The Englisch Daughter by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall

Book Synopsis

A marriage is tested in this Old Order Amish novel of longing for renewed love and a path for forgiveness from the best-selling author of Gathering the Threads .

Old Order Amish wife and mother Jemima has put her marriage and family ahead of herself for years. She's set herself aside. Raising four children, she's followed all the rules and has been patient in looking forward to her time to chase a dream of her own.

But when she finds out that her life savings for pursuing that dream is gone--and her husband, Roy, has been hiding a child with another woman--her entire world is shattered. Will she be able to listen to God and love Roy's child? With so much at stake, how can she and Roy fix their relationship before their lives come crashing down?

My thoughts:

This is my favorite book written by Cindy Woodsmall and her daughter-in-law, Erin and I have read several.  I  was surprised by the emotional story and was infuriated by it at the same time.  At first, I was shocked by how deceitful Roy was but more than that I truly felt so sorry for his wife Jemima and the pain he inflicted on their family.

Let's be real here, admit the Amish are flawed human beings but I don't think I have ever read a book quite like this one and hats off to Jemima for her compassion and her ability to forgive and to trust again.  She is the epitome of a loving faithful wife which made me respect her decisions.  There were a couple of twists that I didn't expect which added to my enjoyment of this novel.

With any good book, there is bound to be a character you don't like and some who you wind up liking much more than you anticipated.  To me that is a sure sign of a well written, interesting storyline that holds you attention throughout which is why I loved The Englisch Daughter so much.

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

Border Breach by Darlene L. Turner

Book Synopsis

When drugs are smuggled across the border

it’s their duty to stop the culprits…at any cost.

Forming a joint task force, Canada border officer Kaylin Poirier and police constable Hudson Steeves have one objective: take down a drug-smuggling ring trying to sell a new lethal product. But when the smugglers come after Kaylin and Hudson, this mission becomes more than just a job. Can they live long enough to solve the case?

My thoughts:

Border Breach is a fast-paced and interesting read.  I have heard about border patrol and knew that it can be dangerous but I wasn't prepared for the nonstop action that Kaylin Poirier and Hudson Steeves had to face. 

Filled with twists and turns, trying to keep one step ahead of the bad guys would get to anyone but I'll give it to Kayla and Hudson, they were on their game at all times. 

Overall, I thought the writing was fantastic, the storyline was informative and action-packed.  I am looking forward to more of the authors work.  If you are looking for a new author and a fast read tan you'll definitely want to pick up a copy of this novel written by Darlene L. Turner.

I voluntarily reviewed and e-copy of this book.  Opinions are completely my own.

The Crow's Call (Amish Greenhouse Mystery #1) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Book Synopsis

Mysterious Events Plague a Greenhouse in Pennsylvania’s Amish Country
 
When Vernon King, his son, and son-in-law are involved in a terrible accident, three women are left to cope with their deaths, as they become the sole providers of the family they have left. The women’s only income must come from the family greenhouse, but someone seems to be trying to force them out of business.
 
Amy King has just lost her father and brother, and her mother needs her to help run the family’s greenhouse. It doesn’t seem fair to ask her to leave a job she loves, when there is still a sister and brother to help. But Sylvia is also grieving for her husband while left to raise three children, and Henry, just out of school, is saddled with all the jobs his father and older brother used to do. As Amy assumes her new role, she also asks Jared Riehl to put their courtship on hold. When things become even more stressful at the greenhouse, will Amy crumble under the pressure?

My thoughts:

This is the first novel in the authors Amish Green house series and I will say that this book is my favorite penned by her in awhile. Don't get me wrong. she's one of my favorite authors but she has really written an interesting story with more mature characters and the very real challenges they are facing
I liked that this book is a bit more gritty from the very beginning where we meet characters who are faced with the deaths of three beloved family members and are left to carry on with their lives which include owning and operating the family greenhouse business.  As in real life, we all cope with grief in different ways and we all need to keep forging ahead but it's different for everyone just as it is in the Crow's Call.

Ms. Brunstetter is a fantastic storyteller and she told a wonderful story in her latest novel.  The way each family struggles with their losses from the oldest to the youngest is heartbreaking, add an annoying neighbor some vandalism and you have an interesting story to while away the hours.  I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Harlequin Love Inspired Series Blog Tour- The Amish Teacher's Dilemma by Particia Davids

Book Description

The teacher next door could be the mother they need…

Will she return to her old life…or risk everything to build a new one?

Taking a schoolteacher position in another district is just the change Amish spinster Eva Coblentz needs. And with her new neighbor, blacksmith Willis Gingrich, struggling to raise his three orphaned siblings, Eva is determined to help them heal. But when her relatives insist she come home, Eva must choose between the life she left…and the one she’s growing to love.

My thoughts:

The Amish Teacher's Dilemma by Ms. Patricia Davids is the third book in her North Country Amish  series but can easily be read as a standalone.  I thoroughly enjoyed this novel although I have not read the first two books.

Eva Coblentz is instantly likeable, she's excited to teach in a newly formed school in Maine and I can't say I blamed her for wanting to move into her own home and to make a new life for herself at the age of 30.
Willis Gingrich is her neighbor, a blacksmith who is raising his younger siblings and boy does he have his hands full with his blacksmith business, keeping up with the children, cooking and all of the household chores.
The children in the story add quite a bit of humor, especially Maddie an adorable 6 year old with an imaginary friend that kept me smiling every time she/they made an appearance.

I was upset by Eva's brother asking her to come home to, to give up her job, her friends and the community she had grown to love.  She has some difficult decisions to make but through prayer and faith she is able to find peace in her choice and be where she was always meant to be.

Overall, I thought this novel was very well written with characters that came to life before my eyes which made me think like I saw what they saw and I almost hear their conversations. This novel is one that I highly recommend and can be read by readers of all ages.
My thanks to the publisher for an e-copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

Meet the author

USA TODAY best-selling author Patricia Davids was born and raised in Kansas.
After forty years as an NICU nurse, Pat switched careers to become an inspirational writer. She enjoys spending time with her daughter and grandchildren, traveling and playing fetch with her dogs, who think fetch  should be a twenty-four hour a day game.

When not on the road or throwing a ball, Pat is happily dreaming up new stories.

Author Q&A, THE AMISH TEACHER’S DILEMMA by Patricia Davids


1. Did you always want to write romance novels?

A: I knew when I was in high school that I wanted to write a love story. I started one set in war-
torn France in WWII but never finished it. I think I had two chapters completed (those poor
young lovers are stuck forever in the bombed-out ruins of a church hiding from the Nazis, but at
least they are together). After that, I got caught up in life: dating, college, nurses training,
marriage, motherhood and a nursing career. Sometime during those years, I fell in love with
romance stories, but I read everything; Si-Fi, westerns, mysteries, not horror but some crime
dramas and the cereal box if I had nothing else. When our daughter was grown and left home, I
told my husband I wanted to write a book. I wanted to write a romance novel like the ones I
enjoyed reading. He said I’d be good at it. As it turned out, he was right. I love happily-ever-after
endings.

2. Share in your own words what it means to experience That Harlequin Feeling?

A: Reading a Harlequin isn’t just about, “Will the couple fall in love?” You know they will. It’s a
romance novel. Duh. The joy of reading a Harlequin is getting a front-row seat to the journey of
two people finding out they are perfect for each other when they first thought they were not.
The highs, the lows, the ahh—that was so sweet moments, the what-a-hunk scene, the you-go-
girl cheering, every emotion the reader gets to live right along with the characters. The best part
is closing the book feeling satisfied that love was the right answer all along.

3. Can you share a recent book you have read that you would like to recommend?

A: I recently read Their Amish Reunion by Lenora Worth. I highly recommend it. Even if you think
Amish romances

Second Chance for the Single Dad by Carol Ross

Second Chance for the Single Dad
By Carol Ross
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages
March 1st 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She’ll save him a dance…

…if he follows his heart.

Dance teacher Camile Wynn has a new student. Reclusive Rhys McGrath is learning to waltz so he can take his orphaned niece to a father-daughter dance. Camile is surprised by her connection with him, but there’s a generous heart behind Rhys’s awkward exterior. When she learns Rhys could lose custody of his niece, Camile goes behind his back to help him…but will her lies end up hurting him instead?

My thoughts:

I have read a few books penned by Ms. Ross but this one is my favorite 

because Camille Wynn and Rhys McGrath are simply delightful.  Camille is such a hard working young woman, when we first meet her she's working in a job that is less than ideal for her. I had to chuckle when she had it out with her boss in public, dressed as a taco.  I mean the guy isn't the greatest boss, so I felt he had it coming but I just imagined that scene several chapters in.

That's what I liked so much is that I could easily picture that and many other scenes in the novel.

Family dynamics always enhance my reading experience and there are a lot of family interactions throughout the story.  I liked Rhys but he could be a bit off-putting to some people but I was drawn to him immediately.  Once he started dance lessons with Camille I knew he would become one of my favorite male characters crafted by this author and the reason he's learning to waltz warmed my heart.  I think it will warm the hearts of readers everywhere which is why I recommend it.

Overall, I thought this novel was filled with sweet, likeable characters, a touch of humor and is a perfect weekend read. 

Thanks to Prism Book Tours and the author for a copy of this book.  All opinions are my own. 

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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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The Happy Camper by Melody Carlson

Book Description

Home is the place to heal, right? At least, that's what Dillon Michaels is hoping as she leaves her disappointing career and nonstarter love life behind to help her grieving and aging grandfather on his small Oregon farm. The only problem? Her eccentric mother beat her there and has taken over Dillon's old room. After a few nights sleeping on a sagging sofa, Dillon is ready to give up, until she receives an unlikely gift--her grandfather's run-down vintage camp trailer, which she quickly resolves to restore with the help of Jordan Atwood, the handsome owner of the local hardware store.

But just when things are finally beginning to run smoothly, Dillon's noncommittal ex-boyfriend shows up with roses . . . and a ring. Home is the place to heal, right? At least, that's what Dillon Michaels is hoping as she leaves her disappointing career and nonstarter love life behind to help her grieving and aging grandfather on his small Oregon farm.

 The only problem? Her eccentric mother beat her there and has taken over Dillon's old room. After a few nights sleeping on a sagging sofa, Dillon is ready to give up, until she receives an unlikely gift--her grandfather's run-down vintage camp trailer, which she quickly resolves to restore with the help of Jordan Atwood, the handsome owner of the local hardware store.

But just when things are finally beginning to run smoothly, Dillon's noncommittal ex-boyfriend shows up with roses . . . and a ring. 

My thoughts:

First of all I think this has got to be one of the most cheerful, fun covers that I have ever seen.  I was delighted to get my hands on this book and had such a wonderful couple of days reading it.

Melody Carlson writes books that make me smile and occasionally make me laugh out loud .  

The Happy Camper is one of those books.  Dillon, her mother and grandfather are terrific characters and made me want to get to know them.

With everything going on in the world today this was a perfect escape. making me  actually wanting to go outside, see different places and meet warm, funny sweet characters like  Jordan Atwood, Dillon's grandfather and see vintage campers that are lovingly restored by the owners who love them so much.

I'm not an outdoors kind of person and I have never gone camping but Ms. Carlson's writing made it seem like a whole lot of fun.  

I don't blame Dillon for taking off for her grandfathers farm, her boyfriend was a piece of work and the job situation isn't so good either, so off she went to reconnect with her family.  Between her mother planting lavender and not doing much else, everything  falls on Dillon to take care of around the house.  I was just as happy as she was when she was given camper and I could easily imagine her excitement  as she went to work making it into the home she wanted and needed.  

This is such a charming storyline that I was sorry to see it end but I know that the next book Ms. Carlson releases will be just as charming and sweet as this one.

My thanks to the publisher for a copy.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Out of the Embers (Mesquite Springs #1) by Amanda Cabot

Book Description

Ten years after her parents were killed, Evelyn Radcliffe is once more homeless. The orphanage that was her refuge and later her workplace has burned to the ground, and only she and a young orphan girl have escaped. Convinced this must be related to her parents' murders, Evelyn flees with the girl to Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country and finds refuge in the home of Wyatt Clark, a talented horse rancher whose plans don't include a family of his own.

At first, Evelyn is a distraction. But when it becomes clear that trouble has followed her to Mesquite Springs, she becomes a full-blown disruption. Can Wyatt keep her safe from the man who wants her dead? And will his own plans become collateral damage?

Suspenseful and sweetly romantic, Out of the Embers is the first in a new series that invites you to the Texas Hill Country in the 1850s, when the West was wild, the men were noble, and the women were strong.

My thoughts:

The first book by Ms. Cabot in her new Mesquite Springs series is everything I hoped for and more.  I am a huge fan of the authors writing so I knew it would be good but this was my favorite novel of hers so far.

With wonderful characters and an engaging storyline I had a hard time putting this book down. I adored Evelyn and Polly from the moment I met them and once their story unfolded it was heartbreaking to think of the situations that led them to the orphanage and the one that forced them to leave.  Fortunately they crossed paths with Wyatt Clark who offered them a place  stay on his family's ranch.  I loved watching Evelyn grow more confident with help from Wyatt, his mother and his sister, Dorothy.  It was the kindness the she needed to make a home for herself and Polly.

Not only is this a sweet romance but there is a little suspense and mystery blended in to make this a truly enjoyable and wonderful novel.  If you like a well written, perfectly paced  novel than you'll love Out of the Embers.
I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

An Amish Picnic: Four Stories by Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, Kathleen Fuller and Vanetta Chapman

From bestselling authors in the Amish genre come four sweet stories about picnics and romance.

Baskets of Sunshine by Amy Clipston

Kevin Weaver has lived with his brother’s family since his parents passed away when he was young, but he craves a home and family to call his own. Freeman Kurtz owns a successful brick mason business, and Kevin takes the job as Freeman’s apprentice to pursue his own financial freedom. 

Phoebe Kurtz is helping her sister with her booth at the marketplace when she notices Kevin, her father’s employee. Their friendship grows, but Kevin is convinced that the difference in their ages makes a relationship between them impossible. Amidst summer outings, Kevin and Phoebe must decide if taking a chance on love is worth the risk.

Candlelight Sweethearts by Kelly Irvin

Esther Marie Shrock loves her job at Valley Grocery Store where she’s worked for four years. Despite a stutter that has plagued her since childhood, she thrives filling orders from a steady stream of customers. Still, at 25, she and her family wonder if romance is in her future.

Jasper Cotter isn’t good with people, but he’s found himself obligated to take over day-to-day operations of the family owned grocery store—a store he doesn’t have the first clue how to run. Thrown together, Esther Marie and Jasper don’t exactly see eye to eye. One night, the store loses power, and the candles aren’t the only things shooting off sparks. Esther Marie and Jasper are suddenly forced to discover common ground when it matters most, and they might be surprised with love along the way.

Reeling in Love by Kathleen Fuller

Nina Stoll and Ira Yoder are just friends. Just friends and fishing buddies. Every Saturday afternoon, they have a picnic at their favorite fishing hole and see who can out fish the other. Until Nina starts to wonder if there’s more.

Her plans to share her feelings go awry, and circumstances seem destined to keep Nina and Ira apart. With both Nina and Ira confused and hurting, it’s going to take courage, some help from the community matchmakers, and a little bit of divine intervention for Nina and Ira to realize they’re each other's perfect catch.

Picnics and Prospects by Vannetta Chapman

Faith Troyer is claustrophobic, and David Lapp builds tiny houses. They went on a date years ago with disastrous results. Now that they’re in their late twenties, their families and friends are beginning to wonder if either will ever find that special someone. When a picnic outing is diverted by the discovery of a package of letters dating back to the 1970s, they take it upon themselves to find answers to a mystery that causes them to rethink their past and consider their future. 

My thoughts:

I like reading novellas occasionally because you get a sampling of different authors writing, but since I was familiar with each of the four authors work I knew this would be a pleasant read that I could enjoy at my leisure.  That was another positive for me, reading the stories at my leisure because the stories are all complete in a hundred pages or so which is good to read during busy times,

A picnic is a way to enjoy fun, food and friendship and in each of the short stories there was plenty of that.  That's not to imply that there isn't some friction, misunderstandings and hurt feelings along the way, but every picnic I've ever gone usually had something worrisome happen, bugs, wind or some other unforeseen circumstance but it was always fun and worth it in the end.  Summer is fast approaching so grab a copy of this book and enjoy a lovely day.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley.  All opinions are my own.

One Little Lie by Colleen Coble review +GIVEAWAY #OLLPrism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

One Little Lie
(Pelican Harbor #1)
By Colleen Coble
Christian Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 352 Pages
March 3rd 2020 by Thomas Nelson

It started with one little lie. But Jane Hardy will do everything in her power to uncover the truth in this gripping new romantic suspense.

Jane Hardy is appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor, Alabama, after her father retires, but there's no time for an adjustment period. When her father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a recent murder, Jane quickly realizes she's facing someone out to destroy the only family she has.

After escaping with her father from a cult fifteen years ago, Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother—who refused to leave—ever since. Could someone from that horrible past have found them?

Reid Bechtol is well-known for his documentaries, and his latest project involves covering Jane's career. Jane has little interest in the attention, but the committee who appointed her loves the idea of the publicity.

Jane finds herself depending on Reid's calm manner as he follows her around filming, and they begin working together to clear her father. But Reid has his own secrets from the past, and the gulf between them may be impossible to cross—especially once her father’s lie catches up with him.

Praise for the Book

“Colleen Coble always raises the notch on romantic suspense, and One Little Lie is my favorite yet! The story took me on a wild and wonderful ride.” —Diann Mills, bestselling author

"Colleen Coble once again proves she is at the pinnacle of Christian romantic suspense. Filled with characters you'll come to love, faith lost and found, and scenes that will have you holding your breath, Jane Hardy's story deftly follows the complex and tangled web that can be woven by one little lie.' —Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

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My thoughts:

In the first book in her Pelican Harbor series, Ms. Coble tells the story of the effects of one little lie and how it impacts the lives of so many people.  Jane Hardy will ultimately  discover this not only in her personal life but her professional life, too.

I felt sorry for Jane, her earlier years were unimaginable to me and honestly I was happy that she was able to escape with her father, but I was saddened by her mother's refusal to leave.  I could understand her devotion to her father and I loved that Jane was promoted to chief of police  after her dad recently retired from the position.   Now you might think that the small town of Pelican Harbor, Alabama would have a few crimes over a few weeks but nope, that was not the case.  There are dead bodies turning up in town and Jane finds herself and her small department working like mad to solve the cases.

I will have to say that Reid Bechtol and his son were my favorite characters, I'm kind of drawn to a man who would go to such great lengths to provide his son with a quiet, peaceful life in a small town.  I also liked the friendship Reid had with Jane and the time they spend together is sweet and not overly romantic which was a nice change for me.  There is a bit of suspense but nor to the point where I was on the edge of my seat which was another nice change for me. There were no big surprises but I enjoyed the slow build up to the conclusion of the novel.  I was disappointed that I have to wait to find out what happens in the lives of Jane and Reid but I certainly look forward to the next book in the series. 

Overall, I thought the premise of the novel is fantastic and unlike in other book I have read.  I found the characters fascinating and well developed and I started to care what happens to the them, basically I just want them to have the happiness they so richly deserve.  A great book to read in one day or over a weekend.

I received an e-copy from the publisher.  All opinions are completely my own.

About the Author

Colleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series.

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Tour Schedule

March 9th:

Launch

Rockin' Book Reviews

Heidi Reads

March 10th:

Adventures of a Travelers Wife

Two Points of Interest

March 11th:

Lorraine D Nunley, Author

Candrel's Crafts, Cooks and Characters

March 12th:

Kimber Li

Getting Your Read On

I'm Into Books

Hearts & Scribbles

March 13th:

Christy's Cozy Corners

Uplifting Reads

Tell Tale Book Reviews

March 16th:

Reading Excursions

Daughter of Increase

March 17th:

Peaceful Pastime

Wishful Endings

March 18th:

Cover Lover Book Review

Hallie Reads

March 19th:

A Modern Day Fairy Tale

My Devotional Thoughts

March 20th:

Splashes of Joy

Reader Headed Book Lady

March 21st:

Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a print copy of Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble (US only)

Ends March 25, 2020

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

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