The Return of the Monarchs (An Amish Romance) by Beth Wiseman

From a bestselling and award-winning author who has sold over 2.5 million books.

Janelle Herron isn’t interested in having a boyfriend. She wears black clothes, dark makeup, and sees herself metaphorically as a caterpillar who hopes to transform into a butterfly someday. She hopes that she will grow into a vision of herself that she can live with, and she has her reasons—reasons that only her parents are aware of—but her metamorphosis doesn’t include having a romantic relationship. But when she sees a handsome Amish man being harassed by bullies, she gets involved and she becomes friends with Thomas Schrock. He’s safe. They can never be together romantically because he’s Amish.

Thomas Schrock is intrigued—and a little embarrassed—when a Goth-looking young English woman intervenes in a one-sided fight Thomas is about to be lured into by three bullies. Janelle is spunky, brave, and might even be pretty behind all the dark makeup she wears. She is easy to talk to, fun to be around, and as they spend more time together, he begins to understand some of the reasons she dresses the way she does. But as Janelle and Thomas’s feelings begin to lean toward romance, Janelle holds tightly to a secret she has no intention of sharing. Her plan is to stay on course and leave for college at the end of the summer.

But will a magical meadow filled with monarchs and a little divine intervention turn things around for Janelle? Will she finally share her secret with Thomas and become the butterfly she’s always wanted to be?

My thoughts:

This may be a short story, but Ms. Wiseman has filled each page with fantastic characters and an engaging story.  I loved Janelle and Thomas, there is a huge difference between the girl who dresses in black, wears makeup and the young handsome Amish man who being bullied and a bit naïve

I loved how the monarchs were included in the storyline and the transformation in Janelle.  This is such a delightful story with charming, unforgettable characters with the bonus of recipes.  Suitable for readers of all ages and a sweet quick read.

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

 

 

The All American by Susie Finkbeiner

 

It is 1952, and nearly all the girls 16-year-old Bertha Harding knows dream of getting married, keeping house, and raising children in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. Bertha dreams of baseball. She reads every story in the sports section, she plays ball with the neighborhood boys--she even writes letters to the pitcher for the Workington Sweet Peas, part of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

When Bertha's father is accused of being part of the Communist Party by the House Un-American Activities Committee, life comes crashing down on them. Disgraced and shunned, the Hardings move to a small town to start over where the only one who knows them is shy Uncle Matthew. But dreams are hard to kill, and when Bertha gets a chance to try out for the Workington Sweet Peas, she packs her bags for an adventure she'll never forget.

Join award-winning author Susie Finkbeiner for a summer of chasing down your dreams and discovering the place you truly belong.

My thoughts:

Susie Finkbeiner knocks it out of the park in The All American, this will be my only baseball reference, mainly because I don’t really know too much about the subject. Which is fine since this novel has more than baseball, they face hardships, false accusations, starting over while never giving up on your dreams.

Sisters Bertha and Flossie Harding are both charming and I loved following their story.  It wasn’t always easy for their family but their lives were filled with love, books and of course baseball.

I loved the finely crafted characters, the time period, and the story is perfectly paced. This is one of my favorite books this year.

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

The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham

 Mere words can’t end their families’ feud, but the Campbell heir and the Bradshaw heiress plan to write a future together. Buffalo, NY, 1924 Laura Bradshaw adores stories with happily ever afters. But since her mother died seven years ago, the Bradshaw Shoe Company heiress has been as good as locked away in a tower. Her overbearing father cares little for her dreams, throwing himself instead into his tireless takedown of his competitor, the Campbell Shoe Company. However, Laura has been gifted with a a mysterious friend with whom she’s been exchanging letters. As heir to the Campbell Shoe Company, Isaac Campbell is a sought-after bachelor who has never felt an inkling of desire for the women who constantly bat their eyes at him. His thoughts are consumed by an oak tree in the Buffalo Zoo—or rather, the mystery woman he exchanges letters with courtesy of the tree. She’s been one of Isaac’s only joys in a life consumed by his father’s tireless hatred of Bradshaw. A hatred that, Isaac is coming to realize, may affect him more personally than he ever imagined. 

When Laura’s father orchestrates a match between her and an important business owner, she resolves to pursue her only chance at freedom. But Isaac believes their story isn’t bound for a tragic ending. He’s certain there’s more to the Bradshaw-Campbell feud than meets the eye. And he won’t stop digging until he uncovers the truth that might bridge the divide between him and the woman whose words have captured his heart.

My thoughts:

Rachel Fordham has penned another pleasurable novel which was hard to put down once I started reading it.  I loved Laura and Isac; their fragmented friendship was heartbreaking.  All because of a feud between their families that caused such unnecessary pain and sadness for everyone involved.

I was rooting for this friendship to be rekindled and loved the way Ms. Fordham wrote this story was sweet and very touching.  I loved the both the setting and the time period.  Highly recommend.

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