Friday, November 30, 2018

Lawfully Matched by Lorana Hoopes AUDIBLE Version

This is the second book of this author that I have been fortunate enough to read and listen to.  Very sweet romance.  The characters were well matched and made a good fit even though they had no idea!  The narrator was Daniel James Lewis.  He had a little bit of a southern accent to his voice which added to the Texas feel of the book.  It was fun to listen to and his expressions and "voices" were well portrayed.

Enjoyed how the steadily paced book progressed and there was suspence and romance to keep things interesting.

The book was of a novella length and I was able to finish listening to it in one sitting.  I enjoyed it very much.

I received an Audible copy from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Together Forever by Jody Hedlund

I think that this is my first book from Jody Hedlund.  I got this book at the local library for my mother who is a voracious reader.  After she finished, she mentioned that I should read it too.  She said it was really good.  So I did.  And she was right. 

This historical fiction book was about a man, Drew, and woman, Marianne that were taking a train with 31 orphaned children out to the west to find new families.  I had heard a bit about the orphan trains and this book was very well researched and the stories of the children were sometimes based on actual orphan train experiences. There was romance and a bit of mystery and it was very, very good. It was really a captivating read. It totally held my interest till the last page.  It apparently was book 2 of a series.  I will have to hunt for book 1! I highly recommend this book and this author!

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Woman of Courage

Woman of Courage

This  book by Wanda E. Brunstetter was absolutely wonderful!  I have read most of her Amish books and I would say this is my favorite book so far from this author.  It wasn’t Amish, it was about a Quaker woman, Amanda Pearson, who after being left by her fiance, decides to become a missionary in the frontier bringing Indians to Christ.  She begins her 3,000 mile trek in 1837 during the time of frightening Indian attacks and many other hardships common to pioneering people of the early to mid1800’s.  

Her trials begin to seem unsurmountable but she forges on till she finds help and friendship.  She is relentless in her missionary goal.  She meets Buck McFadden, a non-believer who she finds herself attracted to.  But her strong Christian convictions will not allow more than a friendly relationship.
Amanda endures many hardships and experiences things she had never imagined she would experience.  The trials are continual and she surely must wonder if her decisions had been right or not.
The title of this book is very appropriate for Amanda as well as other women she encounters.  You really have to admire the women that helped to forge our country.  This was a 5 star book!  Very well done, Wanda!


The Story of Little Fawn (Sequel)


Little Fawn is the Indian daughter  found by Amanda.  This is her story.  It was wonderful.  Little Fawn has some adventures of her own.   This is a story of faith, trust in God and family and love.  It was a great addition to the book!  So happy to have read this as well.  Loved finding out what happens and it was so worth the read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Ladies of Intrigue by Michelle Griep

This book consisted of 3 separate historical stories.  It was very interesting and a bit of a mystery, which always keeps me reading.  I think that my favorite story was the second one.  Really enjoyed the characters in that one.  But each story was unique and interesting.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Thursday, November 22, 2018

The Forgiving Jar by Wanda E. Brunstetter

One of my fave Amish authors.  The author's easy-reading style is great.  I have read the majority of her books.  I also read the previous book in this series.  I love how the characters continue as does their story.  I love the conflicts and the way things turned out.

The story was good, engaging and my favorite genre.  Will continue reading books by this author.  I recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

The Billionaire's Christmas Miracle by Lorana Hoopes

I really enjoyed this.  It was the first "billionaire" book that I had read, so I wasn't really sure...but it was really good.  Loved the Cinderella type storyline.  I enjoyed the characters and pretty much everything else.  It's a good book.  I recommend it!

I received an ebook copy from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Ths MissAdventure Brides Collection by Mary Davis, Cynthia Hickey, Kathleen E. Kovach, Debby Lee, Donna Schlachter, Marjorie Vawter and Kimberly Woodhouse

I loved these stories, every single one!  They were so sweet, some very funny as well.  Loved their  "Miss"adventures which made the book's title very appropriate.  Each of the stories was unique and different.

There were some new authors for me and that I found quite refreshing to read a new writing style.

Very good compilation of stories and a great way to spend my reading time!

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Above Rubies by Keely Brooke Keith

I won this book in a contest.  And it was the Audible version.  I enjoyed it very much.  This is the first book that I have read from this author and I liked her writing style very much. 

Olivia doesn't want to marry, she wants to be a teacher.  It's her only big desire. 

Very well written and I think I will need to look into reading the remaining books in the series!


Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron

This was a great book by Kristy Cambron. It is book 2 in the series.  The story changes time periods which makes it interesting as you "travel" in time.

Ireland sounds beautiful to me as I read the descriptive writings she has shared.  Having never been to this country, I would definitely want to visit now.

The storyline was excellent and I really enjoyed it.  Will continue reading books from this author!

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

Monday, November 12, 2018

Amish Christmas Memories by Vannetta Chapman

OK, I have to admit that this is the first time in ages that a book brought some tears to my eyes.  It definitely hit me a few times.  I have been so lucky to read such wonderful books.  This one was so good and I absolutely loved this.

The story was good and the feelings of love for family and friends and those around you at the time of  Christmas was deeply felt by this book.  It was a book of caring, love and the Spirit of the holiday and the birth of Christ.

It showed you can be different in many ways, yet you can still care about each other.  It was just plain good.  Read it!

I received an ebook copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Her Forgiving Amish Heart by Rebecca Kertz

Oh my this was such a great story.  I can only say that I want to read more from this author.  It was such a touching story, forgiveness, friendship, and patience! 

The characters were so understanding although sometimes I wanted things to move a little faster, but that added to the drama of the story and there was some drama.

The were a few twists and turns in the story and that added a lot interest factor.  Not a dull moment starting from page 1.

I highly recommend this Amish romance!

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Guarded Prognosis by Richard L. Mabry M.D. (Audible version) Narrated by Bill Nevitt

I really enjoy the opportunity I had to listen to the Audible version of this book.  Especially when it's a good book like this.  I love the fact that I can listen to a book and still get some work around the house done.  I like that because I feel as though I am enjoying my tasks more as I get to hear a great book.  

The narrator was Bill Nevitt.  I enjoyed his voice and expressions as he portrayed various characters, changing his voice to be able to distinguish between the people in the story.


Dr. Mabry's latest book was so good! I had a difficult time putting it down!    There was a lot of mystery, suspense, adding up to an absolutely great book.  The subject matter was very contemporary, very believable and certainly something that might be a real occurrence in the life of a doctor.

There was also just a little touch of "romance" perhaps.  This book is a book that you won't want to miss, especially if you like to read mysteries, which I definitely do!

I liked the fact too, that there was some religious intonations which showed that we all can do many things on our own, but can do all things with God.  That we should trust and remember Him and that it's never too late to turn our lives around.

All in all, a great book and I am very happy that I had the chance to read it.

I received an Audible copy from the author. All thoughts are my own.

Our Christmas Promise by Tara Randel

Best friends.  Forever.  This story was really a great Christmas theme.  Makes you happy!  Loved the story.  Seems like maybe there will be a sequel???  This series is a connected one, which I really like.  the village of Christmas Town has many characters that come into play in a continual story.  Love it!

I loved how they were such good friends and that perhaps to one of them that foundation was growing.  I recommend this very sweet and happy story.  It will put you in the Spirit!

I received a copy from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Thursday, November 8, 2018

The Amish Christmas Cowboy by Jo Ann Brown

This was the first time for this author and I liked it.  It was a clean, sweet Amish book.  There was a good story line and good characters.  I enjoyed it and will probably read more from the author.

My Heart Belongs in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Clarissa's Conflict by Murray Pura

I have been following the "My Heart Belongs" series from it's onset.  I doubt that I have missed any of the books, so far.  I hope that I am able to read them all.

This one grabbed me right away from page 1.  It takes place during the Civil War period.  Clarissa is a strong fiery character with red hair to go along with that personality.  She is a member of the Underground Railroad, actively helping the slaves.  She's pretty amazing.

You can tell that the author was well versed historically and this made the book more interesting to me as I love history.  Kind of goes hand in hand with my occupation of genealogist! 

The book flowed and read well.  Enjoyed it and it keeps me wanting to read more of this heartwarming series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Who I Am With You by Robin Lee Hatcher

This book was soooo good!  It touched me in a way that was near to my heart.  First, I am a genealogist and trace family ancestries as a part of my occupation.  I also have "Hennings" in my family tree as did Jessica in the story and I am German, as were her ancestors listed in the Bible that she was given. Family has a way of drawing us together.

I loved the goodness of the characters, their care and concern for others.  I loved their trust in each other, although life's events on both their parts, would give them both reasons to not trust anymore.

The characters of Ridley and Jessica are very well written.  I loved how the Bible represented to me God's presence in their lives if they allow Him in.  I enjoyed seeing the healing that took place in their lives.

The two storylines past and present, show how our lives are intertwined with those of our ancestors, their hopes for their posterity and our desires to know about them.  The themes of hardships, trust and love and hope come through clearly in this book.  I also see the fact that we will probably see these people again in another book!  So there is more and I can't wait!

I received a copy from Thomas Nelson Publishing.  All thoughts are my own.


A Christmas Carousel Proposal by Melinda Curtis and Cari Lynn Webb

This is the book which starts the fun of the series called 12 Days of Heartwarming Christmas.  These stories connect and this should be the first story to read to best enjoy the series.  I am happy to have read it.  As a prologue, it is a quick read, but has lots of warmth, love and good holiday spirit.

I enjoyed it's message very much as I saw two people, who loved each other very much.  And did what they felt was best at the time.  The story will make you happy and ready for a wonderful Christmas season.

I received an ebook from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Woman of Courage with Sequel by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Woman of Courage

This  book by Wanda E. Brunstetter was absolutely wonderful!  I have read most of her Amish books and I would say this is my favorite book so far from this author.  It wasn’t Amish, it was about a Quaker woman, Amanda Pearson, who after being left by her fiance, decides to become a missionary in the frontier bringing Indians to Christ.  She begins her 3,000 mile trek in 1837 during the time of frightening Indian attacks and many other hardships common to pioneering people of the early to mid1800’s.  

Her trials begin to seem unsurmountable but she forges on till she finds help and friendship.  She is relentless in her missionary goal.  She meets Buck McFadden, a non-believer who she finds herself attracted to.  But her strong Christian convictions will not allow more than a friendly relationship.
Amanda endures many hardships and experiences things she had never imagined she would experience.  The trials are continual and she surely must wonder if her decisions had been right or not.
The title of this book is very appropriate for Amanda as well as other women she encounters.  You really have to admire the women that helped to forge our country.  This was a 5 star book!  Very well done, Wanda!


The Story of Little Fawn (Sequel)

Little Fawn is the Indian daughter  found by Amanda.  This is her story.  It was wonderful.  Little Fawn has some adventures of her own.   This is a story of faith, trust in God and family and love.  It was a great addition to the book!  So happy to have read this as well.  Loved finding out what happens and it was so worth the read.

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

Monday, November 5, 2018

Anna's Forgotten Fiance by Carrie Lighte

Anna has had an accident.  She has forgotten the memories of events in her life for about the last six months of her life.  As she recovers she has forgotten that she was engaged to Fletcher, a man she doesn't remember at all.

This story was a sweet story of faith, trust and understanding.  It was a very nice read.  I read it all in one sitting and enjoyed it a lot.  I had not heard of this author prior to reading this but I liked her writing style very much.

It's clean, it's warm and you will enjoy this Christian fiction story.


Sunday, November 4, 2018

Emergency Case by Dr. Richard Mabry MD

Suspense at it's best.  This author knows how to write suspense, that's for sure!  The book doesn't waste any time getting you engaged.  It happens from page 1.  A great who-dun-it and wonderful mystery.  You will not want to put this down. 

I received an ebook from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Saturday, November 3, 2018

Snow Angel by Davalynn Spencer

This was a sweet story!  It was a western historical and was such a nice pre-Christmas read!  I loved it.  It was full of warmth and kindness.  I recommend this enjoyable Christmas book.  This was a novella length book and you won't want to put it down until you have read the whole thing.  And then you will wish it hadn't ended yet.

I received a ebook copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.