Unlikely Season by Jennifer Spredemann (Unlikely Amish Christmas Book 3)

I loved this book!  Actually I love all of the author's books and this was no exception.  After a shunning of his parents, James is able to again be with his family.  Having himself left home to help with a construction mission for another church, his father is not willing to understand and even fired James' friend from his construction job.  It is a beautiful tale of love, family and overcoming through Jesus.  

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

An Amish Christmas Star (Blog Tour and Giveaway!) by Shelley Shepard Gray, Charlotte Hubbard and Rosalind Lauer

An Amish Christmas Star

by Charlotte Hubbard

 

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GENRE: Inspirational Romance (Amish)

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 BLURB:

The crisp fragrance of pine trees and the warm spice of fresh cookies aren’t the only blessings that Christmas brings, and no one knows more about happy homecomings than three couples who are celebrating the greatest gift of all . . .

 

STAR OF WONDER by Charlotte Hubbard

When Raymond Overholt comes to Promise Lodge, hoping to sell the barnboard signs he’s painted with stars and Christmas messages, spirited young Mennonite Lizzie Zehr is intrigued. But any courtship between them will face fierce opposition from the bishop of Raymond’s Old Order community—unless someone can convince him that at the heart of faith lies love . . .

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 EXCERPT:

With the girl’s laughter still dancing in his head, Raymond Overholt tried to refocus his thoughts. If he didn’t convince Mr. Kraybill to sell his handmade plaques, his past several weeks of work would be for nothing. He’d have to return home to Coldstream with his tail between his legs, and face a long, dreary lifetime of milking his dat’s cows. Running a dairy was honest, necessary work but Raymond didn’t enjoy spending his early mornings and late afternoons in a smelly barn disinfecting udders any more than the Holsteins liked having him around. Worse yet, if he overslept, his older brothers did the milking and left the hosing down and mucking out of the stalls for him.

       

“If your customers like these plaques, I can make more,” he assured the steely-haired storekeeper. “I—I really appreciate having the chance to sell them here in your new store. Our bulk market in Coldstream is dim and overcrowded with merchandise, and even if the owner there had display space, he wants nothing to do with artwork. It’s that Old Order thing.”

          

Mr. Kraybill smiled knowingly. “Jah, Amish stores don’t usually carry much that appears English even if they have a lot of customers come in from outside their community to shop,” he acknowledged. “But your plaques carry a solid Christmas message—‘Wise men still follow His star’ and the lyrics to ‘We Three Kings’ are meaningful reminders about following our Lord’s holy light. Thanksgiving always kicks off the Christmas buying season, so we’ll give it a shot, Raymond.”

           

He hoped his grateful grin didn’t appear too adolescent—or desperate. Raymond gazed around the store, where a gal in a pleated Amish kapp was stocking shelves in the rear. A few early shoppers were pushing carts into the grocery section. “If you need some extra hands when things get busy these next few weeks, I’d be happy to help, sir,” he offered. “I’ve not worked in a store, but I’m gut at tallying sums and I’m a quick learner.”

           

“I’ll keep it in mind,” Kraybill said with a nod. 

           

Raymond heard probably not in the storekeeper’s words, but he’d dealt with people’s dismissals before. If he’d dressed in dark broadfall pants with a plain shirt and suspenders—and if he’d chosen glasses with conservative frames—Kraybill might’ve taken him more seriously. But until he had no other choice than to submit to Old Order ways and join the church, Raymond was determined to wear clothing he liked.

           

“I’ll be back in a few days to see how my signs are selling,” he said. “Denki for giving me a chance.”

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

In 1983, Charlotte Hubbard sold her first story to True Story. She wrote around 70 of those confession stories, and she’s sold more than 60 books to traditional or online publishers. A longtime resident of Missouri, she’s currently writing Amish romances set in imaginary Missouri towns for Kensington. She now lives in Omaha, NE with her husband of 40+ years and their Border collie, Vera.

 www.charlottehubbard.com

 Facebook -- www.Facebook.com/Charlotte.Hubbard1

 Buy Links:

 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Amish-Christmas-Star-Shelley-Shepard-ebook/dp/B09PJ348C8

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-amish-christmas-star-shelley-shepard-gray/1140825147

Kensington Publishing:  https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/9781496734273/an-amish-christmas-star/

 Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/An-Amish-Christmas-Star-Paperback-9781496734259/385381250

 Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/an-amish-christmas-star/id1602867197

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 My Review:

Well, I just really enjoyed this sweet romance.  It was so enjoyable to watch the characters change and grow in the their own respective ways.  Becca had a goal to travel and needed to train a replacement for her job at the Amish Market.  Gideon's father sent him from Texas to Indiana to fill Becca's shoes.  He is missing Texas and his smaller community of Beeville.  As the story continues, the love story starts to bloom. Going from friends to falling in love in a sweet way was fun to see.

It was interesting to read about her plans to join the Mennonite Disaster Services and to find out about what they do to help others.  I love Amish Markets and shops so it was a fun read.

I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to give a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

Charlotte Hubbard will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Please have fun and follow the tour and comment on all the blogs to better your chance of winning! Thanks for being here and share the tour links with your friends!

To Follow the Blog Tour please click here

To enter the Rafflecopter:

Enter Here!

A Christmas Secret by Cindy M. Amos, Robin Densmore Fuson, Jo Huddleston, Martha Rogers, Darlia Sawyer, Marilyn Turk

This is a compilation of short stories by several authors.  I was happy to read the story written by Marilyn Turk.  The specific title being Railroaded in Key West.  There are two characters using different names to hide their identity as the take part in the safe  arrival of the first train in Key West.  This was based on historical events that occurred in Key West.  There was some intrigue and it was interesting to see the characters as they interact together, not knowing of the other's true identity and purpose for being there.  You will enjoy this.  I look forward to reading the other stories.  I am sure they are also wonderful stories to add to the Christmas Season Spirit!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from one of the authors and was not required to give a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.
 

Christmas in Mistletoe Square: Christmas Romance Novella Collection by Cara Putman, Teresa Tysinger, Pepper Basham and Janine Rosche

This book contains four stories written by four amazing authors that wrote enjoyable and cohesive stories revolving around a town called Kedgewick Creek in North Carolina.  This book is a contemporary romance for four couples.  The stories are unique and very interesting and will put you in a happy holiday mood.

Being a former drama major and fan, there was a story which was about the town theater and the struggles of a couple as they work through a difficult rocky road in their relationship.

The authors are Christian authors and so the stories all reflect this along with themes of forgiveness of things which occurred in their past and hope for things yet to come.  The four stories are each unique from one another, yet blend together so well as the book progresses.  I enjoyed it very much.

I received a copy from the authors with no expectation of a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

A Christmas in The Alps by Melody Carlson

I loved this sweet and light read which was perfect for Christmas.  I liked it so much, I read it in one sitting and was so sad that it I finished it.  I wanted it to not end. It was so enjoyable. For me, the genealogist, always going to Europe to find more about my own family's past as well as to find relatives, it was right up my alley.  The perfect book for me.

I loved it.  What more can I say.  Is there a book 2??? If not, please consider it!  This was such a relaxing, fun Christmas novella.  That's it, I recommend this story.  It will make you happy.  It did me!

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Christmas With the Colburns by Keely Brooke Keith

 Although it isn't Christmas, I had this sweet book in my Audible Library and so I needed a nice book to listen to and it was very enjoyable.  This was a sweet story of family, and the true Christmas Spirit that we all look for at that time of year.

Lydia is a doctor and is surprised that her siblings didn't plan on visiting for the Holidays.  Very disappointed and her aunt gives her a journal that she had never seen before which her deceased mother wrote, when she, too, found sadness in her life.

Kate Fisher was the narrator and brought the characters to life.  A very nice read.

Abigail's Christmas Miracle by Murray Pura (Audible Version)

 

I just finished listening to this book that was in my personal library.  It was a Christmas novella, and although it was a Christmas book, I thought I would listen to it.  It was a very sweet Amish Christmas story of an Amish grandfather who was suffering from depression.  It was a very nice book about Abigail's efforts to help her grandfather, while also a blooming romance is starting with a young Amish man that she has known over many years. I enjoyed the reading by Scott Bryan whose pleasant voice was easy to listen to.

I enjoyed this book and it was an enjoyable read.

The Christmas Swap by Melody Carlson

This was a cute novella length Christmas story that I enjoyed as a pleasant light read.  As Emma heads out for a Christmas in Colorado with her friend's family, she meets West Prescott, who didn't quite make his flight as their families swap homes for Christmas.

Not all things go as West plans but it's those twists and turns that make the story fun and keeps you reading.  Coming from a family that skis, I enjoyed the skiing theme.  It presented interesting personalities, that were not maybe as trustworthy and caring as they should be. I enjoyed the book and how things worked out in the end.

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

Amish Christmas Miracles Collection

I had the pleasure of reading another story in this book written by Jennifer Beckstrand.  This story was entitled Peanut Butter Christmas.

It was featuring the 8 year old Petersheim brothers, Alfie and Benji, a delightful set of twins that have been wonderful matchmakers.  They are full of fun, mischief and all about adventures!  The author is known for her wit and humorous reads that are very enjoyable, as was the case with this story.  This story is very enjoyable and filled with Christmas Spirit.

I am sure this collection of stories will delight any readers of Amish fiction.  The stories are very fun to read!

I received this from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Love's Pure Light A Christmas Novella Collection by Deborah Raney, Susanne Dietze, Shannon McNear, Janine Rosche

These four stories are sweet Christmas novellas written by four very talented authors.  It is just perfect to bring you back in time to a peaceful time of years past and how Christmases might have been back then and then up to the present as well.   I loved the historical aspect and it how it continues through four generations of the Shepherd family which connects a family together over time with a special heirloom nativity.  The stories included scripture from the Christmas story.  So definitely a book for the Christian readers.  I loved the continuity in the family generations.  Really a lovely book and has sweet romance as well.

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

Immigrant Bride Collection by Irene B. Brand, Krysty Dykes, Nancy J. Farrier, Pamela Griffin, JoAnn A. Grote, Judith Mccoy Miller, Janet Spaeth

This was a collection of 9 novellas regarding immigrant brides from various countries and with different time periods.  It was enjoyable and a fun to read.  I had one little thing that bothered me a bit throughout the story, that was the use of German words and phrases, incorrectly written.  Being a native German, the fact that nouns were not capitalized and the translations were not correct, bothered me as I read it.  I sort of felt that perhaps that could have been better researched and perhaps the help of someone with knowledge of the language would have taken care of those issues. 

Other than that the stories were sweet, clean and entertaining. 

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

Snow Angel by Davalynn Spencer

This was a sweet story!  It was a western historical and was such a nice pre-Christmas read!  I loved it.  It was full of warmth and kindness.  I recommend this enjoyable Christmas book.  This was a novella length book and you won't want to put it down until you have read the whole thing.  And then you will wish it hadn't ended yet.

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

The Amish Christmas Kitchen by Kelly Long, Jennifer Beckstrand, Lisa Jones Baker

This book consisted of 3 Christmas novellas.  I always enjoy Jennifer Beckstrand's comedic relief in all her Huckleberry Hill books.  The 3 stories were clean and nicely written.  I have not read anything previously from Lisa Jones Baker.  It was an enjoyable story. 

Although not Christmas time, I grabbed this one at the local library and enjoyed it.  It was a quick read and enjoyable.

An Amish Christmas Love by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid, Kelly Irvin

This was a wonderful set of four Amish Christmas novellas by four of my fave authors.

They were not connected to one another, but each independent stories of love, trust and an abiding trust in God.  I loved reading each and every one of them.  I did have a fave, however, and that was the final story in the book by author Ruth Reid.It was entitled "Home for Christmas".  I loved the warm, wonderful feelings that it left me with.

If you want a truly inspirational set of stories to read this holiday season, this is the set!

I know you will love it!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.  All thoughts are my own.

You can grab a copy of this book here.

The Amish Christmas Sleigh Novella Compilation

I was lucky to be able to read this very enjoyable Christmas compilation.  Below are the three book synopsis for the book.  There are three great Amish authors that have contributed to this set.

A SLEIGH RIDE ON ICE MOUNTAIN
Kelly Long 
For solitary toy-maker Sebastian Christner, hiring Kate Zook as his new housekeeper is simply the right thing to do. Now she can support her special-needs brother. But one taste of her independent spirit is showing him undreamed-of holiday joy—and making him long to give her a home for always . . .

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book as I read about bachelor Sebastian and the toys that he created and gave to the children.  He was a renowned toy maker, even having a computer to take orders. The bishop might not be happy, but it was worth it for him to see the kids' faces light with happiness.  Needing a housekeeper, Kate fits the bill and her longing for a real family finds peace in taking care of Sebastian's home until...  (you'll have to read it!)

There is a little bit of sexual tension in this book, but it didn't go beyond that.  It was a great way to start the holiday with a book that has warm feelings and brings a happy holiday spirit.

A MAMM FOR CHRISTMAS
Amy Lillard
Bernice Yoder has far too much to do to entertain holiday dreams. Even if she can help Jess Schmucker outwit his three mischievous young daughters, it's impossible to imagine the handsome widower can see her as anything but a scolding schoolteacher. He never guesses how a magical Christmas Eve will open his eyes to love or how Der Herr will awaken their faith and hope. 

My thoughts:
Amy Lillard has quickly become one of my favorite Amish authors.  I always know that the story will bring out the true spirit of Amish fiction.  As the daughters secretly plot in this story you will become engaged in their cause and be rooting for them.  It is a story of hope and happiness, perfect for a great holiday read!  I loved it and it even brought a few tears to my eyes.  Great story!

AN UNEXPECTED CHRISTMAS BLESSING
Molly Jebber
As much as Charity Lantz's children need a father, the young widow isn’t sure her new neighbor Luke Fisher can ever be the right choice. They’re having more disagreements than snowflakes in December. Besides, he's never given a sign he wants to be more than friends. Can Gott show them a way past their misunderstandings to a forever love?

My thoughts:
This is the second work of Molly Jebber that I have read and reviewed.  I enjoyed the first book very much and this one as well.  The story is engaging and fun.  Above all, I enjoy the Christian values.  Great job, Molly!  I will be reading more of your books!

You can pre-order this Amish book set at this link.  I know you will enjoy it.

Christmas Traditions by 7 Great Authors and a Giveaway!

This is a charming and wonderful way to get ready for the Holidays.  Seven authors combine to put together this wonderful book.  Each story was really enjoyable to read.  I have been listening to this set of romance stories on my Kindle as I travel to and from work.  It is always hard to set it aside.   The stories are heartwarming and remind me of Christmas times of my youth.  One of the stories is written about a time period not too terribly far from my age. The majority setting us back to the late 1800's.

This is a time period I really enjoy reading about, specially when it comes to traditions.  And I really enjoy historical writings.  So I knew that I would enjoy this set.

An Apple for Christmas is a cute story written in the "apple" theme, including the name of one of the characters, Pippin, a twin, whose school  difficulties may bring a little Christmas miracle of sorts to their lives.  Very nice stories, as all of them are.

Handcarved Christmas is a delightful read by Cynthia Hickey, whose character leaves home with intentions to marry a man she's been writing, sight unseen.  A great addition to this compilation.

Another novella written by Carrie Fancett Pagels was a fun read.  I had no idea what this book would be about, except that it took place in a lumber camp in Michigan.

I loved it.  Carrie's writing style really appealed to me and as I got to know her characters, they became very interesting people to me.

Jo is a cook at the lumber camp but would like to move on into a bakery in a different setting.  She meets the new lumberjack to their camp, Tom.  He is a very interesting young man trying to earn his living as a lumberjack, although he is actually a teacher.  As he is trying to help his mother financially, he takes this job, as the money he earned teaching does not stretch far enough.

He makes a challenge that he will marry whoever can make a fruitcake that is as good as his mother's.  That's when the fun begins and fruitcake of every imaginable recipe is baked and served to the workers at the camp.  So does he find a bride and does anyone make a good enough fruitcake to please his palette?  This you will discover as you read this delightful book!

I think these and the other Novellas would be good reading for anyone.  So fun and all good clean reads.
You can get a copy at this link

I received an e-book copy from one of the authors for my honest review, which I have given.

Carrie Fancett Pagels has offered a free e-book version of this collection to one lucky commenter!  If you would like to read this wonderful set of books, please leave a comment below for Carrie.  Be sure to leave an email address in a safe way so that you can be contacted. The giveaway ends Aug 12 at 6:00 pm MDT.  Thanks Carrie!

Mistletoe Memories by Jennifer AlLee, Carla Olson Gade, Lisa Karon Richardson and Gina Welborn

This was a book that I purchased Christmas 2013 but just read this Christmas.  I guess I am a "little" slow!  But it was such a fun book to read that I am glad that it didn't stay on my "TBR" pile any longer.

This book is actually four different novellas written by four different authors, from none of which I had previously read anything.  So all new authors for me.

The novellas follow in time sequential order with the first starting in 1820 about a house know as the Graff House, which was in she location of Schooley's Mountain in New Jersey.  Steven Yost is the local carpenter who becomes very fond of Annaliese Braun and is determined to build a house for her.

The next novella takes us to 1868 and a story about giving an orphaned girl a place to stay temporarily with a woman who has claims to not want any children.
The third novella takes place in 1910 with this house serving as an orphanage.  Ready to lose the house and property due to back taxes, manager Olympia Paris fights to earn whatever it takes to pay them off, only to fall short on the due date.

The final novella dates to an unknown modern-day setting and the house serving as a transitional house for foster children.

The story was fun to read as it progressed over time, but always serving to be a place of refuge for those needing help in some way.  This was a good Christmas read and I loved how it progressed in four generations of time.

The Snowbound Bride by Davalynn Spencer

This cute Christmas novella takes place in 1885 as Arabella Taube, a young German woman, whose name means "dove",  travels to accept a position as teacher for a man in Colorado.  As she arrives she finds she is being stalked by a man who was probably hired by her Uncle Victor to return her home so that he can make a wedding arrangement for Arabella, something she was trying hard to escape from.  As she tries to elude him, she finds her belongings on a wagon and tries to retrieve it and a growling and menacing dog does his all to keep it outside her reach.  As the man nears, she hides in the wagon to avoid being caught by him.  

Before she realizes what has happened, the wagon is heading out and she has no way to get off.  She later finds that the wagon driver is a very kindly and handsome man, Nate.  She ends up away from her destination and in the home of Nate and his mother.  She finds herself very happy to be in this situation and becoming quite fond of Nate, but doesn't know whether he feels the same way.  As the snow continues, she remains quite content to stay where she is.  But Nate doesn't feel that this city woman would be as happy in the country and also has no idea of Ara's feelings towards him.  It's a sweet story and a very fun Christmas read.

This is the first book that I have read from this author and enjoyed it very much. I hope I will be able to read more of her work in the future.

I received an e-book from the publisher for my honest review.

Author Davalynn Spencer

The Festive Bride by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

Novella 9 in the 12 Brides of Christmas, this was probably my favorite so far.  It is the first book that I have read by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer.  It was a really sweet read which takes place in Southern Illinois in 1886.  I am really enjoying this 1800's time period.  It was a simpler time and family values are quite alive at this time.

Roy Gibbons is a widower in this story with two daughters who are much in want of a mother figure in their lives  They recently moved from their home in Collinsville to escape the constant memories of his deceased wife Janie.

The daughters clearly need a mother and Roy, a wife, but will he marry simply to fill that need or because he truly loves and cherishes the person?

He meets Dr. Pickens daughter who cares for his girls while one of them is ill.  A bond is formed between Alma Pickens and Roy's daughters.  It seems like a good resolution, however, Alma is not satisfied to marry simply because of convenience or need.  She has a list of requests of her own.

The story is sweet and a feel good read that I know Christian readers will enjoy.  I highly recommend this story.

I received this ebook from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given.

About the Author Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

Christian author, Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, writes historical and contemporary romances. Author of Mind of Her Own, A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee and We’re Not Blended-We’re Pureed, A Survivor’s Guide to Blended Families. Once widowed and now remarried she writes with humor and experience on the difficulty of joining two families be it fictional or real life.
Visit Diana at: http://www.dianabrandmeyer.com/

You can purchase her book at the following link at Amazon and also at this link for Christianbook.com.  

The Christmas Tree Bride by Susan Page Davis

This is another of the 12 Brides of Christmas series.  It was a really fun read.  I really love the pioneering time period in history when people were starting to make their ways west and settle new areas.  It's probably my favorite.  This story takes place in Wyoming at the Winfield stage coach stop.
Polly Winfield and her family run a stage coach stop preparing the guests and workers, meals, shelter and the needs that they can continue their journeys.  Polly is 18 and one of the drivers, Jacob has gotten to know her.  Being that she has been away from all the comforts of home for quite a while, she finds herself missing the beautiful Christmas trees that she would enjoy each Christmas season.

This year it appears that there won't be a Christmas tree.  Polly asks her father if she could enlist one of the stage drivers to hunt for a suitable tree.  Her father agrees and Polly asks Jacob to see if he can find her one.  Christmas draws closer but so far he was unable to find one.

The stage is very late and causes Polly's father to be very concerned because of the very snowstorm and he decides to set out to see if he can locate them and help them.  Polly asks to go along and brings some food and medical supplies in case they are needed.

After struggling to find their way, they come across Jacob and the wagon which is no longer able to continue.  Polly and her father struggle to keep the injured passengers warm and the fire that Jacob started needs more wood to keep it going.  They must use some parts of the wagon and this is when Polly sees a little Christmas tree that Jacob has brought.

This is a very touching and sweet story of trials of this time period and the strong men and women of this era.  I highly recommend this story to give you that wonderful warm holiday spirit!

I received an ebook copy of this story from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given.

Author: Susan Page Davis can be found at this link.