The Amish Princess by Patrick E. Craig

Powerful. Captivating. Tragic. Emotion-filled. Awesome.

I can't find enough words to completely describe this book.  From the very beginning it grabs you and never lets you go.  I started last night, then had to work today so I couldn't read, then I finished it tonight.  Every spare minute, it totally consumed me.

It was such an interesting, emotionally packed historical account of life in the early 1700s.  You almost felt as though you were there totally experiencing what was going on.  The Indian raids and battles, the times when God's hand intervened.  It was all there.  

The characters were so well portrayed and each personality was strong in its own way.  They were people that experienced many heartaches and trials.  

There were some very heartbreaking tragic scenes which were well written but sometimes graphic in detail.  However, I really enjoyed this book and these scenes were necessary to bring across the message of what was occuring and the historical trials that were being endured.

Looks like lots of research went into the book, including the sail ship Charming Nancy, the passenger list of which I, myself, have studied while doing genealogical work for a client.

I highly recommend this very amazing book.  

I also did a little checking and found an interview with Patrick on a blog by Liz Tolsma.  You can find the interview here.  It will give you more insight on how this amazing book came to be.

My Heart Belongs to Fort Bliss, Texas by Erica Vetsch

Doesn't this book cover just invite you to come read it?  It really speaks to me.  The fact that the story takes place in Texas makes it very dear to my heart, too.  Many family ties here as early Texan settlers.  As Priscilla comes to Fort Bliss she expects to return home with a niece and nephew whose parents both became ill and left them without parents.

Unknown to her, the guardian role she had expected to take upon herself, had been taken by someone else.   The story gets really interesting and I just loved it!  I love historical fiction and this is a great one!

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

Amish Christmas at North Star by multiple authors

I was so lucky to be able to read this wonderful compilation by Cindy Woodsmall, one of my favorite Amish authors and Minday Starns Clark, Amanda Flower and Katie Ganshert.  These four stories were all such nice reads and all took place in the Amish community of North Star.

These were all stories of love, forgiveness, love of others and service to others.  These great Christian themes were perfect for a wonderful Christmas read.  I can't wait to read more from all of these authors. Each story was new and different and very heart warming.

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

Where Jesus Slept by Norma Lewis Illustrated by Katy Hudson

This is a beautiful book for children and explains the events of the Nativity in a very sweet way that will capture the attention of small children.  It was enjoyable and the illustrations were very engaging, especially to the eyes of a child.  I can't wait till my grandson comes over to read it to him!

the Amish Cooking Class The Seekers by Wanda E. Brunstetter

I really enjoyed this book by Wanda Burnstetter.  I have read many of her books and it is similar to the style of the Amishing Quilting Class series, which I also really liked.  Several people of very diverse backgrounds sign up for an Amish cooking class.  Most have some underlying problems in their lives and the new friendships that they make can prove to be very healing.

I really liked the light-hearted feelings that come across in the book and the caring for others and love of family that comes through as you read this book.

It was a very good read and I will continue reading the series.

I received am ebook copy from NetGalley for my honest review, which I have given.

Healing a Heart by Amy Lillard

Amy Lillard is one of my favorite authors.  She writes both Amish and contemporary books.This was among her contemporary books.

Because of a night together, Bryn finds herself in a situation which causes her to speak to Jake regarding the results of that night spent together.  His immediate response was not one that she agreed with, but as his family asks her to stay with them for a while she finds herself drawn to Jake and he to her.

This story was very well written, however, not the genre I normally would read.  I enjoyed the book but being that it was  a contemporary book there were some parts that I quickly passed over.  The story was good and I enjoyed reading it.

I received an ebook copy from Netgalley for my honest review, which I have given.

The Bachelor's Homecoming by Karen Kirst

This is the first book that I have read by this author.  It was a sweet historical romance.  I enjoyed the storyline, and it was a good Christian read.  I like anything historical so I found it very interesting.  I hope to read more from this author in the future.

I recommend it to others who enjoy historical romance.