Reviewing: The Right Kind of Fool by Sarah Loudin Thomas

...from the publisher...

 Thirteen-year-old Loyal Raines is supposed to stay close to home on a hot summer day in 1934. When he slips away for a quick swim in the river and finds a dead body, he wishes he'd obeyed his mother. The ripples caused by his discovery will impact the town of Beverly, West Virginia, in ways no one could have imagined.

The first person those ripples disturb is Loyal's absentee father. When Creed Raines realized his infant son was deaf, he headed for the hills, returning only to help meet his family's basic needs. But when Loyal, now a young teen, stumbles upon a murder it's his father he runs to tell--shaping the words with his hands. As Creed is pulled into the investigation he discovers that what sets his son apart isn't his inability to hear but rather his courage. Longing to reclaim the life he abandoned, Creed will have to do more than help solve a murder if he wants to win his family's hearts again. 

...my thoughts...

Sarah Loudin Thomas' The Right Kind of Fool took me right to that hot day in Beverly, West Virginia in 1934. I could feel the heat and desire to shed my shoes and dip my feet in that cool water with Loyal Raines, a young deaf teenager by my side.  He was exploring that delicious feeling we all feel when we are 14 and escaping the strictures of rules that keep us indoors when we just know we should be out having fun.  Only Loyal got more than he bargained for.  

True to her fashion of hooking the reader into her pages, this author had me reading once more into the wee hours of the night. I can't recall any book written by Sarah Loudin Thomas that didn't intrigue me from the start.  Loyal is a formidable hero who is bright for his age, able to see things many overlook and with the knack of remembering what is laid out before him.  He stumbled upon a murder, saw things that could or could not be true and the fact that he was deaf had a profound impact on all that unfolded.  I particularly liked reading his thought process throughout the book. Whether he reasoned through the clues about the murder, his parents relationship. his desire for friendships or to prove himself to his father, he was wise beyond his years.

This story is definitely a murder mystery, and it is a good one.  It is also much more.  It is about pulling people together by one young man who, when finally allowed, touches the lives of his community.  His courage is inspiring and his love is a gift.  The events of the story are almost secondary to the master weaving of a family back together.  This is an inspiring story of hope, set in a time when deaf children were not seen for their precious worth. They were different and often overlooked.  Loyal was not going to be overlooked.  Things are much improved these days, yet all of the modern conveniences pale in comparison to seeing the smiles of a group of children playing where one of them just happens to be deaf. Many thanks to #BethanyHouse and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions are mine.

Reviewing: The Sowing Season by Katie Powner

...from the publisher...

After he's forced to sell the family farm he's labored on his whole life, 63-year-old Gerrit Laninga doesn't know what to do with himself. He sacrificed everything for the land--his time, his health, his family--with nothing to show for it but bitterness, regret, and two grown children who want nothing to do with him.

Fifteen-year-old Rae Walters has growing doubts and fears about The Plan--the detailed blueprint for high school that will help her follow in her lawyer father's footsteps. She's always been committed to The Plan, but now that the pressure to succeed is building, what was supposed to unite her family in purpose, may end up tearing it apart.

When their paths cross just as they each need a friend the most, Gerrit's and Rae's lives begin to change in unexpected ways. Can they discover together what really matters in life and learn it's never too late for a second chance?

...my thoughts... 

I didn't know what to expect the first time I opened the pages to The Sowing Season.  Inside was a surprise that filled me each time I turned a page to see what was happening to Gerrit and Rae.  I felt torn between laughter and compassion for Gerrit. After selling a farm that totally consumed his life, he was confronted with time; time to see what he missed all the days and nights while he worked a farm that, in the end, provided nothing meaningful in his life. Except memories.

Rae was the perfect daughter. She had a bright disposition, was number one in her class and volunteered in all the right places in order to check off the boxes on her long list of "must-do's" to secure her a spot at Columbia University.  She was so perfect she wasn't really enjoying life.

It is amazing that Rae and Gerrit found each other. It was even more amazing that they became friends.  He could have been her grandfather. She could have been the daughter who gave up on him when he was too busy working on the family farm.  Yet, he saw the real Rae.  She saw a man who was waiting to change.

I enjoyed this book and recommend it for those who enjoy a good story.  I recommend it all the more for young and old alike as it bridges what people of a certain age used to call the "generation gap". It appeals because the characters are so human.  Reading The Sowing Season was my introduction to Katie Powner's work and I look forward to more in the future. 

Just In Time: The Fruitcake Challenge Now Available in Audiobook Format!

...from the publisher...

When new lumberjack Tom Jeffries tells the camp cook, Jo Christy, that he’ll marry her if she can make a fruitcake “as good as the one my mother makes”, she rises to the occasion. After all, he’s the handsomest, smartest, and strongest axman her camp-boss father has ever had

in his camp - and the cockiest. And she intends to bring this lumberjack down a notch or three by refusing his proposal. The fruitcake wars are on! All the shanty boys and Jo’s cooking helpers chip in with their recipes, but Jo finds she’ll have to enlist more help - and begins corresponding with Tom’s mother. 

Step back in time to 1890, in beautiful Northern Michigan, near the sapphire straits of Mackinac, when the white pines were “white gold” and lumber camps were a way of life. Jo is ready to find another life outside of the camps and plans that don’t include any shanty boys. But will a lumberjack keep her in the very place she’s sworn to leave?

...my thoughts...

 I enjoy reading historical fiction and stumbled upon the Lumberjack Ball by Carrie Fancett Pagels several years ago.  I have enjoyed several of her other books, mainly set in the late 1800's in Michigan. When the opportunity from the author to read The Fruitcake Challenge in audiobook format I jumped at the chance. Audiobooks are not a replacement for the written word for me, but an addition to print copies.

The Fruitcake Challenge is the first book in the Christy Lumberjack Series.  Imagine being a woman living in a camp full of lonely lumberjacks. Women are scarce and you are likely to be proposed to on a regular basis.  Lucky for Jo, our heroine, she has two burly, protective brothers. No man would dare to bother Jo, until Tom Jeffries.  Confident, good looking and full of himself, his first impression on Jo was anything but impressive.  Until he issues his fruitcake challenge, that is.  Still grieving at the recent loss of her mother, she is weary of the camp, the men and would love nothing better than her independence. I enjoyed the banter between Jo and Tom in the kitchen with the other cooks.  I felt like I could have sat down on a bench and had a cup of coffee and fruitcake with everyone.

This audiobook is narrated by Virginia Gray.  She did a nice job on both women and men characters, not an easy task. I hope to listen to more books narrated by her in the future.  

Novellas are quick but shouldn't be overlooked.  This one is entertaining, and with the fruitcake theme, it reminded me of my own mother making her grandmother's fruitcake every year for Christmas. 

 

 

A Haven for Her Heart

 ...from the publisher...

Homeless after being released from a women's reformatory in 1939Toronto, Olivia Rosetti is taken in by an angel of mercy, Ruth Bennington. The two discover they share a painful past and together decide to open a maternity home for troubled women.

Despite the success of the home, Olivia is haunted by her inhumane treatment at the reformatory and the way her newborn son was taken from her. She feels undeserving of love--until she meets businessman Darius Reed. Although his attention makes her heart soar, he can never learn of her past.

Greek widower Darius Reed is determined to protect his daughter from the prejudice that killed her mother. He'll ensure her future by marrying a woman from a respected Toronto family. But when Darius meets Olivia, he's immediately drawn to her beauty and compassion.  

Can love prove stronger than prejudice and past mistakes? Or will Olivia's secrets destroy any chance at a future together?

...my thoughts....

A Haven for Her Heart is a story that will touch your heart.  Set in 1939, it broaches the subject of women who found themselves in trouble with no place to go.  Canada was in the throes of World War II and sending its young men to serve across the Atlantic.   Olivia Rosetti gave more than her heart to her fiancee and it had devastating effects on her life.  He was killed in battle and she found herself pregnant, alone and unmarried.  Today, society doesn't have the same stigma as it did in a time when women in her situation could be arrested and suffer the treatment Olivia experienced.

Alone, forlorn after the birth of her son, she found herself seeking shelter in the church where she met Ruth. Ruth opened new doors and together they were an inspirational team.  I enjoyed this book, not only for the well written story but also for the well developed characters who emerged resilient and strong.  Thank you #Bethanyhouse and #netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Reviewing: Depending On You by Melissa Jagears

 ...from the publisher...

Can the joy and hope of Christmas restore their love before it’s too late?

Leah Whitsett’s life was ideal until the disastrous day she nearly died because of her husband’s deceit. When he returns home weeks

before Christmas, she knows the best gift she can give him is forgiveness, but how can she relinquish her hard-won independence knowing he plans to turn their family’s life upside down again?

Bryant has always known his wife was a gift he’d never deserved, but how can he provide for her in a town that no longer wants anything to do with him? He longs to atone for the misery he’s put his loved ones through, but when he brings a family member home for the holidays, he and Leah may end up even further apart.

With emotions high and their marriage at stake, will the season bring the hope they need…or are their rifts too large to mend?

...my thoughts...

Depending On You by Melissa Jagears is a story of forgiveness and second chances. This is book 3 in Melissa's Frontier Vows series, and I was happy to learn that Leah's story was about to be told.  Left for dead by some hired men exacting payment for her husband's dastardly deeds, I wondered what would become of her.  She had always been a devoted wife and mother and clearly didn't receive any of what she experienced for her husband's cowardly deeds.  Now, her husband Bryant is released from prison only to find Leah distant and not ready to welcome him home with open arms.  

She lost everything because of him.  Now running the local laundry, she has had to start from scratch, something Bryant would have to do too, only he has the added stigma of being an ex-convict and hard to hire. Bryant was humbled, and willing to work at any job to start over in a town that has a long memory when it comes to trusting an untrustworthy man.

Leah was not sure she would ever allow him into her heart again, but she allowed that he was a loving father.  Witnessing her daughter's marital struggles, Leah was touched by the ways Bryant's fatherly influence guided his daughters.  I could write on about the story line, but why spoil a good book for new readers?  I recommend this book to all who enjoy Melissa Jagear's books and hopefully to those who are looking for a good story that takes you back to frontier days.  While this book could stand alone, I recommend reading Romancing the Bride, book one, and Pretending to Wed. This is a good series and I like how Melissa tied everything together, happy endings in all.

                

The Dress Shop on King Street

...from the publisher...

Harper Dupree has pinned all her hopes on a future in fashion design. But when it comes crashing down around her, she returns home to Fairhope, Alabama, and to Millie, the woman who first taught her how to sew. As Harper rethinks her own future, long-hidden secrets about Millie's past are brought to light.

In 1946, Millie Middleton--the daughter of an Italian man and a Black woman--boarded a train and left Charleston to keep half of her heritage hidden. She carried with her two heirloom buttons and the dream of owning a dress store. She never expected to meet a charming train jumper who changed her life forever . . . and led her yet again to a heartbreaking choice about which heritage would define her future.

Now, together, Harper and Millie return to Charleston to find the man who may hold the answers they seek . . . and a chance at the dress shop they've both dreamed of. But it's not until all appears lost that they see the unexpected ways to mend what frayed between the seams.

...my thoughts...

 The Dress shop on King Street is Millie's journey back to those early days when life seemed to be full of dreams of owning her own dress shop. An excellent seamstress, she longed to create beautiful fashions in her own shop. Fate and circumstances changed her life forever when she left Charleston for Fairhope Alabama.  Along the way, she met her wonderful husband and began a life that may have seemed temporary at first, just until she was able to open that dress shop.  Then, after the birth of her daughters, she begins to straddle two worlds. As the story unfolds, so to does a mystery of Millie's true identity and links to a past that she was finally ready to rediscover.  

Millie is a wonderful character and this reader wanted to learn more about her.  Ashley Clark has captured the spirit of a woman who led a very private life because of the circumstances of her birth. Mysterious and beautiful, accomplished and shy. She held secrets in her heart, yet her husband loved her for who she truly was.  Her signature red hat was her trademark companion over decades that brought love, pain and changes in a world that was very different than that day in 1946 when she was looking into that dress shop on King street. I enjoyed reading this book and thank #BethanyHouse and #netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

 
 

 

Reviewing: Things We Didn't Say by Amy Lynn Green

...from the publisher....

 

Headstrong Johanna Berglund, a linguistics student at the University of Minnesota, has very definite plans for her future . . . plans that do not include returning to her hometown and the secrets and heartaches she left behind there. But the US Army wants her to work as a translator at a nearby camp for German POWs.

Johanna arrives to find the once-sleepy town exploding with hostility. Most patriotic citizens want nothing to do with German soldiers laboring in their fields, and they're not afraid to criticize those who work at the camp as well. When Johanna describes the trouble to her friend Peter Ito, a language instructor at a school for military intelligence officers, he encourages her to give the town that rejected her a second chance.

As Johanna interacts with the men of the camp and censors their letters home, she begins to see the prisoners in a more sympathetic light. But advocating for better treatment makes her enemies in the community, especially when charismatic German spokesman Stefan Werner begins to show interest in Johanna and her work. The longer Johanna wages her home-front battle, the more the lines between compassion and treason become blurred--and it's no longer clear whom she can trust.

...my thoughts...

Things We Didn't Say is Amy Lynn Green's debut novel and I expect it to be the first of many.  I was intrigued by this story line because it seemed to be a well kept secret that there were as many German P.O.W. camps in our country during World War II.  At least, it was certainly never mentioned in any history books I had, and that was one subject I didn't slack off on my homework.  The first time I heard of these camps, I was an adult and heard someone tell of a relative whose father had spent time in a camp within my own state.  So, years later, I found myself intrigued by Amy's book I found myself not only enjoying the story but doing a little research, only to find there were many camps within our country.

Amy did a wonderful job on her research and her characters are well developed.  Johanna, and Peter's correspondence make up a lot of the story and it was intriguing to see the story from each viewpoint.  Johanna, a linguist specialist, strives to do the best she can at a job she clearly didn't want in the beginning of the book.  As time goes, she gets more and more involved in the lives of the prisoners as she translates their own correspondence from their families and does her best to improve their lot within the confines of the camp.  Stefan Werner, who seems to represent his fellow prisoners, seems to have a pulse on everything that goes on inside.  Johanna, for her part, seems to become more distant to her community, the more involved she becomes in her work.

Peter, Johanna's close friend, is my favorite character. He is a young, Japanese American, whose family was cruelly placed in an internment camp at the start of the war.  His desire to fight for his country is hampered by his being recruited to a Japanese language school.  His letters have a calming effect on Johanna and the true meaning of his friendship is mired in her desires to go study in Oxford, long her goal but now sidelined by this war and her job.  She is brilliant, but, as with many who are brilliant, there are some things she just didn't see.  This book is compelling, and gives you a ringside seat into a very real piece of our country's history. 

Amish Friends From Scratch Cookbook: Timely New Cookbook by Wanda E Brunstetter

 

...from the publisher...

Why does nothing compare to the memories of Great-Grandma’s food? Could it be because she made everything from scratch? Amish and Mennonite cooks contribute recipes that celebrate the value of skipping the factory-made shortcuts and cooking from scratch. Over 270 recipes are organized into traditional categories from main dishes and sides to desserts and snacks. Also included are kitchen tips and stories about growing up around an Amish kitchen. Encased in a lay-flat binding and presented in full color, home cooks of all ages will be delighted to add this cookbook to their collections.

...my thoughts...

Some of my earliest memories are being in the kitchen with my family.  Everyone had a job to do no matter how small we were.  Nothing compares to enjoying a good home cooked meal from scratch, eaten around a large table. Amish  Friends From Scratch Cookbook is reminiscent of copying those favorite recipes by hand on a three by five inch card to share.  My box is overflowing still with treasures from my family and friends.  This new collection of recipes gathered by Wanda Brunstetter is full of recipes that have been tried and tested.  

One recipe to note especially, is Coffee Shop Brownies....from one chocolate lover to another, they are quite good!  The Buttermilk pancake recipe conjures up memories of my dad on a Saturday morning making his special pancakes. Other recipes that are noteworthy are Delicious  Cream Cheese and Marshmallow Creme Fluff.  Those are two things I thought were found only in the grocery store!  If you are looking for tried and true recipes for your family, I recommend this cookbook. Consider adding this to your gift list for budding cooks in the family. You may benefit by an invitation to enjoy one of these good recipes around the table.

The Blended Quilt...Heartwarming New Book by Wanda Brunstetter

 

...from the publisher...

 Sadie Kuhns has a lot happening in her life. She is creating a unique quilt by blending a traditional Amish pattern with a Hawaiian pattern as a tribute to her time spent in the islands, and she is working on a self-published book. But her relationship with Wyman Kauffman has stagnated after six months of courtship. He can’t seem to commit to a profession that would secure a future, and he is jealous of the time Sadie gives to her own pursuits. Is there really any reason to drag this courtship out? Only time will tell in this new novel from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, writing with her daughter-in-law Jean Brunstetter.

...my thoughts...

I enjoyed reading the Blended Quilt by Wanda and Jean Brunstetter. The Amish people are set apart from the world we live in with their plain lifestyle.  However set apart their world is from us, human nature prevails.  Behind those prayer caps and black suspenders are people who live and love just as we do.

Sadie wants to marry Wyman and although he loves her, his inability to settle into one job is cause for concern.  I  thought he was a selfish young man who seemed to have everything handed to him by his parents, including a good job that he felt was beneath him.  Sadie, for her part, decides to move on and busies herself with her quilting.  A talented quilter, she is encouraged to write her book on quilting.  What starts out as a project to share her love of the art of quilting with others turns into a living room filled with boxes of books it is up to her to sell.  Sell she does on a whirlwind book tour that opens both Sadie and Wyman's eyes to what is really important.

If you like books that are encouraging and uplifting, I recommend The Blended Quilt.  It represents much more than a quilt patterned after both plain and Englisch styles.  It represents finding that what we really want may be closer than we realize.

 

Sarah Huckabee Sanders Speaking for Myself is Positive and Inspiring!

 ...my thoughts...

I just finished listening to Sarah Huckabee Sanders Speaking for Myself! I knew she had one of the most challenging jobs as White House Press Secretary to President Trump.  This book not only confirms it but also confirms that it takes a special person for this role.  Sarah is just such a person.

Raised by amazing Christian parents former Arkansas Governor Mike and his wife Janet Huckabee, she grew up in the spotlight.  She modeled her parents leadership and gave 110% to our country and to our president. Juggling her children, marriage and career was possible by her strong commitment and faith.  I enjoyed listening to this book so that I could hear her story in her voice.  Her love for her husband and children are the main priority in her life.  Leaving a powerful career may have been hard but there is a lot to be said about knowing how quickly your children grow up and leave is something I admire.

...from the publisher...

Sarah Huckabee Sanders served as White House Press Secretary for President Donald J. Trump from 2017 to 2019. A trusted confidante of the President, Sanders advised him on everything from press and communications strategy to personnel and policy. She was at the President’s side for two and a half years, battling with the media, working with lawmakers and CEOs, and accompanying the President on every international trip, including dozens of meetings with foreign leaders―all while unfailingly exhibiting grace under pressure. Upon her departure from the administration, President Trump described Sarah as “irreplaceable,” a “warrior” and “very special person with extraordinary talents, who has done an incredible job.”

Now, in Speaking for Myself, Sarah Huckabee Sanders describes what it was like on the front lines and inside the White House, discussing her faith, the challenges of being a working mother at the highest level of American politics, her relationship with the press, and her unique role in the historic fight raging between the Trump administration and its critics for the future of our country.

This frank, revealing, and engaging memoir will offer a truly unique perspective on the most important issues and events of the era, and unprecedented access to both public and behind-the-scenes conversations within the Trump White House.

Mike Huckabee's The Three C's that Made America Great: Christianity, Capitalism and the Constitution Worth Reading

 ...my thoughts...

I haven't really studied Civics since I was in the 8th grade.  I keep hearing that Civics is no longer being taught in our schools. That is a shame.  Granted, the topic can be dry but as an American citizen, it is important to understand that there was a lot going on after Independence Day in 1776 besides the war so courageously fought for our freedom. The United States of America was established. 

  Our founding fathers, for better or worse felt it was so important to draft a blueprint for our country that would withstand the test of time.  I believe, heartily, that they did. The constitution may not be perfect and to remedy this, we have had it amended more than once and likely we will see that happen again.  We are not perfect but I wouldn't trade our country for any of the others beyond our borders.

Those who fought to create this great country did so with great hardship so that we could live in a free country.  The Three Cs of Christianity, Capitalism and the  Constitution are important values that make us the great country we are today. The framers of our constitution managed to craft a document that has withstood the test of time.  I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys learning about the history of our country. I would add that this book would be a wonderful supplement to their teen's U.S. History curriculum.

...from the publisher...

Forces on the Left seek to fundamentally change our nation by disregarding the principles upon which it was founded. Members of the media and liberal politicians seek to damage our economic, political, and educational systems for their gain. The Three Cs That Made America Great: Christianity, Capitalism, and the Constitution  exposes the Left's plan to undermine the Christian values on which the nation was built

reveals how attacks on Christianity are part of the political agenda of Liberals

provides a clear understanding of capitalism and how free markets benefit all people

reveals how Liberals undermine capitalism with their socialistic policies

shows how the Constitution’s purpose to restrain government and protect individual liberty

unmasks the efforts of the liberal Left to subvert the power and relevance of the Constitution

exposes the current corruption in government and culture which undermines the principles on which the nation was founded

America faces a war of values that will determine its future and likely decide if it will continue as a great nation on the world stage. Mike Huckabee and Steve Feazel sound a needed alarm to Christians and conservatives to answer the call to action and push back against the forces that desire to move America from its heritage and founding principles. It is time for God's people to take an active role in the political arena, not with violence, but with votes and voices that proclaim and defend the values that made our nation the brightest light of freedom the world has ever known.

Softly Blows the Bugle by Jan Drexler

...from the publisher...

When Elizabeth Kaufman received the news of her husband's death at the Battle of Vicksburg in 1863, she felt only relief. She determined that she would never be at the mercy of any man again, even if it meant she would never have a family of her own. Then Aaron Zook comes home with her brother when the war ends two years later.

Despite the severity of his injuries, Aaron resolves to move West and leave the pain of the past behind him. He never imagined that the Amish way of life his grandfather had rejected long ago would be so enticing. That, and a certain widow he can't get out of his mind.

Yet, even in a simple community, life has a way of getting complicated. Aaron soon finds that while he may have left the battlefield behind, there is another fight he must win--the one for the heart of the woman he loves.
Welcome back to the Amish community at Weaver's Creek, where the bonds of family and faith bind up the brokenhearted.

...my thoughts...

Softly Blows the Bugle brings all promises of a good series to fruition. Jan Drexler's story of the Amish Community at Weaver's Creek has been a treat to read.  The timing of this series, during, through and  at the end of an important time in our country's history is worth reading.  The Amish, pacifists at the core of their faith, were impacted by the Civil War, however remote it was geographically.  The remnants of a terrible war scattered across the continent and touched the lives of the untouched.   

 I watched Elizabeth Kaufman's plight with interest since The Sound of Distant Thunder, book one in the series. Her marriage to an abusive Englischer separated her from her beloved family. Loneliness became her normal way of life.  When  Aaron Zook came home with her brother, it seemed to me that her life was about to change.  Yet, it was not Aaron who captured her attention and that took the story to another level.  One where someone portrayed a life of someone who was just too good to be true.  

Considering the war had ended, there were those who pursued the leftover treasures to plunder.  To those most crafty, there were ways to fill their coffers, bit by bit stealing from those who had just enough to add to a pile of ill gotten wealth.  Jan Drexler's engaging style of writing keeps the reader's attention until the puzzle is solved and the hearts are truly won.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction.  Although this book could be read as a standalone, it recommend reading The Amish of Weaver's Creek series. 

Reviewing: Forever by Your Side (Willamett Brides Book #3) by Tracie Peterson

...from the publisher...

After years of schooling on the East Coast, Constance Browning returns to Oregon and the reservation where she grew up with her missionary parents. She is accompanied by Thomas Lowell, her best friend and colleague, and together they embark on a project to catalogue the native peoples of Oregon for the Bureau of American Ethnology. But Connie and Tom have another purpose--to prove her parents are not involved in a secret conspiracy to goad the oppressed tribes into a doomed war.

Connie finds life on the reservation much bleaker than she remembered, and she is glad to have Tom by her side. But she also becomes reacquainted with Clint Singleton, the government agent on whom she had a crush as a girl. Now that she's back, Clint finally seems interested in her, but Connie is no longer sure of her feelings. As tensions on the reservation rise and war looms ever closer, Connie and Tom search for whoever is truly behind the uprising. With danger unfolding amid shocking revelations, Connie will also have a revelation of the heart.

...my thoughts... 

Fans of award-winning author Tracie Peterson will relish reading Forever by Your Side.  There is a bit of mystery involved in the story and Constance, teaming up with Thomas are determined to solve it. Getting to the bottom of the situation proves dangerous and leads to suspicions that are unfounded.  As the truth unfolds, Constance and Thomas learn more about their feelings toward one another in the midst of their peril.  Sometimes, that great love of your life is right where you are.

Historical fiction is a genre I enjoy.  There are parts of the history of our great country that we are not proud of, yet they did occur. Forever by Your Side is book three in Tracie Peterson's Willamette  Brides series. This book is recommended to those who enjoy reading the history of the Pacific Northwest.

Reviewing: An Ivy Hill Christmas: A Tales From Ivy Hill Novella by Julie Klassen

 ...from the publisher...

Richard Brockwell, the younger son of Ivy Hill's most prominent family, hasn't been home for Christmas in years. He prefers to live in the London townhouse, far away from Brockwell Court, the old family secret that haunts him, and the shadows of his past mistakes. But then his mother threatens to stop funding his carefree life--unless he comes home for Christmas. Out of options, he sets out for Ivy Hill, planning to be back on a coach bound for London and his unencumbered bachelor life as soon as the festivities are over.

But Christmas in the country presents unforeseen surprises, including encounters with an orphaned apprentice, the first love he disappointed years ago, and Arabella Awdry, a young lady who is far more appealing than he recalled . . . and determined to have nothing to do with him.

Will Christmastime in Ivy Hill, with its village charm, kissing boughs, joyous songs, and divine hope, work its magic in his heart...and hers as well?

...my thoughts...

Can a confirmed bachelor change his selfish ways?  Can he give up the high life he is accustomed to in order to satisfy the wishes of a mother who openly plans to marry him off? Going home for Christmas isn't always easy because it can be a reminder that one is not living up to the potential his family has planned.  Richard Brockwell is a dreadful man who gives not a thought to his fellow man and because this is a book about Christmas, and Christmas in old England, one knows that he is about to undergo a change.  I think it all starts when he allows a stray dog into his heart.  From that moment, little clues seem to emerge in his thoughts that he knows are a little out of character for him.

 I admit I didn't like the character at all in the beginning and was skeptical of the outcome.  This is a story of second chances and forgiveness with a bit of romance mixed in to keep our interest piqued. However, the love is not confined to Richard and Arabella but also includes a young apprentice who captures the heart of everyone in the story.  Kindness never goes unrewarded, because it makes a lasting impression on the lives we touch, even inadvertently.  This is a lovely story for our upcoming Christmas holiday season and Julie Klassen's An Ivy Hill Christmas: A Tales From Ivy Hills Novella would be a wonderful addition to your Christmas reading list.

Reviewing: The Christmas Table by Donna Van Liere

 ...from the publisher...

From Donna VanLiere, the New York Times bestselling author of The Christmas Hope series comes another heartwarming, inspirational story for the holidays, The Christmas Table.

In June 1972, John Creighton determines to build his wife Joan a kitchen table. His largest project to date had been picture frames but he promises to have the table ready for Thanksgiving dinner. Inspired to put something delicious on the table, Joan turns to her mother’s recipes she had given to Joan when she and John married.

In June 2012, Lauren Mabrey discovers she’s pregnant. Gloria, Miriam, and the rest of her friends at Glory’s Place begin to pitch in, helping Lauren prepare their home for the baby. On a visit to the local furniture builder, Lauren finds a table that he bought at a garage sale but has recently refinished. Once home, a drawer is discovered under the table which contains a stack of recipe cards. Growing up in one foster home after another, Lauren never learned to cook and is fascinated as she reads through the cards. Personal notes have been written on each one from the mother to her daughter and time and again Lauren wonders where they lived, when they lived, and in a strange way, she feels connected to this mother and her daughter and wants to make the mother proud.

The story continues to from 1972 to 2012 as Joan battles breast cancer and Lauren learns to cook, preparing for the baby’s arrival. As Christmas nears, can Lauren unlock the mystery of the table, and find the peace she's always longed for?

 ...my thoughts...

If you want to read a wonderful Christmas book that will tug at your heartstrings, read Donna Van Liere's The Christmas Table.  I can identify with the time frame between 1972 to 2012 as a young mother and then as a grandmother myself who battled breast cancer.  Time stands still in those periods of our lives, while it races by for others at a clip that gives you pause to wonder how you got to where you are at the present time!  

One handmade table is a constant in this story and if it could talk it would tell you plenty about lives shared around it. Not many tables have drawers so when Lauren discovered the drawer and the recipes it contained the story took off on a new direction of discovery and intrigue.  This is a poignant story and worth all the time spent reading it.  The characters could be your next door neighbor or a member of your church family.  This is one book you want to read for the heartwarming theme and conclusion. 

 

 

 

 

Reviewing: Jingle All the Way by Debbie Macomber

 ...from the publisher...

Love can transform even the best-laid plans in this heartfelt Christmas novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

Trapped in the middle of five siblings, Everly Lancaster always had big dreams. Now a top real-estate executive, Everly finds her work is her life, leaving no space for anything (or anyone) else. Sensing her stress, Everly’s boss insists she take December off. At first, a month away seems crazy—how will the company survive without her? But Everly’s mother convinces her otherwise. She deserves a vacation—plus, when she returns, she’ll have no excuse to skip family Christmas like she did last year.

But after her vengeful assistant books a guided cruise in the Amazon instead of the luxury beach vacation she expected, Everly is horrified to realize that she’s about to spend the next two weeks trapped—with no Wi-Fi!—in the rain forest. Not even Asher Adams, the ship’s charming naturalist, can convince Everly that the trip will be unforgettable. Slowly but surely, she realizes he is right: the sights are spectacular. And with each passing day, Everly’s relationship with Asher deepens, forcing her to take a long, hard look at her priorities.

Everly and Asher begin to see magic in the possibility of a life together. But as the cruise nears its end, and Everly’s family Christmas approaches, both must decide if love is worth the risk. A merry surprise may be in store in Debbie Macomber’s newest holiday delight.

...my thoughts... 

This was a new take on the ultimate Christmas vacation story and Debbie Macomber didn't disappoint with Jingle All the Way.  I laughed out loud several times as the comedy unfolded and it began on page one.  From the assistant who never should have been an assistant to the business partner who was out of sync with his business Everly clearly needed a break more than she even knew. Even if you do not work in a high powered career, there is someone is this story you can identify with.  

One takeaway from this story of a vacation gone awry is that sometimes, a fresh look at life is a good thing before it passes on by. Everly and Asher are a good example of two people who are so busy with their goals they nearly missed the golden opportunity of a lifetime.  Deadlines are important, even Wi-Fi is important, but just like everything else, there is a time and place even for those parts of our lives.

I admired Everly for the way she met every challenge on her cruise.  Her expectations for the cruise she reluctantly took were so different than the ship she boarded, yet she proved to be the ultimate good sport. If you are looking for a new kind of Christmas story, look no further than Jingle All the Way! 

Reviewing:The Christmas Swap by Melody Carlson

...from the publisher...

All Emma Daley wants this holiday season is a white Christmas. But the young teacher and struggling musician sure can't find that in sunny Arizona. Luckily, there's someone living in a perfect mountain home in the Colorado Rockies looking to make a vacation trade this year.

Tyler Prescott is an in-demand songwriter and talented musician who put his own singing career on hold to write songs for celebrity acts to perform. When his mother convinces him to do a vacation trade for Christmas, he never imagined one of the houseguests would be so sweet--or so strikingly pretty. Naturally, he decides to stick around, and, to get better acquainted, he poses as the house's caretaker. But when Emma's friend Gillian discovers his true identity and sets her sights on him, things
get . . . messy.

Fan favorite Melody Carlson is back with another delightful Christmas tale to warm your heart on those cold winter evenings.

...my thoughts...

Forget the Christmas movies!   Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good story as much as everyone else and that is why I recommend getting a copy of The Christmas Swap by Melody Carlson. You will not be disappointed in how this lighthearted story gives a glimpse into characters so different from each other you wonder how they ever became friends.  The whole idea of a Christmas Swap seemed good at first until traditions caught up with both families. It was entertaining to read how one very spoiled family from Arizona managed the cold mountain air in Colorado.  Toss in a handsome hero who wasn't supposed to even be there and you have the makings of one good romantic comedy, commercial free with time to savor. 

Reading Melody Carlson's annual Christmas novel is something I look forward to every year.  I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good Christmas book while getting ready for the season.  

Reviewing: The Stone Wall by Beverly Lewis

...from the publisher...

Anna is eager to begin a new chapter in her life as a Lancaster County tour guide in the picturesque area where her Plain grandmother once stayed. Anna wishes she could talk with her grandmother about those long-ago days, but the elderly woman suffers from Alzheimer's, and beyond a vague hint about an old stone wall, much about that time is a mystery. Thankfully, Martin Nolt, a handsome Mennonite, takes the young Beachy Amish woman under his wing for her training, familiarizing her with the many local highlights, including Peaceful Meadows Horse Retreat, which serves children with special needs. The retreat's mission so inspires Anna that she returns to volunteer, and she quickly strikes up a friendship with Gabe Allgyer, the young Amish widower who manages it. 

As Anna grows closer to both Martin and Gabe, she finds herself faced with a difficult choice--one in potential conflict with the expectations of her parents. Will Anna find true love and the truth about her grandmother's past in Lancaster County? Or will she find only heartbreak?

...my thoughts...

The Stone Wall is a wonderful blend of past and present stories between a young woman and her beloved grandmother.  I liked the parallel of their lives as Anna sets off for Strasburg and her grandmother, who was growing more withdrawn into Alzheimer's perks up and speaks briefly of her time there in her youth. Things seemed to fall into place for a once heartbroken Anna, and I cheered her on as she was open to try so many new and enjoyable things she never considered at home.  Her yearning for a new start in a new place while discovering God's will unfolds in such a wonderful way as she deepens her faith.  As with all of Beverly Lewis' books, the characters are people you wouldn't mind sitting down with for a good cup of coffee.  The book is easy to read but will warm your heart as your learn more about Peaceful Meadows Horse Retreat and the youthful romance between Anna's grandmother and a handsome young Old Order Amish man.  

I recommend this book to those who enjoy good Amish fiction but looking for something a little different this time: a romantic story that includes a young, progressive Beachy Amish woman, a Mennonite man and....an Old Order Amish man.  A bit of a twist I say, to keep it interesting!  Many thanks for an advanced reader copy of this book by Bethany House Fiction and Netgalley.com for an honest, but independent review.

Reviewing: Minding Miss Manners In An Era of Fake Etiquette

...from the publisher.... 

From the most trusted name in advice comes a fresh, contemporary guide to modern manners dilemmas.

Minding Miss Manners: In an Era of Fake Etiquette is a modern guide to modern manners. Facing

down the miscreants purveying false etiquette rules (no, you may not wait a year to send a thank-you note for a gift and yes, in an age of social-media-encouraged over-familiarity you can politely refuse to answer nosy questions), Miss Manners guides you through these turbulent times with her timeless wisdom and archly acid wit.

 ...my thoughts...

Minding Miss Manners is a refreshing trip back to a time when we minded our P's and Q's and learned our manners at home.  If someone had any doubts they need only consult Emily Post's wisdom to avoid any unnecessary faux pas.   I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the audio publication of this book, narrated by Miss Manners' own daughter, Jacobina Martin.  As I listened, I realized this was the same "voice" I read every time I have read the beloved Miss Manners column.  

The dilemmas of wedding etiquette were particularly of interest in a society that has created a very expensive, trendy industry that gives one pause to ponder whether it would be easier to simply elope.  There seems to be so many expectations today for everyone from the bride to the guest.  

In a world where people feel we need more kindness, manners could help solve some sticky situations.  Yes, we do live in a modern world but good manners never go out of style. From raiding a cookie jar to that R.S.V.P. you neglected to send for an important event, what we do speaks volumes to what we say sometimes.  I recommend this book for a little bit of fun and reminders to the "gentle reader" who wants to brush up on those good manners.

Reviewing: Line by LIne by Jennifer Delamere

...from the publisher...

Alice McNeil resolved at a young age to travel through life unencumbered by love or marriage, free to make her own decisions. A seasoned telegrapher, she's recently acquired a coveted position at an important trading firm, but when the company's ambitious junior director returns to London, things begin to change in ways Alice could never have imagined.

For Douglas Shaw, years of hard work and ingenuity enabled him to escape a life of grinding poverty. He's also determined to marry into high society--a step that will ensure he never returns to the conditions of his past.

He and Alice form a friendly relationship based on mutual respect, but anything deeper is not in their plans. However, when Alice accidentally raises the ire of a jealous and vindictive coworker who's intent on ruining her life, Alice and Douglas are forced to confront what is truly important in their lives. Will their growing bond give them the courage to risk finding a better way?

 ...my thoughts...

Alice was a true modern woman who thought she could have it all by working at a special career and being fully independent.  All was gong well until she happened on the "spinster book" and began to implement some of the suggestions therein.  Alas, the best laid plans can backfire.  Douglas, too, had a glimpse of the book and began to doubt his goal of marrying well and furthering his career.  The two collided, so to speak and as the story unfolded, this reader began to look at all the players and see just how amusing human nature can be when tampered with in the name of success.  

I enjoyed this book and learned a bit about the early days of the telegraph industry in the bargain.  It seemed to make the world smaller when deals could be struck by the mere stroke of a telegraph key.  Good characters made this book fun to read and although I did shake my head a time or two at the foibles of Alice and Douglas, I can say without spoiling the ending that people often struggle when pursuing the wrong goals.  It is when one leaps out in faith that pieces fall into perspective.   I recommend this book for those who are looking for lighthearted reading!

Turning Home: A Poignant New Novel by Janice Kay Johnson

 ...from the publisher...

In this tender Amish romance, an Amish man who is returning to his community and faith is drawn to a young woman who is still reeling from past wounds.

When Luke Bowman returns to the Amish faith after years of being away from home, he does so with absolute conviction. Those feelings are shaken when he meets Julia Durant, a non-Amish woman who works at his family's furniture-making business. Despite his instincts, Luke is drawn to Julia, and although Julia is still recovering from a brutal assault when she was a college student, she is drawn to Luke as well.

As Luke and Julia grow closer, and their fragile friendship grows stronger, Luke wants to be with Julia, but the reason he came home--his faith--is now the thing keeping them apart. Luke and Julia will have to decide whether their relationship can survive this divide, and whether the home Luke has made in the Amish faith is one that's fit for two.

 

...my thoughts...

 Julia Durant's visit to her brother Nick was more than a visit, it felt like she had come home.  For the first time since a brutal attack, she wanted to stay and make a new start. Things fell into place with her new job and new friends. Turning Home is a wonderful story of healing hearts and new beginnings.  It is the first book I have read by Janice Kay Johnson and I look forward to finding more of her books soon.  The characters are complex yet easy to like.  I liked the approach the author took in dealing with Julia's attack and how difficult it was for her to trust others again.  Moving to a small town may have seemed a big step but for Julia, but she began to take risks she never would have thought about in the big city.  She took a risk by getting a job in an Amish furniture business yet made a big impact on the business from her first day.   It was all going so well but for Luke, the owner's son and partner who hadn't approved of her being hired.  She would have to learn to work with him, because going home was not going to be an option.  She was determined to stay in Tompkin's Mill.

Luke Bowman had only returned from the Englisch world in the last year.  He still had much to prove about his desire to live among the people and he certainly didn't factor in anyone like Julia working in the family business.  To make life even more uncertain for him, someone from his past comes along and puts everything all into perspective for him.  The question is what he will do about the changes that come upon him and his family?

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys inspirational, contemporary Amish fiction. I received an advanced reader copy from Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley.com for an honest review.  My thoughts about the book are my own.

 

 

Piecing It All Together by Leslie Gould Is Rich, Entertaining and Heartwarming

...from the publisher...
When Savannah Mast's fiance dumps her a week before their wedding, she flees California for the safety of her Amish grandmother's farm near Nappanee, Indiana. She's not planning on staying long but becomes unexpectedly entangled in the search for a missing Amish girl. She can't leave--especially not when her childhood friend Tommy Miller is implicated as a suspect.
When Savannah accompanies her grandmother to Plain Patterns, a nearby quilt shop, the owner and local historian, Jane Berger, relates a tale about another woman's disappearance back in the 1800s that has curious echoes to today.

Inspired by the story, Savannah does all she can to find the Amish girl and clear Tommy's name. But when her former fiance shows up, begging her to return to California and marry him after all, she must choose between accepting the security of what he has to offer or continuing the complicated legacy of her family's faith.

...my thoughts... 
The title Piecing It All Together is so fitting for this story as it pieces the past along with the present as though each piece was part of a whole.  Savannah Mast's heart was broken but when she landed in Nappanee, her upset world was only the beginning of the whirlwind she found at her grandmother's.  Like most quilt shops, Plain Patterns was a haven for the women in the community to learn the comings and goings of the small town. The events, which for a sleepy Amish community run at a fast clip, unfold events in Savannah's own life that put more than her broken heart into perspective. She was drawn to the circle of quilters, especially Jane, who possessed the amazing gift of sharing stories of her ancestors who settled the area long before the town was born.

I enjoyed this book. To write the journey of one woman is one thing, but to write two women's stories is another matter and to do it well, takes the talents of a writer like Leslie Gould.  I found myself favoring Emma's story over Savannah's, only to realize both women's stories were so good.  Each woman had compelling events in her life that makes her stronger. It is interesting to see how the past, however far removed, can be relevant to our stories today.  Well written, with very interesting characters, Piecing It All Together is not your average book of Amish fiction.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House for an advance reader copy of this book.  All opinions are truly my own.


.

Reviewing:The Mockingbird's Song by Wanda Brunstetter

from the publisher...
Sylvia has been nearly paralyzed with grief and anxiety since the tragic death of her husband, father, and brother in a traffic accident. She tries to help in the family’s greenhouse while caring for her two young children, but she prefers not to have to deal with customers. Her mother’s own grief causes her to hover over her children and grandchildren, and Sylvia seeks a diversion. She takes up birdwatching and soon meets an Amish man who teaches her about local birds. But Sylvia’s mother doesn’t trust Dennis Weaver, and as the relationship sours, mysterious attacks on the greenhouse start up again.

my thoughts...
I've been waiting for Wanda Burnstetter's second Amish Greenhouse Mystery, The Mockingbird's Song, and it was worth the wait. This book focuses on Sylvia, and the grief she is mired in after the devastating loss of not only her husband but also her father and brother.  There is no timeline on grief.  As the anniversary of the accident approaches, she is still content to keep close to her mother's home, her haven from the outside world.  The home she shared with her husband is closed up and remains the same as the day of the accident.

It was a complete surprise to all when she allowed newcomer Dennis Weaver the option to rent her house and set up his horse training business on the grounds.  Change is in the air for both Sylvia and Dennis, two people who needed a fresh start in life.

The mystery of the Amish Greenhouse remains unsolved but the random acts of vandalism hit closer to home each time.  As this book concludes, one has to wonder if it is the neighbor who mistrusts the Amish, rambunctious teens on rumspringa, or the owners of the new bigger Englisch greenhouse? Or someone else entirely?  I enjoyed The Mockingbird's Song, possibly because once again we see a glimpse into human nature.  The good, the surprising and some that could use a little improvement.  whether the reader is Englisch or Amish, we are more alike than we think.

Add Debbie Macomber's A Walk Along the Beach to Your Summer Reading List

...from the publisher...
The Lakey sisters are perfect opposites. After their mother died and their father was lost in grief, Willa had no choice but to raise her sister, Harper, and their brother, Lucas. Then, as an adult, she put her own life on hold to nurse Harper through a terrifying illness. Now that Harper is better and the sisters are living as roommates, Willa has realized her dream of running her own bakery and coffee shop, bringing her special brand of caretaking to the whole Oceanside community.
Harper, on the other hand, is always on the go. Overcoming a terrible illness has given her a new lease on life, and she does not intend to waste it. When Harper announces her plan to summit Mount Rainier, Willa fears she may be pushing herself too far. Harper, for her part, urges Willa to stop worrying and do something outside of her comfort zone—like taking a chance on love with a handsome new customer.

Sean O’Malley is as charming as he is intriguing—a freelance photographer whose assignments take him to the ends of the earth. Soon Willa’s falling for him in a way that is both exciting and terrifying. But life has taught Willa to hedge her bets, and she wonders whether the potential heartache is worth the risk. 

Life has more challenges in store for them all. But both sisters will discover that even in the darkest moments, family is everything.

...my thoughts...
Gorgeous cover, delightful scenery and Debbie Macomber...three things to entice a reader to check out the story between the covers.  I enjoyed this book for many reasons, not the least of which is how family dynamics come into play.  This could be any family who has had grief come uninvited to the table.  Willa quickly cast off the role of big sister to Harper when their mother died.  Their father was unavailable and their brother left home to join the service.  Willa quickly stepped up to fill the gaps to be everyone and everything to her sister.  Harper, having survived a devastating illness, took charge of her health and broke some hearts along the way.  Now, she feels, it is time for Willa to take a look at relaxing enough to find love. After all, her sister gave up so much to take care of her and it was past time for Willa to really live.

Sean O'Malley caught Harper's eye as being a perfect match for Willa.  Unable to think of herself beyond running her business, Willa has no designs on Sean.  Harper is an incorrigible matchmaker, and the rest, as they say, is history.  Except, life has a way of tossing a curve ball and the story has a few balls that are tossed in the air to make things interesting. 

There are many ways this story could have gone.  The characters are in no way one dimensional.  I laughed and I cried when I read this book.  When it gets down to it, if a book has just part of a character the reader can identify with, it is a good study of human nature.  This is a love story, yet not just romantic love, although it is definitely a romance, but the love of family is central to the theme and it is very refreshing. A Walk Along The Beach will fill your heart as it entertains you.  I heartily recommend this book.  I received an advanced reader copy for an honest review, but all opinions are mine.

A Bride of Convenience A Wonderful Story by Jody Hedlund About The Bride Ships from England

...from the publisher...
Unemployed mill worker Zoe Hart jumps at the opportunity to emigrate to British Columbia in 1863 to find a better life and be reunited with her brother, who fled from home after being accused of a crime.

Pastor to miners in the mountains, Abe Merivale discovers an abandoned baby during a routine visit to Victoria and joins efforts with Zoe, one of the newly arrived bride-ship women, to care for the infant. While there, he's devastated by the news from his fiancee in England that she's marrying another man.

With mounting pressure to find the baby a home, Zoe accepts a proposal from a miner of questionable character after he promises to help her locate her brother. Intent on protecting Zoe and frustrated by his failed engagement, Abe offers his own hand as groom. After a hasty wedding, they soon realize their marriage of convenience is not so convenient after all.

...my thoughts...
After 114 days the Robert Lowe arrived in Victoria Britsh Columbia on January 12, 1863. Thirty-eight brides were on board, all unemployed cotton mill workers. A sharp contrast from the Tynemouth, the first Columbia Mission Society brideship, which combined an equal number of wealthy middle-class gentlewomen and poor laborers.  The miners who were anxious for the brides to arrive wouldn't mind a bit to marry any one of the women on board.

Zoe Hart was beyond ready to land.  She was glad to be shut of the oppressive life she left behind in Manchester and eager to begin her search for her long lost twin brother Zeke. Zeke left a few years before under a cloud that no longer existed. The opportunity was tremendous to have a fresh start.  I liked Zoe's character from the start.

 "Heard Captain Verney saying there's hundreds of fellas on the shore"...
"All I need is one," Zoe Chimed in. The right one."
"Handsome?"
"Aye a handsome fella and a good kisser."

Her personality was entertaining and all the time caring for others.  My heart went out to her several times in the book but she is one woman who is true to herself and those she meets.  If she could take care of every child on their own or others in need she would have.  If her husband viewed her as just a convenience, so be it. Her goodness was a breath of fresh air in her new home town of Yale and she fast became a favorite.

Abe Merivale wasn't looking for a bride and with nearly two more years left for his position as a missionary with the Church of England, it wasn't feasible.  He would go home, marry Lizzy and one day become a bishop.  It was all laid out for him.  Until, he met Zoe.  Zoe, who wanted to rock the boat and keep Violet, an orphaned native baby.  Nothing would stand in her way, and Abe, in an absent minded misunderstanding moment, married her.

Jody Hedlund, in her wonderful style, has created a story that has a few bends in the road to this marriage.  Zoe was so unexpected in her role as the wife of a clergyman.  It shows that life is so unexpected and often the best laid plans are best set aside so that one can hear God's own plans, which are often the best of what could be imagined.  I recommend A Bride of Convenience for all who love historical Christian fiction.  Once again, the research is impeccable and this era of settling the west is very intriguing.  The brave women who traveled from England down around South America and  up the Pacific truly have a place in our history.

To check out my reviews of Jody's Bride Ships Series check out my blog posts:

A Reluctant Bride 

The Runaway Bride

Storing Up Trouble Not a Problem for Beatrix in Turano's Latest Novel

...from the publisher...
When Miss Beatrix Waterbury's Chicago-bound train ride is interrupted by a heist, Mr. Norman Nesbit, a man of science who believes his research was the target of the heist, comes to her aid. Despite the fact that they immediately butt heads, they join forces to make a quick escape.
Upon her arrival in Chicago, Beatrix is surprised to discover her supposedly querulous Aunt Gladys shares her own suffragette passions. Encouraged by Gladys to leave her sheltered world, Beatrix begins working as a salesclerk at the Marshall Field and Company department store. When she again encounters Norman on a shopping expedition, he is quickly swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract.

But when another attempt is made to part Norman from his research papers, and it becomes clear Beatrix's safety is also at risk, they soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.

...my thoughts...
From start to finish this book was entertaining.  Beatrix and Norman were destined to meet and meet they did in many uncanny ways.  Invited to leave New York by her own mother, Beatrix headed to Chicago to stay with an aunt whom she knows nothing about.  Aunt Gladys, unconventional and happy to be so, is rumored to be such a bad sort that Norman, who got saddled with Beatrix in a foiled robbery attempt can't bear to abandon Beatrix on that woman's doorstep alone.  Little did anyone know  that this is where the rest of their madcap adventure would begin.

Enticed by the thought of being unknown in Chicago, Beatrix enjoys the thought of having a job as a shop girl to gain the pulse of societal norms.  As a rich young heiress with a lot of time on her hands, she is challenged by her aunt to not just embrace the idea of being a suffragette but learn why she would want to be a suffragette.  Little did she know how much she had to learn about the inner workings of the society she lived in, both on and off the clock.

I enjoyed seeing how many aha moments Beatrix and Norman had as they navigated the world outside of their comfort zones.  I couldn't help but root for them both, although the story was a bit predictable, but fun nevertheless!  If you are looking for some entertainment, I recommend adding Storing Up Trouble, by Jen Turano to your reading list.

At Love's Command A Wonderful Story of the Old West

...from the publisher...

Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger's Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they're the ones in need of saving.

Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she's not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew Hanger's dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine's respect, and when she hears of her brother's abduction, he becomes her only hope for rescue.

Matt has stared down ruthless outlaws, betrayal, and injury, but when a bossy lady doctor crawls under his skin, his heart is tempted to surrender. And when she is caught in the crossfire, he may have to sacrifice everything--even his team--to save her.

...my thoughts...
At Love's Command by Karen Witemeyer is a satisfying story of adventure and romance.  Dr. Jo was not at all who Matt Hanger expected when he brought gravely injured Mark Wallace to her door.  He expected a man.  He wasn't sure she was up to saving Wallace but she was his only hope.  And hope he did because he met his match in this fiery woman doctor.

Josephine Burkett worked hard to get the town to accept her as their physician.  She didn't need a member of the famed Hanger's Horsemen to come in and upset her practice.  What a surprise for both of them when they discovered a bond that would unite them through the gravest conflict of their lives.

I enjoyed this book because it is entertaining, witty and portrays a woman who stepped out in courage as a doctor in the old west.  It is also carries a serious side with characters who show their courage and committment as they battle for their lives and the life of Jo's reckless brother. Spoiled and out of money, he got more than he bargained for when his latest scheme for money endangered all he held dear. This is one of those books that is a perfect addition for that summer reading list.  I received an advance reader copy of this book for review but my opinions and recommendations are my own.  Pick up a copy at your favorite bookseller.

Reviewing Pretending to Wed by Melissa Jagears

...from the publisher...
It’s a match made in heaven…as long as they don’t fall in love! The ranch Nolan Key has spent decades working for, even lost a leg for, is now his—or at least it should be. But an absurd clause in his father’s will means he’s in danger of losing the place to his lazy, undeserving cousin. Nolan finds himself scrambling to save his home—by proposing marriage to the town laundress.

Corinne Stillwater’s hands have betrayed her. Numb from hours of doing the same work over and over, her hands will only heal, according to the town doctor, if she gives up the laundry and marries. But she’s been stung repeatedly by love before, so that is one remedy she can’t swallow.

When Nolan offers Corinne a marriage in name only, how can she refuse? Such a partnership could give them the security they seek, but what if the ranch isn't as secure as they believe, and their lives—and dreams—aren't quite as compatible as they thought?

Pretending to Wed is the second book in the Frontier Vows Series by award-winning Christian romance author Melissa Jagears. If you like marriage of convenience stories that deal with the nitty-gritty of making a relationship work, you’ll love this authentic romance set in a time gone by that tackles issues still relevant for today.


...my thoughts...
Melissa Jagears is a pro when it comes to writing about marriages of convenenience on the old frontier.  Pretending to Wed, book two in her Frontier Vows series is no exception.  Her style is entertaining and her characters are steadfast in their convictions.  Nolan and Corinne Key both have reasons for not marrying so their arrangement is suitable to them both.

Nolan had a mere three months to wed or lose the ranch to his dandyfied cousin Matt.  Corinne suffered with constant pain from doing the only job available for a woman alone to subsist on. Pain slowed her down and she was behind on the rent for her laundry business. She was in danger of losing everything.  It seemed natural that the two join forces and wed from a business standpoint.  No need for romance. No entanglements. A visit from greedy Mat and his finacee Lilith  was all it took to push Matt to a proposal.

Corinne had been thwarted in her past relationships and after warding off several proposals from the single men in town she gained the reputation of being against marriage.  She met her match in Nolan, a man who supported her uncanny ability to create marvelous inventions.  She kept pace with him on the ranch, working side by side while keeping up with the house and her tinkering projects.  It would be hard to keep a partnership like this purely business.

I enjoyed this book. Instead of a lonely man and a wilting female, we have Matt and Corinne.  Following their journey, with its twists and turns was as entertaining as it was in showing what determination and faith can lead to for a good marriage.  This is the stuff that settled the west.  This is the type of story that our great grandparents might have told if we turned back time.  

Reviewing: Before I Called You Mine

...from the publisher...
Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there's only one match she's committed to now--the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first-grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption. To satisfy her adoption agency's requirements, she gladly agreed to remain single for the foreseeable future; however, just as her long wait comes to an end, Lauren is blindsided by a complication she never saw coming: Joshua Avery.

Joshua may be a substitute teacher by day, but Lauren finds his passion for creating educational technology as fascinating as his antics in the classroom. Though she does her best to downplay the undeniable connection between them, his relentless pursuit of her heart puts her commitment to stay unattached to the test and causes her once-firm conviction to waver.

With an impossible decision looming, Lauren might very well find herself choosing between the two deepest desires of her heart . . . even if saying yes to one means letting go of the other.

...my thoughts...
Before I Called You Mine is a heartwarming story of one woman's determination to adopt a child from China. On her own.  A single woman.  The process was rigorous and it would be quite an experience for  a married couple united in love and support for each other.  I admired  her determination but she didn't even have the support of her family, which would have lightened her burden somewhat.

Joshua was my favorite character.  His personality and sincerity was the right balance for Lauren.  I cheered him on as Lauren strived to remain true to the guidelines of the adoption requirements.  His patience was incredible and his love stronger enough to let her be. 

Before I Called You Mine is a book of firsts for me.  My first Nicole Deese book and the first book I have read with such an up close and personal experience with adoption.  It is an engaging story of resilience, courage and love.  Lauen and Joshusa's faith is intertwined in this book, and it is part of the determination both have as their love grows.  It is a funny, serious book and will have you laughing and crying on the same page.  I received my copy from #BethanyHouse to review but my opinions are most definitely mine.