Murder on the San Gabriel by Bruce Hammack (A Fen Maguire Mystery book 5)

 A clean mystery!  I loved it.  This has been a great series and I am lucky that I was able to read it.  Do you love a good mystery?  Then this book is for you.  The mystery revolves around the death of a rancher and just who the culprit was that did this and what was the reason this would happen.  The book will keep you guessing until the end.  Good addition to this series.  Good reading 

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

Earning the Mountain Man's Trust by Misty M. Beller (Brothers of Sapphire Ranch Book 4)

 An unwed mother finds herself alone to raise a child.  Jonah Coulter asks her to marry him.  He is not the father and Naomi is not in love with him, but agrees.  I enjoyed this book very much.  This author has a talent for writing historical fiction and some of the trials and struggles that occur in the lives of the characters.  I have read the other books of this series and recommend this book and all the previous ones as well.  It was an exciting read with some suspense to make things quite interesting, to say the least!

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

The Mysterious Amish Bachelor by Vannetta Chapman (Indiana Amish Market Romance)

As Noah returns after being away for 10 years, how will he explain his absence or will he bury it away?  Sarah is getting on in years for being of prime marriageable age for the Amish.She is attracted to Noah and wants to know more about him.  But Noah is very guarded about the past and worries about her finding out about his past.  It is a sweet story but will forgiveness be enough?  I have enjoyed this series very much and enjoyed this book as well.  I recommend it for readers of Amish romance.

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

Just for the Summer by Melody Carlson

This was a very fun book.  I enjoyed the job trade and have to admit there are were times I would have wanted to do something like that!  I liked Ginny who seems to give her all to her job, but Jacqueline, with whom she traded jobs and locations, seemed not so likeable as Ginny. The story was enjoyable and a nice light read.  There are some twists and a bit of romance and a quick read. I have enjoyed this and other books from this author.  I will continue to do so.  I enjoyed this book! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep

This was a good story and I really enjoyed reading it.  I love a good mystery and this one fit the bill!  I loved the suspense.  The setting back in time to 1887 in England was great and I loved the  Detective Agency that Kit and her father began together as a family work.  The story will keep you guessing and that is certainly a mark of a good suspense story.  The characters were engaging and realistic. I have read one of the prior books of this series, and somehow missed one as well. But this book reads well on its own. It did take me a little longer to become engaged in the story but once I did, I am glad that I kept reading.  Definitely worth it!  There was even some humor in this book.  

I received a copy from the publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hunted Hotshot Hero by Lisa Childs

I received this book recently.  I first will state that this is not my regular genre.   So that being said, the suspense in the book, was exactly that--very suspenseful right from the beginning.  I note that this book is 10 of the 11 listed, so I have not read any of the previous books.  This is a steamy romance, which is not my preference, so I will base my review on the suspense portion.  There is someone after Rory, a Hotshot and Brittany, a reporter.  Who and why are the questions as they try to escape further harm from a saboteur. The suspense kept me reading and there is definitely lots of action.

If you enjoy lots of action and steamy scenes, this book is for you.  I received an arc from the author.  All thoughts are my own.
 

The Ark and the Dove The Story of Noah's Wife by Jill Eileen Smith

I was happy to be able to read this biblical fiction version of Noah's Ark, written in the view of Noah's wife, who in this book is known as Zara.  The narrative is lively, showing that families aren't always perfect and all have things that need to be worked through.  It was interesting to realize what an all encompassing job this ark was, not just the building of the ark, but rather, the feeding, cleaning and caring for the many creatures that were on board not to mention the humans, as well!  And realizing we can't go to the local hardware or grocery story to find the supplies needed for such an venture.  It does make you realize that God had a big hand in helping those building and preparing the ark for the flood to come.  I loved this book and am sure that I will be reading much more from this author who has a very enjoyable way of writing that causes the reader to be quickly engaged in the story and events.

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

A Small Town Wedding by Melinda Curtis (Love in Harmony Valley book 12)

In this book of the Love in Harmony Valley series we find Vince and Harley as the main characters that had been dating, but then ended that.  As Vince needs a plus one for a family wedding, he asks Harley to pretend that they are a couple.  Its a light story with interesting characters and so if you like fake relationship stories, this is for you! There were funny parts and more serious ones in the pasts of some that needed to be resolved.  The book keeps you turning pages and is a fun read.

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

An Englischer's Amish Courtship: Amish Courtship Series book 4 By Jennifer Spredemann

This wonderful novella was an action packed story.  Not a dull moment.  I had a hard time putting it down. It's the story of Clive, a young Amish man who causes an accident with his buggy and a young expectant woman in an automobile. And so the story begins.  It is a fast paced story with lots of Christian values expressed.  It was a sweet story with teaching moments as Clive takes care of the woman who was injured and is expecting a child. Against the rules of his Amish community, he cares for this woman and they become close.  I loved seeing familiar characters in the story who are also caring but concerned about breaking the rules as they all work through things with God's love and guidance.

The book is good and I am sure others will also enjoy it as well. I highly recommend it.  I was given an arc.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Letters of Wisdom By Wanda E. Brunstetter (The Friendship Letters Book 3)

Book 3 of this series carried a powerful message. It really touched my heart to see the silent suffering of those who were victims of abuse and how if continues to affect them years after the fact.  Doretta is Irma's friend who shares her thoughts and feelings with Irma through her letters.  Irma opens up to Doretta after her stepfather's passing, a man who abused her during her younger years.  After marrying and moving away, Irma attends the funeral of her stepfather and this brings out her feelings towards him and her mother, whom she felt did not stop the abuse.  As her feelings start coming to the surface, she finds it harder and harder to show loving discipline to her children, but rather responds in a harsh way.  Sharing her feelings with her friend Doretta, Irma reads the suggestions that are shared with her.  

It's a touching story that seems very realistic and you can feel the emotions that are shared in the story.  I really was glad that I read the book.  A moving story of love and forgiveness.

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

Launch Team for An Englischer's Amish Courtship (Jennifer Spredemann)

 

A is for Amish by Shelley Shepard Gray (Amish ABC's book 1)

Four siblings whose parents divorced.  The father formerly Amish, the mother "English".  The siblings have since relied on one another and been close.  They find peace and well-being when visiting their Amish grandparents.  As they discuss things, they decided that they would like to see if they would like to become members of the Amish community of their grandparents.  I really liked this book, because I could see the real possibility of them trying out a new life, one that they found good and hopefully filled with happiness for them.  As Martin and Kelsey start their lives in the Amish community they find friends and acceptance as well as some other interesting characters.  The story leaves you wanting more and I will surely want to read the next book in the series.  I have to know what happens next!  I received a book that I was lucky to win in a giveaway.  All thoughts are my own.

The Quilt Room Secret by Lisa Jones Baker

I enjoy Amish fiction.  I enjoyed the story of Trini and her quilting friends and the way they cared for one another.Trini and Jacob were friends as children and he loved her for her kindness and later in life hoped they could have a future together.  Trini has a secret that could change her life.  She holds the secret in her heart,  and has a hard time bringing it out.  The story was a sweet story of this couple.  This is a light story with a pleasant story line.

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

Freedom's Pride by Pegg Thomas (Path to Freedom Book 2)

Mark Allen has completed his indenture.  Now to find Gwen, to whom he promised that he would reunite with her sister after the indenture were completed.  The book tells of a man who loved Gwen and hopes to reunite with her as well.  He is driven to fulfil his promise and will not stop till he finds her.  Faye, sister of Gwen is not at all similar to Gwen.  She is all about a good life.  The story is good and well written.  And has some twists and turns along the  way.

I really enjoyed this book and it really grabbed my attention. I kept reading till the end.  It was a book that you had to read and find out how things go forth.  I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.
 

Allie's Amish Family Miracle by Tracy Fredrychowski

 This book totally held my attention throughout.  There was lots of great reading to keep me turning the pages.  It started out difficult for Allie, a Mennonite young women who loves Reuben, an old order Amish.  As Reuben's mother realizes this she tries everything she can think of to sabotage their relationship.  For various reasons, Saloma, Reuben's mother, does not treat Allie in a kindly manner.  As Allie tries to deal with the bitterness of Saloma, she is never dealt a kind hand.  It takes great love and faith to work through the difficult times ahead.

I totally loved this book.  It was realistic and doesn't paint a beautiful picture of a completely loving family.  Love, trust in God and lots of forgiveness are a strong threads in this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Cowboy for the Twins by Melinda Curtis

This was a very enjoyable read in "The Cowboy Academy" series.  It was a sweet story of Tate and Ellie.  Tate had feelings for Ellie in high school which never seemed to work and she ended up with Buck. Things just didn't work out with Buck and Ellie comes back to the ranch, single and with cute twins in tow.  They spend time at the rodeos together and the twins have something in mind.  They start to have feelings for one another but there are things that are holding them back.

I really liked the characters and the storyline was engaging and interesting.  I think you will love it! I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts are my own.
 

Miracles at Promise Lodge By Charlotte Hubbard

This is a sweet story of Isaac, whose past seems to be his identity and how he is seen by others.  As he takes a job which requires the trust of others, some things are very hard for Isaac and he doesn't always make the best decisions.  He makes a mistake and has to work things out, which can be difficult.  I loved Maria, despite her many annoying flaws.  She added lots of color and "action" to the story. I enjoyed reading about the characters from earlier Promise Lodge books.  All the characters were fun to read about and the story line was well developed  I enjoyed this book very much. I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 
 

Coral Beads and Poppy Seeds by Ceil Weta Jensen

 

Here’s a little sneak peak for a book that will be launched in May!  It was written by a good friend, fellow Polish genealogist and author.  I can hardly wait!

Coral Beads and Poppy Seeds is a tale of four Polish women who meet on their voyage to America in 1890 and whose lives become entwined beyond their youthful imaginings.  Anna from Russian Poland, Julka from West Prussia, Marysia from Poznan and Beata from Galicia navigate their way in Detroit, a thriving hub of commerce and industry.  As they find jobs and husbands in the ethnic community, birth their babies, and bury their loved ones, they straddle the mores and prejudices of the old and new worlds.

Ceil Weta Jensen’s newest work was written to answer the questions she was asked by patrons during her career as a professional genealogist.  Coral Beads and Poppy Seeds uses the lives of four of her ancestors to answer these immigration and assimilation questions.  It is richly illustrated with Ceil’s artwork.

A dual book launch is scheduled for May 12 – American Mother’s Day and May 26 Poland’s Mother’s Day.

https://www.facebook.com/mipolonia/

 

Protecting the Mountain Man's Treasure by Misty M. Beller (Brothers of Sapphire Ranch Book 2)

Book 2 of this series did not disappoint.  I had a hard time tearing myself away from the book to take care of things I needed to do.  I loved this book.  It completely engaged me and I could see the events happening in my mind as the book described them.  The main characters are both good people and yet because of the circumstances, neither can immediately trust the other.  Yet there is a definite attraction between the two.  But will it be enough.  Jude can definitely not be with someone who does not have his Christian faith.  And Angela was not raised in the same beliefs.  As their journey together continues, there are many treacherous events that cause them to question the other person.  It's a great read and I really was captivated by it.  Highly recommend!

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

Dig Deep For Murder: A Cozy crime whodunit mystery (Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series Book 11)

 A discovery of a body always brings Steve Smiley into action.  He is blind, but that doesn't stop him from solving a serious crime.  Although Clyde finds the murder victim  and it is his former girlfriend, Smiley and McBlythe start investigating to see what they can determine.  The mystery is enthralling and you will want to read this one.  The characters are interesting and well developed.  I already look forward to seeing what is next!

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

Elmore, Minnesota Remembering The Way it Was by Roger L. Ripley

Many moons ago, I lived in this little town of Elmore, Minnesota.  It still lives vividly in my mind being as it was the place of my childhood years, my first friends, school and home in America.  Being a genealogist by profession, I like to collect memorabilia of my past and that of my ancestors.  I recently came across this book title in a Facebook group that I belong to for this town.  I still have many friends to this day of this charming Minnesota town.  When I saw the post, I knew that I would need to add this to my collection of memories of Minnesota life.  So I purchased it from the publishing company at this link.

I am glad that I did, as it brought back a whirlwind of memories to my mind of the many happy days spent living and growing here!  So if you are interested in this village and about it's past, this is a good purchase for you.

Again here is the link: Purchase here  

Release Day for Veil of Stillness!

 Amazon link

Vannetta Chapman's Kessler Effect Novels!

Amazing Series!

 

Veil of Stillness (Kessler Effect Book 4)

If you have read the first three books of this series, you know how fascinating these books are!  And book 4 is just amazing.  As you see the World events around us each day, you will see that this book is more realistic than ever.  It tells of a World that could happen.  How do people deal with it?  Some good and some definitely not so good.  You have to learn to trust and yet be cautious at the same time.  This book and the entire series is a real eye-opener.  The author did a wonderful job in creating the characters, the events, and survival trials that occurs.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Double Take by Lynette Eason (Lake City Heroes Book 1) A Christian Suspense Thriller with Mystery and Clean Romance

So if you want an exciting read, this is it!  Lainie Jackson is just getting beyond a horrible relationship which she thought was over to his death, when it appears he is back and after her. This is definitely a book that you do not want to miss if you are a mystery and suspense reader.  You will definitely not be disappointed in this one!  James and Lainie work together to try to determine what is happening and to keep Lainie safe.  Lots of drama in this book!  I am exhausted simply from staying up late reading this.  But so very worth it! Can't wait for book 2.

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

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unlikely Match by Jennifer Beckstrand

The title was definitely an appropriate one, as the unlikely match was indeed unlikely.  As Mary starts her quilt design, called the Drunkard's Path, she has no idea that something will quickly change life as she knows it.  A handsome drunken driver crashes onto the family's property and into the barn.  Mary helps in his rescue and as he offers to pay for all damages, Mary's father feels it more important to have him learn a lesson than to simply have him pay for the damages.  So handsome Clay begins his time as barn repairman.  No one of the family knowing who this man really was.  

There are lots of twists and turns as a sweet romance starts between Mary and Clay.  As Clay becomes accustomed to the family, he also becomes a close friend.  As unexpected things start to occur, Mary finds out there is more to this man.  

I really enjoyed this read and there was some humor, as is typical for this author, but there is also lots of drama.   Each character grows in their own ways in the story and it is nice to see the changes that take place.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.  All thoughts are my own.

Her Chance at Family by Angie Dicken (Heartland Sweethearts)

This is a sweet story of Elisa, having been left at the altar and becoming the guardian of her two nieces.  She moves to a newly renovated house and brings along her sweet nieces.  She meets Sean, a landscaper working on her property.  This was a very enjoyable book for me.  I love the location because I grew up "across the street" from the Iowa border.  It's nice to bring back the small town feel memories of my youth.  I enjoyed the interaction of the characters and there is always something that changes the storyline to keep your interest. Elisa needs lots of help as she tries to juggle and balance family life and work life.  I recommend this great read and really look forward to more books from this writer.  I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Christmas with the Cowboy by Tina Radcliffe

I enjoyed this story very much. Emma is a young widow with twins.  Ranch life is keeping her very busy and when the brother of her late husband heads back from his life as a Navy SEAL, she finds a helping hand.  This story is a sweet reminder that God is watching over us. It is a  sweet Christmas story, but I think you can read this anytime and find it enjoyable.  It's a light read and I read it quickly.  

I won this book in a giveaway. 
 

A Small Town Do-Over by Melinda Curtis (A Feel-good, sweet romance) Love in Harmony Valley Book 10

Claudine Giordano is a chef who is back in town to help her grandma with her pizza restaurant.  Just across the street is Enzo, a cook at his family restaurant with whom Claudia had a relationship that didn't turn out well with as a teen. How will this competition of the two restaurants fare with Claudia and Enzo?

This was a cute novella that was very entertaining and a fun read.  The characters were great and the storyline was good.

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

The Boy in Blue Denim by Patrick E. Craig

This book is a great mystery and will keep you turning pages till the very end.  I enjoyed the mystery and the continuation of the character, Jenny Hershberger, that I have enjoyed in past stories by this author.  The story has lots of  twists and turns.  I think you will enjoy this book.  It will keep you wondering throughout!