My Thoughts About The Book: I was excited when I realized that the stories were all set in the same town and I would be visiting with the same characters in each of the books. Each novella was well-written, the characters pop off the page and you find yourself wishing for success for each of them. These were not your run of the mill Amish romance stories where boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girl marry. There are several twists and turns and you find yourself wondering if things are going to work out for the three key women characters. I loved everything about these novellas. I loved the recipes at the end of the story. I will definitely give them a try. Especially the pineapple cake of Hopes. If you like Christian romance, or like to read about the Amish culture, you will not regret reading this book. Statement of Disclosure: I received this book to review from Thomas Nelson Publishing Group's Book Sneeze Blogging Program for an honest review. Thank you so much for this opportunity. Reviews are published on Goodreads and Amazon too.
About the book: Book one in the Plain City Peace series. It's 1971, and Betsie Troyer's peaceful and predictable life is about to become anything but. When their parents flee the Amish, nineteen-year-old Betsie and her seventeen-year-old sister Sadie are distraught. Under the dubious guidance of a doting aunt, the girls struggle to keep the secret, praying their parents will return before anyone learns the truth-a truth that may end all hopes of Betsie's marriage to Charley Yoder.About the Author: Stephanie Reed lives on the outskirts of Plain City, Ohio, site of a once-thriving Amish community. She gleans ideas for her novels from signs glimpsed along the byways of Ohio, as she did for her previous books, "Across the Wide River" and "The Light Across the River." Learn more at Stephanie's website: http://www.stephanielreed.com/My Thoughts On The Book: Anyone who reads my blog knows that my favorite genre of literature is historical and Amish fiction. I was delighted to get my hands on one by an author I have never read. Reading The Bargain was such a treat because it is both. The book is not your typical Amish tale but it does not disappoint. This book talks of life for both the Amish and English during 1971, the Vietnam war, and its affects on both cultures. Knowing that the Amish are peaceful I never thought much about an Amish man serving in the military until I read The Bargain. Stephanie Reed is an amazing wordsmith and knows her material. Her handling of the Amish, Vietnam War, leather working, and the all the other events that took place during the 1970's is remarkable. This novel had me from the Introduction and I found myself doing without sleep because I simply could not put it down. From the moment I began the book I found myself a character among the book and totally immersed. The characters seem real because they are not perfect and they lead normal lives. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys Amish and Historical Christian Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I give this novel 4.5 Stars!
Statement of Disclosure: I received an paperback copy of this title from Litgfuse Publicity Group as part of their blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. Thanks guys for letting me read this and participate!
About the book: Rose turned her back on the man she loves after he assisted the Englisch during World War II---only to discover she's an Englischer herself. Born in the midst of the hardships of The Great Depression, Rose grew up in Berlin, Ohio, in the arms of a loving Amish family. But she is overwhelmed by self-doubt when she learns that she was born Englisch and abandoned when her family moved West in search of work. Was she meant to be Amish or would she have been better off growing up with her own kind---Englischers? When the man she loves leaves her behind, Rose is certain he left for good. Yet Rose discovers sometimes our greatest gifts are the ones we fear. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/pfhBlAbout the Author: USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and "Lead Your Family Like Jesus," (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children. You can find out more about Tricia at www.TriciaGoyer.com.My Thoughts About the Book: As a big fan of Tricia Goyer I was delighted to get to read and review this book. The story was everything I would have expected from Goyer and more. It was a poignant story of an Amish woman and her search for God, her identity, and love. A Christmas Gift for Rose is an amazing story of love, faith and family just in time for the Christmas season. This book will definitely pull at your heartstrings. I know it did mine. A short and quick read, this is the book you will want to share with all your friends and family. Warning: Be sure to have a box of Kleenex near because you will need them before the story is over.
STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE: I received an paperback copy of this title from Litfuse as part of their blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. Thanks guys for letting me read this and participate!
About the Book: A young Amish woman harbors a difficult secret. Does she dare share the truth with the man she hopes to marry? Elsie Keim doesn’t want to be left behind. Her twin sister, Viola, and her older brother, Roman, have both found love and are building lives of their own. But Elsie? She’s still stuck at home, being treated like a child. No one seems to consider her a capable woman—all they see are the thick lenses of her glasses, constant reminders that Elsie suffers from keratoconus and is slowly going blind. Elsie knows there’s much more to her than her disease. That’s why when a new neighbor, Landon Troyer, shows some interest in her, she doesn’t want anything to scare him away . . . even if it means keeping her condition a secret. Landon is ready to start a new life and feels like Elsie may just be the right woman to start it with. But when Roman steps in and shares the truth about Elsie’s illness, Landon is floored. His job is demanding and takes him away from home, sometimes for days at a time. How could he keep up with his responsibilities and take care of Elsie?
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My Thoughts On The Book: This was one of the best Amish romances I have read in a while. Once I started reading the book I did not put it down until I was finished. This book is the third in a series and even though I have not read the other two I was able to pick this one up and be drawn into the lives of the main characters. The story is one of struggle, decisions, doing our will, secrets, and life. There were several sub plots working in this story. The secretiveness of the grandparents past, the hidden addiction of the father, and the illness of one of the twins. Through this family's bond of love, the love of a man and his wife, the love of parent and child all the stories are resolved. The resolves may not have been what I would have wanted but through Gray's expert character development I was left with a feeling of understanding. If you love Amish books then this one is definitely one you will not want to miss. STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE: I received an paperback copy of this title from Litfuse Publicity Group as part of their blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. Thanks guys for letting me read this and participate!
About The Book: Book one in Suzanne’s brand new series; The Inn at Eagle Hill. Rose Schrock is a plain woman with a simple plan. Determined to find a way to support her family and pay off her late husband’s debts, she sets to work to convert the basement of her Amish farmhouse into an inn. While her family, especially her cranky mother-in-law, is unhappy with Rose’s big idea, her friend and neighbor, Galen King, supports the decision and he helps with the conversion. As Rose finalizes preparations for visitors, she prays. She asks God to bless each guest who stays at the Inn at Eagle Hill. As the first guest arrives and settles in, Rose is surprised to discover that her entire family is the one who receives the blessings, in the most unexpected ways. And she’s even more surprised when that guest decides to play matchmaker for Galen King. With her signature plot twists combined with gentle Amish romance, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites readers back to Stoney Ridge for fresh stories of simple pleasures despite the complexity of life. Fisher’s tale of God’s providence and provision will delight her fans and create many new ones. Welcome to the Inn at Eagle Hill.About The Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Inn at Eagle Hill series, Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including “Amish Peace.” She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children’s series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. For more information, please visit suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher. Get Amish proverbs delivered right to your mobile device! Download the Free App! http://bit.ly/10Tygyi. Find out more about Suzanne at http://suzannewoodsfisher.com/.
My Thoughts On The Book: I read the book from front to back in one sitting. I could not put it down and the wee hours of the morning slipped up on me without me knowing. The characters Suzanne Woods Fisher paints are well developed and life-like. She is a master wordsmith. In The Letters, Suzanne Woods Fisher provides a great beginning to The Inn at Eagle Hill series set in Stoney Ridge. I cannot wait for the next book. I did find that several of the characters from her Stoney Ridge series appear in The Letters which adds, a comfortable air of familiarity. As always this story is captivating as it unfolds with a story of a life extremely challenging, a steadfast faith, and commitment to family. This particular book ventures away from the traditional Amish novel and it is based on a real-life story. If you like Amish fiction and you have not read anything by Suzanne Woods Fisher then you are missing out on an amazing writing. This book is available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books for everyday life. For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publishing Group, and Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
About The Book: Everything changed between them the first time he called her Katie.Katherine Yoder has loved Johnny Mullet since they were children, but he never actively returned her affections. Like so many things in their world, he assumes Katherine will always be there. Once his horse farm is a success, then he will court her in earnest.For several weeks, Katherine has been plagued by severe headaches and dizziness. While resting at home, Johnny unexpectedly visits, but when dizziness strikes, she loses consciousness. She awakens hours later in a hospital bed, unable to remember how she got there. Seeing Katherine injured and vulnerable stirs something in Johnny, and his guilt compels him to spend time with her while she heals. Soon his heart begins to stir with questions: Does she even remember why he'd come to her house that day? As Katherine struggles to recall recent memories of Johnny, a surprise visitor arrives in her already unsteady world—a man named Isaac who claims they had been writing letters to each other, even considering marriage, before her illness. With two men vying for her attention and her memory still elusive, Katherine has never felt so divided. The answer may lie behind a door she never considered opening. 
About The Book: With her heart – and her loyalty – on the line, can she let true love in her life?Every year, young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive ‘resident’ status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! Lydia Wyse, a book editor from Seattle who grew up Amish, returns to the small community of West Kootenai, Montana to give comfort to her father after her mother’s death.She is drawn back to the familiar Amish ways after finding her mother’s most precious possession, a Promise Box of prayers and scripture. What her publisher sees, though, is an opportunity for a sensational ‘tell-all’ book about the Amish. Lydia soon finds herself falling in love with Amish bachelor Gideon Hooley. She wants nothing more than to forget her past and look forward to a future as an Amish bride. Will the pain of her childhood—and her potential betrayal of her community—keep her from committing her whole heart?Purchase a copy here.About The Author: Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of six, grandmother of one, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites. In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Tricia, along with a group of friends, recently launched NotQuiteAmishLiving.com, sharing ideas about simplifying life. She also hosts the weekly radio podcast, Living Inspired. Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.My Thoughts On The Book: The Promise Box is the second book in Tricia Goyer's Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series. The first book, The Memory Jar does not have to be read first in order to keep up with the story line but I plan on reading it because I loved The Promise Box so much The Promise Box is a story about a former Amish woman returning to the Amish after spending some time in the English world. It was very interesting to see how the community treats Lydia. One of my favorite things about this book and series I really love the setting, West Kootenai, Montana. It sounds like a wonderful place to live and the Amish that live there are not so staunch in their ways. Tricia Goyer breathes life into her characters wonderfully. I felt as if during the course of the novel I got to know each of them personally. Lydia’s story makes this book one that is hard to put down! Within the confines of the story, Lydia’s discovery of who she really is and her finding out who God made her to be gives the story character. When Lydia begins to come- to terms with the circumstances of her birth and embraces the Amish community my heart was singing. Once again, the master wordsmith, Tricia Goyer, has done a wonderful job. I'm a huge fan of Goyer's writing, and I'm happy to say that The Promise Box showcases her talents well.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publishing Company as part of their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
About The Book: The Amish Kitchen is the Heart of the Home – and the Ideal Setting for Stories of Love and Hope.Fall in Paradise, Pennsylvania, always brings a brisk change in the weather. This season also ushers in unexpected visitors, new love, and renewed hope for three women.Fern has a green thumb for growing healing herbs, but longs for love to bloom in her life. Then the next-door neighbor’s oldest son, Abram, comes running into Fern’s kitchen seeking help for his little sister. The crisis soon leads to a promise of romance—until mistrust threatens to end the growing attraction.Nearby, Hannah runs her parents’ bed and breakfast, Paradise Inn—but her life feels nothing like Paradise. She longs for a man of integrity to enter her life, but never expected him to knock on the front door looking for a room. Will she be able trust Stephen with her future once she discovers his mysterious past?When a storm blows a tree onto Eve’s farmhouse, she has little choice but to temporarily move her family into her parents’ home. Outside of cooking together in the kitchen, Eve and her mother can’t agree on anything. But this may be just the recipe for hope in healing old wounds.Three Amish stories—each celebrating love, family, and faith—all taking place in a tight-knit community where the kitchen truly is the heart of the home.The book also includes a Reading Group Guide and 45 Old Order Amish Recipes.About The Authors: Amy Clipston: Amy is a native of New Jersey who began her writing career unofficially when she was a child. She loves writing about the Amish, and has an Amish friend in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, who reads her manuscripts for accuracy. She has always been fascinated with the Amish. Clipston remembers visiting Lancaster County, and her father, who was a German immigrant, told her that the Amish speak the same dialect of German as her relatives. She was drawn to their simplicity and faith. Due to her German heritage, she felt a loose connection to the Amish and their culture. Her plots come straight from the heart and all involve family issues intertwined with faith.Kelly Long: Kelly Long is the author of Sarah's Garden, the first novel in the Patch of Heaven series. She was born and raised in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania. She’s been married for nearly 25 years and has five children. Beth Wiseman: When a personal crisis tested and strengthened her faith, award-winning journalist Beth Wiseman was advised by her agent to consider writing a Christian novel, particularly an Amish one. Encouraged by her agent’s urging, she began exploring the Amish lifestyle and soon developed a great appreciation for the more peaceful way of life. In 2008 Wiseman wrote her debut novel, Plain Perfect, featuring the Amish lifestyle within the context of a fictional love story. It was a bestseller, as have been all of the full-length novels and novellas she has written since.My Thoughts On The Book: All three of the authors are some of my favorites. Their take on the life of the Amish is amazing. All three novelas are filled with faith, love, and the culture of the Amish. Having grown up in a family where the kitchen is the heart of the home and women bonded within its walls I was delighted to see that there are some amazing recipes at the end of the book and a reading guide if you would like to do a book study on the book. It is the kind of read that makes you want to shut the world out and just submerge yourself into a world of simplicity. A great read and would be a wonderful gift. I plan to add it to my Amish library of keepers.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing Booksneeze Program for bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
A Perfect Secret--Rose Bender's betrothed, Luke Lantz, is safe and dependable, maybe a little too much so. Or so she thinks until she sees him in the woods one night and discovers a secret he's been keeping. Now his secret haunts her. She wasn't sure about marrying a man she knew too well. But should she marry a man she doesn't understand at all?
Christmas Cradles--When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local midwife, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers' quilts, and unexpected help from the handsome and brooding Asa Lapp.
A Marriage of the Heart--Since her mother's death, Abigail Kauffman has lived alone with her father. She longs to escape the emptiness of the farmhouse that has never felt like home. Joseph Lambert is a newcomer in their close-knit community. Only after suddenly marrying do they begin to understand the tender truths of life-long love.
About the Author: Kelly Long is the author of Sarah's Garden, the first novel in the Patch of Heaven series. She was born and raised in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania. She's been married for nearly 25 years and has five children.
My Thoughts About the Book: For those who love Amish life and romance this is a must read. The first novella, A Perfect Secret was the first book I have read by Kelly Long. I loved her writing style. She is a master wordsmith and keeps her story moving to the point that I could practically picture it in my mind. The back and forth between Luke and Rose and the desire between them both catches the reader and keeps them captive until the story ends. Rose finds out that Luke is keeping secrets and of course thinks the absolute worst, but who wouldn't? There is a thief in their Amish village and she is so curious that she actually meets him one night and is surprised at who it turns out to be. With the secrets flying will this young Amish couple make it down the aisle?
The second story, Christmas Cradles opens with Anna Stolis relieving her aunt, the local midwife. She meets Asa Lapp who is her driver while she is covering for her aunt in the middle of a horrendous snow storm. From the meeting of the two you can feel the tension buillding. Anna, in her mid-twenties, has never had a true love so her feelings towards this man is surprising even to her.
The last story, A Marriage of the Heart, is about two Amish people, Joseph and Abby, who come together because of a lie and realize that they actually are very lonely and need each other. Abby does a lot of maturing with the help of Joseph, who has his own secrets. They find that they really want to feel the closeness that two people feel and eventually realize soon after what being in love really means.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Book Sneeze Blogging Program. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
