With Autumn's Return

by Amanda Cabot

Review & GIVEAWAY!

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring!

Description

Elizabeth Harding arrives in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to establish her medical practice thanks to the wooing of her two older sisters who extolled the beauty of the land. She's certain she'll have a line of patients eager for her expertise and gentle bedside manner. However, she soon discovers the town and its older doctor may not welcome a new physician. Even more frustrating, the handsome young attorney next door may not be ready for the idea of a woman doctor. For his part, Jason Nordling has nothing against women, but he's promised himself that the woman he marries will be a full-time mother.

Despite their firm principles, Elizabeth and Jason find that mutual attraction--and disdain from the community--is drawing them ever closer. And when the two find themselves working to save the life and tattered reputation of a local woman, they'll have to decide how far they're willing to go to find justice--and true love.

This book can be purchased at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

http://www.deepershopping.com/

Biography

Amanda Cabot:

With both parents avid readers, it's no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction, which included a play for her fifth grade class entitled "All About Thermometers," were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she's sold more than twenty five novels under a variety of pseudonyms. When she's not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and - of course - reading.

Home Page: https://www.sff.net/people/amanda.cabot/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amanda-Cabot/110238182354449

My Review ~

In the late 1800s a woman was not looked upon as possessing the capacity or skill to become a doctor, much less be accepted into medical school and graduating at the top of her class. In this novel Elizabeth Harding had received her medical degree and moved to Cheyenne to set up her medical practice, expecting to become a successful doctor. Unfortunately the residents discredited her skills and scoffed at her. Attorney, Jason Nordling occupied the office next door. His attitude and most recent court case unfortunately raised Elizabeth's indignation, an incident that didn't help her gain his friendship. Mingling with high society did little to bring patients to the doctor's office, and old Doc Worland offered no help, degrading and belittling her. Diphtheria threatened her friend and unborn child, and despite Dr. Worland's intercession she taught the housemaid to treat the disease. Soon thereafter Jason developed diphtheria and became her first infirmary patient. Their rocky beginnings had begun to develop into a deepened friendship, and Elizabeth refused to allow Jason to die. 

With Autumn's Return is the third in a series called Westward Winds. I had not read the prequels to this book, but found it to be a successful standalone novel aside from a bit of confusion regarding the numerous characters. That did not take away from the story which involved numerous subplots running alongside the development of the relationship between the main characters. The setting was well delineated, revealing a picturesque representation of the landscape of Wyoming, and the numerous characters were defined in detail, a wide array of varying individuals from all walks of life. Amanda Cabot is a talented author of historical fiction and her research is evident. I enjoyed this book, and hope to read the prequels at some time in the future. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Revell and the For Readers Only program through Book Fun in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

CONTEST GUIDELINES: Please leave a comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address from spammers. Share this review with your friends. Giveaways are limited to residents of the continental US only, please. I am not responsible for loss or damage through the postal service. Winners have one week to claim their prizes. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate all of your comments!

Optional: For additional chances to win this giveaway, share this contest through either Twitter or Facebook, and sign up to follow my blog. Please let me know what you did for extra chances to win. Deadline for this giveaway is Wednesday, 4-30-14.

Review & GIVEAWAY!

An Amish Garden, Four Amish Novellas

by Beth Wiseman,

Kathleen Fuller,

Tricia Goyer &

Vannetta Chapman!

 An Amish Garden

Description

“Where Healing Blooms” Vannetta Chapman

Emma discovers a run-away teen in her barn, and the bishop asks her to provide a haven for a woman and her two children. Then her mother-in-law reveals a secret about her garden. Will Emma choose loneliness or learn to accept God’s gifts?

"Flowers for Rachael" Kathleen Fuller

Rachael’s garden is beautiful, but she is lonely. Gideon is in love with Rachael, but when Rachael finds her garden in shambles after a crisis, she rejects his help. Will she realize she doesn’t have to do everything on her own?

“Seeds of Love” Tricia Goyer

When a corporation shows interest in buying Sadie’s heirloom seeds, she panics. They are all she has left of her Dat and Mem. Eli believes he can help Sadie, but a misunderstanding leaves her heartbroken. Will she trust him again, and will the seeds of a new relationship take root?

“Rooted in Love” Beth Wiseman

Rosemary is doing her best to run her family’s household. She excels at all her tasks except one: gardening. Saul has been interested in her for years, but Rosemary has turned him down repeatedly. Saul begins helping with her family’s garden, but someone is sabotaging his efforts—and keeping a secret that could change their lives.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.deepershopping.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.christianbook.com/,  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

My Review ~

Rooted in Love by Beth Wiseman

Beth Wiseman has written a poignant Amish story of love and loss based on a conversation the main character overheard. Two people's lives are fraught with dismay that honesty, openness and trust would have assuaged. The author paints a realistic portrait of Amish life, creating characters with emotion and sensitivity. I enjoyed this short story of relationships and the developments that resulted despite a misunderstanding.

Flowers for Rachel by Kathleen Fuller

Kathleen Fuller has depicted Rachel and Gideon's friendship in a very tender and expressive perspective. The Amish lifestyle is well described, and Rachel's relationship with her "grossdaadi" is amusing and entertaining. The author used very touching quotations at the headings of each chapter, appropriate to the content and very thought provoking. I enjoyed that addition to the story. The development of Rachel and Gideon's relationship was very charming and endearing. 

Seeds of Love by Tricia Goyer

Considerable loss and loneliness are pivotal factors in the life of Tricia Goyer's protagonist. Life-changing events set the mood for this expressive narrative. Heirloom tomato seeds are all that remain from Sadie's past, and a misunderstanding affects her attitude toward immediate family members. The young man depicted in this story is presented with compassion and a depth of character. The events throughout this novella are heartrending and poignant, and misconceptions are emotive.

Where Healing Blooms by Vannetta Chapman

Spring has arrived in Shipshewana, and Mary Ann's garden is once again her haven. Her daughter-in-law, Emma, joins her in weeding and tending to the garden, more expansive and prolific with each passing year. The garden haven holds secrets that no one could suspect. Vannetta Chapman weaves a story with depth and perception that places her in a category all her own. Her characters are strong and the setting picturesque. There's no guessing the ensuing events in this well-written novella. Much diversity is revealed in this extraordinary short story and I craved more, but the author wrapped up all loose ends bringing closure to this impressive novella.

Summary:

Faith, hope and love are strong elements in each of these novellas, and God's timing is always perfect, making for four well-written and very enjoyable novellas in this compilation. I highly recommend this collection of Amish garden stories, each containing very enjoyable story lines in their own right.

Disclaimer: 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

CONTEST GUIDELINES: Please leave a comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address from spam. Share this review with your friends. Giveaways are limited to residents of the continental US only, please. I am not responsible for loss or damage through the postal service. Winners have one week to claim their prizes. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate all of your comments!

Optional: For additional chances to win this giveaway, share this contest through either Twitter or Facebook, and sign up to follow my blog. Please let me know what you did for extra chances to win. Deadline for this giveaway is Saturday, 4-26-2014.

The Berenstain Bears 

& The Easter Story

by Jan & Mike Berenstain

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet Easter Story!

Description

It's almost Easter time and Brother, Sister, and Honey Cub can't stop thinking about all the Easter candy that they want to eat. They know that Easter is about more than just candy, it's also about "Bible stuff". It's up to their Sunday School teacher Miss Ursula and some of the older cubs to teach them why we celebrate Easter. Includes a sheet of stickers.

Purchase at:

http://www.deepershopping.com/

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

Biography

Jan & Mike Berenstain 
Stan and Jan Berenstain introduced the first Berenstain Bear books in 1962. Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents work together to write about and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Though Stan died in 2005, and Jan in 2012, Mike continues to create the delightful Bear adventures from the family home and studio in Pennsylvania, in an area that looks much like the sunny dirt road deep in Bear Country.

My Review ~

It was springtime in Bear Country, and with Easter coming soon the bears were consumed with thoughts of candy. Their Sunday school teacher even expressed her favorite kind of candy, black jelly beans. One of the other Sunday school classes was putting on a play called The Easter Story, and the bears were excited to see it. The bear children were attentive as the story of Easter was acted out on the stage, with props and costumes representative of the time when Jesus was performing miracles and teaching his followers. Some people became angry with Jesus, and accused him of becoming too powerful. The story continues with Jesus' arrest, crucifixion and resurrection.

Jan & Mike Berenstain have created another wonderful children's book in the Berenstain Bears tradition. The illustrations are colorful and true to the subject matter, and The Easter Story is very well told and appropriate for younger children. This is a book that can be used each year when Easter approaches, and passed down through the generations. I found the book to be well done and enjoyable, a story that children can understand and remember. I recommend this book for families with young children. This edition of the book also contains a sheet of stickers for children to use with their Easter projects.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Zondervan in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Maybelle in Stitches

A Quilts of Love Book

by Joyce Magnin

Description

Maybelle Kazinzki can’t sew. She was after all, the only girl in the seventh grade Home Economics class to sew the zipper in the neck hole of the A-Line dress they were supposed to make. But when she finds an unfinished quilt in the attic of her mother’s house she gets the crazy idea to finish it—somehow, come heck or high water. She thinks it will help fill the lonely nights while her husband, Holden, is serving overseas during World War II.

Her recently departed mother’s quilt is made from scraps of material Maybelle traces back to her mother’s childhood, her grandmother’s childhood and her own childhood. She tries to add one of Holden’s stripes to it but the sewing is not going well and neither is her life. After receiving some harsh news, Maybelle’s faith falters and she puts the quilt away and stops trusting God. But God is faithful- no matter what. And it’ll take a group of neighborhood women armed with quilting needles to help Maybelle believe that.

This book can be purchased at the follow locations:

http://www.deepershopping.com/

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

Biography

Joyce Magnin is the author of the Bright’s Pond novels, including the award-winning The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow. A member of the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Fellowship, Joyce is a frequent workshop leader and the organizer of the StoryCrafters fiction group. She lives near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

http://joycemagnin.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/joyce.magnin.7?fref=ts&ref=br_tf

My Review ~

World War II placed numerous women in the work force to aid in the country's war effort. The characters in Maybelle in Stitches are employees of a famous shipyard, the main character and her best friend working as welders. The women in this story are waiting for their husbands to arrive home from the war, passing the time together, visiting and sharing sad news as well as good. The main character's mother died, and when Maybelle was cleaning out her mother's things she discovered a quilt her mother had started, and numerous odd pieces of fabric. Those fabrics turned out to be pieces of cloth saved from clothing her family had worn, pieces of Maybelle's baby quilt, etc. A quilting group eventually formed to piece together memories of the past and the present, bringing these women together not only to create a warm bed covering, but a bit of hope to their lives.

It is obvious that a lot of research went into the writing of this book. The details regarding the shipyard and the type of work that women were doing throughout World War II was interesting. I enjoyed the camaraderie that developed between these women while putting together a crazy quilt of memories. I had a bit of trouble staying focused while reading the daily details of the characters, and the repetition. This book could have used more editing. There were a few discrepancies, etc. The last few chapters were quite enjoyable and I enjoyed the creation of the crazy quilt of memories.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from LitFuse in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

What Follows After

by Dan Walsh
Review & GIVEAWAY!

5.0 out of 5 stars Dynamic!

Available Now!

Read the First Chapter

Description

In 1962, life was simple, the world made sense, and all families were happy. And when they weren’t, everyone knew you were supposed to pretend.

With their family about to collapse, Colt Harrison and his little brother, Timmy, hatched a plan. They would run away from their Florida home, head for their aunt’s house in Savannah, Georgia, and refuse to come home until their parents got back together. But things go terribly, terribly wrong. Colt’s mother and father must come to grips with years of neglect and mistrust in order to recover their sons, their love for one another, and their broken marriage.

In this emotional story set against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Dan Walsh takes readers on a journey to rediscover the things that matter most in life–love, truth, and family.

This book can be purchased at the following locations: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | IndieBound | Books-a-Million & http://www.deepershopping.com/item/dan-walsh/what-follows-after/5952049.html

Biography

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of 9 novels, published by Revell and Guideposts, including The Unfinished Gift, The Reunion and The Dance. He has won 3 ACFW Carol Awards, 2 Selah Awards, and twice his novels have been named as finalists for RT Reviews Inspirational Novel of the Year.

For those who haven't read Dan's books, reviewers often compare him to Nicholas Sparks and Richard Paul Evans. His latest project is partnering with Gary Smalley on a 4-book fiction series. The first book, The Dance, released in April 2013. It hit both the CBA and ECPA bestsellers list. The 2nd novel, The Promise, released in September. Dan served as a pastor for 25 years and now writes full time. He and his wife Cindi have been married 36 years and have 2 grown children, both married, and 1 grandson. They live in Port Orange, FL. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter, or read his blog, as well as preview all his books by visiting his website at http://danwalshbooks.com.

My Review ~

Deceit serves no one. When marriage is compromised by a misunderstood observation the fallout impacts an entire family.   An unforgiving wife refuses to consider her husband's explanation of an innocent event, alienating him, and the family unit is broken. Scott Harrison is forced to leave his home and family, and Gina takes on a full-time job while raising the children. In an attempt to protect themselves and their family's reputation, Scott and Gina have been living a lie over a 10-month time frame, even convincing their sons to lie about the broken family. Eleven and six, Colt and Timmy embark on a bus trip to seek solace with their favorite aunt and uncle. While stopped at a diner Timmy is kidnapped, setting the stage for an FBI search for the little boy. 

Set in 1962 at the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis, all of America is on high alert, keeping local law enforcement agencies and the FBI occupied with the potential crisis the world is facing. Two FBI agents are assigned to the kidnapping case, and their leads are few and far between. As leads turn into dead ends and information is waning the search for Timmy becomes more dismal.

Dan Walsh has written a compelling, dramatic and poignant novel of a broken family whose lives are further fraught with anguish due to the kidnapping of their youngest child. This novel is replete with reality. I experienced the angst of the Harrisons throughout this novel, as their lives evolved into the quest for healing and the return of their child. Their faith in God is tested and the author's nuances regarding their frustration and anxiety are exceptional. Dan Walsh has surpassed my expectations through this beautifully written, heart wrenching story of broken trust, deception and fear of the future. His information regarding the Cuban Missile Crisis is well researched and accurate. Redemption and resolution are developed with clarity and compassion. I highly recommend this novel written with depth and discernment. This is Dan's best novel thus far!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Revell for the express purpose of my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review. 

CONTEST GUIDELINES: Please leave a comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address from spam. Share this review with your friends. Giveaways are limited to residents of the continental US only, please. I am not responsible for loss or damage through the postal service. Winners have one week to claim their prizes. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate all of your comments!

Optional: For additional chances to win this giveaway, share this contest through either Twitter or Facebook, and sign up to follow my blog. Please let me know what you did for extra chances to win. Deadline for this giveaway is Wednesday, April 16, 2014.

Murder Simply Brewed

by Vannetta Chapman!
Review & GIVEAWAY!

 Amish Village Whodunit!

Description

What will happen when two amateur sleuths, one Amish and one English, combine forces to solve the string of crimes happening in the Amish Artisan Village?

When the coffee shop manager is murdered in Middlebury's Amish Artisan Village, two women from different walks of life must join together to solve the mystery. Spring has arrived in Middlebury, Indiana, and Amber Wright is optimistic about the growing profit from her collection of Amish shops---until she receives a call that Ethan Gray is dead. Hurrying over to A Simple Blend, she finds a solitary hole in the front window and the store manager lying next to the espresso machine, dead from an apparent heart attack. All the money is still in his register. When Amber hires a young Amish woman, Hannah Troyer, to take over the shop's duties, the two women become fast friends---as well as amateur sleuths. The police believe Gray's death is a by-product of vandalism, but Amber and Hannah aren't convinced. Clues that don't add up, a neighbor who is pulled into the midst of the investigation, a town with secrets to hide, and a blossoming romance---all will combine to push Amber and Hannah into unfamiliar roles in order to reveal answers to the mysteries around them.

This book can be purchased at the following locations:
http://www.amazon.com/
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
http://www.christianbook.com/
http://www.deepershopping.com/ - BEST PRICE

Biography

Vannetta Chapman writes fiction full of GRACE. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather's birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her first novel, A Simple Amish Christmas, quickly became a bestseller. Chapman lives in the Texas hill country with her husband. 

For more information, visit her at 
webpage -- www.VannettaChapman.com 
blog -- http://vannettachapman.wordpress.com
facebook -- www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks, and 
pinterest -- http://pinterest.com/vannettachapman

My Review~

The Amish Artisan Village is a popular, attractive tourist destination in Middlebury, the heart of northern Indiana's Amish community. This peaceful setting comprises of a variety of quaint shops featuring Amish-made merchandise, as well as an Amish restaurant, a quilt shop and a specialty coffee shop accompanying the Amish inn and conference center. General manager, Amber Wright supervises the community ensuring that business is running smoothly. Despite their differing lifestyles the Amish and Englisch staff blend well in operating the everyday activities in the village.

Hannah Troyer, a young Amish employee at the quilt shop discovers several holes and cracks in the front window of the coffee shop next door, and the door unlocked. Upon entry to the shop Hannah finds Ethan Gray slumped over his front counter. His death appears to be the result of a heart attack. Questions arise when clues to the contrary indicate foul play could be involved. The plot thickens as additional incidents contribute to the mystery regarding Ethan Gray's death. Amber and Hannah conspire to solve this mysterious development as it appears that the local police aren't taking the details surrounding this death seriously. 

There is no predicting what follows in this fast-paced and intriguing novel. A varied assemblage of diverse characters create suspense and a medley of developments. Vannetta Chapman is brilliant in creating a cozy mystery of legendary proportions. Her creativity in painting a beautiful and peaceful country setting, and at the same time depicting perplexing and enigmatic incidents is profound. Also included are bits of humor, a component of romance, charming descriptive elements as well as intense and bizarre activities. 

The author's research of the location and customs of the residents, both Amish and Englisch are remarkably accurate. I have enjoyed Ms. Chapman's books since her first release, and I must say she continues to amaze me with her talent and ability to create engaging characters and intriguing developments in her stories. I highly recommend Murder Simply Brewed. Pick up a copy and grab a pot of coffee. You won't be able to set this book aside!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Zondervan in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review. 

CONTEST GUIDELINES: Please leave a comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address from spam. Share this review with your friends. Giveaways are limited to residents of the continental US only, please. I am not responsible for loss or damage through the postal service. Winners have one week to claim their prizes. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate all of your comments!

Optional: For additional chances to win this giveaway, share this contest through either Twitter or Facebook, and sign up to follow my blog. Please let me know what you did for extra chances to win. Deadline for this giveaway is Saturday, 4-12-14!

My Amish Boyfriend

by Melody Carlson
Review & GIVEAWAY!

 Enjoyable light read

Description

Sixteen-year-old Shannon McNamara has exciting plans for the summer, and she can't wait to get to them. Unbeknownst to her, however, her widowed and ailing mother has plans of her own--to relocate them both to the heart of Amish country in Ohio where she has relatives who can look after her. Shannon quickly learns that living a "simple" life is actually a lot of hard work. But when a hot young Amish guy named Ezra enters the picture, she's ready to get an Amish makeover and even consider making it a permanent change. But does Ezra share her attraction? Will Shannon really make the jump into this new way of life? And will it be for the right reasons?

Teen favorite Melody Carlson brings fans another sweet story of worlds--and families--colliding, exploring themes important to teen girls through an engaging tale.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.deepershopping.com/ - Excellent Price!!!

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Biography

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That's a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a "storyteller." Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She's won a number of awards (including Romantic Time's Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/

My Review ~

Since the school year has ended, teenaged Shannon McNamara's goal is to get a tattoo, her drivers license, and a summer job. Because of her mother's serious health condition Shannon and her mom travel to Ohio to stay with Amish relatives. Shannon's grandparents are not the most welcoming, and numerous challenges ensue. Shannon falls in love with a local Amish boy, and her summer plans appear to be looking up. She becomes interested in possibly becoming Amish; however, her mother's health is rapidly declining and their challenges grow serious. 

Written more specifically for teens and young adults this story of outsiders moving into an Amish community is appealing to all ages. Melody Carlson paints beautiful scenes of the Amish countryside, and presents the Amish realistically and with expertise. Her characters are unique and original. The story is written in the first person through Shannon's perspective which I found a bit unsuited for my taste, because the level of maturity from her point of view was far more advanced than a typical teenager. This is only my opinion. Others may love this perspective and not have a problem with it. The story moves at a fast pace, and the developments that take place keep the reader turning the pages to see what the outcome will be. My Amish Boyfriend is an enjoyable light read.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network For Readers Only program and Revell in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

CONTEST GUIDELINES: Please leave a comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address from spam. Share this review with your friends. Giveaways are limited to residents of the continental US only, please. I am not responsible for loss or damage through the postal service. Winners have one week to claim their prizes. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate all of your comments!

OPTIONAL: For additional chances to win this giveaway, share this contest through either Twitter or Facebook, and sign up to follow my blog. Please let me know what you did for extra chances to win. Deadline for this giveaway is Saturday, 4-5-14.