Sisterchicks Do The Hula

 

About The Book:  Some dreams take a while before they come true. Best friends Hope and Laurie never made it to Hawaii during their college years. But when they're about to turn forty, the islands still beckon, and off they go - with an unexpected stowaway on board (Hope happens to be seven months pregnant). A little pineapple, a little sunshine, and a surprising little surfing lesson give these two sisterchicks all their crazy hearts could hope for - and more - as they enter the next season of their lives with a splash and with a beautiful vision of what God has dreamed up for them.Wherever there’s chocolate, there’s sure to be a sisterchick celebrating, and this trip to Hawaii is no exception. Best friends Hope and Laurie are on an audacious mission to commemorate their fortieth birthdays in style. Surfing and sailing, sushi and snorkeling—these two macadamia nuts from the mainland sample it all, unhindered by a surprise little stowaway.  

 

Definition of Sisterchick: Sisterchick n.: a friend who shares the deepest wonders of your heart, loves you like a sister, and provides a reality check when you’re being a brat.  

 

Story Behind the Book:  We lived in Hawai’i when our son was in elementary school and have returned many times for visits. I have a deep and abiding love for all that is Hawaiian so of course the islands were my location of choice for this second Sisterchick novel. The art of hula is an intricate form of storytelling has gone through many changes over the years. Every woman’s life has a story. Every woman goes through many changes over the years. But not every woman has yet learned to "hula". This book will encourage her to "hula" through life as she learns to live out her story with the unforced rhythm of grace.

 

About The Author:  Robin Jones Gunn is the best selling Christian author of over 82 books including several series aimed at teen girls as well as Christian fiction for older women and a few non-fiction books. Her books have sold over 4.5 million copies worldwide.

 

My Thoughts On The Book:  This book could have been about me and my best friend.  I found it to be an easy read that was just a simple feel good story.  I enjoyed their trip to Hawaii and felt as if the perfectness of their trip mimiced my own when I took my best friend/sisterchicks for her fiftieth birthday As an amatuer photographer I was envisioning all the pictures they made and went to find my own album so I could see how I saw the island.  I really enjoyed the interesting historical tidbits the The author added . It made me want to visit Hawaii again.  This is an easy read that allows the reader just enjoy reading a book for the sake of reading.  If you have ever been a part of a sisterchick group, then you will understand what this book is all about. 

Statement of Disclosure: I received this book to review from Waterbrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books review program in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Thanks guys for allowing me to review this book. 

The Dawn of Christmas

About the Book:  The Amish community of Apple Ridge is a place to discover anew that even though life doesn’t always look the way you might expect and pain can’t help but color our actions…love may just be around the corner, just in time for Christmas!  Sadie Yoder enjoys her freedom away from home but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it’s time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan—but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together?  Read an exerpt from Chapter One. 
 

About the Author: Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author who has written a dozen (and counting!) works of fiction and one of nonfiction. She and her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud, coauthored the nonfiction, Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. Cindy’s been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life. In June of 2013, the Wall Street Journal listed Cindy as the second most popular author of Amish fiction, following Beverly Lewis. - See more about Cindy Woodsmall and her books by clicking here. 

My Thoughts On The Book:  I have loved every book I have read by Cindy Woodsmall and the The Dawn of Christmas is no exception.  It is such a wonderfully written story about second chances and learning to trust again. Woodsmall is a master wordsmith and in this story she develops her characters so well that I felt as if I knew Levi and Sadie and their families. I found myself grieving for Levi and Sadie as Daniel stepped in and tore them apart.  This book is a must read if you are a fan of Woodsmall and/or Amish Fiction. 
Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers through their Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Though My Heart Is Torn

About The Book:  Gideon O’Riley has two wives—but he doesn’t know it.   Settling into a simple life in the majestic Blue Ridge mountains, Lonnie and Gideon O’Riley have finally found happiness after the rocky start to their marriage. The roguish bluegrass musician has fallen in love with his gentle wife and the God she serves, and Lonnie rests secure in his tenderness for her and their young son. A heartless ruse interupts their peace, bringing them back to Rocky Knob—and forces them to face the claims of Cassie Allan, a woman who says she is Gideon’s rightful wife.   As Gideon wades into the depths of his past choices, Lonnie is stunned by the revelations. She has no choice but to navigate this new path, knowing that surviving the devastating blow will take every ounce of strength  she has.  While Gideon’s guilt  and his bitterness towards Cassie threatens to burn up his fledgling faith, Lonnie wrestles to find the courage to trust the God who brought them together in the first place. Will their hard-earned love be able to conquer all?   Lonnie only wanted her husband’s love. Now that he belongs to another, can she surrender Gideon to a God with a bigger plan?

About The Author:  Married to her first sweetheart, Joanne lives in the mountains of Southern California where she keeps busy making messes with their home schooled children. When she’s not weaving Appalachian romance, she’s blogging about faith, writing, and the adventures of country living that bring her stories to life. 

My Thoughts About The Book:  This book is the second in the Cadence of Grace series but it is a stand alone.  You do not have to read the first book to get caught up in the second.  This book is one of love, disappointment, and God's grace.  It is beautifully written and bittersweet.  From the moment I began the book I could not put it down.  The characters are so real that you feel as if you are right there with them.  I could not put the book down from the moment I read the first page and was glad it was the end of my school year so I could stay up late and finish.  I had to know what happened with Lonnie,  Gideon, and Casey and I promise you that you will feel the same.  This book gets 5 stars from me and I cannot wait for the next in the series or anything else by this author. 

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomahs  review program for bloggers, Blogging for Books. 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.

 

Wishing On Willows

About The Book:  Does a second chance at life and love always involve surrender?  A three-year old son, a struggling café, and fading memories are all Robin Price has left of her late husband. As the proud owner of Willow Tree Café in small town Peaks, Iowa, she pours her heart into every muffin she bakes and espresso she pulls, thankful for the sense of purpose and community the work provides.  So when developer Ian McKay shows up in Peaks with plans to build condos where her café and a vital town ministry are located, she isn’t about to let go without a fight.  As stubborn as he is handsome, Ian won’t give up easily. His family’s business depends on his success in Peaks. But as Ian pushes to seal the deal, he wonders if he has met his match. Robin’s gracious spirit threatens to undo his resolve, especially when he discovers the beautiful widow harbors a grief that resonates with his own.  With polarized opinions forming all over town, business becomes unavoidably personal and Robin and Ian must decide whether to cling to the familiar or surrender their plans to the God of Second Chances.

About The Author:  Katie Ganshert was born and raised in the Midwest, where she writes stories about finding faith and falling in love. When she’s not busy plotting her next novel, she enjoys being silly and laughing with her husband, playing make-believe with her wild-child of a son, and chatting with her girlfriends over coffee and bagels. She and her husband are in the process of adopting from the Congo.

My Thoughts On The Book: Wishing on Willows from page one. This book was such  a heartfelt story about moving forward after loss and not letting fear hold you back from what God has for you. I felt as if I knew the characters and was part of their lives.  Ganshert is a master character developer.  Robin owns Willow Tree, a cafe she opened after her husband's death, and she is a single mom, raising a son she was pregnant with when her husband died.  Enters Ian who comes to town to scope things out for building condominiums. A major problem arises when the place Ian is interested in developing is where Robin's cafe is locatd. Sparks fly. But in the midst of it all, Robin and Ian's characters begin to develop a deeper relationship with each other....and with God.  I highly recommend this book and if you haven't read Katie Ganshert's first novel, Wildflowers from Winter, you might want to read it first so you can get the full story. Both books are awesome! 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group's review program for bloggers, Blogging for Books. 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.


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The Winnowing Season

About The Book:  The tornado that devastated Kings’ Orchard pushed Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob to make a new start in Maine. Are they strong enough to withstand the challenges of establishing an Amish community—and brave enough to face the secrets that move with them?
On the eve of their departure to begin a new Old Order Amish community outside of Unity, Maine, Rhoda Byler is shocked to discover that choices made by her business partner and friend, Samuel King, have placed her and her unusual gifts directly into the path of her district’s bishop and preachers. She is furious with Samuel and is fearful that the Kings will be influenced by the way her leaders see her, and not what they know to be true—that Rhoda’s intuition is a gift from God.  Jacob King won’t be swayed by community speculation. He loves Rhoda, believes in her, and wants to build a future with her in Maine. But when the ghosts of his past come calling and require him to fulfill a great debt, can he shake their hold before it destroys what he has with Rhoda? Samuel has a secret of his own—one he’ll go to great lengths to keep hidden, even if it means alienating those closest to him. Throwing himself into rehabilitating the once-abandoned orchard, Samuel turns to a surprising new ally.  Can the three faithfully follow God’s leading and build a new home and orchard in Maine? Or will this new beginning lead to more ruin and heartbreak?

About The Author: " Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author who has written six novels, three novellas, and Plain Wisdom, a work of nonfiction coauthored with her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud. She’s been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life.  She is also a veteran homeschool mom who no longer holds that position. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible. She’s won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer’s Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings’ Best Books of the Year. She’s been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards.  Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. Though she didn’t realize it at the time, seeds were sown years ago that began preparing Cindy to write these books. At the age of ten, while living in the dairy country of Maryland, she became best friends with Luann, a Plain Mennonite girl. Luann, like all the females in her family, wore the prayer Kapp and cape dresses. Her parents didn’t allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. During the numerous times Luann came to Cindy’s house to spend the night, her rules came with her and the two were careful to obey them—afraid that if they didn’t, the adults would end their friendship. Although the rules were much easier to keep when they spent the night at Luann’s because her family didn’t own any of the forbidden items, both sets of parents were uncomfortable with the relationship and a small infraction of any kind would have been enough reason for the parents to end the relationship. While navigating around the adults’ disapproval and the obstacles in each other’s lifestyle, the two girls bonded in true friendship that lasted into their teen years, until Cindy’s family moved to another region of the US.  As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children. Over the years Cindy has continued to make wonderful friendships with those inside the Amish and Mennonite communities—from the most conservative ones to the most liberal.  Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband, three sons, two daughters-in-law, and a new granddaughter."

My Thoughts On The Book:  Cindy Woodsmall has done it again! Every page is filled with characters that come alive.  I feel as if I know Rhoda, Samuel, Landon, Leah, and and Jacob personally.  I have not read one of her books yet that I did not love.  I cannot wait for the next book to hit the shelves.  Woodsmall shares faith, stories, love and life within the confines of the pages of her books.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group's review program for bloggers, Blogging for Books. 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.

Dandelions On The Wind

About The Book: "Tattered relationships and broken hearts, like a quilt, can be pieced together by God’s love.  When Maren Jensen took a job on Elsa Brantenberg’s St. Charles, Missouri farm, she never expected to call the place her home. As she grows to love Mrs. Brantenberg and her granddaughter, Gabi, Maren is transformed from a lonely mail-order bride-without-a-groom to a beloved member of the Brantenberg household.

But when Gabi’s father, Rutherford “Wooly” Wainwright, returns to the farm unexpectedly, everything changes for Maren. Despite the failing eyesight that caused her suitor to reject her, she can see that Wooly desperately needs to reconnect with the family he abandoned when his grief sent him running toward the army—and into the Civil War. She also senses there could be something more between the widower and herself, if either can move beyond their past hurts.   

Comforted and counseled by the wisdom of the women in her beloved quilting circle, Maren begins to discover the cost such decisions demand of her heart. Are her choices in obedience to God, or is she running from His plan? Is it too late for love to be stitched into the fabric of her life?"

About The Author:  “Mona Gansberg married Bob Hodgson in 1972, and became Mona Hodgson 40 years ago. They have two grown daughters, two sons-in-law, three grandsons and a granddaughter.

In 1987, Mona Hodgson began writing articles, poems, and short stories for publication, and has had several hundred printed in more than 50 different publications. Her publishing credits also include four historical novels for WaterBrook/Multnomah, nearly 30 children’s books, and contributions to 11 books for adults. 

Mona is a speaker for women's retreats, schools, conferences for educators and librarians, and at writers' conferences throughout the United States and Canada. She holds professional memberships in the American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Women Writing the West, Pikes Peak Writers Group, Christian Authors Network, and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.”

My Thoughts About The Book:  I love post Civil War era and mail-order bride books.   This novella was a wonderful story of hope, sadness, and new beginnings  Maren is a very strong and likeable character.  She comes to life on the written page.  Hodgson is a master at bringing her characters to life.  I have  enjoyed every Mona Hodgsons book I have read and look forward to reading the other two in this series. The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek, are wonderful books. This novella is no different. It has a strong Christian influence but is not overly preachy.  It draws you in and won’t let you go until the last event has unfolded.  This book is a must read. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group's review program for bloggers, Blogging for Books.  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.

The Rocky Mountain Heiress Collection

About The Books:  Take a trip back to the nineteenth-century Wild West in these three inspirational romance novels, attractively priced and packaged as an eBook omnibus. Kathleen Y'Barbo's The Rocky Mountain Heiress Collection includes the rollicking romances of three amazing young women; an adventure-seeking heiress pretending to be a governess to go west, a feisty well-to-do society girl longing to become a journalist and chase the story of a lifetime, and the millionaire's daughter who is being asked to marry for the good of the family business . Fans of westerns will find themselves transported to frontier Colorado, and into stories with independent heroines, adventure, love, and ambition.
In the first novel, The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper New York socialite Eugenia Cooper longs to enjoy one last escapade before she marries banker Chandler Dodd. Opportunity knocks, and she heads for rough-and-tumble Colorado. When she takes the job as governess for silver baron Daniel Beck’s daughter, she wonders where her future lies. With Chandler—or with Daniel?

The second novel, Anna Finch and the Hired Gun gives us Anna Finch, who despite her father’s attempts to marry her off, dreams of becoming a reporter. A chance encounter with legendary gunslinger Doc Holliday gives her the opportunity of a lifetime, but Pinkerton agent Jeb Sanders is about to ruin everything. Though her father hired Jeb to keep her out of mischief, Anna’s inconvenient attraction to her hired gun only multiplies her troubles. She doesn’t realize Jeb has a score to settle with Doc Holliday, or that her association with the famous outlaw will affect more than just her marriage prospects.
Between her father’s desperation to see her wed and Jeb shadowing her every move, getting the story and fulfilling her journalistic ambition just got far more complicated than she ever imagined.

The final novel, The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck is the story of an unlikely romance that sometimes just an inconvenient marriage away.  Charlotte Beck may be entering adulthood, but she can’t seem to keep to her stubborn, independent spirit from bucking social protocol. Fed up with her behavior, Charlotte’s father Daniel pressures her to settle into a nice marriage despite knowing she is set on going to college. Then Daniel sees Charlotte with the handsome but annoying English astronomer Alex Hambly, and everything changes.  Though Alex and Charlotte can barely stand one another, Daniel offers them a deal they can’t refuse: if they agree to marry, he will save Alex’s family from financial ruin and grant Charlotte the freedom to go to college. Reluctantly the couple agrees, but in private they plot to annul the marriage as soon as possible.  But when Alex’s feelings change and he refuses to dissolve their contract, will Charlotte find a way out of her vows? Or will
she discover that maybe this marriage isn’t so inconvenient after all?

About The Author: RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.
Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.  A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots (read about their real-life romance here!). Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.
My Thoughts About The Books:  When I began The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper I was afraid this story might be just another predictable historical romance. I am really glad I did not judge this book.  The story from beginning to end was delightful and completely captivated me. Gennie’s adventurous spirit is infectious and Daniel very interesting and when you added the sparks between the two this was the kind of read you don't want to put down.  The second book, Anna Finch and the Hired Gun was just as delightful as the first.  The main character was feisty and her spunk, coupled with Doc Holliday and Jeb Sanders makes this an engaging historical novel.  A must read.  The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck is filled with delightful humor, vivid characers, a little tad of mystery, and a ton of romantic flair.  If you are looking for entertainment and an absolutely engaging read then these three ladies in the Rocky Mountain Heiress Collection are for you.  Kathleen Y'Barbo bats it out of the park. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging for Books 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.

The Blessed Church

Robert Morris in his new book, "The Blessed Church" published by Waterbrook Press gives us The Simple Secret to Growing the Church You Love.
About The Book:  (From the Back cover): How can I help my church stay focused on its purpose?  What would a culture of generosity look like for my church?  What part does rest play in a healthy church?  Whether you are a pastor, a volunteer, or a church member, you want your church to grow well. After all, there's no better place to experience God than in the loving, healthy community of a church. But what does an effective church look like? Is it possible to grow and be healthy at the same time?

About The Author:  Robert Morris is the Founding Senior Pastor of Gateway Church, a multi-campus, evangelistic, Spirit-empowered church in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Since it began in 2000, the church has grown to more than 24,000 active members. He is featured on the weekly television program, The Blessed Life, broadcast to approximately 90 million homes in the United States and more than 200 countries around the world. Robert holds a Doctorate of Literature and serves as Chairman of the Board of The King’s University. He is the bestselling author of ten books including The Blessed Life, From Dream to Destiny, The Power of Your Words and The God I Never Knew. Robert and his wife, Debbie, have been married 32 years and are blessed with one married daughter, two married sons and three grandchildren.
 
My Thoughts On The Book:  As a pastor's wife and helpmate of a small rural church this book was a must read for me.  In the book Reverend Robert Morris shares his own firsthand experiences of the spiritual and relational excitement of a growing, dynamic church. In The Blessed Church, Morris brings you practical wisdom for cultivating real growth by nurturing true and Biblical health in your spiritual community.  When Morris speaks of "church" he is not referring to the building but to the people that make up the congregation. Wherever it is you attend "The Blessed Church" will help bring about a new healthy and vital church. In the six sections of the book we are shown the areas where we can ignite health: The Gateway Story, Blessed Vision, Blessed Shepherds, Blessed Leaders, Blessed Government, Blessed Church Culture. In the book we are walked through what we need to know so that health can begin within the body and spread throughout the church and into our neighborhoods. This book is a blessing and I cannot wait to begin the new year with a new outlook on what makes a church and how we can reach out to the people in our community.  Click here to see a trailor on the book.  You won't regret it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging for Books 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.

A Christmas Home

About The Book:  Todd McCray, hero of A Dog Named Christmas, is now twenty-four years old and working at a local animal shelter, where he meets and quickly becomes best friends with Laura, a young volunteer.  Laura, like Todd, has disabilities, but her struggles are more physical than developmental.  Their friendship is sealed when Todd-with the help of his trusted companion, the tenacious Labrador retriever named Christmas-trains a beautiful dog named Gracie to help Laura with the day-to-day life tasks that are difficult for her.  Life seems good for Todd, but all is not well in his hometown.  Struggling families unable to make ends meet are abandoning more and more dogs, and the shelter is swelling to capacity.  The local government is struggling to meet its obligations too, and in early December, on the cusp of another holiday season, Todd’s box delivers the bad news.   Due to funding problems, the shelter will close its doors before the end of the year.  But what will happen to all the animals?  What will happen to Todd?  Will he find a new job.  Will his friendship with Laura turn into something more.  I encourage you to pick up this book and find out the rest of the story.

About The Author:  Greg Kincaid, author of A Dog Named Christmas and Christmas With Tucker, is a practicing lawyer who specializes in family law mediation.  He is also an active advocate for literacy and for the humane treatment of animals.  He helped start the Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays program, which has found homes for tens of thousands of shelter dogs.  The father of five children, he lives on a farm in western Johnson County, Kansas, with his wife, two cats, and two dogs.  Visit his website at gregkincaid.com and check out his other offerings.  I can't wait to read more by this author.  To find adoptable pets near you, visit Petfinder.com or visit your local shelter.

My Thoughts On The Book:    I am a sap for Hallmark Christmas movies and live in anticipation for the day they begin.  I then go into Christmas movie overload.  I loved the Hallmark movie, A Dog Named Christmas and read the book after seeing the movie.  When I found A Christmas Home and realized it was by Greg Kincaid I knew I had to read it.  I found myself drawn into the story from the very beginning of the book.  Rescued animals are near and dear to my heart, owning a rescue doxie and coming from a family who does foster sheltering for animals.  This was my kind of book.    If you are interested in giving an animal a home visit your local shelter.  You won’t regret it I promise.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbook Multnomah Publishing Group's Blogging For Books 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.

 

 

A Season For Tending - Vol 1 of the Amish Vines and Orchards Series

About The Book:  In a community where conformity flourishes, seeds of Rhoda’s odd behavior were planted long ago. Can she cultivate her relationships with the same care and tenderness that she gives her beloved garden?  Old Order Amish Rhoda Byler’s unusual gift and her remarkable abilities to grow herbs and berries have caused many to think her odd. As rumors mount that Rhoda’s “gift” is a detriment to the community, she chooses isolation, spending her time in her fruit garden and on her thriving canning business.  Miles away in Harvest Mills, Samuel King struggles to keep his family’s apple orchard profitable. As the eldest son, Samuel farms with his brothers, the irrepressible Jacob and brash Eli, while his longtime girlfriend Catherine remains hopeful that Samuel will marry her when he feels financially stable.  Meanwhile, Samuel’s younger sister Leah is testing all the boundaries during her rumschpringe, and finds herself far from home in Rhoda’s garden after a night of partying gone badly. But Leah’s poor choices serve as a bridge between Rhoda and the King family when a tragic mistake in the orchard leaves Samuel searching for solutions.   Rhoda’s expertise in canning could be the answer, but she struggles with guilt over the tragic death of her sister and doesn’t trust herself outside her garden walls. As the lines between business, love, and family begin to blur, can Rhoda finally open up to a new life? And what effect will this odd, amazing woman have on the entire King family?

About The Author:  "Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author who has written six novels, three novellas, and Plain Wisdom, a work of nonfiction coauthored with her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud. She’s been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life.She is also a veteran homeschool mom who no longer holds that position. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.  She’s won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer’s Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings’ Best Books of the Year. She’s been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards. Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. Though she didn’t realize it at the time, seeds were sown years ago that began preparing Cindy to write these books. At the age of ten, while living in the dairy country of Maryland, she became best friends with Luann, a Plain Mennonite girl. Luann, like all the females in her family, wore the prayer Kapp and cape dresses. Her parents didn’t allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. During the numerous times Luann came to Cindy’s house to spend the night, her rules came with her and the two were careful to obey them—afraid that if they didn’t, the adults would end their friendship. Although the rules were much easier to keep when they spent the night at Luann’s because her family didn’t own any of the forbidden items, both sets of parents were uncomfortable with the relationship and a small infraction of any kind would have been enough reason for the parents to end the relationship. While navigating around the adults’ disapproval and the obstacles in each other’s lifestyle, the two girls bonded in true friendship that lasted into their teen years, until Cindy’s family moved to another region of the US.  As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children. Over the years Cindy has continued to make wonderful friendships with those inside the Amish and Mennonite communities—from the most conservative ones to the most liberal. Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband, three sons, two daughters-in-law, and a new granddaughter."

My Thoughts On The Book:   I love the writings of Cindy Woodsmall .  She is a wonderful storyteller and a master wordsmith. This first book in the  Amish Vines and orchards serieswas fast moving with a good many twists and turns in it. I have to be honest and say that I was a bit disappointed when the story was not even close to being resolved in the end of the book. I like closure, yet I understand that there had to be some loose ends for book two of the series to line up.  This book attracted me as an herb grower and some who is interested in herbs for medicinal purposes.   I connected immediately with Rhoda and felt a strong bond bloom as her character began to develop.  Personally,   I was a little surprised at the amount of worldliness in this Amish community.  The Amish portrayed in this story were definitely not perfect and holy in every way, and were capable of making mistakes and there were a few who exhibited a mean streak where their Amish brethren were concerned.  I can’t wait to read the next in the series and hate that I have to wait so long.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers as part of their Blogging for Books 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.

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The Girl in the Glass

About The Book:  Since she was a child, Meg has dreamed of taking a promised trip to Florence, Italy, and being able to finally step into the place captured in a picture at her grandmother’s house. But after her grandmother passes away and it falls to her less-than-reliable father to take her instead, Meg’s long-anticipated travel plans seem permanently on hold.

When her dad finally tells Meg to book the trip, she prays that the experience will heal the fissures left on her life by her parents’ divorce. But when Meg arrives in Florence, her father is nowhere to be found, leaving aspiring memoir-writer Sophia Borelli to introduce Meg to the rich beauty of the ancient city. Sofia claims to be one of the last surviving members of the Medici family and that a long-ago Medici princess, Nora Orsini, communicates with her from within the great masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance.

When Sophia, Meg, and Nora’s stories intersect, their lives will be indelibly changed as they each answer the question: What if renaissance isn’t just a word? What if that’s what happens when you dare to believe that what is isn’t what has to be?

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About The Author:  In her blog, Susan Meissner tells her readers that, "I write fiction for the restless reader. I love the power of story to plumb the depths of who we are and Whose we are. I post on the work-week's bookends — Mondays and Fridays. Most of the time."  Her blog is as enchanting as the story was.  Check her out at susanmeissner.blogspot.com.

My Thoughts About the Book:  I have been to the magical city Florence, Italy in my life.  It was one of those bucket list moments.  I went with my best friend and my daughter.  It was an amazing trip.  I was excited about reading this book and have to admit....was kind of disappointed at the beginning.  The book has a long and slow set up for Meg's trip to Florence and it is rather painful for her and for the reader.    There are several points of view in the book, Meg, Nora, and Sofia.  Nora's was a distraction for me.  The plot was somewhat tangled up with subplots.  As difficult as the beginnng was for me the story actually began when Meg landed in Florence.  Here is where the story unfolds, the mysteries begin and end, and the enchantment takes over.  I loved the book from this point on.  I felt as if I knew the characters.  Overall the book was well written and cohesively put together  without the father subplot.  The fact that the majority of the book was set in Florence delighted me.I felt as if I was visiting sites with Meg and Sofia all over again.   the Medici Daughter segment by Sofia Borelli attached to the end of the book was icing on the cake for me.  It made fantasy feel like reality.  This is a great book for a book club or discussion.  If you enjoy a lighthearted novel with a romantic twist set in a most romantic place like,  Italy, this is the read for you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers as Part of their Blogging for Books Blogger Review program. 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.”

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Twice A Bride

About The Book: Love lost doesn’t mean love lost forever. Can unexpected romance deliver a second chance for two deserving widows? Full of resolve, young widow Willow Peterson decides to pursue her dreams to be an artist as she settles into a new life in the growing mountain town of Cripple Creek. When she lands a job working as a portrait painter with handsome entrepreneur and photographer Trenton Van Der Veer, the road before Willow seems to be taking a better-than-anticipated turn. With questions tugging at several hearts in town, including the Sinclair Sisters’ beloved Miss Hattie, change is traveling down the tracks as several unexpected visitors make their way out West. Will the new arrivals threaten the deep family bonds of the Sinclair sisters and the roots of love that are just taking hold for Willow? Filled with the resonating questions that all women face, this romance awakens hope against grief, love against loss, and dreams against life’s unexpected turns.

About The Author: Over the last twenty-five years, Mona Hodgson’s publishing credits have grown to include nearly thirty children's books, contributions to more than ten books for adults, and four historical novels, including her debut, Two Brides Too Many in The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series. Mona is a popular speaker for women's groups, schools, and educators’ and writers’ conferences. She lives in Arizona with her husband and has two daughters and several grandchildren.

My Thoughts: This was a beautiful tale and so inspiring for women in a man's world. Widow, Willow Peterson is such a strong character and overcomes many obstacles in her life to find love again. This book was a lovely romance with a healthy dose of 1800's history. When I began the book I did not realize that it was part of a series.  Once I began reading Hodgson's characters all came to life and I felt as if I had known them forever.  All of the characters become part of you and I did not want to put the book down once I started reading it.  This is a great read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah, s Blogging for Books program. 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.”

Finding Our Way Home

About the Book:  “Charming, surprising, familiar, and just downright wonderful.”—Allie Pleiter, author of Yukon Wedding and Bluegrass Blessings

When principal ballerina Sasha Davis suffers a career-ending injury at age thirty-eight, she leaves her Boston-based dance company and retreats to the home of her youth in Minnesota. But Sasha’s injuries limit her as much as her mother’s recent death haunts her. Concluding she can’t recover alone, Sasha reluctantly hires a temporary live-in aide.

Enter the übercapable Evelyn Burt. As large-boned as Sasha is delicate, Evelyn is her employer’s opposite in every way. Small town to Sasha’s urban chic, outgoing to Sasha’s iciness, and undaunted where Sasha is hopeless, nineteen-year-old Evelyn is newly engaged and sees the world as one big, shiny opportunity.

Evelyn soon discovers Sasha needs to heal more than bones. Slowly, as the wounds begin to mend and the tables tilt, the two women form an unlikely alliance and discover the astounding power of even the smallest act done in the name of love. Finding Our Way Home is a story of second chances and lavish grace.

My Thoughts On the Book: I have read other books by charlene Ann Baumbich and found her entertaining and humorous.  This story was rather slow in the beginning, the characters didn't quite fully develop and were rather detached from each other. As the story continued there were sweet moments, but overall it lacked depth.  Jorden and Evelyn and their premarital passion, marital intimacy, and family abuse was a topic that seemed very out of place and not developed at all in this story. The parental relationship between Evelyn and her parents was very vague. The Christian message was weak and the few references to the words "faith" and "grace"were completely undeveloped and awkward in this story. The front cover compares the story to those written by Jan Karon and I that was not a true statement.  The ending had a sweet ending but all in all I just would not recommend this book at all.

Disclaimer:  I was given this book to review by Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books Program.  I was not paid for my opinion or my review, they are mine.

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms

About The Book:  The Scent of Cherry Blossoms is a wonderful spring novella.  Annie Martin loves the Plain ways of her Old Order Mennonite people, like those revered by her beloved grandfather. Retreating from a contentious relationship with her mother, Annie goes to live with her Daadi Moses in Apple Ridge.  But as spring moves into Pennsylvania and Annie spends time amongst the cherry trees with the handsome Aden Zook, she wishes she could forget how deeply the lines between the Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite are drawn.  Can Annie and Aden find a place for their love to bloom in the midst of the brewing storm?  Want to read an exerpt?  I know you do so click here and I promise you it will hook you. 

About The Author:  Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author who has written six novels, three novellas, and Plain Wisdom, a work of nonfiction coauthored with her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud. She’s been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life.She is also a veteran homeschool mom who no longer holds that position. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.  She’s won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer’s Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest, and was one of Crossings Best Books of the Year. She’s been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards.  Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. Though she didn’t realize it at the time, seeds were sown years ago that began preparing Cindy to write these books. At the age of ten, while living in the dairy country of Maryland, she became best friends with Luann, a Plain Mennonite girl. Luann, like all the females in her family, wore the prayer Kapp and cape dresses. Her parents didn’t allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. During the numerous times Luann came to Cindy’s house to spend the night, her rules came with her and the two were careful to obey them—afraid that if they didn’t, the adults would end their friendship. Although the rules were much easier to keep when they spent the night at Luann’s because her family didn’t own any of the forbidden items, both sets of parents were uncomfortable with the relationship and a small infraction of any kind would have been enough reason for the parents to end the relationship. While navigating around the adults’ disapproval and the obstacles in each other’s lifestyle, the two girls bonded in true friendship that lasted into their teen years, until Cindy’s family moved to another region of the US.  As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children. Over the years Cindy has continued to make wonderful friendships with those inside the Amish and Mennonite communities—from the most conservative ones to the most liberal.  Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband, three sons, two daughters-in-law, a new granddaughter, and a dog named Jersey who wants to dominate the world, starting with the Woodsmall household.
My Thoughts:  I have read several of Cindy Woodsmall's Amish Books and was hooked from the first one.  Her books are filled with Amish stories, Amish/Mennonite ways of life, love, and Amish simplicity.  From the moment you pick up one of her books until you put it down you are drawn into the lives of the characers.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-copy download of this book from the Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group Blogging for Books program for review purposes. All opinions expressed are always entirely my own.

Shadows On The Sand

About the Book: She serves him breakfast at her cafe every morning … but he never seems to notice her.  Carrie Carter’s small cafe in Seaside, New Jersey, is populated with a motley crew of locals … although Carrie only has eyes for Greg Barnes. He’s recovering from a vicious crime that three years ago took the lives of his wife and children—and from the year he tried to drink his reality away. While her heart does a happy Snoopy dance at the sight of him, he never seems to notice her, to Carrie’s chagrin.  When Carrie’s dishwasher is killed and her young waitress disappears, Greg finds himself drawn into helping Carrie solve the mysteries … and into her life. But when Carrie’s own painful past becomes all to present, her carefully constructed world begins to sink.  Will the fragile relationship she’s built with Greg implode from the weight of the baggage they both carry?

About the Author:  Gayle Roper is an award winning author but I wanted you to know about her as a person.  Gayle is married to to Chuck Roper and has been "for more years than seems possible!". Gayle and Chuck live in southeastern Pennsylvania where they enjoy their family of two great sons, two lovely daughters-in-law, and the world's five most wonderful grandchildren.
Gayle is a convinced believer in Jesus as the Son of God and our Savior. This belief informs her world view and is evident in all her stories. She and her husband carried this belief with them years ago as they helped plant a church with seventeen people. That church has now grown to over two thousand. As Chuck says, "next to our family, it's been our greatest adventure."  When she's not writing, or teaching at conferences, Gayle enjoys reading, gardening, and eating out every time she can talk Chuck into it.  Want to know more?  Check out her website and learn all about her by clicking here.

My Thoughts:  I have to admit that it was hard to read this book in the beginning, but after the first few chapters I was hooked and could not put it down.  I am not a huge mystery fan and have never read anything by Gayle Roper yet I was pleasantly surprised by the plot and character development of this story.  It was nice to find a mystery novel that tells a story without the use of sex and foul language. In Shadows on the Sand, Gayle Roper does an excellant job of spinning an intriguing, captivating story that keeps the reader guessing and turning pages in anticipation of what is yet to come. Just when I thought I had figured out the story, there would be a twist that would throw me off guard and I would find myself guessing once again.  I definitely would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romantic mystery story.

Read An Excerpt:  If you would like to read an except before purchasing this book then click here.

Buy the Book: If you’re interested in checking out this book you can find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, as well as many other retailers.

Disclaimer:  I received this complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. All thoughts are 100% my own and I was not required to write a positive review

The Harvest of Grace

About the Book:  The Harvest of Grace is the third and final book in Ada’s House. Come join us for the conclusion of this New York Times best-selling series as beloved characters from The Hope of Refuge and The Bridge of Peace continue to grow in their love and commitment to one another.
In The Harvest of Grace, you’ll be introduced to two unique characters ~  Sylvia Fischer who is reeling from an unexpected betrayal,  is someone who recognizes that most Old Order Amish women her age spend their hours managing a household and raising babies.  Sylvia has just one focus—tending and nurturing the herd on her family’s dairy farm. But when a dangerous connection with an old beau forces her to move far from home, she decides to concentrate on a new start and pour her energy into reviving another family’s debt-ridden farm.  Aaron Blank returns home to sell his Daed’s failing farm and move his parents into an easier lifestyle. Two things stand in his way: the father who stubbornly refuses to recognize that Aaron has changed and the determined new farmhand his parents love like a daughter. Her influence on Aaron’s parents could ruin his plans to escape the burdens of farming and build a new life.  Can Aaron and Sylvia find common ground? Or will their unflinching efforts toward opposite goals blur the bigger picture— a path to forgiveness, glimpses of grace, and the promise of love.

Click here to read Chapter One

About the Author:  Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author who has written six novels, three novellas, and Plain Wisdom, a work of nonfiction coauthored with her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud. She’s been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life.  She is also a veteran homeschool mom who no longer holds that position. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.  She’s won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer’s Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest, and was one of Crossings Best Books of the Year. She’s been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards.  Want to know more about Cindy Woodsmall?  Then check out her website.

My Thoughts on the Book:  I have to say that this book by far exceeded my expectations!! I love reading Cindy Woodsmall and always expect her books to be good, but this one was great!  From the moment I began reading the book and its characters drug me in and I could not put it down until I finished it.  This particular story is full of twists and turns that you just don't expect in the average Amish novel.   Not all is well in Camelot and you find romance gone bad, a single woman kissing a married man, an Amish man in rehab because of  alcoholism, all topics one normally does not associate with the Amish or Mennonite world.  Even though this was the third book in a series it stands alone and there is a wonderful refresher course in the beginning.  If you are a lover of Amish reads then this one is definitely for you!

FTC Disclaimer:   I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group’ Blogging for Books program for this review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Not By Might

About the Book:  Set in the Old West, this was the eighth of a series on Christian Western, romance, suspense (loose description) rolled into one.  Although Nurse Breanna Brockman and her husband, John, the US Marshall, are the main characters in this series, nurse Natalie Fallon and Dr. Rex Rawlins are sub characters.  In this episode, John's death is plotted by a gang of outlaws while his wife Breanna is acclimating Natalie Fallon,  the new nurse in the hospital who is still grieving the loss of her true love.  Breanna travels to half a day to a mining town to assist a rural doctor, Dr. Rex Rawlins, with one of his special needs patients.  While there, Breanna, witnesses to a miner and his wife.  All of these threads begin to intersect as the story reaches its climax.

My Thoughts:  I have to admit that the Old West I have read about from other writers and this Old West were  two different places.  The characters in the story were so sickeningly sweet, that the book was hard to read.  The characters who were Christians constantly preached at everyone they met and everything always worked out for the Christians in the story as soon as they prayed.  I love stories of hope as much as the next reader, but I really don't like stories that are so completely unrealistic.  The only positive thing I can think of, is to say that if you are a big Christian-Western fan, you may enjoy the whole Old West scene enough to make this story worthwhile.  This book for me was a painful read that I could not wait for it to end.  Had I not been reviewing this book I would have put it down and counted my losses. Syrupy sweet, condescendingly preachy, totally unbelievable and I doubt seriously if I read another of the Angel of Mercy series.

I received a free e-copy download of this book from the Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are always entirely my own.