25 Book Reviews

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Nancy Mehl writes another winning novel!!

"Blind Betrayal"
  By Nancy Mehl

Synopsis:



Deputy U.S. Marshal Casey Sloane has worked at the St. Louis Marshals office for two years and is given a routine assignment to help transport a reporter to D.C. to testify before a grand jury. Valerie, the reporter, was writing a story about an up-and-coming environmentalist who suddenly disappeared and, she later discovered, whose backers purportedly have ties to a terrorist.

When the seemingly ordinary assignment suddenly takes a shocking turn, Casey is forced to put aside her own feelings about the unexpected reappearance of a man from her past as she and two other Marshals take Valerie on the run. And as it becomes dangerously clear Valerie's testimony has even bigger implications than they knew, they'll do whatever it takes to make it out alive.


My Thoughts:

Nancy wraps up her Defenders of Justice series with a definite "heart in your throat" kind of terror!!   I found myself on the edge of my seat from the first chapter, until I read the last page of this book!! All I can say is ,  "WOW!"  If you love romantic suspense, this is a book that you just can't miss reading!! A clean Christian book that will keep you up long after bedtime! I could not put this book down! Although this is the third book in the series, it can easily be enjoyed as a stand alone. 

The author has a unique talent of describing her main characters in such a realistic, detailed way that you immediately identify with them and feel their every fear and challenge. To say I became one with each of them is to put it mildly! Their fears and terrors became mine!! The age old question, which should come first, duty or family, is one that the reader ponders as the plot progresses. The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns  that the reader is held captive from the first to the last page. 

Now, I am eagerly awaiting Nancy Mehl's next new series!! 

This is definitely a five star book!!

I received this book as a gift. The opinions and thoughts expressed are honest and my own.

Introducing a Great New Series by Barbara Cameron!! Amish Fiction lovers will be delighted!!

              "Seeds Of Hope"
         By Barbara Cameron

Synopsis:  

Miriam Troyer has had a secret crush on Mark Byler since she was a teenager, but she knows they can never have a relationship: Mark is a big-city attorney and an Englischer. Her Amish community is too far removed from all he knows--and she loves her quiet way of life.

Mark has always loved his visits to his grandfather's farm, but he's convinced the Amish life isn't for him. There's so much of the world to see and experience, and the excitement of his successful law practice can't be matched by the slow pace of life found back home in the country.

But when things go wrong and his firm distances itself from him to try to save themselves, Mark finds himself back at his grandfather's farm. Could life in this simple world be worth living after all? Especially when the teenager he remembers has grown into a woman that could be his future. Suddenly, these two people whose lives seem so far apart may get a chance to really see each other for the first time.    

 My Thoughts:    

Barbara Cameron's new series, "Harvest of Hope" , has started off with a delightful, sweet romance. Since I am a lover of Amish fiction, this new book was one that I just knew that I MUST read. I have enjoyed all of Barbara's tales and this one was no disappointment. This author has a great understanding of the Amish community and their beliefs and although she addresses challenges that are encountered, does so in a sensitive, respectful manner. 

Miriam and Mark, the main characters, were described in such a realistic, detailed manner, that you immediately became part of their lives. For me, a great book is one that has me easily identify with the characters and this need was met in the very first chapter.  Two very different worlds had to come together and blend in order for a romance to develop. As fans of this genre realise , it is extremely rare for a non Amish person to be able to join this particular faith. It is a totally different way of life!!  The reaction of the members of the community also make this an almost impossible challenge. But..... can God bring together two young people, despite the roadblocks that appear in their path of life???

The plot moves slowly but steadily towards the goal . Faith in the power of God's will keeps the characters strong on their rocky road of life. Despite unexpected difficulties, they maintain their positive approach and keep their eyes on the Lord. 

This is the perfect summer read!! Positive vibes within a sweet romance that is challenged every step of the way! Shows us so clearly how God plants the seed of hope and we can help them grow by following Him!!


This book was received as a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own. 

About the author:


Barbara Cameron has a heart for writing about the spiritual values and simple joys of the Amish. She is the best-selling author of more than 40 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies, and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Her books have been nominated for Carol Awards and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award from RWA's Faith, Hope, and Love chapter. Barbara resides in Jacksonville, Florida.


               

Friday, May 25, 2018

Book One in a New Series by a Master Storyteller, Caryl McAdoo!! Be sure to enter the author's giveaway!!


          John David's Calling

            By Caryl McAdoo


About the Book:


itle: John David’s Calling
Author: Caryl McAdoo
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: May, 2018
When much is given, much is required.
Everything comes easy to David Nightingale. The favored son of Cypress Springs comes of age in the Texas Hill Country with one foot in PawPaw’s Church of Christ and the other in Gramp’s Holiness Church. He loves tilling the soil, traipsing the back woods varmint hunting, and most of all Hannah Claire. But the Lord calls him to leave everything. Will he choose to follow or succumb to his love for Hannah? If he stays, can he have it all?
My Thoughts:
Caryl McAdoo has a very special way of story telling that is unique in its ability to touch your heart appealing to your innermost soul. The Christian values that are stressed in each novel are ones that we all need to remember and live accordingly. 

Although this is a new book beginning The Revivalist series, the author has managed to pull in characters from previous novels. This book is a standalone, but also pleases those who are already familiar with the Nightingale family and have wanted to know what the future held for them. 

The characters are ones that are so vividly described that you are easily drawn into their lives, enabling you to walk alongside them in their rather bumpy  path of life. John David is a strong Christian man, who has a past that he is not proud of. Through no fault of his own, he started out with a black mark against him. However, being the strong man that he is and with the help of others, he becomes a man with high values and ambitions, all to follow the Lord's direction. He was definitely a man with strong morals and his only desire is to follow God's plan, which he determines will lead him to the mission field. Sounds simple, doesn't it?! Well, it may have been , but we all know how life likes to throw obstacles in the way when life is going smoothly. Entering John David's life is a lovely young woman, Hannah. A loving relationship develops but a rather giant roadblock appears in their path. Hannah wants nothing more than to marry , have babies, a good marriage BUT there is no room for the mission field in what she believes is her perfect future!
What will John David do?? Will he leave this newfound love to follow the Lord?? If God wants him to forsake all and do His will in Africa, will Hannah change her mind!! Can Satan win this game. luring John David away from his calling?  Can faith carry this young couple through these extreme challenging times??


The plot , although at times, seemed to move slowly, advanced at a steady pace. There were just enough twists and turns to keep the reader engrossed from beginning to end of the story. There was time to think and reflect on the difficulties this young couple faced. What would I do?? Would I have the strength to remain a strong follower of Christ?  

Faith and following God's plan is the underlying theme throughout this tale. Caryl McAdoo manages to instil the desire to follow Christ into each reader!

This book was received as a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own. I was not required to post a positive review. 
Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and a quick scroll through her novels’ rankings by Christian readers attests to the Father’s faithfulness. She loves writing almost as much as singing the new songs He gives her—look her up on YouTube to hear a few. Her high school sweetheart husband won her heart fifty-two years ago, and now they share four children and seventeen grandsugars. Ron and Caryl live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

Guest Post from Caryl McAdoo

At just one-year-old, David John Prescott sat on the hip of his mother, Sandra Louise Harris Prescott in the end of CHIEF OF SINNERS, book ten (and last) of my Texas Romance Family Saga series. His biological father, Buddy Nightingale walked away from them both, choosing obedience to God over the love of his life and his son.
Staunch Church of Christ believers, his mother’s parents took in the baby while her guilt took her to Dallas and eventually France to oversee the care of her mentally deranged husband Harry Prescott. So David grew up in the Texas Hill Country, well loved and cared for, with his mother visiting as often as she can.
David’s paternal grandfather, Nathaniel Nightingale (from Texas Romance’s book eight and nine COVERING LOVE and MIGHTY TO SAVE)—once a famous tent preacher with a healing ministry—has been close, quitting the road to pastor a nearby Holiness Church. As David grows, he sees him occasionally when his father Buddy visits from Alabama and Gramps always came to watch him play sports.
From a long line of people who love the Lord, I thought to write a trilogy titled THE REVIVALIST. JOHN DAVID’S CALLING is book one.
At fourteen years of age, David stepped in to rescue a little third grader being bullied and instantly became her hero. As Hannah Claire grew, doting on him, making him gifts and cards, swooning, she won him over, and PawPaw allowed him to visit her church one Sunday a month.
The second book in the Trilogy will be HANNAH’S WILDERNESS, and then I’ll wrap up their stories with book three, KING DAVID’S TABERNACLE.
I’ve so enjoyed these characters—the Buckmeyers, Baylors, and Nightingales—I find it hard put them on the shelf. They’re like family. I’ve even got one story started that’s a contemporary called THE KING OF TEXAS, with Patrick Henry the III as hero.
As all are written to stand alone, it’s never necessary for readers to know all the ancestors to enjoy JOHN DAVID’S CALLING or any of the series really—though I’m pretty certain reading the Family Saga in order would be the best! So if you love David’s book, you might want to go back to VOW UNBROKEN, book one and read all ten. I think you’re sure to love them all!
One thing I love about this JOHN DAVID’S CALLING is that it takes place in my days. I graduated high school in 1968, same as David, so he lives through the same times as me! That’s really been fun. But I must say I do resent it being called a historical a little J LOL
As always, I pray my story gives God glory and that its readers will be drawn closer to Him through it. He blesses me and highly favors me daily. I cannot thank or praise Him enough! Thank you for reading my stories!

Blog Stops

Quiet Quilter, May 25
Simple Harvest Reads, May 28 (Spotlight)
Bigreadersite, May 31
Artistic Nobody, June 5 (Spotlight)
Carpe Diem, June 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away
GRAND PRIZE : $50 Amazon Gift Card 1st Prize: THREE Choice-of-Caryl’s Titles (print–US only or ebook) 2nd-4th: ebook of JOHN DAVID’S CALLING 5th-7th: print copy VOW UNBROKEN 8th-10th: $5 Amazon gift cards!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cee1/john-david-s-calling-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Quilting and the Amish! What could make a better story!!

"The Amish Quilter"
By Mindy Starns Clark
     Leslie Gould

Synopsis:

A gifted young quilter... a successful artist... the life-changing revelation that threatens to tear them apart...
Linda Mueller lives an orderly, uneventful existence, content to divide her time between creating the beautiful quilts for which she is known and working at an Englisch fabric shop.
Idealistic to a fault, Linda has never found a man worth marrying—until she meets Isaac Mast, a newcomer to Lancaster County and a talented painter. As they bond over their respective crafts, Linda is drawn to Isaac's kind ways, humble spirit, and intriguing personality, and soon the seams of her carefully-constructed world begin to loosen.
With Isaac's help, she explores the story of her late grandmother, also a gifted artist. But when an astonishing truth comes to light, Linda faces a grave decision, one that could destroy any hope of a future with Isaac. Will their dreams of a life together completely unravel? Or can she find some way to stitch them back together again?

My Thoughts:

These two authors are quilters of words!! Together they stitch the words together to develop a fantastic story of a wonderful young lady who manages to use her talents alongside a talented painter to  find romance while keeping to the very strict rules of the Amish.  If you know anything about  the Amish faith, you realize that  being proud of one's talents is greatly frowned upon. Painting and creating are not talents that are encouraged. However, both Linda and Isaac manage to create within the confines of the community. These two main characters  are so realistic and well described that you immediately become engrossed in their lives. Isaac is a kind soul who strives to help Linda solve some very strange mysteries.  The Amish are not exempt from problems and challenges as this story shows us. 

The plot flows easily between the past and the present keeping the reader involved until the last page of the book is read. There are many unexpected twists and turns .  These two authors managed to show  that Amish lives are far from perfect. They went below the surface to show us how individuals can still follow their faith while living their dreams. Difficult but not impossible.

 This book is definitely worthy of five stars!!  Not your typical girl meets guy love story!!  Don't miss this adventure. 

This book was received as a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own./

Vannetta Chapman Writes Another Winning Novel in "The Amish Bishop Mysteries"!

  "Who the Bishop Knows"
      By Vannetta Chapman      

Synopsis:   

What You Don't See Might Hurt You
Every year, residents of the small Amish community in Monte Vista, Colorado, look forward to the Ski Hi Stampede, the state's oldest professional rodeo. The rodeo is always good, clean entertainment for the hardworking farmers of the San Luis Valley. But this year, the Stampede turns deadly for one Amish man. Did rodeo fans see an unfortunate accident? Or something more sinister?

Amish bishop Henry Lapp is known far and wide for his uncanny ability to draw and remember the smallest details of anything he's seen, skills that have served him well in past investigations. He was at the rodeo that day. The problem? He didn't see Jeremiah Schwartz's death.

With a murderer on the loose and members of his community being threatened, Henry must act fast. But can he solve a crime he didn't see? This time around, Henry will have to rely on his keen sense of human character and observation, skills he's honed in his role as bishop, if he hopes to crack the case.

Who the Bishop Knows is a story of accepting our talents, putting one another first, and trusting that God will care for His children.
  
My Thoughts:   This is the third and final book in a fantastic series of Amish mysteries. This book could easily be read as a standalone as the author gives enough background information that the reader easily becomes caught up in the action. I had read the other two and loved each of them! However, I believe that this last one is THE BEST!  If you want to read something different from the  everyday kind of Amish fiction that is on the market, look no further. This book grabs your attention in the first chapter and maintains it until you have read the last page. 

Vannetta has the ability to describe her characters in such a detailed, realistic way that you easily identify with each of them. Henry Lapp has a concern for the community that is admirable. He is such a kind, loving man, compassionate and patient,  who has a unique gift that he uses only when it is needed! After all, he is Amish, he must not show off or be proud. Emma endeared herself to me very quickly. This couple, in their so called golden years are striving to find future together, however, obstacles seem to crop up to challenge each effort. Each of the characters comes with their own backgrounds of difficulties. Excellent development of character was evident throughout this tale. 

The plot was full of unexpected twists and turns. I had a very difficult time putting this book down to deal with everyday reality. The tension builds as the plot thickens. The author even uses some humour to lighten tense situations. The theme of keeping one's eyes on the Lord is underlying every event. Henry has to struggle to keep his faith strong in the most difficult times. A great example to all of us. 

I was very sad to say goodbye to these characters and their lives in this last book of the series. But, I must say, that I am also very eager to see what adventures Vannetta decides to write about in her next new book!

A five star book!!

This book was received as a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.


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Friday, May 18, 2018

A Fabulous New Book by Rachel J. Good! Make sure that you enter the author's giveaway!


                 "The Amish Teacher's Gift"
                      By Rachel J. Good

About the Book:


Genre: Amish Romance
Release Date: April 24, 2018
Widower Josiah Yoder wants to be a good father. But it’s not easy with a deaf young son who doesn’t understand why his mamm isn’t coming home. At a loss, Josiah enrolls Nathan in a special-needs school and is relieved to see his son immediately comforted by his new teacher, a woman whose sweet charm and gentle smile just might be the balm they both need.
With seven siblings to care for, Ada Rupp wasn’t sure she wanted to take on teaching too. But the moment she holds Nathan in her arms, she realizes she’ll do all she can to help this lost little boy. Plus, it gives her a chance to spend more time with Josiah. Falling for a man in mourning may be against the rules, but his quiet strength is the support Ada never knew she needed. Yet with no time to court and a family secret holding her back, how can she allow herself to fall in love?

Click here to purchased your copy!
My Thoughts: 

The first impression I had, upon beginning to read this book, was that it was unique in its characters and their difficulties. It is not often that an author chooses to tackle a sensitive subject such as special needs children and even more rare to find them in Amish fiction. Rachel Good writes an informative, touching tale about a classroom and the very special children and teacher that warm your heart to the very core. As a former teacher, I am always interested in how others are able to challenge and succeed with these high needs children. I found myself thinking of former students and their challenges. What could I have done differently??? 

The characters are extremely well described and so realistic that you at once identify with them and walk alongside them on their unique, rocky road toward success. What on earth is success??  Well, the author does a superior job of relating how each individual in this story meets their potential through the works of a sensitive, loving teacher. 

Within this masterpiece is also a wonderful love story, one that differs from the norm. Yes, the challenges and obstacles may vary, but love does win when God's plan is carried out. 

Is the plot interesting? To that question, I have to answer yes. There are many unexpected roadblocks in this book. This is not a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, rather, it makes you pause in your busy life and reflect. How can each of us make a difference in another's life? Does one being different 
really matter?? Each of us has a very special place in God's plan. 

Thank you , Rachel Good, for reminding me!! What a fantastic read!!
This book was received as a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.


About the Author:
Rachel J. Good grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events. Rachel loves to travel and visit many different Amish communities.
Rachel is the author of several Amish series in print or forthcoming – Sisters & Friends series, Love & Promises series, and two books in the Hearts of Amish Country series – as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Books and the contemporary novella, Angels Unaware, part of the Hope Chapel series. In addition, she has stories in the anthologies Springs of Love and Love’s Thankful Heart.
She’d love to have you visit her website, or connect with her on FacebookInstagramPinterestTwitter, and Bookbub. Rachel also enjoys meeting readers and will be doing talks and booksignings around the country this year. To find out more about Rachel and her books, you can sign up for her newsletter: http://bit.ly/1qwci4Q .

Guest Post from Rachel J. Good

Heart-Tugging Research
Sometimes as an author, stories call to you and beg you to write them. This story first tugged at my heart after I spent time with an Amish friend’s special needs child. I thought about writing a book to show how the Amish treat each child as a gift from God. After meeting a hearing-impaired teen girl with Down’s syndrome and seeing how she was encouraged to live up to her potential, the idea grew stronger. This girl later became Martha in the book.
Then at an auction, I watched a young Down’s syndrome boy help the auctioneer by delivering the goods to the bidders. His straw hat tilted a little crookedly, but with a broad smile on his face, he carefully matched items with the correct bidder. He looked so proud of himself and proud to be able to do such an important job. I sat there at the auction and jotted notes for the novel.
Once I knew the topic of the novel, I began my research by visiting Amish schools for special needs, attending auctions to support them, and touring the Community Care Center, where Amish and Mennonite children and adults with special needs get amazing help. The young man in the wheelchair who showed us around was an awesome guide. We peeked into an exercise room, a therapy room, a craft room, several classrooms, a cafeteria, and my favorite—a multi-sensory environment. This room with dark walls lit only by a small row of twinkling Christmas lights had a ball pit (with the plastic balls like some fast food restaurants have in their play areas), a plush recliner, blankets, headphones, and a hammock. Autistic children at the center found this room a great calming atmosphere. I knew this room had to have a place in the book.
I visited a teacher who taught autistic children and learned a lot about programs, therapies, and teaching techniques. After learning the cutting edge techniques she used, I was surprised to realize that the Amish had adopted quite a few of them for their classrooms. I chose a hearing-impaired boy for the hero’s son because I had a nephew with hearing problems, so I could incorporate some of the struggles he had into the story.
I wanted this series to be about the healing power of love, so each book will deal with a different type of healing. When something touches my heart like this, I always pray it will touch the readers’ hearts too.

Blog Stops

Carpe Diem, May 8
Mary Hake, May 15
Artistic Nobody, May 18 (Spotlight)
margaret kazmierczak, May 18 (Interview)
Quiet Quilter, May 19
Bigreadersite, May 20
Simple Harvest Reads, May 20 (Spotlight)
Vicky Sluiter, May 21

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a grand prize package of a tote, an autographed copy of The Amish Teacher’s Gift, and an autographed copy of Hearts Reunited!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cee3/the-amish-teacher-s-gift-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

A Fabulous Thought Provoking Read!!!



                   "Loving Brock"
                 By Joan Deneve             
Genre: Contemporary Christian Women’s Fiction & Romance
Release Date: April, 2018
For years, Brock Whitfield served God with joy and contentment at the mission hospital he founded in Angola.
When Joy Stockman joined their team as a surgical assistant, he found a woman whose zeal for God and heart for people equaled and in many ways surpassed his own. Before he knew it, his admiration and respect for her blossomed into love. After years of serving alone, Brock began to hope that God was giving him another chance to love and be loved in return.
A crisis arose within the family causing Brock to put his personal plans on hold. As he prayed for guidance, Brock’s faith and obedience were put to the ultimate test as God brings the perfect person into his life and then asks him to give her up.
About the Author:   
Joan Deneve enjoys being a wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and author, but her favorite role and defining title is that of Christian. Joan teaches English in a Christian school and has a passion to help young people fall in love with Christ and equip them to become all God wants them to be.
Joan shares her life with Rene’, her husband of forty years. Together they reside in Prattville, Alabama, a quaint city with southern charm and hospitality.
Joan loves to laugh and spend quality time with family and friends.


My Thoughts:

This is the third in this author's series entitled "The Redeemed Side of Broken". However, it can be read as a stand alone and thoroughly enjoyed. I had not read the previous two, but upon reading this book, I will definitely go back and read the others! The best word to express my thoughts is "Wow"! A fabulous, inspirational book overflowing with the true meaning of Christianity. The underlying theme throughout was how we need to follow God regardless of all else going on in our lives. Whatever happens when we follow His plans , will leave us happy and satisfied, even though the path to get there may be filled with trials and deep tribulations.

The main characters were unique in today's fiction. They were mature adults beginning their sixties. Both Joy and Brock were described in a vivid , realistic way that immediately pulled you into their story. I could feel their every hurt , desire and challenge. They were mature Christians who each had a past, one that neither was proud of. But, with the Lord's help, they were able to fight their demons to become victorious in their faith. The depth of this faith is something that I greatly admired !

The plot is fast paced with unexpected shocks around every corner. The reader is kept on the edge of her seat, as these tense situations arise. I have to say that I became angry at all that God was throwing at these two wonderful people and had the old question, "Why does God allow these terrible things happen to good Christians?" Well, this book explained it well.... tough situations and battles within make us stronger in our faith.

This novel is definitely a winner in Inspirational Fiction! I was left in deep thought , searching my soul and examining my life. Could I ever have this depth of faith?

A five star book!


This book was received as a gift. The opinions and thoughts expressed are honest and my own.




Blog Stops

Mary Hake, May 4
Remembrancy, May 7
Carpe Diem, May 10
Bigreadersite, May 12
Artistic Nobody, May 13 (Spotlight)
Reading is my SuperPower, May 13 (Interview)
margaret kazmierczak, May 15 (Interview)
Henry Happens, May 16
Quiet Quilter, May 16

Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, Joan is giving away a grand prize of the entire The Redeemed Side of Broken Series, African blend coffee, coffee mug, a magnet from Angola, and a personalized message from the author on a special card from Angola!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cc63


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...