Tuesday, April 30, 2019

The Gift

(The Amish of Cedar Grove #1)

by Patricia Davids

Description

Second chances come at the most unexpected times…

Widow Laura Beth Yoder longs for a family of her own. So much so that she’s preparing to leave the sleepy Amish town she calls home to find love. But a terrible storm washes out the creek, forcing her to wade in and save the life of an Englisch man and his adorable infant son. As they recover at the farm, the baby brings sunshine and joy, while the handsome outsider is filled with shadows…and secrets.

Joshua King owes his life and his son’s to Laura Beth. Still, lingering at her farm is out of the question. He must fulfill a promise he made to his estranged wife on her deathbed: to deliver their son to his Amish in-laws. With his dark past, Joshua has no other choice. But his plans never took this sweet and surprising Amish widow into account. She just might be his second chance at happiness…and love.

Biography

USA Today Bestselling author Patricia Davids grew up on a Kansas farm with four brothers. After college she began a wonderful career as a nurse. In 1973 Pat wrote a letter to a lonely sailor. Little did she know her talent with words would bring her love, marriage and motherhood.

An avid reader, Pat longed to write a book, but put her dream on hold as she raised a family and worked in an NICU. It wasn't until 1996 that she began writing seriously. Today, Pat enjoys crafting emotionally satisfying romances where love and faith bring two people together forever.

My Perspective ~

Life is made up of second chances, and those second chances may turn out even better than we imagined they would. This Amish novel is based on heartache, but life has a way of turning things around when we least expect it. Laura Beth and Joshua have suffered extreme loss in their young lives, and although their lifestyles are drastically different, there are commonalities. Characterizations are very well developed, and the descriptive aspects in this book are pictorial. I could easily envision the setting through the author's words.

This book kept my interest, and it was difficult to put down as I was anxious to see what would develop over time. Life isn't easy, and there are no easy answers to the problems encountered in this story. I enjoyed this first book in a new Amish series.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through a contest from Goodreads. All expressed opinions are my own.

Saturday, April 13, 2019

Act of Valor

(True Blue K-9 Unit)

by Dana Mentink

Description

She saw something she shouldn’t have…

A True Blue K-9 Unit story

When airline employee Violet Griffin encounters several suspicious passengers, she’s thrust into the cross hairs of a drug smuggling operation. NYPD officer Zach Jameson and his drug detection beagle, Eddie, can tell this is no small-time threat. Someone’s gunning for Violet, and after recently losing his brother, Zach refuses to lose her, too…especially now that she’s gone from friend to the woman he’s falling for.

Biography

Dana Mentink is an award winning author of Christian fiction. She's written more than twenty five mystery and suspense novels. She is honored to have received two ACFW Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion Award, and a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award. Please visit her on the web at www.danamentink.com or find her on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest. Dana hosts monthly contests at www.dmentink.wordpress.com and on her YouTube channel.

My Perspective ~

This book is part of a series, but stands alone. I loved the characters in this book. Two families, caring and loving, represent what great families should. The main characters are well defined and are easy to identify with throughout the book. Descriptive, fast paced, and filled with suspense, Dana Mentink never fails! Her suspense stories continue to intrigue me and keep my interest, so much so that I find it very difficult to take a break from reading. The dogs represented throughout this book are strong characters in their own right, and add a sweetness to the overall context.

I have never been disappointed in one of this author's Love Inspired Suspense books, and that remains true with Act of Valor. Pick up a copy and enjoy!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions are my own.

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

The Last Year of the War

by Susan Meissner

Description

From the acclaimed author of Secrets of a Charmed Life and As Bright as Heaven comes a novel about a German American teenager whose life changes forever when her immigrant family is sent to an internment camp during World War II.

Elise Sontag is a typical Iowa fourteen-year-old in 1943--aware of the war but distanced from its reach. Then her father, a legal U.S. resident for nearly two decades, is suddenly arrested on suspicion of being a Nazi sympathizer. The family is sent to an internment camp in Texas, where, behind the armed guards and barbed wire, Elise feels stripped of everything beloved and familiar, including her own identity.

The only thing that makes the camp bearable is meeting fellow internee Mariko Inoue, a Japanese-American teen from Los Angeles, whose friendship empowers Elise to believe the life she knew before the war will again be hers. Together in the desert wilderness, Elise and Mariko hold tight the dream of being young American women with a future beyond the fences.

But when the Sontag family is exchanged for American prisoners behind enemy lines in Germany, Elise will face head-on the person the war desires to make of her. In that devastating crucible she must discover if she has the will to rise above prejudice and hatred and re-claim her own destiny, or disappear into the image others have cast upon her.

The Last Year of the War tells a little-known story of World War II with great resonance for our own times and challenges the very notion of who we are when who we’ve always been is called into question.

Biography

I cannot remember a time when I wasn't driven to write. I attribute this passion to a creative God and to parents who love books and more particularly to a dad who majored in English and passed on a passion for writing.

I was born in 1961 in San Diego, California, and am the second of three daughters. I spent my very average childhood in just two houses. I attended Point Loma College in San Diego, majoring in education, but I would have been smarter to major in English with a concentration in writing. The advice I give now to anyone wondering what to major in is follow your heart and choose a vocation you are already in love with.

My Perspective ~

Told in the first person by Elise as an elderly woman, this is a detailed account of her life, time spent in an internment camp as a teen, subsequent time in war torn Germany, and her eventual transition back to America. Friendship is her most costly possession. An educational journey through Elise's formative years is accomplished through great detail. Much research is obvious by the information conveyed regarding the internment camps of WWII, and life in war torn Germany at that time.

The family unit and respective cultural differences are strong points in this heart wrenching tale. Hard lessons are learned as cultural influences force the suppression of the desires of the heart. Characters are well defined, and the intimacy of family and friends is poignant. This is a wonderful reading experience for both adults and young adults alike. The development of Elise's character throughout her formative years is well done and admirable. This is an emotion packed journey.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions are my own.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

The Amish Candy Maker

(The Amish of Mackinac County #2)

by Laura V. Hilton

Description

Agnes Zook finds herself on her own in a small Amish community in Mackinac County after a tragedy kills her family. Most of the Amish call her “off in den Kopf” (strange) since she’s starting her own business and forging her own way in the community instead of relying on the bishop to take care of her. Since she’s viewed as non-submissive and too-forward for an Amish woman, she’s not courted by young men in the area.

Isaac Mast is on the verge of leaving the Amish church. He’s become a sought-after auctioneer and has a thriving business, but he feels confined by the strict rules. When his brother is severely injured in a wild fire, Isaac receives a letter from his sister-in-law, begging him to come to Mackinac County to help out while his brother is hospitalized. Isaac agrees but is unsure how to manage their young children when he has weekend auctions he’s expected to attend.

Agnes may be the answer to a prayer. Sparks fly when she and Isaac meet. But could their differences help them form a deeper connection to their faith...and each other?

Biography

Laura V. Hilton has authored more than two dozen books and is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews published on the Internet.
The Amish Candymaker is Laura’s second book in the Amish of Mackinac County series; the first was Firestorm.

My Perspective ~

I loved this installment in the Amish of Mackinac County series. Numerous emotions were evoked throughout this book, humor not the least of them. Both Agnes and Isaac were somewhat overcome with obstacles in their future, but Ms. Hilton has woven a seriously difficult and life altering situation into a successful livelihood for Agnes and her candy shop. Isaac, however, was thrust into a challenging situation in taking over the care of his twin brother's three small children. His job as an auctioneer made it necessary for him to travel, but Agnes is sweet talked into helping with his nieces and nephew during his absence.

The characters in this novel are numerous and varied, and run the gamut of personality traits! Bishop Miah is one very special character who warmed my heart. His wit and godly leadership combined in making him a favorite with me. Isaac and Agnes were like magnets with a strong magnetic field! They couldn't leave one another alone for long before sparks fly in all directions! Unlike traditional Amish fiction, Ms. Hilton uses numerous real life situations, and doesn't hesitate to spice up the lives of her characters. I love that about her books! There is never a dull moment, and this book was very difficult to put down. Don't miss this one!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions in this review are my own.

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Tuesday, February 19, 2019

A Faithful Gathering

(The Sisters of Lancaster County #3)

by Leslie Gould

Description

Leisel Bachmann left her Amish roots and beloved sisters to pursue a career in medicine without a second thought. She has an Englisch boyfriend, Nick Jordan, and dreams of a new life--but those dreams come crashing down when her sister Marie is diagnosed with cancer.

Soon nothing is going as she planned--not her state boards, not her first nursing job, and certainly not her relationship with Nick. As she becomes increasingly discouraged, her aunt shares the story of Leisel's grandfather during World War II and the struggle he faced between returning to Lancaster or being with the woman he loved.

Peace and a vision for the future are difficult to find, and when Nick leaves Pennsylvania for a completely new life, Leisel is faced with impossible choices. Will she stay in Lancaster, close to her family and the traditions of her past? Or learn from her grandfather's story and embrace a life of love and service in an uncertain future?

Biography

Leslie Gould is the coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 bestselling The Amish Midwife and The Amish Nanny. She is also the author of numerous novels including multiple Lancaster Amish series. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She resides with her family in Oregon. Learn more at www.lesliegould.com.

My Perspective ~

This final installment of The Sisters of Lancaster County is captivating! Leisel's entire future is toppled when unforeseen circumstances place her in a very vulnerable position. Her story continues in tandem with her aenti's revelations regarding her grandfather's experiences during World War II. Leisel's future becomes unclear as events surrounding her cause her to question her choices.

Characterizations are well portrayed throughout this thought provoking novel. The story moved at a fast pace, and with a high degree of diversity. This is unlike the usual mainstream Amish fiction. It goes beyond the traditional Amish community daily living experiences. I found it to be very refreshing as well as educational.

Relationships are strong points throughout this book. Family ties are important, although many times strained. Working through differences of opinion and belief systems are points of contention at times, but Leisel's faith is strengthened through adversity. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and learned some interesting information regarding the ways that Amish men have participated in wartime activities.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All expressed opinions are my own.

Sunday, February 3, 2019

The Forgiving Jar

(The Prayer Jars, Book 2)

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Description

What would happen if you found out someone has been impersonating you?

Sara Murray had never met her mother’s parents and was surprised to learn after her death that they were Amish living in Pennsylvania. When she is finally able to make the trip to meet them, she is shocked to learn someone else has been living with them and pretending to be Sara. Sara can’t understand how quickly her grandparents are willing to forgive the impostor.

Secrets and deceit seem to follow Sara, and she is so tired of it. Though soon she meets Brad Fuller who is visiting her grandparents for during Christmas. She likes him a lot, but even he seems to pull away from her, not being totally honest.

Struggling, Sara finds an old canning jar hidden in the barn that is full of encouraging prayers. Can Sara find a way to forgive the past and move on to building new relationships?

This is Book 2 in the brand-new series, The Prayer Jars, from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter.
Book 1 -- The Hope Jar (August 2018)
Book 3 -- The Healing Jar (August 2019)

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 almost 90 books with more than 10 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.

My Perspective ~

The Forgiving Jar is the second in The Prayer Jar series, and I enjoyed it even more than the first book in this series. Characters were well defined and likable. Events were realistic and true to the Amish culture. Ms. Brunstetter has researched the Amish over several years, and exhibits that knowledge through her writing. Her books are educational as well as pleasurable.

Relationships developed naturally throughout this book, with trust issues being a strong point. Patience and tolerance were important characteristics that grew throughout this story. I enjoyed the intermingling of several characters with diverse backgrounds, and their reactions to one another. A lot of growth took place in this novel. For those who love Amish fiction, this is one you won't want to miss!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions are my own.

Saturday, January 26, 2019

Between Two Shores

by Jocelyn Green

Description

The daughter of a Mohawk mother and French father in 1759 Montreal, Catherine Duval finds it is easier to remain neutral in a world that is tearing itself apart. Content to trade with both the French and the British, Catherine is pulled into the fray against her wishes when her British ex-
fiance, Samuel Crane, is taken prisoner by her father. Samuel asks her to help him escape, claiming he has information that could help end the war.

Peace appeals to Catherine, but helping the man who broke her heart does not. She delays . . . until attempts on Samuel's life convince her he's in mortal danger. Against her better judgment she helps him flee by river, using knowledge of the landscape to creep ever closer to freedom. Their time together rekindles feelings she thought long buried, and danger seems to hound their every mile. She's risked becoming a traitor by choosing a side, but will the decision cost her even more than she anticipated?

Biography

Jocelyn Green is a former journalist who puts her investigative skills to work in writing both nonfiction and historical fiction to inspire faith and courage.

The honors her books have received include the Christy Award in historical fiction, and gold medals from the Military Writers Society of America and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

Complex and nuanced characters, rich historical detail and twisting plots make her novels immersive experiences. Her fiction has been praised by Historical Novel Society, Romantic Times, Library Journal, historians specializing in her novels’ time periods, as well as popular and acclaimed authors Laura Frantz, Lori Benton, Jody Hedlund, Sarah Sundin, Joanne Bischof, Julie Lessman, and more.

Jocelyn loves Broadway musicals, the color red, strawberry-rhubarb pie, Mexican food, and well-done documentaries. She lives in Iowa with her husband, two children, and two cats she should have named Catticus Finch and Purrman Meowville.

Visit her at jocelyngreen.com.

My Perspective ~

Jocelyn Green has outdone herself in this vivid portrayal of life in 1759 Montreal. Her characters are deeply detailed, and the landscape throughout is pictorial! It is obvious that a great deal of research has gone into the writing of this novel. I was educated in the topic of the war between the French and British in the Canadian setting. There is much diversity in characterizations, including differing cultures and the Native American way of life.

Relationships are varied and strained but credible and convincing. Family connections are strong but not necessarily benevolent in some cases. Life in this time period is well defined, honest and authentic. I was very impressed with the images painted through this author's pen. This is undoubtedly my favorite Jocelyn Green novel. I recommend it highly!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations for a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.

Saturday, December 29, 2018

Searching For You

(Orphan Train #3)

by Jody Hedlund

Description

Despite years on the run, Sophie Neumann is determined to care for two young children. She won't abandon them the way she thinks her older sisters abandoned her. But times are growing desperate, and when she falls in with the wrong crowd and witnesses a crime, she realizes fleeing 1850s New York is her only option.

Disappearing with her two young charges into a group of orphans heading west by train, Sophie hopes to find safety and a happy life. When the train stops in Illinois for the first placement of orphans, Sophie faces the most difficult choice of her life.

Reinhold Weiss has finally purchased his own small farm. With mounting debts, a harvest to bring in, and past scars that haunt him, he's in no position to give his heart away . . . but can he say no when his long-lost friend shows up on a nearby train pleading for his help?

Biography

Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

My Perspective ~

Searching For You is my favorite book in this fabulous series. Connecting with Sophie again and following her path through this last book of the series is a sweet and poignant journey. It's an education into the lives of countless orphans transported out of New York City during the 1850s. This is a coming of age so to speak, as Sophie grows as an individual seeking a better life for herself and her little charges, Olivia and Nicholas. Disappointment, heartache and challenges are encountered countless times, but Sophie's love and devotion to "her" children keep her moving forward.

Bad choices begin to change to better choices along the journey to a stronger and healthier life, but until Sophie surrenders to God her life remains somewhat chaotic. Human connections eventually touch Sophie's heart, and hope, faith and trust begin to take place. Although this is the last book of a series, it could easily stand on its own, but by all means read the entire series.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations for a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Sold on a Monday

by Kristina McMorris

Description

From New York Times bestselling author Kristina McMorris comes another unforgettable novel inspired by a stunning piece of history.

2 CHILDREN FOR SALE

The sign is a last resort. It sits on a farmhouse porch in 1931, but could be found anywhere in an era of breadlines, bank runs and broken dreams. It could have been written by any mother facing impossible choices.

For struggling reporter Ellis Reed, the gut-wrenching scene evokes memories of his family’s dark past. He snaps a photograph of the children, not meant for publication. But when it leads to his big break, the consequences are more devastating than he ever imagined.

At the paper, Lillian Palmer is haunted by her role in all that happened. She is far too familiar with the heartbreak of children deemed unwanted. As the bonds of motherhood are tested, she and Ellis must decide how much they are willing to risk to mend a fractured family.

Inspired by an actual newspaper photograph that stunned the nation, Sold on a Monday is a powerful novel of love, redemption, and the unexpected paths that bring us home.

Biography

KRISTINA MCMORRIS is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Her novels have garnered more than two dozen literary awards and nominations, including the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, RWA's RITA Award, and a Goodreads Choice Award for Best Historical Fiction. Inspired by true personal and historical accounts, her works of fiction have been published by Sourcebooks Landmark, Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Kensington Books.

Kristina's latest novel, the acclaimed bestseller SOLD ON A MONDAY, follows her widely praised THE EDGE OF LOST, THE PIECES WE KEEP, BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES, and LETTERS FROM HOME, in addition to her novellas in the anthologies A WINTER WONDERLAND and GRAND CENTRAL. Prior to her writing career, she hosted weekly TV shows since age nine, including an Emmy Award-winning program. She lives with her husband and two sons in Oregon, where she is working on her next novel. For more, visit http://KristinaMcMorris.com

My Perspective ~

In 1931 rural America a sign that reads "2 children for sale" might not be extreme. The Great Depression took a toll on many families, and it wasn't unusual to seek alternatives in order for children to be fed and clothed. Featured in the news the story of two sold children ate at the heart of the nation. The reporter responsible for the story couldn't let it go, and sought to discover the whereabouts of the children he had placed in the hearts of Americans everywhere.

Life in the newsroom and the contacts reporters depended upon for information were highlighted in this heartrending book. I found the hierarchy in the newsroom interesting. Romance was an additional aspect that created a realistic slant. There was no room for boredom throughout this story of love, life and the authenticity of the hardships in this time period. I had a hard time putting this book down, as the plot moved along swiftly, creating numerous high points. I thoroughly enjoyed Sold on a Monday!

Notice: Contains expletives and profanity.

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book with no expectations for a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.