Monday, March 18, 2024

The Ark and the Dove The Story of Noah's Wife by Jill Eileen Smith


I was happy to be able to read this biblical fiction version of Noah's Ark, written in the view of Noah's wife, who in this book is known as Zara.  The narrative is lively, showing that families aren't always perfect and all have things that need to be worked through.  It was interesting to realize what an all encompassing job this ark was, not just the building of the ark, but rather, the feeding, cleaning and caring for the many creatures that were on board not to mention the humans, as well!  And realizing we can't go to the local hardware or grocery story to find the supplies needed for such an venture.  It does make you realize that God had a big hand in helping those building and preparing the ark for the flood to come.  I loved this book and am sure that I will be reading much more from this author who has a very enjoyable way of writing that causes the reader to be quickly engaged in the story and events.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Friday, March 15, 2024

A Small Town Wedding by Melinda Curtis (Love in Harmony Valley book 12)


In this book of the Love in Harmony Valley series we find Vince and Harley as the main characters that had been dating, but then ended that.  As Vince needs a plus one for a family wedding, he asks Harley to pretend that they are a couple.  Its a light story with interesting characters and so if you like fake relationship stories, this is for you! There were funny parts and more serious ones in the pasts of some that needed to be resolved.  The book keeps you turning pages and is a fun read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

An Englischer's Amish Courtship: Amish Courtship Series book 4 By Jennifer Spredemann


This wonderful novella was an action packed story.  Not a dull moment.  I had a hard time putting it down. It's the story of Clive, a young Amish man who causes an accident with his buggy and a young expectant woman in an automobile. And so the story begins.  It is a fast paced story with lots of Christian values expressed.  It was a sweet story with teaching moments as Clive takes care of the woman who was injured and is expecting a child. Against the rules of his Amish community, he cares for this woman and they become close.  I loved seeing familiar characters in the story who are also caring but concerned about breaking the rules as they all work through things with God's love and guidance.

The book is good and I am sure others will also enjoy it as well. I highly recommend it.  I was given an arc.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Letters of Wisdom By Wanda E. Brunstetter (The Friendship Letters Book 3)


Book 3 of this series carried a powerful message. It really touched my heart to see the silent suffering of those who were victims of abuse and how if continues to affect them years after the fact.  Doretta is Irma's friend who shares her thoughts and feelings with Irma through her letters.  Irma opens up to Doretta after her stepfather's passing, a man who abused her during her younger years.  After marrying and moving away, Irma attends the funeral of her stepfather and this brings out her feelings towards him and her mother, whom she felt did not stop the abuse.  As her feelings start coming to the surface, she finds it harder and harder to show loving discipline to her children, but rather responds in a harsh way.  Sharing her feelings with her friend Doretta, Irma reads the suggestions that are shared with her.  

It's a touching story that seems very realistic and you can feel the emotions that are shared in the story.  I really was glad that I read the book.  A moving story of love and forgiveness.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thursday, March 7, 2024

A is for Amish by Shelley Shepard Gray (Amish ABC's book 1)


Four siblings whose parents divorced.  The father formerly Amish, the mother "English".  The siblings have since relied on one another and been close.  They find peace and well-being when visiting their Amish grandparents.  As they discuss things, they decided that they would like to see if they would like to become members of the Amish community of their grandparents.  I really liked this book, because I could see the real possibility of them trying out a new life, one that they found good and hopefully filled with happiness for them.  As Martin and Kelsey start their lives in the Amish community they find friends and acceptance as well as some other interesting characters.  The story leaves you wanting more and I will surely want to read the next book in the series.  I have to know what happens next!  I received a book that I was lucky to win in a giveaway.  All thoughts are my own.

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

The Quilt Room Secret by Lisa Jones Baker


I enjoy Amish fiction.  I enjoyed the story of Trini and her quilting friends and the way they cared for one another.Trini and Jacob were friends as children and he loved her for her kindness and later in life hoped they could have a future together.  Trini has a secret that could change her life.  She holds the secret in her heart,  and has a hard time bringing it out.  The story was a sweet story of this couple.  This is a light story with a pleasant story line.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.