Secrets Of A Charmed Life by Susan Meissner

Oh my goodness what a book! It's one of those rich in detail books you can't put down. I know I couldn't. I normally don't like a book that bounces from past to present but this book has such a smooth transition from one to the other the reader doesn't even notice.

I love the way this author writes. She goes into such detail with the characters and surroundings the reader feels like they are actually there experiencing everything with the characters. I cannot say enough about how much I loved this book. This is one of those books that will linger in your memory and it will probably be a day or two before you can start another book because nothing will compare.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. If you get one book in 2015 get this one. It is well worth the money and you will not be sorry. I highly recommend it!

A Most Inconvenient Marriage by Regina Jennings

I read this book in about 8 hours! That should tell you how good I thought it was. I really enjoyed this story. Surprisingly though I actually liked all the characters in this book - well most of them - but the ones I didn't like were only in the story briefly. There were times when I laughed out loud and times when I wanted to cry as I worked my way through the story. I could not stop turning pages. If I had to pick a character who kept me entertained it would have to be Dr. Hopkins. He would not give up. But did he win in the end? I'm not telling!

Even though I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review I would have read it anyway. I enjoy the books from this author and cannot wait for the next one. I highly recommend this book!

Gabriel's Atonement by Vickie McDonough

I really enjoyed this book. It held my interest and kept me guessing throughout the book. There were parts that were easy to figure out where the author was taking the story but they only enhanced the story. The author did a very good job with detail, both in the descriptions of the characters and the environment they were in. I could "see" what was happening as the story progressed.

This is book 1 of the series and I cannot wait for book 2. I really enjoyed getting a feel for the era of the land rush. I recommend this book and was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Secret Of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

Oh my goodness! I could not put this book down! I needed to know what happened next and it seemed like there were new clues on every page! This book will keep you guessing and that is what I like in a book filled with suspense. This book had twists and turns you cannot imagine and the author did a wonderful job of weaving it all together. That is why I love her books.

If you are looking for a book to sink your teeth into this is the book. It has everything - mystery, lies, cover-up, romance, murder and mayhem. Enjoy! I highly recommend this book. You won't be able to put it down either!

Murder Tightly Knit by Vannetta Chapman

This is book 2 in the series and I have to say I enjoyed it just as much as book 1. I was fortunate to have been able to read them back to back so the setting was still familiar. Are the two books the same? No way!

I love the way Vannetta Chapman writes. She tells the story with such in depth detail the reader feels as though they are actually there participating. Once you start reading you can't put the book down - or at least I couldn't. I love a story with some mystery to it the reader can't figure out until the end and then somehow it all makes sense.

If you want a good book and series that has a good mystery tied to it this is for you. I can't wait for book 3 to see what the next mystery along the Pumpkinvine Trail is!

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

The Amish Bride Of Ice Mountain by Kelly Long

I really enjoyed this book. It was a different look at an Amish culture mixed with a mountain culture. The story itself was interesting although it seemed like a lot of the book was centered around Mary and Jude's desire for one another. That is something I am not used to in an "Amish" book. This was not a heavy story and is a book 1 in the series. I am looking forward to reading book 2 to see how this couple is doing after their very unconventional beginning as well as other members of the families.

When Mercy Rains by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Wow! Now I know I say that about all of Kim's books but this one was a definite wow! This is book 1 of The Zimmerman Restoration trilogy and I cannot wait for book 2.

When I opened this book I thought to myself, oh no, each chapter is from a different character perspective and will be very disjointed. Boy was I wrong! Yes, each chapter has the name of the character who is speaking but the story flows right along. There is no choppiness at all. I love that! It makes the book so easy to read and boy did I read! This is one of those books that gets you deeply involved with the characters and by the time the book ends you feel like they are members of your own family. The story is so intricately woven through a maze of emotions, secrets and misconceptions, understanding and love that it makes the book hard to put down.

Did I have a favorite character? No, surprisingly. I loved them all. I could identify with all of them at certain points and when the story took a turn I was not expecting I said to myself - I didn't see that coming but it makes sense - and it only enriched the story.

I cannot wait to see what happens in the lives of some or all of these characters in the next book! Ms. Sawyer has done an outstanding job with these characters and I cannot wait to see where she will take them next. I highly recommend this book!

Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould

As far as books go I enjoyed it. Having read the first 3 books in the series I was sure this book was going in a certain direction but lo and behold it went a totally different way! Not that it was a bad thing, quite the opposite.

Beatrice "Bea" Zook thought she had her whole life planned right down to the man she would marry, namely Ben Rupp. But when Ben pushed her aside she had to rethink everything. Now Ben is back and does that present a problem for Bea! And then there is Don - and all of his secrets. What a winding road his actions take us on!

I really thought this book would concentrate on Bea's writing but it doesn't. Instead it takes us on Bea's journey of self discovery and acceptance. Always being in the shadow of her sister Molly has made Bea a little afraid to be herself but helping to take care of Nan's triplets, and finding a friend in Hope, Bea soon discovers talents she didn't know she had and soon she discovers others are looking at her in a whole new, mature way. Does this include Ben Rupp? Will Bea be able to forgive him? Will she stay true to her declaration to never marry or will she have a change of heart?

I enjoyed going on this journey with Bea and I look forward to the next book from this author.

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

The Brickmakers Bride by Judith Miller

Oh my, what a book! The characters in this book are so vibrant and so well defined you can pick and choose very easily which ones you want to root for.

At times I felt like I was on a long and winding road, not knowing what was around the bend, or in this case, on the next page, but that is what makes this book a page turner. I could not put it down! I am hoping, since this is a book 1 in a series we will see these characters again. I want to know what happens to Kathleen. I know she has a story to tell. I also want to see someone, anyone, put Margaret Crothers in her place! And what of Hugh? Has he really changed, or is it a ploy?

If you love a book with characters you can relate to and characters you love to hate, then this book is for you. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next one!

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

A Matter Of Heart by Tracie Peterson

Spoiled? Oh yes, that describes Jessica Atherton. Does she like it? Not anymore. Jessica is struggling to put her spoiled ways behind her and live according to Gods will but after having been raised in an affluent family she is finding this very difficult to do. To complicate matters there are two men vying for her heart - one a rich lawyer who wants to keep her in the lavish lifestyle she has always known, and the other a hard working lawman who swore he would never love again after losing his family. Who will win her heart? Will she become the woman she longs to be and live according to Gods will for her life or will she succumb to the lure of a privileged life?

I enjoyed reading this book and watching Jessica struggle with right and wrong as she matures into a woman. Anyone who is a Tracie Peterson fan will enjoy this book. I look forward to the next book by this author.

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

The River by Beverly Lewis

I enjoyed this book - but then I enjoy all of Beverly Lewis' books. She has a wonderful way of drawing you into the world of the Amish and making you feel right at home.

In this book there was a lot of conflict. Two sisters who traded their Amish upbringing for the English world, one happily married and the mother of twins, and the other still single and searching.When they travel home for their parents anniversary both sisters are apprehensive. What will their Daed say? How will we face things from the past and deal with them? Both sisters, each in their own way find not only closure but truth and honesty amid the changes that are taking place in their parents lives. There is a long buried secret that comes to light while the sisters are home and how one sister deals with it shows love and compassion that only God can give.

This book is well worth the read and I highly recommend it. I found myself turning pages long into the night. I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Bride In Store by Melissa Jagears

I really enjoyed this book. I read it in 2 sittings! There were twists and turns in this book I didn't expect which made me catch my breath. They made the book all that more interesting. It kept me turning pages long into the night!

The reader really gets to know Eliza and Will - Eliza a very strong willed woman who knows what she wants - she thinks - and Will who is not strong willed, knows what he wants, but keeps finding excuses not to go after it. Does that apply to Eliza as well? You bet! Watching these two dance around each other makes for a very entertaining read.

The author did a wonderful job of placing the reader in the action. I felt as if I was really there experiencing all of this with them. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good story to get lost in.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Currency Of The Heart by Loree Lough

I really liked this book. It is an easy read and what I would call a gentle story. Nothing to get your nerves in an uproar. The book just plain makes the reader feel good.

The author takes us into the world of deception by introducing us to Shaina Sterling, a wealthy widow who isn't so wealthy anymore but must keep up appearances. When tragedy strikes she is finally able to be herself and face all of her lies and deceptions. This also includes her feelings for one Sloan Remington, a wealthy rancher with a past of his own. How these two learn to trust and be free makes for a beautiful story. While many of those around them can see the truth, they are both oblivious to it and when they finally realize it there is a true freedom.

Loree Lough has done a wonderful job introducing us to the characters in this book, the first in a series called Secrets On Sterling Street. I look forward to finding out what other characters live on Sterling Street!

Through The Deep Waters by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Another winner for this author! I have loved every book she has written! Kim Vogel Sawyer has a way of making her characters come to life that makes the reader feel like these are personal friends by the end of the book. This book, told from 3 different viewpoints, is no exception. I felt like they were all friends of mine and I was rooting for each one of them to succeed.

Dinah was soiled, through no fault of her own, Amos had a handicap, through no fault of his own, and Ruthie was the preachers kid, through no fault of her own. Together they have one common thread - dreams. Apart 2 of them know the love of God and 1 is searching. Can they all find the common thread of Gods love and forgiveness for their human shortcomings? Can they all find happiness on whichever road God chooses for them? Will they ever feel "good enough?" With God all things are possible and He will make a way if it is in His plan as they all find out.

I highly recommend this book and all of Ms. Sawyers books. You will not be disappointed!

Miracle In A Dry Season by Sarah Loudin Thomas

I loved this book! It reminded me a bit of The Scarlet Letter but the Blessings in the story greatly out weighed the sins.

Perla has come to stay with her Aunt and Uncle to get away from all the talk about her and her fatherless daughter. Unfortunately she finds the talk here too but she has a gift, one that some see as witchcraft. How she uses this gift and the lives it touches make the reader believe in miracles and keep turning pages long into the night. Is there romance? You bet! In the form of Casewell Phillips who, because of Perla and her daughter, begins to see a few blessings of his own.

This book is rich with plot turns and surprises. At times I laughed but found myself more often than not reaching for a Kleenex due to the miracle of Gods redeeming Grace. It is a book full of Blessings, understanding, and lots of forgiveness. A must read!

Caroline's Secret by Amy Lilliard

I really enjoyed this book! The story line grabbed me from the first page and only got better as the book went on. Caroline's struggle to "do the right thing" for her child in place of her own happiness is very real and easy to relate to. The author does a wonderful job of helping the reader to feel the emotions associated with the choices she has to make. The author doesn't let us down on the other characters either. We understand how they are feeling and their own struggle. We get to know them all. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good Amish flavored book to sink their teeth into.

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

Seagrass Pier by Colleen Coble

This is a sink your teeth into book right from the first page! I could not put it down. I kept turning pages to see what happens next until I ran out of pages to turn, somewhere around 3 AM this morning. But it was well worth it. I read the entire book in one sitting.

I wasn't sure if the "I have someone else's heart so I have their memories" story line was going to be believable but boy what a story! It fit in beautifully with the twists and turns, and a little romance, the story took. Ms. Coble is a master at keeping the reader engrossed in the story. Everything fit together and all made sense in the end. But how we got to the end was a complete surprise and not what I expected, which was refreshing. I quickly lose interest in books where the outcome is predictable and this is definitely not one of those books.

Get yourself comfortable and settle in for hours of great reading with this book. You will not be disappointed!

The Revealing by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I am always sad to see a series end. By the time I get to the 3rd book in the series I have really grown attached to the characters and want their to be a happy ending for all of them. In this case not only were there happy endings, there were surprises along the way. I love how the author throws a curve ball into the story just when you think you have it all figured out. It makes you keep turning pages, that's for sure!

While it was nice to get some conclusions I wish some of the story lines had been explored a little bit more. Maybe we could talk the author into another book? Or maybe another series based on baby Sarah and her family, including Paisley. In any case, I enjoyed this series and recommend all of the books in it.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Amish Blacksmith by Mindy Starns Clark, Susan Meissner

To me this book was somewhat of a disappointment. I realize the book is called The Amish Blacksmith, and the author does a wonderful job with detail, but if you are not a horse person, or interested in horses and everything that goes with them, you may find the beginning chapters of this book boring. I know I did but on the bright side of that I did learn a lot about horses, their reactions, moods, feelings, etc.

There never really was a "love story" in this book. Jake was courting Amanda but feeling pulled to Priscilla. The story didn't really take an in depth look at Jake until about two thirds of the way through the book. We got a lot of insight into Priscilla through the book, not so much about Amanda, and very little about Jake until later. In fact, I figured out what was going to happen by halfway. It just seemed a natural progression of the story. I did like the ending.

If you are looking for suspense, a heavy story line, lots of romantic problems, in depth Amish etc., this is not the book for you.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley for an honest review.

A Place In His Heart by Rebecca DeMarino

Wow! For a debut novel this one is a whopper! I was hooked from the first page and it only got better. I kept finding excuses to sit down and read. That is the kind of book I enjoy reading.

Putting your faith in God and following His leading is not always an easy path and there were many times in this book when either Barnabas or Mary though about giving up, but didn't. Picking up and leaving not only everything you know but your country to go to a new country that is still being formed can be a frightening thing but with their strong faith and belief they were doing the right thing, Barnabas and Mary set off on their journey.

Barnabas "Barney" and Mary did not have your conventional relationship. He was a widower with 2 small boys who was deeply grieving his late wife and Mary was trying to find a way out of marrying a man her father picked. Thus the arrangement worked for both of them.

I love how the author let the reader in to all the emotions and trials this couple faced. There were times when I could have happily slapped Barney and told him to wake up but the author did such a wonderful job of portraying the man and his inner turmoil that I understood where he was coming from. Mary, on the other hand, did not understand. She did everything she could to make him happy and her frustration was portrayed so well by the author. Make no mistake, Mary is a strong woman!

I was sorry to see this book end. I had come to love Mary and Barney and their story isn't over yet. Readers will find at the end of the book a few pages by the author where she reveals this book was based on her family history and what she found in doing her research. Just in reading that I hope there is another book in the series that continues Barney and Mary's story. It will be fascinating!

I highly recommend this book, especially if you are a history buff. This book is rich with the history of the time. I cannot wait for Book 2 in the series!

Fair Play by Deeanne Gist

So many emotions running through this book and I loved every one of them! The authors attention to detail really enhanced the story and the supporting characters did nothing to detract from the main characters story but only made it richer. The story took surprising turns around every corner.

I loved Billy Jack! She is a woman who was clearly in the wrong century! Boldly modern for her time she bucks every tradition, especially when it comes to a certain very traditional Texas Ranger. Watching their love grow and the frustrations they both feel because of their stubbornness makes the reader keep turning pages. Miss Pantalets-Trousers as he affectionately dubs her when he first lays eyes on her via her ahem backside frustrates Hunter Scott to no end. But there is something about her he finds appealing. Dr. Tate, as he soon comes to find out, is a force to be reckoned with!

The reader will laugh out loud at times and want to cry at times while reading this book but all the emotions are necessary for a richly told story. I highly recommend this book!

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

Finding Love At Home by Jerry S. Eicher

This was one of those books I couldn't put down until I found out what happened. Having read the first two books in the series I could not wait to find out if Debbie and Alvin get their happily ever after and if Ida finally finds love. All of my questions were answered in this book.

The one thing that struck me when I finished the book was "what happens next?" It took a long time for Debbie to finally find love and when she did it was a long and winding road and not the one she expected. In fact, it seemed to me Debbie's story got cheated when she finally found love. It was almost as if her love story was an after thought. I wish there had been more development of Debbie's romance and future marriage. Maybe in another book? I hope so. I really grew to love this family. I loved all 3 Beiler Sisters, even Lois, and I will miss them.

Jerry S. Eicher has a wonderful way of weaving a story so the characters come alive and you can imagine what they are going through as you read. Thank you Mr. Eicher for a wonderful series. I am looking forward to your next book.

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

Seeing Your Face Again by Jerry Eicher

Have you ever felt you were in the wrong culture? Well Debbie did. She always felt the pull of the Amish way of life and when Amish neighbors agreed to let her move in hoping to keep their daughter from "going English" she was overjoyed. But it didn't work. Their daughter Lois had the same pull, in the opposite direction. She always wanted to be English so she moves next door and lives with Debbie's family. Both girls seem completely committed to their new lives but are these new lives causing trouble for those around them? And what of the one daughter left in the Amish home. Will she ever find love? This book will answer all the questions although I was not prepared for some of the answers.

This book kept me turning pages long into the night. The author has a way of making you feel all the emotion in the book. I felt like I was living it with them. Now on to the final book in the series. I will hate to see this series end. I will miss the Beiler Sisters.

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

The Quaker and The Rebel by Mary Ellis

I enjoyed this book although at times I felt like I was getting bogged down in history. But the history only led to the richness of the story. I also learned a few things along the way!

Emily and Alexander come from 2 different worlds and both have secrets. Big ones that could threaten all they hold dear. But through it all their unexpected love continues to grow. Although Emily does her best to fight it, for Alexander it is love at first sight. Even when both feel betrayed by the other they cannot deny what is happening between their hearts.

The author does a wonderful job of weaving historical content with a love story. You actually feel like you are right there with them through all the fears and tears. The supporting characters in the book are as developed as the main characters and add fullness to the story.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romance.

Gathering Shadows by Nancy Mehl

Oh my gosh! I was riveted to this book! I could not put it down! I love books with a mystery or a little suspense attached to them and this one did not disappoint! Definitely a page turner from the first chapter! For once I didn't figure out "whodunit" until it was revealed. I had my ideas but I was wrong!

Wynter/Emily has strong memories of her abducted brother even though she was a little girl at the time. His abduction tore her family apart. But could this photo be her brother? Or is she just grasping at straws? The news reporter in her says she needs to follow up om this so she goes to the tiny town of Sanctuary to pursue it. She soon finds there are many secrets in Sanctuary and someone doesn't want her to be there and they will do almost anything to keep her from finding out the truth. But will she find her brother? You will have to read the book to find out!

I cannot wait for Book 2 in this series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a really good page turner. I read this book in about 4 hours. I couldn't put it down, it was that good.

Once Upon A Prince by Rachel Hauck

Can an ordinary girl fall in love with a king in waiting? Well, if you ask Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge the answer would be yes. But if you ask Susanna Truitt the answer might be no. When she meets "Nate Kenneth" she thinks he is an ordinary guy and the attraction grows - on both sides. But he has responsibilities, and when his father, the King, passes away "Nate" abruptly leaves for home, which is thousands of miles away. Having discovered who he really is shortly before he leaves Susanna is okay with his departure. But is her heart? Is his? He knows his duty. He knows what he SHOULD do. He knows what he can't do. But his heart is telling him otherwise so when Susanna shows up at his coronation will he ignore her in favor of duty or will the sparks fly? Will they get the fairy tale happily ever after?

The author has done a wonderful job of taking the fairy tale romance in an adult direction with all of the feelings and frustrations that go along with duty and expectations. Along with that we get a bit of the story history that only enhances the overall plot of the book.

I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who wants to live a fairy tale - even if it is only in the pages of a book. Or is it?

The Gift Of Love by Amy Clipston

How do I put into words how good this book is. Yes, it is the story of one woman's relentless efforts to help the man she loves but it is also so much more. Amy Clipston digs deep and gives the reader insight not only into what is happening in her life but the feelings she experiences as well as those in her family. I never dreamed when I read Amy's Facebook posts that the struggle her family was facing with her husbands kidney issues were that overwhelming. Amy never let it show and all I can say is the Grace of God gave both her and her family the strength to get through their trials.

There was a lot in this book I personally related to. Maybe there will be something you will relate to as well. Don't miss this book. It is a true treasure. Thank you Amy Clipston for sharing your life with your readers. This reader has been truly blessed.

A Plain Love Song by Kelly Irvin

Talk about a tug of war! Poor Adah can't make up her mind. Does she want to do what's right or does she want to follow her heart? She has always had a talent for writing songs and when the opportunity comes to explore where that talent might take her will she leave everything and everyone in her quiet Amish community behind to make that a reality? Or will she just stay home and do what she knows she should do and wonder what could have been. Such a tough decision.

How all of this plays out is a wonderful book and Ms. Irvin does a great job of making the reader understand what Adah is sacrificing if she pursues her music. Can you go home again? Well, I guess that depends on if you leave home in the first place.

I highly recommend this book. I was given a review copy by netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

All Things Hidden by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

Talk about baggage! Just about everyone in this book had some kind of hidden agenda, hence the title. I enjoyed reading about how some of the Alaska territory came to be and the hardships they had to endure. It was hard to pick a favorite character in this book. They were all so likable - well except for one nuisance of a character who was not only a pest but not a nice guy either! Okay, make that two characters - I forgot about Gertrude!

Gwyn and her doctor father love Alaska and will do what needs to be done to make the Matanuska Project a success. Will the arrival of Dr. Jeremiah Vaughan help or hinder that success? Especially after they discover his connection to their family. Oh and what secrets Dr. Vaughan has! I think my favorite person was Nasnana. In her quiet Alaskan way she endeared herself to me and I know you will love her too.

I really enjoyed this book. It has page after page of nonstop action and the twists and turns the plot takes will keep you turning pages long into the night. I highly recommend this book.

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

A Shining Light by Judith Miller

I really enjoyed this book, it had everything a good book has and grabbed my interest from the first page. Right from the beginning the reader becomes involved with Andrea and her son. What an energetic boy he is too, so full of questions and curiosity! When Andrea learns her husband was lost at sea she is both happy and sad and sets out to start a new life on her fathers farm. But what waits for her there is both a surprise and a disappointment. She soon sees God's hand at work and finds there is a silver lining in everything, even if there are large bumps in the road.

I really enjoy reading a book that builds the suspense while moving the story along at a good pace. This book does that. While some of the things that happened were predictable, how they happened were not. I have read several books by this author, both on her own and in collaboration with other authors, and I have enjoyed them all very much. I look forward to the next book by this author.

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

Minding Molly by Leslie Gould

I enjoyed this book as I have the first 2 in the series. There were a few "hold your breath" moments which made the story richer. Molly just can't seem to stop being a control freak. She has to be in charge and in control but doesn't start to realize it until a chain of events happen that make her understand what she has been doing. A lot of that is courtesy of her younger sister who is resentful of always being to what to do and when to do it. Unfortunately for Molly this control issue of hers could jeopardize her future with a certain horse trainer. Throughout the book Molly seesaws back and forth wondering what is the best path for her. All the while she is worried about her Mamm's health and losing the farm. Once she decides to let God be in control of her future she starts to realize what she has been like through the eyes of others and sets about making things right.

I recommend this book if you are looking for an easy read with not a lot of suspense. I look forward to the next book by this author. I was given a review copy by netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

Plots and Pans by Kelly Eileen Hake

I liked the overall story although there were parts of it that seemed a little unrealistic. For instance, Jessalyn comes home after several years at boarding school to find she has an Aunt she never knew about who is of mixed color living in her house as a cook and she immediately takes to this woman like she has known her all her life. I think, back in the 1800's there might not have been that immediate acceptance. Also, the romance between Jess and Tucker had a lot of bumps that seemed to go away awfully quickly. I did really enjoy the romance between Miss Desta (the Aunt) and Ralph. I wish that could have been explored a little more. Overall it was a good read, held my interest and kept me entertained. I would recommend this book.

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

Woman Of Courage by Wanda E. Brunstetter

I have read many books by this author and have never been disappointed. This book is no exception. Although it is a departure from the Amish genre she normally writes, it is every bit as good and exciting as her Amish books.

This book took off for me right from the first page and didn't stop until the end, which I hated to see come. Amanda's story. and Mary's story, were so interesting and riveting that I just couldn't put the book down! They were both truly women of courage. Every time I thought I was in a place where I could stop something else unexpected would happen and I would have to keep reading to see what happened next. This book took many twists and turns, some expected, some not. But the underlying strength of both these women was their faith in God, whether he was the God of Amanda's Bible or the Great Spirit of Mary Yellow Feather's people.

This book is not to be missed. I highly recommend it and hope there will be more to follow.
I was given a review copy of this book by netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

The Calling by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This is book 2 in a very exciting series. Usually when I get to Book 2 in a series the story kind of drags. Not in this one! The story kept up a good pace in The Letters, Book 1 in the series but in Book 2 it really takes off! Twists and turns, lies, deception, coming of age, pain of loss, love, and long buried secrets revealed. Yup, this book has it all. Oh and there is even a Kleenex moment too.

I really enjoyed how the author weaved each characters thoughts and feelings into one story that not only enhanced the story as a whole, it left the reader understanding what was happening and not at all confused as can happen with books with so many characters. I loved The Sisters. They were kind of in the background of the story but oh so important to the story as a whole. 

I cannot wait to read Book 3 in this series to find out how all of these lives come together into one conclusion. I was riveted to this book and could not put it down. You won't be able to either. 

I was given a copy of this book from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I really enjoyed this book once I figured out who was who. It took a little while to get all the characters straight but once I did their personalities started to shine through. There is a lot going on at the Inn At Eagle Hill. Most of which was Rose's surprise at the idea of turning the basement of her mother-in-laws house into an Inn! But it worked, especially for one lady at a crossroads in her life. And speaking of Rose's mother-in-law, will that woman ever have something nice to say? Rose's children, on the other hand, are a handful. The girls, not so much but the boys! You really have to love those boys, they are all boy! So many questions to be answered. And the twists and turns the story takes are quite interesting. One came completely out of left field. The reader doesn't see it coming! I cannot wait for book #2 in this series. I want to find out what happens next at the Inn At Eagle Hill!

A Road Unknown by Barbara Cameron

This is the first Amish book I have read that took the story line from the angle of the eldest daughter running away to another town to escape the burden of caring for her younger siblings. The story centers on her feelings about this and how she decides to deal with it. Her name is Elizabeth and she is the eldest of 9 and never really got to have a life since it was always expected she would help with the younger children and the house. Feeling resentful she moves to another town and becomes roommates with a college student she had met briefly before. She gets a job, starts to care for Saul, the young man who owns the store she is working at, and makes a life for herself. But what she ran away from haunts her. Especially when the stern Bishop tells her she needs to go home! How she deals with all this makes a very interesting story. Did I enjoy this angle? I'm not sure. It was different and something I would not expect. This is book 1 in the series and I look forward to reading book 2.
I was given a review copy of this book by netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

Prairie Song by Mona Hodgson

I really enjoyed this book. After having read The Quilted Heart Omnibus I couldn't wait to see what happened next as the characters I had grown to love set out on their adventure in a new land. Expecting to find hardship on their 5 month trek across the country they tried to be prepared for anything, but some things you can never be prepared for.

This book was a light read which was refreshing. Not a lot of suspense, although the suspense there was fit into the story line beautifully. It was interesting to see God work in and through the wagon train as it's different personalities tried to mesh together. Did they all get along? Absolutely not! There were some surprises in this book too and the ending left me wanting to pick up the next book in the series to see what happens next!

I am really enjoying this series. The characters are real and touch your heart. I know you are going to love them too and you, like I, will have your favorites.

Love At Any Cost by Julie Lessman

I really enjoyed this book. It was a page turner from the first page and I didn't want to put it down. I love it when a book makes me think about it when I'm not reading and I can't wait to get back to it to see what happens next! This book was like that. It had twists and turns around every corner and went in directions I never expected!

I'm not sure who I was rooting for more, Logan and Cait or Cassie and Jamie. Cassie, having just had her heart broken decides to visit family and what happens? She falls for the same kind of guy again. Or does she? Can she see through the pain of rejection and learn to trust a "pretty boy" again? And Jamie, whose only motivation is helping his crippled sister. Can he look past money and doing things his way long enough to find God? Only God know the answer to that and He has a lot of work to do on both of them! Logan and Cait have a history. Can she learn to forgive and trust again? Logan won't stop trying to make up for the pain he caused her but is it too late? We shall see.

Ms. Lessman writes a wonderful story full of the things that make a book exciting to read. I must say I was surprised at some of the directions the book went but it all came together in the end. This is book 1 in the series. I cannot wait to read book 2!

The Quilted Heart Omnibus by Mona Hodgson

Wow - 3 books in one! I really enjoyed getting to know the ladies in these books. Each one has her own distinct style and personality but they blend so well together. Each novella leads into the next one and at the end it all leads into the continuing series. I cannot wait to read more of this westward migration adventure. I am sure Maren, Emilie, and Caroline will give us, and the trail boss, many moments of excitement. Maren and Emilie are both married but Caroline is a widow with eyes for only one man. Oh and don't forget about Anna! Will she or won't she? This should be interesting!

The author has done a wonderful job moving from one novella into the next to keep the story smoothly moving along while building excitement about the next book. I cannot wait to see what happens next to the Boone's Lick Wagon Train in Prairie Song, the first book in the Hearts Seeking Home Series. I am so glad I read these 3 novellas in one book and not individually as they are also marketed. It was much easier to move from one into the next this way. You will love meeting these characters, and characters they are! This adventure is not to be missed!