To see a wonderful book trailer of Cindy Woodsmall's Amish Fiction book, "The Christmas Singing", click on the following link :    http:// http://bit.ly/vvg9mc

A True Winner in Amish Fiction

"An Amish Wedding"    (a novella)
By: Kelly Long, Kathleen Fuller and Beth Wiseman


These fabulous authors of Amish fiction have  succeeded again in producing a novella that all Amish fans will definitely not want to miss reading. Kathy and Beth have collaborated in previous novellas, but this time, Kelly has joined the crew!   What a wonderful example of three books in one, tied together by  the theme, Amish weddings, as the title tells us, using connecting characters in all of the stories, bringing unity to to the book.
   Each author uses their unique style to successfully keep you entranced throughout the book.  One story just leads into the next so smoothly that you hardly realize that a new author has taken over the story line. Each of these authors has the ability to describe their characters so well that each one becomes part of you. You feel their hurts, their challenges as well as their joy.  Although the main characters are all Amish, they experience the same  challenges, love and loss that the rest of us do.  It is all about how they use their faith to deal in a time of crisis , as well as in times of joy.

Kelly Long, the author of "A Perfect Secret", does a marvellous job of catching our attention at the beginning of this book. Her story's main character, Rose starts out the story by bursting out disapproval at Luke's proposal!! Not an ounce of romance in this man, she thinks!!  Does she really know Luke?  Mysterious things begin to happen in the community, things are missing and  Rose's fiance is right in the middle of the confused happenings.  Will this wedding ever come to be?? So many things are going on !!  Can God handle this challenge??  I can tell no more, without spoiling the book for perspective readers.


The second story, "A Perfect Match" by Kathleen Fuller, continues the saga of the wedding theme with her main character , Naomi,  who is trying her best to make a match for her friend, Margaret. Zeke is the handsome young man who is in the area for his cousin's wedding.  Naomi quickly takes on the role of a matchmaker.  But is she trying to match the correct couple?    Zeke is quickly falling in love, but not in keeping with "the plan".  Naomi  is falling in love but should she be??? Is it in God's plan for her life? Obstacles appear. Will there  be a wedding in the near future for Naomi?


The third novella is by Beth Wiseman, who also outdoes herself again, in her story, entitled "A Perfect Plan".  Priscilla is the young woman who is being matched up this time and Naomi, her sister, plays matchmaker again. Chester is invited to Priscilla's birthday party, unknown to her and decides to pursue her. They have one thing in common, they both want to go skydiving!!!  Naomi is successful and the wedding finally is planned , however obstacles appear- poison ivy, a destroyed wedding dress plus a failed celery crop. Can it get much worse than this??? Is God sending a special message to stop this wedding from happening?? 


These three Amish ladies have a common bond- An Amish wedding is to take place! Problems, YES!! Can God prepare their hearts for marriage, in spite of the challenges?
The three authors have done an outstanding job in pulling together a common theme with connecting characters. You feel  like you are a member of the family, waiting for the next move! All I can say is "WOW!"


This book is a winner !!!  Humor is used as well as heartache! What wonderful talent is exhibited by these three authors.  Well done!

Ebook provided by Booksneeze free of charge in exchange for a review.

Win a neat prize from Amy Clipston- a fantastic Amish Author!!

Amy Clipston Books: Enter the first post-book tour contest!

amyclipstonbooks.blogspot.com

Review of a Fantastic Christian Romantic Mystery !

"Shadows From the Past"

     By Ashley Dawn 


If you wish to read a book that keeps you on the edge of your chair, this is definitely one you should read. Ashley has you engrossed with her elaborate plots full of twists and turns from the very beginning of it, right up to the last page. You never know what is going to happen next!! It is a true page turner in every way.   
The character development is outstanding. I felt every fear and threat that the main character, Aurora experienced. I worried as she is hunted down by a murderer!! Had to keep telling myself, "It is just a story!"  You live this story with Aurora!!


Aurora is a LAPD officer who cannot rest until she discovers her brother's killer. To do this, she must dig through the past , which brings back many dreadful memories, guilt and a HIT MAN! She feels that it was her fault that her brother was murdered.  To complicate matters, she now seems to be next on the hit man's list. She must beat the clock finding him , before he finds her. The mystery is: why does he want to do away with her???
Jordan, a FBI agent, loves Aurora with all his heart. She had refused his love after her brother's death, but he is now involved with her case and wants above all to save his sweetheart and renew their relationship. He is willing to give up his life to save her's.
Can God save both of them?  Can He answer prayers and give Aurora back her former faith and absolve her feeling of guilt??


This book is the best mystery thriller that I have read in a very long time. Ashley Dawn is to be commended for her fine writing skills.
By the way, don't try to go to sleep after reading part of the book!!
If you wish to read more about this author and her works go to Ashley's website : http://www.authorashleydawn.com/

This book was provided in exchange for a review by:.Lightning Book Promotions

stormi@lightningbookpromotions.com

Review of a Christmas Story that will touch your heart!!

"The Christmas Shoppe"
    By Melody Carlson
This best selling author has done it again! Melody, the author of "Christmas at Harrington's", has again succeeded in  writing a touching Christmas tale, which makes you think- where has the real meaning of Christmas gone?   Her ability to draw you into the lives of the characters, some quirky, different, and others mean and nasty, is outstanding. 


The setting of the book is in the small town of Parrish Springs. It has the typical small town atmosphere and is described in great detail as a sleepy little place, where the stores are struggling to keep going in these times. Then upon the scene, enters a strange looking, odd acting character, Matilda.  She has managed to purchase a large , empty building in the core of the town, one which has been sought after by a wealthy major official , who takes her arrival in a very negative manner.  Mathilda has the town in a complete frenzy of wondering what on earth she is doing in this shop. Just to look at her, amazes the townspeople. Scraggly hair, jangly jewelry, strange clothing!  AND the store appears to be filled with junk!!


The story continues to tell how the other store owners start rumors and strive to get rid of this eye sore of a "shoppe".  However, to their surprise, they discover that Matilda has something there, that each one of them "needs"! BUT they do not know it!!


Melody uses delightful verses throughout the book- that Matilda displays in her stores that make you really think.  What is Christmas really about and what changes do all of us need to make?  
This is a quick to read Christmas story that we all should read and take a quick retake of how we live and celebrate the season.
An enjoyable book!!  

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

A Christmas Book not to be missed!!

Remembering Christmas
    By Dan Walsh
Dan has continued to write in his unique, skilled storytelling style in this romantic fiction. He uses totally unexpected twists in his plot to keep your eyes glued to the page , while you become engrossed with his well described characters, who at times fill you with joy, other times worry and fears. These characters are so realistic, each in his/her own way, full of quirks. They continue to delight and surprise you throughout the story. Dan successfully creates a Christmas story like no other. It reminds you of everything good and perfect that Christmas is to be full of.  He is certainly successful of making the reader aware of why this time of year is so special!!


The main character, Rick, lives his own life on his own terms.He is an independent man who tends to work and play hard. When his mother calls, asking him to come home after his stepfather suffers an aneurysm, he is full of doubts and reluctance. He has never totally accepted this man, yet he is to help out in his time of need. Rick is not a sympathetic man , nor does he really want a life change.
What was supposed, he thought, to be a couple of days, helping at the family bookstore, turns into a long term job. Rick is expected to run the store as his stepfather did , catering to the type of  people to whom Rick has never been attracted- the elderly, the homeless, the poor.   One particular homeless man is a constant throughout the book- he is always there, looking for handouts and a kind word- Rick has to come to terms with a surprising and shocking fact, involving this individual.
The one bright spot is the young, pretty lady who works daily side by side with Rick, attempting to keep the shop going during this busy season, when everything else is going wrong.  Rick is forced to deal with deep hurts from the past and decisions that will affect not only his Christmas but the rest of his life.  Changes have to be made and they start within.


I am unable to tell more , as it would spoil the reading of this fabulous book. Your heart will be touched in this wonderful Christmas story, as we are reminded that change is NOT always bad and remembering pain can be a healing force.


Thank you , Dan for sharing your storytelling talent with us.



"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

A new series by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Go to this link on UTube to see a book trailer - you will definitely want to read this new book , by Suzanne Woods Fisher, called "The Keeper" !
http://youtu.be/FqZVG_rNHM8