Book Review: A Season of Change

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

An Amish widower finds love in unexpected places.

Amish widower Jacob Miller believes it was a mistake to visit the Amish village of Pinecraft for winter vacation, especially after his daughter is struck by a car. Stranded in Sarasota until his daughter recovers, Jacob grows increasingly wary of events that unfold in his unfamiliar surroundings---including the strange curiosity of Englischer Natalie Bennett.

Natalie never thought her circus career as an aerial silks artist would end with a blown-out knee at the age of 25. She also never knew her late mother had a secret---that she was once Amish.

When Natalie meets the Millers at the Sarasota hospital, she is attracted to their warm hospitality and simple ways---and soon wonders if they can help her find her mother's family. As Jacob and Natalie fall in love, their worlds collide. Will their differences tear them apart? Or will their love be strong enough to blend their clashing cultures?

About the author: 

Lynette Sowell is the Carol Award-winning and ECPA best-selling author of more than 15 titles, including A Season of Change and Tempest's Course. When Lynette is not writing, she works as a medical editor and part-time newspaper reporter. She makes her home in Copperas Cove on the doorstep of the Texas hill country.

My Opinion

I really loved that this Amish novel is different than the rest out there!

I loved watching Natalie and Jacob fall in love, work through their differences, and trust in God!

If you like learning about the Amish but want a different twist on the usual story, check out A Season of Change!

Buy It: You can purchase A Season of Change for $13.49 from Amazon.com

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Guideposts Books is excited to announce the premiere of a new film based on the book Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio (Summerside Press) by Serena Miller. The movie, produced by Mission Pictures International and filmed last fall in the actual town of Sugarcreek, will premiere on Sunday, June 1, 2014 at 7:00 PM EDT on Up TV (formerly the Gospel Music Channel). Visit the movie website for more information.

A mysterious outsider casts a long shadow on Ohio's Amish country. Policewoman Rachel Troyer has always looked after her three elderly Amish aunts, proprietors of a farmhouse inn near Sugarcreek, Ohio. The idyllic town is popular with tourists, who come to sample its famous Amish goods. But one thing is clear to Rachel --- Joe Matthews is no tourist. When the bearded stranger lands on her aunts' doorstep, begging shelter for himself and his young son, Rachel is suspicious.

Will she be able to uncover Joe's secrets despite her aunts' --- and her own --- growing affection for him?

About the author: 

Prior to writing novels, Serena Miller wrote for many periodicals, including Woman's World, Guideposts, Billy Graham's Decision Magazine, Reader's Digest, Focus on the Family, Christian Woman, and The Detroit Free Press Magazine. She has spent many years partnering with her husband in full-time ministry and lives on a farm in southern Ohio near a thriving Amish community.

Learn more about Serena at: http://serenabmiller.com

My Opinion

There are A LOT of Amish based novels these days and, honestly, a lot of them start to sound and read the same.

However, I really liked the story line of Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio and I am so happy I decided to read it! This book really sets itself apart from the other Amish novels because it is a mix of English and Amish people and how they interact...even are related!

It was written really well and kept my attention the whole book! I loved the characters, the romance, the story line and the ending (which I won't tell you!) :) This is a great book for people interested in the Amish people and those who aren't!

Buy It: You can purchase Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio for $10.27 from Amazon.com

Guideposts Books is excited to announce the premiere of a new film based on the book Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio (Summerside Press) by Serena Miller. The movie, produced by Mission Pictures International and filmed last fall in the actual town of Sugarcreek, will premiere on Sunday, June 1, 2014, at 7:00 PM EDT on Up TV (formerly the Gospel Music Channel). Visit the movie website for more information.

Serena and Guideposts will be celebrating with a Facebook viewing party! 

Join Serena and readers on Facebook while you tune in to watch Love Finds You in Sugarcreek to share your thoughts about the movie, chat with other viewers, and win fun prizes. Just use hashtag #LFYSugarcreek to join the discussion on June 1st.

Check your local listing for UpTV (http://up.viewerlink.tv) to find out when it airs in your timezone.

Excited? Help me spread the word! Just share this link and information on your social media along with the hashtag #LFYSugarcreek! Plus, we'll be tracking the hashtag and giving away Amazon & Starbucks cards to people at random who help to promote all throughout the month of May. Winners announced at the Love Finds You in Sugarcreek viewing party on June 1st.

"This is so exciting for Serena Miller and Guideposts! We are thrilled that Up TV has chosen Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio to make into a movie,” said Lenore Lelah Person, vice president and editorial director of Guideposts Books and Inspirational Media. “With Serena’s wonderful story and a beautiful backdrop in Ohio Amish country, fans of the story and the series will enjoy seeing it on screen. For more information read the media release.

For those who are not familiar with the Love Finds You™ series, this will be a great opportunity to introduce them to these uplifting and engaging romances." Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio is one of more than 50 releases in the popular Love Finds You™ series uniquely titled after actual American towns with unusual but intriguing names and combines travel, romance and faith in one package. The series includes both historical and contemporary releases, and each fictional story draws on compelling history or the unique character of a real place. Stories center on romances kindled in small towns, old loves lost and found again on the high plains, and new loves discovered at exciting vacation getaways. Mission Pictures has purchased the movie rights to the entire series and plans to produce additional films based on the series in the future.

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: The Christmas Quilt

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book: 

Annie's life is deliciously full as the Christmas season approaches. She helps her husband, Samuel, attend to the community's minor medical needs. She occasionally assists Belinda, the local midwife, and most days, she finds herself delivering the buggy to her brother Adam. Annie's sister-in-law Leah is due to deliver their first child before Christmas morning, and Annie is determined to finish a crib quilt before the boppli arrives. With six weeks to go, she should have no problem . . . but God may have a different plan. Leah is rushed to the English hospital when the infant arrives early, and Annie discovers the Christmas quilt may hold a far greater significance than she ever imagined.

Meet the author: 

Vannetta Chapman has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather's birthplace in Albion, Pennsylvania. Chapman lives in the Texas hill country with her husband.

Find out more at: http://www.quiltsoflovebooks.com

My Opinion

This book is definitely the classic Amish novel and it follows along the journey of two sisters-in-law who are both pregnant. They face many of the same trials in their marriages, pregnancies and life that "the English" face and that we face every day.

To be honest, this book was not much different than other Amish novels I have read and didn't really stand out as unique, but I did like looking at an Amish woman and man in the medical field in the Amish lifestyle.

If you love reading about the Amish or looking into their lifestyle, then check out this holiday read!

Buy It: You can purchase The Christmas Quilt for $10.91 from Amazon.com.

In honor of their new Quilts of Love releases, The Christmas Quilt and Aloha Rose, authors Vannetta Chapman and Lisa Carter are gearing up to ring in the Christmas season with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a "Christmas Bee" Facebook Party on December 10th with fellow Quilts of Love author Lynette Sowell!

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman
• Aloha Rose by Lisa Carter

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 30th. Winner will be announced at the "Christmas Bee" Facebook Party on December 10th. Connect with the authors from the Quilts of Love series, Vannetta Chapman, Lisa Carter, and Lynette Sowell, for an evening of book chat, quilt trivia, Christmas traditions and gifts, PLUS get an exclusive look at January's Quilts of Love book!

So grab your copies of The Christmas Quilt and Aloha Rose and join Vannetta, Lisa, and Lynette on the evening of December 10th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on December 10th!

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Courting Cate

About Courting Cate:

When This Couple Gets to Courting, Sparks Will Fly!

In Paradise, Pennsylvania, Cate Miller is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Her sweet and flirty sister, Betsy, on the other hand, seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!

But the sisters' wealthy father has made one hard-and-fast rule: older Cate must marry first, before younger Betsy can even start courting. Unfortunately, untamable Cate has driven away every suitor-until Pete Treger comes to town, that is.

Prodded by the men of the area, Pete turns his attention to winning Cate's hand. But is his interest true or is there a scheme at play?

This is book 1 in The Courtships of Lancaster County series.

Meet Leslie:

Leslie Gould is the co-author, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 bestselling The Amish Midwife and The Amish Nanny. She is also the author of numerous novels, including Garden of Dreams, Beyond the Blue (winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006), and Scrap Everything. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She resides with her husband and four children in Portland, Oregon.

Learn more at www.lesliegould.com.

My Opinion

Many Amish books I have read kind of mix all together and are the same story line! Courting Cate is NOT! And that is what I loved about it!

It is truly the Amish version of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew and Leslie Gould tells the story so cleverly! It held me attention the whole book and made want to keep reading even though I most likely knew the outcome!

It was fun, romantic, and written really well and I definitely recommend this book for all readers! And if you are a fan of Amish books like I am but are looking for something a little different to hold your interest, get Courting Cate today! It is one of the best Amish books I have ever read!

See what others think about this book!

Buy It: You can purchase this book for $10.94 on Amazon.com

Kindle Fire Giveaway from @LeslieGould! RSVP for Facebook Party {11/20}

A retelling of the Taming of the Shrew! Leslie Gould is celebrating the release of Courting Cate with a fun Kindle Fire Giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party (11/20)!

One lucky winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Courting Cate by Leslie Gould

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 19th.

Winner will be announced at the "Courting Cate" Author Chat Facebook Party on 11/20. Connect with Leslie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at an Amish trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Courting Cate and join Leslie on the evening of the November 20th for a chance to connect with Leslie and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!

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* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: The Haven

About the Book:

When Sadie Lapp steps off the bus in Stoney Ridge after being in Ohio for the winter, she is faced with a decision–one that goes against her very essence. Yet it’s the only way she can think of to protect a loved one.

Schoolteacher Gideon Smucker has been crazy about Sadie since boyhood. But his response to her surprising decision undermines his own reputation–and his relationship with Sadie.

College student Will Stoltz is spending the spring at the Lapp farm as a guard for a pair of nesting Peregrine Falcons–courtesy of the Lancaster County Game Warden. Will needs to get his life back on track, but his growing friendship with Sadie threatens his plans.

The lives of these three individuals intertwine, and then unravel as unexpected twists create ripples through the town of Stoney Ridge . . . and through Sadie’s heart.

Once again, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher intrigues and delights with a story that explores the bonds of friendship, family, and true love. Readers will enjoy every surprise in Sadie’s story as they search for the truth hidden within these pages.

Read an excerpt!

Meet Suzanne:

Suzanne Woods Fisher’s interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. In both her fiction and non-fiction books, she has an underlying theme: You don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate many of their principles–simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily– into your life.

When Suzanne isn’t writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

To Suzanne’s way of thinking, you just can’t take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone’s underwear in its mouth. Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

My Opinion

The Haven is the second book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series. I, unfortunately, didn't read the first book, The Keeper, and I do recommend reading it first because I felt a little left out in some of the events they talked about in The Haven.

Suzanne Fisher is one of the great Amish Fiction writers and if you are really into Amish Fiction then you will love this book!

For me, it was just so-so for the story line. Nothing really drew me into the story or made it stand out from the hundreds of other Amish Fiction books I have read in the last couple of years. Sadly, I wasn't dying to read this book every night like I am with most books I read.

I did like the individual characters - the quiet Sadie who is learning to be strong and more outspoken with the arrival of an unexpected baby, MK who is outgoing, a firecracker who doesn't back down to anyone and Sadie's two love interests: Will and Gideon who must overcome a lot of obstacles to figure out what they want out of life! I also really liked the upfront and straightforward housekeeper, Fern, who doesn't mess around and has tons of fun anecdotes and sayings for life!

If you are a huge fan of Amish Fiction you will like this book. If not, I have recommended some other Amish fiction books before that may be better to start with.

Buy It: You can purchase The Haven for $9.68 on Amazon.com

See what other folks are saying about The Haven!

Celebrate the newest book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series with Suzanne by entering her 4 eReader Giveaway and Facebook Party and RSVPing for the Live Video Chat on 8/30 TONIGHT!! 

Four grand prize winners will receive:

• A Brand new Kindle Fire or Nook Color 
• $25 Amazon.com or Barnes&Noble.com Gift certificate 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 29th. Winner will be announced at Suzanne's Live Author Chat Party on 8/30. Suzanne will be hosting an author chat (party will start on Facebook AND then be Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and several Burt's Bees® Nourishing Radiance Kits!!

So grab your copy of The Haven and join Suzanne on the evening of the August 30th for a fun chat (both on Facebook and via Live Video), trivia contest and lots of giveaways. 

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!

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* Thank you to Litfuse for their book for review! Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Beyond Hope's Valley

About the book:

Beyond Hope's Valley is book three in the Big Sky series.

After an extended stay in Montana, where Amish traditions are different than in her home state, Marianna Sommer returns to Indiana for two reasons, first to help her brother and his girlfriend prepare for a baby and their wedding. Second, to plan her own wedding to Aaron Zook -- a marriage she’s been dreaming about ever since childhood. And yet, although she had missed the idyllic farms and families of her upbringing, Marianna is surprised that Indiana is somehow making her long now for Montana.

As months pass, secrets that were hidden in winter’s frozen grasp thaw and take on a life of their own. The truths about a child, about a past relationship, and about God’s plans are being revealed. Walking through a valley of questions, Marianna must hold on to hope as she decides where and with whom her heart truly belongs.

About Tricia Goyer: 

Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of thirty-two books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

More info: www.triciagoyer.com.

My Opinion

I have really enjoyed the previous two books in the Big Sky series! These books are so well written and I love the setting in Montana. I actually miss that in this third book because most of it is based back in Indiana where Marianna has returned.

The story line and the hard choice between her Amish beau and Ben, her English friend, make for a great story. This book really shows Marianna trusting in God and realizing he has a plan for her and she needs to trust even in the hardest times!

I definitely recommend the entire Big Sky series and this third book is just as great as the first two! I recommend reading the first two before this one - it will help tie it all together! This is one of the best Amish series I have read!

Buy It: You can purchase Beyond Hope's Valley for $10.19 on Amazon.com

Check out what other readers have to say about Beyond Hope's Valley: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13489586/bigskyamishbhv

Celebrate with Tricia and enter to win a custom-made Amish Wall hanging in the colors of your choice ... and much more!

One fortunate winner will receive: 

•  Custom Amish Wall Hanging {You choose the colors!} 
• An Amish Doll {Sweet.} 
• Amish-made basket {It’s picnic season!} 
• Doilies, potholder and an Amish cookbook {All items form Bird-in-Hand, PA!} 
• Three book Big Sky Amish series {Be swept away by this captivating series.} 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 20th. Winner will be announced at "All Things Amish" Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/21. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and more! 

So grab your copy of Beyond Hope's Valley and join Tricia on the evening of the May 21st for a fun chat, trivia contest (How much do you know about the Amish?) and lots of giveaways. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 21st!

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* Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group for this book for review! Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: The Wonder of Your Love

Book Description

Katie Ann lost the love of her life. Then God offers her a new beginning in Colorado.

Katie Ann Stolzfus lives in the small Amish community of Canaan, Colorado. At forty she is widowed and raising her first child. But baby Jonas will never know his father, and Katie Ann wonders if her Heavenly Father hasn't forgotten about her as well. Is it really God's plan for her to be a single parent?

Eli Detweiler has come to Canaan for a wedding and a long vacation. Having raised six children following the death of his young wife, Eli is finally an empty-nester. He's enjoying the slower pace of having no one to care for but himself.

When Katie Ann and Eli meet, there is an instant connection. Yet as strong as the attraction is, they both acknowledge that a romance would never work. He is done parenting, while she has just begun.

But as their friendship slowly blossoms into feelings that are as frightening as they are intoxicating, Katie Ann and Eli question if the plans they made for themselves are in line with God's plans.

Can Katie Ann entrust her heart to another man, and rediscover the wonder of God's love?

My Opinion

I loved this second book in the Land of Canaan Series by Beth Wiseman. Don't worry if you didn't read the first book (I didn't!) and it didn't take anything away from the book or confuse the reader. As far as I am concerned, it seemed like a standalone book!

I loved how this book was set in an unique setting from most Amish fiction. You don't think of many Amish people living in Colorado so that definitely added an interesting element to the book!

Best of all, I love that this book reminds us all that no matter what we think we have planned for our lives or what WE don't have planned, God may have a different plan and it will more perfect and wonderful than we can ever have imagined and we will definitely be thankful for God's plan in the long run!

Buy It: You can purchase Wonder of Your Love for $10.87 on Amazon.com

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* Thank you to Booksneeze for their book for review! Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*