Piece by Piece by Laura Bradford

About the bookA grieving mother learns to heal in Amish country, in this heartfelt, beautifully told novel from national bestselling author Laura Bradford.

Danielle Parker is a gold-medal mom--the kind who volunteers in her children's classrooms, shuttles them between activities, throws legendary birthday parties, and has a remedy on hand for any emergency. Whatever her husband, Jeff, and their children need, Dani is there, always.
Except for one day.

On that day--the day that Dani reluctantly takes some "me time" while her mom and Jeff drive the children to the park--the unthinkable happens. The car crash leaves no survivors. Somehow, Dani gets through the funerals and visits, accepting neighbors' sympathy and dropped-off meals. All the while, guilt and grief make her wish the accident had claimed her life too. Then a call comes from Lydia Schlabach, an Amish woman Dani befriended in childhood. In addition to condolences, Lydia offers Dani something more: a place to escape to.

In Pennsylvania's Amish country, Dani's days take on a new rhythm, marked by the clip-clop of buggies and the bustle of chores. Lydia gives Dani space to mourn, to think, and to realize how long it's been since she felt like a person in her own right. And with the help of friendships old and new, Dani learns about the ways life continues to surprise us--even after the deepest loss--with joy, love, and second chances. . . .My thoughts:

Piece by Piece is such a beautiful and heartfelt story and the latest novel penned by Ms. Bradford. It’s a story of love, unbelievable loss, friendship and coming to terms with your new normal life. The story of Danielle Parker who lost her entire family in a tragic accident was an emotional and powerful one for sure.  I could imagine Dani’s grief, her heartache and her reluctance to visit her dearest friend since the description was so vivid.

In this impeccably written book, the author captured my emotions which means I cried quite often but I also felt hopeful for all of the incredible characters that were so lovingly crafted.  It’s been a few days since I finished this book but the characters still cross my mind occasionally.  The journey I took with Dani was a difficult one at times, it was filled with grief, but also love, patience and understanding.  I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.  All opinions are my own. 

Under Moonlit Skies (Prairie Sky Series Book 3) by Cynthia Roemer

Book Description

Her life was planned out ~ until he rode in ~ Illinois prairie ~ 1859

After four long years away, Esther Stanton returns to the prairie to care for her sister Charlotte’s family following the birth of her second child. The month-long stay seems much too short as Esther becomes acquainted with her brother-in-law’s new ranch hand, Stewart Brant. When obligations compel her to return to Cincinnati and to the man her overbearing mother intends her to wed, she loses hope of ever knowing true happiness.

Still reeling from a hurtful relationship, Stew is reluctant to open his heart to Esther. But when he faces a life-threatening injury with Esther tending him, their bond deepens. Heartbroken when she leaves, he sets out after her and inadvertently stumbles across an illegal slave-trade operation, the knowledge of which puts him, as well as Esther and her family, in jeopardy. Her life was planned out ~ until he rode in ~ Illinois prairie ~ 1859

After four long years away, Esther Stanton returns to the prairie to care for her sister Charlotte’s family following the birth of her second child. The month-long stay seems much too short as Esther becomes acquainted with her brother-in-law’s new ranch hand, Stewart Brant. When obligations compel her to return to Cincinnati and to the man her overbearing mother intends her to wed, she loses hope of ever knowing true happiness.

Still reeling from a hurtful relationship, Stew is reluctant to open his heart to Esther. But when he faces a life-threatening injury with Esther tending him, their bond deepens. Heartbroken when she leaves, he sets out after her and inadvertently stumbles across an illegal slave-trade operation, the knowledge of which puts him, as well as Esther and her family, in jeopardy. 

My thoughts:

This entire series has been a favorite of mine with each and every novel surpassing the one before it.  I have been waiting for this one and boy was the wait worthwhile.  Ms. Roemer has a knack for crafting characters who I truly care for, I celebrate their happiness and share in their sorrows.  

This storyline was captivating because I didn't expect some of the plot twists so that added to my overall enjoyment of this book.

Watching Esther grow and mature has been wonderful and I was so glad to reconnect with not only her but with Charlotte and Chad, too.   Meeting Stew was a pure delight, he is a selfless, wonderful character who deserved all the good life had to offer him.  I have loved this series and will think of the characters fondly from time to time, but I'm excited to find out what the author has in store for her readers in the future. The Prairie Sky series has been such a joy to read and I think fans of Historical and Christian fiction will enjoy the three novels as much as I have.

I received a complimentary but was under no obligation to write a review.  All opinions are my own.