An Amish Market

 

About The Book:  All the color and variety of a quaint Amish shop in a charming collection of novellas by four of your favorite authors. Feel free to come in and browse!
 Love Birds by Amy Clipston - While Ellie Lapp and her mother are still mourning the loss of her brother, Seth, Ellie starts working at one of the gift shops in town. Seth’s friend Lloyd is talented at carving wooden birds, but his father disapproves and expects him to take over the family farm someday. Ellie sees the beauty in Lloyd’s creations and insists Lloyd sell the birds in the gift shop where she works. As Ellie and Lloyd spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for one another, but she accidentally betrays his trust. Will she lose any hope of a future with him?
 A Bid for Love by Kathleen Fuller - Every week, Hannah Lynne brings her home-churned butter to the local market. And every week Ezra stops by to purchase some. Hannah Lynne knows not to read too much into it—Ezra is a confirmed bachelor and barely even glances her way, despite any hope to the contrary. But when Ezra bids an exorbitant amount to win the quilt she had her heart set on, Hannah Lynne can’t stop her heart from taking over her mind. Could Ezra finally be in the market for love?
 Sweeter Than Honey by Kelly Irvin - Shattering a jar of pickled beets wasn’t the impression Isabella hoped to make on her first trip to the local Combination Store of Bee County, Texas. But as embarrassed as she was by the accident, she didn’t think it warranted the frosty reaction from the handsome manager of the store, Will Glick. As she soon learns, though, Will’s heart has been broken one too many times. And now, for some reason, Isabella finds herself determined to be the one to repair that broken heart and renew his faith in love.
 Love in Store by Vannetta Chapman - Stella Schrock works at the Old Mill in Nappanee, Indiana, with new employee David Stoltzfus, a recent widower. When strange happenings begin occurring around town, it appears as if someone wants to close the mill. Stella and David have to work together to solve the mystery of what is happening at the Old Amish Mill, and in the process they might just find that God has more in store for their future than they would ever have dreamed possible.
About The Authors: 
Amy Clipston is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery series. Her novels have hit multiple bestseller lists including CBD, CBA, and ECPA. Amy holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan College and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and four spoiled rotten cats. Visit her online at amyclipston.com Facebook: AmyClipstonBooks Twitter: @AmyClipston
Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including A Man of His Word and Treasuring Emma, as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield. Visit her online at www.kathleenfuller.com, Twitter: @TheKatJam, and Facebook: Kathleen Fuller.
Kelly Irvin is the author of The Beekeeper’s Son, the critically acclaimed first novel of the Amish of Bee County series. Kelly is also the author of several Amish series including the Bliss Creek Amish series, the New Hope Amish series, and the Amish of Bee County series. The Kansas native is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Journalism. She has been writing nonfiction professionally for thirty years, including ten years as a newspaper reporter, mostly in Texas-Mexico border towns. She has worked in public relations for the City of San Antonio for twenty years. Kelly has been married to photographer Tim Irvin for twenty-seven years. They have two young adult children, two cats, and a tank full of fish. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories and read books by her favorite authors. Learn more at kellyirvin.com Twitter: @Kelly_S_Irvin Facebook: Kelly.Irvin.Author Vannetta Chapman is author of the best-selling novel A Simple Amish Christmas. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. In 2012 she was awarded a Carol Award for Falling to Pieces. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania.  Visit Vannetta's website: www.vannettachapman.com  Twitter: @VannettaChapman  Facebook: VannettaChapmanBooks
My Thoughts On The Book:  I am a huge Amish fiction fan and have read each of these authors many times before.  This collection of stories did not let me down and with several I felt as if I was returning home.  Each story was skillfully developed drawing the reader into the plot.  You felt as if you knew each character.  I loved the discussion at the end of each and the recipes too.  This book would be an awesome book club selection!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this e-book free from Thomas Nelson and Book Look Bloggers as part of their Blogging Review program.   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!   
 

Mermaid Moon (A Sunset Cove Novel)

About The Book:  Mallory’s mother died fifteen years ago. But her father’s last words on the phone were unmistakable: “Find . . . mother.”  Shame and confusion have kept Mallory Davis from her home for the last fifteen years, but when her dad mysteriously dies on his mail boat route, she doesn’t have any choice but to go back to Mermaid Point.  Mallory believes her father was murdered and childhood sweetheart Kevin O’Connor, game warden in Downeast Maine, confirms her suspicions. But Kevin is wary of helping Mallory in her search. She broke his heart—and left—without a word, years ago.  When Mallory begins receiving threats on her own life—and her beloved teenage daughter, Haylie—their search intensifies. There’s a tangled web within the supposed murder, and it involves much more than what meets the eye.  As answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about more than finding her father’s killer—it is also about finding herself again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces together.

About The Author:  USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including Tidewater Inn, Rosemary Cottage, and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com Twitter: @colleencoble Facebook: colleencoblebooks

My Thoughts On The Book:  I am a huge fan of Colleen Coble and this book did not disappoint.  I loved it!  It is one of those that grabs you from the very beginning and does not let you go until the last word on the last page.  I could not put it down.  The story line is filled with nail-biting suspense, mystery with a dab of romance.  It was a thriller and such a pleasure to read a clean book without  violence, sex, and foul language.  I gave this to one of my church teens to read and she loved it too. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this e-book free from  Net Galley, and Thomas Nelson as part of their Blogging Review program.   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!  

A Heart's Betrayal

About The Book:  A Heart's Betrayal (Thomas Nelson, June 2015)  Emmie finds shelter in the arms of a soldier, but her secret could drive them apart.  When Emmie Croftner answered the door to her late husband's home, she discovered an awful truth: her deceased husband was a bigamist. And what's more, the home she thought she inherited never belonged to her at all.  Suddenly displaced, powerless, and ashamed, Emmie can't stay in Wabash, Indiana. She makes a hopeful start for Fort Laramie, Wyoming, to find her friend Sarah Montgomery and a new beginning. But when she arrives, she discovers she's pregnant---and without a husband. The new start she'd hoped for slips from her fingers.
But then she meets Isaac Liddle, a handsome soldier with a kind heart. When he begins to court her, Emmie wonders whether she could ever really be his---and whether she dares to tell him she is carrying another man's baby.  Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1B65ZsM

About The Author: Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide. Seagrass Pier, the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble's addictive brand of romantic suspense.  Find Colleen online: website, Facebook, Twitter

My Thoughts On The Book:  I am a huge fan of Colleen Coble.  I have read every book so far in this series and loved them.  This one was one of my favorites.  My heart bled for Emmie and life smacked her right in the face.  I felt as if I knew her personally.  Coble is great at character development and she does not disappoint in this continuing story.  The only problem I have encountered in this Journey of the Heart series is that the books are too short.  I would love to see most pages.  It reads more like a novella and can be easily read from start to finish in a short period of time.   

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this e-book free from Litfuse and  NetGalley 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!

Four Weddings and a Kiss

About The Book:  Four best-­selling romance novelists bring tales of feisty heroines, stubborn heroes, and unlikely love in the Wild West. Get lost in Four Weddings & a Kiss today.

"Spitfire Sweetheart" by Mary Connealy-Maizy Place is an unruly tomboy. When she causes an accident, injuring neighbor Rylan Carstens, she becomes his unlikely caregiver. Rylan has never noticed how pretty his infuriating neighbor is, and he never expected to fall in love.

"Love Letter to the Editor" by Robin Lee Hatcher-Molly Everton is the outspoken daughter of the town newspaper's owner. When her father brings in an outsider to be editor, she tries to drive him out of town. But Jack Ludgrove is not intimidated. He's resolved to change Molly's mind about him--as an editor and as a man.

"A Cowboy for Katie" by Debra Clopton-Katie Pearl is uninterested in men and love. But she needs help on her ranch and hires Treb Rayburn, a wandering cowboy looking to make a buck. Will Treb change Katie's mind?

"Courting Trouble" by Margaret Brownley-Grace Davenport is either the unluckiest woman alive--or a killer. When her third husband is found dead, Grace is arrested. Attorney Brock Daniels isn't interested in the case--until he meets Grace. Only a miracle will prove her innocence, but the joining of two lonely hearts may be their saving grace.

About The Authors: 

Mary Connealy - writes romantic comedy...with cowboys.  http://www.maryconnealy.com
She is a Carol Award winner, and a Rita and Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist.  She is the author of bestselling Kincaid Brides Series: Out of Control, In Too Deep, Over the Edge. Her work also includes Lassoed in Texas Trilogy, Montana Marriages Trilogy and Sophie's Daughters Trilogy.  She also wrote Ten Plagues--a romantic thriller, and The Historical Society Murders--three cozy mysteries, under the name Mary Nealy.  Mary is married to a Nebraska rancher and has four grown daughters and two spectacular grandchildren.

Robin Lee Hatcher - Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Winner of the Christy, the RITA, the Carol, the Inspirational Reader's Choice, and many other industry awards, Robin is also a recipient of the prestigious RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. She is the author of 70+ novels and novellas with over five million copies in print.Robin enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, reading books that make her cry, and watching romantic movies. Her main hobby (when time allows) is knitting, and she has a special love for making prayer shawls. A mother and grandmother, Robin and her husband make their home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with Poppet, the high-maintenance Papillon, and Princess Pinky, the DC (demon cat).  Robin is active on her Facebook Author Page where she loves to interact with readers. Please join her there: http://www.facebook.com/robinleehatcher For more information, please visit her web site at http://www.robinleehatcher.com  Please note: Robin's faith-based fiction has been published from 1999 to present. She no longer recommends her older mass market fiction.
Debra Clopton- a bestselling author who has sold over 2.5 million books and her holiday story, OPERATION: MARRIED BY CHRISTMAS has been optioned for an ABC Family Movie staring LeAnn Rimes. Debra writes cowboy romances, inspirational, Christian romance, contemporary and western romances set in Texas. She is known for her snappy dialogue, cowboy heroes and spunky heroines. Her awards include: The Book Sellers Best, Romantic Times Magazine's Book of the Year. She's also a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Finalist, and a triple finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award.  A sixth generation Texan, Debra lives on a ranch in central Texas with her husband Chuck. She loves to travel and spend time with her family. She is the author of the much loved Mule Hollow Matchmakers series where you never know what the Matchmaking "Posse" is going to do next! She writes for Harlequin Love Inspired and Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins Christian. She is currently working on her 30th novel surrounded by cows, dogs and even renegade donkey herds that keep her writing authentic and often find their way into her stories. She loves helping people smile with her fun, fast paced stories.
Visit Debra's website at http://www.debraclopton.com
Check out her Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/debra.clopton.5
Follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/debraclopton
Contact her at Debraclopton@yamil.com
Sign up for Debra's newsletter and contests at http://debraclopton.com/contest

Margaret Brownley - www.margaret-brownley.com   Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: Margaret penned it all. Nothing wrong with this--except Margaret happened to be writing for the church newsletter at the time. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, her former pastor took her aside and said, "Maybe God's calling you to write fiction."  Margaret is now a New York Times bestselling author and a past Romance Writers of America RITA finalist with more than 30 novels to her credit. Not bad for someone who flunked 8th grade English. Just don't ask her to diagram a sentence.

My Thoughts On The Book: I loved the beginning of the book as four seasoned ministers sit and listen to a young pastor talk about being in love with his exact opposite.   Each of the four ministers then shares a story from their lives of opposites attracting.  Each story is written by a different author so each story has its own flair. Each of the brides were all head strong and independent women in a male dominated world and time.  I could not put the book down.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and each one of the stories told.  This is just the book for readers who like a good easy read. 

Disclaimer: This book was given to me by Thomas Nelson and their Book Look Bloggers Program in exchange for an honest review.  The thoughts are entirely my own.  Thank you for this opportunity.

Happy Wives Club

 

 

About The Book:  One woman undertakes a worldwide search to learn the secrets of a great marriage—and finds one foundational truth that could change everything.  Happy Wives Club is Fawn’s journey across the world to meet her friends and discover what makes their marriages great. Join her on this exciting, exotic trip across six continents and through more than eighteen cities. Walk the streets of Mauritius, the historic ruins in Italy, and the vistas of New Zealand and Australia. Go from Cape Town to London, Manila to Buenos Aires, Winnipeg to Zagreb.  Along the way, you will meet everyday women whose marriage secrets span cultures. You will hear their stories, witness their love, and be inspired by the proof that happy, healthy marriages do exist—and yours can be one of them!  It turns out great marriages are all around us—when we look for them. Go on a trip with Fawn and learn the best marriage secrets the world has to offer.

About The Author:  Fawn Weaver was a happily married woman running a successful business—and then something happened. Maybe it was divorce rate reports on the evening news, The Real Housewives of Orange County, or any daytime talk show where husbands and wives dramatically reveal their betrayals. Everywhere she looked, Fawn saw negative portrayals of marriage dominating the airwaves and dooming everyone to failure.

Looking at Keith, the love of her life, she knew that wasn’t true. She was determined to find and connect with women just like her—happy and optimistic about marriage, deeply in love with her spouse, and committed to building a strong marriage that stands the test of time.

On a whim, she started the blog HappyWivesClub.com and sent the link to a few of new friends. What started as a casual invitation to five women exploded into an international online club with 150,000 members in more than 100 countries.

My Thoughts On The Book:  My first marriage lasted over 23 miserable years and finally ended in divorce.  I was the one who left.  I am now on my 12th year of my second marriage and this book is about where I am now in my life.  I am an avid reader, and love self-help books, yet when I chose to review this book I was dreading it.  To my joy and amazement I could hardly put it down. I loved this book so much that I have found myself sharing it with friends when we meet for coffee each morning.  I have found myself sending snippets to friends who live far away.  I have found myself finding friends written within the stories of the book. It was so inspirational and so encouraging.   This collection of stories from couples who have been happily married from around the world is something all newlyweds need to have in their personl libraries.  Marriage is hard.  A happy marriage is even harder. It was eye opening to see that the core elements to having a happy marriage are the same for everyone in the world.  It does not matter where we live, who we are, or what we do. I would highly recommend this book and will definitely be sharing this book with newlyweds, friends, and family members!  Thank you Thomas Nelson for allowing me to review it! Thank you Fawn Weaver for having the inspiration and insight to write this book and start the Happy Wives Club!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book through Thomas Nelson Publishing Company and Book Sneeze and Booklook Bloggers. 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.* 

A Promise Kept

 

 

About The Book: God was going to save her marriage, Allison was sure of it. But neither her husband nor her marriage had been saved.  What had become of His promise?  Tony Kavanagh had been Allison's dream-come-true. They were in love within days, engaged within weeks, married and pregnant within a year. Her cup bubbled over with joy . . . but years later, that joy had been extinguished by unexpected trials.  The day Allison issued her husband an ultimatum, she thought it might save him. She never expected he would actually leave. She was certain God had promised to heal; it was clear that she'd misunderstood.
Now, living in the quiet mountain cabin she inherited from her single, self-reliant Great Aunt Emma, Allison must come to terms with her grief and figure out how to adapt to small town life. But when she finds a wedding dress and a collection of journals in Emma's attic, a portrait of her aunt emerges that takes Allison completely by surprise: a portrait of a heartbroken woman surprisingly like herself.  As Allison reads the incredible story of Emma's life in the 1920s and 1930s, she is forced to ask a difficult question: Does she really surrender every piece of her life to the Lord?  Drawing from her own heart-wrenching story of redemption, A Promise Kept is Robin Lee Hatcher's emotionally charged thanksgiving to a God who answers prayers---in His own time and His own ways.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/sK3Ti

Meet the author: Robin is the author of 65+ novels and novellas. Her home is in Idaho, where she spends her time writing stories of faith, courage, and love; pondering the things of God; and loving her family and friends.

Learn more about Robin at: http://www.robinleehatcher.com

 

My Thoughts On The Book:   I am a big fan of Robin Hatcher and love reading her books. This particular book really touched a heartstring and made it very special.  I loved the interwoven story of Allison's great aunt, Emma. Both stories illustrate how God works in His own way and His own time. There are no such things as unanswered prayers, they are just not always answered the way we thought they should be, as Allison finds out.  The stories lesson is to keep praying for those you love and be grateful for those who prayed for you and yours. Prayers make a difference. God hears your prayers. This book is a definite addition to my library for a future re-read and a group book study.  I cannot wait to share and discuss this book with my book lover friends. 

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from Booksneeze.com, and their Blogging Review program, Thomas Nelson, and 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.* Thank you for allowing me to participate in this review.

Plain Peace

 

About The Book:  Anna's grandfather seems determined to ruin her Rumspringa . . . and any hopes she has of finding a husband.  Anna Byler should be enjoying her Rumspringa as allowed by her faith. But because of the strict rules enforced by her grandfather—the bishop—the available suitors in town are afraid to court her. Even Anna’s grandmother is keeping a big secret from Anna’s grandfather in an effort to keep the peace. Under her grandfather’s oppressive watch, Anna begins to feel her faith slipping and wonders if God has forsaken her.  Jacob Hostetler and his family have relocated to Lancaster County following a family tragedy in Ohio. As his family struggles to rebuild their lives, Jacob is forced to act as head of the household when his father is unable to cope with recent events. It’s been a long time since Jacob has felt any joy. Until he meets Anna Byler. But will Anna’s grandfather succeed at keeping them apart? And can Jacob put the past behind him and open his heart?

About The Author:  Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Her books have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) Bestseller List and the CBA (Christian Book Association) Bestseller List. She was a recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013, three-time winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, INSPY Award winner, and recipient of the coveted HOLT Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series--Seek Me With All Your Heart--was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing into the year 2015, and she has completed twelve novels and seven novellas to date.  As a former newspaper reporter, Beth was honored by her peers with eleven journalism awards, including first place news writing for The Texas Press Association. She has been a humor columnist for The 1960 Sun in Houston and published articles in various publications. However, writing novels is where her heart is. She left her job as a journalist in 2008 to write novels fulltime.  Beth has a deep affection for the Amish and their simpler way of life, and while she plans to continue writing Amish love stories, she is also branching out into other areas. Her first non-Amish, contemporary--Need You Now--released in April 2012 and landed on the CBA Bestseller List. She enjoyed writing the story based in a town near where she lives, and she chose another small Texas town for her latest non-Amish contemporary--The House that Love Built--which is based in Smithville, the same quaint town where movies such as Hope Floats and Tree of Life were filmed.  In a daring new novel, Beth jumps way outside the box. The story she is currently working on will take readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she's been working toward for a long time. Expect more information on this exciting novel soon!  Beth and her husband are empty nesters enjoying the country life in Texas with two dogs, two cats, four goats, two potbellied pigs, and a dozen chickens. When she's not writing, she loves to travel, paint, and enjoy time with friends and family. You can find Beth at Fans of Beth Wiseman on Facebook where she interacts with readers or visit bethwiseman.com to learn more about Beth and her books.

My Thoughts On The Book:  Plain Peace is the latest novel in the Daughters of the Promise series by Beth Wiseman. I am a huge fan of Beth Wiseman.  It hate to pick up and read books in the middle of a series but this one is a stand alone.  The story is there whether you have read one....or all of the books.    The characters come to life on the pages of the book.  I found myself being drawn into the Amish world with Anna and Jacob.  I could not put this book down.  This is a tender story of life and how it influences the decisions we make and the people we become. The thing I love the most about Amish life stories is the deep feeling of family and the simplicity that seems to come with their lifestyle.  This is one of the first books that is heavy on English technologies being used  in Amish life.  I didn't find it out of balance in the story in any way.   It was a very accurate description of how the two worlds affect each other today.  If you are looking for an uplifting story, one to remind you of the value of family and being together this is it.  It was a sweet, quick,  and enjoyable read.
 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing and Net Galley.com. 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.* Thank you for allowing me to participate in this review.

 

An Amish Miracle

About The Book:  An Amish Miracle is a collection of three novellas, by three different authors, all set in the same Amish community: Always Beautiful, Always His Providence, and Always in My Heart.  The first story, Always in My Heart introduces us to Hope Bowman and her family.  Hope is dealing with grief stemming from giving up her firstborn son.  This grief shadows the young mother's happiness  after she and her husband have their fourth daughter. Hope finds herself questioning God and wondering if God would grant her desire for a son?  In Always His Providence we are introduced to widow Rosa Hostetler who is facing losing everything. As she struggles with the possible loss of her farm and her chickens she learns to rely on God to provide and to wait on his will, yet she almost misses the biggest blessing; the possibility of loving again. Beth Wiseman's contribution, Always Beautiful, is about young Becky Byler and her struggle with her weight and self-image.  Is beauty only skin deep and can only skinny girls experience true love? 

About The Authors:  Award-winning, best-selling author Beth Wiseman is best known for her Amish novels, but her most recent novels, Need You Now and The House that Love Built, are contemporaries set in small Texas towns. Both have received glowing reviews. Beth's highly-anticipated novel, The Promise, is inspired by a true story. Twitter: @bethwiseman Facebook: Fans-of-Beth-Wiseman
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.
Mary Ellis grew up close to the eastern Ohio Amish community, Geauga County. Before “retiring” to write full-time, Mary taught middle school and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate. Mary is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author as well as an ACFW Carol Award finalist and runner-up for the 2010 Holt Medallion Award.

My Thoughts About The Book:  I was excited when I realized that the stories were all set in the same town and I would be visiting with the same characters in each of the books. Each novella was well-written, the characters pop off the page and you find yourself wishing for success for each of them. These were not your run of the mill Amish romance stories where boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girl marry.  There are several twists and turns and you find yourself wondering if things are going to work out for the three key women characters.  I loved everything about these novellas.  I loved the recipes at the end of the story.  I will definitely give them a try.  Especially the pineapple cake of Hopes. If you like Christian romance, or like to read about the Amish culture, you will not regret reading this book.

Statement of Disclosure: I received this book to review from Thomas Nelson Publishing Group's Book Sneeze Blogging Program for an honest review.  Thank you so much for this opportunity.  Reviews are published on Goodreads and Amazon too.

The Bible: My Compass in Life!

 

 

Format: Hardcover Number of Pages: 1664 Vendor: Thomas Nelson Publication Date: 2014

Dimensions: 8.38 X 5.50 (inches) ISBN: 1401680305 ISBN-13: 9781401680305 Availability: This product will be released on 02/04/14

About The Book - From the Publisher:  Compass is about helping you find the answers you’re looking for in the pages of the Scriptures and allowing that truth navigate your life. Packed with Bible-reading helps and using an energizing, new Bible translation, Compass is a Bible designed with you in mind. Do you want to start reading and applying the Bible to your life, but aren’t quite sure where to start? Let Compass point you in the right direction.

Features include:

• In-text notes that include cultural, historical, theological, and devotional thoughts
• God’s Promises^®—Thomas Nelson’s bestselling guide to Scripture for your every need
• Book introductions
• Reading plans for every day of the year
• Topical Guides to Scripture and notes
• In-text maps

This Bible is part of the Signature Series line of Thomas Nelson Bibles

 

My Thoughts On The Book:  This Bible, The Compass Study Bible is one of the easiest Bibles I have found to read and use. This Bible would be a wonderful choice for a new Christian because the characters were so lifelike.  It was more than just words on a page it came to life right before my eyes.  Using the Voice translation was very exciting.  Since the Christmas holidays were upcoming I chose to focus on both Luke and Matthew.  I actually used the Bible to prepare a sermon in Matthew.  I was so excited to read aloud from this Bible and deliver the message I prepared with the help of The Compass Bible.  I also did a Study for my church in Joshua and felt the story in chapter 22 was more like a wonderful piece of narrative and so alive.  There were some amazing features to use,  The Road Map to God's Promises was very helpful.  There was a definite break between the Old and New Testaments where I found wonderful nuggets like, "The New Covenant" and "The Titles of Jesus". There was also a topical guide to the notes as well as to the Scriptures.  I thnk my favorite section was a 365 Day reading Guide and a guide that takes the reader on a 40-Day retreat with Jesus. I am delighted to have this book to add to my developing collection of study Bibles.  I think this Bible would make a wonderful gift for the holidays and if you have someone you need a special gift for, this is the perfect choice. 

 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through Shelton Interactive as part of their blogging review program in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.  Thanks guys for allowing me to review this book.  LOVE IT!

 

 

God's "Weigh"

 

About The Book:  As a believer, living at your ideal body weight is your birthright. This is God’s will for you. You are called to glorify God in your body. The Bible is the greatest health and weight loss book ever written. God has a call to every believer to walk holy in the area of diet (dietary holiness). What you eat matters to God. That is what God’s "Weigh" to Your Ideal Body Weight is all about.

About The Author:  Michael Scott Lowery is first and foremost a Believer in Jesus Christ. Secondly, his spiritual gifting is prophecy. This simply means that he is called to discern areas in which the Church has deviated from God’s Word and then work to communicate corrective Biblical truth. That is what God’s Weigh Ministry and the book God’s Weigh to Your Ideal Body Weight is all about.  Michael Lowery has pursued the study of health and weight loss, and what the Bible has to say about it, for over thirty years. Through the founding of God’s Weigh Ministry, and God’s Weigh to Your Ideal Body Weight, he is working to lead the Church to the body weight, health, and lifespan that God has always intended for His People.  Lowery lives in Houston, Texas with his wife and five children. He enjoys watching his kids play a variety of sports, joining in as often as possible. He also enjoys studying the Bible to discover practical solutions to the problems and struggles facing God’s people in this modern world.

My Thoughts About the Book:  As someone who has struggled with weight most of my life I was excited when I saw this book up for review.  As a Christian I feel everything I do should glorify God but never could get a handle on controlling the weight issue...until I read this book.  I discovered in reading this book that what I eat did matter to God.  When I was struggling and looked to food I found that I had been looking in all the wrong places all the time. God's "Weigh" showed me something I really should have known all along, the Bible had the plan I needed and it was right there staring me in the face.  This book instilled in me the desire to eat and live a life that glorifies God.  I know that there are others out there just like me and if you are struggling with your weight then this might be just the  book  you need to read.

Statement of Disclosure: I received this book to review from Thomas Nelson Publishing Group's Book Sneeze Blogging Program and Zondervan for an honest review.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Silent Night, Holy Night

Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction are hosting the 12 Days of Christmas! They've teamed up with three of their authors for a Merry Facebook Party on November 12th {5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern}. Colleen, Tricia, and Beth will host an evening of book chat, Christmas traditions, and of course plenty of presents!  But wait! There's more! Each day between now and November 12th a different book (10 copies of each book) will be given away on the Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Facebook Page. Ring in the holiday season and warm your heart with some great reads from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan!

 

Click here to ENTER each day's giveaway here. 

RSVP for the Christmas Party here!

Good luck and hope to see you on the evening of the 12th!

Click here for my review of A Christmas Gift for Rose by Tricia Goyer.

Today is my second installment of the Twelve Days of Christmas Blog Tour.  I'm featuring two wonderful Christmas novellas by Colleen Coble as part of this.  I know you will love them both. 

Holy Night:
An Aloha Reef Christmas Novella
(Aloha Reef Series)
Colleen Coble
ASIN: B00FXXWWOG
November 2013/141 pages/$1.99 (Kindle)
About The Book:  One sinister phone call has derailed their wedding.  Will they let it tear them apart forever?  A Christmas wedding on the beach—what could be more perfect? Poinsettias and fragrant pikake blossoms, soft sand and mistletoe, the gentle sound of the surf and the wedding march played on a ukulele. This wedding has been a long time coming, with Bane’s trust issues and Leia’s worries about her childlike sister, Eva.  Now they can hardly wait for the day to arrive. Thrilled to be a bridesmaid, Eva keeps trying on her ruffled dress. The tent is reserved, the caterers paid. Everything is going as planned—until Leia’s phone rings and her world skids out of control. A muffled voice informs Leia that Eva’s been kidnapped and will be killed unless Leia calls off the wedding without explanation—and no police! If she disobeys instructions and tells Bane, she’ll risk her beloved sister’s life. But how can she ever handle this without his help? And how can he ever trust her if she lies to him now?

My Thoughts On The Book:  I am a sucker for Christmas novellas and I love books by Colleen Coble so combining the two was a match made in heaven for me.  This was my first time to read any of the Aloha Reef series , but I will be reading more I can assure you.  This novella was so enjoyable that I did not want to put it down.  It has all my favorite elements in a story, romance and suspense with a smattering of the past touching the present.  A great quick read.   

Silent Night:
A Rock Harbor Christmas Novella
(Rock Harbor Series)
Colleen Coble
ASIN: B00A29R22I
November 2012/141 pages/$2.99 (Kindle)
About The Book:  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 Thoughts About the Book:  As a creature of habit I had to read this book first because that is the way the lyrics of the song go.  As I began reading this book, I could not put it down.  I was captivated by Bree, Kade Lauri and all the other characters in Rock Harbor. This is a perfect read for a cold or rainy night to just curl up in your easy chair or bed.

About The Author:  Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of these books from Thomas Nelson and Litfuse Publicity as part of a blog tour. 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.”

25,000 Mornings: Ancient Wisdom for a Modern Life

ABOUT THE BOOK: In a relaxed, chat-over-coffee style, award-winning author of Keepers of the Testimony and Smooth Stones & Promises Fay Rowe's third book and first devotional, 25,000 Mornings, offers up daily portions of ancient, Biblical wisdom as it encourages, challenges and sometimes amuses. In her first devotional, Fay Rowe writes for both the young and young-at-heart on varied subjects such as: starting out and starting over; believing words; resting on the rock; talking to God; never giving up; being yourself and living with people; and clocks and calendars.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  At conference events, women's clubs, Sunday morning services and Bible studies, as well as in fourth grade classrooms and over coffee at Tim Hortons, Fay Rowe has shared truths from the Word of God with simplicity, candor and humour. A wife, mother, grandmother, former school teacher and award-winning author, Fay believes in refusing to settle for anything but God's best plan. (More about Fay here.)

Passionate about God's integrity and faithfulness, Fay writes with a perspective that helps believers to:

• trust God, and grow in faith
• rise above fear, one promise at a time
• effectively share their faith with the next generation

MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK:  This book was a delight in the hustle and bustle of life.  So often I find myself crowding out God's conversation with me. In this devotional Fay Rowe shows us a  glimpse of how to be cheerful and trustful in all areas of our lives. It was so enlightening to take very small passages of scripture and use them to help us connect with God. This devotional is written in such an easy-to-understand manner.  It is from the perspective to remind us that every day is a gift. This was a very light read for the morning when you need that reminder that life is good and God is great!  This would be a wonderful gift for a coffee club friend.  Loved it!
 
DISCLAIMER:  To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, BookSneeze® has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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.”

Letters To Katie

About The Book:  Everything changed between them the first time he called her Katie.
Katherine Yoder has loved Johnny Mullet since they were children, but he never actively returned her affections. Like so many things in their world, he assumes Katherine will always be there. Once his horse farm is a success, then he will court her in earnest.
For several weeks, Katherine has been plagued by severe headaches and dizziness. While resting at home, Johnny unexpectedly visits, but when dizziness strikes, she loses consciousness. She awakens hours later in a hospital bed, unable to remember how she got there. Seeing Katherine injured and vulnerable stirs something in Johnny, and his guilt compels him to spend time with her while she heals. Soon his heart begins to stir with questions: Does she even remember why he'd come to her house that day? As Katherine struggles to recall recent memories of Johnny, a surprise visitor arrives in her already unsteady world—a man named Isaac who claims they had been writing letters to each other, even considering marriage, before her illness. With two men vying for her attention and her memory still elusive, Katherine has never felt so divided. The answer may lie behind a door she never considered opening.

About The Author:  Just the facts(from her website)…I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, and now make my home in beautiful Geneva, Ohio. I’ve been married to James for 15 wonderful years (really, they have been wonderful!) We have three terrific children, three dogs, and an overwhelmed cat. We have also raised cattle, pigs, and chickens at various times over the years. We would have gone into the goat business, but I had to draw the line somewhere. I started writing in 2000, and published my first short story a year later. Since then I have authored several short stories, novellas, novels, and have done a lot of freelance non-fiction work. I have also worked as an editor. I have a Masters degree in Special Education, emphasis on teaching the blind and visually impaired, and a Bachelors in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. I have taught all age groups ranging from age 4 to age 18. A few of my favorite things: my relationship with Christ, chocolate (of course!), autumn, a satisfying book, good friends, a sense of humor, people who don’t take themselves seriously, haunting melodies, NFL football, and did I mention chocolate?

My Thoughts On The Book:  This is the third novel in the Middlefield Family series and although this novel is the third in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Letters to Katie was an enjoyable read and follows the same format as most Amish fiction. From the beginning the reader will find jealousy, love, religious struggles, disappointment, and the Amish beliefs all tied up in the plot of the novel. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys Amish novels.  It was an easy read and could be read in one sitting. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Book Sneeze. Thomas Nelson's review program for bloggers, Blogging for Books. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest 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.

Chase

ABOUT THE BIBLE STUDY:  WHO: Jennie Allen is a Bible teacher who is passionate about inspiring a new generation of women to encounter the invisible God. She graduated form Dallas Theological Seminary with a master in Biblical studies. In addition to serving alongside her husband in ministry, she is working with Thomas Nelson to publish several studies and trade books that engage women’s minds and hearts towards Christ.

WHAT: Chase: Chasing After the Heart of God offers eight 10-minute teaching videos alongside an interactive study guide that focus on David, “a man after God’s own heart.” Jennie tackles real-life issues by allowing Scripture to shed light on the pursuits that can derail the chase after God’s heart.

SO WHAT?: Jennie invites women to explore the life and psalms of David, whose dealings with God are more intimately portrayed in scripture than anyone other than Jesus Christ. Her goal for these studies is two-fold: to draw women close to God and to each other.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  "My passion is to inspire a new generation of women to encounter the invisible God. I love words and I believe God uses them to heal souls and to reveal Himself to people. I am blessed to be working with Thomas Nelson to publish several studies and trade books, engaging women’s minds and hearts toward Christ. Three studies are now available: Stuck, Anything, and Chase.

I graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with a Masters in Biblical Studies. And while all that sounds pretty fancy… I am really just a mess of a girl, trying to figure out God, and why I seem to keep struggling with the same invisible issues I had in kindergarten.  Welcome to the spot I wrestle and the place I dream.
I hope you feel at home.  I am so blessed to serve alongside my husband Zac, in ministry at Austin Stone Community Church, where Zac is a pastor. We have 4 kids, including our youngest son who we recently adopted from Rwanda." (jennieallen.com)

 

MY THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BIBLE STUDY:  When I got the Bible Study I was so excited.  I love Bible Studies.  This one brought me to a screeching half when I began to ask myself....Karen, what exactly are you chasing? In life we all find ourselves chasing after something that we think we need to make us happy. But will it really?  I was so excited when I found everything I would need to fascilitate this study.  There was a study guide, leader's guide, DVD, and question cards. I had everything....except a group to do the study with. After showing the study guide to some of my church ladies a bible study group was easy to assemble.  They seemed as excited as I was.  Jennie Allen walked you through David's life and tied it to what we go through in a way that was impressive and easy to follow. What are we chasing and what should we be chasing?  Surrender is where we need to start.  God wants it all. Allen wraps up the study with the idea of being chased down and connects it to "chasing down" their adoption of a boy from Africa.  This was one that hit home since my daughter and son-in-law are currently in Moldova serving as missionaries in an orphanage.  They surrendered their jobs, their comfortable lives in the states, their families....and when God said whom shall I send....they raised their hands.  In the study as a whole the leader's guide breaks down what the goals and responsibilities of a leader are and how to encourage discussions. Each session is broken down into a main idea and a main goal you want to meet each week.  Easy Peesy for sure.  I loved the discussion cards.  Each one has a key scripture and 12 questions for each session. I am all about a study that shows you how to read the Bible and see where and how it applies to your life. Believe me this study does that to a tee.  If you get a chance to participate in this bible study....go for it.  I promise you won't regret it. 

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Shelton Interactive and Thomas Nelson's review program for bloggers, Book Sneeze. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest 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.

 

Threads of Grace

 

About The Book:  Grace's autistic son needs a life that is safe and consistent. Seth wants to leave his flirting days behind him and settle down.  Deep in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania, the beautiful and weary Amish widow, Grace Beiler, is not looking for a husband—especially one so much younger than her. But handsome and smitten Seth Wyse stumbles upon a way to help her and they marry to keep Grace’s autistic son safe from his ill-intentioned uncle.  Grace soon discovers that she is far from immune to her young husband’s experienced charm and realizes that her first marriage has not destroyed her capacity for love.  Seth Wyse seeks counsel from his older brother, Jacob, when playing the game of pursuing his wife becomes more dangerous to both his heart and life than he ever imagined.  Yet God can give Grace and Seth a passion for family and each other that teaches them the ways of the Master Quilter through the tangled and tender threads of their lives.

About The Author:  Kelly Long is the author of the Patch of Heaven series and the historical Amish Novel Arms of Love.  She was born and raised in the mountains of Pennsylvania.  She's been married for twenty-six years and enjoys life with her husband, children, and Bichon.






My Thoughts On The Book:   This book veered a bit from the traditional Amish novel.  It is the third in the Patch of Heaven series.  In the beginning of the novel we find young Grace forced to marry an older wealthy Amish man to save her family and their farm. Silas was cruel and forbid Grace from having any contact with her family or friends.  Upon Silas' death she suddenly finds herself free...sort of.   In an act of total desparation she runs with her autistic son, Abel.  The two find themselves in the small community of Pine Creek. Skittish as a horse Grace and Abel begin establishing a new life when her brother-in-law appears.  He claims that he has some legal rights to her if she does not marry within 6 months of her husband’s death.  Seth Wyse, a younger, single Amish man is crazy about Grace and when he hears of her plight offers to marry her. In a hasty Amish ceremony, they are married.  The story really begins here as they seek grace within themselves and with each other.  I have not read the other two books but this book was easy to understand.  Long is a master at character development and has great attention for detail.  I would definitely suggest reading this.  It will make you laugh and break your heart within a few pages. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing Booksneeze Program for bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest 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.