A New Amish Book by Mary Ellis

 Living in Harmony by Mary Ellis

This is Amish fiction at its best. Mary Ellis uses a very different setting for her story. It is not the typical PA, Indiana or Ohio community. She has her characters move to Harmony, Maine, from Lancaster PA. In this move, a young couple who plans to wed, meet challenges and lifestyle changes that contrast dramatically from those in PA.  Amy and John  are not able to marry as they had planned. Amy's sister , Nora , who has moved with them , to be with John's brother and his wife, is frustrated - no rumspringa for her!! Not allowed in Maine.  The characters go through depths of despair- the girls have lost both parents in a fire and had had hopes to find happiness in Harmony. The last thing they found here was harmony and happiness. You find yourself crying and struggling with them . Mary has done a fantastic job of describing her characters. They become part of your family and you feel every emotion with them.

The plot is well developed with many twists and turns along the way. Just when I thought I had the story figured out , a new idea would appear. I could NOT put this book down.  Mary keeps you completely engrossed in her plot. Will John and Amy ever marry? A shunned aunt appears on the scene to complicate the plot . This becomes an integral part of the story. What will happen to Nora, the young sister? Will she stay in Maine, where she is extremely dissatisfied and unhappy? Can God meet all of their needs  and will they follow His plan? We are left hanging at the end of this book- Nora's future is in question. I sure hope Mary Ellis plans to continue this series. I HAVE to know what happens!!

Super book!!

EBook supplied by Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. 

Another baby quilt top, now ready to machine quilt.

Two Lives Become One

                                    "The Lion Cubs"                    By Chrissy M. Dennis 




This book caught my attention on the very first page and kept it until I had read the last page- a 400 page book that took me only three days to read- I would think that speaks for itself!  I was spellbound by this author's creation.  Chrissy has the unique ability to capably intertwine two separate lives and stories, until she brings the two main characters together to a common place. Her description of the characters has you so attached to them, that the tears flow when you discover each one's heartaches and challenges.  The plot has unexpected twists and turns that won't LET you put that book down!! The whole theme of God making us whole by helping one another shines through clearly. Only God could overcome and restore these two young women's lives.


Lexi, the fifteen year old girl has had enough of EVERYTHING! She has lost her parents, been in four foster homes in two years and been abused and abandoned. So.... she heads for the streets and becomes one of the many runaways living in abandoned tunnels below the city. Lexi thinks this is the perfect place to be forgotten, however, finds it more difficult than ever imagined.


Liz, thirty six, has been a widow for two years, when her husband passed away due to cancer. She SAYS she is managing just fine, but has thrown herself into her job- being a doctor , full force, working very long hours, in order not to deal with her grief and pain. Liz has a family who is very concerned about her, but she chooses to ignore their opinions and becomes cold toward those she loves.


One day, these two lives become intertwined with divine intervention. Very different lives but both need the same thing- someone to care about them and to care for. Only God could weave these two beings into a pair that restores both of them to a strong belief in Him and forgiveness.


Exceptional book!! Chrissy, keep writing, I am waiting for more!!


"Book has been provided courtesy of Word Alive Press and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now from your favourite bookseller.   

A Different Take on Amish Fiction

"Double Take"

 By Melody Carlson

The back cover of this book says it all, " What do you do when your life is not all it's cracked up to be? Get a NEW ONE!"

AND that is exactly what two young , dissatisfied girls decided to do. The scene begins:  Two girls, neither one happy with their current lifestyle. The grass is always greener on the other side, as we all know and these two decide to discover what would happen if they traded places. It helped that they looked very much alike, almost like twins.  

One young lady is Amish and the other an Englischer. Now , I have your attention! What a great plot , Melody develops from this simple idea  a complicated plot with lots of twists , turns and keeps you guessing throughout the book, as to what on earth these two girls will do next and how they will cope with the many life changes that they are going through. At times you laugh, other times, you want to cry. Madison, a high school senior is completely fed up and stressed- decisions about her future at colleges, her parents' bickering and pressures from her boyfriend are pushing her over the edge.  Meanwhile, Anna wants to escape caring for younger siblings, sewing, cooking and gardening in her Amish home. She is afraid of spending her future with a man she doesn't love, doing the same chores.
The two girls meet in a small town and realize they look uncannily alike and decide to switch places for a time. Life will never be the same for either of them!!
This book certainly explains seeing life from another's point of view and leaves you feeling good. Creative writing from a very talented writer.
    "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"                                          

Another Love Story That Speaks to the Heart!!! Kim's Specialty!!

"Song of My Heart"

      By Kim Vogel Sawyer

Kim has again written a winning love story that truly speaks to your heart. Her ability to describe her characters so accurately and with such feeling , that you empathize , as well as rejoice in their trials, challenges and successes. They are very real people, much like you and I, and Kim shows us how God can make a difference in their lives, if only they will listen and heed His Word.


The plot is enchanting, with its variety of settings, providing such unique problems/events in each place. There are twists and turns and you are never quite sure what the characters will choose to do next.  A true romance, with suspense, and confusion, filling the reader with a compassion for all involved.


Sadie , the main character , has always been deeply devoted and involved with her family, caring for them when needed and supplying their needs.  When her stepfather becomes unable to work, due to an injury taking place at work, she decides she must leave her beloved home and accepts a position at a mercantile, as a clerk ,  in  Goldtree , Kansas- some distance from her home.  This job has also promised to give her the chance to use her God given singing talent- Sadie has been told she will be able to perform in an Opera House. BUT- it is very different from what she has imagined and she meets problems that confuse her trust in the Lord. What should she do? She needs to make as money as possible to send home, however, this atmosphere is not an appropriate place for a young Christian lady.  
A young man, Thad, also plays an important part in this city.  He comes to the same place in order to seek out boot leggers and get rid of them. When he earns enough money, he plans to use it to pay for his training to become a minister.
Then , the complications and love begins. Thad becomes quite enamoured with Sadie, listening to her sing at the Opera House. He is confused when the type of music and audience present there, change dramatically. Is Sadie the decent, kind young woman that he believes her to be? She is singing inappropriate songs and seems to be part of the crime he is investigating. Can love survive, if she is really part of  an illegal activity? Is she pretending to be a true Christian? You will only find out if you read this exceptionally well written book!
WOW!! Great book , Kim!! Loved it!! Read it in two days!!

About Kim:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of nineteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren.

She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information. 

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/9uLOD 





 

One "songbird" winner will receive:

• A Nook Tablet
• Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/28/12. Winner will be announced at Kim's Book Chat Facebook Partyon 3/29. Kim will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and much more!

So grab your copy of Song of My Heart and join Kim and friends on the evening of March 29th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

To Read more reviews on this book go to:  : http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13461539/kimvogelsawyer)

This book was provided by LitFuse in exchange for a review.

Another Humorous Lesson in Life by Deborah Coty

"     More Beauty  
                      Less Beast"
                   By Debora Coty


I must say that self-help books have never been  my favorite read, but after reviewing Debora's book, "Too Blessed to be Stressed",  I totally changed my opinion. Debora has the fantastic ability to make the most difficult of life situations seem humorous and easier to fix than we could ever imagine.
Her new book is no exception.  When she states on the cover, "transforming your inner ogre", she really means it. The topics addressed in the book could be considered difficult to discuss, but Debora makes it easy. We see ourselves in all her chapters, at least , I did!!  She addresses the fact that we all get older and meet a different set of challenges. She revolutionizes your thinking of what and how the beauty of fashion changes.  The giggles as I read this book kept me going.
The one statement that had me rolling on the floor was, " I asked God for more hours in the day to get everything done, and he sent me Menopause! Now I have the nighttime too!"" How true, but how funny!
Debora has her own style of off beat wit and wisdom but is so inspirational. We have to tame the ogre that is in all of us and turn it into an exquisite beautiful experience.
What a great book, Debora!! Enjoyed it immensely!!



One "beautiful" winner will receive:

• A $150 Visa Cash Card (Treat yourself to a spa day or weekend get-away!)
• A Debora Coty Library (More Beauty, Less Beast, Too Blessed Too Be Stressed and Everyday Hope)
• Chocolate (Every good things begins with chocolate!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/22/12. Winner will be announced at Debora's "Divine Beauty" Facebook Party on  3/22. Debora will be hosting an evening of chat, fun beauty trivia, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes:gift certificates, books, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Debora via Skype.)

So grab your copy of More Beauty, Less Beast and join Debora and friends on the evening of March 22nd for an evening of fun.



Thanks to Amy at Litfuse Publicity for the opportunity to review this book.You can purchase your own copy here.  You can see other reviews and tour stops here.

Debora Coty is an occupational therapist, a piano teacher, and a freelance writer. She's also involved in the children's ministry at her church and is an avid tennis player. Debora began writing to fill the void when her last child left for college, and it has since become a passion. Debora has a real knack for getting across sound biblical concepts with a refreshing lightheartedness as attested in her monthly newspaper column entitled "Grace Notes: God's Grace for Everyday Living." 

Visit www.deboracoty.com for more about Debora and her books.

A Hickory Ridge Romance- Don't miss this one!!

"Beauty for Ashes"
  By Dorothy Love


This book is one of pure Southern delight. Dorothy uses her talent in describing her characters in a unique way that you become their best friend in a very few pages of her book.  The main character, Carrie, is one which draws you into her life of challenges, fears, worries and then joys.
The plot is well established in a way that you can NOT put this book down until you are finished. It is a late night read, for sure!!!  There are twists , turns and surprises in throughout this novel.


Carrie Daly, the main character, has lost her husband in the Civil War. Her great desire to be a wife and mother seems lost to her forever.  She is terrified that she will never  have the family that she longs for. The setting , in Hickory Ridge, Tennessee is not one in which you find a lot of eligible bachelors, however, Carrie does. It is not the romantic love with all the sweetness she has sought after, but is practical. She just isn't sure it is the REAL thing and isn't quite ready to set a wedding date with Nate.


Then a complication arises. Griff arrives on the scene. He has been estranged from his family for years but is a member of the great Charleston Society. A confirmed bachelor he claims to be, never wanting to settle in one place for a long enough time to form a loving attachment to a female or even desiring one, or so he claims. When he is asked to train a Thoroughbred for an upcoming race, he cannot resist the challenge. During his stay in town, Carrie is drawn to his deep down kindness, that all others do not see.  Should she take the leap of faith and open her heart to him?? Can he do it and claim God's promise to give them beauty for ashes??? 


What will happen to Nate? Can Carrie make this big change in her plans and deal with the townspeople?? Many questions, but you must read to find the answers.


A GREAT book!!! Suspense runs throughout the story to keep you totally involved. Joy and healing is found in the midst of heartache. This story really makes you think of what God can do , if only we let him.

About Dorothy:

Before returning to her writing roots in historical fiction, Dorothy Love published twelve novels for young adults. Her work has garnered numerous honors from the American Library Association, the Friends of American Writers, the International Reading Association, the New York Public Library, and many others. The Hickory Ridge Novels mark her Christian fiction debut.

For more about Dorothy visit her website,www.dorothylovebooks.com or friend her onFacebook.com/DorothyLoveBooks.

Link to buy the book: 

http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1595549013&title=A_Hickory_Ridge_Romance:_Beauty_for_Ashes

About the giveaway and party:

We're thrilled to announce the fun giveaway Dorothy is hosting! First, she'll be giving away a Kindle Fire (3/1-3/20), then on the evening of the 20th she's inviting everyone to her Facebook Author Page for a fun Author Chat party! Don't miss a minute of the fun ... sigh.

One beautiful winner will receive:

• A Brand new Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi
• Beauty for Ashes by Dorothy Love
• Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love

Enter today by clicking one of the icons . But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/20/12. Winner will be announced at Dorothy's Facebook Author Chat Party on 3/20. Come for an evening of chat, trivia, and a sneak peek at the next book in Dorothy's Hickory Ridge series - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books and a stunning sapphire ring!

So grab your copy of Beauty for Ashes and join Dorothy and friends on the evening of March 20th for an evening of fun.

Read some other reviews on this book on a variety of blogs!!

Blog Schedule:

http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13456520/dorothylove)