12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep

I have enjoyed other books that I have read from Michelle Griep, So was happy to have a chance to read this book.

This retake on Charles Dickens was an interesting and engaging book.  With an invitation to a 12 Day stay at Bleakly Manor, 500 English pounds to the person that stays 12 days.  Would you do this?  Probably if the money was of need and importance to you.

The story of Clara and Ben was enjoyable and throughout the book there are events that add to the mystery and the intrigue.  I love old house stories and so that created a fun book for me.  I am sure I will be reading more from this author.

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

Kappy King and the Puppy Kaper by Amy Lillard

This is the start of a new mystery series by Amy Lillard.  Amy Lillard is one of my favorite Amish authors.  And I was excited to be able to read this very fun book.

I have enjoyed mysteries since I was young and so adding that to an Amish setting, another of my favorite genres, made this a very fun read.

A single, somewhat unusual character, Kappy, the Kapp maker for the local Amish women, discovers her neighbor dead with her mentally challenged son the only one nearby.  Jimmy, the son of the deceased finds himself taken to jail for his mother's murder.  His sister Edie, no longer Amish, finds herself returning home to care for her brother and the matters she will soon be facing.

As trouble looms, Edie and Kappy become close friends trying to find what really happened to Edie's mother. 
The story is engaging, entertaining and fun.  I think it would also be a fun read for the young adult and teen reader.  I am sure you will enjoy it too!

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

The Highwayman of Cordovia Audible Version by Linda Weaver Clarke

Linda Weaver Clarke is a talented writer of historical fiction. I enjoyed this in "regular" book format, but loved it in the Audible version.  With the talents of narrator Carolyn Kashner, the characters come to life.  It is so fun and enjoyable to listen as she tells the story.  This is a great relaxing way to read.

The Highwayman of Cordovia is the second book of the new Rebels of Cordovia series by Linda Weaver Clarke.  I love reading a series and seeing characters from a previous book in the series reappear.  It's wonderful to see how things turned out for them. 

This book is the story of Christine, a pastor's daughter and Austin.  Austin and Christine had been friends as youth and separated through the years.   As their paths cross again after many years, things spark up between them.  Yet their lives do not appear to be headed in the same direction.
Christine begins to fall in love with Austin but is not aware of his true self and would not approve of the life he is leading.  The twists and turns will keep you turning the pages.  These books express good moral values and are very enjoyable.
The book is a clean Christian read and historical in nature, which I enjoy.  It was a good book and I look forward to the 3rd book in the series.
I received an Audible version from the author for my honest review which I have given.

The Pharaoh's Daughter by Mesu Andrews

This was the first book I have read written by Mesu Andrews.  I do enjoy Biblical fiction and this book was really good!

It is the story of Anippe whose roles change throughout her life as she sheds her royal robes for slave attire.  As this woman who drew Moses from the Nile, takes him as her own son, she takes on the role of mother, a role she had not wanted due to her personal fears of bearing a child.

This book must have required countless hours of research as fiction is interwoven with fact to bring about this dramatic tale of the life of Moses, Hebrew slaves and Egyptian Royals.

I enjoyed it very much.  This is a great read.

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

A Plain and Sweet Christmas Romance Collection by Various Authors

I love this set of Christmas stories.  I loved each one and the fact that they were of such interesting and diverse groups.  I have enjoyed many of these authors in the past and this compilation of shorter writers was excellent.  I am so happy to have the chance to read this exceptional book!

I received an e-book version of this book for review.  All thoughts are my own.

The Engagement Plot by Krista Phillips

This was a new author for me.  In this story, a reality game show features a handsome, influential, well-to-do bachelor with a choice of many young women.  He chose Hanna and the story proceeds by Will's bad choices in letting the public think that there was more to their relationship then what really occurred.  Hanna feels her reputation has been ruined and the engagement ends. 

The Minnesota school teacher, Hanna, unknowingly rescues Will from a blizzard car accident and the story continues. 

The story is fun, interesting and engaging.  It was a fun read. 

I would enjoy reading more of her writings.

I received a free e-book copy of this book for my review.  All thoughts are my own.

The Quilting Circle by Amy Lillard

Back to Wells Landing with Amy Lillard for a fun three part book.  Three individual stories which all blend together for one great whole.

The three featured women in the stories all had their own story of hope and faith which they share with their quilting group.  These ladies support one another and give one another strength.  I think we all need support from one another as life gives us difficult times to go through.

I loved reading the stories and they were just the right length to carefully develop each character so that the reader could understand their feelings and their desires for their lives.

An excellent read. Highly recommended!

Book Blurb:

MORE THAN FRIENDSHIP
Youngest quilter Clara Rose Yutzy is planning her wedding to her longtime beau—which is why she resolutely ignores newly warm feelings for her best friend, Obidiah. But Obie is certain God intends them to be together. With the Lord’s help, he’ll prove to Clara Rose how much he loves her . . .

MORE THAN A PROMISE
Mariana Miller prayed for a child throughout fifteen years of marriage. But now, newly widowed, Mariana discovers she’s pregnant—with twins! She’s more grateful than ever for her caring community—especially Reuben Weisel, her late husband’s business partner and best friend. Reuben’s quiet strength comforts her—until he proposes marriage . . .

MORE THAN A MARRIAGE
Tess Smiley is new to Wells Landing and newly married. But her marriage isn’t the harmonious union she envisioned. Tess loves Jacob with all her heart, but her heart tells her she must take a stand—and ask for support. Only then does Jacob see how he has hurt her. But is he too late? . . .

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

Colors of Christmas

This book contains two stories, each revolving around a Christmas theme.  I definitely enjoyed the first one more, maybe because it wrote about Astrid, an elderly woman survivor of Germany in WWII, such as my mother.  The memories alone of the War and how the people of Germany struggled to survive brought back many of the stories my mother has shared with me over the years.

I was a bit confused about the ending as it went right into the second story and I wasn't even aware that I had finished the first story.

I do like the thoughts of the author, of certain things that bring back feelings and emotions in our lives of Christmases past and those in our lives that aren't with us any longer.  I definitely get those feelings today and really related to this.

I enjoyed the book.

I received an e-copy of this book from NetGalley for my review.  All thoughts are my own.

Love Held Captive by Shelley Shepard Gray

I have read several of Shelley Shepard Gray's books, usually Amish.  This one was about the post Civil War period when officers in the Confederacy meet women who have had difficult lives during the War and did what they had to, to survive.

There are some adult themes in the book.  The book goes back in time to days in the prison camp spent together by the officers and then returns to the current time of the book.

It appears that I have read a book that has previous books in the series.  It took me a little while to understand some things as a result, but it was still alright that I had missed some of the earlier books.

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

The Captive Brides Collection by various authors

I have read quite a few of these wonderful collections by Barbour Publishing company.  I really enjoyed this one so much.

This collection was about women in various situations where the had lost their rights and freedoms, such as from slavery.  These stories were all different, unique and Christian in theme.  They were truly inspiring.

The interest was created by the fact that there were different periods of history and different locations.  All were captivating.

Highly recommend this book.  It was a page turner!

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

You can get your copy here!