"Sarah's Orphans"

(Plain and Simple Miracles)

by Vannetta Chapman
GIVEAWAY!

(To enter this contest, please follow the instructions at the end of this review. Thank you!)

Description

Sarah Yoder belongs to a Plain community in Oklahoma, but her days are far from simple. Life suddenly gets complicated when a series of tragic events unfold, leaving her in charge of the household.

Alone with her younger siblings, Sarah is exhausted but finally at peace. Then she nearly runs over a small Hispanic boy with her buggy...and somehow finds herself sheltering two more orphans.
Paul Byler moved to Cody's Creek to help his brother in a time of need. But now that Joseph has recovered from his heart attack, Paul's ready for a quiet place of his own. The only problem? His new property lands him next door to the orphaned Yoder family—and a calling from God he can't seem to ignore.
A story of extraordinary grace and love in the face of desperate need, Sarah's Orphans is the third standalone novel in the Plain and Simple Miracles collection by Vannetta Chapman.

 

Biography

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her 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 ~

Growing up in an unstable family, Sarah has had to accept her father's death and her mother's abandonment, leaving her to raise her younger brothers alone. In addition, Sarah discovers two young Hispanic children living in an old leaky trailer, victims of their mother's desertion. Sarah rescues the children and takes responsibility for them as well as her own family. Her Amish community is supportive and compassionate, working with her as she parents several children on her own until her grandmother moves in to assist. Unexpected help comes from a new neighbor who is very helpful with farming duties.


Vannetta Chapman creates unique Amish fiction, not the ordinary Amish romance. She puts her heart and faith into her writing, with grace and compassion. Topics in this book are varied, evoking numerous emotions, heartache, despair, hope, and the beauty of compassion from the Amish community. Social and personal issues are paramount in this compelling novel. 

I loved this novel as it moved seamlessly through very difficult circumstances to redemption by the grace of God. Words can't quite convey what I'm feeling about this book. I'm still absorbing the issues demonstrated in this very special Amish novel. I highly recommend Sarah's Orphans!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author and Harvest House in exchange for my honest opinion. 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, September 2, 2016.

"Tea Shop Folly"

(A Teacup Courtship Novella)

by Carrie Fancett Pagels

 

 

 

 

Description

Almost destitute, Lilly has run out of hope when she inherits her great-aunt’s home -- but it’s not the Tea Shop that a handsome young gentleman thinks it is. Lilly’s inherited house is crammed full of tea cups. Theo, a Soo Locks engineer, visits frequently in the hopes he will find the perfect antique teacup for his mother and is charmed by the lovely 'Shoppe owner.’ Lilly can’t turn the bachelor away when he persistently peruses her aunt’s collection, which she’s trying to pack up and remove from the house. Is the man only interested in the teacups, or in her? When Theo begins referring people to Lilly, and the genuine Tea Shoppe owner sets the police on Lilly for her lack of a business license, sparks fly! 

 

 

 

 

 

Biography

 

Carrie Fancett Pagels is a multi-published award-winning author of Christian historical romance. Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn't "cure" her overactive imagination! She resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia, which is perfect for her love of history. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time!

 

 

 

 

My thoughts ~

 

An entertaining easy read, this novella can easily be read in an evening. Included are characters from "all" walks of life, linked through what is thought to be a tea shop. Drama, romance and humor add delight to this narrative. A bit of minor editing would enhance this sweet book. Enjoy with a cup of your favorite tea.

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.

 

 

"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.