The Amish Groom by Mindy Starns Clark & Susan Meissner

Wow. I loved this book! I love a book told in the first person and this one did not disappoint.

Imagine you had an Amish mother who left the faith and married your Englisher Father. Then imagine your father leaves you with your Amish grandparents after your mothers death to be raised by them while he starts a new family. But what if you never really understood where you belong? You don't feel right in the Amish world and you're not sure about the English world. So what do you say when the father you haven't seen much of asks you to come and stay with your 14 year old half brother in California while he and your stepmother are out if the country? This is the question facing Tyler when he gets that phone call from his father. Thus begins Tyler's journey to find out if he belongs in the Amish world or the English world.

This book takes the reader on a journey. A journey of self discovery and submission. The things Tyler learns while on this journey will surprise not only him but the reader too. In a lot of ways the reader can identify with some of the hurdles Tyler faced. Where does he finally decide he belongs? Well, if I tell you that then I would be depriving you of reading a wonderful book. Don't let this one pass you by. I was given a review copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund

I really enjoyed reading this book. As with all of Ms. Hedlund's books I get a well rounded, colorful story I can relate to. As an added bonus I get a history lesson without realizing I was getting one until the book is over and I read the author notes!

This author has a way of taking a piece of history and making it into a story that is engaging, uplifting, and frightening all at the same time. This particular story had many facets to it and I thought it would be overwhelming to read. It was quite the opposite. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and found myself staying up late turning pages to see what happened next! Seeing how the author tied all the pieces together made the book all the more interesting.

Whether you like to read historical fiction or not you will enjoy this book. I highly recommend it. I was given a copy of this book by Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

Plain Again by Sarah Price

It is with a heavy heart that I write this. Not because it was a bad book, it wasn't, in fact it was great, but because we have to say goodbye to Amanda and Alejandro. When I read the title I thought to myself - uh oh, they're going to break up - and they did, but not in the way I was expecting. I was very pleased with the direction this book took. There were a lot of negative forces at work to make sure Amanda and Alejandro never succeeded as a couple and I am very glad the author addressed these issues and took care of them. Some in very surprising ways.

This was one of the few books I have read lately that didn't leave me hanging when the series ended. Ms. Price did a wonderful job of tying up all the loose ends of Amanda and Alejandro's story. I don't think I have ever enjoyed a couple as much as I did with Amanda and Alejandro. I will miss them.

I highly recommend this book. If you have not read the other two books in the trilogy please do. It's a wild ride but you will love every minute of it!

Trouble In Store by Carol Cox

I really enjoyed this book. I had not read anything by this author before but the book sounded good. I was not disappointed. I like a book that grabs my interest from the first chapter and this one did. It kept me interested right to the very end making me wonder what will happen next. The authors attention to detail richly enhanced the story and made it come to life. You will love Levi. Although he may be precocious to a fault, he is delightful. I will be looking for more books by this author and if they are as good as this one I will be eagerly anticipating her next book.

A Talent For Trouble by Jen Turano

I really enjoyed this book. The story line kept moving and the author kept the characters interesting. There were some surprises toward the end of the book I did not expect and those only enriched the story while bringing it to a conclusion. This book will not only keep you entertained, it will have you laughing out loud at times and at other times wanting to slap someone. I cannot wait for the next book by this author!

A Simple Change by Judith Miller

This book, or should I say one of the main characters frustrated me! I just wanted to slap Nathan and scream "Don't you get it! She doesn't want you!" But oh no, he was determined to have Jancey. Or was it her he really wanted. Perhaps it was her fathers business.

I cannot imagine giving up everything that is familiar, a way of life, a job I love, to move to a place that is totally foreign to everything I know, where I know no one, and I will be doing a job I have never done before. But Jancey does it. Putting her parents first is her main concern so when they decide to move back to the Amana colonies she willingly agrees to go with them. She has no idea what her life will be like or where she will work but she knows she wants to be with her ailing mother.

If I had one criticism of this book it would be that I felt Jancey adjusted to life in the Amana colonies to easily. She moved there and immediately settled into the jobs they gave her and the restrictions put upon her and never once complained. Then Nathan showed up and declared he wasn't leaving until she left with him. Well, according to Jancey he was going to have a long wait. Did he adjust? All part of the reasons he irritated me. Was there someone else in the colonies that caught Jancey's eye? Well, maybe.

Over all this was a wonderful book and I enjoyed reading it. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good book and author. I was given a copy of this book by netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

Adoring Addie by Leslie Gould

I really didn't think I was going to be able to get into this book because there are so many characters in the beginning. Then as I kept reading they started to sort themselves out and the book really got interesting. In fact I couldn't put the book down until I finished it - in one sitting! It was that captivating. I just had to find out how it all worked out.

My favorite character was Addie. Once she decided she knew what she wanted she wasn't afraid to speak her mind. Nineteen years old and completely used by her parents. As the only daughter it was her job to take care of her mother and do everything her father told her to do. That was until they planned the rest of her life and would not listen to her about what she wanted. Did she know what she wanted? Yes she did but the family was determined she was going to have what they wanted. At what cost?

The story line had a Romeo & Juliet, Hatfield's & McCoy's feel to it but was very well done by the author. I was engaged the whole time and the characters were well rounded and explained. I really enjoy books that complete the story and this one did that. I highly recommend it!

The Amish Seamstress by Mindy Starns Clark & Leslie Gould

I really enjoyed this book. It had everything a good book has. It engaged me from the first page and didn't let go until the end. This is one book I can easily say I was glad there was an epilogue because it didn't leave me wondering what happened next. The authors did a wonderful job of completing the various stories that were woven into this book. They were not confusing but each story was a part of the whole that made this a fascinating and wonderful book.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good book to sink their teeth into. This book will keep you turning pages for hours. Not to be missed!

A Vow For Always by Wanda E Brunstetter

Well, we finally get to the end, Book 6 in the 6 part Discovery Series. This book ties everything together. As Luke remembers more and more of his past and who he is, Meredith prepares for her wedding to Jonah. Amid apprehension Meredith continues to plan while counting down the days. Will Luke remember in time to stop the wedding? You will have to read the series to find out!

I loved the whole book but was not fond of the 6 parts of it. Ms. Brunstetter's books are so good that you just want to keep reading and reading, not stop every 80 or so pages to wait for the next one. I cannot wait for her next book but I sincerely hope she does not do it in this format again.

Revelation In Autumn by Wanda Brunstetter

"I think I know my name! It's Luke!" says Eddie out of the blue one day in this, Book 5 of the Discovery Series. As Luke's memory begins to return in bits and pieces will he remember in time to get home to Meredith before her life changes forever? Meredith, having given birth to a beautiful baby boy named Levi, Meredith is wondering if marrying Jonah would be a good move, not just for her, but Levi as well. She will never love anyone like she loved Luke so she is undecided. Financial worries are also weighing heavily on her mind and she considers moving back in with her parents. What will she do? Wait for the 6th and final book in this great series to find out!

The Pieces Of Summer by Wanda E Brunstetter

In this, Book 4 of the Discovery Series, we find Meredith getting closer to Jonah, her old friend, and worrying about how she will raise her baby when it is born, any day now. Meanwhile, as "Eddie" continues to improve he wonders if he will ever get his memory back and find out who he is. He agrees to stay at the home of the grandparents of one of his nurses to continue his recovery. Will he form an attachment to her not knowing who he is? Just as I think everything is going along as planned Meredith goes into heavy, rapid labor - in her sisters buggy! Will they get help in time? Next book please!

The Hope Of Spring by Wanda E. Brunstetter

This is getting so frustrating! I just get to a good part and it ends! Then I have to wait for the next installment to find out what happens next! In this, Book 3 of the Discovery Series, we find, one one hand Meredith trying to cope with losing her husband, finding out she is pregnant, and wondering how she is going to pay the bills now that Luke is gone. Meanwhile, in a hospital not that far away there is a man who was found badly beaten in a bus station who has not regained consciousness and may never. Could it be? Well, just when you think you might get the answer the book ends. I can't wait for the next installment to find out what happens! This is a great series even if it is frustrating to read it this way!

The Quarryman's Bride by Tracie Peterson

I really enjoyed this book. The story of Emmalyne and Tavin grabs your heart and you find yourself rooting for them right from the beginning. This book is an easy, light read and as with all Ms. Peterson's books, draws you into the story from the first page. This is Book 2 in the Land Of Shining Water series but is a stand alone. It can be easily read by itself. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good book to get into.

I was given a copy of this book by netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to netgalley.com and Tracie Peterson for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book.

The Silence Of Winter by Wanda E Brunstetter

This is book 2 in the Discovery series and is a continuation of the story of Meredith and Luke. This book in the series tells the story of how Meredith deals with finding out she is pregnant and losing her husband all at the same time. As with all of Ms. Brunstetter's books, this one grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go. Since these books are novellas they are short. Before you know it you are at the end and can't wait for the next one to find out what happens next. The good thing about this book being broken into parts is you can't read ahead to find out if there is a happily ever after. You just have to wait for the next installment.

Thank you netgalley.com for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review. I cannot wait for the next part. This series is a definite must read!

A Place To Belong by Lauraine Snelling

This is book 3 in the Wild West Wind series and I have to say I am going to miss these characters. Ms. Snelling has a wonderful way of drawing the reader into the lives of her characters by using rich detail that makes you feel like part of the family.

Miss Cassie Lockwood is an amazing young woman. She used to be part of her fathers Wild West Show but after his death and a near career ending accident Cassie feels she is ready to get back to performing. Or is she? She has finally found a home and a family and is reluctant to leave even though she feels more empowered when she is in her element instead of trying to knit or cook. And what of the Engstrom brothers? One promises to marry her and then disappears and the other can't seem to show his feelings. Meanwhile their younger sister is enjoying having an older "sister" in the house. So many decisions and new opportunities are opening for Cassie no wonder she is having a hard time!

You will not be disappointed in this book. I highly recommend it! It can be read by itself but if you can read the first 2 books you will have a better understanding of what the characters have been through. Thank you Ms. Snelling for a wonderful book. I look forward to your next series.

Stealing The Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

I loved this book! But then I love all of Karen Witemeyer's books. This book grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go until I was finished. Having said that, it was a bit predictable. I figured out early on the Preacher was not going to be where he thought he was but I sure didn't expect him to wind up where he did the way he did! It was comical! Did I expect the sparks to fly between the Preacher and the pretty girl? Sure did! But WHICH pretty girl? I knew and you will too but the other pretty girl sure did her best to make things ugly. Was there a moment when I thought "Uh oh, he might not get out of this one!" Yup, sure did but God will make a way, He always does.

I absolutely loved the under stories in this book. The ranchers redemption, the young man's infatuation that turns into mature respect, the healing power of God and the miracles He can perform. All of that makes this a wonderful book that I really enjoyed reading. I highly recommend this book!

Katie's Choice by Amy Lillard

I enjoyed this book although I had a problem with some parts of it. The book grabbed me right from the beginning and the setup was good. Zane is a reporter and he is being sent to an Amish community to live among them for 3 months and see how they really live. That, to me, was where the story became somewhat unreal.

I have read a lot of Amish themed books but for some reason this book didn't seem to hold true. Zane was welcomed into his host Amish family, told a few do's and don't by the son going through his running around time, and then just seemed to blend into the family no problem at all. He immediately was taken with the daughter Katie Rose and that was the main focus of the whole book. The father seemed to stay in the background and the Bishop never once came to visit. In all the Amish themed books I have read an Englisher was never accepted this easily. There was always doubt and the Bishop kept an eagle eye on things. Then there was Katie Rose who was dealing with a broken heart when the Bishop's son decided to "go English." He has been gone for 6 years and now suddenly reappears? It seemed to me that was an attempt by the author to bring a little drama into the story but was not well developed.

Having said all that I would really like to see a book 3 so we can find out what happened next and perhaps see some more character development. I recommend this book. It is a story that will keep you involved and wanting to see where it goes.

Firefly Island by Lisa Wingate

I really enjoyed this book once I got into it. The first chapter was a prelude to the finale and was a good set up for the book. Once I got into the book I couldn't stop reading. There was something new to experience on every page. The author has a way of drawing the reader in and you can picture yourself going through what the characters are going through.

At first I thought the idea of Mallory and Daniel's whirlwind romance was a little far fetched and would never work, but it did. Just when I thought to myself there was no way they could make it something happened to make me see that they were going to make it. But at what cost? Daniel's new job for a very mysterious man could put them all in jeopardy, or could it? Will Daniel's little son grow up in a safe environment? And what secrets are the inhabitants of the area hiding? Or is it just gossip? The reader will form many opinions along the way but in the end will see the truth.

This is not the first book I have read by Ms. Wingate and I am sure it will not be the last. I love her attention to detail. Her descriptions are vivid and right on point. I'm glad I chose this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. It is highly recommended and well worth the read!

A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund

Oh my goodness I really enjoyed this book! It had everything I look for in a book - drama, suspense, romance, conflict, deceit, forgiveness, and a little bit of God thrown in.

Annalisa Werner is in a predicament. Pregnant with her second child she unexpectedly becomes a widow. Having come from the Old Country she does what she is told to do by her father and marries whom he tells her to marry. While waiting on her new groom to arrive, and awaiting the birth of her second child, she gets help to run her farm from Carl Richards, who was mistaken for her new groom and almost married her before he knew what was going on! But is Carl Richards who he says he is? That remains to be seen but how long could he keep a secret in this very small community. And how long can he fight his growing attraction to Annalisa? Especially when there is a man determined to get Annalisa's land - at any cost. How far will this man go? How far will Carl go to protect her?

This was a page turner. I read the whole book in 1 day! I could not put it down. There was something new around every corner. The one thing I really liked about this book is it was not predictable. Just when you thought you had figured out who did what to whom and where things were going, the story went in a completely different direction. It kept me interested and turning pages long into the night.

Thank you Ms. Hedlund for a wonderful book. I look forward to reading your next one!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A Bride For Noah by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith

I really enjoyed this book, but then again I enjoy anything with Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith's names on it. This book is what I would call a light read. No edge of your seat suspense or lives hanging in the balance, just some good old fashioned hard work and history, with some romance thrown in.

I loved Evie, or rather I loved her strength and determination to see her dream fulfilled. And poor Noah, just wanting to do his job and do it well he keeps getting thwarted by Evie and "the ladies" who traveled from Tennessee to the Oregon Territory with her to start her restaurant. You take a bunch of men in a lumberjack camp and throw in a couple of females and well,,,,,, But Noah has no idea where his own heart will lead and that journey takes him places he never wanted to go again.

I think, surprisingly enough, my favorite person in this book was Chief "Seattle." I loved the wisdom that came through even when he didn't say a word. The fact that he and several others in the book were based on real people and events made this book all the more enjoyable. This is Book 1 in the Seattle Brides series and I cannot wait to read the next book! Do not miss this book! It is an enjoyable read and a good history lesson all rolled into one!

I was provided a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Another winner for Ms. Sawyer! I always know when I pick up one of her books I will be getting a story that will keep me interested and turning pages long into the night. This book grabbed me from page 1 and I found it hard to put down last night but my eyes wouldn't stay open any longer. I really did not want this book to end and hope there might be a book 2.

I know Ms. Sawyer doesn't do a lot of series books but I would really like to know what happens next. Will Jeremiah come home? Perhaps he will have his own story. And Justine - will she learn other words besides her favorite word?

This book took turns I wasn't expecting. I really wanted to dislike Nic but by the end of the book I was so proud of him. And Micah, or as Nicky calls him - Micah-my-friend, will he ever decide where he wants to be. I think with help from God and Lydia by his side, and maybe a little help from her Dad, he will find where God wants him to be.

This book was so full of Grace and forgiveness. It fit right into the story and made it a very rich one. Who was my favorite character. Well, it had to be Nicky, wise beyond his young years and so full of spunk!

I highly recommend this book! If you don't read it you will be missing a wonderful book!

One Step Too Far by Tina Seskis

There is a rare occasion when a book just does not grab me and this was one of those books. I requested a review copy from NetGalley because the write up on the book said it was one of the best books of the year. To me it was not. In fact, I could only get through 6 chapters before I finally had to call it quits.

The book is an English based book, meaning it takes place in England and has all the wording and places you would associate with something coming from England. Not that that is a bad thing, it isn't, but this book to me was all over the map. In one chapter I was reading about the main character, who had changed her name making it more confusing and in the next chapter I was reading about someone else that may or may not have been connected. To me it was never clearly defined. Therefore I lost track of the main story line and was too confused to enjoy the book.

I know there are many who enjoyed this book but for me, unfortunately, it did not make the mark.

Love Still Stands by Kelly Irvin

What a great book! I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster throughout this book and seesawing between understanding Bethel's points and needs and Elijah's.

Bethel thinks she is unworthy of being loved because of her handicap and finds understanding in her support group which Elijah doesn't understand. To him it is black and white - I love her, does she love me. But in Bethel's mind she will never be a whole woman again and finds there are people in her support group, one in particular, who understand her fears and weaknesses. Will Elijah eventually understand? Can they build a life together? Does she even want to or would she rather pursue a relationship with an Englisher who understands her?

The author does a very good job of letting the reader see the and feel the emotions from Bethel, Elijah, and others in the book. There are a few twists and turns I wasn't expecting that made me keep turning pages long into the night. I highly recommend this book.

A Wedding For Julia by Vannetta Chapman

When I first started reading this book I thought to myself it was moving at a really fast pace. But then it seemed to level out and became a book I couldn't put down!

Caleb and Julia have a common bond. They both want a friend and they are both not getting any younger. But neither one of them thought becoming friends would lead them down this path! Marriage? But they hardly know each other. And Julia frets she will never be able to have children. And what about her dream of having her own cafe. And then there is her mother Ada who, with a fondness for reciting Bible passages and in failing health, actually started this whole crazy idea by delivering an ultimatum to Julia. And to complicate matters more Caleb's young cousin comes to stay with her own problems. And then there is the weather. Oh my goodness, what a mighty turn it takes!

This book will have you believing in answered prayers and miracles but it will also keep you on the edge of your seat for the last part of the book. I highly recommend this book. It, like the 2 books before it, is not to be missed!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Goodbye To Yesterday by Wanda E. Brunstetter

This is part 1 of a 6 part book. I'm not sure how I feel about reading a book in this kind of format. To me, I just get into the book and then I have to wait for the next part to come out. Kind of frustrating.

But, having said that, this is a Wanda Brunstetter book and like all of her books this one starts off really well, drawing the reader into the life and struggles of Luke and Meredith Stoltzfus. In reading this book the reader comes to understand how hard it has been for this young couple since Luke got laid off. When a good opportunity comes along for Luke he jumps at the chance leaving Meredith at home in Pennsylvania while he travels to Indiana. Meredith, on the other hand, is not at all sure about this idea and is very apprehensive about Luke leaving. On the way Luke encounters a situation he feels he might not live through and prays for guidance. And that was the end of part 1.

I am anxious to find out what happens next in this Saga. The publisher was kind enough to provide a copy of this book for my review. I am looking forward to the next part of this book.

Whispers Of A New Dawn by Murray Pura

Becky Whetstone is the perfect offspring. She loves to fly - just like her parents. But would she give it all up to become the Amish wife of a good man? Well, both of her parents were raised Amish so the culture is nothing new to Becky. In fact, she embraces it. But when a series of events cause her to rethink her life, will she be forced to do something she doesn't want to do or will she take on the new challenge and see where it leads?

When I first started this book and I guess up until halfway through it, I was thinking the author really did not want to deal with relationships in this book. Instead he wanted to lean more toward the historical content. Becky seemed to fall for 2 very different men very quickly. I found myself going "wow, that was quick" on both occasions. But as you continue to read you understand that the relationships are as pivotal to the story line as the historical content of Pearl Harbor.

I enjoy all of Mr. Pura's books and this one was no exception, I loved revisiting Jude and Lyyndaya and seeing how they have grown along with their family. This book tells the story of how friends, families, co workers and just civilians in general dealt with the bombing of Pearl Harbor from a fictional standpoint. It, like all of Mr. Pura's books is well researched and well written. I cannot wait to read the next book and highly recommend this one.

Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl

This was book 2 in the Road To Kingdom series but can easily be read as a stand alone. However, reading the books in order will give the reader a better knowledge of the characters.

I really enjoyed this book. There was action and excitement around every corner and you never knew what would happen next. The book is full of page turning suspense. Not the kind that will keep you up at night, just the kind that keeps you turning the pages.

There are several strong characters in this book but the main one is Hope and the two men whom she loves. Which one will she choose? It took me until the middle of the book to make up my mind about that and I was right. Then, believe it or not, there is a dog in the story who really grabs your heart. The danger in the book comes from not one, but two unexpected places. One of them I figured out but the other one was a complete surprise.

You will not be disappointed in this book. It is well worth the read. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

Inescapable by Nancy Mehl

I got into this story from the first page. Lizzie's fears draw you in and you have to see how she deals with them while raising a very smart 6 year old daughter. I loved little Charity! She was the bright light in this book. Not that it was a dark book, it wasn't but she just brought a light to it that made the reader laugh out loud.

This book made me feel at home. I loved the cafe setting of this book and how things fell into place for Lizzie and Charity. Was there romance? Of course there was! Was there danger - oh yeah! Does it have a happy ending full of twists and turns? Well, I guess you are just going to read the book to find out!

Great book Ms. Mehl! Now, on to Book 2! Can't wait! Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary book to review.

His Love Endures Forever by Beth Wiseman

I have always enjoyed reading Ms. Wiseman's books but this one grabbed me from the first sentence on the first page of the first chapter. It was that good.

Right from the beginning the reader is drawn into Danielle's plight. She suddenly finds herself in a situation a lot of women can relate to and we walk through the emotions with her as she comes to grips with what now is her reality. But nothing goes right, or so she thinks. She had a hard life growing up, has been abandoned by her Amish boyfriend when she needs him the most and now her Amish best friend has offered to do the unthinkable - for her. Because God had a plan.

This book kept me up late reading because I just couldn't put it down! I had to see and experience what would happen next. Is there conflict? Well, of course, but it is mild conflict and resolved quickly. Is there a lot of passion, no not really but there IS a lot of love. And forgiveness, And healing. We get to experience the wonder of God as we see how He changes lives for the better.

I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good book to read.