Magnolia Storms By Janet W. Ferguson A Coastal Hearts Novel (Audible version)

 Magnolia (Maggie) knows her storms.  A meteorologist by occupation living in the pathway of the past Hurricane Katrina, she finds herself absorbed in the progress of yet another massive storm in the path of those she loves.  She comes across a former love and now she must work through this relationship that she had ended at the time of her father's death.  Her life has had many personal storms as well as "weather" related ones.

Have the feelings of past experiences blocked out love for her?  She lives with the fears of what might happen and how God would allow certain things to happen to good people.  This is a story of second chances, learning to trust in God again and trying to be in control of things to come.  Very good book.

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

Unlikely Sweethearts by Jennifer Spredemann

This was the second book of Jennifer Spredemann's Christmas books.  I read Unlikely Santa, which is best to read first and will help to get to know the characters in the books.  It was a sweet story with love, forgiveness, hope and faith.  Truly a Christian Christmas book and isn't that what Christmas should be about?

Randy had to comply with Holly's father to start to date or "court" her.  They both have some things in their life that they need to deal with and work through.  Randy had wandered a bit in his relationship with God and needed to establish a relationship if he wanted to be with Holly.  I loved the roles that his Amish grandparents played in this book and the personal religious sacrifices they made to follow God in the way they felt was right.

This book is really enjoyable and I love the author's writing style.  There is always a great Christian lesson to learn by reading her books!  Highly recommend this one!

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

First Light in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard (The Maidels of Morning Star Book 2)

This is the second book of the series "The Maidels of Morning Star".  It is about Lydianne who has a past that troubles her as she tries to keep the secret of things that could cause her serious problems in her new community of Morning Star where she finds a job as the teacher in their Amish school.

As two men in the community start to vie for her hand, she feels that she can not marry due to the things in her past that trouble her and the consequences she expects it would cause to not only herself but others.

I really enjoyed this book and even the cover is absolutely beautiful.  I liked the characters in the story and even Glenn! I recommend this book to readers who love Amish fiction!  Great book and I can't wait to see what happens next in Morning Star!

I received a complimentary copy from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

The author, Charlotte Hubbard

 

About Charlotte Hubbard

Charlotte Hubbard sold her first historical romance in 1990, and she's been a slave to her overactive imagination ever since. As she writes, her stories invariably take on a life of their own, different from the way she proposed them: unforeseen characters and plot twists come along, and they keep her guessing right along with her readers!

Charlotte has lived in the Midwest most of her life. When she's not writing, she loves touring historic homes, trying new recipes, crocheting, and playing with her Border Collie, Ramona. She's a Presbyterian deacon, sings in her church choir, and plays in the percussion ensemble. She's married to a fine man who--bless him--has never once suggested she get a real job!

Holidays in Willow Valley by Linda Weaver Clarke (Audible Version)

I have enjoyed all of Linda Weaver Clarke's books.  You can be assured that they are all clean and sweet.  This book contains six short stories of various characters and different holidays celebrated in the 1840 time period.  It is interesting to read of people's customs, and their differences from other countries.  These are enjoyable stories to read any time of year, not just in holiday times. 

The talented narrator brings the characters to life in these sweet stories.  Carolyn Kashner is full of enthusiastic voices for the different characters.

The characters are all wonderful  and the book carries sweet Christian values which I love.

These are very entertaining stories and I hope you will take the time to read them!

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

Author Biography

Linda Weaver Clarke has traveled 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 romances, a cozy mystery series, a mystery/suspense series, and a children’s book. All her books are family friendly.

The Rancher Takes a Cook by Misty M. Beller (Audible Version)

 I love this author and having a chance to "hear" one of her historical books was a real treat for me.  This is Book 1 of the Texas Rancher Trilogy.  So I am hoping I can get a chance to read or listen to the remaining 2 books in this series.

The story takes place in Seguin, Texas.  This is very near to where one of my ancestor's came as a Polish immigrant in 1854, probably close to the time period of the book. So I am very familiar with this area and the land. That was a definite plus for me!

Anna's brother takes a job as a cattle hand on the ranch and she is worried about him and so she takes the job of cook so she can keep a little eye on her brother.  I really enjoyed this book.  Most of the books that I have had the pleasure of reading from this author are historical adventure stories, so this was nice to see another side of her writing talents.

I enjoyed listening to this Audible book very much.  I loved also that I could be driving, cooking and doing other things while listening to this story!  I enjoyed the expressions and accents used by the narrator, Tiffany Williams.

Loved the book!

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

Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott

I was so excited to be able to read the next book in this amazing collection.  I previously read A Distance Too Grand and loved it.  And this book lived up to the first in the series and I totally enjoyed this one, too!  I am hoping that there will be more and each will be as wonderful as these have been.

Kate, a widow with the help of  her young son, run a hotel in the beautiful Yellowstone National Park.  A group of men from the Cavalry come to help patrol and protect the park from vandals and poachers.  And what a job it is.  Kate's knowledge of  Yellowstone helps the men to resolve the difficulties occurring at this difficult time.  

The research to this book is very evident as the author describes the terrain, the geysers and all the beautiful landscapes and wildlife that are in this wondrous park.

I love the descriptive writing, and the story with a forgiveness theme, both of others and of oneself. I loved the blossoming romance between the couple. And the reminders to listen to God and trust Him in all things of your life.

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

 

Unlikely Santa An Amish Christmas Story by Jennifer Spredemann

 I was so lucky to have won this book in a giveaway!  I enjoyed very much reading this sweet Christmas story.  Shannon's parents were killed in an accident, leaving her and her much younger siblings to find their way.  Things are difficult both financially and otherwise.  Her son meets an Amish man while shopping and their lives begin to change.  At work, Shannon meets a handsome young man and another God-planned change begins as well.  

The story is very nice to read and makes a great addition to Christmas reading.  Although the Gospel doctrines taught in the story are somewhat different than my own Gospel teachings, I see the values that are shared and loved how the story developed.   There were some unexpected twists and turns to add interest to the story.  

It was a easy to read book and gets you in the holiday Spirit!

I received this book in a giveaway and was not required to post a review.

The Blended Quilt by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter

 Sadie and Wyman's relationship is a bumpy one.  He can't commit to a job and Sadie is frustrated.  She starts a personal project of a quilt combining the reminders of her past trip to Hawaii and her Amish heritage.  There are some rough patches in their relationship as Sadie inherits a large amount of money, writes a book that takes her away from home as she promotes it and yet throughout, the relationship hangs by a thread.

It is a clean read and interesting, as the relationship continues to struggle. The story shows how patience and faith are sometimes important in life and that life does not always run smoothly but even the best relationships have issues to deal with and overcome.

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

Softly Blows the Bugle by Jan Drexler

Every now and then I read a book that just takes my breath away.  This book was one of those.  Oh my, this was a late night reading book because I absolutely could not put it down.  And as much as I wanted to find what happens, at the same time I never wanted it to end!  It was THAT GOOD!   

I am not going to "re-write" the book in this review, because you can read the book blurb.  I am going to say it was excellent. This author has moved right up the ranks of my favorite writers!  It was a historical suspense and romance with twists and turns that just surprised me.  There was not a dull moment in this exciting historical Amish fiction.

The characters were captivating, including the bad guy!  The writing was believable and held my interest throughout.  I could easily picture myself in the settings of the book and the time period.  The excellent writing would make a great movie!  

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

Thankfully in Love by Anna J. Stewart, Kayla Perrin, Melinda Curtis and Cari Lynn Webb

This is an anthology of four different romances surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday.  Each story was unique and does not connect to the others.  They are written by four different authors. 

It's about women that have had a bad relationship and how they find love again.  The stories were each interesting and enjoyable.  But as a little warning the first two stories were a bit more "spicy".  The last two were sweet romances, which is the type of romance that I enjoy. There is even some suspense.

These stories were nice Thanksgiving stories of new love.  I recommend this to get you in the holiday mood!

I received a complimentary book from an author.  No review was required.  All thoughts are my own.

Montana Match by Carol Ross

I loved this addition to The Blackwell Sisters by Carol Ross.  It was such a fun read and I enjoyed it so much, I absolutely couldn't put it down.  I loved Fiona and Simon's story.  It was fun and sweet and you couldn't help thinking Simon was an amazing person!  

Fiona wants to find her perfect match and uses a dating web site hoping she will find someone that fits as her ideal husband.  Simon is a bartender and is not in a marriage frame of mind.   He helps her meet guys and tried to keep her away from some, as well.  There are some funny moments and you could actually visualize them happening.

It was a very engaging story line and the characters were perfect.  It is a book you wouldn't want to miss. Excellent!

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts are my own.

Amish Assassin by Ashley Emma

This was book 5 this series and is a standalone novel.  The novel was a cozy suspense about former Amish Anna, who is now a nurse in the town of Unity.  She meets agent Conner, in the Covert Police Detectives Unit in a most unexpected way.  Things move quickly as she finds herself in a desperate situation.

The book was full of action as they team together to find missing Amish girls who it is suspected are kidnapped for a sex trafficking purpose.  It was a good book but my concern while reading it was that they would have unexperienced women helping them to find and trap the guilty parties.  

It was an interesting book and engaging read.

I received a complimentary copy from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

The Amish Women of Lawrence County by Tracy Fredrychowski

 This was the first book by this author that I have had an opportunity to read.  I really love the vibrant colored cover.  So that was a good start!  This collection of stories tells of various women.  And I am wondering if they will each one day have their own book and story.  This author is a very interesting writer and I hope to read more of her books as I am able.

Each story was a great introduction into the lives of these ladies.  I loved the inter-connection between the ladies.  I think you will enjoy it!

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

An Amish Christmas Wedding by Amy Clipston, Kelly Irwin, Kathleen Fuller, Vannetta Chapman

Four wonderful Amish wedding stories by four talented authors.  Each was a heartwarming Christmas themed story.  They were delightful reads and each told interesting, attention holding tales.  They were  very enjoyable and light reads that brought out delightful characters and Christian reading themes.

You will definitely enjoy these stories of love, forgiveness and Christmas weddings!

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

Dogwood Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels

The author has quite a way with words and the descriptions of the scenes you are reading about.  Makes you feel as though you were there experiencing everything personally.  This story of this southern plantation was an excellent read.  Cornelia was a fun and lively character who deals with many trials and sadness as the story develops.

The story has suspense and lots of trials and has many twists and turns. It is an excellently written historical fiction. There are sensitive parts to this book but carefully developed.  There are Christian themes in this book.  I enjoyed it very much.

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

Pearl In The Sand By Tessa Afshar 10th Anniversary Edition

 

Can a Canaanite harlot who made her living enticing men be a fitting wife for a leader of Israel? Shockingly, the Bible’s answer is yes.

This 10th anniversary edition of Pearl in the Sand includes new features that will invite you into the untold story of Rahab’s journey from lowly outcast to redeemed child of God. Rahab’s home is built into a wall, a wall that fortifies and protects the City of Jericho. However, other walls surround her too, walls of fear, rejection, and unworthiness… Years of pain and betrayal have wounded Rahab’s heart—she doubts whether her dreams of experiencing true love will ever come true…

A woman with a wrecked past—a man of success, of faith... of pride. A marriage only God would conceive! Through the heartaches of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmone learn the true source of one another’s worth and find healing in God.

My Review:

Ancient history comes to life in this moving story by Tessa Afshar.  It was so captivating how this book brought Biblical people into an understandable position, showing they had strengths and shortcomings.  Although I have read the Bible on numerous occasions, it is sometimes hard to think of these people as we see ourselves and that they have the same feelings we have because they lived so long ago. And that they fought wars, and felt the pain of their family members as they left to battle and felt the heartbreak of sin.

As Rahab struggles with her past, we see and feel the feelings that both she and Salmone have as he tries to accept her and finds himself falling in love with someone with a past that is not acceptable to him or his people. How will he overcome these feelings?

We read of  others who do not accept her and find her unworthy and that she also sees herself as unworthy.  She learns an important and life changing lesson of the pearl in the sand. We can also learn personal life lessons in this book which teaches us that self forgiveness is a most important part of our healing process.

I really enjoyed this well-written Biblical period book.  It's a book that has no dull moments and is totally engaging. Written about the Battle of Jericho, we find a true heroine.

Sunnie Reviews received a book to facilitate this review. The views and opinions expressed here are 100% honest and my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, part 255 Guidelines, concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in advertising.

Author Bio - Tessa Afshar is an award-winning author of biblical and historical fiction. Her books have won the Christy and INSPY Awards and been voted by the Library Journal as one of top five Christian fiction titles of the year. Her first Bible study and companion video teaching, The Way Home, based on the book of Ruth, was released from Moody Publishers in June 2020. Born in the Middle East, Tessa moved to England in her teens where she attended boarding school for girls before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds a Master of Divinity from Yale University, where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship for one year. She worked in women and prayer ministries for twenty years before becoming a full-time writer and speaker.

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