Emma's Amish Faith Tested: An Amish Fiction Christian Novel by Tracy Fredrychowski

Emma is anxiously awaiting the birth of her child when tragedy strikes and claims all her happiness.  She tries to cope but needs to find her way to recovery, but she can't find the peace she needs despite all the attempts to help her from family and friends.  The firm ways of the Ordnung of her people is not helping in her situation.  She searches for the way to peace through Jesus' teachings bringing the hope she needs to overcome her trials.

I love how this book teaches us to rely on Jesus and the teachings of the Bible.  And to have faith in God's love for us.  It's a very engaging book of a strong Amish woman who needs to understand and follow God's plan for her and her family and find the resolve for her emotional journey.

I highly recommend this wonderful book!  

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required or asked to leave a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Honor in the Mountain Refuge by Misty M. Beller (Call of the Rockies Series)

Another winner by Misty Beller!  This was an amazing and heartwarming story.  You see some characters from the last book of the series and there is a wonderful continuation.  The story tells of Telipe, who we met in the last book as having been taken captive by the Blackfoot warriors.  However, we find out a little more that started to transpire from that event.  A beautiful story develops and as with each of the author's books, there is action and adventure, and some trials and struggles along the way. And of course, some romance! And I absolutely love the characters, Chogan and Telipe being the characters that the story revolves around.

So this book was wonderful and I always look forward to each and every book this author writes.  There is so much history to learn from and amazing stories.  You won't want to miss this excellent series.  It is very good reading!

I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review.  All thoughts are my own

The Pretender by Jennifer Spredemann

This was book 9 of the Amish Country Brides series by Jennifer Spredemann.  It was an engaging and fun read.  Poor Amy Troyer, whose fiance left to join the Englisch, with or without her.  After he returns to their Amish district after a 2 year departure, Amy discovers that he is engaged.  She talks to Nathaniel about having a pretend courtship with her in the hopes that it will make former fiance, Toby jealous.  Perhaps even to get them back together.

What happens between them is heartwarming and then Toby returns and decides he wants to have her back.  Now Amy has to decide what is best for her future.  The book has an interesting twist that will catch you by surprise!  

This book was a great addition to the series and as with each of the earlier books, a great read that you will totally enjoy!  The author is very talented and brings good Christian values to each of her books.  And of course, Sammy was there to add some helpful advice to those who need it.

I received a copy of this book from the author with no requirement to give a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

Christmas in Mistletoe Square: Christmas Romance Novella Collection by Cara Putman, Teresa Tysinger, Pepper Basham and Janine Rosche

This book contains four stories written by four amazing authors that wrote enjoyable and cohesive stories revolving around a town called Kedgewick Creek in North Carolina.  This book is a contemporary romance for four couples.  The stories are unique and very interesting and will put you in a happy holiday mood.

Being a former drama major and fan, there was a story which was about the town theater and the struggles of a couple as they work through a difficult rocky road in their relationship.

The authors are Christian authors and so the stories all reflect this along with themes of forgiveness of things which occurred in their past and hope for things yet to come.  The four stories are each unique from one another, yet blend together so well as the book progresses.  I enjoyed it very much.

I received a copy from the authors with no expectation of a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

One Good Word A Day by Julie Fisk, Kendra Roehl, Kristin Demery

It didn't take me too many pages of reading this to know that I loved this book.  I read each page and felt  the sweet peace it gave.  I read the personal vignettes and pictured myself in their place and loved the examples of truth they shared with me, the reader.

I especially enjoyed the example given of a child with a bad dream, coming to the mother's bed for comfort and peace.  And how this compared to our relying on God as our comforter and going to Him at the time of our needs with our worries and life's day to day concerns.

This book warms the heart and brings peaceful thoughts to your mind as you read it.  I loved each page and the feelings it brought to my heart.  There are scriptures that apply to the stories and and the end of the day's Word or thoughts, there is a prompt for "One Good Step".  These are suggestions as to how you can implement these suggestions and lessons into your life.  

I highly recommend this book to bring you happier days and peace with all that life gives you.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to give a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

The Inventions of God (and Eva) by Dave Connis and illustrated by Amy Domingo

 I love how this book teaches that we are all created in God's image and that we are his sons and daughters.  And although Eva's creations that she loves to invent aren't quite as those of God's, it shows that we can all do things of value and things that bring joy to ourselves and others.  And sometimes as humans we need to try and try again to make things just a little better each time.  And sometimes the things she/we invent are not all that great.  But not to give up! We are still OK!  

I think this book shares and teaches lots of good values.  And not to give up if we are not perfect on the first try.  Just keep trying and that God is there for us!

I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook and Multnomah and was not required to write a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

As Dawn Breaks by Kate Breslin

This is an amazing historical fiction taking place during the Great War in 1918 England.  Rose is a munitions worker facing a marriage to someone that her uncle arranged for his personal benefit, not hers.  As a terrible explosion literally  rocks her world at the munition factory she takes the place of her best friend who perishes in the explosion. This transfer of identities brings Rose unexpected days of fear, secrecy and a chance to leave behind the fiance that she has no desire to marry.  

Her new life also brings great fear of discovery and lots of unexpected danger. She worries that she will get all tangled in the web of lies that she has had to tell.

This book was so intriguing, I couldn't put it down.  Her adventures were quite thrilling as you watch to see if the goals she has will come to fruition.  She hopes to rescue her brothers from an uncle who has no concern for them except in how they will profit him.

You really start to love the Baird family and how they care for one another.  I can't say enough about this wonderful book.  You will just want to read this and enjoy it for yourself!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

Freedom's Song by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 This wonderful book launched today!  You can get it here! You will love it.

More Amish Christmas Miracles: 10 Heartwarming Stories to Brighten Your Winter Nights: Unlikely Singing by Jennifer Spredemann

 

I have posted both the cover to Unlikely Singing and the second is the entire collection cover.

You can see that there are 10 talented authors which contribute to this book. The review below is for Unlikely Singing.

I feel very fortunate to have the pleasure to read the story written by Jennifer Spredemann, entitled Unlikely Singing. This was a sweet story of two Amish people who have a chance meeting at a wedding they were both attending.  This young woman stayed on Christopher's mind after the wedding, but he had no idea how he would be able to contact her since she was not from his community.  Judy seems to be the girl of his dreams and he is hopeful that somehow they will be able to get to know one another, only to discover that she was being courted by another.

It's a very enjoyable read and I liked it very much.  The story shows we need to have trust in God and faith that he will show us the way to move forward in our life.  Very nice addition to this collection of stories!  I recommend it!

I received an ebook copy of this story from the author and was not required to give a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

Christmas Town Homecoming: a 10-book Connected Holiday Romance Collection by Multiple Authors

 

I feel so lucky to have had an early opportunity to read this wonderful collection of 10 stories that all link together in a wonderful Christmas Season book, full of joy and merriment.

There is a 10 year high school reunion in Christmas Town.  Lots of romance and fun and a common thread that ties all these wonderful stories together.  Ten talented Harlequin Heartwarming authors join together to create a wonderful reunion.  The stories all come together with a common thread that comes to a beautiful happy ending.  I really enjoyed these stories and it leaves you with a "feel-good" mood throughout.  It's a wonderful Christmas themed book that will make the Holidays truly merry!

I received an ebook copy from an author and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

The Amelia Moore Mysteries Volume 2 by Linda Weaver Clarke (Audible Version)

 

Recently I reviewed Volume 1 of The Amelia Moore Mysteries.   Now I have the good fortune to review Volume 2.

I was really happy to listen to The Amelia Moore Detective Mysteries, because I had really enjoyed the others which I had listened to.  This one did not disappoint.  Narrator Carolyn Kashner was an enjoyable narrator and very expressive.  She does a good job of keeping your interest.

Ms. Clarke's books are always a good and clean read.   It is a fun cozy mystery and I love how it brings in the area in St. George, Utah, which I am so familiar with.  The author always makes you feel as though you are right there enjoying the scenery and the surroundings.

I loved how Rick and Amelia work so well together, have their bucket lists, and seem to always get into a few tight fixes.  I really enjoyed the book, loved the fact that it was Audible and could listen without turning a page!

There are two mysteries in this volume.  In the second story, a porcelain doll turns up missing from a museum case.  The obvious culprit appears to be Sam, an engaged museum employee who suddenly turns up missing at the same time as the doll.

Sam's fiance hires Amelia and her partner Rick to find Sam and to prove his innocence.  Amelia and Rick are followed at every corner and try to dodge the men that always seem to be after them.  Will they be able to find Sam and prove that he was not guilty of the theft and also figure out why so many people seem to be inquiring about the doll?  Is the doll worth enough to be of such great interest to several people?  What is the real secret behind the mysterious doll?

These were fun to listen to and I enjoyed it very much.  I think you will enjoy the other books in this cozy mystery series, as well.  Amelia and Rick seem to be getting closer as the series continue and some romance is definitely in the air.

I was given a complimentary Audible version from the author for my review and was under no obligation to give a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

Lost in Darkness (of Monsters and Men) by Michelle Griep

 This was a most unusual book for me.  It is a real page turning book.  The storyline is very "spooky" for sure. As Amelia Balfour returns to her home after her father's death, she is asked as a last request to care for her brother, Colin, whose face and size are frightening to most all who see him.  Her father had arranged for  a frightening surgery to "normalize" Colin by a Dr. Peckwood, assisted by Mr. Graham Lambert.

It is a dark story about Colin's unusual life and very captivating. The characters are well developed in the story and there are those you love and fear.  I felt sad for Colin and fearful of what would happen to him.  Would the surgery take place?  And what would happen to him?  There is some romance in this book. And you will hope for a good ending.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Rest Girl: A Journey from Exhausted and Stressed to Entirely Blessed by Jami Amerine

 This book is a very religiously based book.  The book gives thoughts on how to help you cope with being stressed and overwhelmed.  I think we have all had these times in our lives and could use some thoughts and suggestions as to how best to overcome these feelings.  She talks of personal experiences using humor, faith and grace to help pull us out of the mire.

She talks of Christ's miracles and asks the question:  Do you believe?  The need for faith is one of the thoughts that really spoke to me from this book.  It is a thought provoking book that could help those whose lives are stressed and need uplifting.

I enjoyed the book and it gave me some things to ponder and consider for my life.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.  All thoughts are my own.

As Dawn Breaks by Kate Breslin release in November~

 

Maggie's Strength: Forts of Refuge Book 2 by Pegg Thomas

 

This was a true page-turner!  It was full of action.  I stayed up late reading.  Just couldn't stop.  This is a book that took place in the days of Indian Wars, hostile times full of fear and working hard for survival.

The story was amazing and I can't say enough good things about it.  There were no slow parts, so no skimming pages. It was so well written I didn't want to miss anything that happened.

Maggie and Baptiste come from different backgrounds and different life experiences.  Together they find ways to help each other and to form a bond.

I loved this book.  It was so good!

I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

A View Most Glorious By Regina Scott

This is the 3rd book in the American Wonders Series.  But not to worry, it is a stand-alone book with new characters than the previous books.  It was a nice ending to the series and I have really enjoyed the series which takes you to interesting and captivating places that many, including myself have not yet been able to enjoy personally. 

Cora has a definite goal and is a strong woman who wants to make an impact on the Women's Suffrage of this time period.  If a woman can climb a mountain, she can surely vote!  As she takes on the climb of Mt. Rainier, there are many challengers that would be difficult for even the most experienced climber, but she doesn't give up.  

The historical fiction book which takes place in 1893, has Christian values and is a sweet and enjoyable read.  There are challenges to overcome, both personal and physical.  It has an adventurous theme, which I really enjoy.  The characters are enjoyable and I especially liked Cora's stepfather as he continues to support her in her endeavors. 

I received a complimentary book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Freedom's Song by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 Ready for preorder!!

A Season on the Wind by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This was a thought provoking book. This book had several themes. A theme of finding an elusive bird, and a theme about going to your past and working out the problems that one had never hoped to deal with again in life.

Ben has a hard time dealing with his Amish past.  Memories slowly come to surface in his life. Penny has waited a long time for Ben to be back in her life.  This book has surprising twists and turns and deeper meaning than what lies simply on the surface.

This was a very well written book.  I became so engaged and found myself hurrying through my daily duties to get back to my book!  It seemed a simple theme, but there is much more to think about then one might expect.  I really encourage readers of this book to read the questions at the end of the book.  They will help you to understand feelings and events that occur.  I highly recommend this book!

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

Behind Love's Wall by Carrie Fancett Pagels

This was a romantic and intriguing story that takes place on Mackinac Island, a place that I know the author is very familiar with.  It's  a split-time book that gives you both a historic and a contemporary mosaic of many twists and turns as the story continues.  It is truly a charming story and I found it very enjoyable to read.  The Grand Hotel sounds like a wonderful place both then and now and a perfect setting for this book.

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