"Home to Paradise"

Barbara Cameron

Rose Anna Zook, the youngest of the three Zook sisters, has watched as her two older sisters convinced two of the three Stoltzfus brothers to marry them. So that's what's on her mind for John. the youngest Stoltzfus brother, but he is having too much fun living in the English world driving a truck and doesn't want to return to the Amish community.  He especially doesn't want to marry. Also, he doesn't get along with his dad, so Rose Anna doesn't think he will ever return to the community. She is determined, however, and starts trying to manipulate things to reach the outcome she desires. But circumstances never really turn out s we wish, or do they?

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I enjoyed this book very much. The author reviewed the background with us, which was beneficial if we had not read the previous books, or had not read them in a long time.

This story shows us how powerful love can be.

It also has an Amish to English glossary & Amish recipes.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

"An Amish Family Christmas"

Shelley Shepard Gray

Book number four in the Charmed Amish Life Series focuses on Levi Kensinger.  Ever since his father died in a tragic fire, Levi has felt at odds with himself.  He returns to Charm to find he doesn't really fit into his old life and with his brothers and sisters.

He finds a sense of purpose when Julia Kemp, his young widowed neighbor, asks for help with a Christmas project.  Julia & her daughter Penny could us a friend and Levi is happy to oblige.  But something about Julia doesn't ring true, but Levi isn't quite sure what.

Penny has been led to believe her father is dead.  But is he?  What will happen when Penny & Levi discover the truth?  Will Julia have to run again for her & Penny to be safe?

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Is this really the last book in the Charmed Amish Life series? We need more in this series!  I love how she shows that faith is necessary to survive in this broken world & realities of life.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

Read more about the book here.  

"A Sister's Wish"

Shelley Shepard Gray

A Sister's Wish is book three in the Charmed Amish Life series.  This book focuses on Amelia & Simon.  Simon Hochstetter had always bee known as the community bad boy.  He was forced out of the Amish community, along with his older brother and sister, because of their abusive father.

Simon returns to the Amish community repentant of his past; he discovers Amelia still has feelings for him.  Lukas, Amelia's older brother and Simon's best friend, heartily disapproves of the match.  Because of this, and Simon not wanting to sully the innocent and beautiful Amelia, Simon puts an end to their relationship.

But when other suitors arrive at Amelie'as door, Simon begins having second thoughts.  Simon & Amelia have to work through the issues that threaten to pull them apart.

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This is a story of trust and forgiveness.  Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is ourselves.  It tells how we must forgive & forget.  Our past mistakes in order to have a future.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"A Daughter's Dream

Shelly Shepard Gray

  

Rebecca Kinsinger had always dreamed of being a teaching instead of working at the family lumber company.  But when given the opportunity to be in charge of a classroom, she discovers that teaching is hard work and the children don't like her.

She meets Lilly Yoder - a thirteen year old who just lost her parents.  She is being raised by her uncle Jacob.  Rebecca and Jacob develops a friendship.  Will this friendship grow into love?

   

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An easy, enjoyable read when you want something with which to help you relax.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.
 

 

"The Atonement"

Beverly Lewis

Wrapped up in her mistakes of the past and unable to forgive herself and others, Lucy Flaud throws herself into doing volunteer work.  The more she can do, the more she is able to forget what happened during her running around time.  That is until something makes her remember.

Her father begins going to an Englisch grief counseling group at a nearby church.  He becomes friends with an Englisch young man who is curious about the Amish way of life.  Mr. Flaud invites Dale to visit their farm where he meets Lucy.  It looks as if history is going to repeat itself when Dale and Lucy start spending a lot of time together, seemingly to help a homeless young woman and her little boy.  

What about Tobe Glick?  He has loved Lucy forever but she feels she cannot date him because of her past.  Tobe is moving with his family to Colorado.  Will Lucy ever see her friend again?  

Will lucy ever accept God's forgiveness and can she forgive herself?  Read Beverly Lewis' novel and discover what happens when you accept God at His Word.

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I enjoyed this book very much.  I will have to admit that it takes many chapters before you find out what has happened to Lucy and her father.  At times, this was a little frustrating.  I appreciate Mrs.  Lewi's emphasizing the King James Bible in her novel.  This was a great story on God's forgiveness.  I would give this book 5 stars. 

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BETHANY HOUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.  

 

"A Son's Vow"

Shelley Shepard Gray

Three months have passed since the fire at the mill that changed the quiet and peaceful town of Charm, Ohio.  Two families that were once very close have been torn apart.  Two families that both lost their fathers.  Now the children are left to pick up the pieces and try to move on.  But not everyone is able to do that.

Aaron Kurtz has let his grief turn into anger.  An uncontrollable anger where he is hurting his siblings, especially his sister Darla.  Lukas Kinsinger finds out what Aaron is doing and tries to talk to Aaron, but he won't listen.  One day Aaron goes too far and gives Hannah, a neighbor girl, a black eye and in front of witnesses.  Lukas and two other men of the church confront Aaron and try to get him to change his ways and let go of the anger.

Will these two families ever overcome their grief and move on?  Will Darla and Luke be able to start their own family or will they have to keep on trying to hold both of their families together?

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This was a different kind of Amish book.  The Amish are usually portrayed as being so forgiving, no matter what.  But this portrays them as being human, maybe too human.  

I didn't like all the abuse Aaron did, but Aaron finds forgiveness can solve problems.

It did leave out what happened to Hannah when she shows up with a black eye in the company of an English man. That left me hanging.  Maybe that will be addressed in book 2.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

Ties That Bind Book Review

 

"Ties That Bind"

Cindy Woodsmall

For twenty years, Ariana Brenneman has lived in her parents house and followed the Old Amish Ways.  She has two goals in life:  1) to open a cafe, so she can help support her family and 2) to keep other Amish from being lured into the Englisch life by Quill Schalabach.

Quill once held a very special place in Ariana's heart, until he and her best friend, Frieda ran away together.  Even though Ariana now has another beau, she still carries the wound of his betrayal.  Now for some reason he is back.  Probably to help some other Amish leave the fold.  Ariana fears it be her younger sister.

In spite of how things seem, Quill still cares about Ariana and longs to protect her.  But somethings even Quill cannot protect her from.  It seems as if he is helping to turn her life upside down.  Can she ever forgive him?

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This book is an interesting read with many twists and turns and unexpected happenings.  Sometimes it seems as if it may be better not to bring up old mistakes.  

Can't wait to read the next book to see how things turn out!

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BLOGGING FOR BOOKS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

 

"A Wedding At The Orange Blossom Inn"

Shelley Shepard Gray

A wedding brings together two young widowed parents . . . and gives them a second chance at love.
Emma Keim was heartbroken when her husband, Sanford, passed away, leaving her to raise three young daughters alone. Though several years have passed, her relatives have made it no secret that they expect Emma to remain a widow, mourning Sanford indefinitely. But when she meets Jay Hilty—a handsome widower with three young sons of his own—Emma is delighted to have a new friend who understands her struggles. Still, she is dismayed that her family is so opposed to their friendship—and the idea of it ever becoming anything more. She honors her husband’s memory every day, but is she destined to be alone forever?
Emma’s gentleness with Jay’s boys stirs something in his heart that’s been quiet for far too long. But when his oldest son becomes engaged to a local woman, suddenly Jay, Emma, and their children are swept up in wedding preparations. Witnessing his son’s joy, Jay wonders if it’s time for him to move forward, too, and find happiness again.
Once again, love has come to Pinecraft. But can these two parties of four become a happy, healthy family of eight?

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I enjoy the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.  They are an enjoyable read where everything turns out for the best.  A very relaxing book to read when everything around you is going crazy.

Read more about this book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"The Proposal at Siesta Key"

Shelley Shepard Gray

Penny Troyer's parents treat her as if she were four years old instead of twenty-four years old.  She's not allowed to go further than the front porch by herself, much less  enjoy doing the things a twenty-four year woman would do.  She understands why her parents are over protective.  It was all because of the tragedy that happened to her sister twelve years ago.  But Penny can't stand being smothered any longer.  Tonight she is going to defy them and go to hear the famous Michal Knoxx.  

Michal is part of a traveling Mennonite evangelical family.  Michal lost his leg in a terrible accident and uses his experience to inspire others.

An unexpected turn of events pushes Penny & Michael together and Michael begins to wonder if maybe it's time for him to settle down.

But what about Penny's parents?  Will they approve?  What will Michael's parents say he quits traveling with the family?

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This is an easy read, one to enjoy when you need to relax.  It shows that we all need to trust in the Lord no matter what circumstances come into our lives.

Read more about the book here. 

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

 

"Love Letters"
Beverly Lewis

Merlena Wenger is being sent to help her Mennonite grandmother, who has just buried her husband.  She doesn't want to go.  It's not that she doesn't want to help her grandmother, but if she is to marry in the fall, she has to take baptismal classes during the summer.  Now she will have to wait another whole year.  She wonders if her parents have an ulterior motive in sending her away, maybe to get her away from Nat, her Old Amish Order beau.  

While there, Merlena starts her own search for God and His will for her life.  She feels that His will includes taking care of her deceased sister's baby.  Her sister who turned away from Plain life and went fancy. But Nat doesn't think Marlena should care for the child because she is "an Englischer".  Marlena tells Nat that she believes it is what the Lord wants her to do, so he ends their relationship.

Her heart really breaks wen Gordon, who was missing in action, shows up to claim his daughter.  What does the Lord have in store for Marlena now and will her breaking heart ever mend?

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This book was sad at times, but very heartwarming.  It showed how we must let go and let God control our lives.  Beverly Lewis always writes a captivating story that you cannot put down until it is finished.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BETHANY HOUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"The Promise of Palm Grove"

Shelley Shepard Gray

Leona must decide: Does she follow the path set out before her? Or take a chance with only the promise of what could be to guide her?

A young Amish woman finds herself torn between the man she’s pledged to wed and the man her heart desires in this heartwarming story of chance, duty, and choice in the face of love—the first volume in the beloved New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.

Amish bride-to-be Leona is thrilled to be in Florida, on a mini-vacation in the pretty town of Pinecraft. Her girlfriends think she’s happy because she’s away from the stress of wedding planning. They have no idea that Leona’s real joy is in being away from her fiancé.

Edmund is a good man, and will make a decent husband . . . just not for Leona. The more time she spends with him and his overbearing ways, the less she wants to be his wife. Her cousins are sure Edmund is the right man for her-and their certainty makes Leona begin to doubt herself. But when a chance encounter with a wayward cat brings her face-to-face with a handsome, fun-loving Amish man named Zachary Kauffman, Leona’s faced with two vastly different futures.

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This was an enjoyable and easy to read book.  I like it when I'm able to read a book that isn't complicated and hard to understand or to keep up with.  The places in the book were places that actually exist and that is something I've always enjoyed.  

I can't wait to read the next book and find out what else is going to happen.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

 

"Anna's Crossing"

Suzanne Woods Fisher

April 15th, 1737, Rotterdam Germany, Anna sets foot on the ship The Charming Nancy.  Even though she doesn't want to leave her family and community of Amish believers, she is going out of duty because she alone can speak English.  She had heard horror stories of ocean voyages, but is still going to America for freedom to worship.

On board ship they face many hardships and discomforts, even death.  But they are trusting in God to see them through.  They even gave half of their water to a slave ship they encountered on the high seas.  

The ship's carpenter, Bairn, resents the "Peculiar People", as the deck hands call the Amish.  But Anna's faith and trust in God begins to chip away at his hard exterior.  

Anna cannot understand what is happening to her heart.  How can she be falling for someone outside of her Amish faith? she knows that this is forbidden.

Join Anna on this journey of life and death and see how God works things out when we trust Him.

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I had a difficult time getting drawn into this book and becoming interested.  Once the story was underway and the ship out to sea, I found it easier to follow.  There were a few surprises, twists and turns along the way.  There were also a few crude happenings that I didn't think were necessary to the furtherance of the story line.  I was able to understand the discomforts and hardships without these images in my mind.  It did stop and make me think about what the pilgrims, puritans and immigrants endured to have freedom in America.  

The author did research and many of the instances that happened in the book were indeed fact.  There was a ship names The Charming Nancy.  Immigrants were taken advantage of and swindled because of their language barrier.  They trusted the wrong people who only wanted their money.  

If you read this book, read the notes from the author at the end of the book. 

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"An Amish Second Christmas"

Beth Wiseman, Ruth Reid, Kathleen Fuller, Tricia Goyer

In the Amish community, Second Christmas is a time of family, fun and tradition.  These four short stories illustrate this.

"When Christmas Comes Again" by Beth Wiseman
Katherine and her children are facing their first Christmas without Elias, husband and father.  She knows it is going to be hard.  A mysterious "Englischer" appears with photographs of her late husband and even though the Amish frown on pictures of themselves she comes to treasure them.  But who is this "Englischer" and how does he know all about them?  

Read this story to find how a potentially sad Christmas contains many blessings.

"Her Christmas Pen Pal" by Ruth Reid

Joy had been expecting a wedding proposal from Henry, but she catches him with another young woman.  Heartbroken, she writes her cousin in another community and pours out her heart to her.  But her letters are mistakenly delivered to a young cabinetmaker.  Or are they?  Joy and he correspond and things become interesting fast. 

Will she recover from her broken heart?  Will she ever forgive the cabinet maker for reading her confessions?

"A Gift for Anne Marie" by Kathleen Fuller

Anne Marie and Nathaniel have been best friends since they were kids.  But everyone else sees them as boyfriend and girlfriend.  Then Anne Marie's best girl friend, Ruth, confides that the likes Nathaniel and wants her to put a "bug" in her ear.  Anne Marie does, but doesn't understand why she is bothered by this.  Her mom surprises her by deciding to remarry in another state.  

How will this seemingly mixed up situation end?

"The Christmas Aprons" by Tricia Goyer

Esther's "mem" has always been known for her vanilla crumb pie.  Her recipe has always been a secret, until Esther is finally given the recipe by accident or on purpose?  Because she discovers that the pie is more than just a dessert...it's a bachelor bait.  

Read this story to see if Esther is able to hook her fish or does she let him get away in spite of her bait.

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I enjoyed all of these stories very much.  Sometimes it is nice to be able to read a short story at one sitting.  Especially when you are too busy to become involved in a book.  This book contains reading group ideas and the Old Order Amish Recipes for the dishes mentioned.

Read more about the book here. 

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BOOK LOOK BLOGGERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Becoming Bea"

Leslie Gould

Beatrice Look shies away from people and would rather read poetry than anything.  She is also quick to let others know how she feels ans is often very critical of others.  But she begins to learn patience and kindness while helping a family overwhelmed by the arrival of triplets.

However, there is one person she doubts she will ever find peace with, Ben Rupp.  They have known each other for ever.  They both share a love of reading and are also constantly bickering.  But beneath all this bickering, an attraction awaits.  Can they put aside those hostile feelings so their real feelings can shine through?  Or is their relationship damaged beyond repair?

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Interesting story line.  Somehow not enough of the true spirit of the Amish was present.  I don't understand how they could carry a grudge from their grade school spelling bee.  

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

 "Joyful"

Shelley Shepard Gray

The Beiler children had been orphaned for many years.  One by one the older children had found a mate and moved to start their own home.  So now the responsibility of the farm and the younger children had fallen on Randall Beiler's shoulders.  He will sacrifice, even his own chance for love and happiness to take care of them.  So he breaks up with Elizabeth.  He isn't doing a very good job of it though, especially at cooking and cleaning.  His younger brother hires Elizabeth to be their housekeeper, because she is also struggling, trying to support her & her grandmother.  

What happens when Randall comes to find Elizabeth in his kitchen?

Does Randall really love Elizabeth or does he just need a housekeeper?

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This books reminds us that pride goes before a fall.  Also to help our neighbors and doing for others has its rewards.  

Read more about the book  here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

 

"Woman of Courage"

Wanda E. Brunstetter

Amanda Pearson, a young lady of the Quaker faith, must rely on that faith to see her through some different and trying circumstances.  Jilted by her fiance, she gives up on romance and decides she will be a missionary to the Nez Perce Indians.  But to get there she must make a 3,000 miles journey that is fraught with danger.  

Set in the 1800's, this is a thrilling story of a young lady's faith and trust in God, as she is a witness to those around her.  Also, her fiance shows back up in her life wanting her to take him back, but Amanda has another love in her life.  Which will she choose? 

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This is a well written story of faith and trust in God. It is filled with adventure and just a touch of romance and shows what happens when you trust in the Lord.

 Read more about the book here.  

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM HANDLEBAR FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"The Revealing"

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Eagle Hill is home to many secrets.  Secrets which if told, would cause trouble for many people.  Mim Schock, though only 14 years old, is wise beyond her years, which she proves every time the Stoney Ridge Times put out an edition.  She is the widely read Mrs. Miracle.  Her columns is so popular that the editor wants to put it into syndication.  But there is two things wrong:  one, she is supposed to be eighteen years old and two, the Bishop would definitely not approve.

Also, Naomi King has been secretly sneeking on an hour-and-a-half bus ride to visit Tobe Schrock in prison. 

A mysterious young woman arrives at the Inn with an unexpected delivery for Tobe.  

There is also a person sneaking around and claiming to a relative of the Sisters.  He has even moved into an upstairs room.  

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This book brought a surprising conclusion to the series where love and faith triumph.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

 

 

                 "A Mother's Secret"

                      Amy Clipston

Carolyn Lapp lives everyday in a veil of shame of what happened 15 years ago.  Her parents and God have forgiven her, but it seems as if her brother won't let her forget it.  He tells her she is a burden to her parents and needs to marry.  He tries to set her up with a widower who needs a mother for his daughter. Also, her brothers' twins pick on her son and are constantly getting into mischief and getting Benjamin blamed for it.

Carolyn wants to marry for love and thinks she has found someone, but he thinks Benjamin is her nephew not her son.  

Will true love conquer all?

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Carolyn had a sad situation which was made even sadder by her brother and his children.  Also, her father took the brother's side in things which is the case too many times in life.  But her mother loved her and saw how things really were.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Forever Amish"

Kate Lloyd

Sally Bingham has some things she needs to sort through and rethink her upcoming marriage.  So she heads to Amish country, but for some reason her father doesn't want her to go.  She ends up staying in the home of an Amish women's named Lizzie.  Lizzie needs Sally's help to get her own thinking straight before she messes up her life.  She meets a handsome Amish man, Armin, who intrigues her.  But then other secrets come out  and Sally's life is changed forever. 

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I enjoyed this book very much.  It shows that forgiving and loving your family is God's plan for your life.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

Read more about the book here.

              "Thankful"
       Shelly Shepard Gray

Orphaned at age 10, Aden Reese was taken in by Christina's parents who raised him as one of their own.  Even before the day when Christina fell through the ice and almost drown but Aden saved her life, Christina had been special to him.  Neither one regarded the other as a sibling which is how Christina's parents looked at them.  Not understanding Christina's reluctance to "court" they keep pushing her into it.  Aden, not wanting to repay their kindness by revealing his feelings for Christina, moves out of the house upsetting everyone.  Even though they are no longer seeing each other every day neither can forget the other.  So will Aden ever tell his true feelings?

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I enjoyed this book very much and can't wait for the next one!  Books with happy endings are always a favorite!  

 I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

Read more about the book here.