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  I liked the parallel of their lives as Anna sets off for Strasburg and her grandmother, who was growing more withdrawn into Alzheimer's perks up and speaks briefly of her time there in her youth.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

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.