The Tapestry of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer

When a group of Kansas women start a Frauenverein, a benevolent society devoted to aiding widows and orphans, life changes for more than just the hurting people they seek to help in this heartwarming romance inspired by historical events--from the bestselling author of Freedom's Song.

With classes paused for the planting season, Alexandertol's schoolteacher Augusta Dyck is glad for some meaningful work to occupy her time. She even knows exactly who their town's benevolence society should help first: quiet, reserved widower Konrad Rempel and his young twin sons.

Konrad Rempel, however, is adamant that he doesn't want help. His boys are mischievous but good-hearted. And though Konrad may be struggling, he doesn't want anyone else sticking their nose in and telling him what his sons need. Or what he needs.

For her part, the charity's founder Martina Krahn is relieved to have a reason to spend time outside her unhappy home. It even occurs to her that she may, through her work, encounter a boy in need of a family and so find a son for her husband since they have no children of their own.

Augusta, Konrad, and Martina each have deep needs and desires, and each imagines how they should be met: by reaching out or by being left alone. But God, indeed, knows best. Will the competing agendas of Alexandertol's residents prevent them from receiving God's help? Or will the members of this small Mennonite community find the answers to their prayers in the very last place they expect--in one another?
 

My thoughts:

This novel is one of my all time favorites penned by one of my all time favorite authors.  I cannot think of one of her books that I have not simply loved. 

The story of the group of women in Kansas who start a benevolent society dedicated to helping orphans and widows is heartwarming and extremely interesting.  I loved meeting each of the characters within the pages of this book, they each have a reason for helping their community and one of the ladies I didn’t care for at first, won me over after getting more of her story.

From the very beginning, I knew Augusta was going to be memorable and she certainly is since I’ve thought about her long after I finished reading the book.  This beautifully crafted story will appeal to readers of Historical and Christian fiction and those who love a story you where you will become fully immersed.

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

Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand

Martha Sue Helmuth wishes she could just relax and enjoy her extended visit with her beloved grandparents. Instead, she is nursing a broken heart over gentle widower Yost Beiler.  Yost’s thirteen-year-old son, Jonah, refuses to accept Martha Sue, and she refuses to risk coming between them. For now, she is just trying to avoid her Mammi’s choice of yet another eligible suitor. But when Yost moves himself and Jonah to Huckleberry Hill to change Martha Sue’s mind, she can't help dreaming that somehow, some way, she and Yost will have a miraculous second chance to be together . . .
 
After his wife’s untimely death, Yost did everything he could to help Jonah through his grief.  He hopes that Martha Sue's outgoing family—and her generous ways—will show his son how loving and trustworthy she truly is. But Anna and Felty's matchmaking antics are inspiring Jonah to drive Martha Sue off for good. And when he goes too far, can Yost and Martha Sue find the understanding to forgive him—and the strength to prove they can overcome differences to make one joyous forever family?

My thoughts:

Those Matchmakers are at it again!   Martha Sue moves from Ohio to Wisconsin to put some distance between herself and Yost, the man she loves and wants to forget about, which doesn’t work out so well since he decides to follow her.  There are challenges galore for Martha Sue and Yost, the son of Yost has tried his best to come between them, grandparents Anna and Felty have decided to find Martha Sue the perfect match and it’s not Yost.

Let’s just say, hilarity ensues as it usually does in this series, and yet there are a few things that brought a bit of sadness, but not for long as the author managed to infuse some more funny moments along the way.  This is another terrific addition to the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series.  This can be read as a standalone but do yourselves a favor and read the entire series and since this is suitable for all ages you can share it with readers both younger and older.

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

           

 

 

Depending on the Cowboy: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Wyoming Ranchers #4) by Jill Kemerer

 The most reliable man

Could be the cowboy right in front of her.

Blaine Mayer’s life gets complicated when his high school crush, Sienna Powell—pregnant and recently divorced—comes to stay on his family’s ranch. He needs to focus on the cattle but can’t stop spending time with her. As Sienna’s visit nears its end, Blaine hates the thought of her walking out of his life for good. Can he prove to Sienna that he’s the man she needs?

My thoughts:

Another heartwarming addition to this series with memorable characters and a lovely storyline.  Yes, there are heartaches for some, but there is also a warm welcome for them. Sienna who is expecting her first baby, divorced and overwhelmed returns to Sunrise Bend where she reconnects with Blaine.  I loved their tender relationship.

Sienna isn’t the only one experiencing turmoil in her life, she has a niece and nephew who need a place to find peace and belonging as they have family issues at their home. The kindness and care Blaine shows the three of his visitors is so sweet, he soon became my favorite.

Overall, I have loved this series and am sad to see it end but I am looking forward to more great reads from Ms. Kemerer.

I voluntarily reviewed a boof from the publisher. Opinions are my own.

Her Amish Adversary (Indiana Amish Market #2) by Vanetta Chapman

 

Joining forces with her rival…

Means risking everything.  

Running the RV park at her father’s Amish market makes Bethany Yoder happy—until he hires her childhood nemesis, Aaron King. Soon Bethany’s quaint ideas clash with Aaron’s Englisch-style upgrades. But they must work together to turn a profit…or else. When their unlikely alliance turns into something more, will Aaron’s secrets break them—and the business—apart forever?

My thoughts:

Her Amish Adversary has a everything that this reader wants in a novel.  Wonderful characters who made me smile at times but also tugged at my heart.  It was a joy to reconnect with the Yoder family and to meet a new family, and to find out what was going on at the Amish Market.  I loved the rivalry between Bethany Yoder and her childhood nemesis, Aaron King, they are like oil and water.  She has her ideas of how the RV park should be and he has his own ideas, but they need to work together to turn a profit.  They are very entertaining and fun to get to know.

My heart went out to Aaron and his family and the challenges they face. It’s a sad situation for them and I think the author did a fantastic job of telling their story.

I am loving this series and look forward to the next book in the series.  If you like well written fiction, you will love this book, although this second book can be read as a standalone, I suggest you read the first one to get acquainted with the family and the market.

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

 

Letters of Trust (Friendship Letters #1) by Wanda Brunstetter

 

Friendship Letters Series — Doretta Schwartz has always enjoyed writing letters and feels her letters can be a bit of a ministry to her friends. In this series, exchanging letters that contain open and honest feeling and struggles helps Doretta and two of her best friends through the darkest challenges of their lives.
 
A Simple Letter Carries Inspiration for Healing
 
Life is good on their Pennsylvania Amish farm for newlyweds Vic and Eleanor Lapp—until the day Vic’s youngest brother drowns in their pond and Vic turns to alcohol to numb the pain. Things get so bad that Vic loses his job and their marriage is coming apart. Eleanor is desperate to help her husband and writes letters to her friend, Doretta, living in Indiana for advice. The trust Eleanor places in her friend and the gentle words she receives in return are a balm for even darker days to come in this first book of The Friendship Letters series by New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

My thoughts:

Letters of Trust is the first book in a new series by Wanda Brunstetter and it is fantastic.  It’s not your typical Amish book where the youth gather for singings which is fine, but this book has more depth, real life challenges and is one where you root or the characters to overcome whatever they may face.  In the case of newlyweds Vic and Eleanor Lapp, their problems run deep, and they are left with grief and despair after the loss of a beloved child.

In the darkest of times, Vic turns to alcohol which leads to lies and the loss of his job.  I must commend Eleanor for her strength and love as she attempts to save her husband and their marriage.  This storyline is well-written, heart wrenching and personal to the author. I am eager to read the entire series.  I highly recommend to readers of well-written, page turning Christian fiction.

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

The Sisters of Seaview (On Devonshire Shores #1) by Julie Klassan

When their father's death leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers convinces her sisters to open their seaside home to guests to provide for their ailing mother. Emily and Georgiana agree, but Viola, who wears a veil to cover a scar, detests the idea.

Determined to stay together, the sisters begin the new venture. Instead of the elderly invalids they expect, however, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah is torn between a growing attraction to a mysterious Scottish widower and duty to her family. Meanwhile, the new situation exposes Viola's scars--both the visible and those hidden deep within--and her cloistered heart will never be the same.

My thoughts:

The Sisters of Seaview is amazing and a pure delight to read. I absolutely adored getting to know the Summers family, from the daughters to the boarders this storyline is filled with characters that will tug at a readers heart.  It was sad how the family is left impoverished after the death of the patriarch, but heartwarming as the sisters work together to come up with a plan to care for themselves and their ailing mother.

The sisters expected elderly visitors when they opened their home to paying guests, but instead the guests were of different ages with unique backgrounds and various reasons for staying at their seaside home. Each of the sisters have a distinct personality, strengths, and reasons for not wanting to be front and center in the new venture they embark upon.  I love character driven books and this is one of the best.

I have read almost every book this author has written, but this may be one of my favorites yet.  It is one of those books you do not want to end and cannot wait for the second book in the series to release. I highly recommend this book, if you haven’t read it, add it to your TBR.

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

 

 

All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes

 Discovered floating in a basket along the canals of Venice, Sebastien Trovato wrestles with questions of his origins. Decades later, on an assignment to translate a rare book, Daniel Goodman finds himself embroiled in a web of secrets carefully kept within the ancient city and in the mystery of the man whose story the book does not finish: Sebastien.

My thoughts:

Another beautifully crafted story by Amanda Dykes, she keeps impresses me with her skill, her ability to capture my attention and care so much about her characters. 

The beautiful imagery has stayed with me long after finishing this novel.  I am always at a loss for the words to do justice to this authors work.  Just know that the storyline is engrossing and you will quickly be drawn in. 

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

Remember Me (Pictures of the Heart #1) by Tracie Peterson

 

Addie Bryant is haunted by her past of heartbreak and betrayal. After her beau, Isaac Hanson, left the Yukon, she made a vow to wait for him. When she's sold to a brothel owner after the death of her father, Addie manages to escape with the hope that she can forever hide her past and the belief that she will never have the future she's always dreamed of.

Years later, Addie has found peace in her new life as a photographer, training Camera Girls to operate and sell the Brownie camera. But during the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo in Seattle, Addie is reunited with Isaac. And when her past catches up with her, Addie must decide whether to run or to stay and face her wounds in order to embrace her life, her future, and her hope in God.

Bestselling author Tracie Peterson pens a tender tale where forgiveness, faith, and love conquers all.

My thoughts:

The first book in the Pictures of the Heart series is fantastic.  The beautiful cover and description grabbed my attention immediately and once I started reading, it was hard to stop.

Addie Bryant has had an extremely difficult life causing her heartbreak and fear as she tries to make a new life for herself with a new job, new friends, and a home of her own where she can feel safe and secure. I loved the storyline of photography, training Camera Girls to operate and sell the Brownie camera and the setting of the Alaska-Yukon Pacific Expo in Seattle.  I also loved how her former beau Isaac happened to inadvertently crossed paths with her after such a long time.

Remember Me has everything a reader could possibly want in a novel, strong female characters, lost love, betrayal, faith, more than a few harrowing moments and an overall beautifully crafted story.

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

The Love of a Good Amish Woman (Joyful River #3) by Rosalind Lauer

 

An overworked bishop and a resilient widow are a help to nearly everyone in their faith-filled Amish community of Joyful River, Pennsylvania—but what will help them see just how right they can be for each other?

Collette Yoder’s path hasn’t been easy since her husband abandoned her—and she recovered from a near-fatal injury. But now-widowed, she feels blessed to provide for her children, especially when her new job means helping the also newly widowed Bishop Aaron Troyer straighten out his too-busy life. She simply won’t let herself hope too much that their friendship could blossom into much, much more . . .

Aaron Troyer can only thank Gott that he’s finally found help. With a thriving congregation and two lively daughters growing up fast, the bishop has more demands on his time than hours in the day. And he’s long admired Collette Yoder's quiet courage and ability to find joy in the smallest things—an inspiring example for three visiting Englisch girls. But amid
unforeseen trouble and strife, Aaron may realize that his admiration for Collette could lead to a lifetime of joy together . .

My thoughts:

This is a clean romance and an enjoyable novel.  I had not read the first two books in the series but it did not take long to get caught up with what had happened in the previous books.  My challenge with this novel is that I did not get interested in the storyline until the sixth chapter which in no way is the fault of the author.  Once I felt a connection to the characters, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Colette Yoder and Bishop Aaron Troyer.  Colette truly is the epitome of a good Amish woman, she is kind, loves to serve others and she has overcome both physical and emotional pain with a pleasant attitude.

There are several relationship issues the characters need to work on, mother-daughter, grandparents and grandchildren and father-son who need reconciliation.    It isn’t all drama and hurt, there are celebrations and happy times, too.   Of course, with all good novels, the author puts one character in the story who is so unlikeable that you almost feel sorry for, almost but not quite.

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

A Mark of Grace (Secrets of the Canyon #3) by Kimberley Woodhouse

 Ruth Anniston survived an injury that left her physically scarred, broken, and angry at God. Now she finds herself working behind the scenes as a kitchen supervisor at the El Tovar Hotel, hidden away from curious eyes. When money begins to disappear from the hotel, Ruth's entire livelihood is put at risk.

Frank Henderson has at last succeeded in obtaining his dream job as the head chef at the El Tovar. But with the continuing thefts at the hotel, and his growing affection for Ruth, Frank's career--and his heart--are in jeopardy.

As tensions run high, Ruth and Frank must work together to save the El Tovar and forge a new path for the future together.

My thoughts:

It was a treat to return to the El Tovar Hotel.  I have loved this series from the very beginning and have waited for this book to reconnect with the Harvey Girls, their guests and imagine the beautiful scenery that is described by the author.

This is the story of Ruth Anniston who has suffered a tragic and disfiguring accident, she has worked her way from a Harvey Girl to head waitress but unfortunately, she finds herself working behind the scenes as she tries to recover and accept what has happened to her.  She knows she has a lot to be grateful for as she continues to work while her friendship with Frank Henderson, the head chef at the El Tovar is still strong.  Which is a good thing because there are nefarious characters who are working to undermine the reputation of the El Tovar.  It was maddening to see the lengths someone would go to trying to ruin the reputation of such a wonderful establishment. 

I loved how hard Ruth and Frank worked with the manager to find out why such things were happening and more importantly who was responsible.   This is a real page turner and one you will not want to put down until the last page.  I am sorry to see this series end, but I can say it was one of my all-time favorites.

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