Memories of Glass by Melanie Dobson

About the book

Reminiscent of Diane Ackerman’s The Zookeeper’s Wife, this stunning novel draws from true accounts to shine a light on a period of Holland’s darkest history and bravest heroes.

1942. As war rips through the heart of Holland, childhood friends Josie van Rees and Eliese Linden partner with a few daring citizens to rescue Eliese’s son and hundreds of other Jewish children who await deportation in a converted theater in Amsterdam. But amid their resistance work, Josie and Eliese’s dangerous secrets could derail their friendship and their entire mission. When the enemy finds these women, only one will escape.

Seventy-five years later, Ava Drake begins to suspect that her great-grandfather William Kingston was not the World War II hero he claimed to be. Her work as director of the prestigious Kingston Family Foundation leads her to Landon West’s Ugandan coffee plantation, and Ava and Landon soon discover a connection between their families. As Landon’s great-grandmother shares the broken pieces of her story, Ava must confront the greatest loss in her own life―and powerful members of the Kingston family who will do anything to keep the truth buried.

Illuminating the story and strength of these women, award-winning author Melanie Dobson transports readers through time and place, from World War II Holland to contemporary Uganda, in this rich and inspiring novel.

My thoughts:

It has been awhile since I have read a novel penned by Ms. Dobson, but I was immediately drawn to this cover and when I saw it was a time-slip novel, I thought it would be fantastic.  I was so right in my thinking because this book is utterly amazing.

From the first page until the very last page, I was completely caught up in this beautifully crafted story.

Josie von Rees and Elise Linden who were once childhood friends are reunited in painful and turbulent tines in 1942 as they work together with other citizens to save hundreds of  Jewish children from further horror than what they were already experiencing. The bravery these women had was  incredible and I cheered for them as they continued their commitment to saving so many lives .It was uplifting to see people filled with love when so many were filled with hatred. 

This book kept me reading long into the night but I simply had to know what would happen and how it would all be tied to Ava Drake and her family. The characters have stayed with me since I have finished this book and I know that they will for quite some time. 

Memories of Glass is a thoroughly researched and impeccably written novel which is why I recommend it. 

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

  

A Christmas Haven: An Amish Christmas Romance by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall

Book Description

For fans of holiday romances and Amish life comes a new Christmas tale of surprising expectations and discovering miracles.

Old Order Amish Ivy Zook is wrestling with her need to shed her community's ways so she can grow the business of her dreams: planning parties. As long as she's stuck living without modernization, she can barely get her business on its feet. But if she leaves too soon, she'd cause trouble for her sister, Holly, who is planning her wedding to Joshua Smucker. All of their plans become twice as complicated when an old car crashes into the storefront of Greene's Pharmacy, carrying a Swartzentruber (ultra-conservative sect) Amish man, Arlan, and his very ill sister.

The Zooks take in Arlan and Madga, tending to the woman's illness and Arlan begins helping around the family farm. Ivy and Arlan are on different tracks, one wanting to leave her community and the other to return to his. But both young people are trying to discover what God has in store for their futures and what miracles might lie around the corner this Christmas season.For fans of holiday romances and Amish life comes a new Christmas tale of surprising expectations and discovering miracles.

Old Order Amish Ivy Zook is wrestling with her need to shed her community's ways so she can grow the business of her dreams: planning parties. As long as she's stuck living without modernization, she can barely get her business on its feet. But if she leaves too soon, she'd cause trouble for her sister, Holly, who is planning her wedding to Joshua Smucker. All of their plans become twice as complicated when an old car crashes into the storefront of Greene's Pharmacy, carrying a Swartzentruber (ultra-conservative sect) Amish man, Arlan, and his very ill sister.

The Zooks take in Arlan and Madga, tending to the woman's illness and Arlan begins helping around the family farm. Ivy and Arlan are on different tracks, one wanting to leave her community and the other to return to his. But both young people are trying to discover what God has in store for their futures and what miracles might lie around the corner this Christmas season.

My thoughts:

This is the second book in the Amish Christmas Romance series penned by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall and I absolutely loved it.  In the first book, The Christmas Remedy we met the Zook family who are Old Order Amish and this follows up with the family, friends and their community.

I loved reconnecting with characters from the first book and meeting new ones in this book.

As much as I enjoyed the first book, I found this one so heartrending which I loved.  I adored Arlan and Magda and that's due to the way the characters are so lovingly written by the authors.  It's unimaginable to me how unbending their parents could be, although certainly understandable given their beliefs and their strict community. 

The emphasis on family is one of the many things I loved about this book, a family who is willing to help another family when they most need it and discovering that where you are sometimes is  really where you are meant to be.

If anyone is looking for a well written novel with endearing characters this is the one you need to read.  A Christmas Haven is a wonderful read ,suitable for all ages and would make a perfect gift for the readers on your shopping list.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.  All opinions expressed are my own.

One More River to Cross by Jane Kirkpatrick

Book Desription

In 1844, two years before the Donner Party, the Stevens-Murphy company left Missouri to be the first wagons into California through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mostly Irish Catholics, the party sought religious freedom and education in the mission-dominated land and enjoyed a safe journey--until October, when a heavy snowstorm forced difficult decisions. The first of many for young Mary Sullivan, newlywed Sarah Montgomery, the widow Ellen Murphy, and her pregnant sister-in-law Maolisa.

When the party separates in three directions, each risks losing those they loved and faces the prospect of learning that adversity can destroy or redefine. Two women and four men go overland around Lake Tahoe, three men stay to guard the heaviest wagons--and the rest of the party, including eight women and seventeen children, huddle in a makeshift cabin at the headwaters of the Yuba River waiting for rescue . . . or their deaths.

Award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick plunges you deep into a landscape of challenge where fear and courage go hand in hand for a story of friendship, family, and hope that will remind you of what truly matters in times of trial.In 1844, two years before the Donner Party, the Stevens-Murphy company left Missouri to be the first wagons into California through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mostly Irish Catholics, the party sought religious freedom and education in the mission-dominated land and enjoyed a safe journey--until October, when a heavy snowstorm forced difficult decisions. The first of many for young Mary Sullivan, newlywed Sarah Montgomery, the widow Ellen Murphy, and her pregnant sister-in-law Maolisa.

When the party separates in three directions, each risks losing those they loved and faces the prospect of learning that adversity can destroy or redefine. Two women and four men go overland around Lake Tahoe, three men stay to guard the heaviest wagons--and the rest of the party, including eight women and seventeen children, huddle in a makeshift cabin at the headwaters of the Yuba River waiting for rescue . . . or their deaths.

Award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick plunges you deep into a landscape of challenge where fear and courage go hand in hand for a story of friendship, family, and hope that will remind you of what truly matters in times of trial.

My thoughts:

I have loved every book that I have read by Jane Kirkpatrick and this one is just as well written as her other novels.  It was also well researched as I discovered in the authors notes at the end of the book.

Set in 1844 a group of families leave Missouri and travel into California where they encounter bad weather forcing them to make difficult decisions regarding their journey. This was an interesting storyline as they split up into 3 different groups, each facing hardships along the way.   I am always in awe of those pioneers and their bravery.  Traveling by wagons, facing uncertainty, running low on food and sheltering in place wherever they were.

I always love a story about strong women and the author certainly delivered in this one, making it impossible for me to choose just one.  I read One More River to Cross at a slower pace than I normally read but that's because I wanted to take in every detail described within the pages and imagine each character in each situation.  I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and think it will appeal to all who like historical fiction.  

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Cover Reveal- Carry Me Away

    Synopsis:

When the Black Swallow sinks off the Australian coast in 1877, Australian midshipman Tom Darley rescues English passenger Ada Carmichael from the disaster that claims her entire family. News of the only two survivors enchants the world, but Ada needs to hide before secrets and old foes find her. Tom is chasing big dreams of a crumbling house he will convert into a small hotel ~ but the promising start he’s acquired now sits at the bottom of the sea.

Inexplicably entangled, Ada and Tom lean upon each other to make sense of the tragedy that’s displaced them. But when scheming journalists observe their affection they drag Tom into life-altering riches and a news-worthy romance he cannot resist. So he arranges for Ada’s protection where only he might find her ~ the quiet Phillip Island farm of his friends Shadrach and Finella Jones.

And that’s where real trouble finds them. When heroic promises fail to shelter, and love refuses to be silenced, only surrender will pluck Ada and Tom from where life has wrecked them.

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See What Others Are Saying

Riveting and masterfully written, Carry Me Away will do just that, immersing you in a devastating storm, a historic shipwreck, and the idyllic hideaway of Phillip Island in Australia. These flesh and blood characters are so finely crafted they feel more like friends, each winning your heart in unique, soul-stretching ways. A poignant, oft suspenseful, and thoroughly romantic journey through the valleys of loss and grief to the heights of healing and hope. –Laura Frantz, Christy Award-winning author of The Lacemaker

A gorgeously written and skillfully rendered tale of rescue, redemption, and the courage required to love. –Siri Mitchell, Author of Chateau of Echoes

Gorgeous and gripping, Carry Me Away is a novel you won’t forget. Ada and Tom’s deep attraction and clashing needs create a poignant love story, and Dorothy Adamek writes about grief and love in a way that is palpable and heartfelt. But the ending—oh, the ending! So sweet and triumphant and affirming that I want to tell everyone—except I want you to discover it for yourself. Let the lovely writing carry you away to picturesque Phillip Island, and be swept away by Tom and Ada’s tale.
–Sarah Sundin, Award-winning and bestselling author of The Sea Before Us and The Sky Above Us

Carry Me Away is another beautiful tale from the imagination and heart of Dorothy Adamek. This Australian-born storyteller had me at the first line and secured her hold on me with a hero worth rooting for. Based on true events of a late 19th-century shipwreck off the coast near Melbourne, this lyrical, heartfelt journey of two battered souls finding healing, redemption, and love will keep the pages turning—as will lush descriptions sure to make readers long to take a trip Down Under. –Tamara Leigh, USA Today bestselling author of the Age of Faith and Age of Conquest series

A Season of Grace (Under Northern Skies, #3) by Larraine Snelling

Book Description

In 1910 Minnesota, Nilda Carlson's dreams are coming true. Though her first few months in America were difficult, her life now resembles the images that filled her daydreams in Norway. She and her younger brother Ivar live in their own house, just a short distance from her older brother and his family. Together they work the farm and fell trees for lumber. They plan to grow a dairy herd, weave rugs out of their own wool, and make skis to sell. Everything is going right.

The only thing missing from Nilda's life is love. But though she has two suitors—a quiet schoolteacher and a handsome lumberjack—Nilda feels hesitant. A terrifying experience in Norway has made her cautious where men are concerned. When she thinks she sees the man in question, all her fears come flooding back. Is it possible the danger has followed her across the Atlantic? If Dreng Nygaard is truly in Minnesota, all of her dreams for the future could come crashing down around her.

My thoughts:

I loved the first two books in the series and had been looking forward to the third book.  I was anticipating the arrival of Nilda and Ivar wanted them to have a wonderful life reuniting with their family in Minnesota.  

It was nice reconnecting with the characters and meeting new ones but unfortunately this storyline didn't hold my interest as much as the other ones did.  As much as I dislike saying it, this story fell flat for me and it may have been my high expectations since I loved the first two so much.  It isn't a bad book by any means, it just isn't one where I felt a connection to the new characters in the storyline. 

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley and have given my honest opinion.

The Second Chance Supper Club by Nicole Meier

About the book

Two estranged sisters reunite in an emotional novel of family, forgiveness, lost hope, and new beginnings.

They had a forever bond, until a sudden tragedy thrust them apart. Now, each at a crossroad in her own life, two sisters’ paths are about to intersect.

Broadcast journalist Julia Frank has it all: a career, an ambitious fiancé, and the hard-won respect of her peers. Until a ruinous decision destroys her reputation, puts her job at risk, and sends her reeling toward the only soul left to turn to: her estranged sister, Ginny.

The owner of a clandestine supper club hidden in the Arizona desert, Ginny Frank has a lot on her plate. The last thing she wants is more drama—or the burden of nursing her younger sister’s wounded ego. But family is family. Besides, Ginny can use the help in more ways than one, and she’s going to make sure Julia pulls her weight.

As a tenuous reunion reopens old wounds, Julia and Ginny have no choice but to confront the pain and betrayals of the past. Will working to keep the secret supper club running be just what they need to find common ground and a path toward forgiveness, or will the increasing stress push them even further apart? Two estranged sisters reunite in an emotional novel of family, forgiveness, lost hope, and new beginnings.

They had a forever bond, until a sudden tragedy thrust them apart. Now, each at a crossroad in her own life, two sisters’ paths are about to intersect.

Broadcast journalist Julia Frank has it all: a career, an ambitious fiancé, and the hard-won respect of her peers. Until a ruinous decision destroys her reputation, puts her job at risk, and sends her reeling toward the only soul left to turn to: her estranged sister, Ginny.

The owner of a clandestine supper club hidden in the Arizona desert, Ginny Frank has a lot on her plate. The last thing she wants is more drama—or the burden of nursing her younger sister’s wounded ego. But family is family. Besides, Ginny can use the help in more ways than one, and she’s going to make sure Julia pulls her weight.

As a tenuous reunion reopens old wounds, Julia and Ginny have no choice but to confront the pain and betrayals of the past. Will working to keep the secret supper club running be just what they need to find common ground and a path toward forgiveness, or will the increasing stress push them even further apart?

My thoughts:

The Second Chance Supper club isn't the first novel written with this premise and I suspect it wont be the last.  However, the relationships in this book are different, strained from the very beginning which was a different twist for me.

A pair of estranged sisters with one of them having a surly daughter.  Julia is a broadcast journalist who has a situation brewing with her network, so she pays her sister Ginny, the owner of a supper club a surprise and unwelcome visit.  Ginny has a lot on her plate so to speak with keeping her business afloat, so she needs her sister and surly daughter to help her with her business.  It turned out to be a much better book than I expected it to be and after a few chapters I started to get more involved in the storyline and actually started to like the characters more than I first thought I would.

I'm glad I continued to read this one because it's a sweet read that gets better.
I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley.  Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Christmas in Winter Hill by Melody Carlson

About the book

Krista Galloway is not a fan of Christmas. After her rough childhood in multiple foster homes, the holiday season just brings too many bad memories to the surface. But when she accepts a job as a city manager in the mountain town of Winter Hill, Washington, Christmas is part of the deal. The small town is famous for its Christmasville celebration, something that the city manager . . . well, manages.

As she tries to make her tiny new apartment feel like home for her and her eight-year-old daughter, Emily, Krista begins to wonder if this move was a mistake. She doesn't always feel welcomed in the close-knit town, and Emily continually wonders, "Where's the snow?" Can a friendly stranger and his family help restore Krista's Christmas spirit before the big day?

Bestselling author Melody Carlson invites you to spend this holiday season in a town you'll never forget--and never want to leave.

My thoughts:

I love anything that is penned by Melody Carlson, but her Christmas books are always ones I look forward to.  She certainly did not disappoint in Christmas in Winter Hill.  I loved Krista Galloway and completely understood her dismay when finding out how the new small town goes out for the holidays.  Of course her 8-year old daughter is beyond thrilled and is ready for their adventure.  As the new city manager Krista has her work cut out for her, while settling into a new home and a new routine. 

I can see how moving from Phoenix to the small town of Winter Hill would be a big adjustment but I have to say I liked the little town filled with warm, welcoming people.   There was only one character that I didn't like but he wasn't supposed to be that likeable.  

Did I get a bit emotional near the end of the book, why yes I did and that's when I know the author has written a book that will stay with me through the holidays and well after.

If anyone is looking for looking for a fast, sweet read with delightful characters than I highly recommend this one. 

I received a complimentary copy form the publisher.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

Sweet Melody Blog Tour and Giveaway

On Tour With Prism Book Tours

Sweet Melody

(Seabrook Romance #1)

By Heidi McCahan

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 242 Pages

When a struggling bakery owner is rescued by a wannabe songwriter with hidden culinary talents, they discover they can make sweet harmony … if they can only learn to work together.

Rhett Foster longs to change the world with his music, yet he can’t even finish writing one song. Battered by a string of failures and disillusioned, he returns home to Portland, Oregon. While he desperately wants to create a chart-topping hit, his dad mandates a new mission: move to coastal vacation hotspot Seabrook, Washington and expand the family’s successful restaurant chain.

In danger of destroying her late parents’ legacy if she doesn’t diversify her menu, Lindsay Carmichael will try anything to save her bakery. But with a tiny budget and an injured employee who can’t work, she has no choice but to sink the last of her savings into buying a dilapidated food truck and hiring Rhett as a part-time barista. What she doesn’t know is that the handsome songwriter has a secret … one that could destroy her business and her heart.

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My thoughts:

As soon as I read the book description, I was kind of in love with the premise, my husband is a musician/songwriter and I'm all about bakeries.  I have to confess that it's been many years since I baked anything from scratch but I have so much respect for those who do.

So let me share my thoughts on this book.  It is purely delightful and so very sweet. The author is a new to me author and I loved her writing style and her characters are likeable which made reading this novel a pleasant weekend read.  The coastal setting was perfect, the close friendships are such a nice touch because there is no jealousy between them and they want to help each other no matter what.

There's a bit of family drama, a couple of misunderstandings but that's how life goes sometimes, right?  Oh, and there's a food truck. I mean it needs work, but anything is possible with hard work and people who want the best for you.  Grab a copy of this book and a cup off coffee and enjoy this heartwarming novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

About the Author

Heidi secretly dreamed of writing a book for most of her childhood, but a particularly painful rejection letter in middle school convinced her to tuck that dream away. Instead, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington and a Master’s Degree in Athletic Training from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

After a brief career as a Certified Athletic Trainer, Heidi married her husband Steve, then she dusted off her big dream of becoming a published author and launched her first contemporary romance into the world in 2014. A huge fan of coffee, dark chocolate, and happily ever after, Heidi currently lives in North Carolina with Steve, three active boys and one amazing Goldendoodle.

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Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a signed paperback with bookmark, $10 Amazon gift card, Sticky Fingers Strawberry Scone mix and a Seabrook Sea, Salt and Surf 100% soy wax candle from Hometown candle company.

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The Words Between Us by Erin Bartels

Book Description

A reclusive bookstore owner hoped she'd permanently buried her family's sensational past with a new name. But when the novels she once shared with an old crush begin appearing in the mail, it's clear her true identity is about to be revealed, threatening the new life she has painstakingly built.

My thoughts:

If you think this novel is about books, you would be correct because it most definitely is but it is so much more than that, it's about families, friends and learning to be self-sufficient even if you are only fourteen years old.

The Words Between Us is the heart-stirring story of Robin as she maneuvers her way through a painful and lonely childhood and to some extent into adulthood. Peter is an important part of Robin's life for awhile.  They both have been hurt by their parents, certainly not physical but emotionally.  I loved how their early friendship is formed through books, not just any books but classic novels.  As life goes on we lose touch with those we care about but that doesn't mean we stop caring, does it?  Or that we will never hear from them again because life is funny like that.

This is a gripping novel where you get caught up in each and every detail and the endearing characters.  First I fell in love with the cover and then the fascinating storyline. This one was a fast read and one I recommend.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Reluctant Bride (The Bride Ships #1) by Jody Hedlund

Book Description

After facing desperate heartache and loss, Mercy agrees to escape a bleak future in London and join a bride ship. Wealthy and titled, Joseph leaves home and takes to the sea as the ships surgeon to escape the pain of losing his family. He has no intention of settling down, but when Mercy becomes his assistant, they must fight against a forbidden love.

My thoughts:

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and Ms. Hedlund has become one of my favorite authors of the genre.  This is the first book that I have read about Bride Ships and yes, I have read plenty of mail order bride stories but none like this.

The characters are endearing, especially Mercy the compassionate young woman who treats sick babies and children in less than a desirable part of London.  She has virtually nothing but her time and desire to tend to those in need.  I loved Joseph and the two of them together are pure perfection. 

The journey the characters embark upon is not just an actual physical one but a soul searching one as well.  I loved this book and think the entire series will be amazing.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley.  The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fruit Flies in Our Faith-Nurturing and Sharing the Fruit of the Spirit by Annie Paden

Book Description

What happens when we let a bowl of pears sit on the counter a bit too long? Mushy fruit and fruit flies !

What happens when we let the Fruit of the Spirit--love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) sit unused? Spiritual Fruit Flies ! The Fruit of the Spirit never goes bad but spiritual fruit flies, like worry, temptations, impatience, bad habits, etc. distract us from living out the Spirit's fruit in our lives.

In Fruit Flies in Our Faith you will learn to:

Listen to the Spirit and begin to recognize the spiritual fruit flies buzzing around you. Rely on the Spirit to begin to make realistic changes to exterminate those pesky fruit flies. Experience the wonder of the Spirit's fruit growing and ripening in your life. Share the Spirit's delicious fruit with the world around you. Focus on what the Spirit is teaching you through your own experiences and stories. With transparency and splashes of humor Annie meets you in the realities of daily life then, at the end of each chapter presents Fruit for Thought questions for personal reflection or group study.

My thoughts:

I read this book for personal study instead of a group study, truthfully I prefer that at times because I can read at my own pace, think quietly about what I have read and reflect on what I need to reflect on.  I can certainly see the merits of a group study and can understand why it is used in this manner.

I will be honest here and say that what initially made me want to read this book was the beautiful cover, but once the title caught my eye I realized I found it something I really, really wanted to read and have in my collection.  I was unaware of Annie Paden so that was just one more reason to request  this book.    There are nine chapters in the book, each of the fruit of the spirit, Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control.  

Filled with Scripture and a touch of humor, the author as written a lovely book.

So, if your looking for a book for your personal study or a group study, I recommend this one.

I received a complimentary copy through BookCrash bloggers program.  All opinions expressed are completely my own.

A Love Restored by Kelly J. Goshorn

About the book

With pert opinions and a less-than-perfect figure, Ruth Ann Sutton doesn’t measure up to Society’s vision of a perfect lady. When she accepts a position teaching in a Freedman’s School, it threatens the only marriage offer Ruth Ann is likely to receive. She's forced to choose between life as a lonely spinster or reinventing herself to secure a respectable proposal.

Determined to rise above his meager beginnings, Benjamin Coulter’s reputation as a fast learner and hard worker earns him the opportunity to apprentice with a surveyor for the railroad—a position that will garner the respect he craves. After a chance encounter with Ruth Ann Sutton, Benjamin is smitten with her pretty face, quick wit, and feisty personality. When others ridicule his choice, will Benjamin listen to his heart or put ambition first?With pert opinions and a less-than-perfect figure, Ruth Ann Sutton doesn’t measure up to Society’s vision of a perfect lady. When she accepts a position teaching in a Freedman’s School, it threatens the only marriage offer Ruth Ann is likely to receive. She's forced to choose between life as a lonely spinster or reinventing herself to secure a respectable proposal.

Determined to rise above his meager beginnings, Benjamin Coulter’s reputation as a fast learner and hard worker earns him the opportunity to apprentice with a surveyor for the railroad—a position that will garner the respect he craves. After a chance encounter with Ruth Ann Sutton, Benjamin is smitten with her pretty face, quick wit, and feisty personality. When others ridicule his choice, will Benjamin listen to his heart or put ambition first?With pert opinions and a less-than-perfect figure, Ruth Ann Sutton doesn’t measure up to Society’s vision of a perfect lady. When she accepts a position teaching in a Freedman’s School, it threatens the only marriage offer Ruth Ann is likely to receive. She's forced to choose between life as a lonely spinster or reinventing herself to secure a respectable proposal. 

Determined to rise above his meager beginnings, Benjamin Coulter’s reputation as a fast learner and hard worker earns him the opportunity to apprentice with a surveyor for the railroad—a position that will garner the respect he craves. After a chance encounter with Ruth Ann Sutton, Benjamin is smitten with her pretty face, quick wit, and feisty personality. When others ridicule his choice, will Benjamin listen to his heart or put ambition first?

My thoughts:

I kept hearing so many good things about this book and although it's an older book, I decided to read it.  I am so glad I did because I certainly enjoyed it.  

I adored Ruth Ann from the beginning. she is not exactly  one of the svelte young ladies who seem so popular in many novels, but she is a lovely, strong young woman who believes every person deserves to learn as much as they can and she is not backing down.  She faces criticism about her weight and her teaching at Freedman's School but she can face anything because she's a spunky person and I like that about her. 

I liked Benjamin, too but it took me awhile to warm up to him but once I did, he became one of my favorite characters.

Overall, I enjoyed this historical novel and will read more from this author. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.  All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Loyal One (Walnut Creek #2) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Book Description

The New York Times bestselling author of the Walnut Creek series crafts a moving and evocative novel of secrets, friendship, and second chances—perfect for fans of Kathleen Fuller and Beth Wiseman. 

When Katie Steury hires her old friend Harley Lambright to remodel her rundown old house into a charming bed and breakfast, she does so with trepidation. Though they are longtime friends, they’ve always had a rocky relationship, thanks to her being partly responsible for his most recent breakup. But while they may not always get along, she needs someone to trust with her secrets, and Harley is nothing if not trustworthy and loyal.

Katie has always reminded Harley of a bright hummingbird—she is small and flighty, moves a mile a minute, and she possesses a very sharp beak. He’s hesitant to accept the job because of his history with Katie. But when he realizes that Katie’s been hiding her mother’s hoarding, he agrees to help her because it’s clear she needs someone on her side.

Both soon discover that clearing the debris in one old house also means they have to do some clean-up in their lives, forcing them to reevaluate their past and their future. This somewhat painful process reveals that Katie isn’t the only one with secrets. As the house gets a second chance, so, too, does their relationship. Now all they have to do is open their hearts—and hope and pray that their new bond will also stand the test of time. 

My thoughts:

I have been a fan of the authors work for many years and one of the reasons I am is simply because of the unique way she crafts a storyline.  Especially in her Walnut Creek series by taking the tried and true Amish novels that we are all too familiar and truthfully I find tiresome after awhile, by adding some harsh realities which I enjoy.

It was easy to imagine what Katie must have been going through as she works to turn her family home into a B&B, she has to grapple with the past and how difficult it will be to get on with her future.  It was sad at first but opening up to her friend, Harley was just what she needed to cleanse her soul and move forward.   Sharing a shameful secret is what is needed sometimes, especially for Katie and Harley.

If you haven't read the first book in the series, you should to familiarize yourself with the characters and their strong friendship.  So far I have enjoyed both books in the series and look forward to reading the next one.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Diamond In the Rough (American Heiresses #2) by Jen Turano

About the book

As part of a bargain with her grandmother, Poppy Garrison accepts an unusual proposition to participate in the New York social season. 

Forced to travel to America to help his cousin find an heiress to wed, bachelor Reginald Blackburn is asked to give Poppy etiquette lessons, and he swiftly discovers he may be in for much more than he bargained for.

My thoughts:

I absolutely adored  everything about Poppy Garrison, including all of her mishaps which start on the very first page of this laugh out loud novel.  I imagine having your tiara firmly attached to the sleeve of your dance partner may be uncomfortable and slightly embarrassing but that's  just the tip of the iceberg for the way things go for Poppy.  Keep in mind that high society is the last thing on this girls mind, but that pesky financial obligation she has to her grandmother thrusts her into very demanding situations the high-spirited Poppy wants no part of.  

Finding herself in situations she is unfamiliar with, Poppy does her best no matter what happens along the way and trust me when I say, there are so many things that happen along the way.  The grandmother has her work cut out for her but fortunately she is just as strong-willed as her lovely granddaughter  I love these two characters so much and laughed so loud at their conversations that it woke my husband and cat up.  In my defense, I didn't realize they were asleep on the couch because I was pretty caught up in this book.

Of course there are eligible bachelors in the storyline, they were delightful and slightly bewildered by Poppy and her lack of social graces.  I mean she is only there out of necessity but they don't know that.  I loved Reginald and could easily imagine his reaction to some of my Poppy's mishaps as he tirelessly helps her learn proper etiquette.  

There are several secondary characters rounding out this fast paced story who added to this hilarious and wonderful novel.

A must read for fans of historical romance and for anyone who loves a lighthearted, cleverly written novel.  Although this can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the first book in the series, Flights of Fancy because it is so good.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

An Amish Countey Kitchen: Three Novellas Celebrating the Warmth of the Season by Leslie Gould, Jan Drexler, Kate Lloyd

About the book:

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. 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 thoughts:

An Amish Christmas Kitchen is a heartwarming collection of novellas penned by three bestselling Amish authors.  The stories may be somewhat short but they are complete, well written and delightful to read.  

There is something for everyone to identify with in this book from being part of a loving family to trying to find your family, there were things that made me smile and some that made me tear up.   I also wanted to wrap up in a quilt and eat all the delicious sounding baked goods that were described in the novellas, so thank you to the authors for sharing your recipes with us at the end of your story. 

It was impossible for me to pick a favorite out of this collection because Leslie Gould, Jan Drexler and Kate Lloyd all write quality Amish fiction.

What I really liked is how this book is suitable for all ages, so it would make a perfect Christmas gift for the readers on your list and would be a great addition to a church library. I will read this again closer to the holidays when I'll really need to get out the quilts, eat cookies and cake while drinking a cup of hot chocolate. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.