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  I liked the parallel of their lives as Anna sets off for Strasburg and her grandmother, who was growing more withdrawn into Alzheimer's perks up and speaks briefly of her time there in her youth.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.