Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron

This was a great book by Kristy Cambron. It is book 2 in the series.  The story changes time periods which makes it interesting as you "travel" in time.

Ireland sounds beautiful to me as I read the descriptive writings she has shared.  Having never been to this country, I would definitely want to visit now.

The storyline was excellent and I really enjoyed it.  Will continue reading books from this author!

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

The Backcountry Brides Collection by Multiple Authors

This book had several new authors for me.  It was a nice addition to Barbour books Brides Collections.  It was so fun to read about these 18th Century women, brave and courageous in so many ways!  I doubt I would have been!

The time periods span from 1754-1792.  This for sure would be a time of great discovery in our country in a dangerous time where life was much more difficult in many ways.  These were sweet, clean stories and full of adventure.  Never a dull moment!

I hope that you will take time to read these great stories!

I received a copy of this book from an author.  I was under no obligation to review.  All thoughts are my own.

Life in Chapel Springs Book 4 by Ane Mulligan

Just finished reading Life in Chapel Springs, the 4th book of this series.  It was a fun read and I enjoyed it very much. 

I enjoyed the friendships of the characters. I hadn't read the previous book, but somewhat wished that I had so that I would have known the characters better at the start of the book.

It was a good, clean and interesting book.  The story of Lacey was one that was unexpected and kept you reading to see what would happen.

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

What the Bishop Saw by Vannetta Chapman

A new series by Vannetta Chapman!  This was such a captivating book and it's even better knowing this was book 1 in The Amish Bishop Mystery Series.

The story starts out with a deadly fire that kills an Amish community member, Vernon.  But it doesn't stop there, there's lots more action going on in this once peaceful Amish community.  People are getting pretty worried about what will happen next.

This book was a great read and was another of those books that are impossible to put down, until you get to the end.  It's a great combination of Amish and mystery and won't disappoint.

Loved this book!
It's available for pre-order at this link.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.  All thoughts are my own.

Amish Weddings by Leslie Gould Book 3 Neighbors of Lancaster County Series

This was book 3 of an Amish Series called Neighbors of Lancaster County by Leslie Gould.  I had previously read book 2, Amish Sweethearts.  So I quickly spotted characters from the previous book appear and take part in this engaging story.  Although part of a series, I felt that even had I not read the previous book, this book could have clearly stood alone.

I was immediately drawn in and read constantly.  One of those books you can't put down.  I read it clear through till done.  I had to find out what happened.  It was a really engaging story and the people you meet are definitely ones that were interesting and had their own unique personalities.

The story showed imperfections and trials in the lives of these Amish people, not always perfect, but trying and sometimes needing to repent of mistakes they made.  It was realistic and I liked that about the book very much.

I received an ebook copy of this book for my honest review.

The Storm Descends by Gerald Lund

607 captivating pages.  Yes, it's a big book and so good.  I have already read V. 1 and thoroughly enjoyed that as well.  Having had parents that survived German World War II and being from East Germany, I can relate to a lot of what was written as my father was really into political goings on and somewhat a rebel fighting against the Communist party and such.

This book will hold your attention and was obviously researched in great depth to be able to recreate the events in this fictional yet factual novel.

It is woven with suffering, joy, romance and disappointment and happiness.  All kinds of emotions happening throughout this book.

I highly recommend it.

Tea Shop Folly (A Teacup Courtship Novella) by Carrie Fancett Pagels

This sweet romance novella by Carrie Fancett Pagels did not disappoint.  The author has a wonderful descriptive way with words that makes you feel you are actually experiencing what you are reading in her stories.

This is a part of what appears to me as a 4 part series, with the other parts written by other authors.  I love historical romance and enjoyed the time period set in 1895 in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Lilly inherits a house full of beautiful teacups and Theo is the customer that seems to become enamored with Lilly or is it the teacups that interest him?

It was a sweet romance and I enjoyed the story very much.

I received an ebook copy from the author in exchange for my review.

Sarah's Surrender by Vickie McDonough

I was so excited to read book 3 in this historical series by Vickie McDonough because I had enjoyed book 2 so much!  Sarah was a young girl that left the brothel life with Jo and together they both began new lives.  Sarah wants to now become independant and find her own way.  Luke has asked for her hand in marriage and to this she replied no.

As she leaves to enter into the lottery of many new parcels of land, she is determined that this is what God wants her to do.  She so much wants a home of her own.

I loved this story of an independent thinking young woman.  The book has a lot of action and you won't want to put it down.  As she finds her way in her new life many unexpected twists and turns arise.

I am sure you will enjoy this book.  It is fast-paced and never a dull moment and a clean read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.

Now to go back and read book 1!

You can find this great book at this link.

The Honeybee Sisters! A New Series by Jennifer Beckstrand. Sweet as Honey

I have to say I loved this book, just as I have loved all of Jennifer Beckstrand's Amish books. This book has started me onto another series from which I can honestly say that I don't want to miss a single book!  Jennifer Beckstrand's humorous, yet deeply well thought out books has got me hooked.

Here is a little book blurb:
Smart, kind, and good-hearted, the three Christner girls are affectionately known as The Honeybee Sisters in the beloved Wisconsin Amish community where, under the care of their aunt, they've grown into skilled beekeepers--and lovely, sought-after young women. . .

Though she has blossomed into a beauty, Lily Christner doesn't really believe it. Deep down, she still feels like a lonely, gawky teenager. Maybe that's why she's all but promised herself to Paul Glick, the one boy who never teased her in her awkward girlhood--unlike Dan Kanagy, whose creative name-calling left her in tears many a time. Now he's back in town after two years away--and being surprisingly sweet, suspiciously attentive--and making Lily unsettlingly yet deliciously nervous. It seems Dan wants Lily's forgiveness--and her heart. But can he convince her--not to mention her protective schwesters and aendi--that despite the past, her future lies with him?... 

As I watch the characters grow and learn about life and understanding one another, I have become so fond of them and their sense of humor so carefully crafted by the author.  I know you will love this book as much as I did.  

This book is available for pre-order at this link.  It will be available June 28, 2016 and believe me, you will be hooked on the series from the very start, just as I was!

About the author:   

Jennifer Beckstrand is the award winning Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer was nominated for the RT Book Reviews Reviewer's Choice Award and the 2015 RITA® Award, and Huckleberry Hill won the 2014 LIME Award for Inspirational fiction. Both Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Christmas appeared in Examiner.com list of top ten inspirational books for 2014. Her much-anticipated Amish series, The Honeybee Sisters, will be released Summer of 2016 and promises to create a lot of romantic buzz. 

Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth and the Honeybee sisters' Aunt Bitsy. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a background in editing. She and her husband have been married for thirty-one years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and four adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

Audible book Review: The Missing Heir by Linda Weaver Clarke

I have enjoyed listening to Linda Weaver Clarke's cozy mystery The Missing Heir very much. Linda's Amelia Moore Detective Series have been an enjoyable read for me and I have always been a fan of mysteries.  Again, I enjoyed listening to the narration of Diane Lehman, as she expressively tells the story using interesting voices and with a clear and enjoyable voice.

Having never been to Mexico myself, it was fun to experience Amelia and Rick's journey through a part of this country as they search for the nephew and heir of Dell Murphy, who is missing.  Dell's nephew was expected to continue the work at Dell's orphanage, rather than his brother and sister who would close the orphanage down.  They find many obstacles in their way as they continue their search.  

I really enjoyed book 3 of the series.  Linda's books are very interesting, enjoyable and always a clean read.  I also enjoyed the fact that it was an Audible book that I could easily listen from my Smart phone on my commute to work.  A great way to "read"!

You can find a copy of this version at this link.

About the author:

Linda Weaver Clarke travels 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 sweet romances, a mystery/adventure series, and a children's book. She has also written two non-fiction e-books: Reflections of the Heart and Writing Your Family Legacy. All her books are family friendly.

The English Son by Wanda E. Brunstetter & Jean Brunstetter Pt. 1 of the Amish Millionaire Series

I was surprised to find this book in my mailbox today.  Surprised and very happy!  I really enjoy Wanda and Jean Brunstetter's Amish books and this was no disappointment.

Joel leaves his family to become English and eventually starts a construction company and becomes engaged to Kristi.

But Joel has financial problems of his own doing.  He seems to make himself more and more problems as you goes on.

This book was really interesting.  I read it in one sitting and it ended as a cliffhanger.  Now I know I will need to read part 2.  There is no getting around this one!

This series is going to be a dramatic one, I can tell already.  I am sure you won't want to miss this series which will be coming out over the next 6 months.

You can get your copy at this link.

Thank you Wanda Brunstetter and Barbour books for sending me a copy of this great read!
Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.

A Birthday Wish by Darlene Franklin

Another in the Love is Patient collection, this book is also a sweet historical read.  Haydn is the grandson of an influential and well-to-do man.  As Gladys comes to care for his grandfather during his illness,  Haydn takes on the part of being a person who is not related.

The story is good, And it is a good Christian read.  I think you will enjoy this story as well!