Nothing is Easy in A Plain Leaving

When Jessica Bachmann left her home in Lancaster County three years ago.  She left behind her family, the man she loved and her Amish way of life.  Starting over in the Englisch world, she worked her way up in her job at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.  Things in her life were settled until she received word that her beloved father had passed away from lung cancer.

I wasn't surprised to get hooked right away into Leslie Gould's latest offering, A Plain Leaving.  This happens every time I pick up one of her books to read and like the others, I had a hard time putting it down.  I am excited to share that this is book one in her new The Sisters of Lancaster County series. 

Traveling home was almost harder than the day she left.  Her relationship with her mother had been distant. Her brother Arden and sister Marie were only to happy to show her a less than welcome homecoming. Baptized into the faith before she had left, she was shunned and felt the sting from her family especially at mealtimes.  All were content to leave it that way except Silas, her former boyfriend and her dear Aenti Suz.

Her Aenti Suz was a welcome relief in her grief and as Jessica sought her comfort, a parallel story unfolded about Ruby.  The Bachmann family had farmed their land for over 240 years and Ruby was the only daughter of the first Bachmanns to settle in America.  Aenti Suz shared enough of Ruby to keep Jessica eagerly coming back for the whole story.  I must admit that I, too eagerly waited for more of that story.

Jessica loved her family's land and worked  hard to assist with all the chores to help make their load lighter under difficult circumstances. They didn't appreciate her help although they accepted it.  She quickly got back into the routine.  However, she soon learned that her brother had plans for the land that her father would never have agreed to had he lived.  Her job at the Department of Agriculture uncovered information about oil fracking on several farms in the area. It seemed like a good alternative to farming if one didn't like that line of work.  It seemed her brother would willingly give up their livelihood to turn a profit. Jessica had to stop Arden from destroying the land and the family's legacy.  Could she truly leave her home once more after all that she has learned?

I liked this story for many reasons.  The author has a gift for creating characters the reader can identify with.  Forgiveness, unconditional love, loyalty, deceit, perfection and jealousy are just a few things that are woven into the story.  So too is hope and courage.  I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good story that will leave you looking for more.  Many thanks to Bethany House for the opportunity to read this wonderful book and to the author for beginning a new series that promises to be a good one.

True Love Will Find a Way in The Captive Bride Collection!

The  Captive Brides Collection is a book of novellas written by nine noted Christian authors.  Each story is unique and gives insight to the many ways women were held captive by nature of their birth or upbringing.  These stories all have a happy ending yet each heroine went through many trials to escape their particular bondage. Whether they were born into slavery or paid for the crimes of their pare

Love’s Labour’s Found by Jennifer AlLee - Montserrat, West Indies, 1655
A woman answered an ad to be a governess only to be imprisoned and sold as a slave. Her future looked bleak for who would believe the story of  a woman prisoner.  

The Suspect Bride by Susan Page Davis - Oregon, 1890s
A crooked brother-in-law, a jealous would-be suitor and a handsome young attorney all tie together the fate of poor Verity.  When her brother-in-law disappears and is feared murdered, the sheriff takes her into custody with neither proof or positive evidence. It is only through the perseverance of Jack, the shy, handsome lawyer that the truth comes out.  

His Golden Treasure by Darlene Franklin - Barbary Coast, San Francisco, Cnts, greedy uncles or just being hungry and poor, each woman was held with seemingly no way to escape.  I was struck how hard their lot in life was and wonder how many women could have been in similar circumstances that never found reprieve!  Nine stories in one and here are my thoughts on a few.

A, 1873
A lovely young girl, born in a brothel, is about to come of age and her mother's madam has plans to exploit her. Goldie has been protected for most of her life, even after her mother's death.  Little does she realize  until nearly too late that her dreams may turn to dust.  Enter a handsome young preacher whose teaching and connections to rouse the madam who would sell her to the highest bidder. 

Love’s Escape by Carrie Fancett Pagels - Virginia, 1850  
Lettie's story takes us back to the underground railroad days where slaves traveled north, seeking freedom.  Her mother's death put her in dire circumstances and she must get away with her life.  Nathan and his father are conductors on this amazing railroad.  He is in love with Lettie who had no idea  of his participation until he convinces her to take a chance with her escape!  A wonderful plan executed in such a way to keep the reader hooked up to the end.  

Waltzing Matilda by Lucy Thompson - Sydney, Australia, 1821
We meet Matilda & her baby Charlotte as she escaped the Women's Factory and tries to hide among a herd of sheep.  She captured the heart of one handsome man who must convince her that she is worthy of his love.   As a woman who was used and abused, this is no small task but love will out in the end.

Other stories to read in this entertaining collection include:

A Score to Settle by Gina Welborn On the Missouri River, 1870
Through Stormy Waters by Patty Smith Hall - Atlantic Ocean, 1755
Moira’s Quest by Cynthia Hickey - New York, 1869
His Indentured Bride by Angela Breidenbach


Thank you to Net Galley and Barbour Books for the opportunity to read this book for review. I was not required to give a positive review but I did enjoy it!

For the Love of Reading!

I feel blessed to have the opportunity to read whatever I want. Sometimes it is a traditional book full of honest to goodness real paper....or an e-book on my tablet, phone or
laptop....syncing allows me to have an e-book with me at all times. I also have an audio book ready to "read" when I crave a story and want to multi-task. My 8th grade teacher taught us to read in "snatches of time" even if it was only 5 minutes at a time.

Here is the old Heath Library,
 one of the old Carnegie Libraries in Spokane

My mother was an avid reader who read to us often. I came from a large family so sometimes her lap was overflowing to a few of us sitting on the floor by the chair. It was a treat when she read us a chapter book such as Pollyanna. Bedtime reading was great and as we crowded on the bed to listen before prayers, sometimes we could talk her into two chapters. Trips to the library were part of our routine as kids. Sometimes Dad would take us and just patiently read the paper in the car or sit a blanket on the library's lawn while we chose our treasured books.

 Summer reading programs began in earnest with the wistful dream of getting all the stickers on a bookmark presented to us by the librarian.  I can't remember what the prizes were when we completed our list but I can tell you the anticipation each summer was exciting.

The love of reading has been passed down to my daughters who enjoyed many hours of listening to my husband and I reading to them.  Library visits were a fun way to spend an afternoon.  Books by Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume were favored gifts that were read and re-read over time.  Reading was a favorite pastime that

crowded out any chance of "I'm bored" slipping outside their lips.

Now I am happy to see that this love of reading has been passed along to my grandchildren.  From the experienced to the youngest who is beginning to sound out words they love books!  I have always been amazed at the vocabulary of these children who have been exposed to reading.  "I am thrilled when I hear the comments that the book was better than the movie!"  My heart is full when I see some of those favorites being pulled off a shelf yet again to be read and treasured.

Sheer Determination Prevails in The Proving by Beverly Lewis

Mandy has been away from home for five years.  It is only after learning that her mother has passed that she returns to learn the conditions about inheriting the family's Bed and Breakfast.  She doesn't understand why her mother left her the business instead of her twin, Arie.  If she can keep the business going and turn a profit for a full twelve months, she will receive her full inheritance.  Once done, she plans to sell the place and return to her life among the Englisch with her own florist shop. 

Her plans sound easy but one by one her help leave her to man the business alone.  Never a cook that could offer the sumptuous meals offered by her mother, she needs to get help or lose the business.  Help comes from the most unlikely source and proves that one can never judge a book by its cover. 

This is a heartwarming story of forgiveness and renewal.  Written in a style only Beverly Lewis can give it is a book worth adding to your collection.  You will come to love the spirit with which Mandy grows not only in her heart but also her faith.  The only missing from this book were the recipes to the amazing sounding recipes served up every day at the B and B.

A Plain and Sweet Christmas Romance Collection - Nine Novellas to Warm Up Your Christmas

Reading A Plain And Sweet Christmas was a bit of a change for me.  This historical novella collection is filled with the stories of nine couples set in the Christmas season.  Take a break from your typical commercial holiday faire and relax with this collection from Amish, Mennonite, Quaker and Amana Settlements.

In this collection you will find:
A Crossroad to Love by Lauralee Bliss
Simple Gifts by Ramona K Cecil
A Christmas Prayer by Dianne Christner
Treasure of the Heart by Melanie Dobson
Love Is Forever by Jerry Echer
Love's Pure Light by Olivia Newport
Pirate of My Heart by Rachael O. Phillips
Equally Yoked by Claire Sanders
Abigail's Christmas Candles by Anna Schmidt

Treasure of the Heart by Melanie Dobson, set in the Amana Colonies was particularly fun for me. This treasure in Iowa is largely preserved and rich with history.  I have visited the area several times and I could visualize each place mentioned in the story.  It is a fun place to stop into if you are ever in the Cedar Rapids area.

Each story gave insight to individual struggles the couples had to bear whether from their past or trials they faced within their faith. Although set in days gone by, many of the themes resonate today. Whether it is facing a separation due to war, helping in the Abolition Movement or leaving the life of a pirate for a newfound faith, the characters are easy to identify with. 

Even with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, all were wrapped up neatly like a bow on packages under our trees.  Consider picking up this book for a change of pace from the aforementioned movies.  These are not cookie cutter formula stories and you won't have to suffer a large dose of commercials!

Bookshelf worthy with five stars.

Reviewing: The Christmas Blessing: An Uplifting Book by Melody Carlson

If you are looking for a book to lift your spirits, The Christmas Blessing by Melody  Carlson is for you.  I was caught between the pages from the beginning and read it straight through. 

 It is close to Thanksgiving in 1944 and Amelia Richards is determined to take her infant son James to meet his grandparents for the first time.  The only problem is, they don't know about her or little Jimmy.  She met James, a handsome Navy pilot and they enjoyed a whirlwind wartime romance.  They had a license and were set to marry but just the day before the wedding, the Navy called him back to duty.  A duty that would lead to his plane being shot down over the Pacific.

Amelia and little Jimmy embark on journey by train from San Diego to Rockford Montana.  Down on her luck, she makes a decision that will change their lives for good.  She finds a resilience and strength that she never knew she possessed.  Montana is very different than San Diego and all too soon Amelia  learns that she is alone and broke.  I found her courage and determination to do the best for Jimmy very admirable.

Melody Carlson captures the human spirit so well. Each year I look forward to her annual Christmas book.  I recommend The Christmas Blessing wholeheartedly and hope you will pick up a copy at your favorite bookseller.  This book has found a spot with my Christmas Collection and will be read again as the season draws near each year.

Bygone Christmas Brides - Seasoned Tales for Today

 Bygone Christmas Brides, set in days gone by, is written by six authors sharing a bit of Christmas romance. Written by Ginny Aiken, Carla Gade, Pamela Griffin, Tamela Hancock Murray, Jill Stengl and Gina Welborn, these novellas will warm your hearts and spread a little welcome cheer as the summer wanes and darker evenings beckon.

I enjoyed these stories, richly woven with tradition and the hope for love.  Love at Christmas seems all the more poignant when the dreams of the young are often closer to the heart.  Each bride carefully considered her groom, whether he knew he was being considered or not.

Lost and Found by Ginny  Aiken A young woman vows to remain single rather than marry the wonderful man she loves.  the only problems is: he works at the mine. She is the daughter of an 1870's Welsh mine owner who will not suffer the loss of one more person she loves to that mine.

'Tis the Season by Carla Gade  This story is set in Schooley's Mountain, New Jersey.  The doctor's daughter met a carpenter who rescued her after her horse got spooked and tipped her carriage. She kissed him soundly afterward, an untoward action by a young lady of 1820, especially one committed to remain single to care for her aging father.  Time, it seems would find a solution to a life without her handsome young man.

I Saw Three Ships by Pamela Griffin tells the story of the love between Malcolm Sinclair and Rachel MacIvor.  Set in Scotland in the middle of the 19th century, theirs is a love that formed as children and was torn apart when he was forced to leave unannounced for university.  Now, he is the new Laird and must win back the love of the fiercely independent woman who wants no part of him or the rich life he can offer her.

Colleen of Erin by Tamela Hancock Murray  Finn Donohue, owner of the largest mercantile in Dublin, has long admired Colleen Sullivan from afar.  He'll eagerly order whatever she needs or wants, knowing it will bring her once again to his store.  He has worked hard to overcome hardships he and his mother bore when his father long ago left him.  His bitterness lingers and his hard heart is the one thing that stands between the kind and gentle spirit Colleen possesses.  As they spend time together, events occur that causes her to wonder if he can possibly change. It is a Christma visitor who opens the young man's eyes to the truth of his spirit.

A Right and Proper Christmas  by Jill Stengl  A weary soldier returning from battle finds himself in the rector's home of a small town church.  What he finds is incomparable love and service from a truly christian home.  I found this novella inspiring for the unconditional love for mankind.

Mercy Mild by Gina Welborn What better tribute to the Christmas spirit than a story of an orphan finding a new home with loving parents? Try a woman afraid to love a man because of the promise that love could bring a child to her unwilling arms.  I enjoyed this story for the hope and change anyone can receive in their life with a little faith and push from those who truly love.

Short though they are, novellas can give us a glimpse into a person's character more readily than a full book that needs to include a broader range of characters and events.  If I like a novella I often hope it is the introduction of a new series being written by the author.

For the season, we are often so busy preparing for Christmas that we may not want to contemplate reading a full book.  This collection is inspiring and sure to put a little extra spirit in your heart.

Dare To Spend 12 Days at Bleakly Manor

If you enjoy Charles Dickens and Agatha Christie, then 12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep is a book you want to savor by the fire.  Great hosts can entice nearly anyone to a fine mansion for the holidays. In true bleak form, however, this is one place you may not want the carriage to stop.  On December 24th, 1850, invitations were delivered to a select few who would spend the holidays at the stately Victorian manor.  

For Clara Chapman, a young woman reduced to poor circumstances after being left at the altar on her wedding day, the surprising invitation is quite puzzling for it said:

"The Twelve Days of Christmas 

As never's been reveled

Your presence, Miss Chapman, is respectfully herald.

Bleakly Manor's the place 

And after twelve nights

Five hundred pounds

Will be yours by rights."

There would be no question she would go though she hated to leave the aunt she lovingly cared for.  Go she did and what she found would change her life forever.

Benjamin Lane, betrayed and marked with a prison tattoo languished in his cell, angry at the unknown person who stole his life, took his fortune and turned his only love against him. He too received an invitation to the manor but his invitation gave him no choice but to attend.  Attend the twelve days at Bleakly and he may get his freedom.  Escape from Bleakly and he would love his life.

All who gathered at Bleakly were led there for a purpose. All sought the reward offered if they could but stay the twelve nights.  Each day grew bleaker, however and death was not a stranger as mysterious events turned up and the guests numbers dwindled.

As fate would have it, Clara and Benjamin had met before. She was his love, the one he lost through betrayal. He was the man who left her alone at the church humiliated. A humiliation that was heightened by the ruin of her family's business and fortune through embezzlement by the same man she trusted and loved.

Who will remain and win the prize?  If you seek the answer, read the book!  A delicious plot complete with the Dickens flavor of Victorian England.  Charles Dickens, my favorite author of all time, was a champion of the poor and mistreated.  Agatha Christie would have loved the intrigue of the stately manor and absent host.  I enjoyed the opportunity to read this book for review from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing.  I recommend this book as one you will read this season and in seasons to come!

Beloved Christmas Quilt A Tale Lovingly Written by Wanda Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter and Richelle Brunstetter.

The Beloved Christmas Quilt is a three generational story written, appropriately by three generations of Brunstetter women: Wanda, Jean and Richelle.  Neatly tucked into the story is a beautiful quilt that will bring comfort to three generations of women in the Zook family.  The quilt bears a label lovingly embroidered  by Dena Zook's mother with the words "For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me."  Psalm 31:3    

 Luella's story is written by celebrated author Wanda Brunstetter. Luella is a sweet, unselfish young woman who is the caregiver for Dena, who is dying from  heart disease.  True to her unselfish nature she strives to provide loving care to Dena's son Daryl while keeping up with all the meals and household tasks.  One day, Dena gives Luella a beautiful heirloom quilt, made by her mother.  Dena intended to lovingly pass it along to her own daughter one day.  She sees something special in Luella's heart and gives the quilt to her with the promise that she will continue to dare for Daryl and Atlee after she is gone.

 After Dena passes, Luella continues to care for Daryl as promised. As her love for the child grows, she begins to have feelings for Atlee.  Although she is being pursued by Eugene Lapp, she realizes she is in love with Atlee, Daryl's father who is sixteen years her senior.  The age difference seems insurmountable and Luella's parents are at odds to accept Atlee as a suitable husband for their daughter.  Does a heart recognize age as an obstacle?

Karen's story, written by Jean Brunstetter, is one that could resonate with any young wife and mother who has moved with her husband far from the family farm.  Karen is lost without her parents nearby. She goes through the daily motions of caring for her young family but can't help but feel her life would be so much better if she could convince Seth to move back home to be closer to family.

Seth, working through his own stress on the job feels the added pressure of Karen's unhappiness.  His job provides a better income for his family than he could earn back home. Karen and Seth face what seems to be insurmountable differences.  As she holds the Beloved Christmas Quilt close, she discovers the verse on the label and it provides her with comfort. Can she take heart in the verse as her mother did before her?

Roseanna's story is written by newcomer Richelle Brunstetter, Jean's daughter and Wanda's granddaughter. Roseanna's story is that of a young woman who is left standing alone at her wedding by her beloved John. Her mother, Karen, wants to pass along the quilt to Roseanna, believing that it could provide a special comfort to her.  Roseanna, knowing the history of the quilt, doesn't feel worthy of the quilt since John didn't marry her.

After weeks of staying home, she finally goes to town and runs into Mark, who recently moved back to town.  The attention he gives her is a welcome change after John's rejection.  After staying with his aunt and uncle to think through his actions, John returned. He tried to explain what prompted him to leave but Roseanna refused to hear him out.  But when a tragedy strikes her family will the dashing suitor or the man who truly knows her heart truly be there at her side?  Once more the quilt provides comfort that so long ago was stitched into each layer.

Like constant character in the story, a quilt that was a labor of love touched the lives of all who owned. I wonder how many of us have a treasured gift that was passed down through generation. The Beloved Christmas Quilt is a heartwarming book that will make a wonderful addition for your Christmas reading list!

Reviewing: Any Dream Will Do by Debbie Macomber

Shay Benson stepped off the bus in downtown Seattle and realized that she was on her own.  She had a little money but nowhere to go. No family, no home.  Just released from Purdy Corrections Center, the real world was staring her in the face and it was overwhelming. And cold! Without thinking she walked into a church near the bus stop.  Of all the unlikely places to go she found herself in a church and found herself asking God, "You got anything for me?"

As in answer, a man looked over his shoulder and Shay realized she was not so alone after all.  Pastor Drew Douglas was deep in his own prayer as one who felt he was at his wits end.  His wife died from cancer, his church attendance was down and he could use some help with his two children.  Even after three years he couldn't seem to get on with things without her.

This quiet meeting between Shay and Drew sets the tone for a wonderful story of faith, courage, second chances and love.

Any Dream Will Do is the latest novel from beloved author Debbie Macomber. Written with well developed characters, the book is full of hope for those who seem to have lost their hope.  Shay has faced trouble since the death of her mother.  Her father was bitter and abusive and she was responsible for her younger brother Caden.  When she is seduced by the promise of love and escape from her father by her boyfriend Shooter, she finds instead an uglier world with a dangerous gang leader. Her brother is also drawn into this lifestyle and her story begins to spiral out of control.  The love she has for her brother leads her to embezzle money to ward off gang members greedy for him to repay a loan.  Off to prison she went without another word from Caden.

Drew was startled from his prayers by Shay and immediately rose to help her.  With his help she was able to enter Hope Center, a program that was designed for women who needed a second chance. The program had strict guidelines but she worked hard, graduated from the program and was ready for her new life with a new job and a new home.

Shay was grateful to Drew for seeing her as she could be, not as the woman who served time in a prison.  Her life was not easy yet it was better than she could remember. She found her faith and it stood her in good stead when troubles came her way. Life doesn't always prepare you for those times when your past encroaches like an unwelcome guest.  With Drew's help she finds her way.

Drew had faith in Shay and when things threatened to hurt her he was at her side.  As her past came to light to more members of the congregation, doubt reared its head.  Shay's resilience was admirable.  This is a well written story for anyone who has ever doubted their own courage to dream for a better situation in life.  It is uplifting and enjoyable.  When asked what her dreams were, Shay couldn't answer. She was told, "Any dream will do."  These four words were used more than once and were such an encouraging theme.  Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine books for the opportunity to review this book.

Reviewing: Heart On The Line By Karen Witemeyer

It's late autumn and Grace Mallory has been in hiding for nearly a year.  She holds the secret her father carried before he was gunned down before her eyes on the streets of Denver.  Greed is at the heart of the  matter when a mine owner learns his fortune is at stake. Heart On The Line by Karen Witemeyer is set in 1894 in the old west, making it a good book to sit back and enjoy with a nice cup of tea.

Our heroine is a telegraph operator who has been "on the line" after hours with one Amos Bledsoe forming an innocent, yet warm friendship.  One night as they were "chatting", their discussion is interrupted by an urgent telegraph message that Grace's whereabouts have been discovered. She enlists help from the local lawman but help comes from another surprising source. Amos "overheard" the coded message and swiftly moved everything to catch a train then rent a stubborn mule to come to her aid.  What followed is a tale that has the flavor of the late 19th century, colorful for its innovations.

I liked the book for the sense of adventure; a young woman in hiding, rescued by an unlikely hero.  Amos was a mild mannered, bespectacled man who lived with his mother. A telegrapher by trade his preferred method of transportation was a velocipede. Amos made no secret he would rather ride a bicycle than a horse and this caused enough curiosity among the town that added fun to the story.

For every wonderful young man with a good heart there is a handsome rake that can turn women to putty in his hands.  This man was wearing the badge of a Pinkerton; one who seemingly searched long and hard for Grace.  Under the guise of protection, he assured her he was sent to personally carry out what her father intended to do before he was shot.  Justice would be served.

The man who killed her father is not one to letting sleeping dogs lie.  Although he didn't personally pull the trigger, Chaucer Haversham had men on his payroll who would do anything to keep the man's fortune from slipping to a long thought dead sister. Deception and relentless determination tested Grace's resolve.

In the end, I think one should pick up a copy of Heart On The Line to solve the mystery and see who wins the heart of Grace Mallory. From the bicycles to the parallel of chatting on the wire to online chatting I think the author brought 1894 up to speed with 2017.

Many thanks to Bethany House for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.