HIdden Poison: An Amateur Amish Sleuth Cozy Mystery by Tracy Fredrychowski

 

This series is great.  Both books in the series have just held my attention till the very end.  No slow or dull moments.  I loved both of these books.  The book club trio of Amish ladies are always finding clues to solve the case that has happened.  When the grouchy bishop of the Amish collapses and passes away in the cafe, a town becomes greatly concerned as to who dun it and what really happened.  It's a great read and very full of suspence. It's a book you won't be able to easily put down!  

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

An Amish Schoolroom by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Shelley Shepard Gray

 These stories were wonderful!  I love all three of these authors and what a great combination they make.

The stories were each different and about different Amish teachers who find love.  It's fun to see the ins and outs of the Amish school and how it differs with school as we know it.  The stories were interesting, enjoyable and sweet romances.  I really enjoyed them all and highly recommend to the Amish book fan.

The book is very engaging and you don't want to put the book down.  I hope these three wonderful authors will continue to collaborate because they make for some great reading!

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

The Widower by Jennifer Spredemann (Amish Country Brides Series

 As Titus and Emily meet, they quickly made a connection.  Titus, a widower with children, is very attracted to Emily.  But deep within his heart is a fear that may cause a rift in their blossoming relationship and keep him from moving on with his life.  A heartwarming romance, this book is sure to  keep you reading.  It's a charming, enjoyable and Christian read that holds your attention to the end.  

This sweet romance is another book from a growing series of sweet and lovely romances.  The author has a way of bringing in Christian values that are not only important only to the Amish of whom she writes, but to all Christians alike and helps all to realize that our faith can help us overcome all fears.

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

The Amish Teacher's Gift AND GIVEAWAY!

This was the first book that I have read and reviewed for this author and I loved it. 

Ada is a teacher in a special needs Amish school.  The incidents the author writes about aren't glossed over but very accurate in how it is to have a special needs child and that they can be very difficult at times.  I know this first hand.  That honesty came through and appealed to me, personally.  I enjoyed the characters and the experiences that they shared and the not always perfect lives they led.  They had issues to overcome and to deal with.  Made it real!  Made it believable.

I really loved reading this book and hope I will have a chance to read many more from this very talented author.

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


This giveaway ends on April 25th, so hurry and spread the word!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Redemption of Sarah Cain by Beverly Lewis

This book was published quite a while ago and I recently found it at my local library.  So because I didn't remember reading it, although I have seen it before, I grabbed it.

And as with most Beverly Lewis books, I loved it!  So if you too, have missed this one.  I would definitely look for it.

It is an easy read and also easy to get into the characters.  Not confusing with too many characters all introduced quickly and making it hard to know who is who.

Loved it's geniune simplicity and the family values presented.  I suggest you look for it!

Saving Gideon by Amy Lillard

Saving Gideon was a book of a 3 part series by Amy Lillard.  It was great.  I have now read 2 of the books of this series and definitely want to read the one I haven't read yet. although this is can be a stand alone book, as well.

This story of heartache for both parties defined how together they restored the direction of both their lives and helped each other to gain back the trust and happiness both had lost.

I really enjoy Amy Lillard's Amish books.  She really seems to have a definite connection with the ideals and the shortcomings of human nature and the need to find God in each of our lives.

The storyline was unique and interesting.  The book held my attention and I had a hard time putting it down.  I will continue reading books by this author.  She is GOOD.

The Devoted by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of my favorite Amish writers.  I have been reading her books since I first discovered the Amish genre.  She never disappoints!  The Devoted was book three in the series "The Bishop's Family".

Ruthie Stoltzfus has decisions to make about how to wants to spend the future.  She's prepared herself and is eager and self-assured.  Having been courted by Luke, she finds his lifestyle one that she isn't happy about.  

As Patrick Kelly comes to their Amish community, being an Englisher with a mission, she begins to teach him their Amish language of Pennsylvania Dutch.  

The previous book was a real cliff-hanger and here in book 3 we find the truth of what happened.  This story of forgiving, love and caring for others was an excellent story, without over glamorizing the Amish way of life.  Well written, and a page turner, I will continue to be a big fan of Suzanne's!  I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read more from this wonderful and insightful author.

I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review which I have given.

An Amish Harvest Four Novellas

I received this book a week or two ago and have not been able to put it down.  I don't always care for novellas as much as full length books because occasionally the characters are not as well developed.  But in these stories, each one was unique and special in its own way.  I loved the detail of each story and the way it left me feeling that I was so happy that I was able to read this wonderful book.

I highly recommend it to all of you who enjoy Amish fiction.  I will continue to read books written by all of these authors!

I received this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given.

Ties that Bind by Cindy Woodsmall

This is the first book of the Amish of Summer Grove Series and I just really enjoyed this.  It was about a young man, Quill, who was luring the Amish away from their community and helping them to start life with the "English".  Arianna Brenneman is trying her hardest to try to prevent more of this from happening, especially with immediate family members.  

It is an amazing story, definitely a different theme than many of the others that I have read.  I highly recommend this one!  Loved it!!!!  Cindy Woodsmall is one of the first authors whose Amish books I originally started reading and will always be a favorite Amish author of mine.

I was given an ebook version of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

You can snag a copy at this link.

The Quieting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Quieting was right up my alley!  Why?  Because it was about GENEALOGY! And it was AMISH.  What combination would I love better than that.  I actually had written to several Amish authors suggesting a genealogy theme because I personally have done quite a bit of Amish and Mennonite research as a part of my occupation as a professional German genealogist.  Their genealogy that I personally researched was fascinating and I love how Ms. Fisher wove it into the theme of a great story.  It's been something I have been totally watching and waiting to see happen.  I am glad it did!

I really enjoyed the characters in the story and the events that took place up to the time of the "Quieting" or the revocation of ministerial positions.  This was a great book and I am so glad I was able to read it!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

Brian's Choice by Vannetta Chapman

Brian’s Choice is a novella prequel to Vannetta's Plain and Simple Miracles collection.These are stories of love, family and Amish community in Oklahoma. 

I was lucky enough to have had a chance to read this ebook and have to say, Vannetta Chapman has a wonderful new book!  As always, she never disappoints and I totally enjoyed this quick but well-developed novella.

Brian is an "Englischer" who has a troubled past.  He moves on in his life and because of his want to begin again, and has joined the Amish faith, adapting to their beliefs and customs in hopes of a better 

As a former professor, a teaching job at the Amish school is a new turn in his life.  This story is about love and forgiveness, including  forgiveness of one's own self, which is probably the hardest forgiveness of all.  I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the series.

I received an ebook copy of this book for my honest review which I have given.  

The author, Vannetta Chapman

Interview with J.E.B. Spredemann and a Book Giveaway!

I am so very excited to share an interview with J.E.B. Spredemann with you!  They are also having a giveaway for an autographed copy of Amish by Accident.  

I have just finished reading An Undeniable Secret.  It was an absolutely wonderful read and so I am especially happy to host Jennifer, Emily and Brandi on my blog today.

Welcome, Jennifer, Emily and Brandi!  Please tell us a little about the J.E.B. Spredemann brand!

First of all, Sonja, I'd like to thank you for interviewing us today! It's an honor to be featured on your blog. Our brand is ‘Different Amish Fiction’. We derived the name from our readers’ reviews – many of them stated that our books were different than any Amish fiction they’d ever read. Fortunately, they meant different in a positive sense. There are many talented authors of Amish fiction out there and I love reading their work. As a reader, I like to read stories that are not only entertaining, but carry a strong spiritual thread as well – more than just the ‘follow your heart’ cliché. We strive to write stories that are well-researched, realistic, stories that present the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and stories that our readers will be thinking about long after they’ve read our books.

Which of your books is your favorite and why? 

Oh, this one is difficult for me! Honestly, I don’t think I can pick one. Many times, it’s the book I’m presently writing, as the characters are fresh in my head and heart. I love Hannah’s story in An Unforgivable Secret and the picture of God’s wonderful redeeming grace. I love God’s providence in Amish by Accident. I love His compassion and mercy in A Secret Encounter and A Secret of the Heart. I love our younger characters in the Amish Girls Series and the struggles they grow through, and, of course, Jonathan Fisher! I love the life-affirming themes in the Amish Fairly Tales series. So, as you can see, for an author, choosing a favorite book would be akin to choosing a favorite child.

Tell us about Emily and Brandi and Jennifer. Will you be writing some more books together? 

Yes, Lord willing! We have a spin-off series planned called The Men of Amish Paradise. These books will focus on the fathers (and mothers) of some of the girls in the Amish Girls Series, and will essentially be prequels to the Amish Girls Series. (Not a teen series.) We’re thrilled to begin this series and develop the ideas we have.

Do your main characters usually revolve around someone you know or are they their “own” person? 

Both. For the most part, our characters are their own person. Some of our characters or their stories are inspired by real people or true events. For example, Jonathan Fisher is a mishmash of my hubby, my youngest son, and our imaginations. We've since discovered there are many Jonathan Fishers out there! ;)

What started you on your writing career? 

Simply stated, our love for reading and writing. It sort of happened by surprise, actually. And so the story goes...Brandi and I (Jennifer) were out grocery shopping one day. As we sometimes did, Brandi was reading aloud (being my audiobook). At one point, she stopped, turned to me, and asked, “Why don’t they have books like this for people my age?” I thought about it for a little bit, then said we would look into it. After discovering there were, indeed, very few Amish-themed books for teens, I basically said, “Why don’t we write some?” And so we did…:)

Do your books usually have an underlying message that you are trying to convey to the readers? 

Yes. The essential message in all of our books is that God loves them, He sees every detail of their lives, and He cares deeply for each and every person, no matter who they are or what they've done.

That is a really wonderful message!  You are so right about what you have said and I feel the same way as you do!  

Thanks so much for sharing some of your thoughts, today.  I think we all enjoy learning a bit more about the authors of the books we enjoy so much.  It's clear to see that your personalities shine through in each of your books!

Here are some links to connect with J.E.B. Spredemann!

J.E.B. Spredemann author page on Amazon. 

Want to sign up for the J.E.B. Spredemann monthly newsletter to be the first to hear about new releases, giveaways, and all the latest J.E.B. Spredemann news?  If so, click here!

And here is a link for the latest release, An Undeniable Secret.

Thanks so much J.E.B. Spredemann.    Wishing you all a continued success with your books!

J.E.B. Spredemann has graciously offered to give one lucky reader a signed copy of Amish by Accident!  How exciting is that!  Simply leave a comment on why you would like to read this book and be sure and leave a email contact in a safe format.  This contest ends on May 27th at 6:00 pm MDT.    Contest open to US Residents only.

J.E.B.Spredemann Meme Contest! I won!

So recently we were asked on the J.E.B. Spredemann street team to find a favorite quote and that the team would be voting to see their fave and the winner would get a book and an Amish framed picture.  Well, I won!  Am I am sharing my meme here with you on my blog.  Here it is:

I liked the quote a lot.  A little good advice for all.

In His Father's Arms by Beth Wiseman

I have read many of Beth Wiseman's books and so far have liked them all.  This novella was no exception.  She is just an excellent author.

Ruth Anne and her best friend Bethany are both young wive's who have found they were expecting their first babies at just about the same time.  Exciting news for both of them and as Bethany's little perfect girl is born, Ruth Anne looks forward to her blessed event.
Her husband Levi holds an apprehension about the birth in his heart and the apprehension holds true.  As this young teenage couple trys to cope with the fact that their child is born with Down syndrome, Levi seems to drift farther and farther away.  The difficult time of this causes Ruth Anne to seek help away from the Amish community amongst Englischers who welcome her with open arms.

The story is sad as it starts.  Prayer, faith and love come together to form a beautiful story which follows the plan that God had prepared for them.

I purchased this as part of a 4 part book by four wonderful authors, Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller and Vannetta Chapman.  It is a blessed read.  I really recommend this read.

The Decision by Wanda Brunstetter

Wanda Brunstetter's new book The Decision was an excellent read.  If you are or know of a person that is a caretaker of someone you know what a big job that is.  It is hard to find time to take care of yourself and your own needs.  This book deals with this life issue.  This book is the Prairie State Friends series, book one.

Elaine is the caretaker of her grandmother who becomes ill with diabetes and also dementia.  This happens at a time in her life when she is being courted by Jonah.  Jonah is a character Wanda's fans will recognize from another series of Wanda's books.

Just when things are going good with Elaine's and Jonah's relationship, Elaine discovers the news of her grandmother's health.  She makes a decision that will affect not only her life, but Jonah's as well as others.  Will Jonah be able to change her mind, or what will happen in the lives of these two?

I really enjoyed this book and could really understand the decision that Elaine felt necessary to make to spare Jonah from what she feels would be a difficult married life. This was a moving story that many people find themselves facing at one time or other in their lives.

I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading book two!

I received a print copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given.  All thoughts are my own.

Plain Proposal by Beth Wiseman

I finished the whole book pretty fast because it was hard to tear myself away from the 3 books in the 1 Volume version.

Just as the others, I was very taken in by this book as well.  Beth Wiseman is a really enthralling author.  I will be reading lots of her books, no doubt about this.

In this story Englischer Shelby, whose parents have divorced, is required to live with her Amish relatives.  She is surprised at their living circumstances but finds herself growing fond of the warm family.  Although mother Rebecca seems to be a bit hesitant to have a trusting relationship with Shelby.  She is sure that Shelby will be a bad influence on her daughter, Miriam.

Both girls find themselves getting close and finding someone whom they both care about.  Miriam's Amish beau is keeping a secret from her and this secret could cause the end of their relationship.  As the stories continue, you witness the warmth of family, the forgiveness and the strength of the individuals and how they deal with problems they never foresaw.

This is a very interesting read.  I see the trust in God, family and friends and how they all work together for the good.

Loved this book!

Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman

In a word, I loved this.  It was a hopeful and uplifting inspirational book.  I thought I enjoyed the first book, but this one went above and beyond.

Linda has lived a happy Amish life, only to have her world turned upside down by Josie Dronberger, a woman who at age 17 gave Linda to an Amish couple for adoption.  Now Josie is facing her own health problems and wants to find her daughter.  She does, but Linda was never informed that she was not the natural child of Mary Ellen and Abe.  The shock takes the household in its grasp as Josie and Linda begin to try to know and understand one another's worlds.  

True feelings are shown by Mary Ellen who does not want to lose her faithful daughter to Englisch ways and worldliness.  

This is a heartfelt story of love, faith, prayer and trust in God at all times.  I am so glad I pulled this book from the bottom of my "to be read" pile!  It is so good.  A 5 star book!

Author Beth Wiseman

Jedidiah's Bride by Rebecca Kertz

Sarah Mast's brothers are rescued from an impending accident by a young stranger.  He is visiting in her town, but is from rather far away in another state.  After he has returned home, Sarah tries to put the feelings that had begun to stir behind her.

As it becomes apparent that her mother needs surgery, Sarah and her brothers stay at a relatives where, much to her surprise, she again sees Jedidiah.

I enjoyed this story, but perhaps not as much as some other Amish books that I have read.  It is a nice read, however, and the characters were enjoyable.

I still hope to be able to read more of Rebecca Kertz' books.

Huckleberry Spring by Jennifer Beckstrand

I am so lucky to have been able to read Huckleberry Spring!  Jennifer Beckstrand is such a fun author.  There is a little of everything in her books, including humor.

So Anna and Felty Helmuth are at it again.  Anna has a grandson, Ben, whom she wants to "marry-off" and she wants his ex-fiance to be the one!

But since Ben just dumped her without explanation, leaves Bonduel, WI. and heads to Florida, it will not be an easy to fix situation.  But, of course, Anna is up to a challenge.

Will she succeed or fail?  But Ben carries a secret alone in his heart that will change lives forever.

Jennifer's characters are well developed and the story lines are always new and interesting.  Never a dull moment.  You can read this book as a stand alone, but I highly recommend the earlier books in the series because they will keep you waiting for more.  This is a great read!  I am so happy I was able to read this!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.  There was no monetary compensation and opinions are my own.

Here is the link to Jennifer's blog. And where you can find all about her and her writing!

Her book is available here for preorder at Amazon.com

Davey's Daughter by Linda Byler Book 2 in the Lancaster Burning Series

This book has been on my TBR pile for way too long.  I decided that I wanted to read it because book 1 had left me hanging.  It was really good.

Davey's daughter continues the stories of the Amish barn burnings in Lancaster county.

Matthew is Sarah Beiler's love interest, although her family doesn't seem to be nearly as fond of him as she would like.  He decides to leave the Amish faith and become a missionary and asks her to join him.  She is ready to do this only to find out he is interested in someone else.

The barn burnings continue and Sarah befriends Ashley who is a friend who might be caught up in the problems of the community.
Sarah finds a new Amishman who captures her heart, only to find out that Matthew is returning.  How will this turn out?  To be honest I don't know!  The book is a cliffhanger and book 3 will not be out as soon as I had hoped.

I had heard it was because the author was in need of finding a new publisher when hers went out of business.  But with a quick check on Amazon, I see that it is now expected out in May of 2015.  If you want to get an email notice when it is available, go to this link.  I signed up to get the notification, because I can't wait till the next book is out.

About the Author from her book:  Linda Byler grew up Amish and is a practicing member of the Amish church today.  She is the author of two bestselling Amish romance novel series, Lizzie Searches for Love and Sadies's Montana, as well as the Lancaster Burning Series.