Sunday, August 9, 2020

Amish Christmas Miracles Collection - An Unexpected Christmas Gift By Jennifer Spredemann


 I have read an early copy of Jennifer Spredemann's story 'An Unexpected Christmas Gift', one of the stories included in the Amish Christmas Miracles Collection' releasing November 10, 2020. This book is a compilation/anthology of 14 different stories by 14 authors.  Some are new to me and some are old faves! I am now anxious to read the rest of the stories! 

This was such a sweet story of an older Amish woman who thought perhaps she was beyond the normal marriageable age.  Through a mysterious gift she finds that God's mercy and His hand have a most incredible way of guiding her in the direction her life should take.  Without giving away the story, I will say that this book was a sweet reminder of God's attention to our personal lives and that His hand is in all things.  

I really enjoyed the message that was shared in this book and the story was fresh and new.   I really loved the story. 

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

Jennifer Spredemann

Saturday, August 8, 2020

An Amish Husband For Tillie by Amy Lillard Amish of Pontotoc Book 4

This is book 4 of The Amish of Pontotoc Series.  Amy is such a great author and touches on real-life problems, which also touch the lives of  the Amish people.  Tillie finds herself going home to her Amish town and family.  She has much to think about as she realizes what her future may hold for her as she heads home.  Pregnant and single, she returns to her family.  But how will she be accepted by  family, friends and Amish community?  Uncertain as to how the father of her child with respond, she realizes that she does want to be Amish, but in her condition, things may not go well.

Levi, a young Amish man, who recently became widowed is so unhappy and full of grief and finding a pregnant woman during a sudden storm is not something he expects or wants to become involved with.

The story is very touching, and full of tender moments.  As Christmas quickly approaches, the bishop of her community tells her she must make life determining decisions very soon thereafter.  What will the future bring?

Such a good book..   It's very enjoyable to read and a feel good book you will love!

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

Monday, August 3, 2020

A Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson Georgia Coast Romance Series

This author was totally new to me and although this is not the first of the series, I really enjoyed it. 

Best friends, Penelope and Tucker scheme to help each other in their various situations, by starting up a fake romance which turns into more as they work together in helping his political campaign and her self esteem as her ex-fiance and his new fiance appear at her business in order to have her plan their wedding.

There are interesting subplots as they hunt for Civil War Treasure to clear up Tucker's family's past and they study diaries of Tucker's ancestor in an effort to find this treasure.  That brought out the genealogy interest in me, yet again.  Love books like that!  So the story line takes you back to the 1860's in a split time presentation, making the storyline very captivating as their adventures continue and I think that held my attention throughout!

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


Thursday, July 30, 2020

The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin Sunrise at Normandy Series

I have to admit, I read book 2 first.  Regardless, I really enjoyed this book.  I loved the Christian undertones and that is definitely something I like in my reading material.  The characters, although with human flaws, find a way to work through their personal issues and pasts.  It's a very good book and I will be reading more from this author.  She's a great writer!

I enjoyed the historical time period, bringing you back in time to a difficult time when there were many struggles to survive.  I felt as though I was being transported to a time my mother and father experienced.  I will be watching for more books from this author!  I am really enjoying her writing!

Monday, July 27, 2020

Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this latest book by Charlotte Hubbard.  It was new and refreshing and brought out some real things to think about as we view the Amish religion, the Ordnung and shunning.

Regina and her friends come up with a great idea as to how to rejuvenate an old barn and bring new business life to their home town of Morning Star.  Regina, who works at a furniture store where she does the finishing work, has a secret that she keeps to herself.  And hopes that she can share her beautiful artwork at the shops, without letting on that she was indeed the artist.

As the plans to open The Marketplace come to fruition, and her artwork is a hit with all the people that come there to shop, Regina finds herself trapped in a little web of lies as she covers up the fact that she was the artist.

She finds that she and Gabe, the son of the furniture store owner, have something in common.  Each with a secret that holds them both in it's grip.

This is a beautiful story of love, family, forgiveness and with many touching moments.  I found this book to be an excellent example of human frailty and imperfections.  Yet despite this, life continues and we learn from errors and through  repentance.

This is an excellent book. I couldn't put it down.  You will absolutely love it.

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

Sunday, July 26, 2020

A Pleasant Rivalry by Linda Weaver Clarke (Audible Version)

This was book 3 in the Series called A Willow Valley Historical Romance.  I loved this Audible book!  It was a great historical read and full of surprises.  I totally didn't expect what happened to happen.  So that being said, the time period was an interesting one and I love how the author intertwines historical events and her faith into the story.  It was a new and refreshing tale.

Two different writers for competitive newspapers work on getting the best stories.  They are old friends who were separated in time by 13 years and meet again in their positions as news reporters.

The narrator, Carolyn Kashner, has interesting and enjoyable vocal ability.  It is pleasant to listen to and to hear the different expressions as she told the story.

I am sure you will enjoy this Audible book!  I highly recommend it!

I received an Audible copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Thursday, July 23, 2020

The Mockingbird's Song by Wanda E. Brunstetter Amish Greenhouse Series Book 2

Just finished book 2 in the Amish Greenhouse series.  I had read book 1 and I feel that in order to get the whole picture of what is happening in the story, that the books should be read in proper sequence.  Although the author does a nice job of bringing you up to speed as to what has previously occurred in the story.  Which was good even for when you have already read book 1.  It helps to refresh your mind regarding the characters. 

Virginia is an interesting, snoopy and somewhat grumpy neighbor who hasn't taken the time to appreciate her neighbors.   She definitely needs to get a life, so to speak. 

The others such as Sylvia are dealing with hard life experiences and are working towards healing their minds and souls.  You can see the family interactions, both positive and negative ones, yet they are a loving family always hoping for the good of others, even though sometimes a little on the overprotective side.

I really enjoyed book 2 and it is clear that there will be a book 3, and I don't want to miss it, because clearly we haven't resolved the mystery of the greenhouse vandals.  There is definitely more to come.

Amish romance readers will definitely enjoy this sweet romance and mystery combo and I know I certainly did.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review