Saturday, April 27, 2019

The Amish WIdow's Rescue by Rachel J. Good

This book really held my attention.  I loved it.  A story that was of love, kindness and understanding.  And of life's disappointments, trials and happinesses and of second chances.  Sometimes all of us need a second chance.  This book was a page-turner and it was hard to put down.

The characters were wonderful as they cared for each other's needs and helped each other to heal and start again.

Well worth the read.  Loved it!!!

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


Monday, April 22, 2019

The Inn At Hidden Run by Olivia Newport

This book was a bit different than other books I have read from this author.  First it was contemporary and it was historical.  Two time frames.  The contemporary part was about a genealogist named Jillian which was close to home for me.  That's been my occupation for 40 years.  The book mentioned that there was no college degree for this occupation or something to that effect, but that isn't really true.  I know this because I wrote a major part of the German track Genealogy curriculum for a university in another state and that was completed several years ago after the US track had been finished.  Then after this there are extensive certifications to pass to be either accredited or certified as a professional genealogist.

But that said, I can say that being a genealogist is much like being a detective.  It's exciting and full of mystery!

The historical part of the book was interlaced with the contemporary parts by their individual chapters.  It was about the Memphis Yellow Fever epidemic and that also intertwines with the life of Jillian's family tree project with Meri.

It was a good read but a little hard to get started on for me.  I did like it and I will probably be reading the rest of the series.

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

Thursday, April 18, 2019

The Healing Jar by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Loved this book by Wanda Brunstetter.  Book 3 in the series of The Prayer Jars was excellent. Lenore Lapp feels she has pretty much missed the marriageable time of her life when widower Jesse and sweet daughter Cindy appear in town.

I love the characters in this story and as Lenore tends for Jesse's daughter, they become friends as she learns to love the sweet little one in her care.  During this time Lenore finds the jar filled with scriptures, thoughts and feelings which were placed by someone long ago.  Who wrote these?  No one seems to know.

This story has some interesting twists and turns.  You will enjoy it especially if you have read The previous books and followed the family through each.

Very nice story.  Great author.
I received an ebook copy from NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

Sunday, April 14, 2019

Sample Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Gatherings Cookbook

I love cookbooks and I love Amish food, so I had to have this.  I have several of Wanda's wonderful cookbooks.  This was such a nice one.  It had a nice collection from drinks to main course dishes and they were so very appetizing.  I can't wait to try them out.  I love Wanda's big gathering recipes and the wonderful pictures. 

I need to get the whole book now.  It looks wonderful and I know I will get lots of use from the tips and recipes. 

I received a Sample book from NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

Anasazi Intrigue by Linda Weaver Clarke Audible Version

When I heard of this title it fascinated me greatly because I have a real interest in the Indian petroglyphs, especially those in the state of Utah, where I live.

This amazing artwork and the ancient villages where the Anasazi Indians lived are so amazing and a wonderful sight to see.

This Audible book by Linda Weaver Clarke weaves history, fiction, mystery and romance all into one book.

This author writes about some of the events that occurred in Utah some years ago.  It is a most interesting way of uniting history and fiction into one very good story.  As the story begins, the devastating flood of 2005 is relentlessly taking away with it, homes, property and belongings and what appears to be a possible poison causing death to the fish and animal life.

The main characters Julia and John Evans are a charming couple.  Julia, a novice newspaper reporter hoping to become a reporter with a breaking story that will definitely make an impression.  And that she does when she starts to investigate what appears to be a less than fascinating story.  As the story progresses she runs across some pretty shady characters.  Julia seems to be a courageous woman and also a wonderful wife and mother at the same time.  Her husband, John, not without his faults, is a worthy husband and support in her adventure. 

This  is a really fun read.  I especially enjoyed the history that I remember occurred, not too long ago here in Utah.  I remember the news reports of the houses being shown over and over again on the news as we watched in unbelief.

The story was interesting and I could see myself in the Virgin River area looking for the ruins and the relics that might be there to be discovered.  Loved it!  

I have heard several Audible books narrated by Carolyn Kashner and this one was also great.  She has a pleasant speaking voice with great vocal expression.  I enjoyed this book in Audible form very much!

I received an Audible version of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Friday, April 12, 2019

The Bishop's Daughter by Patricia Johns

This Amish romance revolves around the widow Sadie Hochstettler, still fairly young, with a young son.  As her Bishop father asks her long ago romantic interest who had left to join the English to help work his farm, as he is no longer healthy, they both feel some of the old feelings coming back, even after 9 long years.  Yet there are many things to resolve. 

This was a good book and the first I have read from this author.  I enjoy "Prodigal son" type stories and finding your way back.  I enjoyed this author's writing style and will be watching for more of her books.

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

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

The Beantown Girls by Jane Healey

This was a good book.  The only thing that would make it better was that I don't like books that use the Lord's name.  So that being said, other than that, I really enjoyed the storyline and the events that took place in the book depicting the Red Cross Clubmobiles.  I hadn't been aware of them and it was something new for me.  I enjoyed the girls camaraderie and how they worked together, watched each other's backs and cared for others, as well.

Definitely  a good book.

Thursday, April 4, 2019

The Tinderbox by Beverly Lewis

A box full of hidden secrets.  A life of secrets.  A very touching story.  I have loved everything Beverly Lewis.  This book touches on a heart wrenching secret kept by Sylvia's father, formerly Enlisch and not born into the Amish faith.  When Sylvia discovers the contents of the box, a life full of secrets starts to unravel.

It is a really good book.  I loved it and can't wait for the next book in the series.  If you enjoy Amish fiction, you will definitely enjoy this book.

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

Monday, April 1, 2019

Shadow Among Sheaves by Naomi Stephens

This is the first book that I have read from this author.  This was a more modern, although still historical type of retelling of the Biblical story of Ruth and Boaz.  I was hoping that the hero would be more of the "hero" type but he was quite brusque and not quite what I would have expected.  I enjoyed the storyline and do realize that these historic times were not as refined as what we might expect, especially for women.  It was not quite as Christian as I would have thought, but did enjoy reading the book.

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