The Amish Wedding Promise

(Hidden Springs #1)

by Laura V. Hilton

Description

Could this bride's wedding disaster be a blessing in disguise?
Grace Lantz always imagined her wedding day would be a blissfully happy occasion. But after a tornado swept through town, she finds herself relieved that the ceremony is delayed. After all, her groom-to-be hasn't even bothered to check on her. Instead, it's the handsome volunteer Zeke Bontrager who selflessly offers Grace his strong shoulders to lean on.
Zeke came to Hidden Springs to assist a community in need. He didn't expect to meet his soul mate. Determined to ignore his feelings, Zeke promises to help reunite kind, beautiful Grace with her groom. But after spending time together, Grace confesses that she might not want to marry her fiancé after all. Can Zeke convince her that her true love is standing right in front of her? And can she find the courage to follow her heart? 

Biography

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer. 

My Perspective ~

A tornado destroys a portion of an Illinois Amish community, leaving families uprooted and facing mammoth destruction. A group of Mennonite and Amish men from Indiana become involved in cleaning up the rubble and assisting in finding lost animals and missing persons, as well as repairing and rebuilding what was lost. Romance is forbidden to those workmen who are there to assist in rebuilding, not to enhance their personal lives. Zeke Bontrager finds it difficult to ignore his host family's daughter, Grace, whose wedding was called off as a result of the storm. Her bridegroom is missing! With the help of the volunteers the Amish community faces loss and destruction as they work hand in hand to find a new normal.

The Amish work ethic is ever present in Hilton's novels, and this strength is abundant in this story as well. Romantic attraction reveals itself as Grace sees a much different type of man in Zeke, so unlike her lost bridegroom, a demanding and cold individual. Loss and heartache reveal themselves in this emotional story, as families attempt to recover from the storm that changed their lives. I was touched by the compassion and love that is shared throughout this novel, and once again am impressed with this author's gift of demonstrating human frailties as well as strengths. The first in the Hidden Springs series, I'm eagerly looking forward to what the future holds for this cast of characters!

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

Echoes Among the Stones

by Jaime Jo Wright

Description

After Aggie Dunkirk's career is unceremoniously ended by her own mistakes, she finds herself traveling to Wisconsin, where her grandmother, Mumsie, lives alone in her rambling old home. She didn't plan for how eccentric Mumsie has become, obsessing over an old, unsolved crime scene--even going so far as to re-create it in the dollhouse.

Mystery seems to follow her when she finds work as a secretary helping to restore the flooded historical part of the cemetery. Forced to work with the cemetery's puzzling, yet attractive archeologist, she exhumes the past's secrets and unwittingly uncovers a crime that some will go to any length to keep quiet--even if it means silencing Aggie.

In 1946, Imogene Grayson works in a local factory and has eyes on owning her own beauty salon. But coming home to discover her younger sister's body in the attic changes everything. Unfamiliar with the newly burgeoning world of criminal forensics and not particularly welcomed as a woman, Imogene is nonetheless determined to stay involved. As her sister's case grows cold, Imogene vows to find justice . . . even if it costs her everything.

Biography

Daphne du Maurier and Christy Award-Winning author, Jaime Jo Wright resides in the hills of Wisconsin writing suspenseful, mysteries stained with history's secrets. Jaime lives in dreamland, exists in reality, and invites you to join her adventures at jaimewrightbooks.com!

My Perspective ~

Jaime Jo Wright has honed the edge at creating another time-slip novel! Time frames attached by the threads woven between them reveal how the past has touched the present with a substantial intensity. Intrigue, relationships and suspense are revealed, as unforeseen and unpredictable enigmas surface throughout Echoes Among the Stones. Family ties are strong and reach across the span of time from one generation to the next, and onward, impacting both Aggie and her Mumsie, and the conundrums that confront them. The cast of characters is well described and unique, adding much depth to the plot.

Creative writing at its best is revealed throughout this story of the past and its affect upon the present. Wright uses poetic license in her descriptions, creating pictorial scenes that add artistry to her narratives. Unpredictable and mysterious, this suspenseful novel kept me guessing as events were revealed. I have read all of this author's novels, and highly recommend each of them, as they all stand on their own merits. Echoes Among the Stones will remain my permanent library, and will be read again in the future. 

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

Deadly Deceit

(Harbored Secrets #2)

by Natalie Walters

Description

Independent and tenacious journalist Vivian DeMarco is back in Walton, Georgia, for one reason--to do her job and get out. When her boss suddenly dies under suspicious circumstances, Vivian's only hope for finding the truth--and the next big story--is small-town law enforcement's lanky poster boy, Deputy Ryan Frost. But the deeper they dig, the more twisted the truth becomes, and Vivian finds herself fighting for not only answers but also her life. False leads, incriminating emails, and someone called The Watcher force Vivian to confront the secret of her past and decide: How much is she willing to risk for the sake of a headline?

Author Natalie Walters welcomes you back to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name--but no one knows your secret.

Biography

Natalie Walters is the author of Living Lies. A military wife of 22 years, she currently resides in Hawaii with her soldier husband and their three kids. She writes full-time and has been published in Proverbs 31 magazine and has blogged for Guideposts online. In addition to balancing life as a military spouse, mom, and writer, she loves connecting on social media, sharing her love of books, cooking, and traveling. Natalie comes from a long line of military and law enforcement veterans and is passionate about supporting them through volunteer work, races, and writing stories that affirm no one is defined by their past. Learn more at www.nataliewalterswriter.com. 

My Perspective ~

This is my first occasion to read a book by Natalie Walters. Deadly Deceit is the second in a series, but could easily be read as a stand alone. I don't feel that I missed anything by not reading the first in this series. Characterizations are well done, depicting their serious sides and their sense of fun. Suspense runs high in this whodunit, but also included are scenes that include humor, compassion, romance, and a sense of growing relationships. The plot moves along swiftly, with suspense creating a sense of urgency at times throughout the book. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery romance, and look forward to reading more from this author.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program. All expressed opinions are honest and my own.

The Family Upstairs

by Lisa Jewell

Description

Be careful who you let in.

Soon after her twenty-fifth birthday, Libby Jones returns home from work to find the letter she’s been waiting for her entire life. She rips it open with one driving thought: I am finally going to know who I am.

She soon learns not only the identity of her birth parents, but also that she is the sole inheritor of their abandoned mansion on the banks of the Thames in London’s fashionable Chelsea neighborhood, worth millions. Everything in Libby’s life is about to change. But what she can’t possibly know is that others have been waiting for this day as well—and she is on a collision course to meet them.

Twenty-five years ago, police were called to 16 Cheyne Walk with reports of a baby crying. When they arrived, they found a healthy ten-month-old happily cooing in her crib in the bedroom. Downstairs in the kitchen lay three dead bodies, all dressed in black, next to a hastily scrawled note. And the four other children reported to live at Cheyne Walk were gone.

In The Family Upstairs, the master of “bone-chilling suspense” (People) brings us the can’t-look-away story of three entangled families living in a house with the darkest of secrets.

Biography

Lisa Jewell was born and raised in north London, where she lives with her husband and two daughters. She is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of over twenty novels, including The Girls in the Garden, The House We Grew Up In, and The Third Wife. To find out more, visit Facebook.com/LisaJewellOfficial, or follow her on Twitter @LisaJewellUK.

My Perspective ~

The description of this story is told above, so I won't repeat it. This is my first experience reading Lisa Jewell's work, and it definitely won't be the last! I was swiftly swept into this story and was captured by the events portrayed. The pace is fast and the plot is unpredictable, great features of a suspense filled psychological thriller! 

Told in first person and two separate third persons, I had no difficulty deciphering who was narrating. The story flowed seamlessly and without question regarding who was doing the telling. This is unusual and difficult to achieve, but this author pulled it off without any hitches. Deep and dark, mysterious and somewhat sordid events kept me clutching the book tighter as I read. I literally had to force myself to put the book down. 

I highly recommend this novel of intensity and unique developments. Characterizations are deep and distinctive, and the plot is unforgettable. Pick up a copy and enjoy a fast paced ride.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program. All expressed opinions are honest and my own.

Deadly Christmas Pretense

(Love Inspired Suspense)

by Dana Mentink

Description

A cowboy to her rescue…

but she’s not who he thinks she is.

Posing as her sister for Christmas is the only way to save her, but Maggie Lofton needs help—even if it means working with her twin’s cowboy ex-boyfriend, Liam Pike. But between the bull’s-eye on her back and the dangerous connection she’s forming with Liam, Maggie’s mission is harder than expected. Will their tenuous partnership be enough to shield her when the killer closes in?

Biography

Dana Mentink is a national bestselling author. She has been honored to win two Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion, and a Reviewer's Choice award. She's authored more than thirty novels to date for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Harlequin Heartwarming. Dana loves feedback from her readers. Contact her at www.danamentink.com

My Perspective ~

Dana Mentink is my favorite author of Love Inspired Suspense. She knows how to develop a fast paced plot with unpredictable events throughout her stories. Deadly Christmas Pretense is no exception. It can be easily read as a stand alone story, but I love the connections in her series. Family is closely knit and loving, and kindness and acceptance are wonderful features throughout. Selflessness and reaching out to others are examples to cherish as the author weaves her stories around family, friends, community and strangers.

Suspense is high and unpredictable throughout Deadly Christmas Pretense. There's no room for boredom in this book, and there is no clue as to what will reveal itself on the next page! An easy, quick read, I was swept into the adventures and the spirit of Christmas as the plot developed. Highly recommend!

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

An Amish Christmas Kitchen

(3 Novellas Celebrating the Warmth of the Season)

by Leslie Gould

Jan Drexler

Kate Lloyd

Description

As the weather grows cold and the nights grow long, the cheer and warmth of the Christmas season is one thing all readers can find comfort in. This collection from bestselling Amish fiction novelists Leslie Gould, Jan Drexler, and Kate Lloyd finds the beating heart at the center of the holiday and offers three novellas that celebrate family, faith, and especially the sights and smells of a bustling holiday kitchen.

Leslie Gould tells the story of how, in the wake of a heartbreaking loss, a young Amish woman finds unexpected comfort and hope in a yearly baking tradition surrounding the local Lancaster Christmas market. Jan Drexler offers a sweet tale of a shy Amish woman who decides to use her gift for sweets to woo a local Amish boy with her beloved Christmas cookies. And Kate Lloyd offers a heartwarming tale of a woman's unexpected discovery about the truth of her past, and the warm and welcoming Amish family table she finds herself invited to on Christmas.

My Perspective ~

The Amish celebration of Christmas is focused on the birth of Christ, with family and togetherness of greatest importance. Unlike other American cultures the Amish center their celebration around their faith, without the addition of material items. Baking and family activities are the family traditions that bind them together at this special time of year.

The three novellas in this book reveal the traditions listed above, and the opening of their hearts to others outside their community. Amish life and beliefs are described for the reader to see the inside of the Anabaptist home and family unit. Each of the three authors chose a different approach centered in the hub of the Amish home, the kitchen. Recipes are included, and the camaraderie of the family unit is expressed through the telling of these stories. 

If you love Amish fiction with a bit of romance, and are looking forward to Christmas and all the trimmings, this is an excellent addition for your reading time. The novellas are light and easy reading, and will leave a warm spot in your heart! 

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

The Amish Bride

(The Women of Lancaster County #3)

by Mindy Starns Clark 

& Leslie Gould

Description

Bestselling authors Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould offer readers The Amish Bride, Book 3 in the Women of Lancaster County series, which tells the stories of young Plain women as they explore their roots, connect with family, and discover true love.

Ella Bayer and Ezra Gundy are in love and hope to marry someday, but she is a young Mennonite woman while he is an Amish man. Though both Plain, one of them will have to forsake what they believe to embrace another way of life.

Hoping some distance will cool the relationship, Ezra’s family sends him to work at an Amish dairy farm in Indiana. But Ella disregards what her family wants and follows Ezra. In short order she finds a place to live, a job in a bakery, and an unexpected but budding friendship with a handsome Amish farmhand, Luke. When a family tragedy forces Ella back to Pennsylvania, she must face all she’s been running away from. And once she has made peace with those around her, she has an important decision to make: Whose Amish bride will she become—Ezra’s or Luke’s?

Biographies

Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of numerous books, both fiction and nonfiction, including Whispers of the Bayou, The House That Cleans Itself, and the #1-ranked The Amish Midwife. She has received numerous honors, including two Christy Awards and an RT Book Reviews' Career Achievement Award. Mindy and her husband, John, live near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, and have two grown daughters. 

Leslie Gould is the best-selling and award-winning author of over thirty novels. She loves traveling, research, Shakespeare's plays, and church history. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon and are the parents of four children. http://www.lesliegould.com/

My Perspective ~

The above authors have coauthored several books, and I'm always amazed at the cohesiveness and flowing stories they create. There is no telling who is writing any specific portion of the story, and that's no easy feat! This Amish fiction tale is beautifully written, and original. I love the history that was interwoven throughout, and the lives of the characters in this book are varied. Characters are deep and believable, and relationships are realistic at all levels. There is no predicting which way this story will travel, and events throughout are emotional and credible. 

For readers who enjoy Amish fiction, this is above and beyond mainstream stories of that genre. The stories of the characters in The Amish Bride go much deeper than everyday life. I found this to be one of my favorite Amish stories because of the originality and depth created by these authors. I highly recommend The Amish Bride, and look forward to reading more from this series!

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

Married to a Stranger

by Laura V. Hilton
GIVEAWAY!

Description

He marries her out of need. She marries him to escape. What does love have to do with it? 

When her father falsely accuses a stranger of dishonoring her, Bethel Eicher finds herself promised in marriage to a man she’s never met. Not exactly a dream come true, but since she has spent several years caring for her handicapped mother, she’s already considered an old maid at twenty-five—and she longs to escape her lonely life as permanent caregiver.

When newly-called Amish preacher Gideon Kaiser learns he’s been accused of a dishonorable act, he's horrified. But his wife died in childbirth and his baby needs a mother, so he figures marrying a woman he’s never met could be beneficial.

How can Bethel and Gideon possibly make their marriage work—especially when the truth behind the accusations is revealed?

Biography

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer.

My Perspective ~

I'm a big fan of Laura V. Hilton's Amish fiction. She creates characters and situations that are deeply uplifting and soul stirring. Married to a Stranger is based in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and having lived in this state in the past the author paints a realistic picture of the area. 

The main characters in this book are portrayed with a realistic depth in character traits and personalities. Strangers thrust together in a marriage of convenience, the identities of both Bethel and Gideon in this unfamiliar situation are emotional, uncomfortable, and deeply personal. Hilton goes deep into the souls of her characters and creates a uniquely poignant presentation of the interaction between them, and lack thereof. 

This is a beautiful story of life and love, and the progression in a relationship that is uniquely deep. This is Laura V. Hilton's best yet! The story flows effortlessly as the reader becomes more involved with both Bethel and Gideon, and their difficult situation in life. I highly recommend this book!

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

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, 7-22-19.

Never Have I Ever

by Joshilyn Jackson

Description

New York Times bestselling author Joshilyn Jackson—”an admired writer who deserves to be a household name” (Kirkus Reviews)—displays her masterful talent in this dark and deliciously addictive tale of domestic suspense.

In this game, even winning can be deadly...

Amy Whey is proud of her ordinary life and the simple pleasures that come with it—teaching diving lessons, baking cookies for new neighbors, helping her best friend, Charlotte, run their local book club. Her greatest joy is her family: her devoted professor husband, her spirited fifteen-year-old stepdaughter, her adorable infant son. And, of course, the steadfast and supportive Charlotte. But Amy’s sweet, uncomplicated life begins to unravel when the mysterious and alluring Angelica Roux arrives on her doorstep one book club night.

Sultry and magnetic, Roux beguiles the group with her feral charm. She keeps the wine flowing and lures them into a game of spilling secrets. Everyone thinks it’s naughty, harmless fun. Only Amy knows better. Something wicked has come her way—a she-devil in a pricey red sports car who seems to know the terrible truth about who she is and what she once did.

When they’re alone, Roux tells her that if she doesn’t give her what she asks for, what she deserves, she’s going to make Amy pay for her sins. One way or another.

To protect herself and her family and save the life she’s built, Amy must beat the devil at her own clever game, matching wits with Roux in an escalating war of hidden pasts and unearthed secrets. Amy knows the consequences if she can’t beat Roux. What terrifies her is everything she could lose if she wins.

A diabolically entertaining tale of betrayal, deception, temptation, and love filled with dark twists leavened by Joshilyn Jackson’s trademark humor, Never Have I Ever explores what happens when the transgressions of our past come back with a vengeance.

Biography

Joshilyn Jackson is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of nine novels, including gods in Alabama, The Almost Sisters, and Never Have I Ever (July, 2019)

She lives in Decatur, Georgia with her husband and their two kids. She serves on the board of and volunteers with Reforming Arts, teaching creative writing inside Lee Arrendale State Prison, Georgia's maximum security facility for women. Through their education-in-prison and reentry programs, Reforming Arts fosters the development of critical and creative thinking skills, encouraging students to build livable lives. 

She's also an award winning audiobook narrator, performing most of her own work as well as novels by Lydia Netzer and Marybeth Mayhew Whalen.

My Perspectives ~

This is my first Joshilyn Jackson novel, but it won't be the last! I quickly discovered why her books are so popular! This psychological thriller is unpredictable, original and believable. This author pulls out all the stops toward making the reader experience numerous emotions throughout the entirety of this novel. My heart rate and respiration increased as events unfolded. The cast of characters is strong and convincing. My heart ached as I experienced Amy's story through her first person narrative of the destructive events in her young life. What doesn't kill us strengthens us, as evidenced by Amy's harrowing story. There is much more to reveal about this compelling and original story, but I won't spoil it for those of you who decide to experience this thrilling psychological drama on your own. I highly recommend Never Have I Ever! It's like nothing I've read before! Don't miss it!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through the Goodreads Giveaways program. All expressed opinions are honest and my own.