An Amish Christmas Gift by Beth Wiseman

 

From a bestselling and award-winning author who has sold over 2.5 million books comes a love story that poses the question--Is it better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all?

Hannah King and her two children, Mae and Lillian, are facing their first Christmas without their beloved husband and father, who passed only six months ago. Hannah is determined to display strength for her girls, stifling her emotions until she is alone at night crying herself to sleep. But as she tries to hide her grief, she is unaware that her children need her to be emotionally present.Mae is Hannah's oldest daughter. At eighteen, she is deeply in love with a young man in her Amish community. She is working through the grief she feels over the absence of her father, but something about her mother has changed, and the transformation has Mae fearful to make a commitment to John Byler. 

Her mother robotically goes through the motions of daily living, but she is a shell of the woman she used to be. Mae walks away from her relationship with John, knowing her mother's grief must be far worse than her own. She isn't going to let that happen to her.John Byler is in love with Mae, but his admission to her about his feelings causes her to stop seeing him without any explanation. He can only assume that she doesn't love him the way he loves her. Can Hannah see past her own grief and convince her daughter that it is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all? And is Mae willing to take a chance on love?"

Wiseman is known for her character-driven stories . . . tender tales of love, loss, and redemption. Her fans will devour this short story." ~ Kelly Long, bestselling author for Kensington PublishersFor fans of Beverly Lewis, Amy Clipston, Wanda Brunstetter, and Cindy Woodsmall.

My thoughts:

There is so much packed into this story, as a loving wife and her children are grieving the loss of a husband and father.  It’s always difficult to learn to live your life without your loved ones, however, it must be done but in your own time. In this beautifully written novella by Ms. Wiseman, Hannah needs more time to grieve but it impacts her children bringing more sadness to them.

As the family opens to each other the author put such emotions in her writing, I could imagine their conversations. This is an emotional book where healing and honesty are both needed.  I loved the epilogue and the recipes.  This is a short but beautiful read.  I highly recommend it for the holiday season.

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

This Passing Hour (Amish Memories #2) by Leslie Gould

After the death of her parents, Mennonite Brenna Zimmerman relocates to the Lancaster County farm of her Old Order Amish relatives. There, she befriends Rylan Sanders, a disabled veteran, and commits to rising above her own grief to help him as much as she can. But when things take a turn for the worse, Brenna finds herself at a loss for what to do.

As Brenna struggles, her Mennonite friend Johann Mazur, a soldier in the Ukranian Army, encourages her to distance herself from Rylan. But when she discovers that Rylan's army buddies are withholding secrets that could help with his psychological healing, Brenna is torn between her feelings for Johann and her commitment to help Rylan.

Inspired by the story of her great-great-aunt who served with the Red Cross and supervised German POWs during World War II, Brenna considers her own future and must decide if she has the courage to give up the comforts she craves for the life she truly wants.

Bestselling author Leslie Gould continues her evocative Amish Memories series with a compelling dual-time tale set during World War II and present-day Lancaster County.

My thoughts:

I was thrilled to reconnect with the characters from the first book in this series.  I have been a fan of Ms. Gould for several years, her novels blend Amish, Mennonite dual time lines, everyone and everything in between perfectly.

For some reason. I always tend to get caught up in the past, that’s how well, she manages to bring the storyline altogether. The amount of research, detention to detail, not to mention her storytelling keeps me drawn to her work.

I have loved Brenna Zimmerman from the beginning, have mourned the loss of her parent with her, but have applauded and admired every step she took when an opportunity came her way.  The friendships she has made are incredible and I eagerly look forward to learn what the future holds for her. 

Great storyline, incredible characters are what you will find within the pages of this book.

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

To Spark a Match (The Matchmaker (#2) by Jen Turano

 After five unsuccessful Seasons on the marriage mart, Miss Adelaide Duveen has resigned herself to the notion that she's destined to remain a spinster forever--a rather dismal prospect, but one that will allow her to concentrate on her darling cats and books. However, when she inadvertently stumbles upon Mr. Gideon Abbott engaged in a clandestine activity during a dinner party, Adelaide finds herself thrust into a world of intrigue that resembles the plots in the spy novels she devours.

Former intelligence agent Gideon Abbott feels responsible for Adelaide after society threatens to banish her because of the distraction she caused to save his case. Hoping to return the favor, he turns to a good friend--and one of high society's leaders--to take Adelaide in hand and turn her fashionable.

When danger surrounds them and Adelaide finds herself a target of the criminals in Gideon's case, the spark of love between them threatens to be quenched for good--along with their lives.

My thoughts:I laughed throughout this book, which is not at all unusual when I read anything written by Ms. Turano.  From the very beginning we see Adelaide, perhaps a bit more than one might expect to see of a lady of her place in society. That scene had me laughing so hard, getting your bustle caught to where your undergarments are on display was mortifying to say the least.    Adelaide has been through the balls and seasons for quite some time; however, she really needs to find a match or be forever known as a spinster.

What I love about her is the fact that she doesn’t seem to be bothered by any of this.  All she wants are cats and books, and this is why I felt a connection to her.   However, she still needs to make a match, where we are treated to more funny events and even little more than anyone, even Adelaide could imagine.   

In typical Jen Turano style, she takes her readers on a funny ride through 1888 where we meet some loveable and some unsavory characters.  I loved everything about this delightful novel and am looking forward to the next one in the series.

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

Christmas Forest Ambush by Kerry Johnson

A young witness targeted—

and danger in the wilderness



When five-year-old Boone Harrington witnesses his father’s murder, he is placed in social worker Lucy Taylor’s care for the holidays. But after someone chases Lucy’s car off the road in Sumter National Forest, she and Boone turn to ranger Noah Holt for protection from a gang of ruthless gun traffickers. Can Noah keep them alive…especially after discovering Boone unknowingly has something these criminals will kill for? 

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

My thoughts:

The story begins with Lucy’s car getting chased off the road with Boone in the car with her.  The action doesn’t stop there though, it just keeps going until the end.  I was super close to biting my nails, something I never do, but the impulse was there.

I felt so bad for Boone who unknowingly has something the killers desperately want and will silence anyone to get it.  Lucy and Noah are in a race against the clock as they try outmaneuvering and outsmarting anyone who is trying to harm Boone. Anytime a five-year-old is involved in pretty much anything there is going to be some drama and innocent behavior.

This is a non-stop, thrilling suspenseful, well-crafted must read. Ms. Johnson is now one of my must-read authors.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky

 

In 2012, art historian Gwen Monroe travels to England's Lake District to appraise the paintings and antiques of an old family friend, hoping to prove herself to her prestigious grandfather. While at Longdale Manor, she becomes acquainted with David Bradley--the owner's handsome grandson--who is desperate to save the crumbling estate by turning it into a bed-and-breakfast. When Gwen stumbles upon a one-hundred-year-old journal and an intricately carved shepherd's staff similar to one in a photo of her parents, she uncovers a connection to the father she never knew.

In 1912, after her father's death, Charlotte Harper uncovers a painful family secret she can only confess to her journal. She and her family travel to the Lake District to stay on a sheep farm, hoping eventually to find a home with Charlotte's grandfather at Longdale Manor, but old wounds and bitter regrets make it a difficult challenge. As Charlotte grows closer to shepherd Ian Storey and rebuilds her shattered faith, she must decide whether she will ever trust in love again.

Two women a century apart are taken on a journey to healing, faith, and forgiveness in this heartfelt dual-time Edwardian romance from bestselling author Carrie Turansky.

My thoughts:

A beautiful cover with a beautifully written dual time line story for the win.  I loved this book so much, I fell in love with 1912 Charlotte Harper, wanting to read more of her diary.  It was painful but important to the story of 2012 Gwen Morris.

I love the way the author connected the two storylines so seamlessly and effortlessly.  I have read several of this authors work, however this one is my favorite so far.  I became so engaged in this novel in such a short period of time which is why I highly recommend it to other readers.

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

Garden of the Midnights by Hannah Linder

 

The accidents are not a matter of chance. They are deliberate. As English gentleman William Kensley becomes aware of the danger at Rosenleigh Manor, he pleads for the truth of his past from the only man he can trust—until that man is murdered. 
 
As the secrets unfold into scandal, William’s world is tipped into destitution, leaving him penniless and alone. His only comfort is in the constant friendship and love of Isabella Gresham. If he does not have their nonsense at the seashore, their laughter, their reckless adventures, has he anything at all?
 
He should have known that would be ripped from him too. When a hidden foe arises from their acquaintances and imperils Isabella’s life, William may be the only one willing to risk his life to rescue her. But even if he frees Isabella from her captors, will he still have to forsake her heart? 

Some sacrifice everything for love. Others sacrifice love for everything else. In this haunting tale of rigid social prejudices and heart-aching regrets, the greatest decision of their life will be determined in the garden of the midnights. 

My thoughts:

Ms. Linder is a new to me author so I wasn’t sure what to expect.  My expectations were exceeded in this beautifully written novel. My heart was broken for William, his was such a sad story, I desperately wanted him to have a peaceful life filled with love and belonging.

Isabelle is another character I found myself rooting for.  I appreciated how the author pulled me into the characters’ lives making me genuinely concerned for their happiness and well-being. I know that I will read more of her work and urge other readers to do the same.

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

Snowbound Escape (Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit #8) by Dana Mentink

 To rescue a witness… this K-9 team must face a killer and a storm. After months tracking a colleague falsely accused of a double homicide, officer Tanner Ford and his K-9 partner finally locate crime tech Mara Gilmore—but the real murderer is closing in. Now they must run into a frozen wilderness to survive. Evading the killer is the only way for Mara to clear her name. But will the harsh winter conditions cover their tracks…or bury them forever?

My thoughts:

The action never stops in this fast-paced suspense novel.  Ms. Mentink is a masterful storyteller in this genre keeping me on the edge of my seat as Tanner Ford and his K-9 partner locate Mara Gilmore.

They are on the run to save their lives as a murderer is closing in on them.  They are wet, cold, tired, and hungry, but they must keep their wits about them to stay alive. I was exhausted just reading what they went through to avoid becoming the next victims of the killer. There is heart pounding excitement throughout this book.

If you like a well written, fast paced storyline, you will love this one.  Kudos to the author for penning another wonderful book that I couldn’t put down.

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

Marshaling Her Heart (Wyoming Sunrise #3) by Mary Connealy

 

Becky Pruitt has always prided herself on knowing everything that's happening on her successful ranch, which makes her foreman Nate Paxton's admission to her quite a surprise. With the notorious Deadeye Gang on the loose, Nate--a former U.S. Marshal--believes that Becky's ranch might be the best spot for a group of Marshals to use as a base and hideout.

The timing couldn't be more crucial for the growing town of Pine Valley, and Becky feels a commitment to help. But after escaping the grasp of her harsh father, she's never liked giving up control--of her life or her ranch. Again and again, Nate's proven himself to her and she soon realizes that if there's anyone she can trust with her ranch--and her heart--it might be him. But the outlaws won't go quietly, and as danger draws ever nearer, Becky and Nate are faced with impossible choices that will test their growing bond.

This rousing conclusion to Mary Connealy's Wyoming Sunrise series is an exhilarating blend of humor, romance, and adventure.

My thoughts:

I loved this book so much; I have loved this entire series.  Ms. Connealy crafts characters who I absolutely adore.  Especially her female characters.  This book is full of strong women, there’s not a shrinking violet to be found between the pages.

The series concludes perfectly with Becky  when the villain is revealed.  If you have read the first two books in the series, which I highly recommend, you will know that Becky and her friends have been fighting since the first book with some nefarious people.  As sorry as I am to see the series end, it was a great ending.

I loved the uplifting friendship between the three women, the way the town pulled together and yes, the food that Clint continued to prepare in his diner.

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