Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne (The Heart of the Amish)

I thought this was such a sweet and pleasant book to read.  After a hectic month, I needed a relaxing and enjoyable read and this book was just that for me.  I loved the kitten factor.  I loved the pushy bishop and all the characters were very likeable in their own ways, including even obnoxious Evelyn.  The story is nice in every way and I hope to read more from this author.

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

 

This cute book has contributions from 16 authors, whose romance books helped to create fun recipes. The book has excerpts from these authors' books. Very clever and fun book.

NetGalley Reading Journal

 

In Royal Ruins by Serena Clarke

This book is a retelling of a story from a Grimms' Fairytale called King Thrushbeard.  In German it was Koenig Drosselbard.  Being a native German, I hate to admit that this is a Grimms' story that I had not heard of.  So that being said, I can't compare or comment as to how the two stories intertwine.  However, I will review it on it's own merits.  I really enjoyed the story how a very pampered princess learned to live a life of a peasant and was forced to marry someone against her will.  This man, Larik, appears to be a most patient and thoughtful peasant and the story of their lives as husband and wife will be a great challenge for this man.  

It is a very engaging story, one that you will want to finish and find out what happens.  Very good story!

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

Amish Love Letters by Shelley Shepard Gray, Charlotte Hubbard and Rosalind Lauer

This book consists of four wonderful novellas.  It was such a good book and the three stories were each very different and do not relate to each other.  The novellas were written by very talented authors and I loved each of these stories.  The first deals with a very difficult situation and things which needed to be taken care of.  It was a realistic view of some not so perfect family issues.  

The second story entitled S.W.A.K., takes place in Promise Lodge which there are several books about. I have read the Promise Lodge series and love them.  This story was no exception.  I really enjoyed this story.  I enjoyed how Eddie came to help work on repairs for the Tornado damaged lodge. 

The last story was about a young widow who is navigating life without a husband and wondering what the future will bring as her parents try to set her up with someone.

Each story revolves around love letters written between two people.  This was a very sweet Amish book and the stories are well written and all very engaging.  You won't want to put the book down.

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

 

Unlikely Sacrifice: An Amish Christmas Story by Jennifer Spredemann

Another wonderful story by this author.  I am so lucky to be able to read these stories which always have an important Christian message.  Brighton is English and Bethany is an Amish young woman.  As they meet and get to know one another a bond grows between them, yet they both understand the realization of the problems this relationship will bring to Bethany especially.  As Brighton heads to college, problems at home return him to his home to help family.  As Bethany learns to understand the Bible teachings, and Jesus' atoning love for us, she grows spiritually.  But she knows what she is doing and learning about will not be accepted well by her parents.

It's a touching and sweet story that I totally enjoyed reading.  I am sure you will as well.  I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Capturing Hope by Angela K. Couch (Heroines of WWII)

First of all, I have enjoyed this series so much and am thrilled to read another in the series that deals with two countries that are my personal heritage.  Germany and Poland. Nadia's father is killed by the Nazis and is left by her German mother.  This is a very dramatic book that touched my soul.  My own mother suffered terribly in the War.  And I have been really drawn to the messages in this series of books. This is a really well written book with Christian values.  I loved the changes that transpired Nadia into the woman she becomes despite the privileged life she has had before.The history of these two countries is quite intertwined and the author has done an excellent job of capturing  the events in her story.  I really recommend this book.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.