" Andi Under Pressure"

(An Andi Boggs Novel)

by Amanda Flower

5 stars

2014 Agatha Award Nominee
Best Children's/YA Mystery

ANDI AND COLIN ARE BACK!

Twelve-year-old Andora ‘Andi’ Boggs and her new best friend Colin Carter couldn’t be more excited to attend the prestigious science camp at the local university in Killdeer, Ohio. Unfortunately, Discovery Camp’s curriculum appears to include much more than just chemistry and biology. From day one, the university is plagued by a series of pranks---missing markers, loose crickets, and stolen scales. Campus security blames the mysterious janitor Polk, but even though Andi agrees he’s acting suspicious, she can’t believe the gentle old man would do anything illegal. Then one prank goes too far and their chemistry professor is injured by an explosion in the lab, upping the stakes of the investigation. Andi and Colin must unravel the secrets behind the chemistry department and Polk’s dark past before danger closes the camp for good.  

Purchase this book at the following locations: 

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

http://www.christianbook.com

http://www.deepershopping.com

 

Biography:

   

Amanda Flower, a three-time Agatha Award-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. She also writes mysteries as national bestselling  author Isabella Alan. In addition to being an author, Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland.

Website:  http://amandaflower.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amflower

My Thoughts ~

Andi and Colin are attending a summer science camp held at the local college. Amateur sleuths, they're about to delve into mysterious events surrounding the science department. Andi and Colin's capers bring to mind stories of Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys from my childhood.

Amanda Flower uses many innovative elements in her stories concerning Andi and her best friend, Colin. The sweet innocence portrayed in these short novels is exemplary. Childhood is presented as it should be, filled with creativity, exploration and imagination. All is not rosy in the lives of these youngsters, but the author uses difficult issues to create a portrait of reality through fiction. 

Andi's capers are intriguing, enchanting and humorous.  I found Andi Under Pressure to be a sweet and very enjoyable read, and I look forward to future stories about Andi and her friends. I highly recommend this book for children ages 9-14 and older. Adults will find these stories delightful as well!

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

 

"Five Brides"

by 

Eva Marie Everson

5 stars!

Description

One dress, five women, a lifetime of memories.

Five single, fiercely independent women live together in a Chicago apartment in the early 1950s but rarely see one another. One Saturday afternoon, as they are serendipitously together downtown, they spy a wedding dress in a storefront window at the famous Carson, Pirie, Scott & Co. After trying it on—much to the dismay of the salesclerk and without a single boyfriend or date between the five of them—they decide to pool their money to purchase it. Can one dress forever connect five women who live together only a short time before taking their own journeys to love and whatever comes happily ever after?

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

http://www.deepershopping.com/

Biography

I was born and reared just outside of Savannah, Georgia. Yeah, I have a southern accent. It gets a little more southern every time I cross the Florida/Georgia state line. I'm an ex-nurse and a seminary graduate. I hated nursing but love God with a passion and can hardly get through a conversation without talking about our relationship! I think the Old Testament is totally FUN to read (I mean, HOW much stuff can one clan of people get in to?) and the New Testament draws me closer to Heaven. Yeah! 
I'm married even though my hubby had to have his wedding band cut off due to an infected spider bite. The nurse said either that or the finger would fall off. I was going for the second option, but was alone in that. :) Now he wears it on his right hand. I can live with that. We have kids and grandkids and two absolutely adorable dogs, Hope and Poodar.

I'm rarely still and I sleep very little.

Life is good.

http://www.evamarieeverson.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CedarKeyNovels?fref=ts

My Thoughts ~

I loved this book! The five women portrayed in Five Brides are significantly different from one another, but as women, shared many of the same needs and desires. Each character is represented with strength and definition. I felt as if I actually had formed a relationship with each of them. This author developed her characters in a way that although each depended upon another, they were distinct individuals with diverse goals and unique responses to their respective circumstances.

I highly recommend this novel for the originality and depth of character portrayed throughout. My attention to the stories of these five women was captured and never wavered. If you're looking for a great novel to take on vacation or just for the pleasure of relaxing for several hours, this is one you don't want to miss!

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

"Unmasked Heart"

A Regency Challenge of the Soul Series

by Vanessa Riley

Description

Shy, nearsighted caregiver, Gaia Telfair always wondered why her father treated her a little differently from her siblings, but she never guessed she couldn't claim his love because of a family secret, her illicit birth. With everything she knows to be true evaporating before her spectacles, can the mulatto passing for white survive being exposed and shunned by a powerful duke who has taken an interest in her?
 
Ex-warrior, William St. Landon, the Duke of Cheshire, will do anything to protect his mute daughter from his late wife's scandals. With a blackmailer at large, hiding in a small village near the cliffs of Devonshire seems the best option, particularly since he can gain help from the talented Miss Telfair, who has the ability to help children speak. If only he could do a better job at shielding his heart from the young lady, whose honest hazel eyes see through his jests as her tender lips challenge his desire to remain a single man.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com 

http://www.booksamillion.com

Biography

Even as she pursued engineering degrees, Vanessa Riley's love of 19th century history yielded a hunger to take as many Western Civilization credits as possible (two classes shy of a minor). Vanessa adores Regency times with its conflicts between Church and State, the clash of the classes, and the sweeping romances. Her mission is to have the world fall in love with powerful Regency heroes and heroines who battle for peace with a flintlock and a prayer. Vanessa writes from the comfort of her southern porch with a cup of Earl Grey or Cinnamon Spice. 

Website: http://vanessariley.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorVanessaRiley

My Thoughts ~

Set in the early 19th century this regency novel is unlike any other I have read to date. The author has broached a topic that many regency authors would shy from, mixed race. Gaia knew she was different but when confronted with the fact that her biological father was a black man Gaia's world crumbled around her.
 

Steeped in mystery, deception and intrigue with a strong Christian influence, this story of faith, forgiveness, love and lack thereof, captured my attention immediately. As the story developed I grew to love Gaia and William, even as I became frustrated with each of them for their hesitation in committing to one another. Both characters lived with scandalous family secrets. Their attraction was undeniable, but the past stood in the way of a future relationship. 

The author presents a well developed plot, with strong characters of widely differing socioeconomic status, composed with personalities from opposite ends of the spectrum, honorable and respectable versus evil and despicable. Unpredictable and well written, I enjoyed the varied characters throughout this interesting and captivating book. Additional editing could improve the book, but this did not affect my enjoyment of the story.

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

"The Amish Heiress"

(The Paradise Chronicles)

by Patrick E. Craig

5 stars!

Description

Rachel Hershberger’s life in Paradise, Pennsylvania is far from happy. Her papa struggles with a terrible event from the past, and his emotional instability has created an irreparable breach between them. Rachel’s one desire is to leave the Amish way of life and Paradise forever. Then her prayers are answered. Rachel discovers that the strange, key-shaped birthmark above her heart identifies her as the heir to a vast fortune left by her Englischer grandfather, Robert St. Clair. If Rachel will marry a suitable descendant of the St. Clair family, she will inherit an enormous sum of money. But Rachel does not know that behind the scenes is her long-dead grandfather's sister-in-law, Augusta St. Clair, a vicious woman who will do anything to keep the fortune in her own hands. As the deceptions and intrigues of the St. Clair family bind her in their web, Rachel realizes that she has made a terrible mistake. But has her change of heart come too late?

Purchase this book at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

 

Biography

Best-selling author Patrick E. Craig is a lifelong writer and musician who left a successful songwriting and performance career in the music industry to follow Christ in 1984. He spent the next 26 years as a worship leader, seminar speaker, and pastor in churches, and at retreats, seminars and conferences all across the western United States. In 2011 he signed a three-book deal with Harvest House Publishers to publish his Apple Creek Dreams series. The books are historical Amish fiction and include A Quilt for Jenna, The Road Home, and Jenny's Choice. His current series is The Paradise Chronicles and the first book in the series is The Amish Heiress, published by P&J Publishing. Patrick is represented by the Steve Laube Agency. Patrick and his wife Judy make their home in Idaho and are the parents of two adult children and have five grandchildren. 

Website: http://www.patrickecraig.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatrickECraigWH

My Thoughts ~

The Amish Heiress is an outstanding novel of deception, mystery, intrigue, poor choices, faith and a touch of romance. This isn't mainstream Amish fiction. It's so much more! The author's command of descriptive elements is brilliant! A detailed plot is unpredictable and steeped in intrigue and mystery. The author reveals his love of Zane Grey books, and likens his style to his experiences and reactions having read those popular stories.

Continuing with the descendants in Jerusha Springer's family, and building upon their lives, each story in itself is a revelation and cornerstone to the next generation. Rachel's dreams and desires lead her to aspirations that extend beyond the Amish Ordnung, but youth prevails which places her in a very dangerous position. Desire for something more than her Amish lifestyle dictates, Rachel is swept into a world of wealth and corruption.

Be sure to pick up a copy of this book if you love a fast paced, unpredictable novel of epic proportions! You will be in for an edge-of-your-seat experience!

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

 

"Inked for Eternity"

(Living in the Light of Heaven on Earth)

By Roxanne Wermuth with Peter Lundell

Description

Marked By Heaven. Living Eternity on Earth.   

Driven by her ruthless career ambition and Type A personality, Roxanne Wermuth was unwittingly following the path of her abusive, perfectionist father. Yet, it was only after receiving a diagnosis of the most severe form of Multiple Sclerosis that she fell victim to deep depression and the overwhelming desire to take her own life. It was then that one glimpse of Heaven changed everything.   Near death and in a 24-hour coma, Roxanne caught a glimpse of the outskirts of Heaven. Under a deep blue eternity . . . flowers bloomed, colorful and vivid, beyond human description . . .
 
Eternity put everything into perspective.
 
After losing her hair due to treatment for her illness, Roxanne—not without reservation— tattooed the flowers of heaven onto her scalp.
 
The flowers inked on my head are an expression of what God inked on my heart.
 
Making a radical statement to everyone she meets, Roxanne remains a walking billboard for the beauty—despite the pain—in this world and the world to come.
 
Whether struggling with relationships, loss, anger, depression, or chronic illness, Inked for Eternity will give you hope and inspiration to come out strong on the other side of hard times and help you rewrite your future.
 
This inspirational story will have you living in the light of God’s presence, realizing that afflictions are temporary and what is unseen is eternal.

Purchase this book at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

http://www.deepershopping.com/

Biography

Roxanne Wermuth spent most of her career in sales and marketing working for the top radio station in Flint, Michigan: WCRZ 108FM, WNEM TV 5, NBC affiliate station reaching the greater Mid-Michigan area. She then moved on to become the top sales person for a national medical company. The sudden onset of Multiple Sclerosis brought Roxanne’s life and career to a crashing halt. She struggled through suicidal depression until her husband challenged her to not give up. She learned to see life differently and to live with a positive, overcoming attitude in the face of pain. Roxanne loves to talk to people about overcoming pain, about heaven, and how her life has changed drastically since she got a glimpse.

Website: www.roxannewermuth.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roxanne.wermuth?fref=ts


My Thoughts ~

This author's story is a difficult one. Her abuse as a youngster affected the greater part of her life, until spiritual healing began. A poignant life story in every way, my heart broke for the author as one difficulty led to another as her life progressed. Her relationship with God became her stronghold as she overcame many obstacles that would break someone without her personal and spiritual strength.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has struggled with abuse, power control and chronic illness. This book is a learning tool for everyone as the author's story is a powerful testimony of living through adversity.

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

"An Amish Winter"

(Amish Seasons Book #4)

5 stars!

Description

It’s winter in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Drusilla Riehl's decisions are impacting the entire family. Just when she thinks that she has everything sorted out, God sends her a reminder that His plans for her future that cannot be anticipated. As she struggles to accept God's plans, Drusilla learns an invaluable lesson with the help of her special friend. Follow the story of this young Amish woman as she comes of age in the winter of her life, balancing her commitment to faith, family, and friends. 

The Amish Seasons Series, a four-part series, follows the story of Drusilla Riehl as she passes through the seasons of life. An Amish Winter is the final book in the series. The first of a four book series, An Amish Spring introduces readers to the Riehl family and their Amish community, both Amish and Mennonite, and will be sure to delight as you learn more about the Amish religion and culture from Sarah Price, one of the leading bestselling authors of Amish Christian fiction who bases her stories and books on authentic experience growing up Mennonite and living among the Amish. 

This book can be purchased here:

http://www.amazon.com/

Biography

Sarah Price self-published her first book, Fields of Corn, in 2009, a book she wrote thirty years earlier while studying anthropology and writing at Drew University (Madison, NJ). With her Anabaptist upbringing, she was drawn to the amazing culture of the Amish of Lancaster County where Ms. Price is heavily involved with numerous Amish communities where she is considered family by some and friend by most others. Fields of Corn became an Amazon bestseller and fans began asking her for more books. 

In 2013, she signed with Realms, a division of Charisma House, to publish the Amish Classics series. Initially focusing on the retelling of Jane Austen's timeless classics from within an Amish setting, her first traditionally published book, First Impressions, A Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, debuted on the ECPA bestseller list. She intends to continue retelling classics, including the Bronte sisters and Victor Hugo, as she enjoys "raising the bar" on her own intellectual stimulation as well as that of her expansive base of loyal readers. 

In 2014, she signed with Waterfall Press and published An Amish Buggy Ride and An Empty Cup, both of which hit the Amazon Top 100 and were #1 bestsellers in Religious Romance. 


Follow her on social media: 
Blog:http://www.sarahpriceauthor.com. 
Facebook: http://facebook.com/fansofsarahprice.
Twitter: @SarahPriceAuthr
Instagram: @SarahPriceAuthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/SarahPrice

My Thoughts ~

An Amish Winter was my favorite in this series! There were difficult times and sadness, and a valid question for Drusilla's future. Faith, hope and patience were strong features throughout this wonderful story. I felt a connection with Drusilla as she struggled with realism in her young life. Her relationship with Caleb is solid and secure. Caleb is a devoted and tolerant Amish man. I thoroughly enjoyed this entire series, but Winter holds a special place in my heart. 

Be sure to pick up copies of the Amish Seasons books. The series regarding Drusilla's coming of age will touch your heart as you experience the seasons in Drusilla's life.

Disclaimer: I received a complete PDF copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, an no monetary compensation was received for this review.

"Surrender to Love" 

by MaryAnn Diorio

Description

When young widow and life coach Dr. Teresa Lopez Gonzalez goes to Puerto Rico to coach Pilar Sanchez, the granddaughter of her mother’s best childhood friend, Teresa comes face-to-face with her own unwillingness to surrender to God's will for her life. In the process, she learns that only by losing her life will she truly find it.

Purchase here:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Biography

Dr. MaryAnn Diorio is a follower of Jesus Christ who is passionate about writing compelling and entertaining fiction that transforms lives. Her fiction has won several awards, including the Silver Medal for eBook Fiction in the Illumination Book Awards Program sponsored by the Jerry Jenkins Group; First Place in Inspirational Fiction in the 2011 Colorado RWA Heart of the Rockies Contest; and First Place in Inspirational Fiction in the 2011 Space Coast Authors of Romance (STAR) Launching a Star Contest. MaryAnn also writes for children. Her latest book is titled DO ANGELS RIDE PONIES?, a story about faith and achieving the impossible. 
MaryAnn holds the PhD and the MPhil in French and Comparative Literature from the University of Kansas, the MA in Italian Language and Literature from Middlebury College, and the MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She writes a popular blog titled "Matters of the Heart" (www.maryanndiorio.com/blog) that, like her fiction writing, deals with the deepest issues of the human heart. MaryAnn is founder and director of the New Jersey Society of Christian Writers (www.njscw.org). In her spare time, she loves to read, paint, and spend time with her family.

Dr. MaryAnn resides in New Jersey with her husband Dom, a retired ER physician. They are the blessed parents of two wonderful daughters, a fantastic son-in-law, and five precious grandchildren.

You may contact Dr. MaryAnn on her Facebook Author Page athttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-MaryAnn-Diorio-Author-of-Fiction/...

My Thoughts ~

Teresa is tied to the past and unwilling to let go. When she is invited to Puerto Rico to coach a young girl she is hesitant to leave her connections with the past behind. Compelled to reach out to the granddaughter of her mother's childhood friend, she ventures on the journey to a beautiful country which she finds intoxicating. Her work with the young girl is a challenge, but life has a way of bringing us closer to God in those moments of doubt and dismay. Teresa's journey in Puerto Rico brings her to the brink of a major life decision where her faith and hope aid in bringing resolution to the many difficulties she faces.

This is a poignant story with strong spiritual messages. I found it quite enjoyable.

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

"An Amish Autumn"

(Amish Seasons Book #3)

by Sarah Price

5 stars!

Description

It’s autumn in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Drusilla Riehl is learning that life has both ups and downs. With Caleb away in Ohio, Drusilla finds herself juggling multiple responsibilities at home in the wake of family illness. Is it possible to find happiness in the midst of so much change? Follow the story of this young Amish woman as she comes of age, balancing her commitment to faith, family, and friends. 

The Amish Seasons Series, a four-part series, follows the story of Drusilla Riehl as she passes through the seasons of life. The third of a four book series, An Amish Autumn continues the story of the Riehl family that will be sure to delight as you learn more about the Amish religion and culture from Sarah Price, one of the leading bestselling authors of Amish Christian fiction who bases her stories and books on authentic experience growing up Mennonite and living among the Amish. 

Purchase at the following location:

http://www.amazon.com/

Biography

Sarah Price self-published her first book, Fields of Corn, in 2009, a book she wrote thirty years earlier while studying anthropology and writing at Drew University (Madison, NJ). With her Anabaptist upbringing, she was drawn to the amazing culture of the Amish of Lancaster County where Ms. Price is heavily involved with numerous Amish communities where she is considered family by some and friend by most others. Fields of Corn became an Amazon bestseller and fans began asking her for more books. 

In 2013, she signed with Realms, a division of Charisma House, to publish the Amish Classics series. Initially focusing on the retelling of Jane Austen's timeless classics from within an Amish setting, her first traditionally published book, First Impressions, A Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, debuted on the ECPA bestseller list. She intends to continue retelling classics, including the Bronte sisters and Victor Hugo, as she enjoys "raising the bar" on her own intellectual stimulation as well as that of her expansive base of loyal readers. 

In 2014, she signed with Waterfall Press and published An Amish Buggy Ride and An Empty Cup, both of which hit the Amazon Top 100 and were #1 bestsellers in Religious Romance. 


Follow her on social media: 
Blog:http://www.sarahpriceauthor.com. 
Facebook: http://facebook.com/fansofsarahprice.
Twitter: @SarahPriceAuthr
Instagram: @SarahPriceAuthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/SarahPrice

My Thoughts ~

Drusilla continues to be the responsible one in her family, taking on tasks that her mother is unable to carry out due to postpartum depression. Drusilla is still a worrier in this story, but I've grown to love her. She represents patience and compassion for those she cares for, and is willing to put her life on hold for her family. Thus far, this is my favorite in this series of Amish seasons. No spoilers, but the attention to detail regarding Amish traditions is commendable on the author's part! 

Drusilla and Caleb's relationship has further developed, and plans for a future together have been discussed. Difficult times and troubles loom, but Drusilla's sweet nature and her faith in God are a balm to her family. She and Caleb's mutual attraction is strong and tender which evokes memories of courting. I highly recommend this series, and this novella in particular struck a sweet chord with me!

Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this book. There were no expectations from anyone for a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.