The Newcomer by Jennifer Spredemann (Amish Country Brides Series) Prequel to the Series

This prequel really leaves you wanting to read the rest of the books.  It is very moving and I read it quickly to see what happens. Silas and Josiah are excited to head to the beach for their Rumspringa.  Josiah meets Kayla and the story begins.  It is a teaching story of faith, forgiveness and love.  There are Christian teachings in this book as in the others, as well.  There is always something new to learn and mentors in the books to help the characters to learn and grow.  I am sure you will enjoy this!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author without being required to give a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

Building a Future by Amy Clipston (An Amish Legacy Novel Book 2)

This was an enjoyable book from the author.  It showed characters that needed to grow up a  little more in their personal relationships, Korey, especially.  As Korey and Michelle's relationship continues, they are lacking the communication that they once had.  Michelle finds a good friend in Korey's brother and so there are jealousies and issues that start to appear.  

The book is engaging and keeps your attention, although some characters are not always so easy to like, but all in all I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more of the author's writings.

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

Emerald Fields by Pegg Thomas (A More Perfect Union Book 1)

Book Blurb:

Russ Fields gave a lot to his country. He lost a brother and half his face to preserve the Union, only to come home and lose his beloved younger sister. When he writes to her friend in Pennsylvania with the devastating news, he never expects an answer.

Emmie Mason lost her fiancé during the Civil War, and her position at the hospital after the fighting stopped. But her greatest loss was her dearest friend to the fickle disease of influenza.

Letters of condolence begin something else, something special, between two people who have lost so much. When Emmie’s father dies, she goes to the one person she feels understands her best.

Hidden away on his Michigan farm, Russ never expects his sister’s best friend to show up in a runaway buggy. He’s never told her about his disfigurement, and he’s not prepared to let her into his life past what’s been shared on the written page.

A nasty farm accident and Emmie’s determination combine to bring them together, but even that isn’t enough to forge the bond both of them wish they could have. When her older brother arrives to haul Emmie home, she puts her foot down and sets in motion an emotionally charged series of events that change both of their lives … again.

NB:  I felt that the book blurb was important to give you a better feel of what this book was about.  So I hope that you will take the time to read the above.  I really loved this book!

My Review

This book grabbed my attention from page one.  It is a historical fiction full of emotions and very touching as I read about a returned from War soldier and a woman who lost her fiancé in the Civil War as well. The way their lives come together is a heartwarming story I won't soon forget.  Emmie and Russ have a very lovely story and I am so happy that I read this book.  It has all the feels!  I couldn't put this one down.  Had to know how things turned out.  This book is the beginning of a new series.  I don't want to miss even one book! So inspirational!

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

Laura's Shadow by Allison Pittman Doors to the Past Series

 I enjoyed this dual time book very well, especially because one of the characters lived in both time periods!  Pretty cool how that was done.  I loved the impact of Laura Ingalls Wilder, who's books were a big part of my Minnesota upbringing.  I found it interesting that Mariah had certain feelings about Laura as they knew each other in early life and that meshed so well into the story of her life as time went on. The book has happy and sad times in the life of the main character as well as real-life experiences that changed the path of her life.  Well worth the time to read this one!

This book was very well developed.  Enjoyed it so much!  

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

The Newcomer!

 

The Apple Creek Announcement by Wanda E. Brunstetter Book 3

Book 3 of this series was interesting.  I enjoyed the precedence of this book, that of looking for your biological family, which I have done professionally quite a few times.  It can be a very time consuming process at times.  As Andrea starts to search for her family, her relationship with Brandon becomes a bit shakey.  

The Troyers again are in this book and give their wisdom to others who need some personal mentoring and that is what they love to do as they pray to give the best answers they can.  And that included non-Amish people as well. Andrea and Brandon find themselves being mentored by this sweet couple.

I enjoy the author's books.  The book has a happy ending, despite the trials and issues that the characters experience along the way. There is some growing and learning to accept topics in this book.

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

Forget me not, Baby by Amy Lillard

Aw!  This story was so very, very cute.  It was a sweet story of Sydney, a busy city gal with a high profile job, and Waite, an ostrich rancher!  What a crazy combination, and definitely one with interesting challenges!  

As Sydney's father and Waite team up to start the ranch, Sydney, who holds the purse strings, puts the kibosh on the duo.  There is no way!  An unexpected event happens and Sydney's life has a dramatic turn!

I loved this story.  I read it in just two sittings.  Couldn't get enough of the wonderful story.  The characters are engaging, fun and very likeable!  The story was perfect in every way!

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

Wyoming Promise by Anna J. Stewart (The Blackwells of Eagle Springs)

This book is the start of a new series called The Blackwells of Eagle Springs. It was a great start as we meet a Wyoming branch of the Blackwell tribe.

As Corliss and Ryder head out to Montana to request help from Corliss's great uncle "Big E" to save the family ranch, they pose as an engaged couple to win over his heart.  Corliss and Ryder have been the best of friends for more years than they can count.  They have both had rough experiences in the past and this is their story.

I loved the new characters that we meet in this book as well as a couple of past Blackwells that share a spot in this books.  If you have read any of the Blackwell books or even if not, you will totally enjoy this happy, and clean romance.

This is a great read about family ties and love.  I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to what comes next!

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 Lancaster Family Secret by Kate Lloyd

I have read several books written by this author, but this one was definitely my favorite one. I totally related to Annette on her quest to find her birth parents.  As I am a genealogist, I have done this for several families, including my own.  

I loved Annette's character and how she grew in so many ways in this book.  I loved how things are not always as they seem and we often have to look deeper to know how and why things happen as they do.  

Annette and the Millers face several trials as the book continues and as they experience new changes and each comes to face their shortcomings, it is interesting to see how these challenges are faced.

This was a really good book with  a storyline that was realistic.  Real life problems.

I highly recommend this book!  

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

Grace on the Mountain Trail by Misty M. Beller (Call of the Rockies Series book #8)

This author knows how to write a wonderful western adventure.  Book 8 was the story of Lola and White Owl.  As Lola ventures out with a friend and his son to find her 1/2 brother, many obstacles come in their way.  As she finds an Indian close to death, things change as she nurses him back to health.  

Her safety begins to be at risk as the search for her brother continues.  What or who is attempting to prevent her from finding him?  You can see the hand of God in their trek as they continue onward. It was enjoyable to see ties from the previous books and become reacquainted with the characters of previous books.  This was really an enjoyable book and I was so happy that I read it!

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

Anchored at Mackinac by Carrie Fancett Pagels

This is a story set in the beautiful setting of Mackinac Island.  Although I have not been there personally, the author describes it so well, you can truly visualize it in your mind. The story takes us to the year 1895 and we find Sadie Duvall who is serving as a maid.  She needs to make important decisions in her life.  

There are twists and turns in the story and there are characters in this book that I recognized from earlier books by this author, making it especially enjoyable to those who have read earlier books by this author.  Sadie and her sisters have gone through lots of trials and things to overcome.  It is a great read and you will really enjoy it! There is romance, some mystery and hopes for future tales from some of the newer characters in the book.

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

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold

The title of the book was not what immediately pulled me in, but rather the subject matter.  In the past months, my husband has been hospitalized and required to be a live-in patient at a rehab center.  It has been the most trying times of my life and when I saw this book, I knew it was meant for me at this particular time of my life.  It was perfect.  The characters were perfect and I fell in love with Mrs. Kip.  She was amazing.  She didn't let her situation keep her down.  She was dedicated for doing good to others.  As she and the reporter, Aidyn meet and become acquainted, I see such personal growth in Aidyn and the paths of life become clear and apparent.  

I loved the caring people in the book and it hit home in my husband's own situation.  Brought some tears to my eyes and peace in my heart.  I really, really loved this book.

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

Off The Chain by Janice Thompson Book 1 Gone to the Dogs Mysteries

This was a cute and humorous cozy mystery and the start of a new series of books by this author.  This was a completely new author to me and it was interesting to get to know her writing style.  The story follows a workplace veterinary clinic and we see Marigold who hopes to start a rescue ranch.  She herself rescues  a dog from a dangerous situation.  The clinic is vandalized and the mystery begins.  

It's an enjoyable easy read that lovers of animals will definitely have fun reading. I liked the story and the unique plot that developed.  

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

 

The heart of the Mountains by Pepper Basham

 The minute I started reading this book, I knew I would love it and I totally did.  I enjoyed the historical setting, the characters, the plot.  It was just plain good reading!  If you enjoy a clean historical fiction, this book will captivate you from the start.   Cora's adventures are fascinating and the storyline will not disappoint you!  I loved it!

I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing and was not required to post a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.