Ties That Bind - The Amish of Summer Grove -Book One

About The Book:  Ariana’s comfortable Old Order Amish world is about to unravel. Will holding tightly to the cords of family keep them together—or simply tear them apart?  Twenty-year-old Ariana Brenneman loves her family and the Old Ways. She has two aspirations: open a café in historic Summer Grove to help support her family’s ever-expanding brood and to keep any other Amish from being lured into the Englisch life by Quill Schlabach.  Five years ago Quill, along with her dear friend Frieda, ran off together, and Ariana still carries the wounds of that betrayal. When she unexpectedly encounters him, she soon realizes he has plans to help someone else she loves leave the Amish. Despite how things look, Quill’s goal has always been to protect Ariana from anything that may hurt her, including the reasons he left. After returning to Summer Grove on another matter, he unearths secrets about Ariana and her family that she is unaware of. His love and loyalty to her beckons him to try to win her trust and help her find a way to buy the café—because when she learns the truth that connects her and a stranger named Skylar Nash, Quill knows it may upend her life forever. Ties That Bind is the first novel in the Amish of Summer Grove series.

About The Author:  Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times, CBA, ECPA, and USA Today best-selling author who has written seventeen (and counting!) works of fiction and one of nonfiction. She and her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud, coauthored the nonfiction, Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. Cindy has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal,and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life. In June of 2013, the Wall Street Journal listed Cindy as the one of the top three most popular authors of Amish fiction.  She's won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer's Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings' Best Books of the Year. She's been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards.  Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. Though she didn't realize it at the time, seeds were sown years ago that began preparing Cindy to write these books. At the age of ten, while living in the dairy country of Maryland, she became best friends with Luann, a Plain Mennonite girl. Luann, like all the females in her family, wore the prayer Kapp and cape dresses. Her parents didn't allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. During the numerous times Luann came to Cindy's house to spend the night, her rules came with her and the two were careful to obey them--afraid that if they didn't, the adults would end their friendship. Although the rules were much easier to keep when they spent the night at Luann's because her family didn't own any of the forbidden items, both sets of parents were uncomfortable with the relationship and a small infraction of any kind would have been enough reason for the parents to end the relationship. While navigating around the adults' disapproval and the obstacles in each other's lifestyle, the two girls bonded in true friendship that lasted into their teen years, until Cindy's family moved to another region of the US.  As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children. Over the years Cindy has continued to make wonderful friendships with those inside the Amish and Mennonite communities--from the most conservative ones to the most liberal.  Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in their now empty nest.
My Thoughts On The Book:  I love Amish fiction and romance, I love Cindy Woodsmall books, so when you put the two together I am a winner all the way around. Woodsmall has an excellent way of drawing you into her stories with her life like characters.  This is the first book of The Amish of Summer Grove Series.  From the beginning of the book I felt as if I was part of this family and their lives.  There were a few different story lines going on throughout the book and the ending made you anxious to begin reading book two.  I could not put this book down.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Cindy Woodsmall and Waterbrook Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Woodland Miracle: The Amish Wonder Series

About The Book:  For a disadvantaged young woman and a displaced young man, a lasting love is going to take more than chance—it’s going to take a miracle.  Muscle weakness has left Grace Wagler with a broken body—and her childhood best friend has left her with a broken heart. She can hold her own in the timber camp (and do everything else the other women in Badger Creek can do), but in an Amish district where women outnumber men three to one, marriage is an unlikely prospect for a girl with bad legs.  Ben Eicher just arrived in Michigan from Pinecraft, Florida. When his most recent shenanigans proved too much for his daed’s patience, Ben was sent to the Upper Peninsula to work in the lumber camp—and he’s neither proud of his behavior nor thrilled about his new home.  But when Ben meets Grace, the struggling young woman quickly piques his curiosity. Of course, the last thing Grace wants is another friendship with a man who pities her. Tired of physical pain and romantic dead ends, Grace is ready to leave Badger Creek for the muscle specialist in Ohio, even if it contradicts her father’s wishes . . . and Ben’s.
Meanwhile, two dangerous men have found their way into the district. It isn’t long before their unsavory plans ensnare Grace and Ben in a chase that will not only endanger their lives . . . but test their love.
About The Author: Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She's a full-time pharmacist who resides in Florida with her husband and three children.
My Thoughts On The Book:  I have read several of Ruth Reid's books and loved them all.  This one is no exception.  Once you pick this book up and begin to read you are so caught up in it that you cannot put it down.  The story line and characters are so well-developed that you will find yourself right in the middle of it.  From Florida to Michigan this is a wonderful tale about maturity, love, God, and listening to God.  There is excitement, romance, anger, and sadness all rolled up into a plot.  This is a must read if you love Amish fiction and I hope there will be more to come.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NetGalley Publicity Group, Book Look, and Thomas Nelson Publishing Company as part of their Book Review Blogger Programs. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  
  

Courting Emily

 

 

About The Book:  Return to Wells Landing, the close-knit Amish community in Oklahoma, where a hopeful young woman struggles to find true love while staying true to her faith. . .Emily Ebersol is the bishop's daughter, and everyone--including Emily--assumes she'll marry a faithful Amish man and live out her days within the community. But her childhood sweetheart, Luke Lambright, fell in love with racing cars during his rumspringa and decided to leave Wells Landing. Emily prays for his return, but as the months go by, she begins spending time with another young man--a man who may not be as exciting as Luke, but perhaps he's exactly what she needs. . .Elam Rhiel knows that Emily has always been in love with Luke--but he is certain he could be the loyal, steady husband Emily deserves. Then, just as Emily begins to fall for him, Luke returns and complicates her feelings. Now, they all must learn that the greatest love requires the greatest sacrifice. . .

About The Author:  Amy Lillard is a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.  She lives in Tulsa, though she was born in Mississippi. She moved to the Sooner State when she was seventeen and met her soul mate and best friend not long after. She's retained a little of her Mississippi accent though most people think she is from Texas. (?) Rob and Amy have been married for over twenty years and have a son-a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!  She loves homemade tacos, shoes, and romance novels-not necessarily in that order. She is a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and she is shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.  Amy believes that God is love and that's why she adores romances.  She has always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And she loves, loves, loves the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently she never thought to blend this interest with her penchant for romance. Okay, okay, she is a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. She loves to cook and take care of her family.  June Cleaver with a laptop.  She dislikes people trying to convince her to read the Twlight series, gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. Favorite movies-(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940′s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's.

My Thoughts On The Book:  I did not read Lillard's first book in the series, but it was not necessary to do this.  This book stands alone and is wonderful.  Lillard is great at developing her characters and making them come alive on the page. I got so angry at Emily when she took so long to realize where true love was actually waiting.  I loved the interaction between Jame's and Emily.  His childlike demeanor and her kindness melted my heart.  I read this book in one sitting.  I could not put it down.  I cannot wait until August 15 to get my hands on Lorie's Heart, another Amish romance by Lillard.

Disclaimer:  I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington as part of their Blogging for Books program, and was not required to give a positive review.

Hannah's Courtship

About The Book:  Amish widow Hannah Yoder never intended to marry again. Yet when her friendship with veterinarian Albert Hartman begins to bloom into something more, Hannah wonders if perhaps she's finally ready for a new love. Albert waited his whole life to find the right woman, only to realize Hannah was there all along. But there's more than their friendship to consider. Albert is a Mennonite, born-and-bred, and Hannah cannot—will not—leave her Amish faith, not even for him. Does Albert have the courage to give up his modern life for Hannah…and will Hannah have the courage to let him?

About The Author:  Emma Miller lives quietly in her old farmhouse in rural Delaware amid fertile fields and lush woodlands. Fortunate enough to be born into a family of strong faith, she grew up on a dairy farm, surrounded by loving parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Emma was educated in local schools, and once taught in an Amish schoolhouse much like the one at Seven Poplars. When she's not caring for her large family, reading and writing are her favorite pastimes.

My Thoughts On The Book:  This was a wonderfully written with a twist. The characters were engaging, and I felt as if I knew them all personally. Hannah's family was full of love and faith.  You could tell that they cared a great deal for each other.  As the grandmother of a grandson/granddaughter with Downs Syndrome drew me into the book.  I have never read an Amish book with this subject matter discussed and it was an interesting change of pace.  The fact that Hannah's youngest daughter Susanna was born with Downs Syndrome, was something that I have not found in other novels of this nature, so it was refreshing to see a character with a very well known and personal for me condition.  Hannah had her hands full dealing with Susanna and "King" David ( Susanna's Down's Syndrome boyfriend).  Hannah struggles with wanting to protect her daughter by keeping them apart and yet feeling for the young couple as they experience their first boy/girl relationship.  I found myself pulling for Albert and Hannah as well as David and Susanna.  This is a book is perfect for those who enjoy Amish Romances, and also with those who enjoy just a good clean Christian romance.   I loved it. 

DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this novel from Netgalley and Harlequin in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way, all opinion contained in this review are 100% my own.      

The Search

 

About The Book:  Fifteen years ago, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision. She couldn't have known that her choice would impact so many. Now in her mid-twenties, she is poised to go to culinary school when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge, the very Amish town in which her long-reaching decision was made, forcing her to face the shadowed past.  Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm with her large and intimidating grandmother, Bertha. It quickly becomes clear that she is there to work the farm--and work hard. The labor is made slightly more tolerable by the time it affords Bess to spend with the handsome hired hand, Billy Lapp. But he only has eyes for a flirty and curvaceous older girl.  Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.

About The Author: In no particular order, Suzanne Woods Fisher is a wife, mother, writer, lifelong student of the Bible, raiser of puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, a gardener and a cook...the latter two with sporadic results. Suzanne has loved to write since she was a young teen. After college, she started to write for magazines and became a contributing editor for Christian Parenting Today magazine. Her family moved to Hong Kong for four years, just as the internet was developing, and she continued to write articles in a 44-story high-rise apartment, sending manuscripts 7,000 miles away with a click of a key.After returning from Hong Kong, Suzanne decided to give her first novel a try. For four and a half months, she worked on an antediluvian computer in a cramped laundry room. She didn't even tell her husband what she was up to. When the novel was completed, she told her family at dinner one night that she had written a book. "That's why there's no food in this house!" said her slightly insensitive sons. Undaunted...Suzanne found a small royalty publisher for that book and wrote three more (all earned multiple awards). With help from an agent, she went on to sign contracts with Revell Books for twenty plus books.
Writing, for Suzanne, is a way to express a love of God and His word. With every book or article, she hopes readers get a sense of what faith really looks like in the daily grind. She hopes they realize that life can be hard, but God is good, and never to confuse the two.
Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

My Thoughts On The Book: I really wanted to read this series so I waited til I could get them all from Paperback Swap.com  I am a huge fan of Suzanne Woods Fisher and I knew that these books would be great.  They did not let me down.  Suzanne Woods Fisher is a master wordsmith and fabulous at developing her characters.  If you are looking for a read that will suck you in an make you hold your breath from beginning to end, you are looking for The Search. There are more twists and turns in this book than Heinz has varieties and you will hang in anticipation as you turn  the page.  The book is the third in a series of three in Suzanne's Lancaster County Secrets series, but it could be read as a stand alone novel.  Once you read it you will definitely want  to run out and get the others!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book through Paperback Swap. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Hopeful

 

About The Book:  Return to Sugarcreek, Book One  In the Amish town of Sugarcreek, love comes in many forms. But will it come at all for Miriam?  Miriam Zehr has worked at the Sugarcreek Inn longer than she cares to admit. The restaurant is a favorite of town residents as well as the many tourists who come to taste the famous Amish fare. Though she always tries to have a smile for every customer, deep down Miriam knows something’s missing: a family of her own.  Miriam has never felt particularly beautiful, especially because she’s always been a bit heavier than other girls her age. When Junior, the man she’s pined for all her life, suddenly seeks her out, she’s thrilled to be noticed . . . until she realizes he’s only asking her to help get the attention of Mary Kathryn Hershberger, her pretty friend.  If Miriam helps Junior court Mary Kathryn, she’ll get to spend a lot of time with him, but she might lose him in the process. Are these few stolen moments worth a lifetime of sacrifice? Is Miriam right to even hope for the life she dreams of?  Purchase a copy and learn more at Shelley’s website .

About The Author:  Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

My Thoughts On The Book:  I was thrilled to see a new series by Shelley Shepard Gray and I couldn't wait to meet the characters.  I have to say once I began reading it I could not put it down until it was finished.  If you love Amish fiction this is a really good read. It covers a variety of topics, literacy issues, self worth, kindness, orphans, and it would not be an Amish book without love. This book introduces us to Miriam Zehr and Albert (Junior) Beiler. Miriam wants to start her own family but cannot seem to find her someone special.  She gets so excited when Junior Beiler seeks her out.  Our Amish maedal cannot believe that she has found someone interested in her, only to have her hopes dashed when she finds out he is interested in her new friend. Shelley Gray creates such delightful characters in her books.  These characters are the kind you feel you have known forever.  It is a wonderful book full of Christian values, family, friends and a  strong reminder for us that God is always in control.  I can honestly say that Hopeful is perfect for Amish fans and I cannot wait for the second book in the series to be published. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from Re Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.* Thanks guys for allowing me to review this book.