Tag: Christian Fiction

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The Amish Christmas Promise: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance 

223 pages November 28,2023 publication date Harlequin Love Inspired publisher grab a copy here

ABOUT THE BOOK

Pregnant Amish widow Mattie Byler is stunned to find her late husband’s shunned twin brother at her door. Samuel Byler is back to fulfill a promise: to marry Mattie. Only he’s not the rogue Mattie remembers. This Christmas, he’s determined to do right by her and the community. Saying “yes” feels impossible. But if Samuel’s vow won’t heal her grieving heart…maybe his love can.

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

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MY THOUGHTS

I really, really enjoyed this book.
It’s tender and heartwarming but doesn’t shy away from real-life circumstances.


Pregnant Amish widow Mattie Byler is pregnant with her third child, she has two toddlers and a farm she’s running now after her husband’s death. Luckily her two sisters are able to live with her and help her, which she tremendously appreciates.

Her husband’s shunned brother shows up at her doorstep and tells her he’s going to marry her. She’s having none of it, he’s been gone eight years now that he’s left the faith. He says he fulfilling his brother’s wishes to take care of his wife if anything should happen to him, which unfortunately it has. As they spend more time together, she appreciates the chores he can do and the hard physical labor he can do she and her sisters cannot.

She finds herself falling for him but makes it completely clear he must make it right with his faith by seeing the bishop. Though he cares a great deal for her he’s not quite ready to return to the faith but she’s adamant in what he must do if he wants any chance with her. As they spend more time together, he comes clean on what life was like for him since he left the faith eight years ago.

It hasn’t been easy and has been a real eye-opener compared to the laid-back lifestyle of the Amish he was used to. He has lost in life because of choices he’s made but he’s ready to finally start anew with a renewed faith and a beautiful family.

Tender, sweet, realistic, loss and then renewal of life and faith. Beautiful! Recommended.

Pub Date 28 Nov 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

An Amish comfort food Pennsylvania Dutch Potato Filling Recipe

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.

Enjoy your day. Thank you for stopping in.

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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

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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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In Love’s Time-WW I Historical Novel by Kate Breslin-Review

398 pages Bethany House Publishers December 13, 2022, publish date

About The Book

In the summer of 1918, Captain Marcus Weatherford arrives in Russia on a secret mission, with a beautiful ballerina posing as his fiancée. Marcus searches for the Romanov tsarina and her son–who both allegedly survived the murdering Bolsheviks–and the information behind an allied plot to assassinate Lenin. But Marcus’s sense of duty battles his desire to return home to Clare–his actual love.

Hospital orderly Clare Danner still suffers from Marcus’s betrayal and now fears losing her daughter to the heartless family who took Daisy away from Clare once before, but only Marcus can provide the critical proof needed to save her daughter.

Faced with danger and unexpected circumstances, can Clare trust Marcus, or will he shatter her world yet again?

At the height of World War I, two sweethearts face impossible odds in this powerful tale of courage, duty, and heartbreak.

In the summer of 1918, Captain Marcus Weatherford arrives in Russia on a secret mission, with a beautiful ballerina posing as his fiancée. He’s there to find the Romanov tsarina and her son and glean information about a plot to assassinate Lenin. As the danger intensifies, Marcus’s sense of duty battles with his desire to return home to Clare, the woman he truly loves, before it’s too late.

Military hospital orderly Clare Danner still suffers from Marcus’s betrayal after learning he’s engaged to another woman. Clare also fears losing her daughter, Daisy, to the heartless family who took her away once before. Only Marcus can provide the critical proof needed to save Daisy, but when an injury leaves him powerless to help, Clare’s fate–and the fate of the top-secret mission–hangs in the balance.

My Thoughts

All of Kate Breslin’s books are winners. As soon as I hear she has a new one coming it is highly anticipated and I can’t wait to get my hands on it to read it.
It was great to see a character that was in another of her books as a minor character gets a starring role as a character in this book. This book combines fact with fiction in such an intriguing way that had me flipping pages, giving up sleep just to find out what happens.
Intrigue, mystery, danger, romance these are all found within the pages of this book.
I enjoy that the author writes about WW I and WW II, two fascinating time periods to cover.
She is one of my absolute favorite Christian fiction historical writers.
She gives absolute attention to details and her research is impeccable.
Risk taking is at an all-time high in this intriguing book of courage, strength, importance of family, suspense and espionage.
This is the author’s best book yet! Do not miss this one!

Published December 13th, 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own. 

Grab A Copy Here

About The Author

Former bookseller-turned-author Kate Breslin enjoys life in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and family. A writer of travel articles and award-winning poetry, Kate received Christian Retailing’s 2015 Best Award for First Time Author and her debut novel, For Such A Time, was shortlisted for both the Christy and RITA awards and received the American Christian Fiction Writer’s 2015 Carol Award for Debut Novel. Kate’s fifth novel, As Dawn Breaks, released November, 2021. When she’s not writing inspirational fiction, Kate enjoys reading or taking long walks in Washington’s beautiful woodlands. She also likes traveling to new places, within the U.S. and abroad, having toured Greece, Rome, Barcelona, and much of Western Europe. New destinations make for fresh story ideas. Please visit her at http://www.katebreslin.com.

Thank you all for your patience, this holiday season has been an extremely busy one for me leaving me not much time for reading or posting. I appreciate your patience and understanding.

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope your day is great.

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The Bride of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep-Review

About The Book

The Continuing Adventure of Jackson and Kit!
 
Detective Jackson Forge can hardly wait to marry the street-sly swindler who’s turned his life upside down. Kit Turner is equally excited to wed the handsome detective, and what better way to show her love than providing him with a gift any man of the law would love? She determines to bring to justice the men who years ago maimed his brother—despite Jackson’s warning to leave the past in the past. As she digs into the mystery of what happened, she unwittingly tumbles into her own history and endangers her future happiness with Jackson.

My Review

I had no idea there’d be a sequel to the Thief of Blackfriars Lane but when I saw that there was I was so excited. The characters Kit and Jackson are great and they have gone through a lot together in both books. The writer’s books without a doubt make you feel as though you are there experiencing the chock full of action and adventure that the characters are.
So well researched you get an authentic feel for the time period with the background information including speech,clothing types and setting. Well paced Victorian mystery that I had trouble putting down. I’ll admit getting frustrated with the characters but I see they did come to their senses. Page turner and as with all of this author’s books it’s worth more than one read.
Please do yourself a favor and read The Thief of Blackfriars Lane first you will get the needed background to fully enjoy this book.

Pub Date 01 Sep 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Grab A Copy Here

About The Author

I hear voices. Loud. Incessant. And very real. Which basically gives me two options: choke back massive amounts of Prozac or write fiction. I’ve been writing since I discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. I seek to glorify God in all that I write–except for that graffiti phase I went through as teenager.

Thank you for stopping by. Have safe travels.

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Can’t Wait Wednesday

I can’t wait for Worthy of Legend by Roseanna M. White. I’ve been reading her books for years. Every book just gets better than the last.

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. If you’re continuing with WOW, feel free to link those up as well! Find out more here.

Bethany House Publishers Publish Date September 13,22 368 pages

About The Book

1906

After a summer of successful pirate-treasure hunting, Lady Emily Scofield and her friends must hide the unprecedented discoveries they’ve made, thanks to the betrayal of her own family. Horrified by her brother, who will stop at nothing to prove himself to their greedy father, Emily is forced to take a stand against her family–even if it means being cut off entirely.

Bram Sinclair, Earl of Telford, is fascinated with tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table–an interest he’s kept mostly hidden for the last decade. But when a diary is unearthed on the islands that could lead to a secret artifact, Bram is the only one able to piece the legends together.

As Bram and Emily seek out the whereabouts of the hidden artifact, they must dodge her family and a team of archaeologists. In a race against time, it is up to them to decide what makes a hero worthy of legend. Is it fighting valiantly to claim the treasure . . . or sacrificing everything in the name of selfless love?

What are you looking forward to reading soon? Let me know in the comments.

Thank you for stopping by. Have a cool,relaxing day.

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In Honor’s Defense (Hanger’s Horsemen #3) by Karen Witemeyer-Review

About The Book

He’s faced countless perils on the battlefield, but nothing so dangerous as falling in love.

Luke Davenport has been fighting all his life—for respect, for country, and for those unable to fight for themselves. But now that his Horsemen brothers are domesticated, he’s left alone to battle the wildness within. When an opportunity arises to take a job on his own, tracking down a group of rustlers, he jumps at the chance.

Damaris Baxter has mastered the art of invisibility. Plain and quiet, she hides in books and needlework, content to be overlooked. Until her brother dies suddenly, leaving her custody of her nephew. She moves to Texas to care for Nathaniel, determined to create the family for herself that she never thought she’d have and to give him the family he desperately needs.

When Nate finds himself knee-deep in trouble, Luke’s attempt to protect him leaves Damaris feeling indebted to the Horseman. But suspicions grow regarding the mysterious death of Damaris’s brother. And the more questions they ask, the more danger appears, threatening the family Luke may be unable to live without. 

Grab A Copy Here

My Review

In Honor’s Defense by Karen Witemeyer was a book I was highly anticipating reading and it delivered every bit as much as I thought it would and then some. I believe this to be my favorite series by this author but I may just say that about all of her series because I LOVE them all!
Luke “Preach” Davenport is one of the Horsemen brothers but there’s really not as much for him to do now that his brothers have settled into domestic bliss.
Needing to keep busy he’s keeping up the fight for the good life,for the poor,weak and defenseless.
He’s taken on tracking down a group of cattle rustlers which will put him in more danger than he realizes.
Damaris Baxter is a single woman who enjoys the simple things in life, like needlepoint,canning,baking and reading. Quiet simplicity is her way of life and she’s fine with that.
When her brother dies unexpectedly she finds she is the guardian now of her nephew,Nathaniel.
To honor her brother’s memory she will take care of her nephew but they are having a hard time getting to know one another again now that her nephew is a teen and it’s been some years since she’s seen him.
He’s grieving the loss of his father but thinks it’s not manly to show his feelings so Nathaniel acts out and him locking her in the cellar looks like child’s play compared to what he gets blamed for next.
Nathaniel goes from a sullen,immature teen to a mature,trustworthy young man. I enjoyed seeing this. I enjoyed the interactions between Luke and Damaris. He is a fine person,trustworthy and an excellent protector. Luke enjoys reading scripture and sharing it also has a past and is battling his own demons but will this family help him keep the past there as he finds mercy and love?
I enjoyed the western feel of the book and it’s wide open spaces. This can be read as a stand alone but I do recommend to read this series in order to get the full benefit of it.

Pub Date: 07 Jun 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About The Author

About Karen Witemeyer

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warm-hearted historical romances with a flair of humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. A transplant from California, Karen came to Texas for college, met a cowboy disguised as a computer nerd, married him, and never left the state that had become home.

Winner of the HOLT Medallion, ACFW Carol Award, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, National Reader’s Choice Award, and a finalist for both the RITA and Christy Awards, Karen is a firm believer in the power of happy endings. . . and ice cream. She also loves to reward her readers. Every month she gives away two inspirational historical novels to someone from her newsletter list and offers substantial bonus content on her website. To learn more about Karen and her books, or to join her subscriber list, please visit http://www.karenwitemeyer.com.

What sounds good to you about this book? Have you read it yet?

Thanks for stopping by today. Have a wonderful day.

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Sunrise (Sky King Ranch #1)

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My Review

Having wanted to visit Alaska for quite a while this book just made my desire to go there even stronger. The descriptions in Sunrise are absolutely scrumptious, from the extreme cold and deep snow to the danger and protecting yourself from the elements. The wildlife would be amazing to see providing you don’t put yourself in any danger doing so. It’s a harsh unforgiving area, you can not have a misstep.
So much intrigued me about this book as I was reading. There is lots of adventure, holding your breath wondering what’s going to happen next times.
This is Christian fiction that has captivated me and I can’t wait to see what’s next because we are left with a bit of a cliffhanger here.Wonderful plot and well thought out characters.

Published January 4th 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

GoodReads Synopsis

Pilot Dodge Kingston has always been the heir to Sky King Ranch. But after a terrible family fight, he left to become a pararescue jumper. A decade later, he’s headed home to the destiny that awaits him.

That’s not all that’s waiting for Dodge. His childhood best friend and former flame, Echo Yazzie, is a true Alaskan–a homesteader, dogsledder, and research guide for the DNR. Most of all, she’s living a life Dodge knows could get her killed. One of these days she’s going to get lost in the woods again, and his worst fear is that he won’t be there to find her.

When one of Echo’s fellow researchers goes missing, Echo sets out to find her, despite a blizzard, a rogue grizzly haunting the woods, and the biting cold. Plus, there’s more than just the regular dangers of the Alaskan forests stalking her . . .

Will Dodge be able to find her in time? And if he does, is there still room for him in her heart?

Sunrise is the first explosive volume in a new nail-biting series from USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren.

About The Author

Growing up in Minneapolis and attending the U of MN, I learned to love city life, although I’m a woodsy girl at heart. Or maybe I’m an adventurer — having lived and traveled all over the world, including Siberia Russia as a missionary for eight years. Probably that’s why my characters can’t sit still, and seem to get into one scrape after another — they’re too much like me! I love God, my family, my country, my church, and feel privileged every day to be able to write stories.

Here’s my “Official” Bio.

With over 1 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA and Carol award-winning author of over seventy-five novels with Revell, Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com and Christmas novellas.

With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award.

Of her books, Publisher’s Weekly has written, “Warren lays bare her characters’ human frailties, including fear, grief, and resentment, as openly as she details their virtues of love, devotion, and resiliency. She has crafted an engaging tale of romance, rivalry, and the power of forgiveness.”

And Library Journal adds, “Warren’s characters are well-developed and she knows how to create a first rate contemporary romance…”

Susan is also a nationally acclaimed writing coach, teaching at conferences around the nation and winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year award. She loves to help people launch their writing careers and is the founder of Novel.Academy and http://www.LearnHowtoWriteaNovel.com, a writing website that helps authors get published and stay published. She’s also the author of the popular writing method, The Story Equation.

What makes you want to read this book?

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The Lady Of Galway Manor Review

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My Review


This book holds a special place in my heart. You see, an ancestor of mine sailed from Galway when she was sixteen years old without her family. I don’t know the circumstances of the traveling .
By the time I had thought of asking my grandmother about our Irish ancestry she had passed, an opportunity passed never to be retrieved.
I absolutely loved reading about this book taking place in Galway. The book has such an authenticity to it. I have such an understanding of it now and truly feel as though I visited Ireland in the 1920’s. The spoken Irish language,the descriptions of the foods,the places they went,the day to day life,the flooding. It all made the book come alive for me. It was so interesting reading the legend of the Claddagh ring and how the jewelry shop has been in the same family for so many generations.
I need one of these gorgeous rings.
Thank you to the author for writing such a charming book. I very much enjoyed it!
#TheLadyofGalwayManor #NetGalley.

Publishing Feb 01,2022.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

GoodReads Synopsis

In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy’s father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without all the trappings of the British Court, Annabeth convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family–descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh Ring.

Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than run his family’s jewelry shop. Having had his heart broken, he no longer believes in love and is weary of peddling the ÒliesÓ the Claddagh Ring promises.

Meanwhile, as the war for Irish independence gains strength, many locals resent the De Lacys and decide to take things into their own hands to display their displeasure. As events take a dangerous turn for Annabeth and her family, she and Stephen begin to see that perhaps the “other side” isn’t quite as barbaric and uncultured as they’d been led to believe–and that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty are only made stronger when put through the refiner’s fire.

Travel to the Emerald Isle for another poignant and romantic story from the enchanted pen of Jennifer Deibel.

The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring which represents love, loyalty, and friendship (the hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty). The design and customs associated with it originated in the Irish fishing village of the same name in Galway. The ring, as currently known, was first produced in the 17th century. en.wikipedia.org

About The Author

Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher and freelance writer. Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic Magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona.

Thank you for visiting today.

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The Souls of Lost Lake Review

Amazon Buy Link

My Review

Does this publish in April? Yes! Did I wait to read it? NO WAY!
Oh my!!!!!!! You’ve read Jamie Jo Wright books before but absolutely nothing like this!
This is a book taking place in the 1930’s and in modern times and how they relate to each other is slowly revealed to us. The author has simply topped herself in this one!
From when I first read the synopsis of this one I knew it was the book for me. I simply couldn’t wait to read it, devoured it when I did and talked about it to EVERYONE, telling them they MUST read it when it releases! They’ll probably hide when they see me coming as I can’t stop talking about it.
This book is so atmospheric and has a gothic feel to it. I felt shivers go through me as I was reading it.
Not to give anything away but imagine eerie whispers in the dark,a broken porcelain doll’s face,feeling a presence in the woods and an unsolved murder.
Do you want to read this yet?
#TheSoulsofLostLake #NetGalley.

Publishes April 5,2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

GoodReads Synopsis

Wren Blythe has long enjoyed being among the Northwoods, helping her father with programming at a youth camp. But when a little girl in the area goes missing, an all-out search ensues, reviving the decades-old campfire story of Ava Coons, the murderess, who still roams the woods. Joining the search, Wren stumbles upon the Coons cabin ruins and a rotting porcelain doll. But even more terrifying is seeing her name etched on the doll’s foot like a sinister omen.

In 1930, Ava Coons has spent the last ten years carrying the mantle of mystery since she emerged from the forest as an eight-year-old girl, spattered with blood, dragging a logger’s axe. She has accepted she’ll never remember what happened to her family. When a member of the town of Tempter’s Creek is murdered, rumors spread that Ava’s secret is more malicious than previously imagined.

Both women discover that to save the innocent, they must face an insidious evil. 

About The Author

Daphne du Maurier and Christy Award-Winning author, Jaime Jo Wright resides in the hills of Wisconsin writing suspenseful, mysteries stained with history’s secrets. Jaime lives in dreamland, exists in reality, and invites you to join her adventures at jaimewrightbooks.com!

Thank you for stopping by today. Are you looking forward to reading this book? Do you have a favorite book by this author?