Thimbles and Threads: 4 Love Stories Are Quilted into Broken Lives

About the book

Love Stitched into Four Women’s Lives
Enjoy four historical romances that celebrate the arts of sewing and quilting. When four women put needle and thread to fabric, will their talents lead to love?

Bygones by Mary Davis
Texas, 1884
Drawn to the new orphan boy in town, Tilly Rockford soon became the unfortunate victim of a lot of Orion Dunbar’s mischievous deeds in school. Can Tilly figure out how to truly forgive the one who made her childhood unbearable? Now she doesn’t even know she holds his heart. Can this deviant orphan-train boy turned man make up for the misdeeds of his youth and win Tilly’s heart before another man steals her away?

The Bridal Shop by Grace Hitchcock
Charleston, South Carolina, June 1886
Alice Turner, the owner of one of Charleston’s finest bridal shops, is determined never to be dependent on a man for anything after the disgrace of her father’s prison time. When her best friend requests Alice to be her maid of honor, she reluctantly sets aside her feelings on marriage and dons a stylish bridesmaid’s gown, never intending to catch the eye of the handsome groomsman. Will he be able to convince her to open her heart again and finish the quilt once intended for her father?

Mending Sarah’s Heart by Suzanne Norquist
Rockledge, Colorado, 1884
Sarah doesn’t need anyone, especially her dead husband’s partner. With four brothers to mentor her boys and income as a seamstress, she seeks a quiet life. If only the Emporium of Fashion would stop stealing her customers and the local hoodlums would leave her sons alone. When she rejects her husband’s share of the mine, his partner Jack seeks to serve her through other means. But will his efforts only push her further away?

Binding Up Wounds by Liz Tolsma
Regent, Wisconsin, 1865
Melissa Bainbridge is a quirky designer of rag dolls who raises raccoons and never really fit into the small farming town. When Lance Witherspoon arrives in town to thank her for the Sanitary Commission quilt she made that saved his life, she is shocked to learn Lance is a Confederate. Can she and Lance confront the town’s prejudices – along with their own?

My thoughts:

Thimbles and Threads is a wonderful collection of historical romance stories!  I have read novels by Grace Hitchcock and Liz Tolsma but Mary Davis and Suzanne Norquist were new to me authors but after finishing this book, I can honestly say that I am in a fan of these four ladies.  

Heartwarming stories of faith and forgiveness are some of my favorites but when there are touches of humor like, The Bridal Shop by Grace Hitchcock my reading experience is complete.  Each author penned a beautiful and heartfelt story with compelling characters who I will remember fondly for a very long time.  

I thoroughly enjoyed this collection and recommend it reader of all ages.  Yes, even your mothers, grandmothers, and younger daughters will find this these novellas enjoyable. I don't quilt or sew but boy did I love reading about those ladies who did.

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

Refuge at Pine Lake Book Review + Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

About the book

Refuge at Pine Lake
By Rose Chandler Johnson
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
March 6th 2019 by Chanson Books

Robin Lancaster, a twenty-six-year-old former kindergarten teacher, has her summer and her life all figured out. She’s ready to be on her own, writing and illustrating her children’s stories at her family’s beloved lake house. Once there, she intends to rekindle a romance with Caleb Jackson, the area’s top hunting and fishing guide, and bag him for herself.

Complications arise from the start when Robin finds out her mother has rented the lake house to a man they know nothing about.

Matthew McLaughlin, forty-year-old widowed university professor and author from California, shows up at Pine Lake in crisis. A sabbatical might be his only hope to save much more than his career. He needs a place of refuge. Sharing the lake house with a lighthearted young woman and her dog is the last thing on his mind.

Caleb Jackson has his own plans. He’s used to things going his way, but a man staying in Robin’s house presents unforeseen challenges. When paths unavoidably tangle for these three, hearts are on the line.

Goodreads       Amazon

My thoughts:

Rose Chandler Johnson is a new to me author but it was the cover that caught my eye and after reading the description, I immediately knew it would be a book that I would enjoy reading. What I thought would be an enjoyable book actually became a book that I loved!

Robin Lancaster is a charming character although at first I had my doubts about her when she's determined  to move to the family lake house for the summer knowing her mother had rented it to  Matthew McLaughlin. I understood why Robin would want to spend her summer there since she was writing and illustrating her children's series.  There was another deciding factor in her decision by the name of Caleb Jackson who she wanted to reconnect with.

Matthew the professor who is on a sabbatical quickly became one my favorite characters and his first few interactions with Robin are so sweet it just melted my heart.  It isn't just the three main characters who made this such a good and fast read but the secondary characters were well developed, too.  Did I like all of them?  No ,I did not but they were interesting and important to the storyline.  One of my other favorite characters was Charlie who became a good friend to Matthew and I looked forward to the time they spent together just as much as they did.

Overall, I loved this wonderfully crafted story with likeable characters and thought it flowed at a nice pace.  I genuinely like the authors writing and will read more of her work and for those reasons, I recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Prism Book tours.  I was under no obligation to write a favorable review.  All opinions are my own.

                                       About the Author

Rose Chandler Johnson is known for her heartwarming, inspirational writing. In addition to works of sweet contemporary fiction, her devotional journal, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments won the Georgia Author of the Year Finalist Award in 2014.

In her novels, Rose brings to life fascinating characters with compelling relationships embracing family, community, and faith. In distinctive southern settings, Rose creates memorable stories that will stir your heart. Readers often say her writing warms the soul as it reaffirms belief in love and wholesome goodness. Don’t be surprised if you sigh with pleasure as you savor the final pages of her stories.

​

Rose has lived in a suburb of Augusta, GA for thirty plus years. Before retiring from Georgia’s school system, she taught English, French, and ESOL. Currently, she is an English instructor at a community college. In addition to reading and writing, Rose enjoys cooking, sewing, gardening, and spending time with her six children and her beautiful grandchildren.

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                                   Tour Giveaway

- One winner will receive a signed print copy of Refuge at Pine Lake plus a $20 Amazon gift card

- One winner will receive a signed print copy of Refuge at Pine Lake

- US only

- Ends July 10, 2019

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Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham

Book Description

For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people's mail. Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the Dead Letter Office. Still she dreams of something more--a bit of intrigue, a taste of romance, or at least a touch less loneliness. When a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love falls into her hands, Penny seizes this chance to do something heroic. It becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

Thomas left his former life with no intention of ending up in Azure Springs, Iowa. He certainly didn't expect a happy ending after what he had done. All he wanted to do was run and never look back. In a moment of desperation, he began to write, never really expecting a reply.

When Penny's undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter and yet she finds herself caring--perhaps too much--for the one who wrote it. For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people's mail. Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the Dead Letter Office. Still she dreams of something more--a bit of intrigue, a taste of romance, or at least a touch less loneliness. When a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love falls into her hands, Penny seizes this chance to do something heroic. It becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

Thomas left his former life with no intention of ending up in Azure Springs, Iowa. He certainly didn't expect a happy ending after what he had done. All he wanted to do was run and never look back. In a moment of desperation, he began to write, never really expecting a reply.

When Penny's undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter and yet she finds herself caring--perhaps too much--for the one who wrote it. For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people's mail. Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the Dead Letter Office. Still she dreams of something more--a bit of intrigue, a taste of romance, or at least a touch less loneliness. When a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love falls into her hands, Penny seizes this chance to do something heroic. It becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

Thomas left his former life with no intention of ending up in Azure Springs, Iowa. He certainly didn't expect a happy ending after what he had done. All he wanted to do was run and never look back. In a moment of desperation, he began to write, never really expecting a reply.

When Penny's undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter and yet she finds herself caring--perhaps too much--for the one who wrote it. For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people's mail. Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the Dead Letter Office. Still she dreams of something more--a bit of intrigue, a taste of romance, or at least a touch less loneliness. When a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love falls into her hands, Penny seizes this chance to do something heroic. It becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

Thomas left his former life with no intention of ending up in Azure Springs, Iowa. He certainly didn't expect a happy ending after what he had done. All he wanted to do was run and never look back. In a moment of desperation, he began to write, never really expecting a reply.

When Penny's undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter and yet she finds herself caring--perhaps too much--for the one who wrote it.

My thoughts:

Rachel Fordham is becoming one of my favorite authors.  I loved her debut novel The Hope of Azure Springs and hoped I would love this one just as much which I did!

Penny works in the Dead Letter Office where part of her job is looking for anything valuable for the Government as she opens mail day after day.  When she opens a letter from Thomas,she finds something more meaningful and precious than she has found during the three years she has worked there. His letters have a profound effect on her which is frowned upon but she is determined to get his letter to the intended recipient if possible. After reading the letters Thomas wrote I cant say I blame her for trying to help him.

After much searching she winds up in Azure Springs where we reconnect with some of my favorite characters and meet Thomas who wrote those heartfelt letters. Penny is not only caring but I think she had a lot of spunk in her to go in search of a perfect stranger the way she did.  Not only does she find Thomas, she finds new friends, a bit of mystery and more action than she ever could have imagined as she is drawn into a long held grudge that had me sitting on the edge of my seat. 

Out of the many things I loved about this book is when Penny finally receives letters of her own which is something she has wanted for a long time. It's the little things that mean a lot, right?

Yours Truly, Thomas is a poignant and wonderfully written novel which is why I recommend it.

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

No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky

Book Description

Between the years of 1869 to 1939 more than 100,000 poor British children were sent across the ocean to Canada with the promise of a better life. Those who took them in to work as farm laborers or household servants were told they were orphans--but was that the truth?

After the tragic loss of their father, the McAlister family is living at the edge of the poorhouse in London in 1908, leaving their mother to scrape by for her three younger children, while oldest daughter, Laura, works on a large estate more than an hour away. When Edna McAlister falls gravely ill and is hospitalized, twins Katie and Garth and eight-year-old Grace are forced into an orphans' home before Laura is notified about her family's unfortunate turn of events in London. With hundreds of British children sent on ships to Canada, whether truly orphans or not, Laura knows she must act quickly. But finding her siblings and taking care of her family may cost her everything.

Andrew Fraser, a wealthy young British lawyer and heir to the estate where Laura is in service, discovers that this common practice of finding new homes for penniless children might not be all that it seems. Together Laura and Andrew form an unlikely partnership. Will they arrive in time? Will their friendship blossom into something more?

Inspired by true events, this moving novel follows Laura as she seeks to reunite her family and her siblings who, in their darkest hours, must cling to the words from Isaiah: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God".

Paperback, 368 pages

Expected publication: June 25th 2019 by Multnomah Books (first published June 2019) 

My thoughts:

Ms. Turansky has penned a beautiful and heartfelt novel based on actual events that had me fully engaged from the first page until the last page.

It was easy to get caught up in the story of Katie, Garth, Grace and their older sister Laura. I was so upset when the three younger children were taken away from their mother while she was ill and hospitalized without her knowledge or permission.   When Laura learns of her younger siblings plight she immediately sets out to find them proving that there really is no ocean too wide to keep you from finding the ones you love. I experienced different emotions while reading this novel, anger that this had actually happened and sadness for the children but at times I felt hopeful that some of the children would be reunited with their families. 

The McAlister children will make you want to comfort them and let them know they have not been forgotten.  Laura and Andrew are two people I would want in my corner because they aren't going to give up on you if they care about you.  Filled with faith and love this story is one that I won't soon forget and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. 

For anyone looking to read well researched and artfully written historical fiction then you will definitely want to read this book.

I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook &Multnomah and was under no obligation to post a review.  All opinions are my own.

Toxic Toffee (Amish Candy Shop Mystery #4) by Amanda Flower

I thought it was time to switch things up a bit so I decided to read a book by my favorite cozy author, Amanda Flower.

Book Description::

A sweet tooth for murder . . . 

 
Bailey King’s in New York wrapping up a six-week shoot on her first cable TV show, Bailey’s Amish Sweets, when she gets a call from her Ohio town’s resident busybody. With Easter around the corner, Bailey’s been recruited to create a giant toffee bunny for the weeklong springtime festival that will also feature live white rabbits. But back home in Harvest, death becomes the main attraction when Stephen Raber keels over from an apparent heart attack—with Bailey and Raber’s pet bunny as witnesses.
.
Except it wasn’t Raber’s heart that suddenly gave out—a lethal dose of lily of the valley was mixed into a tasty piece of toffee. Who’d want to poison a jovial rabbit farmer who reminded Bailey of an Amish Santa Claus? To solve the murder, she and her sheriff deputy boyfriend Aiden must uncover a twenty-year-old secret. She’ll need to pull a rabbit out of a hat to keep a healthy distance from toxic people, including one venomous killer . . .  

My thoughts:

When I'm in the mood for quality cozy reading, Amanda Flower is my go to author.  I know that I am in for a treat when I open one of her books and she certainly doesn't disappoint in Toxic Toffee.  With her sharp wit, her lovable characters and her knack for keeping me guessing who done it and why, the author makes it such fun to return to Harvest, Ohio.  I feel at home there with Bailey, her grandmother, her friends and the precious animals she finds herself surrounded by.  This time around, it's bunnies and I mean lots of bunnies. 

Bailey's candy making skills are top-notch and she's always commanded, I mean invited to participate in the towns festivities and when a giant bunny is needed for the springtime festival, she springs into action.   Between her candy making, solving a murder and caring for the rabbit of the deceased Amish man she has a pretty hectic life.  Now let's be clear, murder is not a laughing matter until Bailey gets involved, then I find myself laughing at the situations she finds herself in.  

This series wouldn't be complete without the returning cast of funny and delightful characters like Jethro the comfort pig and his owner, Juliet  who loves to wear polka dot clothing and kitten heels. Juliet wants her son to marry Bailey as much as I do and when she isn't busy helping the reverend at their church she is very vocal about her wishes.  

I loved everything about this book and highly recommend it.  There are a couple of things to keep in mind before starting it though like getting settled in your comfiest seat with some chocolate and carving out some serious reading time because you will not want to put this book down. 

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

All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner

Book Description

When Annie Jacobson's brother Mike enlists as a medic in the Army in 1967, he hands her a piece of paper with the address of their long-estranged father. If anything should happen to him in Vietnam, Mike says, Annie must let their father know.

In Mike's absence, their father returns to face tragedy at home, adding an extra measure of complication to an already tense time. As they work toward healing and pray fervently for Mike's safety overseas, letter by letter the Jacobsons must find a way to pull together as a family, regardless of past hurts. In the tumult of this time, Annie and her family grapple with the tension of holding both hope and grief in the same hand, even as they learn to turn to the One who binds the wounds of the brokenhearted.

Author Susie Finkbeiner invites you into the Jacobson family's home and hearts during a time in which the chaos of the outside world touched their small community in ways they never imagined.

My thoughts:

Oh, I loved this book so much!  It's the kind of story where you are compelled to keep reading page after page not wanting to stop for one second.  So, I didn't!  I read this book in one day getting to know the Jacobson's who were a family I could easily imagine spending time with.

In this beautifully crafted story I celebrated the happy times and cried so hard during the bad times because the author made me feel the same emotions her characters felt.  Set during the Vietnam War this novel is about family, faith, forgiveness but most of all love.  A family who is all too familiar with war and the effects it has on their love ones leaving Annie, Mike, Joel and their mother on their own while the father faces his own demons.  The one character I wasn't sure I would like turned out to be one of my favorites and I can picture him and his diner in my mind.

The letters exchanged between Mike and his family during his deployment are poignant and I looked forward to reading each and every single one of them.  I don't know for sure but I imagine the author became emotional while composing them because they certainly got to me. I am in awe of the gift Ms. Finkbeiner possesses because she pulls me into her characters lives.  She makes me feel like I am in their home, their workplace or wherever she chooses to take me which is the reason she is one of my must read authors.  If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would.

If anyone is looking for a superbly written novel with unforgettable characters then I highly recommend All Manner of Things. This is one of my favorite books that I've read this year and I hope it will be one of yours.

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

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With Winter's First Frost (Every Amish Season #4) by Kelly Irvin

Book Description

From bestselling author Kelly Irvin comes the fourth and final book in the compelling Every Amish Season series.

Will the long, cold winter prove to be Laura and Zechariah's season of renewed purpose and love sweetened with age?

Laura Kauffman has been a widow for eight years--since her husband of forty-five years passed away in his sleep on Christmas Eve. She tries to keep herself busy with her nine children, fifty-two grandchildren, and twenty-eight great-grandchildren. But she can't stop wondering: What does God expect her to do with her days now? Has her usefulness been expended? Why leave her to carry on alone? Those are questions she can't answer until a friend suffers complications during childbirth and needs someone to help care for her newborn twins and three older children. The twins' great-grandfather, Zechariah Stutzman, a widower himself, seems to need some upkeep as well. Suddenly, Laura has her hands full, and the long winter days don't seem so long.

Zechariah suffers from Parkinson's disease. When his wife died of breast cancer two years earlier, his children insisted he live with one of his grandsons and their growing family because of his disease's progression. He's not allowed to drive, chop wood, or build fires. He feels he has outlived his usefulness. Then Laura comes along and seems determined to change that.

Both Laura and Zechariah must seek God's will to find the purpose for this season in their lives. They have to be willing to trust and to accept that second chances for romantic love are possible--even probable--when they give control of their lives to God. 

My thoughts:

As sad as I am to see this series come to an end, I believe the author ended it on a high and positive note. I've been a fan of, An Every Amish Season since the beginning and have come to love the characters and their stories. 

I was drawn into the lives of Laura Kaufman and Zechariah Stutzman the two main characters in this book. An elderly man and woman who have suffered the loss of loved ones through the years. Laura and Zechariah are now experiencing what many in their age group experience such as forgetfulness, chronic illness, and probably the most devastating of all their loss of independence. There story is poignant and so real as I thought about the older people in my life.

Ms. Irvin has written this entire series quite beautifully and taken her readers into the lives of her characters along the way. As I have finished each of the four books I have felt like I have made new friends and am certain that I will miss them. Having been a fan of the author for a few years, I know that she will be creating more great books with more fantastic characters for me to love.

This book could be read as a standalone but in my opinion the series should be read in order and hopefully you will enjoy them as much as I have.

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

The Brides of the Big Valley by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter and Richelle Brunstetter

Book Description

3 Short Stories of Love in a Unique Amish Community

 
In an area of Pennsylvania called The Big Valley, a uniquely blended Amish community thrives in which 3 distinct groups of Amish identify themselves by the colors of their buggy’s top—white, black, or yellow. Join New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter in experiencing the stories of three young women who search for faith and love within this special place. 

Deanna is a widow who sees her second chance of love slipping away. Rose Mary is at a point in life where she must choose the path of her faith and the right man to walk with her on it. Leila is burdened with family responsibilities and wonders when she will ever start a family of her own.

My thoughts:

The Brides of the big Valley:  3 romances from a Unique Pennsylvania Amish Community is an enjoyable collection of novellas penned by this trio of  lovely Brunstetter ladies who are known for their Amish fiction storytelling.

What I found interesting is the three communities they wrote about each had different colored buggy tops.  The color indicates how conservative the community is which was different as I haven't read anything like this before.  I didn't have a favorite novella or character because I think the three authors all penned good stories and crafted characters who were likeable and ones you would ant as your neighbors.

If you are a fan of Amish fiction this is one you will want to add to your collection.

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

Ever Faithful (Vintage National Parks #3) by Karen Barnett

Book Description

Vibrant historic Yellowstone National Park comes to life in this romantic mystery about a man hiding the truth, braving the west to become something more--and the woman who must confront his deception.

A man who can't read will never amount to anything--or so Nate Webber believes. But he takes a chance to help his family by signing up for the new Civilian Conservation Corps, skirting the truth about certain "requirements." Nate exchanges the harsh Brooklyn streets for the wilds of Yellowstone National Park, curious if the Eden-like wonderland can transform him as well.

Elsie Brookes was proud to grow up as a ranger's daughter, but she longs for a future of her own. After four years serving as a maid in the park's hotels, she still hasn't saved enough money for her college tuition. A second job, teaching a crowd of rowdy men in the CCC camp, might be the answer, but when Elsie discovers Nate's secret, it puts his job as camp foreman in jeopardy.

Tutoring leads to friendship and romance, until a string of suspicious fires casts a dark shadow over their relationship. Can they find answers before all of their dreams go up in smoke? 

My thoughts:

I loved visiting Yellowstone National Park and I didn't have to leave my home.  The author has taken me to National Parks in this series and I have loved each and every visit.  In Ever Faithful it was not only the scenery that I loved but the characters, too.  

That's not to say that I haven't loved the others in the previous books because I have but Elsie Brookes and Nate Webber were humble, charming and likeable keeping me engaged throughout. There is plenty of action taking place with suspicious fires, and Elsie tutoring the men who were sent by President Roosevelt as part of The Civilian Conservation Corps.  She is also a loving daughter working as a maid to earn enough money to make her dreams of a college education become a reality. 

There are several secondary characters who I enjoyed getting to know and I gained a great deal of respect and admiration for those who put the backbreaking work into making and keeping the National Parks what they are today,

This is a fast and informative read that is perfect for your summer vacation no matter where you decide to go.  Each of the three books can be read as a stand alone but I suggest reading them in order to enjoy the Vintage National Parks series.

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

What We Do For Love by Anne Pfeffer Review + Giveaway

Book Description:“If Lorelai Gilmore of Gilmore Girls was dropped into a thriller, it might resemble this appealing novel.” --Kirkus Reviews

Thirty-eight year old Nicole Adams has given up on finding love. Instead, the single mother focuses on the things she cherishes most—her sixteen-year old son Justin, her friends, and her art. When she convinces a prominent Los Angeles museum to feature a piece of her work, a large-scale installation, she thinks her life has finally turned a corner. Then Justin brings a girl, Daniela, home to live with them. Daniela’s angry parents have thrown her out of the house, because she’s pregnant with Justin’s child.

​Shattered, Nicole takes Daniela in and, in so doing, is drawn into the inner circle of Daniela’s family—a frightening world of deceit and violence. Nicole struggles to keep life going as normal. Forced to deal with people she doesn’t trust or like, fearful for the future of both her son and the grandchild they’re expecting, Nicole wonders if she can do what she tells Justin to do: always have faith in yourself and do the right thing. ​

My thoughts:

I found  title of this book interesting and since I had never read anything written by Ms. Pfeffer, I decided to read it.  I'll say that I quickly got caught up in the lives of the characters.  The storyline is realistic especially as we see the lengths single mother, Nicole will go to help her sixteen year old son, Justin.

Nicole is definitely a mother who loves her child unconditionally and has heart for another child, his girlfriend.  I felt sorry for Daniela and couldn't understand why her parents treated her the way they did.  Oh my, are they a pair!  After I got to know their story it dawned on me that once again the author shows what a mother will do for her child.  It isn't just about son and daughters, it's also what we do for a sister who needs a place to live. 

The message I got from this book is if we love someone enough we will do anything we can do to help them.  It doesn't matter if we live in a small home or a mansion, we will provide a home for them.  No matter if it's convenient or if it doesn't fit into your plans, it's what we do for love which in my opinion is exactly what we should all do.

I received complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and for a blog tour.  All opinions are my own.

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                                                                 Meet the Author:  ​

Award-winning novelist Anne Pfeffer grew up in Phoenix, Arizona reading prodigiously and riding horses. After working in Chicago and New York, she escaped back to the land of sunshine in Los Angeles.

​She has worked in banking and as a pro bono attorney, representing abandoned children in adoption and guardianship proceedings. Anne has a daughter living in New York and is the author of four books in the YA/New Adult genres.

Connect with the author:     Website           Twitter

Giveaway:

Prizes: Win a $20 Amazon Gift Card and a copy
of What We Do for Love, 4 winners will receive a print copy of the book (5
winners / open to USA only)

(ends June 21, 2019

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Amish Friends Gatherings Cookbook by Wanda Brunstetter

Book Description

New Compilation of the Recipes that Bring the Amish Together Brand new, from New York Times bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter, is a collection of over 200 recipes that are great for taking along and sharing where people meet to worship, work, and play. Included are tips for traveling with and serving food as well as personal stories of how gatherings are at the heart of the Amish community. 

The well-organized book boasts contributions from Amish and Mennonites from across the United States. Categories include Beverages, Snacks, Breads and Rolls, Salads, Side Dishes, Main Dishes, Desserts, and Feeding a Crowd. Encased in a lay-flat binding and presented in full color, home cooks from all backgrounds will want to add this cookbook to their collection. Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Gatherings Cookbook is sure to become a treasured resource

(Spiral-bound, 224 pages)

Published June 1st 2019 by Shiloh Run Press 

My thoughts:

As a person who collects cookbooks, loves Wanda Brunstetter and all things Amish, I knew  had to have this one.  I had been thinking of a recipe Wanda shared in one of her Amish fiction books titled Lydia's Charm.  It is one of my favorite books penned by her but I lost track of my copy and couldn't remember the recipe.

As I sat down to check out the beautiful photos and delightful recipes, I turned to page 94 and there it was....Frogmore Stew.  The very same crowd pleasing  feast enjoyed by Lydia and her friends.  For those who are squeamish about trying new things, no worries because frogs are not an ingredient but it has a lot of other delicious things in it.  All of the recipes sound and look delicious and I cannot wait to try them.

I love the format of this cookbook and the index of recipes by section and also an index of key ingredients along with an index of  the contributors.  Filled with over 200 recipes from beverages and snacks to main dishes to desserts, this book has it all.  This cookbook is perfect for families, for taking a dish to a family reunion or to a church potluck.  

If you love to cook or  love to collect cookbooks then you will want to get a copy of Amish Friends Gatherings Cookbook.  

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.