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.

The Case of the Stolen Fireworks by Tracy Fredrychowski (The Mystery Hunters Club)

I was so happy to read this young reader's book!  It took me back "many" years from when my friends and I walked all the way to the library every Saturday to get our Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys mystery books!  I loved mysteries as a young elementary age girl. And even though this was a younger reader book, I really enjoyed the mystery and the steps they took to try to resolve the "who dun it and why?"  I look forward to the second book in the series.  It was a cute story of friends and young detective work.  I think this would make a great gift for any young reader. I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

 

Deadly Bloom (An Amish Book Club Mystery) by Tracy Fredrychowski

I love a good mystery and any Amish books I can get my hands on!  This was filled the bill.  I enjoyed the cozy mystery and the story line was very engaging.  So I had to read till the end.  Its fun to read about the Amish ladies who are determined to resolve the "cause of death".  This is a short story but with no dull moments.  Well worth reading for Amish mystery lovers like me!

A Thorn in Winter's Grasp: Christmas Historical Western Romance

 

This was a really enjoyable book in a time that life was much harder.  It was such a sweet story that I read it in one sitting.  I really enjoyed the story line and how Hope had to play the role of a teacher as well as  her Aunt Millie who has passed.  When Millie passes Hope takes her place as her aunt had requested and travels to be the teacher of Jed's children. She hasn't told him the truth as to who she is but the kids love her.  After some time the truth comes out.  And things don't go as planned.  This is a story about an older couple, which I found very refreshing!  Good story!