Mary Magdalene by Larry Hamersley

This was a nice Biblical retelling of the story of Mary Magdalene.  Although fictional in part, it was fun to read a little about what she may have experienced in her life and in her observance of the crucifixion of the Savior.  It was a short story but enjoyable to read.  The story begins as Mary was a child and as she grows up and becomes a woman.    I really enjoyed this Biblical story of an important woman during this time of Christ's life.

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

The Bookseller's Promise (An Amish Bookstore Novel Book 1) by Beth Wiseman

I loved this book.  I loved the connections between the various  characters in the book and some unexpected scenes that happened.  Yes, this was a very engaging book and it is hard to put this one down.  Have to keep reading to see what's next, because you can't be too certain!

I enjoyed the Christian themes throughout and the character growth.  The characters were well-developed and the non-Amish character, Yvonne was an important part of the story.  Their exchanges were very believable and the storyline was new and fresh.  I would have to say, this book is a winner.  Can't wait for the next in the series!

I received an e-book copy from Net Galley.  All thoughts are my own.
 

Forbidden Truth by Debra Torres (Willow Brook-Secrets of the Pen Series Bk 2)

Johanna Yoder is a newspaper woman and Amish.  She loves her job and she also finds herself attracted to Englisher reporter Judah Barton.  She is starting to feel as though her former Bishop is not guilty for the violent crimes he was arrested for.  She does her best to prove his innocence.

This book was a great mystery-suspense read and has a strong female Amish protagonist. She definitely works hard to resolve the issues that need to be fixed.  I enjoyed her strong character and willingness to step outside of her Amish culture to do so.

The book is written in first person, either as Johanna or Judah and written in their point of view at separate times throughout the book.

I enjoyed the book very much, as I do like a realistic and suspenseful mystery.  I think you will like this book and the engaging characters that appeal to the mystery reader!

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

Rebecca's Amish Heart Restored by Tracy Fredrychowski The Amish Women of Lawrence County Series Book 2

Rebecca's personality is anything other than the typical sweet Amish woman.  Her past continues to haunt her as she struggles to not allow others to come to close to her.  She is definitely in need of something in her life that will help her chart a better course for her future.   

She finds herself caring for an Amish woman whose past also haunts her.  The two of them find a common road traveled with secrets that they can't find a way to resolve their pasts.  I love the lessons learned, the trust that only God can provide and repentance and forgiving oneself.  It's an excellent example of Christian faith and love.

I read this book in one session.  It was too good to put down.  And there were no slow moments.  It was totally captivating.  It had me on page one!

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

A Rose for the Resistance by Angela K. Couch

This was a very poignant story taking place in France during WWII. As this young French woman came in contact with a German soldier, they find there is good and bad on both sides and  that their faith will see them through. Rosalie has experienced losses and has a teenaged brother who wants to support his country and do his part.  Rosalie wants to keep her brother safe.

It's a story of the French Resistance and brave characters which aren't willing to give up.  Rosalie has faith and trusts in the Bible that she feels has kept her safe at all times. Franz is a German officer and is not supportive of the Nazis.  As he shows kindness to Rosalie and her family, she wonders if he can be trusted.  

I really enjoyed this book.  I could totally relate to the story and the situations it encompassed.  It was a good book.  I highly recommend this and am happy that I had the opportunity to read this excellent book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Barbour Publishing Company and was not required to post a review.  All thoughts are my own.

Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

This book didn't "grab" me at the very start but as I kept on reading, yes, then it did.  What I totally loved in the beginning, was Lucie the "ballerina" bookshop keeper.  Why, because I could totally relate as she did her dance positions at the bookstore.  I have a dancer daughter, and no matter where we went, she was in a dance position!  I could almost see her as Lucie!

Well, this was a very good book.  I loved the resistance group that she became aware of and her part she played.  I totally loved the Paul and Lucie romance that blossoms and little Josie who adds so much to the book.

This WWII story was excellent.  All the books I have read from this author have just blown me away.  So real, so good and so believable.  I felt like I was there.  I had to keep reading to see what is going to happen.  Can't put this book down!  Nope, not at all.  The danger aspect in the book kept me on the edge of my seat.  OK, now you have to get your copy!  You will not regret it!

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

This Little Piggy: A Kappy King Kaper Book 4 by Amy Lillard

This is another in the Kappy King Kapers series.  And it is a fun and is a cozy Amish mystery that you will enjoy.  This light hearted mystery is entertaining and has fun and quirky characters that you will enjoy and remember from previous books.  I enjoy Jimmy, who can be a bit of a challenge, now and then, but is truly loveable.  This is a fun who-dunit and everyone has something to say about what happened to poor old Balthazar!

You will love the fun with the pigs and Jimmy is in "Pig heaven".  I have to personally relate to Jimmy's love for pigs as my mom raised two little pigs when we was a girl.  So I especially enjoyed the cute story.

It's an enjoyable book and I loved it as I have the previous books, as well.

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

A Mississippi Sunset by Linda Weaver Clarke (Women of Courage)

I really enjoyed this sweet and clean historical fiction and romance. It's part of a series of brave women who were not afraid to take a stand in what they believe needed to be changed and you will see some historical figures that appear in this book!  Loved that.  I enjoyed that the Willow Valley people return such as the owner of the hot chocolate shop and others familiar from an earlier book.  The characters are good people trying to make the best of the situations that they are in. However, yet it is not necessary to have read the previous books in order to be totally aware of what is happening in this, the third book.  It's a great stand alone story.

This is a very enjoyable book and it is well worth a read!

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

The Steeplechase by Carrie Fancett Pagels (Audio Version)

 

I enjoyed this Audio book written by Carrie Fancett Pagels.  Her vivid descriptions of places and events can stir the imagination and make you feel as though you too were witnessing and living in the events of the books.  Her choice of narrators was excellent.  Vicki Henderson did a great interpretation of the characters making it very enjoyable to listen to.

The 1810 time period shows a still somewhat fledgling young country and the events and feelings that still existed from a time recently passed when feelings of old wounds perhaps were not completely healed.  How will this affect Martha Osbourne and a family whose father remarries an English woman who spends much of her time in England?

The Steeplechase has many twists and you will enjoy this book very much.  The author is a very talented writer of historical fiction, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite genres.


Disclosure: I received an Audio version of this book from the author for my honest review.  

Guest Post by Linda Weaver Clarke, Seeking a Better Life: Women of Courage

 

Seeking a Better Life: Women of Courage

 

Some immigrants learned about America and its opportunities from the newspaper while others heard about it from traveling missionaries. Many were seeking relief from political and religious persecution but others were just following their hearts. They didn’t know what the future would bring to them. Frances Davies, my great grandmother, was one of them.

She left her beloved homeland of Wales to live in America, the land of opportunity. Frances had attended a private school and received an education that set her apart from other young women. She was referred to as a “lady of refinement.”

Her Aunt Susan didn’t want her to leave and begged her to stay in Wales. She said that Frances would inherit her fortune if she stayed but Frances stood firm and unyielding and wanted to join her brother who had immigrated to America a few years earlier. No matter how hard Aunt Susan tried, she could not influence her niece’s decision.

When I read about my great grandmother’s experiences written by my grandmother, I was impressed with her courage. She was only seventeen when she left for America. That would take a lot of bravery. So I decided to put together a series of novellas called “Women of Courage.” I took some of my great grandmother’s experiences and gave them to a fictional character named Serenity, bringing her story to life.

A Lady of Refinement is a historical romance set in 1844. Reading is Serenity’s favorite pastime, where she can go on one adventure after another. She wonders if anyone can measure up to the heroes in her books. But the adventures soon become real after arriving in America.

When Jonathan meets Serenity, an educated and courageous woman from Wales, he becomes intrigued with her and wonders how he can win her heart. Her brother gives him some advice, but Jonathan begins to question his wisdom. Should he trust his friend or is he leading him astray?

Louise Pledge, a reviewer, wrote: “How I enjoy finding a book that will not let me put it down until I'm done!  This was the case with A Lady of Refinement.  Linda Weaver Clarke used a true story of her ancestor’s as a base, and it rang familiar to me, as my ancestors also migrated to America from England during the same time period. The main character, Serenity, is the refined lady, and it was such a delight when she bested a few arrogant males.  My favorite character, however, was Jonathan, who was very taken with Serenity.  Time will tell if he is successful at capturing her attention.”

After arriving in America, Serenity found that many an adult could not read or write, so she set to work teaching an evening class especially for adults. Each night she teaches her students how to write their names so they wouldn’t have to put an X for their signature. When Jonathan joins her class, her world takes a new turn, one she didn’t expect. What was her reaction?

Author Gail Pallotta wrote: “At first she sees him as a quiet man, but when she witnesses some of his heroic actions she thinks of Ivanhoe, a character she admires in a book. Even though she’s drawn to Jonathan, she has a rule that won’t allow her to date a student, and she’s sticking to it. Jonathan’s infatuation leads him to try many approaches to get to know Serenity better, even to the extent of following her brother William’s sometimes bad advice.”

How did Jonathan react to William’s bad advice? There are some comical scenes in this story that will make you laugh out loud. Gail went on to say: “I enjoyed this sweet love story, especially Jonathan trying desperately to win over Serenity, while she hesitates to get to know him. Based on true events of the authors’ ancestors, the book takes the reader back to a gentler time when men were more chivalrous and a woman like Serenity more difficult to win over.”

This book or eBook is available on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Refinement-Women-Courage-ebook/dp/B09PHZK76M

 

Author Links:

Linda’s Book Blog: https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com

Historical Romance Blog: https://historicalromances.wordpress.com

Audiobook Blog: https://familyfriendlyaudiobooks.wordpress.com

Cozy Mystery Blog: https://cozymysteryseries.wordpress.com

The Spark of Love by Amanda Cabot (Mesquite Springs Book #3)

This is the first book from this author that I have had the privilege to read.  It's book 3 and now I definitely will have to find books 1 & 2!  But that being said, book 3 is fine on it's own and I just loved it! I love Texas historical fiction because I have so many ancestors that settled here in those rough times.  So that in itself is a huge draw for me.

I loved this book.  It was Texas, it was romance, and definitely mystery!  What a great combination.The characters are great.  I can certainly see trying to get away from gold digger suitors, who only are in a relationship just to see what's in it for them! This book was a page turner, without a doubt. After various strangers arrive in Mesquite Springs, it is interesting to see how the story will develop.  

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing and was not required to post a positive review.  All Thoughts are my own.