Her Hearts Desire (A Season In Pinecraft) by Shelley Shepard Gray

 Mary Margaret Miller needs an escape from her small Amish community. She boards a bus, all alone, for a vacation in Pinecraft, Florida. Meeting Betsy and Lilly on the way, she's amazed to find two kindred spirits. They become fast friends and determine to have the best two weeks of their lives. For Mary, it starts when she meets Jayson Raber. The handsome and charming carpenter is taken by Mary from the get-go, but he has responsibilities back home in Kentucky--including a girl he's supposed to marry.

When someone from Mary's past shows up in Pinecraft, it seems like her perfect vacation is ruined. But that's nothing compared to what's coming when she realizes what Jayson has been hiding.

My thoughts:

Ms. Gray takes her readers back to sunny Pinecraft Florida in her new series.  It really is lovely location and yes, there are many Amish who vacation there during the winter months, which is where we meet Mary Margaret, Betsy, and Lilly.  It seems like these three young ladies are destined to become friends as they get to know each other during their 2-week vacation at the Marigold Inn.  I could easily imagine staying there, from the proprietor, the guests to the description of the breakfasts to the delightful porch.

One of the newly arrived guests happened to be the one person Mary would rather not see, the lovely, but not so nice, Esther. She has bullied Mary back in their hometown and that is not what Mary wants to deal with on her vacation.

As misguided as Jayson Raber is, I liked him so much, and found him to a perfect match for Mary, it just took some time for him to disclose a secret he had been keeping, but when he finally told her she was not at all pleased.  I would have been upset, too. 

Overall, I enjoyed the start to this series.  A novel of friendship, forgiveness, growth, maturity, and sweet romances.

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

Honeymoons Can Be Hazardous (An Amish Matchmaker Mystery #3) by Amanda Flower

 Set in the fan favorite Amish village of Harvest, Ohio, the latest novel in USA Today bestselling author Amanda Flower's Amish Matchmaker series brings back the unlikely sleuthing duo of an Amish widow and her zany, thrice divorced best friend. Will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries, small-town mysteries, wholesome romance, inspirational fiction, and readers of Jennifer Beckstrand, Charlotte Hubbard, Rachel J. Good, and other authors of Amish fiction.

Millie’s decidedly not Amish best friend, Lois Henry, is outspoken, colorful, and so hopelessly romantic, she’s had four husbands. Millie doesn’t judge, and she also doesn’t expect to run into Lois’s most recent ex, gambler Gerome Moorhead, in small-town Harvest, Ohio. With him is the very young, new Mrs. Moorhead, aka “Honeybee.” Lois is outraged, but Millie is completely shocked to learn the next day that Gerome is already a widower . . .

When a large wood carving at the cozy Munich Chalet falls on “Honeybee,” all eyes turn toward Lois. Who else would want a tourist—a complete stranger—dead? And half of Harvest witnessed Lois’s enmity toward the young woman. Suddenly Millie must put aside her sewing needle and flex her sleuthing skills. She’s no stranger to a murder investigation, after all, and if she doesn’t learn who killed Honeybee, Lois could go from Millie’s boisterous best friend to her horrified prison penpal . . .

My thoughts:

Millie and Lois cannot catch a break, but they sure can catch a killer.  These two ladies are a pure delight as they go about their daily lives in the small town of Harvest, Ohio and as usual, they are caught up in another murder.  This one hit Lois hard as it involves her fourth husband, apparently, she is not one to give up on romance and finding love, which is at odds with her best friend, Millie, the once married and now Amish widow.

I adore these two characters, they are older, complete opposites who have managed to remain friends for many years.  They are always there for each other, especially in this story as they once again team up to prove the innocence of someone who looks mighty suspicious and find the real killer.  There are a lot of surprises, several laugh out loud moments but most of all another well plotted, perfectly paced wonderful novel by Amanda Flower.  I was kept guessing until the very end.   I am ready for the next book in this series. If you like a fantastic cozy mystery, I highly recommend this one and the entire series.

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

The Courtship Plan by Kathleen Fuller

Finding a husband is serious business. And serious business requires serious planning.

Charity Raber is one of many single women who came to Birch Creek, Ohio, with one goal in mind: secure a husband from among the desperate bachelors a newspaper advertisement claimed inhabited the town. Even though that claim proved to be nothing more than a cruel prank, Charity is still hopeful that her happy ending might be within reach when she’s set up on a date with Jesse Bontrager. That is until Jesse not-so-gently shares that he has no interest in a relationship with anyone—and especially not with her.

One year later, Charity is working as a caretaker for a kind, elderly English woman in the nearby town of Marigold. She’s also working hard on a brand-new courtship plan. A plan that absolutely does not involve Jesse Bontrager. But when he moves next door and is made aware of her scheming, Charity vows to prove that her plan is foolproof. Meanwhile, Jesse is sure she’ll make a fool of herself. And for some reason he’s not willing to let that happen.

This stubborn bachelor and determined bachelorette will soon learn that their plans rarely work out as expected—but God’s plans always will.

My thoughts:

I had mixed feelings about this book at first, I didn’t like Charity very much which was concerning because she is one of the main characters.  I did start liking her once she moved to Marigold where she became a caretaker for a kind elderly lady.  I think I fell in love with the rowdy dog owned by Charity’s employer before I cared about Charity.

I thought the courtship plan Charity engaged in was fairly amusing as were the interactions with her least favorite person, Jesse Bontrager.  They have a rocky past from Birch Creek were they both used to live, that caused embarrassing times for Charity.  I became more engaged in the story a few chapters in and found myself chuckling and shaking my head at some of the things I was reading.   It turned out to be a much better read than I thought and promises to be another good series by Ms. Fuller.

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

 

Engaging Deception (The Joplin Chronicles #3) by Regina Jennings

 

Olive Kentworth has spent her life hiding her interest in architecture, even though she pores over architectural books and sketches buildings. When she accepts a job on a home expansion, it's only because her cousin Amos agrees to pose as the builder. To further hide her involvement, Olive takes a position as a nanny--not knowing that she'll be working for her idol, Joplin's leading architect, widower Maxfield Scott.

Maxfield is intrigued by his new nanny--she makes his home and his life bearable again. His work, on the other hand, is a disaster. An untrained builder is remodeling a completed project of his. What's worse, Maxfield's current client wants changes to his plans because of that builder's work.

As the architectural one-upmanship heats up, Olive's involvement becomes harder to hide. Will the relationship between her and Maxfield survive, or will they both miss out on building something for their future?

My thoughts:

It’s always fun to reconnect with the Kentworth family, they are bright, talented and a few have a few quirks.  This is the story of Olive Kentworth, one of the less quirky, characters and one with the biggest secrets.  Olive has a strong interest in architecture which is an unobtainable goal given the time period, she isn’t about to let any obstacles stand in her way as she pursues her dreams, even if it means having cousin Amos pretend to be the builder of a home expansion job she accepts.

There are several funny and clever parts to this story, especially when Olive agrees to be a nanny to the children of Maxwell Scott, an actual and well-known architect.  Between caring for the children and sneaking peaks at the plethora of reading she finds in Maxwells office, she is learning quite a lot.  I loved seeing the change in both characters as well as catching up the characters I have grown so fond of in this trilogy.    I love these authors work which is why I highly recommend reading this series.

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

 

Amish Holiday Vendetta by Laura Scott

From USA TODAY bestselling author Laura Scott...

An Amish widow. An Englischer with a past.

Who’s the real target this Christmas?

Attacked in her barn just before Christmas, Amish quilter Elizabeth Walton doesn’t know why someone wants to harm her. But when gunfire narrowly misses Elizabeth and furniture maker David McKay, the Englischer fears his past has put them both in the crosshairs. David’s determined to protect the pretty widow…but is his presence the real danger? Or is there another motive behind the deadly threats?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My thoughts:

Amish Holiday Vendetta is a real page turner, so be prepared to spend a good portion of time dedicated to reading this book. It is the perfect blend of suspense, excitement and twists and turns.  I found Elizabeth Walton to be instantly likable, sweet, caring and very indulgent of her mother-in-law.  I did not care for Mammi Rose who blames Elizabeth for her son’s death and then is so mean to David McKay who comes to their rescue aft Eliazbeth is subjected to serious and dangerous situations.

I adored David and the caring way he tries to protect the ladies from danger.  Although with his checkered past, he feels his presence may be responsible for the things that are happening.

Overall, this fast paced, well-written, exciting novel is one that fans of both suspense and Amish novels will want t read.

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

 

The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan

 From the author of The Widows of Champagne, and inspired by true events, comes a gripping and heartwrenching story of two very different women united to bring light to the darkest days of World War II.

 
London, 1933
 
At first glance, Austrian opera singer Elsa Mayer-Braun has little in common with the young English typist she encounters on tour. Yet she and Hattie Featherstone forge an instant connection—and strike a dangerous alliance. Using their friendship as a cover, they form a secret society with a daring goal: to rescue as many Jews as possible from Nazi persecution.
 
Though the war’s outbreak threatens Elsa and Hattie’s network, their efforts attract the covert attention of the British government, offering more opportunities to thwart the Germans. But Elsa’s growing fame as Hitler’s favorite opera singer, coupled with her secret Jewish ancestry, make her both a weapon and a target—until her future, too, hangs in the balance.
 
From the glamorous stages of Covent Garden and Salzburg to the horrors of Bergen-Belsen,  two ordinary women swept up by the tide of war discover an extraordinary friendship—and the courage to save countless lives.
 
 

My thoughts:

A completely captivating, beautifully written novel that tugs on the readers heartstrings.  The characters the author introduces had me engaged from beginning to end, two sisters who love opera and the Austrian opera singer, Elsa are the main characters.  Watching their story unfold in World War ll, in 1933 London is they forge a friendship and knowing that it was inspired by true events made me  feel  sad but also eager to find out more about their stories.

Filled with kindness, love and danger, the ladies help rescue as many Jewish people as possible, but it becomes more dangerous with each passing day until it seems impossible, especially once Elsa is arrested for treason.  This is such a heartbreaking turn of events but the author tells the story beautifully.  This is a must read for fans of historical fiction.

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

 

Holding the Line (Love Along the Wires #3) by Jennifer Delemere

 

A widow at just 30 years of age, Rose Finlay is determined to put all ideas of marriage and family behind her and pursue an independent life. But when she notices a young woman about to be led astray by a roguish aristocrat, bitter memories from her past arise, and she feels compelled to intervene. The unintended consequences of her efforts will ultimately force Rose to reexamine her life in a new light.

As the overseer of his two widowed sisters' financial and domestic affairs, John Milburn carries heavy responsibilities for a single man. But he's faced with his biggest challenge when his headstrong niece falls prey to the attentions of a powerful man who could ruin both her and her family.

When Rose and John join forces to protect his niece, they put everything they hold dear--including their growing attraction--in jeopardy.

My thoughts:

This is one of my favorite books that I have read this year.  I have loved the entire series but Holding the Line is one that I have thought about long after I finished reading it.  Rose Finlay is a strong, disciplined, hardworking widow, she knows what she wants out of life and she is very focused.   It was all going well until she overhears a conversation between a young man and, somewhat naïve young lady.  I love how Rose knew what was happening and went outside of her comfort zone to try to help the girl avoid a big mistake.

Rose obviously will need help and who better than the uncle of the niece being led astray?  I loved John Milburn; he sure has his hands full with his family situation but luckily, he has Rose to help him sort out the many challenging things that keep him on his toes.

This novel has it all, an amazing storyline, memorable characters is perfectly paced and will make you shed a tear. If you love historical fiction, this is a must read.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy.  All opinions are my own.

The Story of Love (The Amish Bookstore #2) by Beth Wiseman

 When Yvonne Wilson’s Amish friends, Jake and Eva Lantz, offer her an opportunity to run their bookstore in Montgomery, Indiana, Yvonne jumps on the opportunity for a change of scenery. She leaves her home in Texas to take on her new job as manager of the bookstore. A spark is rekindled unexpectedly when the move brings her back into contact with Abraham Byler. But Abraham is now dating a woman named Brianna, and the last thing Yvonne wants is to interfere in their relationship.

Abraham grew up Amish, but he chose not to be baptized, eventually entering a career as a sheriff in the hopes of bringing justice to his community. But when a high-stakes situation on the job arises, he begins to question his decisions and contemplate a return to his Amish roots. Meanwhile, he finds himself drawn to Yvonne—casting doubt on his current relationship with Brianna. Brianna herself is keeping secrets . . . and some of those secrets might be dangerous.

As tensions rise, both Yvonne and Abraham will have to choose the best path for themselves—even if it puts their romance at risk.

My thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book, the setting, the characters, and a few twists made for an entertaining read.  Did I like all the characters? No.  Were some or at least one written to be unlikeable?  I think so because there seems to be a consensus that one young lady is quite overbearing, however we have Yvonne Wilson who is the epitome of a lovely young, kind, caring young woman.    I also liked Abraham and was happy to see them reconnect.

This is the second book in the series so I suggest reading the first book to become familiar with the town, the bookstore and on the plus side, it is a really good book.  

Overall, I thought this was a wonderful novel and I look forward to seeing what is next from one of must read authors.

I received a copy from the publisher and Netgalley.  Opinions are my own.

 

A Gem of Truth (Secrets of the Canyon) by Kimberly Woodhouse

 Julia Schultz has a reputation for being a storyteller--or as others see it, a liar. But with a dark and painful past, stories were all that kept her company and made her interesting to others. Longing for a fresh start and a second chance to earn real trust, Julia takes a job as a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar hotel, where she's challenged to be her true self.

Learning the trade of a master jeweler is hard work, but Christopher Miller takes pride in running his family's small shop and earning the respect of the people around him. But when he discovers that he has six weeks to buy his shop from his landlord before it is sold, he must find a way to save his grandfather's legacy.

United by the discovery of a legendary treasure, Chris and Julia find hope in each other. But when Julia's past catches up with her, doubt creeps into Chris's heart. Can he really trust her and her stories?

My thoughts:

I loved every single thing about this book!  From beginning to end, I was so caught up in the story of Julia Schultz, she really tugged at my heart and I found myself rooting for her to live her best possible life.   Not only did the author craft endearing characters, she also placed them in the beautiful setting in the Grand Canyon at the El Tovar Hotel.

I find the history of the Harvey Girls fascinating, I could read about them pretty much anytime, but I also love a storyline with some good and some not so good characters, there are both in this well-written, perfectly paced novel.  I highly recommend A Gem of Truth to readers pf historical fiction and those just looking for a fantastic read.

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

Beyond the Desert Sands (Love on the Santa Fe #2) by Tracie Peterson

 After living an opulent life with her aunt for the last few years, the last thing twenty-five-year-old Isabella Garcia wants is to have to celebrate Christmas in the small silver-mining town her father and mother founded in the desert. She'd rather stay in California with the handsome Diego Morales who is courting her. Isabella is further miffed to have to bear the company of Aaron Bailey, a businessman with the Santa Fe Railroad, whom her father has sent to escort her safely home. Aaron finds Isabella spoiled, and she finds him judgmental.

But she is surprised to see how much the town of Silver Veil has grown and how fragile her father's health has become. Then Diego shows up with news that her aunt has died. Isabella is saddened by the loss of not only her aunt, but also her place of escape.

Faced with all these changes, she struggles to sort through her future and who she wants to be. But trouble is brewing, and there are those who hope Isabella stays just as she is, even if it costs her everything.

My thoughts:

This is another wonderfully written and thoroughly researched novel penned by Ms. Peterson. I have loved her work for quite some time, she never disappoints as far as I am concerned, she keeps getting better.  This is the second book in her Love on the Santa Fe series and is just as good as the first book, which you should also read. 

I loved the story of Isabella Garcia, she is a bit headstrong, so that can be good, but can have consequences, too.  I enjoyed visiting the small mining town and getting to know the Garcia family at he same time.

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

Cicada Season (Miller Creek series) by Mindy Stelle

 The Miller’s Creek matchmakers are multiplying, and they aren’t done with the Milford half dozen yet.

Hannah Troyer thinks she can do it all, but it’s clear the young woman needs help with the apple harvest this year. The local bakers have an idea on how to remedy that. Throw in a handsome, overly confident, Leon Milford and let the sparks fly.

It will be the craziest summer ever to hit Miller’s Creek, but who doesn’t like a good challenge?  

My thoughts:

Mindy Steele has become one of my must-read authors, she crafts characters with real life challenges, they have depth, faith and yes, a little fun along the way.  The Miller Creek series is the perfect example of what I am trying to convey.  The town has lost several men in an accident, leaving their loved ones to carry on without them. The widows, children are left with loving memories, but also the hard work of caring for farms, and in this book, an apple orchard.

I love the Amish matchmakers, that’s part of the fun I referred to earlier, they have good intentions that certain people may not recognize at first and that leads to some unwelcome meetings. In the case of Hannah and Leon, things get off to a contentious start to put it mildly.   With a little help from family and friends, a lot of patience, the couple manage to work through their differences and accept they just might make things work.

Although this can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the series in order.

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

The Seeds of Change (Leah's Garden #1) by Laruraine Snelling

 Larkspur Nielsen is ready for a change. Her parents have passed on, and her older brother is successfully running the family business. She bristles at the small-mindedness that permeates life in her small Ohio community, and she sees little chance of a satisfying future there. She has a little money saved, and after turning the tables on a crooked gambler who had fleeced several locals, including her younger brother, she can stake a new start for herself and her three sisters.

As the gambler's threats of revenge echo in her ears, she and her sisters head to
Independence, Missouri, to join a wagon train bound for Oregon. Knowing that four women traveling together will draw unwanted attention, Larkspur dons a disguise, passing herself off as "Clark" Nielsen, accompanying his three sisters. But maintaining the ruse is more difficult than Larkspur imagined, as is protecting her headstrong, starry-eyed sisters from difficult circumstances and eligible young men. Will reaching their goal prove too much for them?

My thoughts:

As a longtime fan of this author, I knew this historical novel would be excellent, it clearly is.  The research that went into writing The Seeds of Change must have been painstaking, but it was well worth the efforts in this readers mind.

Larkspur Neilson took a big gamble both literally and figuratively the Sunday she went to church, angered the pastor, and then went to a saloon to gamble.  Quite unexpected for a young lady however the gambling was due to her younger, immature brother who needed her help in proving there was cheating going on at the poker table.   After Larkspur wins a sizeable amount of money, angering yet another man in her small town, its decided that she and her three younger sisters must leave town immediately

. So, off they go to try to join a wagon train, after deciding that Larkspur would disguise herself as the brother of the family named Clark.  There are so many hardships they face in their journey, illness, death, orphans that need mothering, but they also meet some good and honest people along the way. They are a family filled with faith, grace, decency, music, and love.

I loved the perfectly paced storyline, the characters, and the adventure I took with the Neilson sisters.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  Opinions are my own.

 

A Model of Devotion (The Lumbar Barron's Daughters #3) by Mary Connealy

 

A brilliant engineer, Jilly Stiles has been educated since childhood to help run her father's dynasty. Now with the company safe after the marriages of her two sisters, Jilly can focus on her dream of building a mountaintop railroad--and never marry.

Nick Ryder came into Jilly's life when he saved her mother from her no-good stepfather, and he's prepared to protect Jilly from anything that threatens to harm her. Haunted by the pain of his own past, Nick is determined not to get his heart involved while protecting Jilly from losing her hard-won independence.

But when a cruel and powerful man goes to dangerous lengths to make Jilly his own, marrying Nick may be the only way to save herself and her herself and her dreams.

My thoughts:

What a powerful ending to this series!  The sisters in this series have been such fun to meet and getting to know them was a pleasure.  Not your typical ladies, given the time period, instead of needle point, afternoon teas and what one might expect, the sisters are strong minded, highly intelligent young women with skills and knowledge most men would love to have.  I have been waiting for Jilly's story and I was not disappointed.  She has been on the quiet side until now.

The author tied up this trilogy very nicely.  I loved Nick from the beginning and was happy for his growth throughout the series and very happy to see the Lumbar Barron's Daughters finally get the lives and loves they deserve.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

The Finding of Miss Fairfield (Aprons and Veils - Book 1) by Grace Hitchcock

When an engagement of convenience becomes anything but convenient . . .

Forced into a betrothal with a widower twice her age, Charleston socialite, Sophia Fairfield is desperate for an escape. But, while her fiancé is away on business, he assigns his handsome stepson, Carver, the task of looking after his bride-to-be. Much to her dismay, Sophia finds herself falling in love with the wrong gentleman—a man society would never allow her to marry, given Sophia was supposed to be his new stepmother. The only way to save Carver from scandal and financial ruin is to run away, leaving him and all else behind to become a Harvey Girl waitress at the Castañeda Hotel in New Mexico.

Carver Ashton has had his life planned out for him since birth, but when he encounters Sophia Fairfield, he glimpses a new life—apart from his overbearing stepfather's business. But, when the woman he loves disappears before he can express his devotion, Carver abandons all to find her. However, his stepfather has other intentions for Sophia and will stop at nothing until she is his bride . . . even if it is against her will.

My thoughts:  

 A new series by Grace Hitchcock? Yes. thank you very much, especially in this first book in her Aprons and Veils series.  This is Sophias story and what a story it is.   In The Finding of Miss Fairfield, Sophia is the unwilling intended of a man twice her age who has a stepson closer in age to her.  As expected, she is relieved when her husband to be is out of town on business and Carter is pressed into service to keep Sophia company until he returns.   I enjoyed the friendship between these two and it added some lightness to the story.

It’s safe to say that Miss Fairchild is not a shrinking violet, as she plans and executes her escape, she and the reader are in for quite an adventure. I loved her work as a Harvey Girl, meeting the people she met and watching her life change for the better. There’s a bit of danger, a cast of interesting characters and an overall delightful storyline.  I.am already looking forward to the next book in the series.

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

 

Inventions of the Heart (The Lumbar Barron's Daughters #2) by Mary Connealy

 Her heart seeks safety. But will trouble find her even here?

After her sister's marriage, Michelle Stiles is left hiding at Two Harts Ranch with the handsome but stubborn Zane Hart. She's managed to stay one step ahead of her stepfather and his devious plans, but if he finds her, she will no longer be safe.

Zane has problems of his own. Having discovered a gold mine on his property, he must figure out how to harvest it without kicking off a gold rush. Michelle, educated and trained to run her father's business, wants to manage all aspects of the mine, but Zane thinks for a person so smart she can have some misguided ideas. Running the mining operation will be a dangerous job, and he can't risk putting her in harm's way.

But danger finds Michelle anyway when she's suddenly attacked. If they go to the sheriff, they'll reveal her location, but if they do nothing . . . their troubles have only just begun.

My thoughts:

I had been looking forward to this 2^nd book in this series and as usual I was not disappointed to revisit the cast of characters that I’ve grown so fond of.  Michelle and her sisters are still in danger from their stepfather, luckily, they are much smarter and have been out maneuvering him with help of their loving mother. I have been enjoying the strength of these three amazing young women and can’t wait to see what happens in the next book in the series.

A little danger, a little romance and the love of family is perfectly blended in this wonderful novel.

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

The Songs That Could Have Been (Sedgewick County Chronicles#2) by Amanda Wen review and Giveaway

 

Two couples in love. Two sets of impossible circumstances. One powerful God of grace.
After a tailspin in her late teens, Lauren Anderson's life is finally back on track. Her battle with bulimia is under control, her career is taking off, and she's surrounded by a loving family. Then a chance meeting with Carter Douglas, her first love and the man who broke her heart, leads to old feelings returning with new strength. And suddenly her well-balanced world is thrown off kilter.

Now a TV meteorologist, Carter is determined to make amends with Lauren. After all, she still owns his heart. But the reasons they broke up aren't lost--and those old demons are forcing him toward the same decision he faced in the past. He isn’t sure he's courageous enough to make a different choice this time around.

When Lauren's elderly grandmother, Rosie, begins having nightmares about a man named Ephraim--a name her family has never heard before--a fascinating and forbidden past love comes to light. As Lauren and Carter work to uncover the untold stories of Rosie's past in 1950s Wichita, they embark on a journey of forgiveness and second chances that will change their lives--and Rosie’s--forever. Along the way they'll learn that God wastes nothing, his timing is perfect, and nothing is beyond his grace and redemption.

The Songs That Could Have Been is full of the same deftly handled, resonant writing that readers and critics alike enjoyed in Amanda Wen's first book in the series. Fans of Lisa Wingate and Rachel Hauck will add Amanda Wen to their must-read shelves.

Click here to read an excerpt

My thoughts:

After reading the debut novel by Ms. Wen, I was eagerly anticipating the release of this one.  Dual time stories have become one of my favorites and I usually enjoy both stories equally, but in this book, I preferred the story Rosie and Ephraim.  I could hardly wait to get back to their lives and found myself skipping over the modern-day challenges of Lauren and Carter.  It’s not that I was bored with them, it’s simply that found them less exciting.

They played a pivotable role in bringing the storyline to a wonderful conclusion but all throughout, I wanted more Rosie and Ephrain.   This really is a worthwhile read and will appeal to most readers.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amanda Wen is an award-winning writer of inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction. She has placed first in multiple writing contests, including the 2017 Indiana Golden Opportunity, the 2017 Phoenix Rattler, and the 2016 ACFW First Impressions contests. She was also a 2018 ACFW Genesis Contest finalist. Her debut novel was a 2021 Christy Award First Novel finalist.   Wen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and regularly contributes author interviews for their Fiction Finder feature. She also frequently interviews authors for her blog and is a contributor to the God Is Love blog. She is the author of Roots of Wood and Stone and The Songs That Could Have Been.   In addition to her writing, Wen is an accomplished professional cellist and pianist who frequently performs with orchestras, chamber groups, and her church’s worship team. She serves as a choral accompanist as well. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Wen lives in Kansas with her patient, loving, and hilarious husband, their three adorable Wenlets, and a snuggly Siamese cat.   To find Amanda Wen’s blog and short stories, visit www.amandawen.com. Readers can also follower her on Facebook (@AuthorAmandaWen), Twitter (@AuthorAmandaWen), and Instagram (@authoramandawen).

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Where the Road Bends by Rachel Fordham

As Norah King surveys her family land in Iowa in 1880, she is acutely aware that it is all she has left, and she will do everything in her power to save it--even if that means marrying a man she hardly knows. Days before her wedding, Norah discovers an injured man on her property. Her sense of duty compels her to take him in and nurse him back to health. Little does she realize just how much this act of kindness will complicate her life and threaten the future she's planned.

Norah's care does more than aid Quincy Barnes's recovery--it awakens his heart to possibilities. Penniless and homeless, he knows the most honorable thing he can do is head on down the road and leave Norah to marry her intended. But walking away from the first person to believe in him proves much harder than he imagined.

Rachel Fordham invites you to experience the strength and beauty of love forged in the crucible of hardship in this heartwarming story. 

My thoughts:

Ms. Fordham has penned a wonderful, heartwarming story that captured me from the very first chapter. I admired Norah King for her strength, courage and her drive to save her family land no matter the personal cost to her. It was impressive and yet not unexpected when she finds the injured Quincy Barnes on her property and takes him to her home to nurse him back to health. It was very risky for her, an unmarried woman in 1880 to do that, but that’s exactly what she did, even though she was to be married soon.

The main characters are fascinating, but the secondary characters are equally so.  There is just so much to love about this novel from the unforgettable characters, the amazing storyline to the easy flow of the writing.  I think fans of historical fiction should absolutely read this book as soon as possible, you won’t be disappointed.

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

 

 

When the Meadow Blooms by Ann H. Gabhart

Widow Rose Meadows eagerly accepts her brother-in-law's offer for her and her two daughters to live on his farm after her treatments in a sanatorium finds them needing a home. But is this scarred and reclusive man ready for all the changes these women wil

 

Widow Rose Meadows eagerly accepts her brother-in-law's offer for her and her two daughters to live on his farm after her treatments in a sanatorium finds them needing a home. But is this scarred and reclusive man ready for all the changes these women will bring to his life?

My thoughts:

This is such a wonderful, heartwarming novel.  I knew it would be wonderful, I just didn’t know how wonderful. First of all, the characters have stayed with me long after I finished reading the book.  A widowed mother living in a sanitorium due to tuberculosis and her two young daughters living in less than an ideal situation.  Enter the bother in law who is pressed into helping his brother’s family, not willingly, but none the less he stepped up.

I thought I would have a favorite character however that changed from time to time, which meant that every one of them had found a place in my heart. I hope fans of historical fiction will pick up a copy of this book and savor time spent with novel.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of a complimentary copy of this book.

 

Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends 4 Seasons Cookbook: 290 Fresh Recipes for Eating with the Seasons by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 

Fresh Recipes for Each Season of the Year
Do you strive to eat what local, fresh, and in season? Then this is the cookbook for you. Organized by the winter, spring, summer, and fall seasons, there are a bounty of recipes for various ways to use up seasonal fruits and vegetables. Sprinkled with tips for growing and harvesting, too, the well-organized book boasts contributions from Amish and Mennonites from across the United States who are fans of author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter. Encased in a lay-flat binding and presented in full color, it is a must-have cookbook for anyone who gardens, participates in a CSA, or enjoys farmers’ markets.

My thoughts:

I'm looking forward to visiting our local Amish and farmers markets to stock up on fresh produce.  This cookbook is jam packed with delicious sounding recipes for the four seasons and I want to try most of them.  I love Ms. Brunstetters' cookbooks, they have beautiful photos, are well formatted and I particularly appreciated the spiral binding.

A beautiful cookbook that would be a perfect gift for yourself, wedding gifts or for anyone who wants to add to their collection.

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

The Rancher's Want Ad Mix-Up by Megan Besing

 A mail-order mistake…

Or a made-to-be match?

When Della Mae Wagner’s train arrives in Missouri, she’s shocked to find that the couple who hired her don’t just want a teacher for their grandsons but a wife for their son! After a broken engagement, marriage is not in Della’s plans. And Hank Lamson isn’t pleased—with his parents, with his unexpected guest or with Della’s unfairly appealing smile. But his plans to send her packing are foiled as his family comes to love her…and he feels the walls around his wounded heart to start to fall.

My thoughts:

The Rancher’s Want Ad Mix-Up is one of my favorite books that I have read this year.  I absolutely adored Della Wagner and my heart broke for her after she discovers that the want-ad she has answered is not for a teaching position but for a bride.  Unfortunately, she isn’t the only one in the dark because Hank Lamson has no idea his parents placed the ad.

I loved the Lamson family, the parents are sweet, well-meaning people who want the best for their widowed son and their three adorable, albeit at times naughty grandsons.  Poor Della has to prove to Hank that she is more than capable and qualified to teach his children, even after getting off to a rocky start.  The love and genuine affection that is shown to Della by the kids and parents is unexpected and something she is unaccustomed to.  If only Hank would open his eyes and his heart, they could be the family they all so desperately need.

This book has more than a few surprises which made for such a wonderful and thoroughly satisfying read. Kudos to the author for crafting memorable characters, a lovely setting and a heartwarming storyline. I look forward to reading more of this authors work.

 I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.