Of Literature And Lattes, An Up and Coming Hit for Spring 2020

...from the publisher...
Katherine Reay returns to the cozy and delightful town of Winsome where two people discover the grace of letting go and the joy found in unexpected change.

After fleeing her hometown three years earlier, Alyssa Harrison never planned to return. Then the Silicon Valley start-up she worked for collapsed and turned her world upside down. She is broke,

under FBI investigation, and without a place to go. Having exhausted every option, she comes home to Winsome, Illinois, to regroup then move on as quickly as possible. Yet, as friends and family welcome her back, Alyssa begins to see a place for herself in this small Midwestern community.
Jeremy Mitchell moved from Seattle to Winsome to be near his daughter and to open the coffee shop he’s been dreaming of for years. Problem is, the business is bleeding money—and he’s not quite sure why. When he meets Alyssa, he senses an immediate connection, but what he needs most is someone to help him save his floundering business. After asking for her help, he wonders if something might grow between them—but forces beyond their control soon complicate their already complex lives, and the future they both hoped for is not at all what they anticipated.
With the help of Winsome’s small-town charm and quirky residents, Alyssa and Jeremy discover the beauty and romance of second chances.

...my thoughts... 
At first, I wanted to read this book because the title intrigued me.  Katherine Reay is a new author for me and I have to admit I enjoyed her style.  Of Literature and Lattes is a wonderful story of how one truly can come home again, but it won't be easy.  Alyssa is a complex character who had her world turned upside down when her job seemed to dissolve like a cube of sugar in her latte.  Silicon Valley was supposed to help her make her mark in the world.  It was only coming home and resisting that ever abundant humble pie when she found all of the things she longed for when she left this life behind.  Stripped of all her layers, she had to begin again.

Jeremy's dream of opening a premier coffee shop in Winsome seemed an opposite journey than the one Alyssa experienced.  Everything was going to right itself.  When his grand re-opening didn't wow the town, he regrouped and made some improvements to get to that next level.  Sometimes, we have exactly what we need in front of us although we often just can't see that.

I enjoyed this book for several reasons, first and foremost, the characters are complex, just like real life.  They had some things to work out and I felt their pain.  I also soared along with them on the good days.  Both Jeremy and Alyssa exemplified how difficult relationships can be.  They also prove that it is what you do about those complications that matter.


I can easily recommend this book for anyone who likes well written fiction with believable characters.  The ending will be so worth the read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Add Forever Hidden by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse to Your Reading List

...from the publisher...

For Havyn Powell, growing up on her grandfather Chuck Bondrant's dairy outside the 1904 gold-rush boomtown of Nome, Alaska, offered all she needed. She had the love of her mother, two sisters, and grandfather. But now, at 23, Havyn realizes the stability of her life may soon vanish. Havyn is determined to find a way to keep the family together, but her grandfather's health is declining and everyone seems to be holding secrets from each other, including the handsome, dark-haired stranger who recently arrived.

John Roselli arrives in Nome looking for a steady, consistent job. He has grown tired of the promises of getting rich quick and just wants an honest job with honest pay. His grandfather once knew a Chuck Bondrant, and so when John arrives at the dairy, he's quickly offered a job--and a path to more if he wants it.

Havyn's plan for helping out the family means using her beautiful singing voice and her sisters' musical talent at a local roadhouse. They're an immediate hit, and it looks like her plan will be a success. But the spotlight brings with it dangerous eyes that covet Havyn and are jealous as she and John grow ever closer. But will they realize the peril before it's too late

...my thoughts...

Fans of Tracie Peterson will enjoy Forever Hidden, because of her experience writing rich novels set in Alaska.  Collaborating with Kimberley Woodhouse for this new Treasures of Nome series enriches the story with her musical background.  The book is filled with the three Powell sisters who are woven together as a musical tapestry that plays an integral role in the family's survival when their grandfather has a stroke. 

Moving to Alaska after the death of their father meant something different to everyone in the family.  The  impact was profound, as forgiveness and trust are woven throughout this story.  As a reader, one has the privilege of seeing and understanding each character.  In fiction, as in life, we react to things because of our life experiences.  It is when we are open to seeing situations with fresh eyes that we begin to understand, forgive and trust.  

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy well written historical Christian fiction.  I particularly liked the setting in the Alaska gold rush heyday.  This book begs for a sequel or two, because every sister has a story to tell!  

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Trading Christmas by Debbie Macomber

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I read this book a ways back and found it turned into a Hallmark movie. They did a credible job on the movie, all things considered. That is not always the case. However, the book is so much better! This is a good one to read when you need a break from all those holiday preparations. Get ready for some good laughs.



View all my reviews

Roll of Drums by Jan Drexler

I enjoy reading any book by Jan Drexler.  She is thorough in her research and develops interesting characters.  The Roll of the Drums (The Amish of Weaver's Creek #2)  intrigued me because it is set in Civil War times.  The Amish are pacifists and the war is remote from this community.  However, when it infringes on their lives, they manage to use their spiritual nature to resist the renegades who come to scavenge their farms and livestock.

I enjoyed how Jan developed Gideon and Ruby, who are the lead characters of the story.  I truly wondered how their story would end and it was neatly woven into the story until the end.  As this story unfolded, I was thankful to have the opportunity to read this book. Amish fiction is not for everyone, yet, when well written , the reader forgets that they are reading about the Amish and simply reading about people's lives. Look for Jan's books wherever books are sold.

Reviewing: Stitches In Time by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 ...from the publisher...
New to Stoney Ridge, schoolteacher Mollie has come to town for a fresh start. Aware of how fleeting and fragile life is, she wants to live it boldly and bravely. When Luke Schrock, new to his role as deacon, asks the church to take in foster girls from a group home, she's the first to raise her hand. The power of love, she believes, can pick up the dropped stitches in a child's heart and knit them back together.

Mollie envisions sleepovers and pillow fights. What the 11-year-old twins bring to her home is anything but. Visits from the sheriff at midnight. Phone calls from the school truancy officer. And then the most humiliating moment of all: the girls accuse Mollie of drug addiction.

There's only one thing that breaks through the girls' hard shell--an interest in horses. Reluctantly and skeptically, Sam Schrock gets drawn into Mollie's chaotic life. What he didn't expect was for love to knit together the dropped stitches in his own heart . . . just in time.

Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to the little Amish church of Stoney Ridge for a touching story of the power of love.

...my thoughts...

I have been waiting to read more of Luke's story and Stitches In Time was worth the wait.  Suzanne has developed a wonderful community over time and it is always like visiting with friends whenever I pick up her books.  Through the years I have seen such changes in her characters, just as we see among our friends and family members.  Luke has certainly grown from being the epitome of the neighborhood bad boy to an unlikely choice as deacon. As unlikely as that seems, it is only natural for one to wonder: will he succeed or live up to the expectations of many who are waiting for him to fail.

This story is entertaining while giving us a serious look at how life can be for children raised within the foster care system.  Parenting comes in many forms, whether through traditional families or a growing norm of children living with absent parents.  The choice to foster a child is commendable, yet not an easy road, especially for people like Mollie, who wants children so badly yet gets much more than she bargained for with the 11-year-old twins.  My mother had twin girls and she often said that "What one didn't think of the other did" and these two take that to a new level.  In the end, all comes together as the Amish community of Stoney Ridge embraces new ground when challenged by Luke to open their hearts and homes to the displaced girls. 

I recommend this book to those who enjoy contemporary Amish fiction.  True, the Amish reportedly live a simple life, but the issues they face are not as simple as it appears.  After all, human nature is a great equalizer in a complex world.

Reviewing: Hope's Highest Mountain by Misty M Beller

...from the publisher...

Ingrid Chastain readily agreed to accompany her father to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory. She never could have anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. When rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man who

Micah Bradley left his work as a doctor after unintentionally bringing home the smallpox disease that killed his wife and daughter. But his self-imposed solitude in the wilds of Montana is broken when he finds Ingrid in desperate need of medical attention, and he's forced to face his regret and call on his doctoring skills once again.

Micah can't help but admire Ingrid's tenacious determination despite the severity of her injuries, until he learns the crate she brought contains smallpox vaccines to help quell a nearby outbreak. With Ingrid dead set on trekking through the mountains to deliver the medicine--with or without his help--he has no choice but to accompany her. As they set off through the treacherous, snow-covered Rocky Mountains against all odds, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.  
tends her injuries, she's hesitant to put her trust in this quiet man who seems to have his own wounds.

...my thoughts...

Misty M. Beller's Hope's Highest Mountain is a well written and compelling story. The premise of the book is not one I normally select but the description and setting caught my eye. The author drew me in within the first few pages. I could feel Ingrid's wariness as she submitted to this strange man's care.  He was so different than anyone she had ever met.  Micah was a reluctant caregiver who overcame his own self doubts and made healing Ingrid's injuries his priority.  Again and again he took up her challenges, first providing for her care and then forging a difficult path to deliver the vaccines.  I felt the cold and shivered as Ingrid and Micah traveled under less than ideal circumstances through the mountains.

Throughout their journey Micah was tested.  His courage and willingness to stretch his will to care for Ingrid was inspiring, considering his long held feelings of guilt over the deaths of his wife and daughter. Micah is my favorite character in this book.  Ingrid's determination, while admirable, wasn't practical, considering her injuries and the terrible weather conditions for travel. However, Micah risked even more as he tirelessly planned and carried out their journey to the mining town.  It was dangerous. She was severely injured and the two combined made the journey all the more treacherous. The inner turmoil for him was just as much a struggle. He escaped to this life of solitude for the very reasons she was tasking him with.

This book is for the reader who likes adventurous journeys with that little added touch of romance.  I have not read and of Misty M Beller's books before, but this will no doubt not be the last.  Many thanks to Bethany House for the opportunity to read this book for review.  My opinions are my own.

Saturday Night Review: The Timepiece by Beverly Lewis

,,,from the publisher...
As the only daughter, Sylvia Miller of The Tinderbox has always held a special place in her Old Order family, one Adeline Pelham jeopardizes when she shows up at the Millers' Hickory Hollow farm. It isn't that Adeline means to be a threat, but her very existence is a reminder of the painful secret that has so recently upended the Miller household. And withthis Englisher--into their midst.

Despite the Millers' unexpected hospitality, Adeline is well aware that she's treading on Sylvia's turf, and she feels guilty about doing so when Sylvia is grappling with issues of her own. Not only is Sylvia trying to rebuild her trust in her father, but she's uncertain what to make of her once-promising engagement to Titus Kauffman, who hasn't pursued her since she confronted him. Adeline wishes she could help Sylvia, but she's not sure that either she or Sylvia is ready for that level of closeness in their relationship.

Can God make something good come out of the mistakes of the past? Or does Adeline's
arrival mark one too many surprises for the Millers and their Amish community?
Sylvia and her mother still struggling to come to terms with that news, this is a challenging time to welcome an Englisher--especially

...my thoughts....
I usually anticipate the release of Beverly Lewis' books and after I read the last page of The Tinderbox, I eagerly waited for the arrival of The Timepiece. The Miller's are once again under scrutiny. Sylvia, who thought she was her father's only daughter, didn't relish getting to know Adeline, the daughter he didn't know he had.  She was also unsure if she would marry Titus, the cautious son of Amos Kaufman, the strictest preacher of her church district. This is one of those stories that gives us a glimpse into human nature to see that all we need to see isn't on the surface.

The Miller family, except Sylvie, warmly welcome Adeline into their family.  There have been so many changes and she wasn't prepared for the addition of a sister, especially from the Englisch world. The dynamics of the newcomer in addition to learning more about her father's life before joining the Amish seem to impact her the most.  As her time to become baptized draws near, she must decide her future.  Adeline, for her part, is becoming more intrigued with this quiet life as she too, prepares to return to her college studies and her fiancee Brandon.  She too, has questions as she learns more about her father, Earnest and the surprises she finds in her late mother's journal.

Amidst all this, is Rhoda, Earnest's wife and Sylvia's mother.  She is a quiet force to reckon with as she guides them along with love and wisdom.  This story is about a resilient family whose faith strengthens them to bring about forgiveness, and the discovery of joy.  Beverly Lewis wove together a wonderful story that proves that faith, patience and time can bring forth many blessings.  I recommend this book to all fans of Beverly Lewis, but also to new fans to pick up and enjoy. 

Christmas In Winter Hill, Melody Carson's Annual Christmas Book Is Delightful!

...from the publisher...
Krista Galloway is not a fan of Christmas. After her rough childhood in multiple foster homes, the holiday season just brings too many bad memories to the surface. But when she accepts a job as a city manager in the mountain town of Winter Hill, Washington, Christmas is part of the deal. The small town is famous for its Christmasville celebration, something that the city manager . . . well, manages.

As she tries to make her tiny new apartment feel like home for her and her eight-year-old daughter, Emily, Krista begins to wonder if this move was a mistake. She doesn't always feel welcomed in the close-knit town, and Emily continually wonders, "Where's the snow?" Can a friendly stranger and his family help restore Krista's Christmas spirit before the big day?

Bestselling author Melody Carlson invites you to spend this holiday season in a town you'll never forget--and never want to leave.
...my thoughts...
 Every year I look forward to Melody Carlson's annual Christmas book, wondering if she will be able to top the previous year and that in itself is a good recommendation.  However, the one reason her annual books are so memorable is that they are all different.  If she has a cookie cutter format like you see in those made for television Christmas movies, I have not seen it.  From The Christmas Joy Ride to the Christmas Angel Project, her stories are fresh and evoke fond feelings for the Christmas spirit.  Perhaps, because they nudge us to think of those caring feelings we have for others. Perhaps because she can touch the heart of the human spirit.

If ever one wanted a new start, moving from sunny Phoenix to Winter Hill, in Eastern Washington is about as fresh as you can get considering the weather, culture and small town life. For someone with an aversion to Christmas, the town's preoccupation with Christmasville had Kristen wondering if she rushed into accepting this new job. To make it more difficult, her daughter found everything about Winter Hill delightful.  I found the story entertaining and easy to read.  I am certain that this little town is thinly disguised as Leavenworth Washington, a delightful little town where Christmas is their middle name.  The fact that my hometown is mentioned a couple of times in passing didn't hurt either. All that aside, I believe the message within the covers of this quick read is simple: honesty and integrity are never out of date.  If you enjoy good-hearted stories, this one is for you. I highly recommend it.



 

Add A Song of Joy by Lauraine Snelling to Your Reading List

...from the publisher...
In Minnesota in 1911, Nilda Carlson is torn between society life in the city of Blackduck and spending time with her family back home on the farm. Her employer, Mrs. Schoenleber, gives her more and more responsibility and experience, including recommending new opportunities for her philanthropy. Still new to America herself, Nilda focuses on the area's immigrant

community, but she'll have to fight to get her ideas accepted by the locals and donors alike.

...my thoughts...
  A Song of Joy by Lauraine Snelling is a delightful story.  Nilda Carlson, an immigrant from Norway, has for some months, worked as personal assistant to the wealthy Mrs. Schoenleber.  She is grateful for all that she has learned and accomplished since being mentored by her generous employer.  She has mastered English is learning the ropes in a large family corporation and fits in whether it is in the boardroom or on the family's farm.  She is remarkably bright and it is her wish to give back so others who are new to the country can have some of the opportunities she has had.  When she shares her ideas to her philanthropic boss, she is met with surprising enthusiasm that eventually leads to a whole community's involvement to help the newcomers. 

I liked this book not just for the good story, but because it reminds me of how many of my ancestors came to America.  Someone came first, checked out the opportunity and sent tickets home for others to follow either one by one or in a group.  Some traveled by steerage and once they got to Minnesota, they settled together and worked hard.  My father's family spoke mostly German at home.  He went to school until the eighth grade, like Nilda's nephews did in A Song of Joy.  I admire how hard these immigrants worked the land or in other industries to support their families while building a new life in our country.  Their resilience, similar to the Carlson family, is what settled the midwest, and eventually, the western states.  I wasn't aware this was the fourth book in the Under the Northern Skies series but A Song of Joy can be read as a standalone.  I recommend this book as the story is engaging with good old fashioned characters!

Reviewing: Storm Rising

 ...my thoughts...
 
Suspenseful and full of intrigue!  Clandestine operatives are competing to find the Book of War before other nations possess this book of all books on all wars.  The book is highly rated and written by popular author Ronie Kendig.  She has done her research and  delivered on her promise for a plot that twists, turns and entertains.  If you like fast action, this book is for you.

...from the publisher...
Mentioned in the pages of the Septuagint but lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages hold secrets--and dangers--never before seen on earth.

Tasked with capturing the ancient text, former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe is finally given command of his own team. But their best efforts are ruined when a notorious Bulgarian operative known as "Viorica" snatches the volume right out from under them.

Iskra "Viorica" Todorova is determined to use the book to secure the thing that matters most--freedom. But a series of strange storms erupts around the globe and the coming dangers foretold in the text threaten crops, lives--entire nations. Though both are haunted by secrets of the past and neither trusts the other, Leif and Iskra must form an uneasy alliance to thwart impending disaster. However, the truth hidden in two-thousand-year-old words could unleash the storm of their own destruction.

Dreaming of an Early Christmas? An Amish Christmas Kitchen Will Get You Started!

 ...my thoughts...


Three Beloved Amish Fiction authors have joined to bring heartwarming novellas that will get you into the Christmas spirit early.

Leslie Gould's story An Amish Family Christmas is about a family coping with grief and loss.  Shy Noelle, the youngest daughter in a large family is tasked with manning the family stall at the market where all of her baked goods are sold.  She is more comfortable behind the rolling pin than greeting customers.  It is a case of when what works for someone else doesn't work for you, she rises to the occasion.  I enjoyed seeing a young woman with potential emerge along with a new lease on life for her entire family as she sets about bringing the family together.  A chance meeting with a fellow vendor mixes things up for her in ways she will always be grateful.

Jan Drexler's An Amish Christmas Recipe Box is a wonderful story of unrequited love.  A delightful young woman bakes up a flurry of goods to sell in the family furniture store.  Two  young men working for her father play a pivotal role in this season of her life. As this story unfolded it warmed my heart. The cliche "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach" plays a role in how she seeks to woo the man she believes to be the one she is to marry.

Kate Lloyd's "An Unexpected Christmas Gift has just the hint of mystery you expect from Kate's books when a lone visitor arrives on Christmas Eve.  A blizzard, a sleigh and a bit of confusion keeps the pages turning as you try to get to the bottom of this well written story of a family that comes together under circumstances nobody could have ever planned.

I enjoyed all three of these novellas and I can't pick a favorite. Each author has unique strengths that keep me coming back to their books. Rather than watch 25 days of Christmas movies, why not settle down instead with one of these novellas.  You will be happy you did.  I plan to read them again with a cup of tea and a cookie or two.

...from the publisher...

As the weather grows cold and the nights grow long, the cheer and warmth of the Christmas season is one thing all readers can find comfort in. This collection from bestselling Amish fiction novelists Leslie Gould, Jan Drexler, and Kate Lloyd finds the beating heart at the center of the holiday and offers three novellas that celebrate family, faith, and especially the sights and smells of a bustling holiday kitchen.

Leslie Gould tells the story of how, in the wake of a heartbreaking loss, a young Amish woman finds unexpected comfort and hope in a yearly baking tradition surrounding the local Lancaster Christmas market. Jan Drexler offers a sweet tale of a shy Amish woman who decides to use her gift for sweets to woo a local Amish boy with her beloved Christmas cookies. And Kate Lloyd offers a heartwarming tale of a woman's unexpected discovery about the truth of her past, and the warm and welcoming Amish family table she finds herself invited to on Christmas.

The Healing Jar By Wanda E Brunstetter A Heartwarming Story of Love and Healing

...from the publisher...
Lenore Lapp is an Amish schoolteacher in her late twenties still living at home with her parents and grandparents. She thought love had passed her by until she meets Jesse Smucker, a widower with a baby daughter. She quickly falls in love with them both and accepts Jesse’s proposal of marriage, but Jesse breaks off their engagement when he realizes he can’t marry only for convenience.
Resigned to living single, Lenore throws herself into caring for her elders. While working in her grandmother’s garden, she digs up an old jar. Will Lenore find healing for her broken heart and solve long-buried family secrets by reading the note contained inside?

 ...my thoughts...
The long awaited conclusion to Wanda E. Brunstetter's series, The Prayer Jars, is here! The Healing Jar is Lenore's story.  One day in the barn, she found the long hidden prayer jar, and found solace in the words tucked inside. The mystery of this jar and another, found on a shelf in the dark basement, piqued the interests first of Michelle, then Sara. Now Lenore sits in wonder at these words that seem to coincide with her own thoughts and feelings. At the discovery of a third jar, the mystery begins to unfold as the discovery of who started these jars hidden for so long.

Carefully written, complex lives of a seemingly simple world are upturned and will never be the same.  It is just like me to start a new book late at night, and I found myself unable to put it down.  I enjoy Wanda E. Brunstetter's books for the way she makes her characters come to life.  The Healing Jar is a fitting title for a book that touches the heart of this extended family.  I laughed, cried and found wisdom in this book.  I have a feeling that many a prayer jar will be started as more people read this wonderful series.  I am sad to see this series end, but look forward to more books written by this beloved author.

Add A Perfect Silhouette to Your Reading List

...from the publisher...

In 1850, Mellicent "Mellie" Blanchard takes a job at a mill in Manchester, New Hampshire, to help support her family. In search of additional earning opportunities, she approaches a daguerreotype shop owner with the proposal that he hire her to make paper cuttings or silhouette portraits for those who can't afford an expensive daguerreotype.

When a particularly charming customer--whose broad smile and twinkling eyes catch her off guard--asks to escort her home, the seeds of romance begin to blossom. All the pieces of her new life seem to have fallen perfectly into place, but when her new venture brings her an unexpected opportunity, she is confronted with the truth that all is not as it seems. Will Mellie, who is keeping secrets of her own, find happiness in the new life she has carved out for herself in the busy mill town?

...my thoughts....


Judith Miller's A Perfect Silhouette hooked me from the first page.  I enjoy historical fiction, especially when it comes alive with believable characters. When I read this book I could see the shoddy boarding house, hear the looms in the factory and see how lives are changed.  The simpler times we long for were built on hard work and determination.  Life wasn't all work and the author has woven a wonderful story.

Our heroine, Mellie, was just one of hundreds of workers recruited for the booming textile industry.  The promise of steady wages to send home to her struggling family enticed her to leave everything behind and work at the mill.  Once she arrived, she learned that her housing was little more than a shared bed and the promise of a long day working in a loud textile mill. Her determination, like that of so many, developed an industry that played an integral role in our country's future. I heartily recommend this book for the story line, the well developed characters and impeccable research.

Debbie Macomber's Window On The Bay Destined to Be a Bestseller

...from the publisher...

Jenna Boltz’s life is at a crossroads. After a messy divorce from her surgeon husband nearly twenty years ago, she raised her two children on her own, juggling motherhood with her beloved job as a Seattle intensive-care nurse. Now that Paul and Allie have gone to college and moved out, Jenna can’t help but wonder what her future holds.

Her best friend, Maureen, is excited for Jenna’s newfound independence. Now is the perfect time to finally book the trip to Paris they’ve been dreaming of since their college days. But when it comes to life’s other great adventure—dating—Jenna still isn’t sure she’s ready to let love in . . . until an unexpected encounter begins to change her mind.

When Jenna’s elderly mother breaks her hip, Dr. Rowan Lancaster saves the day. Despite his silent, stoic exterior, Rowan is immediately smitten with Jenna. And even though Jenna is hesitant about becoming involved with another surgeon, she has to admit that she’s more than a little intrigued. But when Jenna’s children approach her with shocking news, she realizes that she needs to have faith in love and embrace the unexpected—before the life she has always dreamed of passes her by.

..my thoughts... 

I predict that Window on the Bay will be a bestseller almost as soon as it is released.  Debbie Macomber is a popular writer who has the gift of hooking her reader into the story immediately.  This book is no exception.  It will appeal to the baby boomers who found empty nests where once the rooms were filled with laughter and needs to be filled.  Any woman might easily identify with Jenna and her best friend Maureen. Women who once had ideals and plans that were set aside to raise children and husbands.  While not every woman has put aside their youthful dreams, there does come a time when there are new things to discover upon entering a new stage in life.  Maureen and Jenna are still very vibrant and alive.  As each approaches new relationships and family dynamics, they are there for each other in ways only the best of friends can be.

This book was a quick read, as it was easy to get into and just as easily, I recommend it to all fans of Debbie Macomber books. 

Reviewing: A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund

A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund is a wonderful story about bringing brides from England to British Columbia in 1862.  The women who boarded the Tynemouth did so not knowing what their fate would be upon their arrival.  They left all behind and there would be no turning back once the ship sailed.

Our heroine, Mercy Wilkins, knew she was just one more burden to her family if she stayed at home and wasn't going to settle for life in the workhouse or on the streets.  But marriage was definitely not in he plans.  She was a gifted nurse, with no formal training except love for others and the desire to care for the sick.  It was her talent for nursing that led the wealthy Dr. Joseph Colville to seek her assistance among the sick aboard ship.   Working side by side worked out well for some time since they both had no intention of marrying.  The best intentions, however, don't work out at times.

I like this book because at the heart of this story is a young woman who had very little that she left behind.  She saw what her parent's lives were like with little or nothing coming in to support a large family.  Poverty caused her mother to do things that Mercy never wanted to emulate in her own life.  It took courage for  her to swallow her pride and board ship.  She, like the real life women who left England to help settle the western part of our world blazed the trail for life as we know it today.  This book is Mercy's story but there were others on board that ship and not all were poor, at least not financially.  For whatever reason that led the women to seek that new life, they were all starting over from scratch, with no class or society to dictate.

Once again, Jody Hedlund has written an amazing historical novel that I recommend with 5 stars. Her research, as usual, is impeccable and the story is one that is very compelling.  A Reluctant Bride is Book one in The Bride Ships series and already, I am eagerly waiting for the release of book two, The Runaway Bride in March 2020!
 

Tuesday Night Review: Wanda E Brunstetter's Amish Friends Gatherings Cookbook

If you enjoy reading Amish fiction and have wondered what it would be like to try your hand at making some of the delicious sounding food on their tables, look no more.  Wanda E Brunstetter's Amish Friends Gatherings Cookbook is filled with over 200 delightful recipes.    We love potlucks and this wonderful collection of recipes has earned its keep on the cookbook shelf.  A lovely tea concentrate to prepare and freeze for a summer gathering is one I liked trying.  Or, how about a nice bowl of Sweet Cheddar Popcorn, a nice switch from that bag in the microwave!  I recommend this cookbook for anyone who loves to cook and try new, and not so new recipes. 

Tuesday Night Review: The Brides of the Big Valley

...from the publisher...

In an area of Pennsylvania called The Big Valley, a uniquely blended Amish community thrives in which 3 distinct groups of Amish identify themselves by the colors of their buggy’s top—white, black, or yellow. Join New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter in experiencing the stories of three young women who search for faith and love
within this special place. Deanna is a widow who sees her second chance of love slipping away. Rose Mary is at a point in life where she must choose the path of her faith and the right man to walk with her on it. Leila is burdened with family responsibilities and wonders when she will ever start a family of her own.

...my thoughts...

Once again, three generations of Brunstetter women have brought three unique stories together in one book. I liked how each story was set in the same valley, allowing some of the characters from a previous story to spill into the next one.  I know that fictional characters are, well, fiction, but sometimes I wonder what might have happened to that person or how they may have adjusted to a trying situation.  Difficult situations are not always written about in Amish fiction yet the Brunstetter's are able to infuse these topics into their work.  These are the very things that make their stories believable for the challenges brought to bear. At the heart of each woman's story is their faith and how it renews and strengthens each of their paths as they become brides.

I recommend this book for all fans of Wanda E. Brunstetter and for those who are new to reading works written by her daughter-in-law Jean Brunstetter and  granddaughter Richelle Brunstetter. Together their collaborations are wonderful, while each has her own unique gifts.

Reviewing: On A Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I just finished reading On A Summer Tide, book one of a new series by Suzanne Woods Fisher called Three Sisters Island.  Fans of Suzanne's are familiar with her popular books about the Amish. This book is a departure from that genre and highlights the author's talents for well written fiction.

I enjoyed meeting the Graysons and learning, piece by piece through the chapters about their family dynamics and what gave  each of them their individual outlooks on Three Sisters Island.  Paul Grayson, patriarch of the family had thrown them all a curve ball when he asked them to clear their schedules to join him on the island. The journey was more than they bargained for and upon their arrival, the girls wondered if their father was going senile.

Day by day, as they breathed new life into Camp Kicking Moose, new dreams surfaced for everyone.  Perhaps there is magic in that ocean air filled with possibilities found with love, rekindled faith and a lot of listening.

There are so many surprises in the story that it is hard to not to give it all away.  I recommend this book without hesitation to those who like contemporary Christian fiction with a slight twist of mystery. 

 ...from the publisher...

Camden Grayson loves her challenging career, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. "Moving on" is Cam's mantra. But there's a difference, her two sisters insist, between one who moves on . . . and one who keeps moving.

Cam's full-throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine. Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island--a dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters. Certain Dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island. To Cam's surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, along with the locals--and one in particular. Seth Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher harbors more than a few surprises.

With On a Summer Tide, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher begins a brand-new contemporary romance series that is sure to delight her fans and draw new ones.

Waisted by Randy Susan Meyers is an insightful look at women who long for society's perennial perfect body.  They long for it so much they are willing to do anything to achieve what they believe is impossible to do on their own.  Set in a remote Vermont countryside, the exclusive program promises quick transformation in a few short weeks.  The price in dollars is quite expensive but the price in human dignity and depravity is priceless.  Alice and Dephne quickly discover that there while they agreed to be filmed during the program, much more is going on behind the camera. 

This book, while showing the extremes of an expensive weight loss camp, is entertaining, yet sad at times.  It shows how tied we are to our weight because so society norm.  Having a healthy body is important.  There is, however, more than the number on the scale or the size of your thighs that matter.  What matters most is the work that is done inside of a person who seeks to lose weight.   Alice and Daphne grow as individuals along the way as they discover the impact between their relationships with their bodies and all other aspects of their lives, especially within their marriages. 

Expectations are powerful and this book provides a look beyond the scale.  Well written with interesting characters, I recommend this book to those who are contemplating  a major weight loss plan. This book is not a manual for dieters, but rather, a look at how extreme we can become when looking for a quick fix.  It shows that even if one has a major weight loss goal, to keep it in perspective and not become so serious that you forget to enjoy life on the journey. 

Karen Witemeyer's More Than Words Can Say

...what the publisher says... 

After fulfilling a pledge to a dying friend, Zacharias Hamilton is finally free. No family entanglements. No disappointing those around him. Just the quiet bachelor existence he's always craved. Until fate snatches his freedom away when the baker of his favorite breakfast bun is railroaded by the city council. Despite not wanting to get involved, he can't turn a blind eye to her predicament . . . or her adorable dimples.

Abigail Kemp needs a man's name on her bakery's deed. A marriage of convenience seems the best solution . . . if it involves a man she can control. That person definitely isn't the stoic lumberman who oozes silent confidence whenever he enters her shop. Control Zacharias Hamilton? She can't even control her pulse when she's around him.
When vows are spoken, Abigail's troubles should be over. Yet threats to the bakery worsen, and darker dangers hound her sister. Can she put ever more trust in Zach without losing her dreams of independence? 

...my thoughts... 

 More Than Words Can Say, Karen Witemeyer's book #2 in A Patchwork Family Novel series is entertaining, heartwarming and full of surprises.  Zach and Abigail are bound to capture your  heart.  All the foibles they manage to get through make them as believable as your neighbor.  There is a depth of character, though, that the reader goes through as the story reveals more of what they have both experienced while growing up.

I found this book is as serious as it is amusing.  It shows that life can throw curve balls, but it is how you handle them that either gives you mettle or makes you bitter and withdrawn.  When Abigail is faced with trial after trial at the expense of an unforgiving former friend, she relentlessly moves forward as she prays for God's guidance.  When she is finally faced with the possibility of losing her business through a long forgotten law, she garners all resources and meets the challenge head on.  Only her head is very in touch with her heart, and as the story goes along, her heart warms to the idea that she does not have to take charge of everything on her own.  Her resilience, faith and growing love for Zach make this book one that you will want to have in your "To Read" pile.

Many thanks to Bethany House for providing me with an advanced copy of More than Words Can Say, although I was under no obligation to write a favorable review.  To learn more about  award winning author Karen Witemeyer, check out her website!  If you are like me and enjoy reading a series from the beginning, here is a link to my review of Karen's first book in the series: More Than Meets the Eye.

Thursday Review: The Inn At Hidden Run by Olivia Newport

The Inn At Hidden Run is book one in Olivia Newport's new Tree of Life Series.  I was intrigued by this book for two reasons, the first is that I enjoy Olivia Newport's work and the second is my interest in genealogy.  I was hooked from page one and the story just kept getting better.

This story parallels two distinct eras that are interwoven in ways that I never would have guessed.  Present day Meri, a young medical school dropout shows up in Canyon Mines and accepts a job she is clearly over qualified for.  The mystery surrounding her appearance and secretive manner are too much for father daughter duo Nolan and Jillian to leave alone. They are surely a team to have in your corner and they really made a case for genealogy as the center of many traits that surface time and again through generations. 

Step back into Memphis, 1878, where Yellow Fever nearly knocked out the entire population of the city.  Miss Eliza remains in the city, working tirelessly among the dead and dying.  Her courage is unflinching, especially when it comes to the orphaned children.  Her story is remarkable, and though a fictional character, Olivia Newport's research and ability to tell a compelling story take you right alongside Eliza's journey.

If you like mystery, you will enjoy this blend of contemporary and historical fiction.  The setting in a small town in Colorado makes it a good choice to sit back with a cup of tea and while away the afternoon. 

I received an advanced copy of this book from Barbour Publishing with no obligation for a review.  All thoughts and opinions are mine.

Settle in At Driftwood Bay by Irene Hannon

...publisher's notes...
After tragedy upends her world, Jeannette Mason retreats to the tiny Oregon seaside town of Hope Harbor to create a new life. Vowing to avoid emotional attachments, she focuses on running her lavender farm and tea-room--until a new neighbor with a destructive dog and a forlorn little girl.

Yet when both Jeanette and Logan find themselves pulled into the life of a tattered Christian family fleeing persecution in war-torn Syria, might they discover that love sometimes comes calling when it's least expected?

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites readers back to the charming seaside town of Hope Harbor, where they are sure to find peace, healing, and a second chance at happiness.
invades her turf. But she needn't worry. Dr. Logan West is too busy coping with an unexpected family, a radical lifestyle change, and an unruly pup to have any interest in his aloof and disagreeable neighbor.

...my thoughts.
I was waiting for Driftwood Bay to be published since reading the author's tease in Pelican Point, book 4 in the Hope Harbor series.  It is like meeting up with an old friend and catching up on their lives.  We vacation along the Oregon Coast for about a week each summer and the charm of Hope Harbor resonates with me.

Logan is new to Hope Harbor and although Jeanette has been pouring herself into her new business for over a year, she hasn't really connected with many people and that was her plan when settling in the tiny coastal town.  Irene Hannon has the gift of creating characters that she can delve into and bring out their best traits and leaves them happy for the changes.  Logan and Jeanette do not seem, at first to have any chance of becoming good neighbors let alone friends. I enjoyed the pace that their pasts emerged as they began to change.

Charlie, a constant in all Hope Harbor books, has the wisdom and insight that leaves many wondering how he can know their thoughts or what they need.  Does he have special gifts or are his words of advice simply coincidence?  Either way, he is near when least expected and knows when you "might" show up for one of his famous fish tacos.

I recommend this book with 5 stars simply because it is that good.  Hope Harbor is a special place in the heart of Irene Hannon's fans.  Just enough magic inspired by faith, love and a wonderful location to change the hearts of those who need it most.  I am already looking forward to book 6 in this series.