An Appalachian Summer by Ann H. Gabhart

This book was simply delightful.  At the cusp of her life and not knowing which direction to go in life, she hears the words "do something" and hears Mrs. Breckinridge tell the experiences of the Frontier Nursing couriers in the Appalachian Mountains.  Without much hesitation, Piper Danson hears the call, although not the life or direction expected of her by her parents.

She leaves behind a chance of courtship and an old flame to help the nurse midwives in the mountains.

I loved this book and I want to read others set in this same time frame and beautiful setting.  There wasn't a dull moment in this book, which was well paced and totally engaging.  It was so well written and adventures were exciting and you could see the growth in Piper over her time there.  I can say only the best compliments to the author.  It was simply excellent!

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

A Reckless Love by Beth White

This is a new author for me.  I enjoyed her writing and this book.  This apparently is book 3 of a series, which I have to admit, the previous books I have not read.  But will certainly consider doing!  I thought the book came in a timely period of our current days as it dealt with the post-war days of the Civil War and definitely relates to our current politically stressful times.

Aurora is a vivacious young woman whose path crosses with a Deputy U.S. Marshall who wears an eye patch.  Their interactions are fun and enjoyable.  I love how her grandmama tells her not to let Zane fall in love with her!  Does that ever work?

I love how they inherit the saloon and the "employees" that come along with it.  Loved it!  Aurora is the youngest of the Daughtry sisters, one married, one engaged and Aurora!

There is suspense, tension, and some sweet romance.  Zane definitely is drawn to Aurora!  The book is very engaging and I loved reading about the historical events that took place in the deep south during this turbulent time.  In was written with careful research to the post war times.  It was very good!  I loved the part where it was written she prayed for him, and prayed with him.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing.  All thoughts are my own.

The Charmer by J.E.B. Spredemann Amish Country Brides Series Book 3

As Jenny finds herself in a serious situation, she flees from the life she has known seeking safety. She "accidentally" meets Paul and her past starts to unravel.  Will anyone believe her, when her own family has not?

This is a very true-to-life story which is probably a reality for way too many.  The lessons learned and the path to resolution are difficult but possible with a little help from caring people and a loving Savior who guides us all.

In a quote from the book, "But can't He just stop the evil, the tragedies?" This is in reference to Deity as Jenny wonders how to resolve her past.  The answer is touching and the book is very enthralling.  It is difficult to put it down.  A very good read and an especially moving storyline.  You will love it!

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

The Charmer by Jennifer Spredemann

Preorder at this link today!

The Amish Menorah and Other Stories by Patrick E. Craig, Willard Carpenter, Jerry Eicher, Thomas Nye, Murray Pura and Amos Wyse

I thought the cover was beautiful!  And the stories were all touching and amazing.  A collection of short stories written by well-renowned Amish authors, what could be better.  The stories were each different and unique.  They were not continuations of each other, so a real variety of Amish reading.  I really looked forward to reading The Amish Menorah, and as I read it, it was very similar in many ways to the real-life story of my mother while still in Germany during The War.

I enjoyed the stories and hoping that perhaps there is more coming.

I received a review copy from one of the authors.  All thoughts are my own.

Guest Post. Linda Weaver Clarke's Latest Series

“I have enjoyed all of Linda Weaver Clarke’s books. You can be assured that they are all clean and sweet. This book contains six short stories of various characters and different holidays celebrated in the 1840 time period. These are enjoyable stories to read any time of year, not just in holiday times. The book carries Christian values, which I love. These are very entertaining stories and I hope you will take the time to read them!” –Sunnie Reviews

Willow Valley Historical Romance

 

The Willow Valley series has humor, adventure, romance, and mystery. Set in the 1800's, each book is family friendly for teens and adults. The first book is One Last Dance, which will keep you guessing until the end of the book. In this historical romance, there is a mystery to solve.

Felicity Brooks is a talented watercolor artist but her career is cut short when her father passes away, so she travels home to care for her mother during this difficult time. When Felicity meets their charming new neighbor, a fine-looking bachelor, she soon discovers that he is hiding his true identity. Nicholas Adams is on a quest. But that is not all. When she finds out that someone is after a valuable heirloom…a precious treasure that her father discovered in his attic, her life takes a new turn. After realizing how much she misses her father, will one last dance heal her broken heart?

The second book in this series is Angel’s Serenade. You will learn about the infamous River Pirates, the remedies for illnesses of that time period, the effects that music has on a person, and you will fall in love all over again.

Emmeline Scott is raising her sister’s two children and is surprised when she finds out the new doctor in town is helping her nephew adapt to his surroundings. It is not easy to be uprooted and have to start a new life. Each day when Emmeline practices the piano, she doesn’t know the doctor secretly sits on his porch to listen to her music. As Emmeline gets to know the charming doctor, Lucas Golden, they become intrigued by her neighbor’s mysterious behavior. Will they discover his secret? And who is the leader of the River Pirates, who is causing so much havoc?

The third book has many surprises. In A Pleasant Rivalry, Angelica Davis is surprised when she finds out that an old school chum has returned to Willow Valley to take over his grandfather’s business. Since she writes articles for the Chronicle and Simon Morgan owns the Willow Valley News, they just happen to be rivals. The competition is on. Who will be the first to discover the identity of the jewel thief or the arsonist? Will it be Angelica or Simon? Gradually the feelings she once had for him return as they both search for the same stories. To her surprise, Angelica realizes she is losing her heart to her rival.

Now for book four! I decided to try something new and different. Since I have never written short stories before, I took upon myself the task of writing six short stories for the Willow Valley series. Before I knew it, I realized that writing short stories was a pleasure and quite fun. It’s called Holidays in Willow Valley. This book is full of surprises.

 

What were the holidays like at Willow Valley, Illinois, in 1840? Relive life in the “olden days” in each of these stories, featuring the characters from the Willow Valley Series. How will Emmeline and Felicity celebrate Valentine’s Day? Do Sam and Josie believe in leprechauns and the pot of gold when St. Patrick’s Day comes around? Is it common to play jokes on one another on April Fools Day? Nicholas and Lucas find out first hand. How will Simon and Angelica celebrate Independence Day and Christmas? When the Irish and Scottish came to America, they brought their Halloween traditions with them. Will Willow Valley accept these traditions? Find out as you share their experiences.

Here are the links:

One Last Dance is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GVNWSP9

Angel’s Serenade is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RV79LDN

A Pleasant Rivalry is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z49N2LJ

Holidays in Willow Valley: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089CQL6NB

Order any of my books from Amazon at both my websites below.

Linda’s Website: www.lindaweaverclarke.com

My Book Blog: https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com

About Author:

Linda Weaver Clarke was raised among the Rocky Mountains of southern Idaho and now lives among the red hills of southern Utah. She is the author of Historical Romance, Cozy Mysteries, Swashbuckling Romance, a Children’s Book, and Nonfiction. Linda teaches a class about writing your family history that is free to the public at the Family Search Center in Southern Utah. She is also a missionary at the Family Search Center where she helps people find their ancestors and learn about their heritage.

The Charmer by Jennifer Spredemann

Pre-order today at this link!

Serving Up Love A Four-in-One Harvey House Brides Collection by Tracie Peterson, Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings and Jen Turano

This was actually a book that I won from a Goodreads contest.  Lucky me!  It was a great book.  This fun and interesting historical fiction had some nice stories that were captivating and each was unique and different.

There was one new author for me and that was Regina Jennings, and I have to say that I enjoyed her story and her writing style very much.  The stories took place in different and interesting places and I enjoyed learning about some new historical facts.  I honestly wasn't aware of this group of women and looked it up to learn more about them.  Very interesting!

A Faith of Her Own by Kathleen Fuller A Middlefield Amish Novel Book 1

Kathleen Fuller gifted this book to my 91 year old mother who loves to read and especially enjoys Amish romance.  And of course, she lent it to me to read.  And I am glad she did.

I really enjoyed this book and have to admit that I haven't read the rest of the series yet.  I will definitely try to do that, though.  I am hoping that Anna Mae and Jeremiah might appear in the next book!  Loved these strong and good characters with hearts of gold!

The book started a little slower than some of the "grab you from page one books" that I have been reading lately, but it managed to touch my heart with the warm and loving characters and their care for others well being.  There is a little conflict, romance and some trials as Anna Mae searches to find the path she is meant to follow.  Decisions don't always come easily as her's was not immediately clear to her.  It's a good book of trust in God's plan for each of us, plans that are not always ones we expect or realize without prayer and patience.

Good book, loved it!

It is Well With My Soul by Carey Scott

I think we all need a book like this!  Specially during this Covid adventure we are all living through at this time.  This book is a feel-good book that can comfort the souls of anyone or any religious group.  It touches on loneliness, our personal struggles and gives ideas on how to open up to God and share our deepest thoughts, concerns and feelings with Him.

A good book to comfort the soul!

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

Holidays in Willow Valley by Linda Weaver Clarke

I have enjoyed all of Linda Weaver Clarke's books.  You can be assured that they are all clean and sweet.  This book contains six short stories of various characters and different holidays celebrated in the 1840 time period.  It is interesting to read of people's customs, and their differences from other countries.  These are enjoyable stories to read any time of year, not just in holiday times. 

The characters are good and the book carries Christian values which I love.

These are very entertaining stories and I hope you will take the time to read them!

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

Author Biography

Linda Weaver Clarke has traveled throughout the United States, teaching and encouraging people to write their family history and autobiography. She is the mother of six daughters and has several grandchildren. Clarke is the author of an award-winning sweet romance, Melinda and the Wild West, for the “Reviewers Choice Award.” She has several historical romances, a cozy mystery series, a mystery/suspense series, and a children’s book. All her books are family friendly.

Love's Mountain Quest Book 2 Hearts of Montana by Misty Beller

Misty Beller writes an amazing adventure story.  This book had such an engaging storyline.  The mother and widow, Joanna Watson's son is missing.  The story takes her to rugged mountains in the search for him along with Isaac Bowen.  They face many trials, dangers and setbacks as they travel, enough to make anyone give up trying.

It is a beautifully written story filled with a mother's enduring love.  I really enjoyed this!

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