Run For Your Life!!!!

"Silence in the Dark"
  By Patricia Bradley

Synopsis: (from back of book) 

Two years ago, Bailey Adams broke off her engagement to Danny Maxwell and fled Logan Point for the mission field in Chihuahua, Mexico. Now she's about to return home to the States, but there's just one problem. After Bailey meets with the uncle of one of the mission children in the city, she barely escapes a sudden danger. Now she's on the run--she just doesn't know from whom. To make matters worse, people who help her along the way find themselves in danger too--including Danny. Who is after her? Will they ever let up? And in the midst of the chaos, can Bailey keep herself from falling in love with her rescuer all over again?

My Thoughts:  For those of you that love a mysterious thriller, this book is definitely a "must read"!!  Having read and reviewed Patricia Bradley's previous books in this series, "Logan Point", ("Gone Without a Trace" , "Silence in the Dark"), I knew that I was in for an interesting adventure into the unknown. 

The setting, in a dingy, corrupt area of Mexico , was perfect for this terror filled account of how the drug industry and  cartel with sin filled lives can affect a well intentioned young lady in her courageous battle to help the underprivileged and downtrodden overcome their struggles in a poor, criminal filled society. The theme of overcoming the present situation is the power of accepting that God has a plan for each and every one of us, yes, even those who are new in their walk in faith. 

The characters are described in a strong, complex manner in such detail that they immediately appeal to the reader.  Bailey, with her strong faith , had some deep rooted issues that pulled at my heartstrings. She is such a good Christian with the intent to make the world a better place, while at the same time , she is struggling to prove to God that she is deserving of his forgiveness, even though it involves something that was totally out of her control. Bailey's constant state of turmoil was one that made me want to reach out and give her a big hug. She became a good friend who was suffering. I was filled with empathy for this wonderful young woman. 

The plot moved steadily with shocking, unexpected twists and turns around every corner. This book is definitely a "sit on the edge of your seat" kind of read. Full of suspense and yes, VERY fearful situations kept me reading long after my bedtime. Secondary characters played an important part of keeping the action flowing, involving intertwining sub plots. Although, definitely classed as a mysterious thriller, alongside the drama, a romance was developing, one that in the past had been completely destroyed! Can God heal hurts and offer second chances? Can it succeed this time, even though lives are being threatened????

This is definitely a five star book!! Don't miss it!!! Filled with action, suspense , terror and love!!!!


This book was provided by Revell, and Graf-Martin Communications , in exchange for a fair and honest review. Available now at your local booksellers.

About the Author: 

Patricia Bradley lives in North Mississippi is a former abstinence educator and co-author of RISE To Your Dreams, an abstinence curriculum. But her heart is tuned to suspense. Patricia's romantic suspense books include the Logan Point series set in Mississippi and two sweet romances for Harlequin Heartwarming, Matthew's Choice and The Christmas Campaign are available on Amazon. She is currently working on The Memphis Cold Case series.

A Gripping Story of Forgiveness

    "Someone Like You"

       By Victoria Bylin

Synopis: Julia Dare is trying to run her own business, raise her young son, Max, and help her widowed mother. Her biggest worry, though, is keeping Max's father from being a bad influence while still allowing the boy to spend time with his dad. When an account from her event-planning business sends her to Caliente Springs resort, she's shocked to encounter Zeke Monroe, her college sweetheart.

Zeke is determined to keep Caliente Springs running despite financial trouble. When Julia walks back into his life, he's surprised at the feelings she stirs up. As they work together on an important client's wedding, the fate of the resort soon depends on their success. With Zeke and Julia both pushed to their limits, will their history put up walls between them or bring them together?

My Thoughts:
  Victoria Bylin is a new author for me, so as I prepared to read and review this book, I truly wondered whether the storyline would be good, bad or mediocre. I am pleased to say that it was not just good, it was GREAT!!  Every chapter revealed more about each character, enabling the reader to get to know them in a thorough manner. They are realistically described in such detail that you find yourself walking along side them throughout the book. I easily identified with Julia and her many trials, hurts and challenges. Her problems became mine. I cried along with her as she encountered very real fears that as a mother, I could fully understand. One very amusing character, was the quirky goat, Ladybug. Her appearance at the worst of times lightened the mood and giggles erupted even in the most serious moments. She actually made this book one of a kind, inserting humor during the darkest situations!!

The setting, Caliente Springs was described so vividly that I could picture the peaceful, beautiful atmosphere of this resort.. Oh, if only it was real!!! I would love to visit!!

The plot moves at a steady pace, giving the reader ample time to absorb the full impact of each twist and turn. Tension builds as Zeke attempts to save the resort and Julia attempts to save herself and her son.

The importance of faith, forgiveness and  trust in the Lord is the underlying theme throughout the book. Both believer and unbeliever experience the same serious troubles, however deal with them totally differently. The story shows us how important it is to believe . One character had to go through the difficulties in order to regain trust and know that God has a plan for each and every one of us. The influence of a Christian on a non believer is very evident in a positive way, a great example for each and every one of us. 

Definitely a five star book!!  Can hardly wait for Victoria's next creation!!!


This book was provided by Bethany House, and Graf-Martin Communications , in exchange for a fair and honest review. Available now at your local booksellers. 


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A Book That Exhibits True Amish Grace

        "A Simple Vow"
      By Charlotte Hubbard

Synopis:  (Taken from back cover)

Housed in a rustic red barn, the Simple Gifts crafts shop celebrates the talents of the Amish of Willow Ridge--and the faith that inspires them. For the acceptance of simplicity opens the path to love. 

As far as Edith Riehl is concerned, the baby twins thrust suddenly into her arms are a heaven-sent gift. Unable to conceive, she longs to be a mother with a home of her own. She's going to abide by her promise to handsome Asa Detweiler to take care of them while he looks for their real father. And even if her domineering dat Cornelius refuses to countenance Asa's suit, she can only pray the bachelor's honesty and persistence will uncover the truth--even as he's kindled an impossible hope for a love of her own . . . 

Asa can't understand why anyone would think he would be so dishonorable as to father babies and then abandon them. He's determined to clear his name--but Edith's caring ways also inspire him to help heal her wounded spirit and earn her trust. In the face of heartbreaking deception, he and Edith must find the strength to understand, forgive . . . and claim their own hearts' joy. 


My Thoughts:  

After having read many of this author's previous books, I must admit that I approached this one with trepidation ! Not because I thought that it wouldn't be good!!! I already knew that I loved her writing! However.... I was so thrilled with her last book, "Promise Lodge", that I REALLY feared that this new creation could not possibly be as great!! Happily, I admit that my worries were for nothing!! "A Simple Vow" surpassed my expectations! It was the BEST yet!! I say "yet" because I have the feeling that Charlotte's next novel will be another "Best Yet"!

Charlotte has a very special talent in addressing difficult somewhat uncomfortable life situations in an understanding , sympathetic manner so that the reader realizes that these problems attack ALL people. The Plain People are not exempt from the blows and tragedies that life throws at us. Divorce, unwed mothers, domineering fathers, bordering on abusive, can appear in any culture, faith and country. 

The characters are described in such a realistic and detailed manner that the reader immediately is caught up in their lives. Being able to identify with a character in a book is what makes it a good story !! This was easily accomplished in Simple Vows. In fact, I wanted to jump right in, giving advice, hugs and prayers as challenges arose. Yes, I also wanted to shake up a character a few times!! Then, I had to draw back and remember that this was a work of fiction!! The characters were lovable, each with their own little quirks and problems and weaknesses. 

As the characters are developed, the plot proceeds at a steady pace, with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader totally engrossed from beginning to end of the book. Each chapter seems to reveal something new ! There was one major surprise in the novel that was totally unexpected!! At least, it was to me!! A shocking reveal!  The intertwining storylines keep one guessing throughout the book. 

This, being the first book in a series, is enough to make me VERY impatient anticipate the next. This author definitely knows how to get a reader's attention!! 

A five star book!!! 

This book was received by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. 


About the Author:

Charlotte Hubbard sold her first historical romance in 1990, and she's been a slave to her overactive imagination ever since. As she writes, her stories invariably take on a life of their own, different from the way she proposed them: unforeseen characters and plot twists come along, and they keep her guessing right along with her readers!

Charlotte has lived in the Midwest most of her life. When she's not writing, she loves touring historic homes, trying new recipes, crocheting, and playing with her Border Collie, Ramona. She's a Presbyterian deacon, sings in her church choir, and plays in the percussion ensemble. She's married to a fine man who--bless him--has never once suggested she get a real job!

Amish Fiction at its Best!

    "An Unbroken Heart"
        By Kathleen Fuller

"An argument. A crash. In an instant, Joanna's world is changed forever."

This statement, appearing on the back cover , immediately grabbed my attention. That, along with the most beautiful cover, told me that this was going to be an excellent read. Kathleen Fuller, a favorite author, has never let me down and this book was no disappointment!  If anything, I think it was her best book yet!!!

The story grabs your attention from the first chapter, giving you a bit of background and enticing you to read more and more and more and.......
Joanna, the main character, was in the midst of an argument with her parents and in the next moment , her parents were taken from her forever in a hit and run accident. Her body is broken but even worse , her heart is in deeper pain. Her very last words to her beloved mother and father were said in anger. 

Due to injuries suffered in the accident, Joanna is forced to live for an extended time in a rehabilitation centre. The most intense problems she must deal with begin when she re-enters her Amish life. Nothing is the same!! Her life, her family, her relationship with Andrew Beiler have all been affected by this tragedy. 

Joanna has loved Andrew since a young age of twelve . These feelings grew as she turned into a young lady. She is thrilled when Andrew wants to marry her , but questions whether it is really love he is feeling or pity. As the wedding dates comes closer and closer, Joanna is not experiencing the joy and excitement that most brides feel. Instead, she is overcome with  anxiety and guilt. 

As a faithful Christian, Joanna hears the faint whispering of her God. "Be strong and courageous" but she is afraid that courage for her, may be walking away from her dreams and into the plan of her Heavenly Father. 

What is God's plan for this dear young Amish woman??? Will God's plan take away everything that she has dreamed and hoped for??? Could God be changing the desires of her heart?????

I have enjoyed  every one of this author's books but this one especially so as it appealed to  a very deep sense of my emotions. The characters are described so thoroughly and realistically that I could feel every hurt, pain, disappointment , worry as well as moments of happiness. For me , the criteria for a good  book is one in which I can closely identify with at least one of the characters. This novel was a real winner !! I had such empathy for both Joanna and Andrew. They both had such dedication to their faith and it seemed as if God's plans had gone awry. Why would a loving God do this to a wonderful couple?? My feeling were so intense that at times, I wanted to step into the story and give Joanna a big hug and tell her that everything would be alright. However, deep down, I worried that maybe it wouldn't be!!!

The plot moved at a fast pace with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. Just when I relaxed and thought everything would work out, another complication would arise. The world passed me by as I read this book from beginning to end with only time out to eat and sleep. I must admit, the sleep was less than usual, as I just HAD to find out what would happen next  in this story. 

Definitely a five star book!!  This book is high on my list of recommended books to be read! It will appeal to lovers of Amish fiction as well as all others who enjoy a book in which they can escape their own reality for a short time. 

This book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Generational Legacies

     "The Inheritance"
       By Michael Philips

Synopsis: (taken from back cover) The death of the clan patriarch has thrown the tiny Shetland Islands community of Whale's Reef into turmoil. Everyone assumed MacGregor Tulloch's heir to be his grand-nephew David, a local favorite, but when it is discovered that MacGregor left no will, David's grasping cousin Hardy submits his own claim to the inheritance, an estate that controls most of the island's land. And while Hardy doesn't enjoy much popular support, he has the backing of a shadowy group of North Sea oil investors. The courts have frozen the estate's assets while the competing claims are investigated, leaving many of the residents in financial limbo. The future of the island--and its traditional way of life--hangs in the balance.

Loni Ford is enjoying her rising career in a large investment firm in Washington, DC. Yet in spite of her outward success, she is privately plagued by questions of identity. Orphaned as a young child, she was raised by her paternal grandparents, and while she loves them dearly, she feels completely detached from her roots. That is until a mysterious letter arrives from a Scottish solicitor. . . .

Past and present collide in master storyteller Phillips's dramatic new saga of loss and discovery, of grasping and grace, and of the dreams of men and women everywhere.

My Thoughts: "The Inheritance" is a well written historical novel. The author provides detailed background and historical information throughout the book. I am sure that Phillip's fans would be thrilled with this new novel, however, I found it extremely difficult to read. The culture, dialect and lifestyle of the Whales Reef community was thoroughly described as the past and present is blended in this tale. I must admit that this book was just not "my cup of tea". Those who are thrilled with historical facts would be drawn into the story, I am sure, but I am just not one of those fans. 

The story gets off to a very slow start, which I suppose is good for some readers, as they absorb the intense thoughtful details. For me, it just did not grab my attention and by the third chapter, I wanted to give up. I did manage to finish the book, but it took me a while. The tale jumps between characters and places challenging me to attempt to find a connection. As the plot developed, those connections were made but by then , I was lost amid a lot of facts that I no longer cared about. 

Michael does have an outstanding talent of painting a detailed picture of the setting on a Scottish Isle. I could picture the scenery quite clearly. To me , this was the  most interesting part of the book. With his many talents, I am sure that Michael Phillips's new book would appeal to many readers of historical fiction. I am simply not one of them. 


This book was provided by Bethany House, and Graf-Martin Communications , in exchange for a fair and honest review. Available now at your local booksellers. 

Another Winning Book by New York Times Bestselling Author, Beverly Lewis!

"The Atonement"
  By Beverly Lewis

Synopsis:  (From back cover) 
The mistakes of the past haunt Lucy Flaud, who years ago stopped attending the activities for courting-age young people in her hometown of Bird-in-Hand. Now twenty-five and solidly past the age of Amish courtship, Lucy has given up any hope of marriage, instead focusing her efforts on volunteering in both the Plain and fancy communities of Lancaster County. Yet no matter how hard Lucy strives, she feels uncertain that she'll ever find redemption.

Dale Wyeth has a deep mistrust of modern-day "advances" and the dependency they create. The young Englisher's interest in living off the grid is fueled further when he meets Christian Flaud, Lucy's father. Dale appreciates the self-sufficient ways of the Old Order Amish, and Christian invites him to learn more about them by staying at the family farm.

As Christian and Dale grow closer, developing a father-son rapport, Lucy begins to question what Dale's being there might mean for her. Could God be testing her? Or is it possible that even the most unworthy heart--and two people from very different walks of life--can somehow find a new beginning?

My Thoughts:

Beverly Lewis just happens to be the author who first introduced me to the Amish Fiction Genre, before it ever became popular. She is a master storyteller who relates her tales with a great understanding and knowledge of the Plain People. Her books are full of realistic information about the Amish communities, the people and their way of life. The Amish have problems as you and I do, and Beverly manages to relate in a sensitive accurate manner how they deal with them .

The story started out at a somewhat slow pace, however, I felt that this was needed so that the reader could completely understand and get to know the characters and their deep secrets hidden in past lives. Each person became very real to me as I could easily identify with them . I felt their every hurt, challenge, disappointment as well as their joys. The theme of forgiveness. as well as working through grief and all of its hurts and challenges run throughout the story, involving each of the main characters.  Lucy's relationship with her father was a delicate subject to describe but Beverly does so with grace and sensitivity. God's forgiveness is portrayed as one that is easier to accept than forgiving oneself. So very true!!

The setting had me breathing the fresh country air of the Amish Community. I could picture the well kept farms and family occasions. I was in Lancaster County in spirit, although not in body. 

The plot, once the first few chapters have been read, moves steadily and with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader glue to the page. The conclusion shows us very clearly how powerful love and redemption are , and the importance of both.

A great book! No surprise to fans of Beverly Lewis! 


This book was provided by Bethany House, and Graf-Martin Communications , in exchange for a fair and honest review. Available now at your local booksellers.

"Witty Storytelling at its Best!"

      "Like Never Before"
         By Melissa Tagg

Synopsis: (from book cover) 
A dying newspaper. An intriguing mystery. And a love they didn't see coming.

Maple Valley became Amelia Bentley's haven after her heart and her dreams of a family were shattered. But her new life as a newspaper editor is shaken when the small-town paper is in danger of closing. Her one hope: A lead on an intriguing story that just might impress the new publisher...if only she knew who he was.

After his biggest campaign success yet, widowed speechwriter Logan Walker now has the chance of a lifetime--a spot on a presidential campaign. But his plans are interrupted when he finds out he's inherited his hometown newspaper. He travels home intent on selling the paper and spending some much-needed time with his young daughter before making the leap into national politics.

But instead of a quick sale and peaceful break from his hectic career, Logan finds himself helping Amelia chase her story. She's scrappy, but wounded. He's dependable, but lost. They may butt heads more than expected, but a series of leads on Maple Valley's quirky unsolved mystery is just the start of the sparks that fly in the office and in their hearts. 

My Thoughts:
This is the second book in the Walker Family Series. Although it can be read as a stand alone, I found that having read the other, it was just like revisiting old friends and family. 

 This author is one who excels in character development. After reading just a few pages, I found that I could easily relate to the main characters' emotions and thoughts. The characters were well described, so realistically that the reader becomes part of the story. Amelia's confusion, challenges, hurts and joys became mine , as did Logan's!!  Two very different individuals however both became dear to my heart. Amelia was somewhat quirky, yet kind and inquisitive. Logan also had his little quirks, making them an interesting couple, if they were able to overcome the obstacles in the way of a romantic connection. 

The setting was perfect for the story of a small town newspaper. Maple Valley, typically was a place where everyone knows everyone else and ....sometimes too much of their private business!   Festivals and town fairs are still alive in these places.

The plot moved at a steady pace with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader captivated. Just when you think you have the answers to the problems, something pops up in the way to block the way. 

I would highly recommend this book as a great read!! It takes you on life's journey back to faith and forgiveness. Isn't that what God wants of all of us?? Following His plans gives us peace , forgiveness and joy. Both Logan and Amelia are on a roller coaster ride with many ups and downs. Will they allow God to take control of their lives????

A five star book!!



This book was provided by Bethany House, and Graf-Martin Communications , in exchange for a fair and honest review. Available now at your local booksellers.