Tuesday, November 26, 2019

The Rebel Bride By Shannon McNear

This was the next book in The Daughters of the Mayflower series.   This book was pretty amazing as Pearl MacFarlane is in a situation where she is nursing casualties of the Civil War., both Rebels and Yankees.  This is a tremendously difficult position to be in yet she cares for them all in her own home as she remembers these are someone's sons, husbands or fathers.  She does all she can do and she and one of the Yankee amputees begin to understand one another's beliefs and feelings despite their opposing sides.  Their feelings grow stronger despite their backgrounds.

I really loved this book.  It was so detailed in every way and very well researched.  The book is a true test of faith.  I loved how the author wrote a page to the reader explaining her writings of this book.

It was very well written, highly captivating and definitely Christian.  Loved it!

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

Monday, November 25, 2019

Fading Into The Night by Vannetta Chapman

This suspenseful story  was first a part of an anthology called Summer of Suspense.  Although a quick read, it held my interest and is book 1 of the Cyber Division Series.  I really liked Ben, the Amish man, who discovers a woman agent ready to do him in!  I love his character and hope that he will be in book 2!

The book moves quickly and there are no dull moments.   I really enjoyed reading this!

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

The Christmas Wish by Melinda Curtis

The Sunshine Valley widows love to make matches.  The lucky recipients of their match making are Rosalie and Everett.  They seem an unlikely couple at first, he being in charge of tightening the budget strings on their towns coffers.  Including Christmas.  Including jobs.

But there are decisions and hurt feelings to deal with and so how they deal with things makes for an interesting read.  The book is of novella length and very fun to read.  I loved the dogs in the story.  I'm glad this will be a series and more is on the way!

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing.  All thoughts are my own.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Abraham by Jennifer Beckstrand

This is book two of The Petersheim Brothers series.  It is a wonderful example of this author's humorous and witty Amish romance books.  I love the humor as it makes me laugh out loud.  And I love that.  We all need to laugh!.

The younger brothers of the family are stuck sleeping in the cellar and will go to great lengths to get the older bros to marry and move out in hopes they will inherit those rooms.  The first attempt in book 1 failed and so they are at it again.  This time they hope to get quiet Abraham hitched.  They have the perfect match, Emma, in mind and are determined that this is going to be the key to moving "up" in the house.  But Emma has a lot of suitors.  Whatever are they going to do?

I really enjoyed book two and can't wait to see what happens next!

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

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

The Bake Shop by Amy Clipston

This was the first book in the Marketplace Novel series by Amy Clipston.  I loved it.  I will definitely be reading The Farm Stand which is the next in the series.  I enjoyed it so much!  I loved the way the story developed and how it involves a second opportunity and forgiveness and definitely love.  This is a great example of Amish fiction.

This book was exactly how I envision Amish markets.  The people there have their shortcomings and trials, for sure, but as you read, they become endearing and you want them to succeed and find happiness in their life. Christiana and Jeff build their relationship from a growing friendship.  So good!

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

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Once Upon a Dickens Christmas by Michelle Griep

This book consisted of three stories  in a Christmas compilation.  It was really a fun read and I enjoyed the stories very much The stories took place in the Victorian period England.  I especially enjoyed the second story in the book entitled A Tale of Two Hearts. I guess you could say it was my favorite one!

The stories were all delightful reads and bring you into the holiday mood.  Two stories had been previously published as single novellas, but I really like the combined stories as one book.

Michelle Griep is  a talented author and has a real way with words in the stories clearly bringing you back to the Charles Dickens times.  It was a good clean, Christian read.  Very entertaining. 

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

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Searching For True Happiness by Linda Weaver Clarke (Audible Version)

I listened to this Audible version today.  I think I kind of needed it, too.  Feeling a bit "not as happy as I would like to be" due to health issues that seemed to linger way too long.  After reading this book, I felt uplifted and had more hope.

The author tells of her own personal trials, as well as those of family members, and how they overcame.  We all experience these times and she explains how they may us more capable to feel the pain or sorrow of others and be able to help them.

I found myself taking quite a few notes, and in a way, wished I had the paperback version, so that I could highlight and mark up the parts that were of special significance to me.

Happiness is not just getting the things in life that you want.  And the author gives some "assignments" to practice the things that she talks about in her book.

There are many worthwhile ideas to help us as we try to find happiness in our lifes, through service, love, and kindness.

I felt I learned some great ideas and think you will, too.

I received an Audible copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Never Forget the Past by Lorana Hoopes

This book was pretty action packed and kept me guessing to the end, who the culprit in the story was.  The story line was interesting where the fire fighter, Matt Fisher, was targeted by an arsonist.  He and Lieutenant Makenna Drake determined that he should keep out of sight and be
"assumed" dead to protect him from further threats. 

Taking on a new persona and his family not knowing that he was actually still living, he becomes Billy or Bubba Campbell.  But after five years, the arsonist is once more starting fires and targeting people.  Bubba returns home and then its a matter of finding the arsonist and keeping him from starting more and more fires. 

It's a good read.  I enjoyed it.

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

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Desert Intrigue Audible Version by Linda Weaver Clarke

I have listened to the other books of the series, so was happy to listen again.  I enjoy Audible books because I can take them with me anywhere.  Right on my phone.  So it's handy!

This book takes place in the Superstition Mountains.  Even just the title points to a great read!  I enjoyed the tale of the Lost Dutchman and all the mysterious adventures that take place in the lives of John and Julia. Evans.

In this read you will find, mystery, suspense, wedding plans gone awry, a trip to the hospital and a very  exciting backdrop in the Arizona desert. 

The narrater was Carolyn Kashner, who has narrated several other books of this author.  She does a great job of helping the listener know who's who.

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

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

In The Cradle Lies by Olivia Newport

This book was right up my alley!  I'm a genealogist and my husband is a skier.  The book is book 2 of the Tree of Life Series.  I have read and enjoyed book 1 as well, and can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.

I love a book with mystery, romance and activities that I or my family members are involved in, so this was a good choice for this genealogist to read!

The genealogist, Jillian, tries to resolve the secret behind Tucker's past. And as a "good" genealogical researcher, she is in everyone's business.  I know, that's how it is!  But genealogists truly do solve LOTS of mysteries and family relationships.  Great book and good reading!

I loved the mystery and the resolve. 

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

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Amish Front Porch Stories by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean and Richelle Brunstetter

Amish Front Porch Stories: 18 Short Tales of Simple Faith and Wisdom by [Brunstetter, Wanda E., Brunstetter, Jean, Brunstetter, Richelle]



I  really enjoyed the peaceful and sweet stories by this writing trio.  This book contains 18 stories which all seem to teach a life's lesson.  The stories include different topics, including depression and overcoming.  It talks about life's hardships, joys and sorrows.  The stories were obviously short but all told a wonderful theme with life's various happy and not so happy moments.  It seems that the other characters in the stories often share some good advice and help to others.  I enjoyed these suggestions and ideas.  Good book to make you think about things!

I enjoyed this book and even the cover is pleasant and enjoyable to see on the bookshelf..

I recommend this book!

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

Sunday, November 3, 2019

The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama

Book Blurb:

The daughter of a Chinese mother and a Japanese father, Tsukiyama uses the Japanese invasion of China during the late 1930s as a somber backdrop for her unusual story about a 20-year-old Chinese painter named Stephen who is sent to his family's summer home in a Japanese coastal village to recover from a bout with tuberculosis. Here he is cared for by Matsu, a reticent housekeeper and a master gardener. Over the course of a remarkable year, Stephen learns Matsu's secret and gains not only physical strength, but also profound spiritual insight. Matsu is a samurai of the soul, a man devoted to doing good and finding beauty in a cruel and arbitrary world, and Stephen is a noble student, learning to appreciate Matsu's generous and nurturing way of life and to love Matsu's soulmate, gentle Sachi, a woman afflicted with leprosy.

My Thoughts:

This book interested me as my grandson is currently in Japan for the next 2 years.  I wanted to learn some historical type events, a little more about the culture and just generally read a good book taking place in Japan.

I really enjoyed the book and found some sad moments as Sachi and Matsu's story is revealed.  The leprosy in Japan was something I had not read or heard about before. Matsu is a generally good person and he was very likeable because of his caring ways.  Stephan was a very interesting character torn between two homes as War touched their lives.  His feelings towards his father and the situation there are moving and touching.

I am quite happy to have read this interesting book and recommend it as a very good book to invest your time to read.

Friday, November 1, 2019

Dead Wrong by Vannetta Chapman

I was excited to read a new cozy mystery by Vannetta Chapman.  It was a great read and there were many people who could have been the person or persons who could have been Russel Dixon's murderer.  This book keeps you guessing and enjoying the Amish B&B and the camaraderie betweein the characters of the book. 

Accused of the murder, Amish B&B owner, Agatha, needs to find a way to clear her name.  With the help of her neighbor, they start the investigation on their own.  Loved it!  Great book!

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