Plain Jane's Secret Admirer by Anne Blackburne (The Heart of the Amish Book 11)

This book was a sweet addition to the series and could be easily read as a stand-alone.  When Sam was a teen, he gave Jane a nickname, unknown to her.  The nickname spread and Jane was strapped with a nickname that she totally hated.  As the years passed she still had no idea where that name came from.  But the culprit felt full of guilt and was not able to apologize to her out of fear of how she would react.  Because now he was very attracted to her and was trying to win her heart.  It is a cute story that has a side plot revolving on a missing cat.  Sam is a rather shy guy, and despite his friends advice, he just doesn't seem to know how to admit his fault so that he can move past it.  

I enjoyed the story but it was a little slow moving at times.  Other than that, it was a nice and clean read. 

I received an ARC copy from Barbour Publishing.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.
 

Miriam's January Promise by Tracy Fredrychowski

This was a story that can make you think about how the relationships with family members can hurt or help. Miriam struggles with an eye problem that worries her mother but also stifles her at the same time.  Miriam gets to know MJ and the two of them become good friends, both needing to find their own path going forward. Miriam's mother wants to match her up with a much older man with the purpose of him taking care of her.  Evelyn is certain that no one of her age would want to marry her daughter, Miriam, because of the eye  problems yet to come.

This is a touching story.  It is so well written you won't want to stop reading until you find out what happens.  So good! And I recommend it to you! This is part of a new monthly series and I love it already!

I received an advanced copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tinsel, Trees and Treachery by Bruce Hammack (A Smiley and McBlythe Mystery)

Steve and Heather are at it again.  These stories are always fun to read.  As the duo plus dogs start their adventure to find out who is putting fear into the life of a friend of Steve's, they set out to Branson, MO.  I enjoyed being reminded of my visit there some years ago so that added more enjoyment for me as I followed the adventure.  Its a cozy mystery, which is a genre that is always a good match for me.  There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.  I recommend this book!

The Midwife: Salem Village Book 2 by Pegg Thomas

Well my first thought is that this book is very powerful.  It is in no way "slow moving"  but really keeps you on your toes! The storyline is gripping and you will have a hard time putting this book down.  I have often heard of the Salem Witch Trials, but this book brought it out so that you could absolutely feel the fear these poor people had to deal with.  This was definitely a terrible time in history. The story takes us to the 1600's when life had a completely different type of living and that is also shared in this book.  The book is historically correct and full of adventure as the Midwife Hester, a Quaker, takes in a foundling infant.  She finds a friend and confidant in Hannah Buffum, Jr. and together they forge through the hard times to come.

I highly recommend this very good and well researched book.  

Not Exactly Mr. Darcy (The Silver Teapot) by Carolyn Miller

This was a sweet story and I really enjoyed it.  I was also surprised that this was the first book that I have read by this author.  I love the storyline which is written as a Christian type of reading material, which I really love reading  Olivia was an enjoyable character that was quite real to me. Going to England to care for someone is also something that resonates for me as a caretaker as well.  I love how they worked on the Hartbury Hall to restore it which is something that I would love to do as well.    I loved how Liv was determined to make sure that the Hall was restored and was as a beautiful place as it was once long before.  So this story was for me and I loved it.

Thanks to Barbour publishing for a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.