The Melody of Love by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach

This was an enjoyable and touching book.  Amelia's son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, something I have also found myself serving as a caretaker for.  It can be very difficult depending on the person, but the book addresses it kindly and with understanding.  Amelia is a widow and doesn't plan or expect to find love again.  She and her sisters go on atrip to help with a wedding where she meets Christian.  But a long distance romance doesn't seem to be a possibility.  The story is a tender account of difficult adjustments, love, and patience.

It is a very nicely explained story that will touch your heart.

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

Buried Secrets: An Amatuer Amish Sleuth Cozy Mystery by Tracy Fredrychowski

I love an intriguing mystery and this book filled the bill!  The storyline kept me wondering just what would happen next.  I never knew what to expect.  Many people knew "bits and pieces"  And everyone has their opinions as to what happened and things continue to worry the townspeople. I think this book will be enjoyable and interesting reading for all. There are some exciting moments that will keep you on your toes.  Rosie, Irma and Lovina, bookclub sleuths, will leave no stones unturned!

I received an ARC copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

Can't Help Falling in Love with My Hockey Player Husband By Jennifer Spredemann with Brandi Gabriel

This book touched on some "real-life" situations.  It was handled appropriately and was a very good read.  It was a story of Amish Ivy and "Englisch" Jude.  They have known each other a long time.  Ivy finds herself in a difficult situation and Jude is her good friend and she tells him of her situation.  Together they try to find their way.  They both deal with many of life's difficulties and you can tell of their feelings for one another, although they may not realize it themselves.

The book is about faith, forgiveness and the need of God's guidance. It was a very good book.  I really loved reading it and stayed up late to see how things turn out. I enjoyed it very much and readers of Amish fiction will find this a great book to read and enjoy.

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

The Beginner's Quilt by Wanda E, Brunstetter

I have read lots of this author's books and I really enjoyed this one. It was a really sweet story of an Amish woman, who did not appear to have the same role expected talents.  Cooking and sewing were not her "thing".  Her mother had tried to teach her, but without success.  As Emma's mom realized she hadn't succeeded to teach her the things all Amish wives are expected to do, Emma was sent to her grandparents to learn those skills, hopefully.  

It was a very nicely paced story with engaging characters and themes of faith and forgiveness and love.  I enjoyed it very much, including Ivan's unfortunate experience in Rumspringa which might sadly turn his life around.  It was very well written and believable.  I enjoy a good Christian book which shows that we should all be responsible for our own actions.  I recommend this book!

Katie's Amish Journey Of Hope By Tracy Fredrychowski (The Amish Women of Lawrence County Book 8)

 

Katie's mother has passed away and her heart and soul are broken.  She no longer can function as she has in the past.  Her depression seems only to deepen as she draws further from family and friends.  Her husband needs her as do her little children.  As she experiences these feelings, loving friends help as best as they can.  

This was a very touching story.  As Katie and family work through the trials they are now facing, there is always a ray of light that comes from an unknown person.  I am sure many of us have had these feelings to work through or had family or friends with these experiences.  It is a book of love, faith, hope and patience as the troubles are worked through.  I recommend this sweet story to those who enjoy Amish books.  The author has done a great job of bringing the different topics in the book to good closure at the end of the book. I received an Arc copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Harvest of Amish Blessings by multiple authors

 

These covers totally draw me in!  They are just beautiful.  I read the story written by Tracy Fredrychowski.  It was an excellent story.  It is a sweet romance that drew me in and the characters were well developed. I am sure you will enjoy this book!

The Amish Widow's Last Stitch by Tracy Fredrychowski

This mystery was just a perfect read for me.  I am a mystery lover.  I love trying to guess how things will all work out and this book kept me guessing.  When Lizzie's grandmother suddenly passes, things just don't seem right about how that happened and why.  Lizzie is determined to find out.  She has worked with her grandmother at the yarn shop and she begins to sort through her grandmother's things in hopes of clues.  This is a great cozy mystery that I am sure any mystery and Amish book lover will enjoy.  There is just a little romance, but it was nice and a sweet story between Lizzie and Evert as their friendship grows.  I recommend this book!

The Pretender by Wanda E. Brunstetter Mifflin County Mystery Series Book 3

 

I really enjoyed this author's book. An Amish woman whose family hasn't heard from in 2 years, suddenly appears home with an Englisher whom she introduces as her husband. How will her family react to her sudden appearance?  Rosa is worried as to whether her family will accept or reject her.  She is expecting a baby. Her sister is feeling and acting somewhat unkindly to Rosa and her "husband", Anthony.  It is a good story line and I enjoyed the book very much.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Ruth's Amish Words of Faith by Tracy Fredrychowski

This was a really touching story that touches deeply on the heartstrings.  It is a story of two very different women, Ruth and Wilma.  Ruth is an Amish woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer as has Wilma, a woman who is not Amish.  The two of them meet and share a very deep bond together.  Ruth shared her faith with Wilma and became a true support to her as they both navigated a very different life plan as they both would have hoped for.  The one quote that stood out to me in the book was "There's a joy in seeing the world in a new way, even if it's not what I'm used to."  And that seems to fit into many life situations. This was a book definitely worth reading and I recommend it highly.  

I received an ARC copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An Amish Widow's New Love by Vannetta Chapman

This was a story of a young widow's financial plight after her husband's passing.  He has left her with more debt than she can handle and she moves to a new Amish community.  She has nothing to her name except those debts and the house she purchased after the sale of her past home.  Will the new community accept her and how will she and her sons forge a new path?  This was a really good book and I enjoyed it very much.  She finds help through Amos Yoder, the owner of the Amish Market.  And then she finds a wonderful community and more!  

I really enjoyed this Amish romance and I recommend this book.  You won't want to miss it!

I received an ARC copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuitsby Wanda E. Brunstetter and Martha Bolton

This is a cozy mystery about a baking competition and suddenly there are threatening notes and missing contestants.  Fannie is hoping for a blue ribbon this year as she decides to enter, as she previously has with her Aunt's recipe of Buttermilk Biscuits.  Suddenly trouble starts to brew and she and Foster Bates, private investigator, are on the lookout for whatever may be going on.

The story is a fun, easy-going story with small hints of a possible romance.  It was an enjoyable read, 

and a relaxing read.  I liked the story and I look forward to reading more if this becomes a new series. 

I received an ARC copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

The Amish Quiltmaker's Uninvited Guest by Jennifer Beckstrand

Menno and his young girls are looking for a wife and a mama!  He leaves home to head to Colorado to find this woman and his to-do list has finding a wife as a priority which needs taking care of within a month before he needs to return home "with her".  The Colorado community has some good options for him but he has his mind set on the one person who appears to not be at all interested in him.  It's a really cute story and true to Jennifer Beckstrand style, filled with humor and keeps you entertained!  

I received an arc from Net Galley.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mary's Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne

 I loved this story of The Heart of the Amish Series!  It was a sweet story of Mary, who was in a serious and tragic accident causing her many surgeries, pain and the use of crutches.  She meets the Mennonite doctor and the story continues.  There are many ups and downs as Mary has pretty much resigned herself that she won't marry.  And being a baptized Amish, a relationship with someone not of her faith would cause her to be shunned.  Its a heartwarming story.  I felt it was a very good read.

I received an arc copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Unforgiven by Shelley Shepard Gray

This was a really well written book.  The characters were believable and understandable.  You knew why they did what they thought they needed to do even though you wish things were different.  It is an emotional story and it really keeps you engaged and wondering what would I do in this situation.  Seth and Tabitha have had past experiences in their lives that have followed them through their days.  The story is one of trust, love, family, community and especially forgiveness which the title shows is not easily coming.  The Christian aspects of the book come through and I enjoy and appreciate that in my reading.

I received an arc copy of this book.  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.

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.

This Passing Hour by Leslie Gould

Just Released!!!

 

when Hattie Finds Love by Amy Lillard (Heartwarming Amish romance set in Missouri (Paradise Valley Book 4)

 

This is a sweet and clean romance of a member of the widow’s group, Hattie.  She and her cousin, Elsie decide to make a little bet that Hattie can get a certain grumpy looking widower to “smile”.  Not normally a big challenge but in the case of widower, Christian, it appears to be impossible.  And it is definitely going to be a challenge to see if a smile will ever happen… This is a really enjoyable book and is a light and refreshing story. The story develops in a very organic way and the characters are so nice you just enjoy them so much. I really enjoyed all the characters and their individual roles in the story.  It was a well-paced book and I recommend it to all those Amish fiction lovers out there!  And if you haven’t read Amish fiction, it’s a great way to start your love of this genre. 

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

Her Secret Hope by Shelley Shepard Gray (A Season in Pinecraft Book 3)

This is book 3 of the series.  I felt it was a bit slower and it took a while for me to engage. It touched upon adoption and the feelings that go along with that, which is a topic that has touched my life in many ways.  I love the Pinecraft setting and the book makes me want to go see it for myself.  This was a clean and sweet Amish romance.  I enjoyed seeing some of the characters from the previous books in this series.  The book did touch upon forgiveness, and had sweet characters that filled the pages. 

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

Sisters by the Sea by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, Richelle Brunstetter & Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach

I loved how the four short stories blended so well together and were so enjoyable to read.  As you progress through the book there is a real connection and it is just like one great story.  I love Amish fiction and this book added to the list of good, clean Amish romances.  It was fun to see how the sisters found their way through life after each having a situation that had to be worked through.  The stories all shared growth in the characters. I loved the Florida setting and the contrast and differences in each of the sisters.  It was a fun read and I will continue reading books written by these authors.

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