"Crow Lake"

by Mary Lawson

 Description

 Crow Lake is that rare find, a first novel so quietly assured, so emotionally pitch perfect, you know from the opening page that this is the real thing—a literary experience in which to lose yourself, by an author of immense talent.

Here is a gorgeous, slow-burning story set in the rural “badlands” of northern Ontario, where heartbreak and hardship are mirrored in the landscape. For the farming Pye family, life is a Greek tragedy where the sins of the fathers are visited on the sons, and terrible events occur—offstage.

Centerstage are the Morrisons, whose tragedy looks more immediate if less brutal, but is, in reality, insidious and divisive. Orphaned young, Kate Morrison was her older brother Matt’s protegee, her fascination for pond life fed by his passionate interest in the natural world. Now a zoologist, she can identify organisms under a microscope but seems blind to the state of her own emotional life. And she thinks she’s outgrown her siblings—Luke, Matt, and Bo—who were once her entire world.

In this universal drama of family love and misunderstandings, of resentments harbored and driven underground, Lawson ratchets up the tension with heartbreaking humor and consummate control, continually overturning one’s expectations right to the very end. Tragic, funny, unforgettable, Crow Lake is a quiet tour de force that will catapult Mary Lawson to the forefront of fiction writers today.

Biography

Mary Lawson (born 1946) is a Canadian novelist.

Born in southwestern Ontario, she spent her childhood in Blackwell, Ontario (located between Sarnia and Brights Grove) and is a distant relative of L. M. Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables.

Lawson moved to England after graduating from McGill University with a psychology degree in 1968. She also married in Ontario, has two grown up sons and now lives in Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey. Her three novels to date, both published by Knopf Canada were set in Northern Ontario.

My thoughts ~

Crow Lake is a book that will change the way you look at family, and life in general. The Morrison family is broken, gritty, but loyal to a fault. The challenges faced by this family over the years are heart rending, overwhelming, yet credible.  

The characters in the community are authentic, pragmatic, and represent humanity at its basic level. They rise to the occasion consistently, practicing their generosity as a way of life. There is depth to personalities that transcends the norm.

I'm still reeling from this incredibly well-written novel. The undercurrents that are evident throughout the book become the pinnacles that bring the story to a powerful ending. I highly recommend this earthy, poignant, and dynamic book.

 

"Gideon's Call"

by Peter Leavell

Review & GIVEAWAY!

Description

Tad, a very clever slave boy, comes of age as the American Civil War intrudes on the tropical sea islands of South Carolina. But his desire to better himself is obstructed by the color of his skin, until Northern soldiers force the evacuation of white plantation owners, setting 10,000 slaves free in a single day. These circumstances seem like a dream, but the newly freed slaves have no money, no education, no leadership, and little hope for the future. This is the story of how a boy grows into a man facing the horrors of war and unimaginable prejudice - fighting the urge to run from the shame of his family and his past - to become the leader and deliverer of thousands of freed slaves. Award- winning author Peter Leavell explores new territory in the familiar literary backdrop of the Civil War, forging an unprecedented tale of tragedy and triumph based on true events.

Purchase at the following locations: 

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

http://www.christianbook.com

http://www.deepershopping.com 

 

 Biography

Peter Leavell, a 2007 graduate of Boise State University with a degree in history, was the 2011 winner of Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel contest, and 2013 Christian Retailing's Best award for First-Time Author. Peter and his family live in Boise, Idaho. For entertainment, he reads historical books, where he finds ideas for new novels. Whenever he has a chance, he takes his wife and two home schooled children on crazy but fun research trips. Learn more about Peter's books, research, and family adventures at www.peterleavell.com. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001541945347  

My thoughts ~

"Gideon's Call" has been sitting on one of my bookshelves for 3 years! When packing for vacation I grabbed the book, looking forward to a good Civil War novel. This is not only a good Civil War novel, it's a powerful and unforgettable one! An in-depth account of the atrocities that slaves endured is agonizing. My heart broke for Tad as he was mistreated because of the color of his skin. An authentic portrayal painted through words gives credibility to a people who suffered like nothing we can begin to imagine.

Civil War details are well researched and documented in this historic telling of a monumental time in our nation's history. The characters portrayed in this epic novel are described in detail, creating personalities that bring them to life. Freedom's advantages evolve into disaster and defeat in a matter of time once slaves were declared freedmen.

The landscape comes alive with trees draped in moss, muddy marshes dark in the canopy of the forest. Alternately, the battlefields are crimson with blood and fallen soldiers litter the earth. These visions will live in my mind long after absorbing this book. The mistreatment of an entire group of people is heart wrenching.

I highly recommend this book. It is earthy, genuine, perceptive and humanitarian, written with compassion. A powerful and memorable book! This is an author to follow.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All expressed 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 Friday, May 6, 2016.  

The Amish Firefighter

(The Amish of Jamesport Series #4) 

by Laura V. Hilton
Review & GIVEAWAY!

Description

A Beautiful Young Woman Banished from Home 
Abigail Stutzman thought it was bad enough being dropped at the nearest bus station and sent to live several states away with some relatives she’d never even heard of, much less met. But now, just a week after her arrival in Jamesport, Missouri, she finds herself at the scene of a barn fire. An intentional barn fire. And all fingers are pointed at her. She’s desperate to prove her innocence and protect her reputation, but nobody’s making that easy to do. And God certainly doesn’t seem willing to help.


A Brave Firefighter with an Agenda of His Own
Sam Miller is in the process of turning over a new leaf. Determined to atone for the follies of his past, he is a volunteer firefighter, an EMT, and a doctor-in-training. With suspicious barn fires escalating, and the Miller family being among the victims, no one is more determined to see the perpetrators brought to justice than Sam.


A Kindled Flame Neither One Could Have Anticipated
When their paths first cross at the site of a barn burning, the emotional intensity rivals the warmth of the flames. Soon, they must decide whether this fire is one they should feed or fight. And they’ll discover that the truth can prove more dangerous than a blazing inferno.


Purchase at the following locations:
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.christianbook.com

Biography

A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Laura is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews published on the web. Laura and her husband, Steve, have five children, whom Laura home schools. The family makes their home in Arkansas. To learn more about Laura, read her reviews, and find out about her upcoming releases, readers may visit her blog at http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Laura-V-Hilton-161478847242512/?fref=ts

My thoughts ~

Forced from home by the only family she's ever known, Abigail Stutzman feels virtually abandoned. Being sent to live with family she's never met only creates more feelings of desertion. Her introduction to the Jamesport Amish community begins with an accusation she's set an Amish barn ablaze and Sam Miller is convinced Abigail is guilty of being the fire starter. Sam's abrasive attitude toward Abigail fuels the fires of her hopelessness. 

As other barns are suspiciously set aflame the Amish are concerned about who the perpetrators are, and Abigail has not been ruled out. Sam is convinced of Abigail's guilt, but his attraction for her has begun to kindle sparks of their own. Their eyes lock with the warmth of glowing embers. 

"His kiss was soft. Teasing. Yet gentle, as if she were something valuable that might shatter unless handled with utmost care. She wanted to cry at the awareness of it."

Returning to Jamesport is like picking up with a friend that you haven't seen for a while and embracing the relationship. Laura V. Hilton is a polished Amish author who knows how to create an in depth story of Amish life that contains its share of sizzle! Her characters smolder with attraction for one another, keeping the reader turning the pages in anticipation of where the relationship will go. Sam and Abigail will leave you breathless and weak in the knees, with questions of what the future holds for them. I highly recommend these new developments in Jamesport through The Amish Firefighter!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author and Whitaker House in exchange for my honest review. All expressed 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 Monday, May 2, 2016!

 

"The Tenth Plague"

by Adam Blumer

Review & GIVEAWAY!
Now available in paperback!

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Christian Suspense!

 

Book Description

Water turns to blood. Flies and gnats attack the innocent. Marc and Gillian Thayer’s vacation resort becomes a grisly murder scene, with a killer using the ten plagues of Egypt as his playbook for revenge.

When their friend turns up dead, Marc and Gillian put their vacation on hold, enlist the help of a retired homicide detective, and take a closer look at the bizarre plagues as they escalate in intensity. Meanwhile, a stranger is after the Thayers’ newly adopted baby. Will they uncover the truth behind the bitter agenda before the tenth plague, the death of the firstborn son?

Praise for The Tenth Plague:

“Suspense of biblical proportions! Adam Blumer does a masterful job transforming the biblical plagues to a modern-day scenario full of twists and turns that will keep you riveted until the very end.”
—Bonnie S. Calhoun, publisher of Christian Fiction Online Magazine and author of Cooking the Books, a Sloane Templeton mystery

“A chilling tale that keeps readers turning pages and pondering its truths. The Tenth Plague is a solid entry in Adam Blumer’s bibliography, and fans of thrillers with spiritual depth will find much to enjoy.”
—C. J. Darlington, author of Thicker than Blood and Bound by Guilt

“Adam Blumer writes a suspenseful story with a passion for God not often seen in today’s marketplace.”
—Creston Mapes, best-selling author of Nobody, Dark Star, and Full Tilt.

Biography

Adam Blumer is the author of two suspense novels, Fatal Illusions (Kregel) and The Tenth Plague (Kirkdale Press). A print journalism major in college, he works full time from home as a freelance writer and editor after serving in editorial roles for more than twenty years. He lives in Michigan's Upper Peninsula with his wife, Kim, and his daughters, Laura and Julia.







My thoughts ~


Pastor Marc and Gillian Thayer have recently adopted an infant son. An old friend's invitation to spend the weekend at a luxury resort sounded like the perfect respite from their daily routine. Marc's friend is at the resort as part of a group of Bible translators. Prior to their arrival protesters had stormed the resort in an effort to disrupt the controversial project. Shortly after their arrival bizarre events began to materialize. The plagues of Egypt as described in the biblical account from Exodus begin to reoccur, transforming the resort into chaos. Blood flows from the resort faucets, and their friend is discovered murdered by an extremely bizarre method. Pastor Thayer moved Gillian and their infant son to an area hotel until these events could be resolved. Gillian's former nightmares of her infant son being kidnapped become more intense as additional sinister and terrifying events develop. An elusive killer appears to be on the loose somewhere in or around the resort property. His motives are unsettling and his methods to murder are maniacal. 

This suspense-filled, page turner is the second Christian suspense novel for Adam Blumer. His impressive first novel, Fatal Illusions was brilliant, and The Tenth Plague does not disappoint! His descriptive talents cannot be outdone. Detailing is one of the author's fine points. He creates an extremely bizarre situation that contains an underlying Christian message. Faith, hope, and forgiveness are tantamount in this impressive modern-day recreation of the plagues of Egypt. Adam Blumer has created a nightmare of epic proportions! Don't miss it!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author 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. Without your email address I have no way of contacting you. 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 prize. 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 Monday, 4-25-16. 

"A Cry From The Dust" 

by Carrie Stuart Parks

Description

A 19th-century conspiracy is about to be shattered by a 21st-century forensic artist.

In 1857, a wagon train in Utah was assaulted by a group of militant Mormons calling themselves the Avenging Angels. One hundred and forty people were murdered, including unarmed men, women, and children. The Mountain Meadows Massacre remains controversial to this day—but the truth may be written on the skulls of the victims.

When renowned forensic artist Gwen Marcey is recruited to reconstruct the faces of recently unearthed victims at Mountain Meadows, she isn’t expecting more than an interesting gig . . . and a break from her own hectic life.

But when Gwen stumbles on the ritualized murder of a young college student, her work on the massacre takes on a terrifying new aspect, and research quickly becomes a race against modern-day fundamentalist terror.

As evidence of a cover-up mounts—a cover-up spanning the entire history of the Mormon church—Gwen finds herself in the cross hairs of a secret society bent on fulfilling prophecy and revenging old wrongs.

Can a forensic artist reconstruct two centuries of suppressed history . . . before it repeats itself?

In A Cry from the Dust, Carrie Stuart Parks utilizes her own background as a celebrated, FBI-trained forensic artist to blend fact and fiction into a stunning mystery.

Biography

Carrie Stuart Parks is an award winning artist, writer, speaker, and law enforcement instructor. A Certified Forensic Artist, she met her husband, Rick, in the romantic hallways of the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Together they formed a dynamic and successful team in their fine and forensic art, working on major national and international cases and creating exquisite watercolors and stone carvings. They travel internationally, teaching forensic art to a variety of participants: from the Secret Service to the FBI, from large law enforcement agencies to the smallest two-man departments in their one-week classes. They are the largest instructors of forensic art in the world. Carrie has won numerous awards for her innovative teaching methods and general career excellence and is a signature member of the Idaho Watercolor Society.

Carrie began her fiction writing career while battling breast cancer. Mentored by NY Times bestselling author, Frank Peretti, Carrie's debut novel finaled in the Christy and Selah awards and won the prestigious Carol Award for best suspense/mystery/thriller of 2015. Her Gwen Marcey series chronicles a forensic artist from Montana and is loosely based on Carrie's forensic cases.

My thoughts ~

A Cry From The Dust is a fast paced suspense novel with a great deal of mysterious activities involving the traditions and secrecy practiced by cultish offshoots of the Mormon church. Gwen Marcey has gotten herself into some bizarre situations where she doesn't know who she can trust.

Carrie Stuart Parks knows how to spin a spine-tingling, suspense-filled novel of unexpected developments. This is a book that is extremely difficult to put down. Just as you think you have things figured out there's a new twist to the plot to throw you off course. Characters are believable and strongly comprised. 

I highly recommend this unpredictable novel. Prepare yourself for a roller coaster ride!    

 

"The English Son"

(The Amish Millionaire #1)

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

& Jean Brunstetter

Join New York Times Bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter along with Jean Brunstetter in Holmes County for a dramatic new 6-part serial novel. 


 

Description

Meet businessman Joel Byler who has gotten himself into a financial bind and his eccentric, wealthy Amish father who is done bailing out his spoiled son. When will Joel learn he most pay for his own mistakes—and at what cost to his business, his fiancée, and his Amish siblings?

Purchase at the following locations:
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.barnesandnoble.com
http://www.christianbook.com
http://www.deepershopping.com 

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.

Jean Brunstetter is Wanda & Richard Brunstetter's daughter-in-law, and Jean is co-authoring this series with Wanda.


My thoughts ~

The first in a new series, The English Son starts out with the story of an egotistical young ex-Amish man who acts selfishly with no regard for consequences. He takes advantage of family, friends and even his girlfriend. Joel Byler has left his Amish roots behind to become English. He only returns to his father when he wants something. 

This young man made me so angry! I immediately took a disliking to him, and that opinion of him lasted throughout this segment of the series.  His actions and attitude make him a very unlikable character.

This segment moved swiftly and evoked many emotions as the story evolved through selfish acts, family disappointment, and the confusion Joel's girlfriend experienced. I read through this short book in just a couple of hours, and wanted more "now!" It's a cliffhanger, but an exciting one. I'm looking forward to the next installment of The Amish Millionaire!

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

"The Restoration"

(Prairie State Friends, #3)

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Description

#1 ECPA Bestseller and Publisher’s Weekly Fiction Bestseller!
Dive into an Amish country love triangle in this third book of the Prairie State Friends series. Priscilla Herschberger finds herself pursued by Elam, a childhood friend from her community, and David, an outsider raised in the modern world. Elam would do almost anything to convince Priscilla that David would never fit into the Amish way. Will flames of jealousy rage out of control and ruin lives? Can forgiveness allow love and trust to grow?

Purchase at the following locations:
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.barnesandnoble.com 
http://www.christianbook.com 
http://www.deepershopping.com

 

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 

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

My thoughts ~

The third in the Prairie State Friends series, The Restoration is the culmination of the relationships and activities from the previous books in this series. Complications arise from all sides in this unpredictable novel. Things aren't always as they seem, and deception is no basis for a relationship. Friendships are a very strong element in this novel.

Characters are diverse, some very dear and a few who typically cause trouble that can be costly to others. Family plays an important role, and support is an important aspect throughout this book. Events from the past are revealed through challenges where the truth could affect a number of individuals. This author weaves a strong story together using relationships and situations that could lead in any direction.

I enjoyed this series as much as I've enjoyed other series written by Wanda E. Brunstetter. She has a strong history and knowledge of the Amish, and her wisdom is evidenced by the traditions she represents in her novels. If you love Amish fiction, this is a wonderful and sensitive series that I highly recommend. Happy Reading!

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

"An Amish Market"

Four Novellas 

by

Amy Clipston

Kathleen Fuller

Kelly Irvin &

Vannetta Chapman

Description

All the color and variety of a quaint Amish shop in a charming collection of novellas by four of your favorite authors. Feel free to come in and browse!


Love Birds by Amy Clipston

While Ellie Lapp and her mother are still mourning the loss of her brother, Seth, Ellie starts working at one of the gift shops in town. Seth’s friend Lloyd is talented at carving wooden birds, but his father disapproves and expects him to take over the family farm someday. Ellie sees the beauty in Lloyd’s creations and insists Lloyd sell the birds in the gift shop where she works. As Ellie and Lloyd spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for one another, but she accidentally betrays his trust. Will she lose any hope of a future with him?


A Bid for Love by Kathleen Fuller

Every week, Hannah Lynne brings her home-churned butter to the local market. And every week Ezra stops by to purchase some. Hannah Lynne knows not to read too much into it—Ezra is a confirmed bachelor and barely even glances her way, despite any hope to the contrary. But when Ezra bids an exorbitant amount to win the quilt she had her heart set on, Hannah Lynne can’t stop her heart from taking over her mind. Could Ezra finally be in the market for love?


Sweeter Than Honey by Kelly Irvin

Shattering a jar of pickled beets wasn’t the impression Isabella hoped to make on her first trip to the local Combination Store of Bee County, Texas. But as embarrassed as she was by the accident, she didn’t think it warranted the frosty reaction from the handsome manager of the store, Will Glick. As she soon learns, though, Will’s heart has been broken one too many times. And now, for some reason, Isabella finds herself determined to be the one to repair that broken heart and renew his faith in love.


Love in Store by Vannetta Chapman

Stella Schrock works at the Old Mill in Nappanee, Indiana, with new employee David Stoltzfus, a recent widower. When strange happenings begin occurring around town, it appears as if someone wants to close the mill. Stella and David have to work together to solve the mystery of what is happening at the Old Amish Mill, and in the process they might just find that God has more in store for their future than they would ever have dreamed possible.


Purchase at the following locations:
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
http://www.christianbook.com
http://www.deepershopping.com
 

Meet the authors:

Amy Clipston is the award-winning and best-selling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery series. Her novels have hit multiple best-seller lists including CBD, CBA, and ECPA. Amy holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan College and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and four spoiled rotten cats. Visit her online atwww.amyclipston.com Facebook: AmyClipstonBooks Twitter: @AmyClipston

Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including A Man of His Wordand Treasuring Emma, as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield. Visit her online at www.kathleenfuller.com, Twitter: @TheKatJam, and Facebook: Kathleen Fuller.

Kelly Irvin is the author of The Beekeeper’s Son, the critically acclaimed first novel of the Amish of Bee County series. Kelly is also the author of several Amish series including the Bliss Creek Amish series, the New Hope Amish series, and the Amish of Bee County series. She has also penned two romantic suspense novels, A Deadly Wilderness and No Child of Mine. The Kansas native is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Journalism. She has been writing nonfiction professionally for thirty years, including ten years as a newspaper reporter, mostly in Texas-Mexico border towns. She has worked in public relations for the City of San Antonio for twenty years. Kelly has been married to photographer Tim Irvin for twenty-seven years. They have two young adult children, two cats, and a tank full of fish. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories and read books by her favorite authors. Website: kellyirvin.com, Twitter: @Kelly_S_Irvin, Facebook: Kelly.Irvin.Author.

Vannetta Chapman is author of the best-selling novel A Simple Amish Christmas. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. In 2012 she was awarded a Carol Award for Falling to Pieces. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania.  Visit Vannetta's website: www.vannettachapman.com  Twitter: @VannettaChapman  Facebook: VannettaChapmanBooks

My thoughts ~

An Amish Market is a very entertaining collection of Amish novellas, written by four talented authors. Each novella stands on its own merits and is well written with authentic characters who represent believable situations. I enjoyed each of these novellas and recommend them, particularly to those who love reading Amish fiction. These are excellent representations of the Amish faith and lifestyle.  

Amy Clipston's novella portrays two young Amish adults who find an attraction to each other, but an age difference may stand in their way. This is a very sensitive and lovely story of the challenges of young love. I found myself wrapped in this story, and before I realized it the story was complete.

Kathleen Fuller's Amish tale is poignant and filled with misunderstandings that lead to frustration and disappointment. A quilt plays a very important role in this story, and the story of the quilt is very touching. This sentimental story was a wonderful journey through the trials of young adults searching for happiness. I was thoroughly enraptured in the story of the quilt, and wished the story could continue.

Kelly Irvin's novella features a young Amish man and young woman, both at crossroads in their lives. Fearful of what the future held they chose their paths only to discover that their choices would affect their future lives. This novella is an excellent example of choices and their consequences. I wasn't sure which direction the story would go, but as the words flowed I found a lovely outcome. 

Vannetta Chapman's characters in this warmhearted novella are charming, and for the most part, likable. Detailing regarding the Market is realistic and descriptive of a typical Amish community. Ms. Chapman does her homework and does it well! Mysterious events begin altering the atmosphere of the community, igniting both fear and anxiety. As with Ms. Chapman's other books, this one is filled with charm and mystique. Her approach to Amish fiction has a different twist from that of other authors, and I love that refreshing approach!

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.