Book description: "Christmas Cradles by Kelly Long -- When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local Amish midwife in Paradise, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers' quilts, and the help from resourceful and strong Asa Lapp, whose job it is to get Anna through a dangerous blizzard to complete her midwifery rounds.
A Miracle for Miriam by Kathleen Fuller: This Christmas, Miriam must decide whether to guard herself or accept the love of a man who once broke her heart.
A Choice to Forgive by Beth Wiseman: Lydia, a widow who has given up on love, is shocked when Daniel-- a past love-- returns to the Order, and her life.
One Child by Barbara Cameron: This snowy Lancaster Christmas Eve will see two couples’ lives changed by the birth of one child."
My review: I really enjoyed reading each of these Christmas novellas. Three of the four had the same three couples in them, but each focused on a different couple. It is always fun to read stories that are entertwined to some degree. Since none of the stories are very long, it is a perfect book to start during a busy time of year. It was easy to quickly finish one story and put the book down to take care of other responsibilities before resuming my reading. If you are looking for an enjoyable feel-good holiday book that also offers spiritual encouragement this is a book that would fit that criteria. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Christmas in Apple Ridge (Three-in-One Collection)
Book descriptions:
The Sound of Sleigh Bells "Beth Hertzler is unable to let go of a past tragedy, but when she discovers a large, intricately, carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth's soul responds. Determined that her niece meet the gifted artist, her aunt tracks him down, but it's not that simple-will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she's always dreamed of and a second chance at real love?"
The Christmas Singing "Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve. Brokenhearted, Mattie moves away and pursues her longtime dream of becoming a cake decorator, and even finds a new beau. But when Mattie is forced to return home three years later, will learning the truth behind Gideon's rejection restore her Christmas joy-or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?"
The Dawn of Christmas "Sadie enjoys her freedom away from home and her mission trips to Peru, but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it's time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan-but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together?"
My review: Christmas in Apple Ridge by Cindy Woodsmall is three novels in one that would make a great Christmas gift. Each book has characters that are real, as well as problems and hurts that are real. Although each book is set in Apple Ridge they can stand alone. I enjoyed reading each story, and learned a few lessons along the way. These stories are quick reads with plenty of depth to each character. Since the stories conclude during the Christmas season, they are a great read to get you into the holiday spirit. Readers that enjoy Amish fiction will not want to miss out on this one. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Sound of Sleigh Bells "Beth Hertzler is unable to let go of a past tragedy, but when she discovers a large, intricately, carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth's soul responds. Determined that her niece meet the gifted artist, her aunt tracks him down, but it's not that simple-will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she's always dreamed of and a second chance at real love?"
The Christmas Singing "Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve. Brokenhearted, Mattie moves away and pursues her longtime dream of becoming a cake decorator, and even finds a new beau. But when Mattie is forced to return home three years later, will learning the truth behind Gideon's rejection restore her Christmas joy-or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?"
The Dawn of Christmas "Sadie enjoys her freedom away from home and her mission trips to Peru, but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it's time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan-but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together?"
My review: Christmas in Apple Ridge by Cindy Woodsmall is three novels in one that would make a great Christmas gift. Each book has characters that are real, as well as problems and hurts that are real. Although each book is set in Apple Ridge they can stand alone. I enjoyed reading each story, and learned a few lessons along the way. These stories are quick reads with plenty of depth to each character. Since the stories conclude during the Christmas season, they are a great read to get you into the holiday spirit. Readers that enjoy Amish fiction will not want to miss out on this one. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Silent Night
Book description: "As Christmas day nears, Bree and her faithful search-and-rescue dog Samson follow the trail of a troubling mystery into the snowy forests of Rock Harbor.
Bree Matthews is preparing for Christmas guests, but her heart is reeling from the recent and tender loss of her unborn child. Her sister-in-law, Lauri, suddenly turns up on the doorstep of the lighthouse home Bree shares with her husband, Kade, in Rock Harbor. Secretive and withdrawn, Lauri seems curiously intent on discovering what happened to a parachuter who disappeared in the North Woods along Lake Superior's icy shore.
As Bree and Samson, her search-and-rescue dog, plunge into the search, Bree wonders if Lauri may know more than she’s admitted about the parachuter. And then the clues lead them to the trail of a young woman whose family fears the worst about her disappearance.
Will the search on this snowy, silent night lead Bree and Samson to more than clues about the missing girl? And will Bree’s prayer for a baby ever be answered?"
My review: The only thing wrong with this book is that it is too short! I always enjoy reading books by Colleen Coble and this book was no exception. Although Silent Night is only 64 pages long, Ms. Coble is still able to weave an intriguing tale that you cannot put down. Readers that enjoy her Rock Harbor series will not want to miss this one. I felt like I was catching up with old friends. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Bree Matthews is preparing for Christmas guests, but her heart is reeling from the recent and tender loss of her unborn child. Her sister-in-law, Lauri, suddenly turns up on the doorstep of the lighthouse home Bree shares with her husband, Kade, in Rock Harbor. Secretive and withdrawn, Lauri seems curiously intent on discovering what happened to a parachuter who disappeared in the North Woods along Lake Superior's icy shore.
As Bree and Samson, her search-and-rescue dog, plunge into the search, Bree wonders if Lauri may know more than she’s admitted about the parachuter. And then the clues lead them to the trail of a young woman whose family fears the worst about her disappearance.
Will the search on this snowy, silent night lead Bree and Samson to more than clues about the missing girl? And will Bree’s prayer for a baby ever be answered?"
My review: The only thing wrong with this book is that it is too short! I always enjoy reading books by Colleen Coble and this book was no exception. Although Silent Night is only 64 pages long, Ms. Coble is still able to weave an intriguing tale that you cannot put down. Readers that enjoy her Rock Harbor series will not want to miss this one. I felt like I was catching up with old friends. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
A Home in Drayton Valley
Book description: "Hoping to escape the poor conditions of 1880 New York, Tarsie Raines and her friends Joss and Mary Brubacher and their two children set off for Kansas aboard an unusual wagon train. But when tragedy strikes on the trip across the prairie, Tarsie is thrown into a partnership with Joss that leaves them both questioning God and their plans for the future.
As their funds dwindle and nothing goes as planned, will they give up and go their separate ways? Or will God use their time in Drayton Valley in a way they never expected."
My review: There are so many emotions in this book. Kim Vogel Sawyer jumps into several deep issues with a theme of trusting God throughout. At the beginning of the book, I did not like Joss a whole lot. As I continued to read he seemed to grow on me, and by the end of the book I was cheering for him to make the right decisions. This is a story with depth. Anyone that likes historical fiction would enjoy reading this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
As their funds dwindle and nothing goes as planned, will they give up and go their separate ways? Or will God use their time in Drayton Valley in a way they never expected."
My review: There are so many emotions in this book. Kim Vogel Sawyer jumps into several deep issues with a theme of trusting God throughout. At the beginning of the book, I did not like Joss a whole lot. As I continued to read he seemed to grow on me, and by the end of the book I was cheering for him to make the right decisions. This is a story with depth. Anyone that likes historical fiction would enjoy reading this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Breath of Dawn
Book description: "Corporate turnaround specialist Morgan Spencer, dubbed the "success guru," has a Midas touch in business. But losing his wife sent him to the brink, and his two-year-old daughter, Livie, is all he's living for--until they encounter a woman whose trouble just might draw him out of his own.
Four years ago Quinn Reilly did the right thing. Now the man her testimony put in jail is getting out. Though she has put up barriers to protect herself and those around her, she has come to care for the Spencer family, especially the winsome Livie and her mercurial father. Unwilling to put them at risk when the threats begin, she requests something she hopes the super-successful Morgan might be able to deliver.
Fixing problems is what Morgan does best, but his counterproposal takes them in a direction neither is equipped to handle. Determined to confront the past, will they survive to build a future? "
My review: Kristen Heitzmann is quickly becoming a favorite author! This is a book that I could not put down. Romance balanced with intrigue kept me turning pages until late at night. While this book can be read without reading the other books in the series first, I wish I had read the other ones first. Partly because Ms. Heitzmann is such a good author and I hate to have missed the other books, and partly because I felt like I was missing out on the lives of some of the other characters. This is not "light" reading. Be prepared to enter into the lives of each of the characters. Ms. Heitzmann does a wonderful job making her characters real! If you are looking for a good book to read...this is it! I received a complimentary e-copy from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Four years ago Quinn Reilly did the right thing. Now the man her testimony put in jail is getting out. Though she has put up barriers to protect herself and those around her, she has come to care for the Spencer family, especially the winsome Livie and her mercurial father. Unwilling to put them at risk when the threats begin, she requests something she hopes the super-successful Morgan might be able to deliver.
Fixing problems is what Morgan does best, but his counterproposal takes them in a direction neither is equipped to handle. Determined to confront the past, will they survive to build a future? "
My review: Kristen Heitzmann is quickly becoming a favorite author! This is a book that I could not put down. Romance balanced with intrigue kept me turning pages until late at night. While this book can be read without reading the other books in the series first, I wish I had read the other ones first. Partly because Ms. Heitzmann is such a good author and I hate to have missed the other books, and partly because I felt like I was missing out on the lives of some of the other characters. This is not "light" reading. Be prepared to enter into the lives of each of the characters. Ms. Heitzmann does a wonderful job making her characters real! If you are looking for a good book to read...this is it! I received a complimentary e-copy from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Every Perfect Gift
Book description: "Ethan and Sophie long to share a future together. But the secrets they’re not sharing could tear them apart.
Sophie Caldwell has returned to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee after years away. Despite the heartaches of her childhood, Sophie is determined to make a home, and a name, for herself in the growing town. A gifted writer, she plans to resurrect the local newspaper that so enchanted her as a girl.
Ethan Heyward’s idyllic childhood was shattered by a tragedy he has spent years trying to forget. An accomplished businessman and architect, he has built a majestic resort in the mountains above Hickory Ridge, drawing wealthy tourists from all over the country.
When Sophie interviews Ethan for the paper, he is impressed with her intelligence and astounded by her beauty. She's equally intrigued with him but fears he will reject her if he learns about her shadowed past. Just as she summons the courage to tell him, Ethan’s own past unexpectedly and violently catches up with him, threatening not only his life but their budding romance."
My review: Every Perfect Gift is the third and final book in the Hickory Ridge Romance series by Dorothy Love. Even though part of a series this book can stand alone. I enjoyed reading this final book and following Sophie's story. I felt like there were a few loose ends throughout the book, but overall I don't think it detracted too much from the story. This is a good book to start if you don't have a lot of consistent reading time. It is easy to put down and then pick up where you left off. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze Blogger program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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Sophie Caldwell has returned to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee after years away. Despite the heartaches of her childhood, Sophie is determined to make a home, and a name, for herself in the growing town. A gifted writer, she plans to resurrect the local newspaper that so enchanted her as a girl.
Ethan Heyward’s idyllic childhood was shattered by a tragedy he has spent years trying to forget. An accomplished businessman and architect, he has built a majestic resort in the mountains above Hickory Ridge, drawing wealthy tourists from all over the country.
When Sophie interviews Ethan for the paper, he is impressed with her intelligence and astounded by her beauty. She's equally intrigued with him but fears he will reject her if he learns about her shadowed past. Just as she summons the courage to tell him, Ethan’s own past unexpectedly and violently catches up with him, threatening not only his life but their budding romance."
My review: Every Perfect Gift is the third and final book in the Hickory Ridge Romance series by Dorothy Love. Even though part of a series this book can stand alone. I enjoyed reading this final book and following Sophie's story. I felt like there were a few loose ends throughout the book, but overall I don't think it detracted too much from the story. This is a good book to start if you don't have a lot of consistent reading time. It is easy to put down and then pick up where you left off. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze Blogger program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Lovelier Than Daylight
Book description: "Susanna is a lady of principles who values family above all. Johann seems to represent all she despises . . . but appearances can be deceiving.
In 1875, Susanna Hanby is headed off to college in Westerville, Ohio, when she discovers her sister Rachel and Rachel’s children have disappeared. Susanna suspects that Rachel’s alcoholic husband knows more than he’s saying and she vows to uncover the truth.
Johann Giere is heir to a successful German-American brewery in Columbus, but longs for a career in journalism in New York City. When Johann signs on as the supplier for a new saloon in Westerville, his and Susanna’s paths cross and sparks fly. A fiery temperance crusader, Susanna despises Johann’s profession, but she cannot deny the attraction.
When Susanna learns that Rachel’s children have been indentured to orphanages in the city, she despairs that her family will be fractured forever. But Johann makes Susanna an offer she can’t refuse—pitting her passion and her principles against one another.
If she can find a way for her head and her heart to be in harmony, a future lovelier than daylight awaits her."
My review: For me, this was a book that was hard to get into. The story-line just seemed to fall flat, and I actually put the book down for several days without missing it. I think the author, Rosslyn Elliot, had some good ideas, and a redeeming quality was the fact that many historical facts were included in the story. It was evident that Ms. Elliot did a lot of research to insure historical accuracy. There is certainly nothing wrong with the book, and there is plenty of controversy to keep a discussion going for a long time. I just did not find it to be one of my favorite books. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
In 1875, Susanna Hanby is headed off to college in Westerville, Ohio, when she discovers her sister Rachel and Rachel’s children have disappeared. Susanna suspects that Rachel’s alcoholic husband knows more than he’s saying and she vows to uncover the truth.
Johann Giere is heir to a successful German-American brewery in Columbus, but longs for a career in journalism in New York City. When Johann signs on as the supplier for a new saloon in Westerville, his and Susanna’s paths cross and sparks fly. A fiery temperance crusader, Susanna despises Johann’s profession, but she cannot deny the attraction.
When Susanna learns that Rachel’s children have been indentured to orphanages in the city, she despairs that her family will be fractured forever. But Johann makes Susanna an offer she can’t refuse—pitting her passion and her principles against one another.
If she can find a way for her head and her heart to be in harmony, a future lovelier than daylight awaits her."
My review: For me, this was a book that was hard to get into. The story-line just seemed to fall flat, and I actually put the book down for several days without missing it. I think the author, Rosslyn Elliot, had some good ideas, and a redeeming quality was the fact that many historical facts were included in the story. It was evident that Ms. Elliot did a lot of research to insure historical accuracy. There is certainly nothing wrong with the book, and there is plenty of controversy to keep a discussion going for a long time. I just did not find it to be one of my favorite books. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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