I loved this book! I could not put it down! I read it in one night! The story grabbed me right from the first page and then took some unexpected twists and turns along the way that kept it interesting and me turning pages to see what happened next. It really makes a book interesting when something unexpected happens and you say to yourself - I did not see that coming!
If you are looking for a good book that is a page turner full of surprises than I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed!
This is book #1 in The Courtships Of Lancaster County Series and I cannot wait to read Book 2. Great job Ms. Gould!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Westward Hearts by Melody Carlson
I enjoyed this book. It was a little slow getting going but once it did it moved at a nice pace. The characters are well defined and we learn a lot about not only the main characters, but the members of the wagon train as well.
Ms. Carlson does a wonderful job explaining to the reader what pushes Elizabeth Martin to want to make the trek from Kentucky to Kansas City in the 1800's along the Oregon Trail with all of the hardships and perils a wagon train went through during that time. The reader is drawn right into Elizabeth's family and soon has their own favorite member of the family. In my case it is the adorable and headstrong 8 year old Ruth, Elizabeth's daughter. I adore this little girl and her big heart. Of course there always has to be one person you would leave right there on the side of the road and for me that has to be Gertrude. Is there an element of romance in such a primitive setting? Oh yes, in the form of one scout master Eli Kincaid, who has issues of his own.
I cannot wait to read Book 2 in the series to see what happens next. The promise of excitement kept me turning pages late into the night!
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Faithful To Laura by Kathleen Fuller
I love Kathleen Fuller's books. She writes with such passion and really lets the reader see into the heart of the characters.
Laura Stutzman is a scarred woman. Having been betrayed and permanently disfigured by a man who she thought loved and wanted to marry her, the only thoughts that keep her going are ones of revenge. That is until she meets Sawyer Thompson. Sawyer has his own baggage. Having been adopted into the Amish community when he was a child, he has conflicting emotions about the Amish vs English way of life. Then he gets a shock that will turn his world upside down. Or will it? Will the budding relationship he has with Laura be destroyed? Will her hunger for revenge ruin any chance she might have for happiness?
This book takes you on a journey, not just a physical one, but a journey of the heart. We watch as Laura and Sawyer wrestle with their thoughts and feelings. Ms. Fuller does a wonderful job of expressing what the characters are going through and how they work through everything they are facing. I cannot wait to read the next book in the Middlefield series. I know it will be a good one. I highly recommend this book!
Laura Stutzman is a scarred woman. Having been betrayed and permanently disfigured by a man who she thought loved and wanted to marry her, the only thoughts that keep her going are ones of revenge. That is until she meets Sawyer Thompson. Sawyer has his own baggage. Having been adopted into the Amish community when he was a child, he has conflicting emotions about the Amish vs English way of life. Then he gets a shock that will turn his world upside down. Or will it? Will the budding relationship he has with Laura be destroyed? Will her hunger for revenge ruin any chance she might have for happiness?
This book takes you on a journey, not just a physical one, but a journey of the heart. We watch as Laura and Sawyer wrestle with their thoughts and feelings. Ms. Fuller does a wonderful job of expressing what the characters are going through and how they work through everything they are facing. I cannot wait to read the next book in the Middlefield series. I know it will be a good one. I highly recommend this book!
Sunday, July 8, 2012
The Gifted by Ann H. Gabhart
There is only one word to describe this book. Rich. Rich in history, rich in description, rich in story line. I have always been a fan of Ms. Gabhart's Shaker books but this one was especially outstanding. I love how she moved the story from the Shaker world to the outside world with such ease. I truly enjoyed this story. It kept me reading long into the night.
Jessamine Brady was taken to the Shakers upon the death of her Grandmother when she was 10 years old. She doesn't remember much of the outside world but she does remember her Grandmother and how she encouraged Jessamine to follow her dreams. Something very hard to do among the Shakers. Then one day an incident happens that changes everything. It comes in the form of Tristan Cooper. But that is just the beginning. There is another bigger surprise waiting for Jessamine just around the corner and the conflicting feelings and emotions she has make this a wonderful story. Comfortable in her Shaker world but wanting to experience the outside world, Jessamine has trouble living in both worlds. Will she experience everything her Grandmother told her about? Will she be able to exist outside the Shaker world if she has to?
This book, as with all Ms. Gabhart's Shaker books, was so well researched the reader gets a history lesson they didn't expect that is gently woven into a wonderfully realistic story. Although I love all of her Shaker books, this one is at the top of the list. Not to be missed and highly recommended.
Jessamine Brady was taken to the Shakers upon the death of her Grandmother when she was 10 years old. She doesn't remember much of the outside world but she does remember her Grandmother and how she encouraged Jessamine to follow her dreams. Something very hard to do among the Shakers. Then one day an incident happens that changes everything. It comes in the form of Tristan Cooper. But that is just the beginning. There is another bigger surprise waiting for Jessamine just around the corner and the conflicting feelings and emotions she has make this a wonderful story. Comfortable in her Shaker world but wanting to experience the outside world, Jessamine has trouble living in both worlds. Will she experience everything her Grandmother told her about? Will she be able to exist outside the Shaker world if she has to?
This book, as with all Ms. Gabhart's Shaker books, was so well researched the reader gets a history lesson they didn't expect that is gently woven into a wonderfully realistic story. Although I love all of her Shaker books, this one is at the top of the list. Not to be missed and highly recommended.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble
What an amazing book! Every time I see a new book by Colleem Coble I can't wait to read it because I know it will be filled with emotion, lots of twists and turns, and an element of faith. Tidewater Inn did all of that and more.
What would it be like to watch your business partner be abducted via webcam and not be able to do anything about it? What would it be like to find out the father you thought was long dead had recently died and not only left you an Inn but siblings you knew nothing about? Well, that is all on the plate of Libby Holladay, part owner of Holladay Renovations. And of course you have to add in the very handsome Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Alec Bourne who agrees to help Libby find her missing business partner.
The twists and turns this book takes are pleasantly unexpected and at one point I found myself gasping because the story went to an unexpected place - or two. This is a story of truth, faith, redemption, forgiveness and love, not just for another person or persons but for a place so beautiful you can't help but want to call it home.
This book is a must read for anyone who loves adventure, old architecture, mystery and just a good old fashioned love story. Ms. Coble has done an amazing job of bringing this area to life and helping the reader to "see" what the characters are seeing. I cannot wait for the next book in the "Hope Beach" series.
What would it be like to watch your business partner be abducted via webcam and not be able to do anything about it? What would it be like to find out the father you thought was long dead had recently died and not only left you an Inn but siblings you knew nothing about? Well, that is all on the plate of Libby Holladay, part owner of Holladay Renovations. And of course you have to add in the very handsome Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Alec Bourne who agrees to help Libby find her missing business partner.
The twists and turns this book takes are pleasantly unexpected and at one point I found myself gasping because the story went to an unexpected place - or two. This is a story of truth, faith, redemption, forgiveness and love, not just for another person or persons but for a place so beautiful you can't help but want to call it home.
This book is a must read for anyone who loves adventure, old architecture, mystery and just a good old fashioned love story. Ms. Coble has done an amazing job of bringing this area to life and helping the reader to "see" what the characters are seeing. I cannot wait for the next book in the "Hope Beach" series.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
When Hope Blossoms by Kim Vogel Sawyer
I love Kim Vogel Sawyer! She writes beautiful, faith filled stories that grab your heart and renew your faith. And this book is no exception.
I can honestly say I read this book in one day. I just couldn't wait to see how it all came out. Here you have a woman, Amy Knackstedt, a widow with 3 young children, who moves from her Mennonite community to start a new life amid questions regarding her husbands death. Was it an accident? Her children are adorable and will grab your heart. Bekah, the oldest, wants so much to be grown up and has conflicting feeling about her Mennonite upbringing, Parker, the 11 year old with disabilities stemming from an accident who just wants to be loved and accepted for who he is, and my favorite, Adrianna, affectionately known as "Adri". What a precocious 5 year old she is! You can't help but love her.
Enter into that the neighbor Tim Roper, who owns an orchard and has a thing about Mennonites. Being ex-Mennonite he wants nothing to do with them. He has demons of his own, having lost his wife and son in a tragic accident. Will the Knackstedt children soften his heart? Will Amy and her children bring up long ago buried feelings and emotions? Well, I guess you will have to read the book to find out!
This book is very easy to read and is what I call a light book. I loved this book for the way it makes the reader feel. I didn't feel stressed or burdened by this book. The whole way through it was a very positive read and I enjoyed it immensely. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a book that is not heavy on drama or anger but on forgiveness and redemption.
Well done Ms. Sawyer! I can't wait for the next book!
I can honestly say I read this book in one day. I just couldn't wait to see how it all came out. Here you have a woman, Amy Knackstedt, a widow with 3 young children, who moves from her Mennonite community to start a new life amid questions regarding her husbands death. Was it an accident? Her children are adorable and will grab your heart. Bekah, the oldest, wants so much to be grown up and has conflicting feeling about her Mennonite upbringing, Parker, the 11 year old with disabilities stemming from an accident who just wants to be loved and accepted for who he is, and my favorite, Adrianna, affectionately known as "Adri". What a precocious 5 year old she is! You can't help but love her.
Enter into that the neighbor Tim Roper, who owns an orchard and has a thing about Mennonites. Being ex-Mennonite he wants nothing to do with them. He has demons of his own, having lost his wife and son in a tragic accident. Will the Knackstedt children soften his heart? Will Amy and her children bring up long ago buried feelings and emotions? Well, I guess you will have to read the book to find out!
This book is very easy to read and is what I call a light book. I loved this book for the way it makes the reader feel. I didn't feel stressed or burdened by this book. The whole way through it was a very positive read and I enjoyed it immensely. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a book that is not heavy on drama or anger but on forgiveness and redemption.
Well done Ms. Sawyer! I can't wait for the next book!
Friday, June 15, 2012
A Man Of Honor by Loree Lough
Wow! That's the only word that comes to mind after reading this book. This is a beautiful, powerful book. I was not prepared for the twists and turns this book took but it is so well written you don't even notice. Most books I read these days are predictable. This one is not. This book was a refreshing change from the norm and I am still reeling from the ending.
Dusty Parker, Pastor, search-and-rescue team member, and in charge of about 11 troubled teen boys meets Grace Sinclair, teacher and part time volunteer in the most unlikely place and what happens in that place bonds them together forever.
The love story of Dusty and Grace can only be described as love at first sight. Does it have it's ups and downs? Oh yeah! And the tests on their relationship are mind boggling. Do they come through it? Yes, kind of. The final chapters of this book will not only take you around a corner or two you didn't expect but the ending will be a complete surprise.
If you are expecting another boring, predictable book then don't read this one. I finished it last night and it haunted me all night. The love, faith, and beauty of this book will shine through, even through tears. If you have read either of the first 2 books in the First Responders series you already know this book is a page turner. Well done, Ms. Lough, well done.
Dusty Parker, Pastor, search-and-rescue team member, and in charge of about 11 troubled teen boys meets Grace Sinclair, teacher and part time volunteer in the most unlikely place and what happens in that place bonds them together forever.
The love story of Dusty and Grace can only be described as love at first sight. Does it have it's ups and downs? Oh yeah! And the tests on their relationship are mind boggling. Do they come through it? Yes, kind of. The final chapters of this book will not only take you around a corner or two you didn't expect but the ending will be a complete surprise.
If you are expecting another boring, predictable book then don't read this one. I finished it last night and it haunted me all night. The love, faith, and beauty of this book will shine through, even through tears. If you have read either of the first 2 books in the First Responders series you already know this book is a page turner. Well done, Ms. Lough, well done.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Brush Of Angel's Wings by Ruth Reid
I have to admit I could not get through this book. I think maybe I have to be in the right frame of mind to read it. I started it but when we got to angels and demons I lost interest. Do I believe in angels and demons. Oh yeah! But do I want them in my Amish novels? I guess not. At some point in the future I will probably get through this book but right now it just does not hold my interest, simply because of the angel's and demons factor. Many of my friends have read this book and loved it and I am sure it is a wonderful book. Just not for me.
An Uncommon Grace by Serena B. Miller
I loved this book! So informative about the differences between the Swartzentruber and Old Order Amish. The tug of emotions that Levi Troyer goes through wanting to do what he has been taught as opposed to doing what he feels is right make this a wonderful story. Is there romance? You bet! In the form of Grace Connor, an Englisher, ex-military, and beautiful neighbor. Id there suspense? You bet! In the form of a murder, attempted murder and a totally unsuspected innocent accomplice.
I did not want this book to end. Ms. Miller held my interest from page 1 and I actually read this book in about 6 hours. I cannot wait to find out if there will be a continuation of Levi and Grace's story. You will not be disappointed with this book!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Heart Of Gold - Robin Lee Hatcher
Robin Lee Hatcher is one of my favorite authors and I look forward to reading each new release by her. This one, according to the author, did not come without personal challenges. In the course of writing this book she faced physical and emotional hurdles but persevered to finish. I, as a loyal fan of her books, appreciate her effort.
Shannon Adair and he preacher father have left their comfortable life in Virginia to go to Grand Coeur, Idaho where he has been called to pastor a church. Shannon, not at all used to this kind of lifestyle, finds it appalling and wonders how she will survive.
Matthew Dubois has taken a leave from his job as a stagecoach driver for Wells, Fargo to temporarily take a desk job in Grand Coeur, Idaho while caring for his sister, whose illness he finds out is far worse than she had led him to believe. Shannon, who cared for wounded soldiers back in Virginia, becomes her nurse, which puts her is daily contact with Matthew. Matthew however, is having trouble accepting his sisters illness and wonders how he can be a good role model for her 9 year old son.
Matthew and Shannon face obstacles and feelings they were not prepared to face and a test of both of their faiths. Is this a book with no problems? Nope! In the background of this story is a man named Joe Burkette, who while operating the local livery, and attempting to court Shannon, also has an agenda that wasn't clearly defined until the end of the book. His character seems to get lost in the story and possibly could have been better developed. But, as I said, that was a secondary story line.
I read this book in about 5 hours. It was that good. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story with intrigue, doubt, faith and a will to survive.
Shannon Adair and he preacher father have left their comfortable life in Virginia to go to Grand Coeur, Idaho where he has been called to pastor a church. Shannon, not at all used to this kind of lifestyle, finds it appalling and wonders how she will survive.
Matthew Dubois has taken a leave from his job as a stagecoach driver for Wells, Fargo to temporarily take a desk job in Grand Coeur, Idaho while caring for his sister, whose illness he finds out is far worse than she had led him to believe. Shannon, who cared for wounded soldiers back in Virginia, becomes her nurse, which puts her is daily contact with Matthew. Matthew however, is having trouble accepting his sisters illness and wonders how he can be a good role model for her 9 year old son.
Matthew and Shannon face obstacles and feelings they were not prepared to face and a test of both of their faiths. Is this a book with no problems? Nope! In the background of this story is a man named Joe Burkette, who while operating the local livery, and attempting to court Shannon, also has an agenda that wasn't clearly defined until the end of the book. His character seems to get lost in the story and possibly could have been better developed. But, as I said, that was a secondary story line.
I read this book in about 5 hours. It was that good. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story with intrigue, doubt, faith and a will to survive.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Chasing The Sun By Tracie Peterson
I have been a Tracie Peterson fan for a long time. I know when I pick up one of her books I won't put it down until it's finished, and this book was no different.
Strong willed Hannah Dandridge is valiantly trying to keep things going on her Texas ranch in her fathers absence while at the same time raising her young brother and sister. Not having heard from her father in a while she becomes concerned and asks his law partner, Herbert Lockhart, to find out if her father is okay. Mr. Lockhart however, has other ideas.
In comes William Barnett, the son of the former owner of the ranch back from the war. Not knowing his families ranch was given to the Dandridges he assumes he is "home". What ensues between Hannah and William and Herbert, not to mention the Indians, makes this a well rounded book full of suspense, intrigue, romance and faith.
I highly recommend this book which is Book 1 of the Land Of The Lone Star series. I cannot wait until Book 2! Ms. Peterson does not disappoint. You will be glad you picked up this book!
Strong willed Hannah Dandridge is valiantly trying to keep things going on her Texas ranch in her fathers absence while at the same time raising her young brother and sister. Not having heard from her father in a while she becomes concerned and asks his law partner, Herbert Lockhart, to find out if her father is okay. Mr. Lockhart however, has other ideas.
In comes William Barnett, the son of the former owner of the ranch back from the war. Not knowing his families ranch was given to the Dandridges he assumes he is "home". What ensues between Hannah and William and Herbert, not to mention the Indians, makes this a well rounded book full of suspense, intrigue, romance and faith.
I highly recommend this book which is Book 1 of the Land Of The Lone Star series. I cannot wait until Book 2! Ms. Peterson does not disappoint. You will be glad you picked up this book!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Song Of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer
I love Kim Vogel Sawyer's books and I know when there is a new one I won't be disappointed! "Song Of My Heart" does not disappoint! It is a wonderful story full of deceit, dreams, heartache and love.
Sadie Wagner wants to help her family. Ever since her step-father was injured and couldn't work she has wanted to help but in her small town there are no opportunities. When her cousin Sid writes and tells her there is a job for her at the local mercantile and also a singing job in the new opera house Sadie begs her parents who reluctantly let her go. Thinking this is a gift from God, being able to make money AND sing, Sadie eagerly sets out on her new adventure.
Upon arriving in Goldtree, Kansas Sadie is met by more than she bargained for, not the least of which is her cousin Sid, twin maiden ladies who run the mercantile, their brother who owns the opera house and is harboring a secret, and the good looking new sheriff. Oh my, she wonders, what have I gotten myself into? How Sadie deals with each of these people while trying to hold on to her faith makes this a delightful book. I finished this book in two nights and I highly recommend it! I can't wait for the next offering from Kim Vogel Sawyer.
Sadie Wagner wants to help her family. Ever since her step-father was injured and couldn't work she has wanted to help but in her small town there are no opportunities. When her cousin Sid writes and tells her there is a job for her at the local mercantile and also a singing job in the new opera house Sadie begs her parents who reluctantly let her go. Thinking this is a gift from God, being able to make money AND sing, Sadie eagerly sets out on her new adventure.
Upon arriving in Goldtree, Kansas Sadie is met by more than she bargained for, not the least of which is her cousin Sid, twin maiden ladies who run the mercantile, their brother who owns the opera house and is harboring a secret, and the good looking new sheriff. Oh my, she wonders, what have I gotten myself into? How Sadie deals with each of these people while trying to hold on to her faith makes this a delightful book. I finished this book in two nights and I highly recommend it! I can't wait for the next offering from Kim Vogel Sawyer.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
The Wings Of Morning by Murray Pura
This is not your typical Amish love story book! I loved this book! Why? Because I had to keep turning pages to see what happened next and there was always something happening! I was never a fan of books with a war theme but this book was totally different.
Jude Whetstone and his family are converts to the Amish faith and have been part of the faith for about 10 years. He has fallen in love with two things - Lyyndaya Kurtz, also an Amish convert, and the aeroplane. His love of flying gets him in a bit of hot water with the elders but since a decision whether or not to ban the Lapp Amish from flying in them has not been made yet, Jude decides to fly as long as is permitted. Unfortunately for him, he is really good at what he does and the military soon takes notice. After being asked to join the Army and fly and refusing on religious grounds he and several other young men from his community are arrested for being objectors. They, being of German descent are put into horrible conditions and forced to do unthinkable things. Jude is told by an unsavory commander that if he will just agree to fly his buddies can go home or they can die in the conditions they are in if he says no. So he agrees against his will.
Mr. Pura does a wonderful job of getting across the conflict within Jude. He is Amish and does not kill but he is being asked to go to war and kill. How he handles this is the main focus of this book and it is amazing to read. And what about Lyyndaya? She, too loves to fly but not like Jude. And what of their community? They have put a baan on Jude for enlisting and Lyyndaya is forbidden from communication with him. No one understands, except the other boys who were with him, why he did what he did, but Lyyndaya is going to stand by him, no matter what. Will she be shunned too? What if he doesn't come home?
This book had such a good feeling to it amid the conflict and I really enjoyed reading it. I look forward to Mr. Pura's next book. This one is not to be missed!
Jude Whetstone and his family are converts to the Amish faith and have been part of the faith for about 10 years. He has fallen in love with two things - Lyyndaya Kurtz, also an Amish convert, and the aeroplane. His love of flying gets him in a bit of hot water with the elders but since a decision whether or not to ban the Lapp Amish from flying in them has not been made yet, Jude decides to fly as long as is permitted. Unfortunately for him, he is really good at what he does and the military soon takes notice. After being asked to join the Army and fly and refusing on religious grounds he and several other young men from his community are arrested for being objectors. They, being of German descent are put into horrible conditions and forced to do unthinkable things. Jude is told by an unsavory commander that if he will just agree to fly his buddies can go home or they can die in the conditions they are in if he says no. So he agrees against his will.
Mr. Pura does a wonderful job of getting across the conflict within Jude. He is Amish and does not kill but he is being asked to go to war and kill. How he handles this is the main focus of this book and it is amazing to read. And what about Lyyndaya? She, too loves to fly but not like Jude. And what of their community? They have put a baan on Jude for enlisting and Lyyndaya is forbidden from communication with him. No one understands, except the other boys who were with him, why he did what he did, but Lyyndaya is going to stand by him, no matter what. Will she be shunned too? What if he doesn't come home?
This book had such a good feeling to it amid the conflict and I really enjoyed reading it. I look forward to Mr. Pura's next book. This one is not to be missed!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
The Guardian Duke By Jamie Carie
Another winner for Jamie Carie! This first book in the "Forgotten Castles" series is full of everything a good read must have. It has a beautiful heroine, a handsome Duke, intrigue, mystery, suspense, deception and a little romance thrown in.
Lady Alexandria Featherstone lives alone in a run down castle in England with her two aged but faithful servants. Upon receiving word from the King that her parents have been declared dead she decided to prove the King wrong and go find her parents. The parents, who searched for lost treasure for a living, have been gone for almost a year and have not been heard from. Lady Alex however, is convinced they are alive and she sets out to find them, by any means necessary.
Appointed by the King to be Lady Alexandria's guardian, Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton is quite taken by surprise by this appointment. He has never met Lady Alex or her parents to his knowledge but takes on the task willingly all the while dealing with his own problems. He has suddenly, due to unknown reasons, become deaf after a night enjoying his beloved opera. Upon discovering that Lady Alex may be in danger because of whatever it was her parents were searching for, he decides to bring her to his home in London. However, when he reaches her run down castle she is nowhere to be found. Having formed an opinion of the type of young woman she is from letters they have been exchanging back and forth since his appointment he has learned Lady Alex is a very headstrong and stubborn young woman.
What transpires as he chases Lady Alex all over the British Isles is at times humorous, scary, and frustrating. He always seems to be a step behind her. She, meanwhile, has been befriended by a retired Admiral who agrees to accompany her. Does he have ulterior motives? Will she find her parents? How is the King involved? You will just have to read the book to find out!
I enjoyed reading this book and could not put it down for wanting to see what happens next! I cannot wait for book 2 in the series to find out where the adventures of Lady Alex and Gabriel lead them next! I highly recommend this book! You will not be disappointed!
Lady Alexandria Featherstone lives alone in a run down castle in England with her two aged but faithful servants. Upon receiving word from the King that her parents have been declared dead she decided to prove the King wrong and go find her parents. The parents, who searched for lost treasure for a living, have been gone for almost a year and have not been heard from. Lady Alex however, is convinced they are alive and she sets out to find them, by any means necessary.
Appointed by the King to be Lady Alexandria's guardian, Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton is quite taken by surprise by this appointment. He has never met Lady Alex or her parents to his knowledge but takes on the task willingly all the while dealing with his own problems. He has suddenly, due to unknown reasons, become deaf after a night enjoying his beloved opera. Upon discovering that Lady Alex may be in danger because of whatever it was her parents were searching for, he decides to bring her to his home in London. However, when he reaches her run down castle she is nowhere to be found. Having formed an opinion of the type of young woman she is from letters they have been exchanging back and forth since his appointment he has learned Lady Alex is a very headstrong and stubborn young woman.
What transpires as he chases Lady Alex all over the British Isles is at times humorous, scary, and frustrating. He always seems to be a step behind her. She, meanwhile, has been befriended by a retired Admiral who agrees to accompany her. Does he have ulterior motives? Will she find her parents? How is the King involved? You will just have to read the book to find out!
I enjoyed reading this book and could not put it down for wanting to see what happens next! I cannot wait for book 2 in the series to find out where the adventures of Lady Alex and Gabriel lead them next! I highly recommend this book! You will not be disappointed!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Missing Your Smile by Jerry S. Eicher
Another good book from Jerry Eicher! When I first started this book I knew it was going to be a different read than anything I have read before. This story is told from 3 different points of view. Susan Hostetler is Amish, but after catching her Amish boyfriend kissing another girl she leaves her home and moves to the English world of Asbury Park, New Jersey where she starts work in a bakery and is befriended by the owner. In her attempts to "become English" she gets her GED and a drivers license with the help of the bakery owners son, but is she really happy? Thomas, the boy she left behind, is wondering if she will come back and forgive him for his one mistake. Her parents are trying to get on with their lives while missing Susan terribly and wondering about the real reason she left in such a hurry.
One day a young, unwed, pregnant, woman comes into the bakery and forms an instant attachment to Susan. What transpires is a friendship and a very unusual request. Will Susan be able to grant this young woman's request? Will Susan decide to go home, and if she does, will she stay? Well, I guess you will have to read the book to find out! As for me, this Book 1 of the Fields Of Home series kept my interest and was a very well told story. I can't wait for Book 2! I want to see what happens next! I highly recommend this book!
One day a young, unwed, pregnant, woman comes into the bakery and forms an instant attachment to Susan. What transpires is a friendship and a very unusual request. Will Susan be able to grant this young woman's request? Will Susan decide to go home, and if she does, will she stay? Well, I guess you will have to read the book to find out! As for me, this Book 1 of the Fields Of Home series kept my interest and was a very well told story. I can't wait for Book 2! I want to see what happens next! I highly recommend this book!
Monday, January 9, 2012
The Captive Heart by Dale Cramer
Since it has been almost a year since I read "Paradise Valley", Book 1 in The Daughters of Caleb Bender Series, I was anxiously waiting for Book 2. This book was worth the wait!
Miriam Bender is trying to adjust to a new land, newpeople , new threats against her people in Mexico and the last thing she wants is to have feelings for one who is forbidden. But that is what is happening. Her heart says one thing and her loyalty to family and her Amish upbringing say something else. Who will she choose, Domingo or Micah? It may take a while to find out. There is so much action in this book you can't put it down. I honestly thought I would have trouble keeping everyone straight but Mr. Cramer has a way of keeping the reader from being confused while keeping the story flowing. When members of her family are attacked on the road by El Pantera and his gang of bandits Miriam's whole family is affected by the events that follow. This book has everything. It has love of God and family, dedication, humor, happiness, sadness and pain and fear. All of which make this Book 2 not to be missed.
If you have read book 1 then you will be delighted with book 2 and if this is the first book you pick up you will want to go back and read book 1. I cannot wait for book 3 and hope it doesn't take a year to get here. I highly recommend this book!
Miriam Bender is trying to adjust to a new land, new
If you have read book 1 then you will be delighted with book 2 and if this is the first book you pick up you will want to go back and read book 1. I cannot wait for book 3 and hope it doesn't take a year to get here. I highly recommend this book!
Monday, January 2, 2012
A Life Of Joy By Amy Clipston
I was really looking forward to this book! Ms. Clipston did not disappoint! It was worth waiting for and a must read! If you have read any of Ms. Clipston's Kauffman Amish Bakery series then you will love this one! This is Book #4 in the series and a wonderful addition to the Kauffman family story.
Lindsay Bedford and her sister were taken in 4 years ago, after the tragic death of their parents, by the Amish sister and her husband of their mother after spending the first 14 years of their life growing up in Virginia. While her sister did not like or want to adjust to the Amish way of life and soon went back to live with family friends in Virginia to attend college, Lindsay took to the Amish way of life and enjoyed living the simple life. Now that she has turned eighteen, the expectation that she will join the church is upon her. Her two best friends are taking the classes to join and can't understand why Lindsay has not signed up. She is just not sure if she is ready to make that commitment yet. She is also getting pressure from her sister who feels she knows what's best for Lindsay, to move back to Virginia and go to college with her after getting her GED. Lindsay sees no reason to go to college and doesn't like her sisters constant criticism of the Amish way of life.
Lindsay's days are filled with working at the Kauffman bakery where she is learning a lot, helping to care for her Aunt and Uncle's two small children, and spending time with her friends. One day she receives a call from her sister who has accepted an internship in New York and says their family friend in Virginia had an accident and broke her leg. Since she can't go because she doesn't want to give up her internship, would Lindsay go and help for the summer. Can Lindsay say no? Of course not. Besides, going home will give her a chance to see which world she really wants to live in, English or Amish.
The reader travels through the ups and downs and indecision that haunt Lindsay and we see her struggle to make the right decision. The time she spends in Virginia offers her the opportunity to not only help, but learn about herself and what she really wants, where she wants to be, and the desires of her heart. When I got to the end of this book I wanted more! I didn't want to see the story end! I can't wait for the next book! Ms. Clipston has done an amazing job of drawing the reader in and keeping them involved in the events of the very large Kauffman family.
Lindsay Bedford and her sister were taken in 4 years ago, after the tragic death of their parents, by the Amish sister and her husband of their mother after spending the first 14 years of their life growing up in Virginia. While her sister did not like or want to adjust to the Amish way of life and soon went back to live with family friends in Virginia to attend college, Lindsay took to the Amish way of life and enjoyed living the simple life. Now that she has turned eighteen, the expectation that she will join the church is upon her. Her two best friends are taking the classes to join and can't understand why Lindsay has not signed up. She is just not sure if she is ready to make that commitment yet. She is also getting pressure from her sister who feels she knows what's best for Lindsay, to move back to Virginia and go to college with her after getting her GED. Lindsay sees no reason to go to college and doesn't like her sisters constant criticism of the Amish way of life.
Lindsay's days are filled with working at the Kauffman bakery where she is learning a lot, helping to care for her Aunt and Uncle's two small children, and spending time with her friends. One day she receives a call from her sister who has accepted an internship in New York and says their family friend in Virginia had an accident and broke her leg. Since she can't go because she doesn't want to give up her internship, would Lindsay go and help for the summer. Can Lindsay say no? Of course not. Besides, going home will give her a chance to see which world she really wants to live in, English or Amish.
The reader travels through the ups and downs and indecision that haunt Lindsay and we see her struggle to make the right decision. The time she spends in Virginia offers her the opportunity to not only help, but learn about herself and what she really wants, where she wants to be, and the desires of her heart. When I got to the end of this book I wanted more! I didn't want to see the story end! I can't wait for the next book! Ms. Clipston has done an amazing job of drawing the reader in and keeping them involved in the events of the very large Kauffman family.
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