Another Fantastic Read by One of My Favorite Authors, Vannetta Chapman!

An Amish Proposal for Christmas 

By Vannetta Chapman

Synopsis:

Her deepest Christmas wish will bring more than she imagined…in this novel by USA TODAY bestselling author Vannetta Chapman.

The only way she’ll find home

is by leaving it…

The one thing Becca Yoder loves more than Christmas is her dream of leaving her Amish community and traveling the world. Becca has her father’s reluctant permission to leave—if she trains Gideon Fisher to run the family’s enormous outdoor market. But Gideon is homesick for Texas. Can Becca make him fall in love with her hometown…without falling for the handsome bachelor herself?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Indiana Amish Market

Book 1: An Amish Proposal for Christmas
Book 2: Her Amish Adversary

My Thoughts:

Vannetta has been one of my favorite authors for quite some time! I have loved each and every book that she has lovingly created, from the Amish genre to the Futuristic. Her unique style of storytelling grabs one’s interest immediately and keeps the reader totally engrossed from start to finish. This book is the first in a new series entitled “Indiana Amish Market”. It lived up to my expectations as had every other of Vannetta’s novels.

Characters are so vividly described that you are pulled into their lives experiencing each challenge, joyful and heartbreaking experience.  Daniel is certainly NOT what you would expect. A quiet Amish farmer is not what he is! Nor is Becca the typical Amish girl! I loved the spunky attitude that Becca displayed over and over again! Daniel was quite an individual! He had his own opinion and had no desire to change! 

The plot moves quickly as Becca encounters one obstacle after another , keeping her from “discovering the world”. Will Daniel help her achieve her goals or will she remain in her “boring” existence?

This is a five star novel, not to be missed!! I can hardly wait for book two in this series!

I received this book as a gift and was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.

Laurie Stroup Becoming Another Favorite Author!

Pockets of Peace

By Laurie Stroup

Synopsis:

 Five years after an unexpected pregnancy forces Lydia Byler to make difficult decisions, she is offered a job helping Birdie Miller manage her bed and breakfast in Pinecraft. Single, shunned, and desperate for a fresh start, Lydia agrees to relocate and reunites with the handsome Wesley Hochstetler.

Wesley has only ever had eyes for Lydia. Though their paths have crossed many times over the years, they never discussed the possibility of spending forever together. When she moves to town, he believes it’s God’s will for them to pursue a romantic relationship. But he doesn’t know about her pregnancy or the adoption that followed.

Inspired by a letter from the child’s adoptive parents, Lydia sews a pocket quilt for the boy. She learns he and his family will soon visit Pinecraft, and the burden of her secret becomes too much to bear. 

My Thoughts:

Laurie Stroup has very quickly become one of my favourite authors of Amish fictionl. She has a unique stoirytelling talent that keeps one engaged in her story, from beginning to end. I was immediately drawn into the lives of Lydia, Wesley and Birdie , walking along side them in their journey of life , feeling their every challenge, hurt and joy. The characters were so vividly described that a reader can easily identify with them. 

The sensitive topic of adoption was dealt with such understanding and care. This is so close to my heart, as we adopted our daughter. The decisions being made by Lydia  hit close to home. Her confusion and broken heart were felt as if she was my best friend. Keeping the birth of a baby and the adoption a secret was dealt with in an extremely delicate and caring manner. 

As a quilter, the idea of a Pocket Quilt appealed to me and left me with the desire to make more of them. I have made one for a cancer victim , however, now I feel that it is even more important to give others the gift of love . 

I highly recommend this book to all readers, not just  to those who love Amish fiction. It is unique in its tackling of delicate subjects. Although it can be read as a stand alone, I would suggest you read the first two in this series. The characters appear in all of the books. It becomes a meeting of old friends as you read.

A five star book!!!

Don't miss it!!

The feelings and thoughts expressed are honest and my own, I received this an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the author.

Another Fabulous Read From Popular Author, Beth Wiseman!! Just released today!!

                

"The Bookseller's Promise"

                 By Beth Wiseman

Synopsis: 

In  the first novel of Beth Wiseman’s new Amish Bookstore series, a rare, old book may hold answers to a present-day romance.

Yvonne Wilson arrives in Montgomery, Indiana, determined to purchase a rare book on behalf of a client willing to pay her an absurd amount of money for her efforts. Engaged to be married in a few months, Yvonne is thrown off guard when she finds herself attracted to the handsome bookstore owner, Jake Lantz—and now she’s asking herself unexpected questions about her future.

Jake Lantz made a promise to his grandfather to never sell the book Yvonne wants to buy, and it’s a promise he plans to keep. Jake begins to read the book with Eva, one of his employees, and Eva sees this time together as a way to get Jake to see her in a new light. Eva’s loved him for years but senses Yvonne’s attraction to Jake right away—and she wonders how Jake feels about Yvonne, an attractive English woman determined to stay in Montgomery until she convinces Jake to sell the rare book.

As Yvonne’s, Jake’s, and Eva’s individual paths merge into something more than they could have imagined, each must face decisions they never anticipated. Will Jake ultimately break his promise to his grandfather? Will Yvonne leave the quaint life she’s been living in Amish Country to go back to her fiancé? And will Eva be able to get Jake to see her as more than a friend? The answers just might be buried within the pages of a rare book.

My Thoughts:

Once again, Beth Wiseman has written a novel that speaks to the heart and soul. It is the first in a new series entitled, "Amish Bookstore". Although labeled as Amish Fiction, this book will appeal to all readers who wish to be completely immersed in tale of richly and realistically described characters. These individuals grab you and pull you into their lives , enabling you to truly experience every trial and challenge with which they cope.  I felt as though all of these characters became my best friends, sometimes making me giggle and other times shed a tear. Beth manages to bring the world of The Amish together with that of the Englischers in an imaginative yet realistic manner. The plot is full of twists and turns, involving mystery as well as romance. This novel is one not to be missed!! The master storyteller has done it once again! A five star book!

This book was provided by NetGalley. The thoughts expressed are honest and my own.

A Great New Read from Popular Author, Vannetta Chapman!!

 An Amish Baby for Christmas

By Vannetta Chapman                   

Synopsis:

With a baby on the way…

can this struggling widow save her home?

In danger of losing her farm after her husband’s death, Abigail Yutzy needs help—even if she can’t afford it. At her bishop's insistence, property manager Thomas Albrecht pitches in to aid the pregnant widow. With his troubled past and her shattered heart, their arrangement must stay business only. But their uneasy holiday alliance might just heal both their hearts

My Thoughts:

Vannetta has once again created a meaningful, heartwarming tale in The Amish fiction genre, Book 8 in the Indiana Amish Brides Series. This book will keep the reader deeply involved with all of the main characters. Abigal tugs at your heartstrings as she struggles as a young widow and mother to be. Along with there  challenges of being left alone, Abigail discovers that her husband has left her finances in a dire state. How can the future ever be bright?? Along comes Thomas, a property manager, who decides he must help this dear lady .Thomas is also fighting his own battles within.  Both characters are so vividly described that one can easily identify with each one. I found myself walking alongside them in their journey , feeling every hurt and joy.

The plot moves quickly with many ups and downs, unexpected events popping up. This book is a quick read but full of action, causing one to examine what is really important in life. 

This is a charming Christmas story that one can enjoy , while sitting near a flaming fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate. 

Five stars for this great novel!

This book was received from NetGalley . The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own

A New Beth Wiseman Novel !! FANTASTIC!

 "A Season of Change"    

   By Beth Wiseman

Synopsis:

Finding peace means letting go of the past—and embracing the change that is to come. 

Sisters Esther and Lizzie have a new employee, Rose Petersheim, to help them tend to The Peony Inn. But their old matchmaking ways have stayed the same. The sisters focus their efforts on the lovely twenty-five-year-old Rose. Though Rose is witty and outspoken, her nervous chattering makes her the best match for someone calm and good at listening. Someone like Benjamin—the handsome handyman who recently moved to town. 

But when Esther receives an anonymous love letter and flowers, Rose’s love life is no longer the only one capturing the sisters’ attention. As they sleuth around searching for Esther’s secret admirer, they uncover that their grumpy renter, Gus, has a secret of his own that could bring about a difficult change in all their lives. And their continued meddling in Rose’s affairs reveals she, too, is hiding something—an old wound that could threaten her future happiness. 

As Rose, Lizzie, Esther, and Gus struggle to release the weight of their pasts, they discover that although people are complicated, love doesn’t need to be. 

This charming third installment of the Amish Inn series from bestselling author Beth Wiseman is a picture of loss and healing in which forgiveness will prove to be the greatest act of love.

My Thoughts:

This book is the third in Beth Wiseman's "The Amish Inn" series , reconnecting readers with the Peony Inn and its quirky, humorous owners, Lizzie and Esther as well as the cranky old man, Gus and Rose, the young woman who is never short of words! What a delightful read!! This novel is Amish fiction at its best! Beth's unique style of storytelling grabs the reader and immediately pulls one into the lives of these dear folks allowing us to experience their adventures alongside them.  The characters are so realistically and well described that one easily identifies with each of them. 

The plot is fast moving with unexpected surprises constantly cropping up. I could not put this book down once I started to read!! Humor  had me laughing out loud at times, while other situations had me near tears. The message of forgiveness and redemption comes through loud and clear throughout this story. It was certainly a roller coaster ride as I followed Rose and Benjamin's developing romance as well as that of two dear older individua

Definitely, a five star book!! This author has done it again, written another winning novel!!

I  received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.

“Dead Set” , another fabulous read by Vannetta Chapman !!!

                                “  Dead Set” 

             By Vannetta Chapman

Synopsis: 

t was supposed to be a simple remodel.

She didn’t plan on finding buried treasure…or looking down the barrel of a gun.

Agatha Lapp is elated when Channel 4 News decides to run a feature story on Amish businesses. The extra publicity should guarantee even more success for her Plain and Simple B&B, especially after she’s finished with the remodel. The cameras are rolling live when Agatha raises the rubber mallet and punches the first hole in her living room wall. That’s when things get complicated…

Hidden inside the wall is a diamond-studded belt buckle stolen twenty years earlier. The police return the buckle to the owners and refuse to re-open the case. The public is convinced more stolen goods are hidden at Agatha’s. When overzealous treasure hunters break into the B&B and a dead body is found half a mile down the road, Agatha knows she needs to take this investigation into her own hands.

With the help of a retired detective and her best friend, Agatha sets out to solve the mystery of the Lost Texas Treasures and find a killer. Their chase leads them through the Texas Hill Country to the famed YO Ranch where Agatha finds herself looking down the barrel of a gun. Suddenly, she’s no longer worried about a remodel. She just wants to live through this showdown.

My Thoughts:

I have to admit when the release of a new book by a favourite author is announced, the excitement builds and builds. THEN ... I am given the opportunity to get an advance copy and review the book!!  What more can an avid reader want?  Vannetta Chapman is an author who never fails to excel in her unique storytelling style! Dead Set is no  exception!  If you want to read a novel that immediately pulls you into the lives of quirky, complicated characters, this is a read that you don't want to miss!! This is the third book of  the series, "Agatha's Amish B and B " cozy mysteries, although it can easily be read as a standalone. I did feel that after reading the first two, I was revisiting old friends. 

The characters are exceptionally well developed thus making them  quickly become your new friends.  Agatha was a favourite of mine. This woman might be Amish however she is certainly a unique member of the Plain People. Her adventures are one of a kind!! I was pulled right into her live and walked alongside her through her challenges, fears and joys. 

The plot moves quickly with unexpected surprises throughout!  Just when you think you have the mystery figured out, another complication arises that shocks the reader! 

I absolutely loved this novel. Definitely, a five star book!! Admittedly, I lost a night's sleep as once I started reading, I could NOT put this book down!!

This book was received from the author as a gift. The opinions expressed are honest and my own,. 

BEWARE!! Once you begin this book, you will not be able to put it down until you have read the last page!!!!

“An Unlikely Match"

                                By Beth Wiseman  

Synopsis:

When sparks fly between a good Amish girl and a hunky member of the Hollywood elite, even matchmaking innkeepers Esther and Lizzie know better than to fan the flames. 

Evelyn Schrock has dismissed the attempts of every young man in her small Amish community to court her. She’s willing to wait for a suitor who shares her curiosities about life and faith. 

The only reason Jayce Clarkson is in Amish country hefting equipment for his famous father’s movie production company is for the paycheck. The homestyle cooking at the Peony Inn is a perk though, as is his friendship with Evelyn Schrock. If Jayce can endure his dad’s put-downs for a month, he’ll finally be in a position to make a fresh start—somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and the shadow of his checkered past. 

To matchmakers Esther and Lizzie, the widowed sisters who operate the inn, Jayce seems like a good man stuck in a life he doesn’t want. But the boy isn’t Amish, and that leaves far too much room for broken hearts. Despite that, Jayce and Evelyn start to realize that they can’t deny their growing attraction. Any path forward seems impossible, and they will have to learn what the future will look like when they leave their fate in Gott’s hands. 

MyThoughts:

Beth Wiseman is a master storyteller, as once again proven in her newest book, "An Unlikely Match", Book Two in "The Amish Inn Series", taking place at The Peony Inn in Indiana.  This novel is classed as Amish Fiction, however it is far from the norm for this genre! The Amish meet Hollywood.... just how different is that!! If you are looking for just the regular  Amish genre of girl meets boy then this book is not for you! 

Beth has used her unique talent of including the most unexpected events and subjects in a way that captures the reader’s interest and makes you at once become part of the characters’ lives! All of the characters are descibed so vividly and realistically that you easily identify with them. This author has a special talent in adding humour in her stories with the many unusual, quirky personalities . I have to say that I loved both Esther and Lizzie, who took the problems of the world in their rather inept hands. 

The plot moved quickly with many twists and turns, keeping the reader totally engaged. How can an Amish girl be so attracted to a handsome, rich Englischer? Would it ever work?? Can Lizzie and Esther influence the final decision?? 

This book is one that I will be rereading again and again. Definitely a five star book!! 

This book was supplied by NetGalley. The opinions and thoughts expressed are honest and my own.