The Return to the Big Valley by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, Richelle Brunstetter

 

The Brunstetters Return to a Unique Amish Setting for Three New Stories of Love
 
Journey back to an area of Pennsylvania that is home to three distinct Amish communities and meet three young women who face heartfelt disappointments in romance.
 
Wilma’s Wish by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Wilma Hostetler has been courted by Israel Zook for the last year, and he’s recently proposed marriage. But when his sister dies, leaving him to care for five young nephews who openly dislike Wilma, she has second thoughts of starting with a ready-made family and decides to call off the wedding. Can anything be done to restore the relationship, or will Israel seek another wife?
 
Martha’s Miracle by Jean Brunstetter
Martha Yoder is different from other Amish women in her love of hunting and the outdoors. Meeting Glen Swarey, who is working with the local fire department, seems to be a good match. But can Martha accept Glen’s thoughts of leaving the Amish faith, or will she walk away from a chance at love?
 
Alma’s Acceptance by Richelle Brunstetter
Alma Wengerd is a young widow who leaves her home in Kentucky to stay with friends in Pennsylvania. Soon she is speeding into a renewed romance with Elias Kurtz and raising the brows of the older church members. When Alma is waylaid by some unexpected news, could putting her happiness with Elias on hold be her only option? 

 

 My thoughts:

This is a nice collection of three novellas by three ladies from the Brunstetter family.  To be perfectly honest, novellas are sometimes a hit or a miss for me and unfortunately, this one fell in the latter category.  I thoroughly enjoyed the first story written by Wanda Brunstetter, but, the other two were just okay and didn’t hold my attention throughout the way the first one did.

There were bits and pieces that I found interesting in each of the stories and I think that fans of Amish and Christian fiction will find this an enjoyable weekend read.

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

 

A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham

 Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel's real name. So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts's lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias. In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.

As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, he can't help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Can the questions that loom between them ever be answered? Or will the deeds of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities?

Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man, a hardened woman, and the friends that stand by them as they work toward a common purpose--to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving--and perhaps find love along the way. 

My thoughts:

A Lady in Attendance was an enjoyable, fairly quick read.  I love historical fiction and a Lady in Attendance/dental assistant was something that I hadn’t seen in any other novel, so that was fascinating to me.  Unfortunately, I didn’t care very much for Hazel throughout most of the book, fortunately Gilbert is extremely likable so I kept reading.

As the story progressed, I found myself liking Hazel more than I thought possible, especially once she became friends with Ina.   Friendship is a strong theme throughout the book and if anyone needs a friend, it was Hazel, falsely accused and sent to a reformatory for a crime she didn’t commit and estranged from her family. I was happy for every good thing that happened to her. 

I have to admit that I almost didn’t finish the book, because the first half moved a bit too slow but I am glad I decided to keep reading because I started to get more interested as the story progressed, I kept turning the pages as fast as I could to find out who was responsible for all the horrible things Hazel went through.

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

The Sound the Sun Makes (Ballads of Paradise #2) by Buck Storm

 Literary Americana with humor, heart, and a whole lot of twists to keep readers guessing

Detective Early Pines loves his southern Arizona desert, often thinking he could stare at it all day long. But now that he's forced to do just that, the truth is the view from his back porch is getting old. He's on mandatory leave from the police department, simply for punching a wife beater who had it coming. Early is in dire need of a distraction from his own loud thoughts. So when an old friend invites him to tag along to a rodeo down in Old Mex, it seems like just the ticket.

But if there's one constant in the world, it's that life always throws a guy curveballs. With a flat tire, a roadside bar, and a beautiful woman with trouble on her hands, Early's distraction takes a hard right turn--straight to Los Angeles, six hundred miles west.

Hammott Lamont is waiting there in his own personal hunting ground. The reclusive filmmaker is a veritable cult leader to Hollywood stars--and he's sure his latest project will redefine art history in his image. He's got a plan for a brutal, modernized version of the Christ story, and he's ready to trample anyone who stands in the way of his colossal vision. That is, until big, loud Early Pines hits the coast for a clash of two titans who never saw each other coming.

Quirky, lyrical, and unexpected, The Sound the Sun Makes offers a warm and sunny side trip for fans of Jimmy Buffett, Carl Hiaasen, and Barbara Kingsolver who long for more of a Christian worldview in their fiction. 

My thoughts:

This is the first book that I’ve read by this author and the premise seemed interesting, so I decided to read it.  I liked Early Pines; a detective who has recently been suspended from his job due to an unfortunate incident.  There are parts of the storyline I really enjoyed, such as the road trip he and a friend set out on, but after that the storyline became less interesting to me in some places.

I thought the writing was good although, I didn’t care for the majority of the characters, but I kept reading and finally managed to get more interested in a few of the characters we meet as the story progresses.  It was a nice change of pace from what I normally read so that was a plus and there wasn’t a starry-eyed romance which I appreciated for a change.

A pleasant read and one I recommend.  I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  Opinions are my own.

 

The Heart's Charge (Hanger's Horseman #2) by Karen Witemeyer

 

Members of Hanger's Horsemen, Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks arrive in Llano County, Texas, to deliver a steed, never expecting they'd deliver a baby as well. Left with an infant to care for, they head to a nearby foundling home, where Mark encounters the woman he'd nearly married a decade ago.

After failing at love, Katherine Palmer dedicated her life to caring for children, teaming up with Eliza Southerland to start Harmony House. From mixed ancestry, illegitimate, and female, Eliza understands the pain of not fitting society's mold. Yet those are the very attributes that lead her to minister to outcast children. The taciturn Jonah intrigues her with his courage and kindness, but there are secrets behind his eyes--ghosts from wars past and others still being waged.

However, when a handful of urchin children from the area go missing, a pair of Horsemen are exactly what the women need. Working together to find the children, will these two couples find love as well? 

My thoughts:

This might be one of my favorite novels penned by Ms. Witemeyer!  I have to admit that I was excited about this new series, but I also have to admit that there were things that I didn’t like about the first book in the series. I am so happy that I loved everything about  The Heart’s Charge.

The characters are easy to love, the storyline is fantastic and having not one, but two romances at the same time was sweet and believable. The children added some smiles, but there’s also sadness as to how they ended up in a Foundling Home. 

Overall, I thought this well written, perfectly paced novel was a great way to spend time with members of Hanger’s Horseman, showing how good, kind and caring they can be.  I loved how they gave of themselves to protect those who needed them under any circumstance.  It’s going to be hard to wait for the next book in the series.

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

The Kiminee Dream by Laura McHale Holland

Odd things happen in Kiminee, Illinois. Lilacs bloom in winter. Gravel glows golden on occasion. Pigs play kick the can. So when Carly Mae Foley learns to read at age two and masters multiplication at age three, the town's quirky, tight-knit denizens take it in stride and embrace her with pride. But when a terrible twister tears through, Carly Mae is maimed, dashing hopes for her future. Her father is swept away and assumed dead. And her mother slinks off after creeping, naked, with her lover from the remains of a ruined home. It's up to Carly Mae's grandmother and a devoted, one-eared dog to hold what's left of the family together. But not everyone is rooting for them, and when an unspeakable crime occurs, long-held animosities boil over. Will the good folks of Kiminee pull closer together now--or be torn apart?

Influenced by folklore and magical realism, The Kiminee Dream is a lyrical story with characters equally charmed and challenged while living where the ordinary and miraculous coexist seamlessly. If you like depth as well as whimsy, arresting twists, and details that rouse your senses, you'll love what is both an eloquent exploration of acceptance and a tender tribute to the people of Illinois. 

My thoughts:

There are many things to like about this book like family, unique characters, and most importantly the writing.  It's a little different than novels I usually read and that's okay because it's good to go outside my comfort zone sometimes.

The small town setting is one of my favorite settings, but there are a lot of people to keep track of which didn't bother me too much, I did think there were several points where I got bogged down and lost interest, however I kept reading and gained interest about halfway through.

Overall, I would recommend this book for older readers, it is an enjoyable read.

Meet the author:

As a child, Laura McHale Holland loved the musicality of language and often recalled, verbatim, conversations she heard. A lost soul in her teens and early twenties, she righted herself in her mid-twenties and discovered a deep love of the creative process. In her work, she often finds hope in unlikely places.

Laura writes stories true and untrue in multiple forms from flash fiction to novels, memoirs to short plays. Her coming of age memoir, Resilient Ruin, won a National Indie Excellence Award for new adult nonfiction. Prior award-winning books include Reversible Skirt, a childhood memoir, and Sisters Born, Sisters Found, an anthology on sisterhood. Her stories have appeared in several anthologies, including The Best of Every Day Fiction Three and Wisdom Has a Voice. Two of her short plays were produced recently in Northern California; two others received staged readings. The Kiminee Dream is Laura's first novel. 

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An Amish Schoolroom: Three Stories by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller and Shelley Shepard Gray

 

Three charming stories of new school years and new romance. 

A Class for Laurel  by Amy Clipston 

Adventurous Laurel Weaver leaves Pennsylvania to answer a newspaper ad for a teaching position in Colorado. She stays with handsome Glen Troyer’s family, and they become close. However, she never intended to stay in Colorado, and his family doesn’t approve of her outgoing ways. Now she can’t bear to think of leaving Glen and her beloved students, but she’s beginning to feel like she’s out of options. Will Laurel and Glen push through the obstacles and fight for love? 

A Lesson on Love  by Kathleen Fuller 

Priscilla Helmuth left her Amish community twelve years ago to pursue her dream of being a country singer, but she’s missed her faith and her family. Now, she’s moving to Birch Creek to be a schoolteacher. Micah Wagler recently moved there as well to put the past behind him. As the community comes together to build a new schoolhouse, Priscilla and Micah are thrown together. They bond over their love of music, but soon it appears that Priscilla’s dreams of fame just might be coming true. She has to give up something, and Micah worries that it will be their faith . . . and his heart. 

Wendy’s Twenty Reasons  by Shelley Shepard Gray 

Wendy Schwartz is used to people underestimating her, but she’s sure she can be a great teacher. Unfortunately, it’s a disaster not long after she starts, and soon her job is in jeopardy. To make matters more complicated, she worries that she’s falling for the son of the older couple she’s boarding with. Lewis Weaver knows he shouldn’t have a romantic relationship with a tenant, but he can’t help but be drawn to Wendy. When a dangerous ice storm traps Wendy in the schoolroom with her students, uncomfortable truths will have to be faced by the town that just might change the future for everyone. 


Sweet Amish novellas with happily-ever-afters
Book length: 75,000 words
Includes discussion questions for book clubs 

My thoughts:

This collection of novellas is one of my favorites that I have read and I have read several.  I loved the cover as soon as I saw it and when I saw the three authors who penned stories in this collection, I knew I had to read it.

It was hard to put this book down once I started reading it because the authors all wrote stories that held my attention throughout.  This is a sweet and delightful collection, that is suitable for all ages and is a fun, fast read.

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

Amish Christmas Twins by Shelley Shepard Gray , Rachel J. Good , Loree Lough (Goodreads Author)

In these heartwarming, faith-affirming stories, three Amish families face the joys, and challenges, of the holidays--with fruitful results . . .

THE CHRISTMAS NOT-WISH
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard Gray
When the foster parents they've cautiously grown to love discover they're expecting, orphaned Roy and Jemima Fisher, ages six and seven, are secretly devastated by the certainty they'll be given up. With Christmas around the corner, their only wish is for new foster parents as nice as Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz. Meanwhile, the Kurtzes have wishes of their own--and with faith, they all may be gifted with twice the blessings . . .

NEW BEGINNINGS * Rachel J. Good
Still grieving the loss of her husband and unborn baby in an accident several months ago, Elizabeth Yoder is oblivious to her neighbor Luke Bontrager's deepening affection for her. But while she bleakly faces Christmas alone, it's Luke who reminds her it's the season for giving. And when Elizabeth donates her handmade baby clothes to New Beginnings, a home for teen moms, she soon finds her gifts repaid beyond measure, with Luke's love--and new beginnings of their own . . .

TWINS TIMES TWO * Loree Lough
What happens when two secretive, stubborn people find themselves thrown together to help four rascally youngsters--twins times two!--create a Christmas surprise for their parents? Mischief and mayhem, and just maybe . . . love! 

My thoughts:

The reason I wanted to read this collection of novellas is because I adore Shelley Shepard Gray and I read everything she writes.  I was pleasantly surprised to have found the novellas penned by Ms. Good and Ms. Lough to be equally enjoyable.

As you may have surmised, the stories are all about twins, each heartwarming, filled with characters who you’ll think of fondly long after you have finished reading this wonderful book.

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

 

An Amish Surprise (Berlin Bookmobile #2) by Shelley Shepard Gray

In the second installment of the “enjoyable and charming” ( USA TODAY ) Shelley Shepard Gray’s delightful Berlin Bookmobile series, librarian Sarah Anne Miller returns to Berlin to help a childless Amish couple form the family they’ve always prayed for.

Miriam and Calvin Gingerich have been trying for a baby for several years, but the Lord hasn’t seen fit to bless them. Though Calvin claims he’s content with their childless state, Miriam knows he’s not, and when he starts spending more time off their farm, she worries he’s found someone else. But just as she finds herself at her lowest point, she discovers the ultimate surprise. Unable to confide in anyone who might tell Calvin—out of fear she’ll disappoint him with another miscarriage—Miriam turns to bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller—and any books she may have on pregnancy and childbirth.

Calvin has been keeping a secret from his wife, but it’s not another woman. It’s a little boy. One afternoon when visiting Sarah Anne’s bookmobile, he meets Miles, a ten-year-old living with a foster family down the road. But after spending more time with the boy, Calvin learns that his foster family has no plans to adopt him. Calvin feels a connection with Miles and yearns to give the boy a home, but he’s afraid to tell Miriam, knowing she’s devastated they can’t have children of their own.

As weeks pass and Sarah Anne learns that Miles has nearly given up hope of ever finding a real home, she knows it’s time to intervene. It’s going to take some fancy footwork and a whole lot of prayer, but she knows she can help make this struggling couple into a happy family of four. 
 

My thoughts:

Shelley Shepard Gray has been one of my must-read authors for more years than I can remember, she never disappoints and her novels keep getting better. I love this new series, the characters are warm, sweet and pretty amusing, and the bookmobile is a clever, fun setting to meet the residents of the community.  I have grown so fond of librarian, Sara Anne Miller, she keeps the community in books, offers her friendship and will give advice to those who need it.

I loved the story of Calvin and Miriam Gingerich and Miles, the sweet little boy who is in foster care with another Amish family in the community.  There are several recurring characters we’ve come to know, too which added to my overall enjoyment. 

I have loved spending time in this community and look forward to the next book in the series.  I’m quite sure that Ms. Gray will pen another heartwarming, charming story in the third book.

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

An Unlikely Match (Amish Inn #2) by Beth Wiseman

 

When sparks fly between a good Amish girl and a hunky member of the Hollywood elite, even matchmaking innkeepers Esther and Lizzie know better than to fan the flames. 

Evelyn Schrock has dismissed the attempts of every young man in her small Amish community to court her. She’s willing to wait for a suitor who shares her curiosities about life and faith. 

The only reason Jayce Clarkson is in Amish country hefting equipment for his famous father’s movie production company is for the paycheck. The homestyle cooking at the Peony Inn is a perk though, as is his friendship with Evelyn Schrock. If Jayce can endure his dad’s put-downs for a month, he’ll finally be in a position to make a fresh start—somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and the shadow of his checkered past. 

To matchmakers Esther and Lizzie, the widowed sisters who operate the inn, Jayce seems like a good man stuck in a life he doesn’t want. But the boy isn’t Amish, and that leaves far too much room for broken hearts. Despite that, Jayce and Evelyn start to realize that they can’t deny their growing attraction. Any path forward seems impossible, and they will have to learn what the future will look like when they leave their fate in Gott’s hands. 

My thoughts:

I was super excited to return to the Peony Inn to catch up with the matchmaking Innkeepers, Esther and Lizzie. The storyline is filled with interesting characters and several laugh out loud moments.  Esther and Lizzie are two sisters who have their hands full when a production company arrives at the Inn with their buses and limousines, something the two elderly Amish ladies were surprised to see. Gus is still living on the property, he’s still cantankerous, but I have liked him from the beginning and was glad to get to find out more about him. 

Jayce Clarkson is working with his father’s production company which he really doesn’t want to do, but soon realizes it might not be so bad when he meets, Evelyn Schrock.  I loved how sweet and caring Jayce was with Evelyn, how he understood that having a relationship with the young Amish woman would need to be taken slowly.  They are both level headed, having conversations that showed maturity and a clear understanding of the boundaries of their friendship. There is nothing in this novel that seems rushed, something I really appreciate as a reader.

I have loved both books in the series and cannot wait to read the next one.  Beth Wiseman made me laugh, get a little tearful and provided a lovely escape to Amish country, all from the comfort of my sofa.  I suggest reading the first book before reading this one to get to know Esther, Lizzie and Gus. 

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