Daughter's of Northern Shores (Blackbird Mountain#2) by Joanne Bischof

About the book 

Aven Norgaard understands courage. Orphaned within an Irish workhouse, then widowed at just nineteen, she voyaged to America where she was wooed and wed by Thor Norgaard, a Deaf man in rural Appalachia. That the Lord saw her along the winding journey and that Aven now carries Thor’s child are blessings beyond measure. Yet while Thor holds her heart, it is his younger brother and rival who haunts her memories. Haakon—whose selfish choices shattered her trust in him.

Having fled the farm after trying to take Aven as his own, Haakon sails on the North Atlantic ice trade where his soul is plagued with regrets that distance cannot heal. Not even the beautiful Norwegian woman he’s pursued can ease the torment. When the winds bear him home after four years away, Haakon finds the family on the brink of tragedy. A decades-old feud with the neighboring farm has wrenched them into the fiercest confrontation on Blackbird Mountain since the Civil War. Haakon’s cunning and strength hold the power to seal many fates, including Thor’s which is already at stake through a grave illness brought to him as the first prick of warfare.

Now Haakon faces the hardest choice of his life. One that shapes a battlefield where pride must be broken enough to be restored, and where a prodigal son may finally know the healing peace of surrender and the boundless gift of forgiveness. And when it comes to the woman he left behind in Norway, he just might discover that while his heart belongs to a daughter of the north, she’s been awaiting him on shores more distant than the land he’s fighting for.

My thoughts:

I had been anticipating this book forever it seemed, but actually it really wasn't all that long.  I could not wait to reunite with the characters that I fell in love with in Sons of Blackbird Mountain and meet any new ones the author wanted to introduce her readers to.

It took a long time for me to read this book, not because I didn't love it but because quite simply I didn't want it to end.  I have absolutely loved Thor from the beginning which is probably why he has been my favorite of the brothers. The author certainly makes you forget that he's deaf and that he has had a lot to overcome but he manages to live his best life with the woman he loves, Aven.  It was easy to love her and I kept thinking what a perfect fit she is making me wanting for her to have the best and happiest life she possibly could.

As much as I don't like to admit it, I truly didn't warm up to Haakan and maybe it's because I still harbored ill feelings towards him from the first book.  I did appreciate the difference in him in this book but I wasn't as happy with him as I wanted to be.  I'm sure other readers will feel different which is the beauty of having another perspective but the best perspective is your own which is why I encourage readers to pick up a copy of this book. I suggest reading Sons of Blackbird Mountains first because it is such a fantastic read. 

Overall, this is another beautifully and thoughtfully penned book by the author.  This is the second book I've read by her and I can say that she is now one of my must read authors and I am looking forward to what she has in the future for her readers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to write a review.  All opinions are my own.  

Easter Bride: A Sweet Romance by Shanna Hatfield

About the book

Will meddling matchmakers make a perfect match?

Piper Peterson loves the small community of Holiday, Oregon. She resides there at a beautiful, old farm where she’s surrounded by animals she’s rescued. And she manages the feed store that’s been in her family for more than a hundred years. Despite her contentment with life, her grandfather’s plans to sell the store and farm leave her future up in the air. When a sly matchmaker works to set Grandpa up with the perfect woman, Piper jumps at the chance to lend a hand. But the last thing she expects is to fall in love while helping her grandpa find happiness.

Stuck at a crossroads in his life, Colton Ford can’t decide which direction to head. Then an invitation to stay at his brother’s ranch in Holiday provides an opportunity Colt can’t pass up. He hopes time spent at the Flying B Ranch will help him clear his head and sort out his life. Before long, he finds himself entangled in a matchmaking plot involving his widowed aunt and a charismatic old gent. When he agrees to give the budding romance a nudge, he has no idea the man’s delightful granddaughter will capture his heart.

A heartwarming story filled with country charm, laughter, and hope, Easter Bride is sure to bring readers the joys of budding spring and sweet romance.

My thoughts:

I am a bit embarrassed to admit this but I didn't realize this was the third book in the Holiday Brides series by Ms. Hatfield when I started reading, Easter Bride. I only mention this because this book is so good that I am sorry I missed reading the first two but I will be reading them as soon as possible.

I absolutely adored Piper Peterson from the start and could imagine being friends with her.  She loves animals so much that she has rescued quite a few of them. she loves living in a small town and the girl has a flair for decorating that made me want to visit the feed store she manages.  I loved the way the author described the antiques she used in some of her displays so that I could visualize them.  I love her kindness not only for animals but for her aging grandfather as well.  

Now there has to be a hero for the heroine, right?  Of course and boy did the author create the perfect one in Colton Ford! .  They first meeting is a bit off putting to him but I sure had a good laugh and that's when I realized how much I liked her. I'll just say there is a pig pen, mud and a goat involved making Piper not nearly as beautiful as Colton had been led to believe.

The community of  Holiday is filled with fun, lovable and quirky characters who happen to have each others backs and are not opposed to offering sage advice to those they think need it.  Family, friends and neighbors are always important in a storyline and the author highlights and nurtures these relationships in the quick and fun read.  If anyone is looking for a fast weekend read, I highly recommend this one.

I received an e-copy from the author and was under no obligations to write a review.  All opinions are my own.

In the Doctor's Arms (Seasons of Alaska #6) by Carol Ross

Book Description:

Can he stop the one who got away—

from getting away again?

Everyone in her Alaskan town hopes Iris James is back for good. Including Dr. Flynn Ramsey, who stole her heart when they were awkward teenagers. She realizes he’s planning an encore, but a prestigious job in Washington, DC, is calling to her. Only, ever since their kiss at her brother’s wedding, Iris isn’t sure about anything. 

Except her reignited feelings for Flynn…

Other Books in the Series

ABOUT  THE AUTHOR 

USA Today bestselling author Carol Ross grew up in small town America right between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, in a place where you can go deep sea fishing in the morning and then hit the ski slopes the same afternoon. The daughter of what is now known as free range parents, she developed a love of the outdoors at a very early age. As a writer, Carol loves to breathe the life she has lived into the characters she creates, grateful for the “research material” that every questionable decision, adrenaline-charged misstep, and near-death experience has provided.

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My thoughts:

In the Doctor's Arms is the 6th book in the Seasons of Alaska but even though I had not read the other books in the series, that certainly did not keep me from enjoying this one.  I found it fairly easy to become familiar with the characters and the back story.

It was easy to love both Iris and Flynn and quickly get caught up in their storyline.  I thought they were both relatable, their relationships with the other characters were natural as were their conversations.  The descriptive writing by Ms. Ross made me feel like I was visiting Alaska and I could relate to Iris wanting to explore life outside of her town and making a life of her own.  I share her dislike of the outdoors although for very different reasons.

The author penned a sweet story with well developed characters and she did  it so well I want to read more of her work.    If anyone is looking for a quick weekend read I highly recommend this one. 

I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to write a review.  All opinions are my own. 

Eat, Live, Thrive Diet: A Lifetyle to Rev Up Your Midlife Metabolismm by Danna Demetre & Robyn Thompson

Book Description:

From the well-known health and lifestyle coaches of the widely popular website Lean Healthy Ageless (formerly Ageless Woman Living) comes a practical, science-based diet book that unravels the mystery of why women gain weight as they age and includes a sustainable plan to permanently lose the pounds and inches.

Eat, Live, Thrive Diet shows women how they can not only lose excess body fat permanently but also improve their overall health in critical areas such as brain function, resistance to disease, slowing down external aging, and increasing energy. This highly effective eating plan is presented in a compassionate voice by two experienced health coaches who share personal experiences of battling weight and emotional eating issues. Whereas most diets are short-lived or require substantial upkeep to maintain, Eat, Live, Thrive Diet is a viable eating plan that women can adhere to indefinitely.

 In addition to minimizing sugar intake, the plan emphasizes the importance of short-term intermittent fasting--a simple lifestyle change that makes it easier and more effective for many mature women to reach their health and weight loss goals. The book also highlights health risks and drawbacks of many popular fad diets that can be harmful on a long-term basis.

My thoughts:

When I saw this book offered for review I didn't hesitate to request it.  I am definitely at the age where it has become easy for me to gain weight.  I am also limited to what physical exercise I can do because of medical reasons.

I am not a person who diets and have never tried any of the fad diets because I have always believed that eating sensibly does the trick.  Do I eat sensibly all the time?  Absolutely not because I'm human and have rarely turned down a cookie or piece of cake.  I appreciated this book and the authors recipes for healthy but flavorful food but most importantly I appreciated their encouragement and sharing their knowledge with readers.   I loved the message of positivity because that is an important part of any journey we all take in our lives.

I haven't gone all in with some of their advice because most of the medication I take should be taken with food so I haven't fasted but I have done it in the past and didn't find it to be a problem for me.  I have cut back on my sugar intake although I have not eliminated it for a significant period of time.  I will be doing that as soon as I feel comfortable doing that.  The fact that there are three phases made it less overwhelming for me and made perfect sense.  So, I need to concentrate on a healthier lifestyle to include more physical activity, choosing healthier foods and remaining positive.  So far I am not on track but I have been implementing changes each day and will continue to do.

The authors share so much of themselves and their personal stories that we know the ladies are just like the rest of us which I really liked. One of the other things that I loved about this book is that most of everything is doable, no personal chefs or gym memberships just common sense things that will promotes a healthy lifestyle.   I will definitely keep this book handy so I can refer back to it when I need a little encouragement and highly recommend it to others who want to make a gradual change in their lives, too.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a review.  All opinions are my own.

The Sorekeeper's Daughter (Daughter's of Lancaster County #1) by Wanda Brunstetter

About the book:

Time seems to stand still in Naomi Fisher's tranquil community, but it cannot hold back tragedy. Helping her widowed father run a store, manage a household, and raise seven children is a daunting task. There is no time to think about courtship or having her own family, though her heart yearns for the attention of Caleb Hoffmeir. But her days are plotted for her-until the afternoon her baby brother disappears from the yard.

 How can Naomi expect anyone to love and trust her if she can't take care of one small boy? Should she leave all that is familiar and seek a new avenue of life? 

The Storekeeper's Daughter is book 1 in the Daughter's of Lancaster County series. Other books in the series include The Quilter's Daughter: Book 2 and The Bishop's Daughter: Book 3. 

My thoughts:

This is not only one of my favorite books by this author but also one of my favorite series penned by Ms. Brunstetter.  I loved the Fisher family from the start but my heart ached for them when tragedy strikes their family with a loss that leaves behind a widowed father and eight children. 

Naomi was my favorite character and I couldn't imagine living the life she led with such huge responsibilities and stepping into adulthood while being so young.  

Just when I thought their grief couldn't get any worse I soon found out that it could and did when Naomi's baby brother is taken from their yard.  I felt so bad for this family for having to go through another devastating loss one that no family should ever have to experience.  What really added to my sympathy for Naomi was the fact that she had dreams of marriage and starting a family of her own and yet she's questioning if she's capable of  earning the trust of anyone after what happened to her baby brother.

The Storekeeper's Daughter is filled with characters that will stay with you for a long time just as they have with me.  I read this book and the series when they were first released but I read them again when I found out that, Stolen a musical based on this series would be in Lancaster county this summer and that I have the opportunity to see it.  

Overall, this is a storyline is interesting, full of twists and turns  but also one that will make you thankful for the people in your lives.  

Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin

About the book:

In spring 1918, Lieutenant Colin Mabry, a British soldier working with MI8 after suffering injuries on the front, receives a message by carrier pigeon. It is from Jewel Reyer, the woman he once loved and who saved his life--a woman he believed to be dead. Traveling to France to answer her urgent summons, he desperately hopes this mission will ease his guilt and restore the courage he lost on the battlefield.

Colin is stunned, however, to discover the message came from Jewel's half sister, Johanna. Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence, found Jewel's diary and believes her sister is alive in the custody of a German agent. With spies everywhere, Colin is skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust begins to grow between them.

When their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot, danger and deception turn their search for answers into a battle for their lives.

My thoughts:

I didn't realize that this is the second book in a series when I started reading it but discovered it is when I read the authors note at the back of the book.  So now I want to read, Not by Sight because this a fascinating storyline and one of my favorite genres to read.

Having said that I will also say that I enjoyed this story even though I hadn't read, Not by Sight. Ms. Breslin clearly does her research and I enjoyed reading about the carrier pigeons used during WW1 and even though I was familiar with their use during that time it was still interesting to read about it in this novel.  

Colin Mabry and Jewel Reyer are fascinating characters and the twists and turns in their storyline had me wanting know more about what was going to happen to them.  It took me far longer to read this book than I anticipated because I did not want to miss one single detail of this intricate story and sometimes went over some passages a couple of times which is something that I rarely do but loved doing in this novel.  It's just not something that I wanted to rush through simply because the writing is so superb I wanted to appreciate every single word. 

There isn't one thing that I didn't enjoy about this book, from the well crafted characters to traveling across Spain and France with them in this artfully written book.  I am looking forward to reading whatever Kate Breslin writes next because I know it's going to be amazing.  

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a review.  All opinions are my own.

A

Book Description

They both love music. Will God deny what brings them such joy?  

Musical prodigy Levi Shetler hasn’t touched a piano since he secretly played one years ago. His strict Amish community forbids instruments or the singing of any music not in their approved songbook. Levi asks God often why music tempts him when playing an instrument isn’t allowed in his world. 

One person knows Levi’s talents: Mary Hershberger, the girl who promised years ago to keep his secret. Mary comes from a more liberal district than Levi, but she’s facing family troubles of her own. The mutual care for an aging Englischer, Adeline, reunites Mary and Levi as young adults. They realize that, despite their differences, they have a shared love of music—and a shared confusion about whether their talents are God-given gifts or temptations luring them into the Englisch world. 

The couple realizes they must compromise or part ways, but a tragic accident shakes their decision. Both Mary and Levi will need to reconcile what they love with what their hearts say is right—because even as their passion for music brings them together, it could be what tears them apart. 

The first novel in the new Amish Journeys series by bestselling author Beth Wiseman, Hearts in Harmony explores how far the heart will travel for the melody of love.

My thoughts:

Beth Wiseman begins her latest series, An Amish Journey with the beautifully crafted and aptly titled Hearts in Harmony.  What a selfless journey Mary,  Levi and Natalie  take as they form an unlikely friendship that is built on compassion and respect for their elderly friend Adeline.  I absolutely loved the different ages, faiths and backgrounds of the main characters and the bond they formed while giving so much of themselves to one who really needed them.

I became emotionally attached to the characters but Levi was my favorite and the one I wanted a lifetime of happiness for most of all.  I loved the way Mary and Levi are reunited as young adults after a chance meeting when they were children and yet very little has changed because they both still love music which is forbidden in their strict districts.  The author portrays them as respectful talented people who want to play music and sing Christian songs but yet want to remain true to their values and beliefs which is a very fine line for them.

The storyline is an emotional one that at times had me smiling and at times in tears and most importantly made me realize that the author clearly writes quality Amish fiction. This is one of my favorite books penned by Beth Wiseman and I cannot wait to read the second book in the series. I highly recommend this 5-star book.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a review.  All opinions are my own.

Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson

Book Description

When the fun-loving and spontaneous artist Willow West meets buttoned-up, retired English teacher George Emerson, it's not exactly love at first sight. Though she does find the obsessive-compulsive man intriguing. Making it her mission to get him to loosen up and embrace life, she embarks on what seems like a lost cause--and finds herself falling for him in the process.

A confirmed bachelor, George vacillates between irritation and attraction whenever Willow is around--which to him seems like all too often. He's not interested in expanding his horizons or making new friends; it just hurts too much when you lose them.

But as the summer progresses, George feels his defenses crumbling. The question is, will his change of heart be too late for Willow?

With her signature heart and touches of humor, fan favorite Melody Carlson pens a story of two delightfully eccentric characters who get a second chance at life and love. 

My thoughts:

Courting Mr. Emerson is one of the most delightful books that I have had the pleasure of reading this year.  I absolutely adored George Emerson the retired English teacher. As a matter of fact he is one of my all time favorite male characters.  

He's a loner and socially awkward so when he meets artist Willow West his world is about to be shaken up.  Willow is an artist and outgoing so she managed to introduce George to a few new experiences that had me laughing  out loud.  There were times that I could imagine the discomfort George felt and that made me feel bad for him.

I loved Collin the young grandson of Willow and who in my opinion seemed more mature than his mother.  The one character who I viewed negatively at first was Lorna, George's neighbor but I found myself liking her as the story progressed.  The relationships in this book are complicated but they genuinely care for each other so I appreciated that aspect of the storyline.

This is a fast and enjoyable read that will have you smiling and if you're like me, perhaps even laughing loud a time or two.  This is a book that I will definitely read again at some point and one I highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review.  All opinions are my own.

Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Anndrews

Book Description:

The Old Testament book of Daniel comes to life in this novel for readers of Lynn Austin's Chronicles of the Kings series or Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series.

Survival. A Hebrew girl first tasted it when she escaped death nearly seventy years ago as the Babylonians ransacked Jerusalem and took their finest as captives. She thought she'd perfected in the many years amongst the Magoi and the idol worshippers, pretending with all the others in King Nebuchadnezzar's court. Now, as Daniel's wife and a septuagenarian matriarch, Belili thinks she's safe and she can live out her days in Babylon without fear--until the night Daniel is escorted to Belshazzar's palace to interpret mysterious handwriting on a wall. The Persian Army invades, and Bellili's tightly-wound secrets unfurl with the arrival of the conquering army. What will the reign of Darius mean for Daniel, a man who prays to Yahweh alone?
Ultimately, Yahweh's sovereign hand guides Jerusalem's captives, and the frightened Hebrew girl is transformed into a confident woman, who realizes her need of the God who conquers both fire and lions.

My thoughts:

This is the perfect book for fans of Biblical Fiction and even those who may not be, because after reading, Of Fire and Lions you will surely become a fan of this genre and this author.

In the telling of the story of Daniel which is the true testament of faith as we know but reading it in this format opened my eyes to the true beauty of this story.   I won't go into details because most of us are familiar with his life but reading this account was truly inspiring  to me.  Yes, I have read the book of Daniel in the Old Testament so I am familiar with the story but my heart raced a little faster as I read each page in this superbly written novel.

I hope readers will pick up a coy of this one and really sit in a quiet place to read this beautifully told story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review.  All opinions are my own.

The Unexpected Champion (High Sierra Sweethearts # 3) by Mary Connealy

About the book:

City dweller John McCall never expected to be out in the High Sierras of 1868 on a wild-goose chase to find the Chiltons' supposedly lost grandson. But now that he's out here, things have gotten even more complicated, mostly due to wildcat Penny Scott. She's not like any woman he's ever met--comfortable in the woods, with a horse, and with a gun.

When Penny and John are taken against their will by a shadowy figure looking for evidence they don't have, both realize they've stumbled into something dangerous and complicated. With their friends and family desperately searching for them, Penny and John must make a daring escape.

When they emerge back into the real world, they are confronted with a kidnapper who just won't stop. They must bring a powerful, ruthless man to justice, even as this city man and country woman fight a very inconvenient attraction to each other. 

My thoughts:

Let me just say that I absolutely loved this book!  It is the fast paced, action packed, comical story of, Pinkerton Agent John McCall and the no-nonsense, Penny Scott.  Things have gotten bad in Dismal, Nevada, one might even say dismal.  Especially after Penny and John are kidnapped and yes, I know kidnapping is no laughing matter, unless it's in in a story penned by Ms. Connealy.

After the kidnapping and escape things start to deteriorate for John and Penny but luckily she is prepared and way more savvy  than he is as they try to find their way back to town.  I'm telling you there is non stop action within the pages of ,The Unexpected Champion that kept me turning pages as fast as I could.   Just when I thought the author couldn't possibly have any more surprises she totally proved me wrong.  There is a forced marriage and disguises along with hijinks that had me laughing throughout this delightful book.   The pairing of John and Penny is brilliant because these two are as different as day and night which added so much to this third and final book in the High Sierra Sweethearts series.    Although I haven't read the first two books in the series there was enough of the back story that I knew what had been happening with the characters in the first two books. 

I received a copy from the publisher and was under no  obligation to write a review.  All opinions are my own.