Book description: "When Old Order Amish Rose Kurtz is asked to leave her family, travel deep into West Virginia, and help Joel Dienner with his children in the wake of tragedy, the quiet young woman recognizes a home where she might find kindness instead of criticism and hope replacing harsh words. She agrees to stay in Forest Hill and become Joel’s wife for the sake of his family needs, but their marriage is to be a partnership, one built from need, not love and affection.
As the years pass, Rose continues to beckon Joel to join life again, to take joy in his growing children, and to awaken his heart to the possibility of new love. Joel hopes that Rose can move beyond deep-rooted hurts to see the beautiful Christmas ahead, their season. But will the arrival of a beautiful widow and a series of misunderstandings reverse how far Rose and Joel have come?"
My review: I really enjoyed reading this book, but I was very disappointed in the length! I couldn't believe when I got to the end that it was finished. The author had a great plot that was not nearly developed as fully as it could have been. There was a lot of room for the growth of her characters as well. I felt like I was rushed through the story. This is not typical of Cindy Woodsmall and it really surprised me. I think it is considered a full-length novel, but it is more like a novella to me. If you like short stories, this book is for you. It has a great story-line as well as great characters. I just wish I could have gotten to know them better. I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Sunday, December 11, 2016
A Royal Christmas Wedding
Book description: " Truitt aches for true love—the kind she once shared with Prince Colin. Can she dare to hope for happily ever after, or is a fairy-tale ending beyond reach?
College volleyball star Avery Truitt has not seen her former flame, Prince Colin of Brighton Kingdom, since he suddenly pushed her away five years ago. But now, the sadness of losing her father and the joy of her sister Susanna’s pregnancy have brought Avery back to Brighton just in time for Cathedral City’s enchanting Christmas season.
Avery knows she can’t avoid seeing Colin—now the Kingdom’s most eligible bachelor—whether or not her heart is ready to relive the pain. But seeing him again might bring her the closure she needs after all this time.
When Colin finds himself at the center of a centuries-old Brighton tradition, he must decide whether to follow the path laid out before him or follow his heart to the only woman for whom he would ring the Pembroke Chapel Bell.
Can Colin convince Avery to meet him at the chapel on Christmas morning—as tradition dictates—or will Avery run back to her St. Simons home and pursue a coaching career as planned?
In the fourth installment of the Royal Wedding Series, New York Times bestselling novelist, Rachel Hauck, weaves a charming story of holiday romance as two broken hearts seek the love they once knew."
My review: This has been a wonderful series to read! This fourth book in the series did not disappoint! A modern day fairy tale with characters that seem like family make for a book that you can't put down. It was great to catch up with some of the characters from the previous books as well. I hate to see the series come to an end. I especially enjoyed the bell ringing tradition that brought a little bit of the unexpected into the book. The only thing I didn't like about the book is that it is obviously the final book in this series. I highly recommend this whole series and look forward to reading more by this author! I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher through the Booklook Blogger Program. All opinions are my own.
My review: This has been a wonderful series to read! This fourth book in the series did not disappoint! A modern day fairy tale with characters that seem like family make for a book that you can't put down. It was great to catch up with some of the characters from the previous books as well. I hate to see the series come to an end. I especially enjoyed the bell ringing tradition that brought a little bit of the unexpected into the book. The only thing I didn't like about the book is that it is obviously the final book in this series. I highly recommend this whole series and look forward to reading more by this author! I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher through the Booklook Blogger Program. All opinions are my own.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
A Love Made New
Book description: "Abigail Schrock knows God can make all things new, but does that include her broken heart?
It seems as if everyone is falling in love in Birch Creek, including Abigail Schrock. But when heartbreak descends on her already fragile world, she can’t help but feel that if she’d only been a little prettier, she could be on her way down the wedding aisle. To make matters worse, Abigail’s two sisters have found love, while all Abigail can seem to find is the chocolate she has stashed away in the pantry.
Asa Bontrager has never had trouble with the ladies in his Amish community—his good looks have always gotten him far. Which is why he’s baffled by the call he’s received from God to pursue Abigail, a woman who seems determined to turn him away.
Can Abigail find the peace and joy she so desperately desires? Will she allow herself to stop running and melt into the embrace of unforeseen comfort? If she does, she may just discover a love powerful enough to lift the heavy burden of grief weighing her down and restore her hope in a promising future."
My review: I enjoyed reading this third book in the series An Amish of Birch Creek Novel. This a been a great series, but you don't necessarily have to read the first two before reading this one, although you won't want to miss any of them. Abigail goes through many struggles that are so readily found in our world today. Her insecurities lead her on a journey of learning to trust that God does want what is best for her and will bless her. While this series has come to an end, there is a sub-plot that leaves the reader wanting to know more. I am looking forward to the next book and possibly the beginning of a new series. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher through the Booklook Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My review: I enjoyed reading this third book in the series An Amish of Birch Creek Novel. This a been a great series, but you don't necessarily have to read the first two before reading this one, although you won't want to miss any of them. Abigail goes through many struggles that are so readily found in our world today. Her insecurities lead her on a journey of learning to trust that God does want what is best for her and will bless her. While this series has come to an end, there is a sub-plot that leaves the reader wanting to know more. I am looking forward to the next book and possibly the beginning of a new series. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher through the Booklook Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
The Wedding Shop
Book description: "Two women separated by decades. Both set out to help others find their dreams when their own have crumbled.
It's the early 1930s, but Cora Scott is walking in stride as a career woman after having inherited her great aunt's wedding shop in Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, where brides come from as far away as Birmingham to experience her famed bridal treatment. Meanwhile, Cora is counting down the days until her own true love returns from the river to make her his bride. But days turn into months and months to years. All the while, Birch Good continues to woo Cora and try to show her that while he is solid and dependable, he can sweep her off her feet.
More than eighty years later, former Air Force Captain Haley Morgan has returned home to Heart's Bend after finishing her commitment to military service. After the devastating death of her best friend, Tammy, and discovering the truth about the man she loved, Haley is searching for her place in life.
When Haley decides to reopen the romantic but abandoned wedding shop where she and Tammy played and dreamed as children, she begins a journey of courage, mystery, and love.
As Cora’s and Haley's stories intertwine through time in the shadow of the beloved wedding shop, they both discover the power of their own dreams and the magic of everyday love."
My review: I really enjoyed reading this book. The stories of two women from the same town whose lives are entertwined by a wedding shop made for a great storyline. A spattering of unexpected twists and turns kept me engaged in this story and quickly turning pages to see what would happen next. The characters were well-developed and felt like family by the time the book was finished. I look forward to reading The Wedding Chapel, which is the first book in this series. If it is anything like this book, I will be captivated from beginning to end. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher through the Booklook Blogger Program. All opinions are my own.
My review: I really enjoyed reading this book. The stories of two women from the same town whose lives are entertwined by a wedding shop made for a great storyline. A spattering of unexpected twists and turns kept me engaged in this story and quickly turning pages to see what would happen next. The characters were well-developed and felt like family by the time the book was finished. I look forward to reading The Wedding Chapel, which is the first book in this series. If it is anything like this book, I will be captivated from beginning to end. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher through the Booklook Blogger Program. All opinions are my own.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Love's Faithful Promise
Book description: "Widower Dr. Matthew Clayborne is devoted to two things: his work with wounded soldiers and his four-year-old daughter, Phoebe. When Deirdre O'Leary, a feisty New Yorker, arrives in Toronto requesting he use his skills to help her stricken mother, he won't abandon either of these priorities to care for one older woman. However, when his daughter suffers a health scare and needs a respite, Deirdre offers a trade--they can escape to the peace of her family's farm, if he will care for Mrs. O'Leary.
Matthew agrees for his daughter's sake, but is intent on staying as short a time as necessary. The sojourn at Irish Meadows does wonders for Phoebe, and as she begins to flourish, Matthew finds himself drawn to the O'Learys, especially to the captivating Deirdre. But since he has no intention of leaving his life up north forever, and Deirdre has sworn off marriage in favor of her career, how will they deal with the undeniable attraction between them?"
My review: I believe that this is the first book I have read by this author, Susan Anne Mason. I was not disappointed! Although this is book 3 in the series Courage to Dream, I had no trouble following the story or the characters. It can definitely stand alone, but I am looking forward to reading the first two books in this series. Not only did this story follow Deirdre but her twin brother Connor as well. I felt that the author did a great job at balancing the two stories. This is a story that shows real life struggles along with answers that don't always come easily. If this book is any indication, I will be reading a lot more books by this author! I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Matthew agrees for his daughter's sake, but is intent on staying as short a time as necessary. The sojourn at Irish Meadows does wonders for Phoebe, and as she begins to flourish, Matthew finds himself drawn to the O'Learys, especially to the captivating Deirdre. But since he has no intention of leaving his life up north forever, and Deirdre has sworn off marriage in favor of her career, how will they deal with the undeniable attraction between them?"
My review: I believe that this is the first book I have read by this author, Susan Anne Mason. I was not disappointed! Although this is book 3 in the series Courage to Dream, I had no trouble following the story or the characters. It can definitely stand alone, but I am looking forward to reading the first two books in this series. Not only did this story follow Deirdre but her twin brother Connor as well. I felt that the author did a great job at balancing the two stories. This is a story that shows real life struggles along with answers that don't always come easily. If this book is any indication, I will be reading a lot more books by this author! I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
From this Day Forward
Book description: "Deborah MacCallister, head nurse at the Blessing hospital, has loved Toby Valders since her school days, but she's had enough of their on-again, off-again relationship. With the help of the young women of Blessing, Deborah decides that by the end of the summer she will either have won Toby's heart--or she'll give up on him forever.
Toby truly cares for Deborah, but he's never felt like he could commit to marriage or a family. When Anton Gendarme, the new schoolteacher, comes to town, sparks fly between Deborah and Anton. The sudden competition makes Toby do some serious soul-searching, but is it too late?
As the town of Blessing prepares for harvest, Deborah faces the most important decision of her life. But where does her heart truly belong?"
My review: I really had a hard time getting into this book. I don't think that was the fault of the author. This is book 4 of 4 in the Song of Blessing series by Lauraine Snelling. I definitely needed to have read the first three books before reading this one. I couldn't keep all of the characters straight and there was just too much of the story that I couldn't follow very well without the background from the first three books. By the end of the book, I was enjoying the few characters that I could keep straight, and I did enjoy Mrs. Snelling writing style. I have enjoyed other books by her that I have read in the past. Maybe one day soon I can read the first three books in this series and be able to appreciate this one a little more. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Toby truly cares for Deborah, but he's never felt like he could commit to marriage or a family. When Anton Gendarme, the new schoolteacher, comes to town, sparks fly between Deborah and Anton. The sudden competition makes Toby do some serious soul-searching, but is it too late?
As the town of Blessing prepares for harvest, Deborah faces the most important decision of her life. But where does her heart truly belong?"
My review: I really had a hard time getting into this book. I don't think that was the fault of the author. This is book 4 of 4 in the Song of Blessing series by Lauraine Snelling. I definitely needed to have read the first three books before reading this one. I couldn't keep all of the characters straight and there was just too much of the story that I couldn't follow very well without the background from the first three books. By the end of the book, I was enjoying the few characters that I could keep straight, and I did enjoy Mrs. Snelling writing style. I have enjoyed other books by her that I have read in the past. Maybe one day soon I can read the first three books in this series and be able to appreciate this one a little more. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Monday, September 12, 2016
A Love Transformed
Book description: "When her husband, Adolph, dies suddenly, Clara Vesper is stunned. Not grief-stricken, as their marriage had never been a love match, but staggered by what might become of her and her children. For years she designed the sapphire jewelry that made her husband's company a fortune, but she has little money in her own name and soon discovers that she has inherited nothing. Fearing for the welfare of her two small children, she decides to take them to her aunt and uncle's ranch in Montana, the only place she has ever been happy.
But much has changed since she last visited the Montana ranch, both for Clara and for those she was forced to leave behind. And when dangerous secrets from her late husband's past threaten everyone she loves, Clara must fight to remain where she can fulfill her dreams."
My review: This month I had a hard time deciding which book to review for Bethany House. It was this book or Beverly Lewis's new book, The Wish. I obviously chose this book by Tracie Peterson and was not disappointed! This is the third and final book in the Sapphire Brides series. Don't worry if you haven't read the other two, all three books can stand alone. I would have a very hard deciding which of the books in this series is my favorite. Clara's mother was actually one of my favorite characters. Although I didn't like her as a person, she added a great element to the story. Clara was a strong character that had a backbone when she had to have one. She was meek to a certain point, which is a great quality, but she did not allow herself to be run over when the situation called for strength. This was one of those books I stayed up way too late reading! I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
But much has changed since she last visited the Montana ranch, both for Clara and for those she was forced to leave behind. And when dangerous secrets from her late husband's past threaten everyone she loves, Clara must fight to remain where she can fulfill her dreams."
My review: This month I had a hard time deciding which book to review for Bethany House. It was this book or Beverly Lewis's new book, The Wish. I obviously chose this book by Tracie Peterson and was not disappointed! This is the third and final book in the Sapphire Brides series. Don't worry if you haven't read the other two, all three books can stand alone. I would have a very hard deciding which of the books in this series is my favorite. Clara's mother was actually one of my favorite characters. Although I didn't like her as a person, she added a great element to the story. Clara was a strong character that had a backbone when she had to have one. She was meek to a certain point, which is a great quality, but she did not allow herself to be run over when the situation called for strength. This was one of those books I stayed up way too late reading! I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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