"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.

"An Amish Summer"

An Amish Christian Romance 

(Amish Seasons Book 2)

by Sarah Price

Description

It’s summer in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Drusilla Riehl is dealing with becoming a young woman while helping her mother with the newborn baby. When chores on the farm start to interfere in her relationship with Caleb, she fears that he has lost interest in her. Follow the story of this young Amish woman as she comes of age in the summer-time 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. 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. 

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 ~

Caleb and Drusilla's relationship is questionable at this point in this series. Dru continues to doubt both herself and Caleb. Drusilla's character is rather frustrating due to her lack of confidence in herself and in Caleb's attention toward her. Her doubts at times caused me to be a bit annoyed with her. I love Caleb's character. He's so levelheaded and practical, and is true to his word. 

I felt somewhat sorry that Drusilla had so many responsibilities helping with the farm and taking care of the new baby in the house. Her mother appeared to be suffering with postpartum depression. This is one of the reasons I love Sarah Price's stories. She integrates realism that is believable, and her characters are relatable. Drusilla takes her responsibilities seriously as Caleb's patience with her is commendable.

I'm looking forward to reading An Amish Autumn to see where Drusilla and Caleb are in their relationship.

Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this book with no expectations from the author for a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

"Manifest Destiny"

(The Path Towards Wisdom)

by Dr. Jamere A. Brown Spencer

Description

Does God have an imagination? Is fasting really the key to answered prayers? Will you someday serve as an ambassador to the nations? What is a true Love? Do the stars contain hidden messages concerning your destiny? These answers and more await you in a place you least expect it! Learn to hear beyond the whispering wind. Learn to perceive beyond what is seen. And much more.

Purchase here:

http://www.amazon.com/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

BEGINNINGS 
I like to tell people I am from a place called Philadelphia-Kansas City. But, there is more to me than just that. A friend of the family once asked me when I was a child what do I want to be when I grow up. My response was quick and confident. A Cartoon! We know that a cartoon is nothing more than paper and ink. However, in the mind of a child, especially my childish mind this would be one of the greatest accomplishments. Well the years past and life happened. I eventually earned a B.A. in Journalism at Lincoln University of Missouri, a Masters of Library Science at the University of Central Missouri and a Thd. from Faith Bible College. These are great accomplishment in my life. From one aspect degrees are nothing more to me than paper and ink, though I am very thankful for them. 

MINISTRY
The testimony and love from my parents inspired me to walk with God at a young age. As a child I was always around the word of God. My father had all types of teaching books that I would browse through and read. Additionally, attending a service once a week was not enough for my mother. She held a weekly bible study and prayer meetings in our kitchen. Shortly after high school I became involved in inner-city ministry with the home base in Kansas City, MO. During this time I learned some of the basics of ministry. This ministry would be a defining moment in my life. I found something I loved to do, which was to love my neighbor. From inner-city to inner-city we traveled across the country preaching the good news. These were not vain words that we preached but we backed it up through the leading of the Holy Spirit. I witnessed the Spirit of God move in I mighty way. Not only were words spoken, but love was backed up with gifts of food, shelter, clothing, thankfulness, jobs, etc. 

NEWBIE WRITER, DESIGNER, LEARNER & FAMILY MAN
I am new to the writing game. Writing is a skill that did not come naturally to me. Even this day I still struggle to communicate to others what God has placed in my heart. My skills began to take off while writing speeches in Toastmasters. I began to fall in love with writing and seeing everything as a story that must be told. I'm still in the process of figuring out this writing thing. I have a long way to go. Some of my other hats that I wear include being a professional development trainer, novice graphic designer, and video editing hobbyist. I'm always trying to learn something new. Right now I'm teaching myself guitar which is probably a not a good idea. As a family man I am the husband of Sally and father to Joel. If you think I'm talented you should see what God has and will do through them. They are no doubt my greatest accomplishments.

My Thoughts ~

Written in a conversational style, this is one of most influential spiritual resources I have read. This book holds many keys to a strong faith life that seasoned Christians can appreciate, and new Christians will discover valuable lessons and insights useful in increasing and molding their spiritual lives.

Throughout this book the author gives testimony regarding his personal life and his spiritual journey as a Christian. Insightful lessons are told in a language that is easily understood. Verses from the Bible substantiate the lessons, and inspirational messages are clear and practical. 

This is a book I will read again. There are numerous important keys to increasing your faith and developing a personal relationship with God. Those who read this book will be touched by God in a powerful way. Invest in your own destiny by following the spiritual leadership provided in "Manifest Destiny," a powerful inspirational book!

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.

"Through Waters Deep"

(Waves of Freedom #1)

by Sarah Sundin

5 stars!

Description

War is coming. Can love carry them through the rough waters that lie ahead?
It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Handsome and outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. On shore, Jim encounters Mary Stirling, a childhood friend who is now an astute and beautiful Boston Navy Yard secretary. 

When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is discovered, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges--and dangers--await them.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

http://www.deepershopping.com/

Biography

Sarah Sundin is the author of With Every Letter, On Distant Shores, In Perfect Time, and the Wings of Glory series. In 2014, On Distant Shores was a finalist for the Golden Scroll Awards from both AWSA and the Christian Authors Network. In 2011, Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist's mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.

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

My Thoughts ~

"Through Waters Deep" is definitely one of Sarah Sundin's finest! I had a very difficult time putting this book down. This pre World War II novel was written with well researched insight into the lives of those who struggled through that difficult time in our nation's history. 

Mary Stirling is a wonderful character! She is smart, charming and extremely observant regarding the circumstances around her, taking shorthand notes of conversations and facial expressions that may be of importance in a mystery that puzzles even the FBI.

Ensign Jim Avery is a gentle man with a lovable shyness about him. His past infatuation with Mary's best friend is like a barrier between him and Mary, but their concerns about sabotage brings them closer together, and a very strong friendship and bond develops.

I highly recommend this pre-wartime novel. It isn't for the faint at heart, however. There are incidents that may upset those who don't deal well with serious injury and death. Appropriate for mature teens and adults, this is a very strong novel not to be missed!

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