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.


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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.