Andrew by Jennifer Beckstrand

If you love a light, happy read, with fun characters, you will really enjoy this great match-matching book by Jennifer Beckstrand.  This author seems to have lots of fun reads that are really enjoyable.

I love the story line of Mary Coblenz a teenager who jumped the fence and comes home pregnant and no longer accepted by her parents.  She goes to Aunt Bitsy for help.  Aunt Bitsy is a somewhat unorthodox Amish person and that makes her character even more fun.  It's a very entertaining read and teaches some great lessons on forgiving, not being judgmental and what family is all about.   I love Andrew's little brothers as they plot to find a match for him. 

Very worth reading and leaves you feeling good! 

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

Mercy in a Red Cloak by Carrie Fancett Pagels

This is a sweet novella length book with action, faith and history all rolled in.  The story takes place in Michigan at the time of the ending of the French and Indian War in the 1700's.  It has some mystery as we contemplate where Mercy's father and good friend and scout, Shad, suddenly disappear and Mercy sets out to find them.  She's a very brave women during some very trying and difficult times.

It was a fun and even educational read.  I really enjoyed it!

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

Love's Truest Hope Three Inspirational Novellas by Laura V. Hilton, Rachel J. Good and Mary Alford

Three Amish stories all different and interesting in their own ways.  I enjoyed each one of them!

Mission of Love Laura V. Hilton

This was an excellent story about an Amish man providing service to the community and his caring for others and how he helps those in need.  I really enjoyed this interesting storyline.

Bid for Love by Rachel J. Good

Their service was sold to the highest bidder and it was VERY HIGH!  The young Amish threesome that volunteered their services as yard workers are now wondering just what is expected of them and why?  This is a bit of a mystery as well as romance.  You will love knowing what the reason for this is.  Such a great story and a wonderful read.

Plain Redemption by Mary Alford

This is an author whose name I have often seen in connection to Amish fiction yet my first chance to read some of her writing.  I was happy to read this enjoyable book and will be looking for more from this author.

I was given an ebook copy of this book.  All thoughts are my own.

Angel's Serenade Guest Post With Linda Weaver Clarke

Let's Welcome Utah Author, Linda Weaver Clarke to my blog!

Thanks for joining my blog today Linda!

A Willow Valley Historical Romance

 

Angel’s Serenade is a Historical Romance with a mystery to solve. This story is set in 1836 in the United States. You will learn about the infamous River Pirates, the remedies for illnesses of that time period, the effects that music has on a person, and you will fall in love all over again.

Emmeline Scott is raising her sister’s two children and is surprised when she finds out the new doctor in town is helping her nephew adapt to his surroundings. As Emmeline gets to know the charming doctor, they become intrigued by her neighbor’s mysterious behavior. Will they discover his secret? And who is the leader of the River Pirates, who is causing so much havoc?

“This book, combining children, doctors and music with a little bit of a mysterious pirate gang, is a lovely way to relax and enjoy positivity! Ms. Clarke has a gift for writing homey dialogue, and a deep understanding of children’s needs and feelings – all combined into a developing love story in the not-so-long-ago past. All of this results in an enjoyable read.” –Author Sherrill Cannon

When Emmeline is given the responsibility of raising her sister’s children, she finds out that it is not as easy as she thought. The children have a difficult time adapting to their new surroundings. Would giving them an education and all her love be enough? After her nephew meets the good doctor, Emmeline wonders why Sam is so drawn to him? When Doctor Lucas Golden finds out that he’s being picked on at school, he wants to help young Sam but his advice is unusual and Emmeline is not happy about his interference.

“Clarke has created a sweet romance that will warm the heart, and it’s wrapped up in fascinating yesteryear details of courting, medical practice and river pirates. I highly recommend the book to those who enjoy sweet romance with a bit of mystery.” –Author Gail Pallotta

Emmeline Scott is an accomplished pianist and teaches piano to young students. Every day at five o’clock, after her last student is gone, she sits down at the piano and plays her favorite pieces. Unbeknown to Emmeline, the new doctor across the street sits outside on his porch and listens to her play. Lucas closes his practice at 5:00 and looks forward to being serenaded. It relaxes him after a long day at work. They haven’t been introduced, but he has dubbed her “Angel Lady” because of her music.

How about the mystery surrounding this story? Emmeline is worried about her neighbor. Why is Mr. Miller acting suspicious and meeting with disagreeable men in private? Is her neighbor harboring a secret, which may prevent him from winning the election? Is it possible that Emmeline can help or is it best to not get involved?

The first book in the Willow Valley Historical Romances is One Last Dance. In this story, Felicity Brooks is an artist but her career is cut short when her father passes away. When Felicity meets their new neighbor, a fine-looking bachelor, she soon discovers that he is hiding his true identity. Nicholas Adams is on a quest. But that is not all. When she finds out that someone is after a valuable heirloom…a precious treasure that her father had discovered in his attic, her life takes a new turn.

“One Last Dance is a historical romance with a mystery to add to the tale. Felicity has always been a strong and independent woman. Amongst mystery, loss, paintings, and a career, she is going to have to decide if love has a place in her heart.” --Author Anna Del C Dye

Linda’s Website: www.lindaweaverclarke.com

Angel’s Serenade is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Angels-Serenade-Willow-Historical-Romance-ebook/dp/B07RV79LDN

One Last Dance is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dance-Willow-Valley-Historical-Romance-ebook/dp/B07GVNWSP9

Here is a Video link for One Last Dance:

https://vimeo.com/310912310

A Place to Belong by Cynthia Kadohata

Book Blurb:

A Japanese-American family, reeling from their ill treatment in the Japanese internment camps, gives up their American citizenship to move back to Hiroshima, unaware of the devastation wreaked by the atomic bomb in this piercing look at the aftermath of World War II by Newbery Medalist Cynthia Kadohata.

World War II has ended, but while America has won the war, twelve-year-old Hanako feels lost. To her, the world, and her world, seems irrevocably broken.

America, the only home she’s ever known, imprisoned then rejected her and her family—and thousands of other innocent Americans—because of their Japanese heritage, because Japan had bombed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Japan, the country they’ve been forced to move to, the country they hope will be the family’s saving grace, where they were supposed to start new and better lives, is in shambles because America dropped bombs of their own—one on Hiroshima unlike any other in history. And Hanako’s grandparents live in a small village just outside the ravaged city.

The country is starving, the black markets run rampant, and countless orphans beg for food on the streets, but how can Hanako help them when there is not even enough food for her own brother?

Hanako feels she could crack under the pressure, but just because something is broken doesn’t mean it can’t be fixed. Cracks can make room for gold, her grandfather explains when he tells her about the tradition of kintsukuroi—fixing broken objects with gold lacquer, making them stronger and more beautiful than ever. As she struggles to adjust to find her place in a new world, Hanako will find that the gold can come in many forms, and family may be hers.

My Review

I put in the book blurb this time, although I don't always.  But I felt it clearly described the book, much better than I could.  This was a book that I picked up from the local library, for my mom who is not able to go far from home.  She told me to read this one because it was soooo good.  And she was right.  My connection to the Japanese people is very close and my husband's own relatives were in the internment camps.

As I read this sweet book, I came to understand the feelings of these people in this very unfortunate situation much better.  The book revealed things that I had supposed happened, because my mother fled the eastern areas of Germany during WWII and was also in a camp in the Czech Republic.  This book brought this much closer to my thoughts and understanding.  I highly recommend this book.  It was very, very good.  You come to love the family of Hanako and their love for one another. 

A must read!

An Amish Honor By J.E.B. Spredemann

I love how the author has blended Biblical historical stories with fictional Amish characters.  The names are often the same and the stories are somewhat similar with a fun Amish twist.  This was the story of Joseph, a young Amish man that had not so caring half brothers.  It really held my attention and I couldn't put it down, even though I knew the Biblical version, I totally wanted to see where the Amish story was headed and how the comparisons would happen. 

This is a story of love and familial kindness similar to the real story.  I loved it.  And I love how this author has such a touching way of writing.  I highly recommend this book as well as the whole series.  Makes for really great reading!

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

Cross My Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher Legacy of Faith Series

This series so far has two wonderful books.  I was also lucky enough to read the first book in the series and they are both so good.  This one was a contemporary book with sections of it that would go back to the years of WWII.  This brought the generations together to see where they were and where they now are. 

The book dealt with problems that are often seen in present days regarding addictions, recovery and all that goes with that.

It is interesting to read about the rescue horses and how the horses were helped and in turn helped their riders who also needed them as well.  It was a beautiful story with love, understanding, spiritual growth and a great Gospel message.  It was a good, realistic story that you won't soon forget.

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

Magnolia's Choice by Anna del C. Dye

Sweet and fun fantasy of Princess Magnolia.  It has intrigue and interesting characters to follow.  You will enjoy the sweet romance and totally become involved in the story line.  It's hard to put down till you see what happens.  It's a great book to hold your interest.  You will enjoy this story and I recommend it!  A great summer read!

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

The Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma

I was grabbed from the first pages as this story took right off.  The fact that such an "adoption" business actually could exist  was a horrid thing.  To kidnap a child from it's parents who want and love them, and then to sell them to the highest bidder is atrocious.  That something of this sort can happen is so unbelievable.

This story is a must read.  I didn't realize  that it was a part of a series called True Colors.  But this book definitely motivates me to read the rest of them.  It is clean, yet extremely dramatic as it tells the sad story of so many children that became involved in this Memphis reality.

I found myself hurrying to read just to know what happens to Millie.  What a book!  You won't want to miss this one.

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

Mayan Intrigue by Linda Weaver Clarke (Audible book)

I have enjoyed all of Linda Weaver Clarke's books, including her Audible versions of her books.  I have also been very "intrigued" with early civilizations, such as the Mayans.

I loved how this romance mystery had  lots of real moments between John and Julia, not always total bliss but a little strife, if you will.

The story is great and you don't know who are the good or the bad guys.  Who do you trust?  And who will protect them as the smugglers are closing in on them?

It's a good mystery and I love the smuggling story line.  I also liked how Julia and John shared moments of faith and some moments when that faith perhaps wavered just a bit.  Real human feelings.

I think you will love it. Carolyn Kashner was a great voice for the story and I loved her interpretations and also her "accent" which was fun to listen to.

I received an Audible version from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Claws for Concern by Miranda James

I am a retired specialized librarian and so thought I would give this book a try.  I like libraries, obviously and I like a good mystery. 

This was a fun read that I picked up for my mother at the local library.  She liked it and so I read it too.  It was a fun read and apparently book 9 in the A Cat in the Stacks Mystery series. 

I liked it.  The beginning might have been a little slow for me but then it became interesting.  And I enjoyed the mystery and the resolve to the case.  It was good reading as a stand alone, although as I mentioned it was a book in a large mystery series.

Because there was no picture of the author, I researched it on the net and here is the info on the author:  http://www.catinthestacks.com/bio.html .  I'm the type that needs to know whose writing I am reading.  And this was a new author for me.

The Brides of The Big Valley by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter & Richelle Brunstetter

This sweet set of three Amish stories is really one I am glad I was able to read.  The book has three intertwined stories of the different Amish groups in the Big Valley in Pennsylvania.  This book dealt with the trials of those who have  physical struggles to overcome.  The book has different personalities and I really enjoyed reading it.  And how can they come together if they are from different Amish groups? 

I was very happy to read this book and it was a most enjoyable read. 

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