Showing posts with label Amish Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amish Fiction. Show all posts

Wednesday, 9 January 2013

Review: The Lesson by Suzanne Woods Fisher


The Lesson by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Stoney Ridge Seasons: Book Three
Revell / 2013
Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:


Sometimes love shows up when you least expect it.

Nineteen-year-old Mary Kate Lapp yearns for adventure, but all she seems to find is trouble. Her dreams of travel have taken a backseat to her assignment to teach school this year. And nothing ever seems to happen in her sleepy Amish community.

But when a sudden and unexplained death conveniently coincides with the arrival of a mysterious young man, M.K. is frustrated that no one takes it seriously. She's determined to take matters into her own hands and get to the bottom of it. Will she find more than she bargained for?

Centered on one of bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher's most loved characters, this is the Stoney Ridge story you have been waiting for. With a surprise at every turn, a gentle romance, and a shocking answer to an old family mystery, The Lesson is the dramatic conclusion to the Stoney Ridge Seasons series.

My rating:
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My thoughts:

Pleasantly surprised by The Lesson! I'm pretty sure this is the third book I've read by Suzanne Woods Fisher and it may be my favorite! I absolutely loved M.K.'s character - she had me laughing a lot! I also really liked Chris's character.

There were some surprises in The Lesson that made my enjoyment of the book go even higher. I also loved the mystery surrounding the unexplained death that had happened in Stoney Ridge.

Even though I don't read that many Amish novels, I do enjoy a few every once in a while, and The Lesson was a great one. I recommend it if you enjoy Amish fiction.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my review. 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.*

“Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Saturday, 15 December 2012

Book Spotlight: The Heart's Journey by Barbara Cameron!



ABOUT BARBARA CAMERON

Barbara Cameron is CBD, CBA and ECPA bestselling author of 35 books (including an exciting new series Stitches in Time for Abingdon Press) including fiction and nonfiction books for Abingdon Press, Thomas Nelson, Harlequin, and other publishers.

Barbara has sold three films to HBO/Cinemax and is the first winner of the Romance Writers of American Golden Heart Award.

Her two novellas won 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love and Hope chapter of RWA.  Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).

Her latest book is the Amish fiction, The Heart’s Journey.
Visit Barbara on the web at www.BarbaraCameron.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

 Naomi knows she should be excited about her upcoming wedding but she remains unmoved. Not only are her feelings for her fiance lackluster but she believes he may see her more as a servant than a partner. And he’s so controlling. Is it too late to back out of the marriage? While praying for God’s guidance, Naomi takes a break from her duties as a quilter and travels with her grandmother to Pinecraft, Florida. Along the way Naomi finds herself becoming attracted to Nick, their Englisch driver and friend, and the two begin to fall in love. The journey soon becomes one in which Naomi explores her most secret dream for love. But can she veer off the “safe” path she’d envisioned for her life to marry Nick?

Tuesday, 30 October 2012

Review: The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer


The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer
Zondervan / 2012
Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Every year, 30--40 young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive 'resident' status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love.

Since the tragic death of her best friend, she carries her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she's also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart. Now she's met a kind and gentle man who may be able to break down the wall. But can Sarah risk her heart to finally achieve her dreams?
My rating:
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My thoughts:

The Memory Jar was a great Amish fiction read! I loved both of the main characters - Sarah Shelter and Jathan Schrock! One thing that was really interesting about Sarah was how she liked to make fancy cupcakes - I really liked learning about her different creations! Jathan, well, I felt bad for him a lot during this story and couldn't stop myself from hoping things would turn out for him.

At the end of some chapters in The Memory Jar, there were what I'll call memory scenes that showed things that had happened in the past with Sarah and her best friend, Patty. I liked those scenes more than I would have thought... it was interesting to learn about Sarah and Patty's friendship. :)

The Memory Jar is book one in Tricia Goyer's new series, Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors, and because this book was so enjoyable, I am very much looking forward to the next book!

If you enjoy Amish novels, then I think you'll enjoy The Memory Jar! It was great and I recommend it! :)

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. 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.*


Check out the book trailer!



Celebrate with Tricia by entering her Amish Kindle Gift Pack Giveaway and RSVPing to her Facebook party on November 7th. (And be sure to catch the fun video trailer or try your hand at one of the simple, keepsake crafts Tricia has put together on her website.) 


One fortunate winners will receive:
  • A brand new Kindle Fire
  • Custom-made Memory Jar Kindle Cover
  • Amish-made decorative items {Wall hanging, horse/buggy and Amish houses}
  • The Memory Jar {Be swept away by this captivating series.}
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 6th. Winner will be announced at the "Memory Jar Author Chat Party on 11/7. Connect with Tricia for an evening of book chat, Amish trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of The Memory Jar and join Tricia on the evening of the November 7th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 7th!

Monday, 10 September 2012

CFBA: Found by Shelley Shepard Gray

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Found
Avon Inspire; Original edition (September 4, 2012)
by
Shelley Shepard Gray


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Since 2000, Shelley Sabga has sold over thirty novels to numerous publishers, including HarperCollins, Harlequin, Abingdon Press, and Avon Inspire. She has been interviewed by NPR, and her books have been highlighted in numerous publications, including USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

Under the name Shelley Shepard Gray, Shelley writes Amish romances for HarperCollins’ inspirational line, Avon Inspire. Her recent novel, The Protector, the final book in her “Families of Honor” series, hit the New York Times List, and her previous novel in the same series, The Survivor, appeared on the USA Today bestseller list. Shelley has won the prestigious Holt Medallion for her books, Forgiven and Grace, and her novels have been chosen as Alternate Selections for the Doubleday/Literary Guild Book Club. Her first novel with Avon Inspire, Hidden, was an Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two children in college, and is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and currently leads a Bible study group, and she looks forward to the opportunity to continue to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.

When she’s not writing, Shelley often attends conferences and reader retreats in order to give workshops and publicize her work. She’s attended RWA’s national conference six times, the ACFW conference and Romantic Times Magazine’s annual conference as well as traveled to New Jersey, Birmingham, and Tennessee to attend local conferences.

Check out Shelley's Facebook Fan page


ABOUT THE BOOK
A murder is solved and a quiet Amish community must deal with the repercussions. Amid the surprising revelations, can a newfound love survive?

As the search for Perry Borntrager's killer continues, Jacob Schrock feels like his world is about to crumble. Right before Perry went missing, he and Jacob got into a fistfight. Jacob never told anyone what happened that terrible night. He's good at keeping secrets—including his love for Deborah, Perry's sister. But when Deborah takes a job at his family's store and their friendship blossoms, Jacob senses everything is about to be revealed.

Deborah has been searching for a slice of happiness ever since her brother's body was discovered. When the police start questioning Jacob, Deborah can't believe that the one person she's finally allowed in could be the one responsible for her brother's death. Will she believe what everyone seems to think is the truth . . . or listen to her heart, and hope there is still one more person who is keeping secrets in Crittenden County?

If you would like to read the first chapter excerpt of Found, go HERE.

Monday, 13 August 2012

Review: The Haven by Suzanne Woods Fisher



The Haven by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Revell / 2012
Find on: Amazon, Goodreads, Christianbook

About the book:

Spring brings new life, young love, and second chances to Stoney Ridge. 

On a warm spring day, Sadie Lapp returns home to her quiet, unassertive life in Stoney Ridge after spending the winter in Ohio. 

Gideon Smucker, an awkward schoolteacher, has been in love with Sadie since childhood and eagerly awaits her return. But does Sadie feel the same about him? 

Will Stoltz, a charming and impetuous college student, has been banished for a semester and sent to babysit endangered peregrine falcons nesting at the Lapp farm. He'd rather be anywhere else . . . until he befriends Sadie. 

As the hopes and ambitions of these three young people converge, life in Stoney Ridge may never be the same. 

Once again, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher intrigues and delights with a story that explores the bonds of friendship, family, and true love in this captivating series.

My rating:
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My thoughts:

I loved book one in the "Stoney Ridge Seasons" series, The Keeper, and I had hoped I would enjoy The Haven just as much (if not more) than that book. Unfortunately that wasn't the case.

The story was good throughout, but it wasn't that gripping and I could have probably set it aside easily. I didn't like how on page 200 Sadie hears God whisper to her - to me that is putting words in God's mouth. I also didn't particularly care for the ending (that is all I'm going to say about that).

I liked the characters - especially Gid and Will - and found some of the surprises in The Haven intriguing. The Haven was very easy to read and I think fans of Amish fiction will enjoy it - especially if they have read The Keeper.

All in all, I liked The Haven and think it was a good one time read. I do plan on reading future books in this series to find out what happens with these characters.

*I received this book for free for my review. 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.*

“Available August 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Wednesday, 27 June 2012

Review: The Search by Shelley Shepard Gray



This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Search
Avon Inspire; Original edition (June 19, 2012)
by
Shelley Shepard Gray


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Since 2000, Shelley Sabga has sold over thirty novels to numerous publishers, including HarperCollins, Harlequin, Abingdon Press, and Avon Inspire. She has been interviewed by NPR, and her books have been highlighted in numerous publications, including USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

Under the name Shelley Shepard Gray, Shelley writes Amish romances for HarperCollins’ inspirational line, Avon Inspire. Her recent novel, The Protector, the final book in her “Families of Honor” series, hit the New York Times List, and her previous novel in the same series, The Survivor, appeared on the USA Today bestseller list. Shelley has won the prestigious Holt Medallion for her books, Forgiven and Grace, and her novels have been chosen as Alternate Selections for the Doubleday/Literary Guild Book Club. Her first novel with Avon Inspire, Hidden, was an Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two children in college, and is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and currently leads a Bible study group, and she looks forward to the opportunity to continue to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.

When she’s not writing, Shelley often attends conferences and reader retreats in order to give workshops and publicize her work. She’s attended RWA’s national conference six times, the ACFW conference and Romantic Times Magazine’s annual conference as well as traveled to New Jersey, Birmingham, and Tennessee to attend local conferences.

Check out Shelley's Facebook Fan page


ABOUT THE BOOK

In the second book in her Secrets of Crittenden County series, New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray delivers another page-turning romance set in Amish country

The serenity of the quiet Amish community of Crittenden, Kentucky is disrupted when Abby Anderson discovers the body of Perry Borntrager in an abandoned well. Perry had been missing for months. Everyone figured he had left the order during his rumspringa. As friends and family reel from this news, and are faced with the first death by mysterious circumstance to occur in their small town in over 20 years, a homicide detective arrives to help solve the crime

Before Perry disappeared, Frannie Eicher and Perry had been secretly courting. Now that it’s common knowledge that he was murdered, it’s up to Fannie to decide whether or not to tell everyone about the secrets he told her.

After much deliberation, she decides to tell Luke Reynolds, the visiting police officer, what she knows. At first, the two meet only on the context of discussing Perry’s death. Then, Luke begins to feel more and more at home, both with Frannie, and in Marion. The only problem is that he feels a romantic pull toward Frannie. Frannie feels that same attraction toward Luke, but is afraid to give her heart to him. After all, she doesn’t want to leave her faith.

As Luke uncovers more secrets about Perry and the case draws out, his time in Marion runs out. He has to decide whether to go back to his job with the Cincinnati Police Department…or stay in Marion.

If you would like to read the Prologue of The Search, go HERE.

~

My rating:
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My thoughts:

The Search is the second book in Shelley Shepard Gray's series, The Secrets of Crittenden County, and a great addition! I absolutely loved the first book, Missing, and before I even read this book I expected to enjoy it... well, I loved it!

To someone like me who doesn't read that many Amish-like books, this series has been fantastic (so far). One thing in particular that has made this series so enjoyable to me is the murder mystery. After two books, I am still having a difficult time trying to decide who is the killer - right now I'm between two different people.

Oh, and the characters in The Search were great. I especially liked Beth, Chris, and Luke - there are many more, though, that I liked, but I won't mention them all.

Overall, this is a wonderful book that I recommend if you like mysteries, romances, or Amish novels, because, in my opinion, it was very good. :) I am really looking forward to the final book, Found, (kinda sad that there is only one more book in this series) which is set to release later this year.

*I received this book for free for my review. 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.*


Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thanks! :)

Monday, 26 March 2012

Review: Missing by Shelley Shepard Gray



This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Missing
Avon Inspire; Original edition (March 20, 2012)
by
Shelley Shepard Gray


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Since 2000, Shelley Sabga has sold over thirty novels to numerous publishers, including HarperCollins, Harlequin, Abingdon Press, and Avon Inspire. She has been interviewed by NPR, and her books have been highlighted in numerous publications, including USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

Under the name Shelley Shepard Gray, Shelley writes Amish romances for HarperCollins’ inspirational line, Avon Inspire. Her recent novel, The Protector, the final book in her “Families of Honor” series, hit the New York Times List, and her previous novel in the same series, The Survivor, appeared on the USA Today bestseller list. Shelley has won the prestigious Holt Medallion for her books, Forgiven and Grace, and her novels have been chosen as Alternate Selections for the Doubleday/Literary Guild Book Club. Her first novel with Avon Inspire, Hidden, was an Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two children in college, and is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and currently leads a Bible study group, and she looks forward to the opportunity to continue to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.

When she’s not writing, Shelley often attends conferences and reader retreats in order to give workshops and publicize her work. She’s attended RWA’s national conference six times, the ACFW conference and Romantic Times Magazine’s annual conference as well as traveled to New Jersey, Birmingham, and Tennessee to attend local conferences.

Check out Shelley's Facebook Fan page

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the first book in her new Secrets of Crittenden County series, Shelley Shepard Gray delivers another page-turning romance set in Amish country

Perry Borntrager had been missing from the quiet Amish community of Crittenden, Kentucky, for months when his body was discovered at the bottom of an abandoned well. Everyone had assumed Perry left Crittenden on his own, seduced by the wider world he discovered during his rumspringa, but now the truth has thrown this once-peaceful town into chaos. The first death from mysterious circumstances in Crittenden in more than two decades has invited the scrutiny of the outside world: a police detective arrives to help their local sheriff with the investigation. His questioning begins with Lydia Plank, Perry’s former girlfriend, and Perry’s best friend, the Englisher Walker Anderson.

Lydia and Walker know they didn’t have anything to do with Perry’s death, but they both hold secrets about his final days. Do they dare to open up about the kind of man Perry had become? In the oppressive shadow of these dark times, they discover strength in a most unlikely companionship that offers solace, understanding, and the promise of something more.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Missing, go HERE.

My rating:
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My thoughts:

I did not expect to enjoy Missing as much as I did! I found the story interesting, the characters great, and the mystery… is STILL a mystery (I can hardly wait to read book two!)!

I don't know if this would be considered Amish fiction (although I think so because there are Amish characters), but if it is, Missing is one of the better books I've read in the genre.

I loved how all of the characters weren't Amish, and how there was a detective from Cincinnati that comes to help on the murder case - that made the story so much more entertaining!

The romance that started to bloom between Lydia and Walker was sweet and that definitely added to the story. There was one surprise regarding Lydia that I did NOT see coming... if you read the book, I'm pretty sure you'll know what I'm talking about.

The ending leaves much to be anticipated in The Search, book two of The Secrets of Crittenden County, which I am really looking forward to reading!

I recommend Missing if you enjoy mysteries or romances! A great book in my opinion! :)

*I received this book for free from the publisher for my review. 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.*