The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep

This was a good story and I really enjoyed reading it.  I love a good mystery and this one fit the bill!  I loved the suspense.  The setting back in time to 1887 in England was great and I loved the  Detective Agency that Kit and her father began together as a family work.  The story will keep you guessing and that is certainly a mark of a good suspense story.  The characters were engaging and realistic. I have read one of the prior books of this series, and somehow missed one as well. But this book reads well on its own. It did take me a little longer to become engaged in the story but once I did, I am glad that I kept reading.  Definitely worth it!  There was even some humor in this book.  

I received a copy from the publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hunted Hotshot Hero by Lisa Childs

I received this book recently.  I first will state that this is not my regular genre.   So that being said, the suspense in the book, was exactly that--very suspenseful right from the beginning.  I note that this book is 10 of the 11 listed, so I have not read any of the previous books.  This is a steamy romance, which is not my preference, so I will base my review on the suspense portion.  There is someone after Rory, a Hotshot and Brittany, a reporter.  Who and why are the questions as they try to escape further harm from a saboteur. The suspense kept me reading and there is definitely lots of action.

If you enjoy lots of action and steamy scenes, this book is for you.  I received an arc from the author.  All thoughts are my own.
 

The Ark and the Dove The Story of Noah's Wife by Jill Eileen Smith

I was happy to be able to read this biblical fiction version of Noah's Ark, written in the view of Noah's wife, who in this book is known as Zara.  The narrative is lively, showing that families aren't always perfect and all have things that need to be worked through.  It was interesting to realize what an all encompassing job this ark was, not just the building of the ark, but rather, the feeding, cleaning and caring for the many creatures that were on board not to mention the humans, as well!  And realizing we can't go to the local hardware or grocery story to find the supplies needed for such an venture.  It does make you realize that God had a big hand in helping those building and preparing the ark for the flood to come.  I loved this book and am sure that I will be reading much more from this author who has a very enjoyable way of writing that causes the reader to be quickly engaged in the story and events.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

A Small Town Wedding by Melinda Curtis (Love in Harmony Valley book 12)

In this book of the Love in Harmony Valley series we find Vince and Harley as the main characters that had been dating, but then ended that.  As Vince needs a plus one for a family wedding, he asks Harley to pretend that they are a couple.  Its a light story with interesting characters and so if you like fake relationship stories, this is for you! There were funny parts and more serious ones in the pasts of some that needed to be resolved.  The book keeps you turning pages and is a fun read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An Englischer's Amish Courtship: Amish Courtship Series book 4 By Jennifer Spredemann

This wonderful novella was an action packed story.  Not a dull moment.  I had a hard time putting it down. It's the story of Clive, a young Amish man who causes an accident with his buggy and a young expectant woman in an automobile. And so the story begins.  It is a fast paced story with lots of Christian values expressed.  It was a sweet story with teaching moments as Clive takes care of the woman who was injured and is expecting a child. Against the rules of his Amish community, he cares for this woman and they become close.  I loved seeing familiar characters in the story who are also caring but concerned about breaking the rules as they all work through things with God's love and guidance.

The book is good and I am sure others will also enjoy it as well. I highly recommend it.  I was given an arc.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Letters of Wisdom By Wanda E. Brunstetter (The Friendship Letters Book 3)

Book 3 of this series carried a powerful message. It really touched my heart to see the silent suffering of those who were victims of abuse and how if continues to affect them years after the fact.  Doretta is Irma's friend who shares her thoughts and feelings with Irma through her letters.  Irma opens up to Doretta after her stepfather's passing, a man who abused her during her younger years.  After marrying and moving away, Irma attends the funeral of her stepfather and this brings out her feelings towards him and her mother, whom she felt did not stop the abuse.  As her feelings start coming to the surface, she finds it harder and harder to show loving discipline to her children, but rather responds in a harsh way.  Sharing her feelings with her friend Doretta, Irma reads the suggestions that are shared with her.  

It's a touching story that seems very realistic and you can feel the emotions that are shared in the story.  I really was glad that I read the book.  A moving story of love and forgiveness.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Launch Team for An Englischer's Amish Courtship (Jennifer Spredemann)

 

A is for Amish by Shelley Shepard Gray (Amish ABC's book 1)

Four siblings whose parents divorced.  The father formerly Amish, the mother "English".  The siblings have since relied on one another and been close.  They find peace and well-being when visiting their Amish grandparents.  As they discuss things, they decided that they would like to see if they would like to become members of the Amish community of their grandparents.  I really liked this book, because I could see the real possibility of them trying out a new life, one that they found good and hopefully filled with happiness for them.  As Martin and Kelsey start their lives in the Amish community they find friends and acceptance as well as some other interesting characters.  The story leaves you wanting more and I will surely want to read the next book in the series.  I have to know what happens next!  I received a book that I was lucky to win in a giveaway.  All thoughts are my own.