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.