Thursday, December 30, 2021

Mercy in a Red Cloak (Audible Version) by Carrie Fancett Pagels, Narrator Bill Anciaux

 

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 enjoyed the narrator's voice, although I must say that most Audible books I have listened to were female voices so this was a surprise.  His voice, was easy to listen to and I enjoyed his interpretation of the story.

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






Tuesday, December 28, 2021

A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz


This was a wonderful read.  There was great historical aspects as well as those second chances on love that we all love to read about, at least I definitely do! The author's command of the English language is amazing and I have to admit there were some words I had to look up!  The author was very knowledgeable about the language of this period, which clearly would be different than ours. Good for building my vocabulary, I think!  This author is a wonderful writer and knows how to engage the reader so that you can't stop reading until the wee hours!  I loved the unique name of Esmee that is used in this story and I loved the detailed plot and the intrigue in this well-written novel. 

Henri is a great hero and then there is Quinn!  It's simply an enjoyable book that you won't want to miss.  I have enjoyed so many of this author's books and this one was another winner.  I enjoyed reading about life in the 1700's in Colonial Virginia and being a chocolate lover, this book definitely was a hit!

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

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Love in Plain Sight by Kathleen Fuller (An Amish Mail-Order Bride #3)


Kathleen Fuller is definitely becoming one of my favorite Amish authors.  I read as many of her books as I can, although I have not had the chance to read the previous books of this particular series.  Kathleen Fuller's books  never disappoint and this one was so good. It also works as a stand-alone book, if like me, have not read the first  two books of the series.

 It deals with an abusive fiancĂ© who basically rules Katharine's life.  As she speaks to a friend the decision was made for her to leave their town in secret.  This is such a captivating book.  You will enjoy the book as she continues to forge a new life for herself and hopefully finds happiness. Themes in this book cover abuse and forgiveness.  It is well worth your time to read this book. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Loving Lovina by Patricia Johns The Infamous Amish Series book 3

I hadn't read the previous two books, in fact, I wasn't aware that there were other books to this series until I started this review.  So I can honestly say that I was not confused by something I may have missed in the earlier books, I started out "fresh" so to speak and had no issues with that and totally was engaged from the beginning till the end.

Knowing someone personally who had amnesia from an accident, I could understand the situation as well as Lovina's feelings as the story progressed.  Slowly Lovina remembers but how will those memories affect her personally and in her family and friend relationships?

This book was very good and realistic.  It did not portray a perfect family or those whose life was carefree. 

I recommend this very engaging story whether you have read the previous books or not.  
I received a complimentary ebook from the publisher and NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

 

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Amish Daisy by Samantha Price (Amish Love Blooms book 3)


 This was an enjoyable, easy-to-read book.  It is the first book that I have read from this author and was lucky enough to win this in a contest along with one other.  

Daisy and her twin have always done everything together.They even planned on marrying twins at the same time and they were committed to this until Daisy finds Bruno!  And so will that plan work?  Their mother is somewhat controlling and manipulative and so the twins often get into trouble when they aren't exactly following her orders.  It's a fun read and I think you will enjoy it!

Monday, December 13, 2021

Medical Mystery by Richard L. Mabry, MD


Another great book by Richard Mabry.  I really enjoyed trying to figure who the perpetrator was and I just wasn't sure till the very end.  But I won't tell you!  You will just have to find out for yourself!  And there was a romance along with the crime.  So an all around good read that will keep you guessing!

Being that the author is a retired medical doctor, he sure knows how to make a murder mystery real.  What caused the unexplained death and who?

If you enjoy a great mystery, you will definitely enjoy this one!

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

Saturday, December 11, 2021

High-Wire Heartbreak by Anna Schmidt (Doors to the Past)


 Book Blurb:

In 1936--A party at the Ringling mansion Ca d’Zan in Sarasota, Florida, leads to a robbery--and possibly death.

A successful historical mystery writer, Chloe Whitfield comes to Ca’ d’Zan to research her next novel. Chloe’s fascination with the circus is rooted in family stories of her great-grandmother Lucinda Conroy, who reportedly was a trapeze artist of some renown. She’s heard hints of scandal—and perhaps larceny, but no details.

Chloe’s grandmother—rumored to be Lucinda’s only offspring—was raised in an orphanage and never knew her mother. Intrigued as she is, Chloe has no intent of writing about Lucinda until she sees a poster featuring Lucinda as the star performer for a 70th birthday gala for John Ringling in May of 1936. From there the trail goes cold.

Who was Lucinda and what happened to her?

(I added the book blurb, which I don't generally do, but I wasn't sure how to explain what the book was about without leaving spoilers, so thought this would be the best way to explain the book to you, right??)

My Review:

As Chloe starts hunting for clues to her grandmother, you will find the history unfold in this dual time period book.  The book flowed so well together and it engaged me right from the beginning.  Wow, it was so good.  I absolutely loved this book.  It was an absolute page turner and had me reading when I should have been sleeping.  This book was thrilling and I never wanted it to end.  The story of heartbreak is truly that and the characters are realistic as they approach their situations.  The mystery keeps you on the edge of your seat.  Yes, I really, really can't say enough good things about this book.  It was just great.

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

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Foundation of Love by Amy Clipston


This was such a sweet story.  Duane and Crystal have a friendship that is special yet there are many unexpected problems to hinder their budding relationship.  As their relationship kindles the problems begin to mount.  

This was a very enjoyable read and I was turning the pages quickly to see how things would work for this couple.  This story was realistic and the people in the book were very believable.  This book was well worth a read!

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

Monday, December 6, 2021

Desire of The Heart by Anne Perreault Yellowstone Series (Audible Version) Narrator Nacia Walsh


I really enjoyed this book. It is the first book of Anne Perreault that I have had the pleasure to read. A trip to Yellowstone for Cady and her friend holds lots of adventure and growth.  The characters are enjoyable and people that you want to get to know better as the book progresses.  

This is a Christian story and for me that is exactly what I enjoy.  The characters make good choices somet not quite so good and the book is heartwarming and fun as well. The spiritual text is exactly what keeps me reading good books.

I was gifted a complimentary copy of this book from the author and no expectation of a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

Talk to the Paw by Melinda Metz


 So this was a book that I checked out from the library.  It looked fun and I love pretty cats.  The story was about Jamie, a young woman who inherited some money and decided to take time off work, move to California and have "A Year of Me."  She isn't currently interested in a relationship, but quirky neighbors are determined to set her up.  She is the owner of a cat whose nose knows all.  The cat smells that she is lonely.  He is determined to find a "packmate" for his owner. The cat takes on the role of "matchmaker" and goes to some extremes to find Jamie a match.

David is a baker and his neighbors are also determined to get him back into the dating field.  He has a dog.

The story is interesting and funny.  There is some minor language and some events that keep this from being in the Christian genre.  So that is a consideration when purchasing the book.


Saturday, December 4, 2021

52 Weeks of Resilience: A One-Year Journal to Bounce Back from Worry and Rediscover Peace by Ink & Willow


 This is a very beautiful journaling book that has pages for 52 weeks, with chapters containing topics that give you wonderful ideas of things to both write about and contemplate and ponder about.  The subjects are Christian in nature and help you to unwind physically and spiritually. It reminds you to rely on God to help you resolve many of the concerns and worries that press upon your mind. It helps you find strength and happiness through becoming closer to God.

There is beautiful and simple artwork throughout the pages.  There are thoughts, scriptures and places to reflect on them by writing down your own thoughts and feelings and what that scripture means in your life.

This is a beautiful and meaningful way to express your thoughts and become more resilient to life's cares and worries.

I received a complimentary ebook version of this book from the publisher, Waterbrook & Multnomah and was not required to post a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.



Fetching Sweetness by Dana Mentink


 I go to the library frequently for my avid reader mother.  This was one of the books I grabbed off the shelf for her to read.  As I picked up the books she had finished, she told me to definitely read this one.  So I did at her recommendation.

It was a fun story of traveling with a "stranger" in a trailer while attempting to return a 100 lb. mischief maker dog!  There was fun, laughs, forgiveness and just a nice and clean read.  I enjoyed the characters and also enjoyed this book.  It is the first book I have read from this author, although I am very familiar with her.  I like her writing style very much and will watch for more books.

It was a light and refreshing, simply enjoyable read.

Friday, December 3, 2021

Love Comes Home By Ann H. Gabhart (Audio Version)


I have enjoyed Ann H.Gabharts books and was happy to listen to the Audio version of Love Comes Home.  It's a poignant story of four sisters during the days of the Depression.  Each sister has her own personality and experiences that they respond differently to.  It was the third book in this series, and I hadn't read the earlier books, so it took me a while to figure out the different sisters and their roles in the story.  Other than that the book works fine as a stand alone book.

The family circle seems quite close in this time period, which I can still remember from my youth, as well.  Life today seems to be on a different path so it was nice to see the family circle as portrayed in this story. Each sister has her own story to live and experiences, good and not so good.

It's a Christian romance story and was very good, as are all this author's books. 

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

 

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Magdelena's Choice by Molly Jebber (The Amish Charm Bakery Book 5)


Magdelena is the daughter of a wealthy rancher who wants her to marry a man that can provide for her in the way he has throughout her life. Magdelena's beau is not in her father's plan for her.  But Magdelena is determined to be with Toby, until her father arranges a match for her that fits his plans for her.  This story takes place in 1914.

This is a really engaging story and I was caught up in it right away.  What is Magdelena going to do, follow her heart or her father's choice for her?  Going against her father, will cause her serious consequences and she needs to choose.  Either way, there are things to lose. 

Toby is working hard to find favor with Magdelena's father, but is it enough?  I have not read the earlier books in the series, but felt that it was fine as a stand-alone, also.  But that said, I wouldn't mind reading the previous books, if they are as enjoyable as this one.

I received a complimentary ebook from the author and NetGalley and was not required to leave a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

The Fruitcake Challenge by Carrie Fancett Pagels (Audible Version) The Christy Lumberjack Series, Book 1


I recently finished listening to this novella written by Carrie Fancett Pagels. This is the first book in the Christy Lumberjack Series. I really enjoyed the voice of the narrator, Virginia Gray whose voice was expressive and easy to listen to.  She was very expressive and it was clear when someone was speaking, who it was.  She did an excellent job.

I loved the story.  Carrie's writing style really appealed to me and as I got to know her characters, they became very interesting people to me.  This cozy romance is a pleasure to listen to.

Jo is a cook at the lumber camp but would like to move on into a bakery in a different setting.  She meets the new lumberjack to their camp, Tom.  He is a very interesting young man trying to earn his living as a lumberjack, although he is actually a teacher.  As he is trying to help his mother financially, he takes this job, as the money he earned teaching does not stretch far enough.

He makes a challenge that he will marry whoever can make a fruitcake that is as good as his mother's.  That's when the fun begins and fruitcake of every imaginable recipe is baked and served to the workers at the camp.  So does he find a bride and does anyone make a good enough fruitcake to please his palette?  This you will discover as you read this delightful book!

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

Rise Up: A Coloring Book Celebrating Black Courage, Resilience and Faith by Ink & Willow


This is an adult coloring book that presents Black voices, and historical culture.  The coloring book contains cultural references with biographical stories of various people and their personal experiences in the civil rights movement, their occupations and their stories.

The artwork is done by all Black artists and contains scriptural references on many of the pages.  The artwork to be colored is relaxing and enjoyable with varying degrees of complexity.  I enjoyed the quotes which contained thought provoking statements. It was a very nice coloring book with a most worthwhile purpose.

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