Thursday, December 29, 2016

The Newcomer by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book Blurb: 

In 1737, Anna Konig and her fellow church members stagger off a small wooden ship after ten weeks at sea, eager to start a new life in the vibrant but raw Pennsylvania frontier. On the docks of Port Philadelphia waits bishop Jacob Bauer, founder of the settlement and father to ship carpenter Bairn. It's a time of new beginnings for the reunited Bauer family, and for Anna and Bairn's shipboard romance to blossom.

But this perfect moment cannot last. As Bairn grasps the reality of what it means to be Amish in the New World--isolated, rigid with expectations, under the thumb of his domineering father--his enthusiasm evaporates. When a sea captain offers the chance to cross the ocean one more time, Bairn grabs it. Just one more crossing, he promises Anna. But will she wait for him?

When Henrik Newman joins the church just as it makes its way to the frontier, Anna is torn. He seems to be everything Bairn is not--bold, devoted, and delighted to vie for her heart. And the most dramatic difference? He is here; Bairn is not.

Far from the frontier, an unexpected turn of events weaves together the lives of Bairn, Anna, and Henrik. When a secret is revealed, which true love will emerge?

My Thoughts:

I loved it!  It was so good.  I had already read book 1 and this is book 2 in the Amish Beginning series.  It was all I had hoped for and more!  The blurb says all that should be said about the book itself.  I loved the characters in the story and having been an immigrant myself, although in much better times, I could really find myself in their situations.  The book was wonderful!  

Suzanne Woods Fisher has clearly done some very good and thorough research on this book, what with the dialects, customs and details of the time period and the culture of this group of immigrant people.

I can see that it can still continue and that there is a book 3.  I will definitely be reading it.  I know any reader of Amish books will love this book.  I highly recommend it!

I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.  All thoughts are my own.


Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Hungry is a Mighty Fine Sauce Cookbook by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

OK, so I have been drooling since looking at this cookbook!  It has some of the most interesting things in there and if I could, I would try them all.  These recipes look delicious!  No doubt about that.

I enjoy cookbooks that share about the author, their life, family, etc. and this one does just that.  I enjoy the fun quotes in the book, as well.  The author did a great job.  I highly recommend this delicious looking book!

I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher, Barbour Books for my honest review, which I have given.

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Audible version The Secret of Isian by Serena Clarke

Once more I am delighted to Introduce you to an up and coming author, Serena Clarke.  Here is some exciting news about her fantasy, Romance and Mystery Series on Audible.com!  I hope you will get to know Serena and grab a copy of her great books!

Magic, Fantasy, Romance, and Mystery



The Treasure of Isian is the first book in The Isian Series. Prince Garin is a brave, proud, adventure-seeking prince. Elani is his most trusted servant and she would do anything for him. 


Now to introduce her latest Audible book to you!


The title is The Secret of Isian and it follows along the themes of the other books in her series.  You will see battles with interesting and characters and mythical creatures as she has created in the past. This fantasy is also an exciting story that will keep you on your toes and wondering what will happen next. And of course, there is some romance there!

You will want to keep reading until the end of the book to find out what the interesting twists and turns will lead you to!

Her narrator is Carolyn Kashner, who has great expression as you listen to the story.  It was really enjoyable listening to her pleasing voice as the story progressed and new characters were introduced all with interesting voices.

Here is a little synopsis about the book:

Many prophecies have been uttered about the impending war and those who will seek to stop it. With the war finally upon them, Rimelda, a talented seer, has heard the prophecies and believes she can help. Prince Ander, doubtful of her abilities and her true intentions, but determined to save his kingdom accepts her help and they proceed on a quest to end the war. 

Hindered by enemies as well as their own doubts, Ander and Rimelda must search for guidance in unlikely places and unravel the mysteries of the prophecies. 
With the world shrouded in darkness, will Ander accept his destiny in time to save the kingdoms and will he admit his true feelings for Rimelda?

You will really enjoy this book, I know I did!

I received an Audible version of this book from the author for my honest review.

An Amish Home by Multiple Authors

This was a really nice set of four novellas by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid and Kathleen Fuller.  I will do a separate post for each.


A Cup Half Full by Beth Wiseman

Sarah has just gotten married only to have an accident which puts her in a wheelchair dashing all her young girl hopes and dreams for happiness with her new husband, Abram. As her self confidence ebbs away, she finds herself worried about any future she and Abram might have had.  A beautiful story of learning to accept our lives and making the most of them and remembering that God is not far away. 

This was a heartwarming story.  I really enjoyed Beth's novella.  It was a good reminder for all that we can have a happy life no matter what comes our way and that we should remember to put our trust and faith in God to make us spiritually whole.

Home Sweet Home by Amy Clipston

This sweet story reminds me of many newlywed starts, where life did not always go as planned and expenses and debt from unexpected life events replaced the newly wedded bliss and reality set in.  Although Chace and Mia are very much in love, that love is tested by unexpected bills causing money for necessities including shelter.

With the help of a kind Amish family and God, they find what is really important in life and find their way.  

It is a really enjoyable story, one that happens more than we realize.  Many people are in need and the story helps you to be aware of those needs.

Building Faith by Kathleen Fuller

I really enjoyed this story about a young Amish woman, Faith Miller, who was a hobby carpenter, not your Amish woman type of occupation.  She is asked by her cousin to build the cabinets in her new home that she and her fiancee are trying to complete.  Unknown to Faith, her cousin's fiancee also had asked someone to make her cabinets, Silas, the ex-fiancee of Faith. Both Faith and Silas are totally taken back by the unexpected news.  So how is this situation going to turn out?  

A Flicker of Hope by Ruth Reid

When a fire destroys the home of Norren and Thomas King, sad memories of the events that took place there come to the forefront.  As they do, they find some of the feelings they had lost in their marriage were returning to the surface by working together to rebuild what was once there.  The story goes from the current time period and back and forth to days past.  I really liked the story.

I enjoyed all four of the novellas.  These are among my favorite Amish authors and are always clean and uplifting story lines.  I will continue to read the books of all four of these wonderful authors.

I received an ebook version of this book from NetGalley for my honest review which I have given.

Monday, December 26, 2016

Too Blessed to be Stressed Inspiration for Every Day by Debora M. Coty

I loved this.  Each day has a sweet devotion that gives you a real boost for the day.  The devotionals give a daily scripture as well as a story to uplift your spirits.  It's a beautiful book, inside and out. There is a helpful scripture index at the end of the book. On the December 31st entry page, there is a really fun poem that probably describes many of us to a t!  I enjoyed each day's entry and many were very meaningful to me.

It appears that there is a nice series of these type of book by this author.  I would love to read them, too.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review which I have given.

Thursday, December 22, 2016

The Cherished Quilt by Amy Clipston

I really enjoyed this book by Amy Clipston.  It was a clean, sweet Amish romance with lots of emotion.  When Emily first meets Chris, he is anything  but friendly.  He is filled with memories of the life he left behind in Ohio.  As they become friends, Emily learns some of the hurt in Chris' heart and begins to make him a quilt.  As things happen in Chris' family, he suddenly leaves without even a good bye.  Emily is crushed and wonders what she has done wrong.

I think this book was really a good one and well written.And at the end there is yet another cliff hanger! For sure I will be reading the next book in the series.

Monday, December 19, 2016

The Amish Princess by Patrick E. Craig

Powerful. Captivating. Tragic. Emotion-filled. Awesome.

I can't find enough words to completely describe this book.  From the very beginning it grabs you and never lets you go.  I started last night, then had to work today so I couldn't read, then I finished it tonight.  Every spare minute, it totally consumed me.

It was such an interesting, emotionally packed historical account of life in the early 1700s.  You almost felt as though you were there totally experiencing what was going on.  The Indian raids and battles, the times when God's hand intervened.  It was all there.  

The characters were so well portrayed and each personality was strong in its own way.  They were people that experienced many heartaches and trials.  

There were some very heartbreaking tragic scenes which were well written but sometimes graphic in detail.  However, I really enjoyed this book and these scenes were necessary to bring across the message of what was occuring and the historical trials that were being endured.

Looks like lots of research went into the book, including the sail ship Charming Nancy, the passenger list of which I, myself, have studied while doing genealogical work for a client.

I highly recommend this very amazing book.  

I also did a little checking and found an interview with Patrick on a blog by Liz Tolsma.  You can find the interview here.  It will give you more insight on how this amazing book came to be.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

My Heart Belongs to Fort Bliss, Texas by Erica Vetsch

Doesn't this book cover just invite you to come read it?  It really speaks to me.  The fact that the story takes place in Texas makes it very dear to my heart, too.  Many family ties here as early Texan settlers.  As Priscilla comes to Fort Bliss she expects to return home with a niece and nephew whose parents both became ill and left them without parents.

Unknown to her, the guardian role she had expected to take upon herself, had been taken by someone else.   The story gets really interesting and I just loved it!  I love historical fiction and this is a great one!

I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review, which I have given.

Amish Christmas at North Star by multiple authors

I was so lucky to be able to read this wonderful compilation by Cindy Woodsmall, one of my favorite Amish authors and Minday Starns Clark, Amanda Flower and Katie Ganshert.  These four stories were all such nice reads and all took place in the Amish community of North Star.

These were all stories of love, forgiveness, love of others and service to others.  These great Christian themes were perfect for a wonderful Christmas read.  I can't wait to read more from all of these authors. Each story was new and different and very heart warming.

I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review which I have given.

Monday, December 12, 2016

Where Jesus Slept by Norma Lewis Illustrated by Katy Hudson

This is a beautiful book for children and explains the events of the Nativity in a very sweet way that will capture the attention of small children.  It was enjoyable and the illustrations were very engaging, especially to the eyes of a child.  I can't wait till my grandson comes over to read it to him!

Thursday, December 8, 2016

the Amish Cooking Class The Seekers by Wanda E. Brunstetter

I really enjoyed this book by Wanda Burnstetter.  I have read many of her books and it is similar to the style of the Amishing Quilting Class series, which I also really liked.  Several people of very diverse backgrounds sign up for an Amish cooking class.  Most have some underlying problems in their lives and the new friendships that they make can prove to be very healing.

I really liked the light-hearted feelings that come across in the book and the caring for others and love of family that comes through as you read this book.

It was a very good read and I will continue reading the series.

I received am ebook copy from NetGalley for my honest review, which I have given.

Healing a Heart by Amy Lillard

Amy Lillard is one of my favorite authors.  She writes both Amish and contemporary books.This was among her contemporary books.

Because of a night together, Bryn finds herself in a situation which causes her to speak to Jake regarding the results of that night spent together.  His immediate response was not one that she agreed with, but as his family asks her to stay with them for a while she finds herself drawn to Jake and he to her.

This story was very well written, however, not the genre I normally would read.  I enjoyed the book but being that it was  a contemporary book there were some parts that I quickly passed over.  The story was good and I enjoyed reading it.

I received an ebook copy from Netgalley for my honest review, which I have given.

Sunday, December 4, 2016

The Bachelor's Homecoming by Karen Kirst

This is the first book that I have read by this author.  It was a sweet historical romance.  I enjoyed the storyline, and it was a good Christian read.  I like anything historical so I found it very interesting.  I hope to read more from this author in the future.

I recommend it to others who enjoy historical romance.