"An Amish Harvest"

(Four Novellas)

Beth Wiseman

Amy Clipston

Kathleen Fuller

Vannetta Chapman

Description

Faith, hope, and love remain forever in season in this collection of four richly absorbing novellas set amidst the wonder of an Amish autumn.


Under the Harvest Moon, by Beth Wiseman
When Naomi Dienner is suddenly widowed, she never expects to find love again . . . until she meets Brock Mulligan, an English family friend hired at harvest time. As a sinister presence begins to threaten Naomi, Brock seeks to prove himself trustworthy while struggling with growing feelings for Naomi and her children. Will God open Naomi’s heart—and give Brock his own second chance at love?


Love and Buggy Rides, by Amy Clipston
Janie Lantz is a cashier at Lancaster Souvenirs and Buggy Rides, where Jonathan Stoltfuz is a buggy driver. A frightening accident brings Janie and Jonathan together in a blossoming friendship, yet daunting obstacles stand between them and something deeper. Can love kindle into flames that burn away fear and regret—and lead them to a life together?


Mischief in the Autumn Air, by Vannetta Chapman When items start going above market value at his auction house, Eli Wittmer is first thrilled, and then puzzled. But when the house is broken into, Eli and his new bookkeeper, Martha Beiler track down a trail of clues. Will they solve the mystery before the fall festival ends—and discover an unexpected new love?


A Quiet Love, by Kathleen Fuller Dinah Hochstetler, quiet and bookish, longs for marriage but hides in her shyness. Amos Mullett, a simple farmer, knows he’s different but aches for a loving wife. As Dinah and Amos navigate a budding romance, will the power of love—and the blessing of God—be enough to overcome their doubters?

About the Authors

Beth Wiseman is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Daughters of the Promise, Land of Canaan, and Amish Secrets series. While she is best known for her Amish novels, Beth has also written contemporary novels including Need You Now, The House that Love Built, and The Promise. You can read the first chapter of all of Beth’s books at www.bethwiseman.com. Facebook: Fans of Beth Wiseman Twitter: @bethwiseman

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.

Amy Clipston is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery series. Her novels have hit multiple bestseller 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 three spoiled rotten cats. Visit her online at amyclipston.com Facebook: AmyClipstonBooks Twitter: @AmyClipston

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 ~

Under the Harvest Moon by Beth Wiseman is a heartwarming story of a young widow and her small children, and the widowed Englisch man her father hired to harvest the alfalfa. Naomi and Brock became very close friends who built trust where Naomi's trust had been shattered in the past. I thoroughly enjoyed the progression of this young family's growth in relationship to Brock. Add this to your TBR list! It's a heartwarming novella.

Love and Buggy Rides by Amy Clipston brings two people together at a vulnerable time in their lives. Age differences and geographic issues complicate a potentially blossoming romance. I found this Amish novella to be a tender and warmhearted tale of the Amish traditions as well as the emotions that resulted from familial discord. My heart swelled for the young couple featured in this story. I wouldn't miss it if I were you!

A Quiet Love by Kathleen Fuller is the story of two very special Amish young people, Dinah with a stuttering issue and Amos, a slow learner. A very special story of overcoming personal obstacles reveals well developed characters and a plot that has a steady pace and very unique issues. I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful story of personal strife and learning to accept life as it is. Enjoy!

Mischief in the Autumn Air by Vannetta Chapman. Shipshewana, Indiana is the setting for this wonderful mystery and the story of relationships. This is an educational revelation of the history of the area as well as the actions of various people's mannerisms and idiosyncrasies. The detailing in this novella wrapped itself around my heart, and brought the past to the present. I'll be reading this again.

This compilation of Amish novellas is a wonderful weekend read. I read each story in an evening, and thoroughly enjoyed each one for its own merits. If you love Amish books, this is one you need to read. The stories are unique and as different as night and day! I highly recommend this book of novellas!

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

  

  



  

"Butterfly Palace"

by Colleen Coble

GIVEAWAY!

Description

Elegance and wealth. Privilege and politics. The extravagance of the Butterfly Palace overwhelmed Lily’s senses and nearly smothered her painful memories. She pushed away her misgivings . . . She was perfectly safe in this huge house.

Austin, Texas―1904: Abandoned by the love of her life and still mourning the loss of her mother, Lily Donaldson has turned her back on the pain and come to Austin for a fresh start, working for the Marshall family as a kitchen maid in their luxurious mansion, the Butterfly Palace. The tasks before her are legion, and her mistress less than pleasant, but at least Lily’s new life will be, if nothing else, distracting. 

But one night, while serving at a dinner party, Lily recognizes the man who abandoned her, Andy, her liaison from the livery stable, the blacksmith’s son . . . sitting among the distinguished guests. Though he recognizes her, Andy does not acknowledge her aloud, and Lily is left reeling, flabbergasted, and irate. 

But before she can get an explanation, the path of the Servant Girl Killer swerves very close to the Butterfly Palace, sowing terror among the maids. Having come to Austin to start anew, Lily suddenly feels trapped in a spider web. How can she know who to trust in a house where lies come dressed in fine suits and deceit in silk gowns the colors of butterfly wings?

  



Biography

Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at http://colleencoble.com.  




My thoughts ~

Butterfly Palace is an early 20th Century romantic suspense that is steaped in murder and political conspiracy. Counterfeit money and greed add to an extremely complex plot set in Austin, Texas, home to the Butterfly Palace.

Numerous characters are portrayed in various situations throughout this complicated novel. With murder, theft, deception and suspicious individuals throughout, no one is exempt from being suspect to any number of questionable incidents. This is a fast paced story that leaves no room for boredom. 

I had a bit of difficulty keeping characters straight, particularly male characters. The plot was well told, although a bit disjointed at times which led to some confusion. I had to backtrack a bit to clarify those scenes. The suspense held my attention throughout. It's a good weekend suspense read.

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.  

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, August 19th.

"Mischief in the Autumn Air"

(An Amish Harvest Novella)

by Vannetta Chapman

Description

Eli and Martha don’t seem like a match, but solving a mystery may uncover their true feelings.

Eli Wittmer has been running the Auction House in Shipshewana for eight years, but his new bookkeeper, Martha Beiler, is proving to be a challenge. When the items from Charity and Jacob Weaver’s homestead start going above market value, Eli is at first thrilled and then puzzled. Martha finds a trail of clues that Eli at first refuses to accept, but when his office is broken into and some of those clues are stolen, he knows it’s time to take action. Together they must work to solve the mystery before the fall festival ends—or Charity and Jacob may be in danger. As the festival ticks down to its final hours, Eli and Martha find they work better as a team. And it could be, that with the mystery and danger, love is also falling in the crisp autumn air.








Biography

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She has published more than 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 novel Falling to Pieces was a 2012 ACFW Carol Award finalist. A Promise for Miriam earned a spot on the June 2012 Christian Retailing Top Ten Fiction list. Chapman was a teacher for 15 years and currently writes full time. She lives in the Texas hill country with her husband. For more information, visit her at www.VannettaChapman.com  

My thoughts ~

This turned out to be one of my favorite novellas composed by Vannetta Chapman. It is delightful relating to the characters and their down to earth personalities, true to the Amish ways. All is not perfect, but the mannerisms and idiosyncrasies of human nature are represented honestly and realistically.

Shipshewana, Indiana is one of my favorite places to visit, and I could easily imagine each of the area highlights. Not only a wonderful mystery and story of relationships, this is an educational revelation of the history of the area. 

I'll definitely be reading this story again. The detailing wrapped itself around my heart, and brought the past to the present. I highly recommend this entertaining novella! You can easily read it in an evening. Enjoy!

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

  

"Simulation"

(An Agent Ko Spy Thriller #2)

by A. J. Terry

WARNING: This is not a Christian based book.
 

Description 
Nobody asked Ko if she wanted to become one of North Korea's most elite spies.

As part of her training with the Academy, Ko embarks on her first off-campus mission. When she arrives at the Wasteland, she finds herself confronted with a dilemma more grotesque than anything she's had to navigate so far. Creepier than one of the Agency's random loyalty tests, this simulation hits much closer to home.

Back on campus, Ko is thrown into yet another one of the Academy's tyrannical tests of allegiance. If she fails, she could lose her position in the Party. If she passes, she could lose her very humanity.

An engrossing new spy thriller series from A. J. Terry, who has won awards from IndieFab, Readers' Favorite, The Book Club Network, and more. 

  

Biography

A. J. Terry writes from her home in rural Alaska where she raises goats, chickens, and boys. Her debut novel, "The Beloved Daughter," won awards from Readers' Favorite, IndieFab, The Book Club Network, Grace Awards, and more. She writers inspirational suspense novels under the name Alana Terry, while her A. J. Terry thrillers are meant for readers who enjoy a grittier, edgier read with colorful characters and intense story lines. Be prepared to stay up late! 

My thoughts ~ 

Simulation is the second in the Agent Ko Spy Thriller series. The first in this series rocked my world. I didn't think that Simulation could compare. I was wrong! This Agent Ko story is filled with deception, betrayal and brutality. Written with true grit and honesty, Ms. Terry doesn't gloss over the reality of activities in North Korea.

Ko suddenly realized that recreation days were scheduled randomly but rarely. She looked forward to a day of relief from the intensity of her daily training, only to discover the day was planned for an altogether "different" type of activity. Ko's training at the Academy became more sinister and terrifying as the days wore on. Life only became more of a nightmare.

Ko and other main characters in Simulation are very well defined, and the descriptive elements of location and often gruesome activities is shocking but told in an impressive manner. Although this series is difficult to read because of the atrocities played out, this is a book that everyone should read to obtain a better understanding of what happens in areas like North Korea. 

I highly recommend this book for its truth, honesty and education. It is a very painful book to absorb, but well worth the read. I am already looking forward to the third book in this series. This book is not for the weak at heart. 

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.

  

  

"Told You So"

by Kristen Heitzmann

GIVEAWAY!

 

Description

From the minute Grace Evangeline throws her sweet tea in Devin Bressard’s face, their battle of wits and cross-purposes overtakes their lives. Sassy “angelic” Grace Evangeline will stop at nothing to see her romance novel produced for Broadway. Devin Bressard knows all about the commercial success of Ms. Evangeline’s “novels”—as far from his literary, nerve-striking plays as anything could be. Grace intends to pull his head out of the rarefied air long enough to make her point, even if it involves stalking him and infiltrating his friends and colleagues. Devin knows she’s trouble, but who would guess the spokesperson for strength and virtue would be a calamity vortex? He mounts a fierce resistance, but when he’s forced to work with Grace, his profession and sanity aren’t the only things at risk. Collapsing walls on both sides bring a detente that could shatter their bond—or resound through more lives than their own.

Biography

Kristen Heitzmann is the bestselling author of contemporary romantic suspense, psychological suspense, and historical novels, including Colorado Book Award finalist The Still of Night, Christy Award finalists Indivisible and The Tender Vine, and Christy Award winners Secrets and The Breath of Dawn that won both a Christy Award and Inspirational Readers Choice Award and was a finalist for a people's choice award in the Netherlands. She is a fiction track and workshop teacher at writers conferences. An artist and musician, she'll also be found hiking the Colorado Rocky Mountain trails near her home where she lives with her husband, pets, extended family, and wildlife.

My thoughts ~

Told You So is the first book I've read that is authored by Kristen Heitzmann. I didn't realize what I was missing! What I thought might be a light romance wasn't even close! Female protagonist, Grace Evangeline is an author of Christian fiction, filled with goodness and purity. Devin Bressard is the producer Grace has sought to produce her latest book on Broadway. Their ideas don't even come close to being on the "same page."

Told You So is written with depth, intensity and intellectual elements that resonate with truth and reality. I was immediately caught up in the plot which moves swiftly and in all directions. Characters are very well developed, and settings are remarkably well defined. Suspense, deception, and romance all pull this well written novel together into a high-pitched drama with just the right amount of lighthearted humor. 

This is a most surprising novel. I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book, but it certainly delivered a lot more than I ever presumed. Don't miss this deeply involved novel. I highly recommend it!

 

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, August 12.

 

"When Death Draws Near"

A Gwen Marcey Novel

by Carrie Stuart Parks

Description

Gwen Marcey takes death in stride. Until she’s faced with her own mortality.

Forensic artist Gwen Marcey is between jobs when she accepts temporary work in Pikeville, Kentucky—a small town facing big-city crime. But before Gwen can finish her first drawing of the serial rapist who is on the loose, the latest witness vanishes. Just like all the others.

Gwen suspects a connection between the rapist and the “accidental” deaths that are happening around town, but the local sheriff has little interest in her theories. When her digitally-obsessed teenage daughter joins her, Gwen turns her attention to a second assignment: going undercover in a serpent-handling church. She could get a handsome reward for uncovering illegal activity—a reward she desperately needs, as it seems her breast cancer has returned. But snakes aren’t the only ones ready to kill. Can Gwen uncover the truth—and convince anyone to believe her—before she becomes a victim herself?

In a thrilling race against time, When Death Draws Near plunges us into cold-case murders, shady politics, and a den of venomous suspects.

Biography

Carrie Stuart Parks is a Christy finalist as well as a Carol award-winning author. She has won numerous awards for her fine art as well. An internationally known forensic artist, she travels with her husband, Rick, across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law enforcement professionals. The author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing and painting, Carrie continues to create dramatic watercolors from her studio in the mountains of Idaho. 




My thoughts ~

Don't trust anyone! Simply doing her job as a hired forensic artist, Gwen Marcey's life is at stake as numerous questionable incidents arise. Who can help her? The police force appears inadequate. Rapes continue, and the victims disappear. The suspect could be any number of people.

Carrie Stuart Parks is a well accomplished forensic artist who knows how to compose a suspense-filled book as easily as she creates a composite of any number of people. The pace is fast and unpredictable, and her characters are deeply developed and true to form. A snake handling cult will curl your toes and send the hair on the back of your neck on end! You may want to read this book with all the lights on!

This is the third book I've read by this artist, and I continue to be captivated by the powerful suspense and unpredictability of her writing. Detailing is outstanding! There is so much action in this story that you'll find it very difficult to put the book down. Everyone is suspect in this book, and there are a number of subplots woven into an impressive thriller.

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

 

"Home to Chapel Springs"

(Chapel Springs #3)

by Ane Mulligan
GIVEAWAY!

  

Description

“Chapel Springs: where anything can happen, and usually does. Claire and her best friend Patsy are as lovable as ever; even with all the new problems they face, they keep their sense of humor. The storyline is believable, and readers will identify with issues that are mentioned in the book. Mulligan writes with humor and wit. This book does not disappoint.” - Romantic Times, 4-Stars

A homeless author, a heartbroken daughter, and a theatre ghost. There's trouble in Chapel Springs.

There's always someone new in Chapel Springs someone who is either coming home or stirring up trouble.

A best-selling author's latest book is a flop. While the reviewers are happily skewering her, her racecar-driver-husband walks out on her and she's evicted, because he hasn't paid the lease on their condo for the last three months. Then she discovers he also he drained their bank accounts. Homeless and broke, she and her little boy have no choice but to retreat to the house she inherited from her nana in Chapel Springs the house that's been gutted. Then, a stranger knocks on her door. One that will change the course of her life.

Howie Newlander is back in town. After the residents thwarted his plans for a Miami-style resort on Chapel Lake, he's running for mayor and stirring up the farmers by spreading rumors about diverted water and misused taxes. The Lakeside Players want to remodel the town's old theater, named for Claire's late great-aunt. Empty and boarded up for the last forty years, the theatre is rumored to be haunted. When Newlander and Mayor Riley go head-to-head, Claire gets caught in the middle.

Claire's youngest daughter is in love with a non-believer whose daddy is Claire's nemesis, the mayor. Having him part of her family isn't in her plan. The years of heartache before her husband became a Christian should warn her daughter off this boy. So far, her daughter's heart isn't hearing the warnings.

With hearts pulled in all directions, will they find a home in Chapel Springs?

Biography

While a large, floppy straw hat is her favorite, Ane has worn many different ones: hairdresser, legislative affairs director (that's a fancy name for a lobbyist), drama director, playwright, humor columnist, and novelist. Her lifetime experience provides a plethora of fodder for her Southern-fried fiction (try saying that three times fast).

Ane firmly believes coffee and chocolate are two of the four major food groups. Her passion when she isn't writing her Southern-fried Fiction, is Community Theatre. She's president of Players Guild@Sugar Hill, an avocational theatre group, where she and her husband act, direct, build sets, and are chief gofors.

President of the award-winning literary site, Novel Rocket, Ane resides in Sugar Hill, GA, with her artist husband, her chef son, and a dog of Biblical proportion.

You can find Ane on her website/blog: http://www.anemulligan.com. If you'd like to see a map of Chapel Springs showing you where all the characters live, visit http://www.anemulligan.com/p/books.html 

My thoughts ~

Ane Mulligan is a new author to me, and I discovered that this particular novel is the third in the Chapel Springs series. That being said, I don't feel that I missed anything by reading this book as a stand alone. It was well rounded on its own. I may have missed some character development having not read the prequels in the series, but most characters were fairly easily identified as the book progressed.

There was a lot of action throughout, but each theme was easily understood, and woven together well throughout the plot. Chapel Springs is a friendly and welcoming community, and the residents accept new residents with warmth and acceptance. I found that refreshing. Spirituality is a strong force throughout, and carries a very strong Christian influence.

My only personal aversion in Home to Chapel Springs is the overuse of pet nicknames throughout the book. Many readers wouldn't have a problem with it, but it's annoying to me, particularly when mature adults use childlike names for one another. For the most part I found this to be an enjoyable novel and recommend it for a relaxing weekend read.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from The Book Club Network's For Readers Only program 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, August 5, 2016.