Missing in the Desert (Desert Justice #2) by Dana Mentink

 

Five years ago, her sister disappeared…
Now someone is coming for her.

Who would believe that Mara Castillo's sister—missing and presumed dead—suddenly sent a one-word text? Now Mara wants answers, even if it means stepping into a killer's sights with her brother's best friend, rancher Levi Duke, as her only protection. But with someone who has everything to lose after her, uncovering a long-buried secret could save her life…or claim it.

A DESERT JUSTICE STORY

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Desert Justice

Book 1: Framed in Death Valley
Book 2: Missing in the Desert 

My thoughts:

When I open a book by Dana Mentink, I know that I’m going to be unavailable to the outside world until I finish reading it.  I love how she has the ability to keep me on the edge of my seat throughout her novels and this one did just that.

From the first page when shots are fired, I knew I would love Seth and Maria Castillo and of course every character I met in this must-read novel   I love an action packed, suspenseful, well written novel and as usual, Ms. Mentink didn’t disappoint.   Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone, but since the first book is just as good, I suggest reading both of them.  I cannot wait for the next book to see what wild, nail-biting ride the author will take her readers on.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

The Walnut Creek Wish (Creektown Discoveries #1) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 

                                                                     About the book

An Antique Store Becomes a Place of Healing for Broken Hearts
 
Welcome to Walnut Creek, Ohio, where Orley and Lois Troyer own an antique store they call “Memory Keepers.” Though knowledgeable in antiques and their repair, their real talent is in mentoring folks who are hurting and don’t even know it. Enter Jeff, a restaurateur, and Rhonda, a hotel manager, who recently moved to Amish country for the slow pace, but the change of scenery puts even more stress on their already strained marriage. Will an antique sled be the last straw, or will it lead to unexpected revelations and the fulfillment of dreams?

My thoughts::

This is the first book in a new series by Ms. Brunstetter with a mix of Amish and English characters.  To be honest, it took some time for me to get interested in the storyline, but, once I did, it was more enjoyable than I expected it to be. I wasn’t always sympathetic with Jeff and Rhonda, but, then I remember being in their position with working hard, long hours and rarely having time for themselves.  I think a lot of couples have either been in their situation or perhaps going through that currently.

Moving farther away from their jobs and enjoying a home life was good for them in some ways while proving difficult for them in other ways.  Meeting the Amish couple who own and operate Memory Keepers, an antique store was not only good for them, but, also good for this reader of this novel, because they were my favorites.  I absolutely adored them and could easily imagine them having their lunch in their store and greeting their customers. The author brought Orley and Lois Troyer to life before my eyes with her vivid descriptions of these two delightful characters.  I hope they will be brought back throughout the series.

Overall, I liked the premise, the characters and the outcome for Jeff and Rhonda.  I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and hoping to check in with all four characters in this book, and meeting new ones in the second book.

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

An Amish Flower Farm by Mindy Steele

She grows flowers.
He raises bees for honey.
They help each other out,
because that’s what neighbors do…

Belinda Graber loves growing flowers for her family to sell at the Amish marketplace. Venturing beyond the farm to sell them in town, though, is out of the question. People would stare at the birthmark on her cheek, and she’s dealt with enough teasing in her life.

As a beekeeper, Adam Fisher knows how blessed he is to live next door to the Grabers’ greenhouses and fields. But when his father is injured, Adam has to take a job at the local mill. How will he manage the honey harvest?

Adam and Belinda make a deal: if she tends his hives, he’ll sell her flowers in town.

Belinda’s sure that her growing feelings for Adam could never be returned. Meanwhile, Adam can’t help but notice how his shy neighbor charms the bees…or is he the one being charmed? Because his last courtship ended badly, Adam tells himself this arrangement is strictly business, even if Belinda is sweet as honey.

This uplifting Amish romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe

My thoughts:

I love finding a new to me author, especially this one because she has penned a beautifully written novel.  Ms. Steel crafted charming characters who stole my heart as soon as I met them and I really did feel like I met them, that’s how real they seemed.

I loved Belinda Graber and could easily imagine her tending to her flowers, they brought so much joy into her otherwise lonely life.  I felt so bad for all she had gone through because of a birthmark and the teasing she had dealt with since childhood.  I didn’t think I could love her anymore until I met Adam Fisher.  He was so sweet and kind to her just as she was to him.  I loved them separately, but absolutely adored them together.

Belinda and Adam are both hardworking, they have so much they want to accomplish, they just have to learn that’s okay to ask for help from others and more than okay to let your true feelings be known to others.   I loved seeing the growth in both of these characters and wanted them to live their best possible lives.  If you like a clean well written book with charming characters, you will definitely want to pick up a copy of this one.

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

 

Between the Wild Branches (The Covenant House #2) by Connilyn Cossette

 

Ten years ago Lukio fled Kiryat-Yearim, where he'd been adopted by the Levite family who guarded the Ark of the Covenant. Feeling betrayed by everyone, he returned to his birthplace in Philistia to become a famous fighter. Now the champion of Ashdod, Lukio has achieved every goal with the help of his ruthless cousin. But just as he is set to claim the biggest prize of all, the daughter of the king, his past collides with his present in the form of Shoshana.

After a heartbreaking end to her secret friendship with Lukio, Shoshana thought to never see the boy with the dual-colored eyes and the troubled soul again. But when she is captured in a Philistine raid and enslaved in Ashdod, she is surprised to find that the brutal fighter known as Demon-Eyes is Lukio himself.

With explosive secrets and unbreakable vows standing between them, finding a way to freedom for both may cost them everything.

My thoughts:

I haven't read the first book in the series, but, still enjoyed this novel.  The story of Lukio and Shoshana is beautifully written although it took me some time to get interested to be honest. Its probably because I should have read the first book in the series. I really got caught up in this book after a few chapters and I loved it more than I thought I would.

Truthfully, I have only started reading Biblical fiction within the last few years and it isn't always a genre I gravitate towards. but, after hearing so many things about this author, I knew I had to read it. I am so glad that I did because Ms. Cossette brought this story to life for me, from the time period she wrote about, the not so good things and al of the wonderful things. I will read more from this author and urge others to do the same.

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

Pockets of Purpose (The Pocket Quilt, #2) Laurie Stroup Smith Blog Tour and GIVEAWAY

 

Two years after exchanging her first love letters with Gideon Petersheim, Dixie Yoder tucks his notes into her pocket quilt and travels from Pinecraft to Holmes County, hopeful for a future together. Upon her arrival, their relationship blossoms until the auctioneer has surgery to remove a cyst from his vocal cords. Complications from the procedure interfere with his healing, leaving him searching for his passions and purpose.

 Instead of leaning on Dixie through this tough time, he pushes her away and turns his back on God. Having lost everything, he must fight his way back to her, but his apology is long overdue. Should she stay in Ohio with the new friends she has grown to love? Or should he pack her bags and head home to Pinecraft?

Title:    Pockets of Purpose,
Book #2 in The Pocket Quilt Series
Author:   Laurie Stroup Smith
Pub Date:   June 30, 2021
ebook available at:   
Amazon

Paperback available June 30, 2021
ISBN:    978-1-7363662-3-3
Price:   $14.99
Pages:   216
Genre:   Amish

My thoughts:

What a beautifully written story that kept me engaged from beginning to end.  I grew rather fond of Dixie Yoder and Gideon Petersheim as their story progressed and I wanted them to live their best, possible lives.

I think we all know that life will throw us a few curveballs, which can be devastating, and not always easy to cope with which is what Gideon has to come to terms with in this touching story.  Pockets of Purpose is the second book in the Pocket Quilt series so you may want to pick up a copy of the first book, Pockets of Promise, too.

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

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MEET THE AUTHOR

 While writing Amish fiction and contemporary romance, Laurie Stroup Smith strives to inspire readers to serve others. She was named a Finalist in the 2017 ACFW First Impressions Contest and a Semi-Finalist in the 2018 and 2019 ACFW Genesis Contests. She has been interviewed by Loveland Magazine and has been a guest on the Buggy Talk and Fierce Calling podcasts.

Before writing, Laurie earned a bachelor’s degree in both athletic training and exercise science and later obtained her master’s degree in health promotion and education. She now writes full time and lives with her husband and their two daughters in Cincinnati. Connect with Laurie on her website (lauriestroupsmith.com), Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Represented by Julie Gwinn of The Seymour Agency.

julie@theseymouragency.com

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Pockets of Purpose and a felt bird ornament

CLICK HERE TO ENTER GIVEAWAY

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unruly In- Law (The Amish Quiltmaker #2) Jennifer Beckstrand

 

Opposites can make the most delightful pattern...
Filled with her trademark humor and relatable characters, award winning author Jennifer Beckstrand's second installment in the Amish Quiltmaker series finds independent-minded quilter Esther Liem's matchmaking skills put to the test in her new Colorado community.

Moving to a new Amish settlement in small-town Colorado was a brave new start for independent-minded quiltmaker Esther Liem. But helping her reckless relative will really put her special matchmaking skills to the test...

Mischievous and rebellious, young Ben Liem is making the wrong kind of name for himself throughout the town of Yoder. And even though his sister-in-law, Esther, somehow coaxes him into keeping company with sensible Linda Eicher, Ben can't see anything they have in common. Or that he could ever be good enough for someone like her. But Linda's down-to-earth nature and unexpected understanding have Ben trying his best to be better, no matter how challenging...

Linda couldn't be more surprised when Ben turns out to be caring and helpful, despite his rowdy pranks and bad-news friends. And falling in love with him suddenly seems just right. But when a heartbreaking misunderstanding comes between them, both she and Ben must risk enough to trust, stitch the pieces back together--and dare a forever precious happiness. 

My thoughts:

This is a sweet, clean romance that at times had me chuckling and at times angry with some of the characters.  Ben Liem was the character who bore the brunt of my anger after a few chapters, an Amish young man who wasted most of his time with the wrong people, wreaking havoc whenever he could.  I have to admit that I had very little sympathy for him.  Luckily, I liked Linda Eicher, she is one of the reasons I kept reading this book.  I’m glad I did because the story was entertaining with the addition of Ben’s grandmother and the Englisch driver.  The driver was my favorite character, she was a pure delight and responsible for the many chuckles.

Overall, I thought this was a fun, quick read.  I thought that Ben was too immature for his age, but the author had her reasons for creating him so that readers could watch his growth as the story progressed. At least that’s my take on it.

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