Bestler Books May 7, 2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

MY THOUGHTS

This has to be one of the cutest fake dating romances I’ve read. From starting to fake date to please Mom to family drama, fake cake making lessons to oh so real kisses I loved this book.


As the fifth and only unmarried daughter left in her Asian Canadian family, and she’s used to her mother matchmaking ways but when her mother starts her matchmaking ways at her sister’s wedding things hit a new low.


When Emily Hung meets Mark Chan her mother’s friends son, her mother is insistent they’ll get married and the fake dating starts, surprisingly he goes along with it. From visiting boba shops to fake cake decorating classes they seem to always run into their friends that they must convince this is the real thing so the pda comes to the forefront. What happens when this fake affection turns into not to miss sweet kisses that are wanted by them both?

Family drama, fun, laughs and cherry pies make this one fake romantic dating story not to miss.

Pub Date 07 May 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Photo by Katerina Holmes: https://www.pexels.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jackie Lau decided she wanted to be a writer when she was in grade two, sometime between writing “The Heart That Got Lost” and “The Land of Shapes.” She later studied engineering and worked as a geophysicist before turning to writing romance novels.

Jackie lives in Toronto with her husband, and despite living in Canada her whole life, she hates winter. When she’s not writing, she enjoys gelato, gourmet donuts, cooking, hiking, and reading on the balcony when it’s raining.

For more information, please visit jackielaubooks.com, where you can sign up for Jackie’s newsletter.

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Blog Tour for The Secret Ingredient by Sue Heath

I knew I wanted to read this book from the moment I did the cover reveal for it. The cover is so eye-catching and the book is just wonderful. I’m so glad I had a chance to read it.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Secret Ingredient

She’s writing her story one recipe at a time…

‘A delicious story that wraps itself around your heart’ Evie Woods, bestselling author of The Lost Bookshop

It’s been three years, two weeks and one day since Kate Shaw’s life changed forever. Three years, two weeks and one day that Kate has been angry – with herself and life.

But today is different. Different because Kate has finally taken the step she’s been avoiding…back into the kitchen. Now, what begins as a (disastrous) attempt to make pancakes becomes a culinary journey that is not only a love letter to someone so important to her, but also an unexpected means of connection to a community she never knew she had…

I love this beautiful cover!

MY THOUGHTS

When you think of food what do you think of? As for myself, I think of love. It doesn't have to be a romantic love, but it could be. Preparing food for someone is an extension of love, showing how much we care about them. We prepare for people that are sick, for celebrations in happy times, funerals in sad times, a romantic date to impress, our family. All extensions of love and caring.

After an unexpected life changing event Kate Shaw is tired of life passing her by. Through food, cooking, and gathering recipes the community comes together. This awakening Kate has that there is life to be lived once again is beautiful.
 She discovers her neighbors and realizes she has an unexpected connection to them. Her association with these neighbors is as enriching for them as it is to her. Sweet memories are made, and new friendships are formed through a love of food.
 
The book is gentle and kind and brings an awareness of wanting to move forward, indulge in a little self-care and just to be kind and do what you can to help others. Highly recommended!

Pub Date 18 Jan 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Ingredient-Zara-Stoneley-ebook/dp/B0BF96B49J/https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-secret-ingredient-sue-heath?variant=40275147096142

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Bio –

Sue Heath lives in Cheshire, England. When she isn’t working, she can often be found running around agility courses with her spaniel, and in the evenings, she loves to cook and spend time with family and friends.

‘The Secret Ingredient’ is an uplifting story that explores how a sense of community, sharing, friendship, love, and a feeling of belonging can help us make sense of life, find comfort, and heal. How we can find our happiness in ordinary things.

Sue has also written fourteen USA Today bestselling romcoms under the pseudonym Zara Stoneley and has sold over half a million copies of her stories worldwide.

You can find out more about Sue on her website – http://www.sueheath.co.uk

Social Media Links –

Website: http://www.sueheath.com
Twitter: @ZaraStoneley
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ZaraStoneley

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zarastoneley/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Sue-Heath/author/B0CBVHB8T5

Thank you for visiting and have a lovely day.

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The Traitors: A brand new thrilling locked-room murder mystery for 2024

270 pages One More Chapter publisher February 1,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

You are cordially invited to the Beechwood Castle for a night you’ll never forget…

Six people find a thick cream envelope on their doorstep. Inside is an invitation to spend 24 hours in a crumbling manor house and be in with the chance to win a portion of one million dollars. The catch: Beechwood Castle was the site of one of the most horrific murders in modern history.

The smell of blood, decay and death still hangs heavy in the air.

Six people walk into the house. One of them is an imposter, all of them are traitors, which of them will survive the night?

Photo by Damir Mijailovic: https://www.pexels.com

MY THOUGHTS

The Traitor is a fast-paced mystery I read in a few hours. It sounds like a plot you’ve heard before, 6 people get an invite to stay overnight in a crumbling mansion deep within the Indiana woods with a chance to win their share of a million dollars. The catch? Gruesome murders took place there years ago and they are still whispered about to this day.

These murders have never been solved and teens dare each other to go there at times. We meet the characters getting the invite and get a bit of a background on each of them. Atmospheric and creepy. “Six people walk into the house. One of them is an imposter, all of them are traitors, which of them will survive the night?”


You can vividly picture the mansion as you’re reading, from the bloodstained floors to the musty smell in the closed off rooms. As the characters try to figure out who the imposter is the tension builds.


The setting is creepy and gothic. When things start to happen, the characters start to blame each other, and it causes friction and chaos setting the frenzied pace as we continue further into the book.


Absolutely action packed and that ending, I would have never seen that coming. An author now that I’ll be looking out for more of her books.

Pub Date: 01 Feb 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carissa Ann Lynch is the USA TODAY and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author of Whisper Island, She Lied She Died, My Sister is Missing, Without a Trace, Like Follow Kill, The One Night Stand, the Flocksdale Files series, Horror High series, Searching for Sullivan, Midnight Moss, Shades and Shadows, and This Is Not About Love. She resides in Floyds Knobs, Indiana.

Have a terrific day and thanks for stopping in.

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If the Boot Fits: (A Christian Historical Western Romance Fairy Tale Retelling of Cinderella) (Texas Ever After)

368 pages Bthany House publishers March 12,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

One fateful night will change their destinies forever. . . .

Convinced that his stepmother and half brothers have been wrongfully evicted by cattle king Eli Dearing, Asher Ellis uses the cover of an extravagant ball to break into the Three Cedars’ ranch house to search for proof. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy’s cry compels him to make a daring rescue.

Spunky and independent Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother’s life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind–his boot–and resolves to find him herself.

When Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. Asher values family above wealth, a rare trait that opens her heart. Afraid she will discover his past misconduct, Asher tries to keep his distance, but when a series of suspicious accidents befall her, he vows to protect her, even though saving her life could mean losing her love.

MY THOUGHTS

If the Boot Fits is Karen Witemeyer’s retelling of the Cinderella story. If you enjoy fairytale retellings, strong protective cowboy western hero’s and a strong stand on her own two feet heroine protective of her little brother then I suggest this book.


When I first met Samantha Dearing’s character, I didn’t like her. She is portrayed as bratty, whiny and giving her father a hard time at what she thinks is a ball thrown to marry her off to a rich man to further her father’s business investments.

Samantha hasn’t been too in tune with her father in the past years and thinks her father sees her as a nuisance and just wants her out of the way since he has the son he’s always wanted. Talking to her father at the ball and after we see Sam or Samantha as she prefers now has had a misunderstanding about her father’s feelings all along.


When a man escapes out of the window of her home and her father sees it, he’s labeled a thief, but he saves her Non swimming brother from drowning at a pond at their home. When the man escapes after saving the young brother the only clue he leaves behind is a cowboy boot leaving Samantha determined to find him herself.


Samantha spends a lot of time with her father and as they work on straightening out their relationship, he clears up some misconceptions she’s had. I enjoyed the great quality time they had together and seeing a strong relationship reappear.


There is mystery, forgiveness, compassion a bit of danger and a beautiful faith-based thread running through the story.
There was a great sense of humor woven amongst the pages along with sweet romance and a fine plot that eagerly kept me reading.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Pub Date 12 Mar 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and family board game player who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she’s on deadline. Learn more about Karen and her books at http://www.karenwitemeyer.com.

Tell me your thoughts. Would you read this book? Enjoy your day. Thanks for stopping in.

Beautiful tag given to me by my friend Susan at Susan Loves Books. Please check out her blog here.

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A Is for Amish (Amish ABCs) By Shelley Shepard Gray

288 pages Kensington publisher June 25,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a heartwarming new series from New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray, four siblings take a genuine leap of faith when they move to their grandparents’ farm in rural Ohio and decide to become Amish.

Exploring the relationship between Amish and English cultures through the lens of a single family, the Amish Again series is perfect for fans of Beverly Lewis, Suzanne Woods Fisher, and Charlotte Hubbard – and anyone who enjoys uplifting stories about faith, family, love, and the simple life.

SIMULTANEOUS HARDCOVER AND TRADE PAPERBACK RELEASE!

Siblings Martin, Kelsey, Beth, and Jonny are as different as can be, but they have one thing in common. They’re all longing to reinvent their lives. Raised by their divorced lapsed-Amish father and English mother, they only knew real stability and a sense of family when visiting their Old Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful small-town Millersburg, Ohio. Now the four want to try living with them and joining their faith—much to the Schrocks’ surprise . . .

Martin, the eldest, is reeling from a bad breakup, so he’s especially determined to make a fresh start. When he meets his grandparents’ neighbor, Patti Coblentz, he’s immediately drawn to her outgoing, helpful nature—but is so overwhelmed that he appears blunt and rude. Is there any way he can drop his defenses enough to admit she’s captured his heart?

Always self-conscious about the birthmark on her temple, Patti is resigned to never marrying and busying herself with the responsibilities of the large home and property she has inherited. Besides, Martin’s ill-mannered behavior and disconcerting directness make him the last man she’d ever want to wed—no matter how handsome he is.

Yet given time and patience—and adhering to their grandparents’ unexpectedly challenging rules—the whole family might just find what they’re looking for, even Martin and Patti.

Photo by Maksim Goncharenok: https://www.pexels.com

MY THOUGHTS

Shelley Shepard Gray has so many series out, she just keeps turning them out. This is a good thing though. I haven’t read a book of hers I didn’t like or couldn’t relate to. She’s one of my favorite go to Amish writing authors. I’m not sure how many books will be in this series, but this is the start of the newest series publishing June 2024.


4 siblings are looking for their anchor in life. They have been raised by a former Amish father and Englisher mother. They have a close bond and the older have always looked out for the younger.
These siblings haven’t had the best of upbringings and feel peace of mind when they visit their Old-Order grandparents in Ohio.


Will they find the serene happiness they are seeking when they all decide to move to their grandparent’s house and want to embrace their lifestyle and become Amish? Will this give them what they have been missing out on in life? Life never seems to go as we plan though, and curveballs can be expected at the most unexpected times. All their circumstances are different but yet the same in many ways. I enjoyed all the characters but wasn’t sure about the decisions they would make.


I have read this author’s books for many years and always enjoy them. This one ended on a cliff-hanger so I’m sure it’ll take us right into the next in the series.

Pub Date 25 Jun 2024
I was given 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. Shelley can also be found on FaceBook, Instagram @shelley.s.gray, or on Twitter @ShelleySGray.

Thanks for stopping in. Enjoy your day.