The Shipshewana Amish Mystery Collection

by Vannetta Chapman

5 Stars - Great Amish Suspense

Description

Award-winning author Vannetta Chapman’s Shipshewana Amish Mystery series now available in one volume!

Falling to Pieces

When two women—one Amish, one English—each with different motives, join forces to organize a successful online quilt auction, neither expects nor wants a friendship. As different as night and day, Deborah and Callie are uneasy partners who simply want to make the best of a temporary situation. But a murder, a surprising prime suspect, a stubborn detective, and the town's reaction throw the two women together, and they form an unlikely alliance to solve a mystery and catch a killer.

Set in the well-known Amish community of Shipshewana, Indiana, Falling to Pieces will attract both devoted fans of the rapidly-growing Amish fiction genre, as well as those who are captivated by the Amish way of life.

A Perfect Square

In A Perfect Square, Amish-English sleuthing duo Deborah Yoder and Callie Harper set out to solve a murder. But more than an innocent man’s future is at stake. In book two of the Shipshewana Amish Mystery series, God’s grace touches the long-lost past as well as lives shaken by current tragedy.

There’s more to the quaint northern Indiana town of Shipshewana than handcrafted quilts, Amish-made furniture, immaculate farms and close-knit families. When a dead girl is found floating in a local pond, murder is also afoot. And Reuben Fisher is in jail as the suspect! Reuben refuses to divulge any information, even to clear himself of a crime Deborah is certain he didn’t commit. So, with her English friend, Callie—fellow sleuth and owner of Daisy’s Quilt Shop—Deborah sets out to uncover the truth. But the mystery deepens when an elderly man seeks Callie’s help in finding his long-lost daughter, missing since the days of the 1965 Palm Sunday Tornadoes. An old man who has lost his past. A young man who may lose his future. Once again Deborah and Callie find themselves trying to piece together a crazy quilt of lives and events—one that can bring unexpected touches of God’s grace and resolve the tragedy that has shaken this quiet Amish community.

Material Witness

The Fall Crafters Fair has barely begun in Shipshewana when murder strikes the small town once again—this time on the property of Daisy's Quilt Shop. It will take all of the sleuthing skills Deborah Yoder and Callie Harper possess to catch the perpetrator. But the stakes are higher than ever before, since the material witness is their best friend's child.

Masked identities, antique quilts with hidden messages, an Amish boy whose handicap makes him stronger, one brave dog, and a possible hidden treasure ... this time it's nonstop action, danger, and a dash of romance. This mystery takes everyone on a journey of faith deep into the heart of God’s grace.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

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 ~

Shipshewana is a sleepy little Amish community in Northern Indiana, a tourist attraction throughout the milder seasons, a delightful vacation spot. Vannetta Chapman has brought a whole new element to this quiet community through her suspense-filled novels that will keep you up till the wee hours of the morning, with suspense, questionable motives for murder, and a unique blending of cultures and characters.

This series is entertaining, exciting and a beautiful example of life in an Amish community. The author does her homework through in depth research of the Amish communities about which she writes. Grab a copy of this compilation, The Shipshewana Amish Mystery Collection by Vannetta Chapman!

Disclaimer: I received copies of this collection from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Review & GIVEAWAY!
A Wedding for Julia

The Pebble Creek Amish Series, #3

by Vannetta Chapman

5.0 out of 5 stars Filled with Amish charm and suspense!

Description

A Wedding for Julia, the third book in a romantic series from popular author Vannetta Chapman, takes a last look at the Amish community of Pebble Creek and the kind, caring people there. As they face challenges from the English world, they come together to reach out to their non-Amish neighbors while still preserving their cherished Plain ways.

Julia Beechy is so stunned, she can hardly breathe. Her mother’s announcement that she must either marry or move from the family home upon her mother’s imminent death catches Julia by surprise. How can she leave the only home she has ever known? What about her dream of opening her own Plain café?

When Caleb Zook offers support, comfort, and a solution, Julia is afraid to accept it. Can she marry someone she barely knows? Is it the right thing to do? Is this God’s plan for her future?

Caleb thought his time for marrying was long past, but he feels a stirring in his heart he cannot shake for this beautiful, forlorn woman. Amid the circumstances of this life-altering decision, the people of Pebble Creek weather the worst storm to hit Wisconsin in the last hundred years. Where will Julia and Caleb be on the other side of it?

Purchase 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 ~

Vannetta Chapman has a fabulous talent for diversity in her writing. A Wedding for Julia is a warm and tender account of life at many levels. Several themes are introduced including Amish teen rumspringa, middle age romance, aging, dreams coming to fruition and community. I loved Ada, Julia's mother. She has a Psalm for every situation, and although not quoted directly from the bible the meaning is just the same and so appropriate. Unexpected events tripped me up and caused me to hold my breath. There is no predicting which way this storyline is going to go which makes it unique when compared to many Amish fiction books. The added suspense will keep you turning pages while the clock ticks the hours away! 

Grab a copy of this final book in The Pebble Creek Amish Series and enjoy! Although this is a series book, it could be read as a stand alone. I goofed and read the third installment before the second, and had no trouble following the story line. Buy the entire series, however! I read "A Promise for Miriam" when it first released, and can't wait to read "A Home for Lydia!" This series is entertaining, exciting and a beautiful example of life in an Amish community. The author does her homework through in depth research of the Amish communities about which she writes.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author 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. 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, October 1, 2014.

Child of Mine

by David & Beverly Lewis

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating!

Description

Flight instructor Jack Livingston has been raising his eight-year-old adopted niece, Natalie, since the accident that took her parents' lives. When he travels, Natalie is tenderly cared for by her Amish nanny, Laura Mast, who loves the little girl as her own.  Eight excruciating years ago, Kelly Maines's baby was kidnapped. Determined to find her child, Kelly has tirelessly pursued every lead to its bitter end. And now, with the clock ticking, one last clue from a private investigator ignites a tiny flame of hope: Just a few miles away lives a young girl who matches the profile.    Can this be, at long last, Kelly's beloved daughter?

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

http://www.deepershopping.com/

About the Authors:

Beverly Marie Jones (Lewis) was born in the heart of Amish country—Lancaster, Pennsylvania. At the tender age of nine, she began writing short stories and poetry. Prior to that, she made up lyrics to the "little fingers" piano pieces she learned, at the age of five.

"My mother saved everything I wrote, even the stories I dreamed up during my grade school years," Beverly says. One such tale is semi-autobiographical, about a young girl whose parents can no longer afford to give her piano lessons. The manuscript was 77 pages long and titled "She Shall Have Music," penned under the shade of a lone willow tree. "Reading, writing, and playing piano have been top three on my list of favorite things," she says.

Not until her own children were well into middle school did Beverly seek to publish her work, first in magazines such as Highlights for Children, Dolphin Log, and Guideposts for Kids. Her first book followed in 1993—Mountain Bikes and Garbanzo Beans—presently retitled Big Bad Beans (book #22 in the popular Cul-de-Sac Kids series of chapter books—see list of Bev's children's books).

David Lewis is the bestselling author ofComing Home, his first solo novel, as well as a keyboard artist and pilot. He is the first editor for his wife, Beverly Lewis, as well as research partner and manager. David was born in Minnesota, grew up in the Midwest, and met Beverly in Colorado, where they currently make their home.

My Review ~

"Child of Mine" is an engrossing and captivating story of three adult characters and a child whose parentage is questioned after eight years has passed. The lives of these four people and those closest to them are followed through an interlacing plot, keeping the reader alert to any clues as to the direction these lives will take. I am very impressed at the seamless blending of the lives of these characters, having no clue as to which author is developing any particular scene. David and Beverly Lewis have composed a deep, emotion packed novel with continuity and integrity. I highly recommend this book!

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

The Healing Quilt:

Return of the Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

5 stars

Description

Retired Amish newlyweds Emma and Lamar Miller have decided to buy a winter place in Sarasota, Florida. But it wouldn’t feel like home if Emma didn’t take her quilting materials and offer classes. Wounded and hurting people have a knack for finding their way to her classes for some quilting therapy: Jennifer, a pregnant new mom; Mike, a charter boat owner; Erika, a wheelchair-bound teen; Kim, a waitress; Noreen, a newly-retired widow; and BJ, an artist facing illness. And when Jan, visits from Indiana, romance is also added to the class discussions.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

http://www.deepershopping.com/ (Best price)

Biography

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 60 books with more than 7 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com and https://www.facebook.com/WandaBrunstetterFans

My Review ~

Emma and Lamar Miller purchased a winter home in Sarasota, Florida to get away from the harsh winters in Northern Indiana. Emma felt something missing in her life, and Lamar suggested she teach a quilting class to some of the local residents as she had done in Indiana. Her class filled rapidly with an assemblage of broken individuals. Each student carried his/her own personal and painful baggage, hoping that the quilting class would bring some diversion and healing. As in the past the Millers held each of their students up in prayer, and offered compassion and hope to each of their students in various ways. 

Six new students are introduced in "The Healing Quilt," each with significant and distressing   circumstances. A variety of serious life challenges affect the students and their relationships with one another. As in "The Tattered Quilt" the author brings characters from her past books into the story, creating continuity and blending the past with the present. As in the prequels to this book there is a richness of character in both Emma and Lamar that remains with the reader long after the story has ended. Mercy and Christian love are evident throughout as well as beauty in the descriptive elements surrounding the location. Realism and consequences are evidenced by the resultant events in the lives of these characters, and healing comes in a number of ways. 

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

The Tattered Quilt:

The Return of The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club

by

Wanda E. Brunstetter

5 Stars

Description

Join Emma Yoder Miller, the Amish widow-turned-newlywed, as she leads another quilting class with a new group of unlikely students, all with tattered pieces of their lives that need mending. Members of the patchwork group find friendship, faith, healing, and restoration while gathered around their quilts, under the Father’s guiding hands—for only He can take what’s ragged and shabby from the lives of His children and turn it into beauty for His glory.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

http://www.deepershopping.com/ (Best price!)

Biography

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 60 books with more than 7 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com and visit her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/WandaBrunstetterFans

My Review ~

Emma and Lamar Miller put their vacation in Pinecraft, Florida on hold. Emma felt the need to remain in their Amish community in Shipshewana, Indiana to teach another 6-week quilting class. As in the past the class filled up quickly, and the Millers were once again put to the challenge. The students were as tattered as the old quilt that one of the students brought to Emma for repairs. Was it possible that those six people could find restoration and peace through the process of quilting? As a custom, the Millers prayed for each of their students as the weeks passed by, and lives would be changed through their compassion and prayer, and unexpected events.

This series of books is quite different from what we're accustomed to in Wanda Brunstetter's writing style. I'm finding this series to be very entertaining, refreshing and amusing. She has added numerous elements to these stories that reveal many facets of our society, and she blends them with the Amish tradition in a very unique way. Wanda is very familiar with Northern Indiana, and has made numerous Amish friends over the years. Her sense of humor comes through in this series in a way I have found very enjoyable. There are numerous plots interwoven throughout "The Tattered Quilt," and the characters are as varied as the quilt designs found in the area. Faith, hope and compassion are very strong currents that run throughout the lessons in quilting and the lives of these characters. Pick up the entire series and relax and enjoy the entertainment these books offer! I thoroughly enjoyed "The Tattered Quilt" as much as I enjoyed "The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club." In addition, if you have the opportunity, be sure to see the musical based on the first book in the series. It is outstanding!

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

Wanda E. Brunstetter's

Amish Friends

Christmas Cookbook

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Amish Christmas Cookbook!

Description

The must-have cookbook of the season is Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Christmas Cookbook—a brand new collection of holiday recipes and insights into Christmas celebrations direct from Amish homes. You’ll also enjoy the addition of scriptures and common Amish sayings. Surrounded by a beautiful lay-flat binding, this cookbook is the perfect holiday gift for yourself and friends.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

http://www.deepershopping.com/ (Best Price!)

Biography

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 60 books with more than 7 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, includingTime Magazine and USA Today. Wanda’s books have been translated into four foreign languages.

Wanda’s fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda’s desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda’s novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda’s primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern “Englishers.” Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too.

My Review ~

This beautiful cookbook is a hardcover, spiral bound book filled with delectable delights from Amish communities around the country. You don't need to wait for Christmas to enjoy the wonderful recipes contained in this beautifully illustrated cookbook. From Silly Putty to Gelatin Rollups to Cranberry Chicken, Haystack, Pumpkin Whoopie Pies and Christmas Cake, this compilation of Amish Christmas recipes is complete from snacks to dessert. Filled with Amish Christmas traditions steeped in history, accompanied by scripture and kitchen hints, this cookbook would make a beautiful gift. I can't wait to make some of the recipes in this cookbook! 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book as a gift from the publisher and Wanda Brunstetter with no expectations for a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received for this review.