The Melody of Love by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach

This was an enjoyable and touching book.  Amelia's son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, something I have also found myself serving as a caretaker for.  It can be very difficult depending on the person, but the book addresses it kindly and with understanding.  Amelia is a widow and doesn't plan or expect to find love again.  She and her sisters go on atrip to help with a wedding where she meets Christian.  But a long distance romance doesn't seem to be a possibility.  The story is a tender account of difficult adjustments, love, and patience.

It is a very nicely explained story that will touch your heart.

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

The Amish Rancher's Return by Amy Lillard

 I love a good second chance story.  It was a sweet story of Isaiah who was in love with Priscilla and suddenly decides to go to Montana to ranch.  Priscilla is devastated by this and takes matters into her own hands and moves on with her life.  Life continues and he return's.  Is it too late to make amends?  

It is a good read and I really enjoyed the storyline and also the secondary story line of the store being put  up for sale where Priscilla has her Amish things to sell.  I think that Amish book readers will really enjoy this book.  I highly recommend it!

I received an ARC from the author.  All thoughts and opinions were my own.

Katie's Amish Journey Of Hope By Tracy Fredrychowski (The Amish Women of Lawrence County Book 8)

 

Katie's mother has passed away and her heart and soul are broken.  She no longer can function as she has in the past.  Her depression seems only to deepen as she draws further from family and friends.  Her husband needs her as do her little children.  As she experiences these feelings, loving friends help as best as they can.  

This was a very touching story.  As Katie and family work through the trials they are now facing, there is always a ray of light that comes from an unknown person.  I am sure many of us have had these feelings to work through or had family or friends with these experiences.  It is a book of love, faith, hope and patience as the troubles are worked through.  I recommend this sweet story to those who enjoy Amish books.  The author has done a great job of bringing the different topics in the book to good closure at the end of the book. I received an Arc copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jolene's June Prayer by Ashley Emma

I really, really enjoyed reading this book. It held my attention from the very start to the very end.  Jolene is heartbroken that she has no children and this is her biggest dream after two losses.  Her heart breaks seeing the joy others have with their children and when they cry and she finds herself holding and trying to comfort another's little one. As an unknown pregnant woman appears at her door, in need of help, she finds herself helping and becoming fond of her.  Till her trust is broken.  

This is a lovely story of healing, faith and forgiveness.  I recommend this book!  

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

For Sure and Certain I Do Not Love Henry Yoder: An Amish Hockey Rom-Com by Jennifer Spredemann and Brandi Gabriel

This was such a cute book and I am so lucky to have had a chance to read it!  It is Ellie and Henry's story and yes, Ellie does not love Henry Yoder, but how does he feel about Ellie? She holds a grudge from grade-school years and she is sure that the older version of Henry has never changed!  The book is a sweet story of Henry's feelings for Ellie and his hopes to win her heart.  But that is not at all what Ellie wants and there are definitely things that are obstacles in winning Ellie's heart and hand.  But you will see that God's hand is in our life's paths and such is the case in this book.  I recommend this sweet story and the beginning of a new Amish series.  

I received an ARC of this book.  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.

Her Only Wish (A Season in Pinecraft Book 2) by Shelley Shepard Gray

A very nicely done Amish book. It is a romance for several couples which was nice and added interesting characters to the story lines.  I loved how Betsy was adventurous and wanted to try new things that she had never done before.  She has a "life list" that she hopes to complete on her month long visit to Pinecraft.  This is the story of August and Betsy, both of whom had some struggles with parents who were controlling in different ways and had not given their children very many opportunities to spread their wings.  I enjoyed Betsy's determination and strength and her ability to step out of her comfort zone.   The characters were well developed and believable.

I recommend this book for readers of Amish fiction.  I really enjoyed this book.  I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.  All thoughts are my own.

Jude by Jenifer Jennings (Servant Siblings Book4)

This was an interesting book of the siblings of Jesus.  I haven't read the earlier books, so this was my first.  It was fine though and I didn't feel I had to catch up to the previous books.  It started just a little slower for me and took a while to grab my attention.  But then it did and so I found it interesting to read of possible feelings of the people in Jesus' life that we really don't know too much about.

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

The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel

I so enjoyed this book! I loved the setting.  I loved the characters.  And as I read the story and the strict rules and regulations, reminded me of my mom's experiences as a young student.  It is a beautiful story and Brianna lives a life of servitude at the Ballymacool house and school for girls.  The secrets will keep you guessing and so if you like a little mystery with your romance, you will love this book as well.  I loved the Christian feeling of this book and how the circumstances of her life show that there is importance to our lives - no matter our station in life.

I received a copy of this book and was not required to leave a review.  All thoughts are my own.

As Dawn Breaks by Kate Breslin

 Kate Breslin's latest book is ready for pre-order!  I can't wait for this one.  Here is the pre-order link:

https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/277336

#Scotland #WWI #AsDawnBreaks #november2021 #historicalfiction #preordernow #letstoriestakeyouplaces

The Widower by Jennifer Spredemann (Amish Country Brides Series

 As Titus and Emily meet, they quickly made a connection.  Titus, a widower with children, is very attracted to Emily.  But deep within his heart is a fear that may cause a rift in their blossoming relationship and keep him from moving on with his life.  A heartwarming romance, this book is sure to  keep you reading.  It's a charming, enjoyable and Christian read that holds your attention to the end.  

This sweet romance is another book from a growing series of sweet and lovely romances.  The author has a way of bringing in Christian values that are not only important only to the Amish of whom she writes, but to all Christians alike and helps all to realize that our faith can help us overcome all fears.

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

Tales of Willow Valley by Linda Weaver Clarke

This full length book entails five historical short love stories. The author is well-known for her sweet romances and these are stories of some of her ancestors and written into a sweet romance, with some excellent details of the time period, the struggles that the people of those days went through as well as everyday life. All with enjoyable storylines...

I am a genealogist, so the fact that she writes tales of her ancestors is a real plus for me as I try to think back and reflect on earlier years and how things change and yet how things also stay the same.

The stories are refreshing tales of good people working through life as do we today, as well. The title of one of the stories which gives me hope for the struggles we are going through now,  "The Light at the End of the Tunnel".  God is always watching out for us and there are good things yet to come.

I found these happy stories just what I needed in these trying days.  I recommend it!

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

A Heartwarming Romance Collection by Wanda E. Brunstetter

This was an enjoyable book and very simply written.  The stories were about people whose self esteem has caused them to have problems in their lives to overcome.  The themes are all Christian and suitable for younger readers.  The stories were easy to read and had happy endings.  They were uplifting and relaxing.  There are lessons to be learned in each and represent a closeness to God and how he can change our lives for the better.

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

The Heartbreaker by J.E.B. Spredemann

This was a very engaging book.  It had no dull moments and it taught some great Christian values.  The story revolves around Miriam Yoder.  Miriam has hard feelings regarding her past which she has kept secret for 5 years.  And then comes Michael, a part of her past that stirs up the deep regrets in her heart.  Both have made mistakes that they are having trouble coming to terms with.  Both need forgiveness of others and of course, themselves.

A great book!  A great real-life style of book.  Things that happen to many.  It's a book well-worth reading.  I highly recommend it.  If you love second chances, you will love this book.

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

Summer of Suspense Sixteen Tales by 16 Authors

So I love a good suspense and a good mystery, and I was happy because there was also some Amish stories in this set as well.  They are really entertaining reads and I really enjoyed the stories by Vannetta Chapman and Rachel J. Good.  Yes, I'm just a little partial to the Amish stories.  But all the stories were attention getters and you can't just read "part" of a story or "part" of this anthology.  You have to read each of the stories. 

There was a wide variety of storylines and there were a few new authors for me, but many were authors whose books I won't miss!  It was a wonderful price, too, for so much to read and keep ya busy!  Highly recommend this one!!!!

A Wells Landing Christmas by Amy Lillard

I loved returning to Wells Landing and spotting some old friends and embracing the lives of some new ones.  This was such a heartwarming story and deals with a couple that made mistakes and needs forgiveness both from one another and from God and their own self.  It shows we are loved by God and will be forgiven for our mistakes.

I love how Ivy found an outlet and friend at the care center.  She felt that she couldn’t join the church because of her past and has a hard time to go through whatever steps she had to go through to rectify her situation, feeling that everyone would reject her.

This was a great read.  It was a hard to put down book.  It was a moving and touching story.  I loved it.  It was good like all the books this author writes.  They are all good.

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

The Perfect Bride by Debbie Lynn Costello Character Interview and Two Giveaways!

I am so happy to be able to host Debbie Lynn Costello for her Blog Tour for her latest book, The Perfect Bride!

I also have the pleasure of introducing your to Avice Touchet, the herione of her story who has kindly agreed to an interview to share with you today!

Hi Avice!  So happy to have you here and get to know you a little bit!  Thanks so much for taking the time to answer some questions!



Avice, you seem such a trustful and faithful young woman.  You trusted in the Lord that all things would work for the good.  How did you acquire this strong faith?

My mother instilled it into me. From a young age she taught me what she had learned. We dinna have a Bible but my mother is a strong woman of faith and has hidden the Lord’s words in her heart where she has shared them with me.

You are also a bit of a horse whisperer!  How did you know what you should do to rescue Philip from the horse?

Philip has had me on a horse since I was young. Though I am not an accomplished rider because I ride with Philip.  I do love to stroke their fur and talk nonsense to them but am no’ a horse whisper. I thought I might faint but fear for Philip’s life kept me upon my feet. I believe in my heart it was no’ me that calmed the horse but the Lord using me. It was also He that kept me on my feet when I approached the beast. God is faithful.

You were ready to sacrifice your happiness for the needs and betterment of those you love.  Did you do this because that was due to the fact that this was a woman’s place and thing to do in this period of time and history?

Nay, I did it because I knew that was what the Lord had done for me. He laid down His life for me. What I was willing to sacrifice was nothing compared to what my Savior did. I also knew if the Lord called me to do this thing, He would be with me.

I loved how your story ended.  Will there be more tales of your life as time passes?  I could easily see a sequel!  Any chance of that?

Weel, I hear rumor that there is another full-length novel in the works set at Rosen Craig. Perhaps Philip and I will be stopping in to check on Bryce. And one never kens what the future will bring for me and my own sequel!

Now a question for the author!  Debbie Lynne, what type of research was necessary to know so much regarding the life of the serfs and the nobles and the way they led their lives?  Did you take research trips to England?

I have shelves of medieval research books as well as pages of bookmarks on the internet. I also have a friend who lives in England “Waving at Anne” who has kept me straight, sometimes very painfully so, but I do want to represent the truth of history in England. And if I make a mistake, I can honestly say it is not from lack of trying. I have had to change many a plot and twist because I learned something was not truly feasible but more of American myth of medieval times. I have not gone to England…yet. That is actually in the works. My hubby is planning for us to to go when we finish building our house. But I am asking for maybe a year of rest before taking on that venture. But I am looking forward to it!

By the way the title was absolutely perfect!

Thank you! I agonized over that title. It wouldn’t come and then on my last read through of my edits it hit me!

And here is a little bit about this fascinating book!

The Perfect Bride

 Avice Touchet has always dreamed of marrying for love and that love would be her best friend, Philip Greslet. She’s waited five years for him to see her as the woman she’s become but when a visiting lord arrives with secrets that could put her father in prison, Avice must consider a sacrificial marriage. 

Philip Greslet has worked his whole life for one thing—to be a castellan—and now it is finally in his grasp. But when Avice rebuffs his new lord’s attentions, Philip must convince his best friend to marry the lord against his heart’s inclination to have her as his own.

Bio:

Debbie Lynne Costello has enjoyed writing stories since she was eight years old. She raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories that had been begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and live in upstate South Carolina. She has worked in many capacities in her church and is currently the Children's Director. Debbie Lynne has shown and raised Shetland Sheepdogs for eighteen years and still enjoys litters now and then. In their spare time, she and her husband take pleasure in camping and riding their Arabian and Tennessee Walking horses.

Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Bride-Debbie-Lynne-Costello-ebook/dp/B07CJT7R8Y/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1524542659&sr=1-5&keywords=the+perfect+bride

Connect with Debbie Lynne:

www.debbielynnecostello.com
www.theswordandspirit.blogspot.com
www.HHHistory.com

https://www.facebook.com/debbielynnecostello

https://twitter.com/DebiLynCostello

https://plus.google.com/u/0/+Debbielynnecostello

https://www.pinterest.com/debbielynne1/

Tour Blog Stops!

 April 29^th Overcoming With God

http://cfpagels.blogspot.com/

April 30^TH Anne Payne Blog

http://annepayne.blogspot.com/ 

May 2^nd Cross Romance

http://crossromance.blogspot.co.uk/

May 4^th Amy Booksy

https://amybooksy.blogspot.com/

May 7^th  The Sword and Spirit

http://theswordandspirit.blogspot.com/

May 9^th Singing Librarian Books

https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/adults

May 12^th Stitches Thru Time

http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

May 15^th- Heroes, Heroines, and History- Mid Month Madness

http://www.hhhistory.com/

May 17^th Jodie Wolfe Blog

https://www.jodiewolfe.com/blog

May 21^st  Sunnie Reviews
https://sunniereviews.blogspot.com

May 24th http://www.marylutyndall.com/

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

And here a 2nd giveaway!

Debbie Lynn Costello is also offering a choice of one of her books, in the format of your choice to all Continental US residents or ebook or audio book to those outside of the US.

The audio book is Sword of Forgiveness.  

For this giveaway, just leave a comment on this blog and the winner's name will be drawn on May 25th!  If you follow my blog, mention this in your comment and you get two chances.  

Be sure to leave your email address in a safe method!  Thank you!

An Improper Proposal by Davalynn Spencer

Such a wholesome and entertaining Christian Western read!  The main female character had a strong personality despite the unexpected events upon her arrival to Colorado. 

Loved the suspense factor and the problems to resolve and the general sweet feel of the book.  I love a good Western story!  And this was it! 

The author wrote a great book and I will be reading more!
I received an ebook version from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

You can purchase a copy here.

A Child's Christmas Wish by Erica Vetsch

I have really enjoyed all of Erica Vetsch's writings and this book added to the list of very good books.  This was a nice Christmas story.  It was a story of hope, healing, Love, family and friends.  The story is an excellent example of a wonderful Christmas.  It's a feel good book!  Highly recommended holiday reading!

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