25 Book Reviews

Thursday, June 9, 2016

A Very Different Novel for Readers of Amish Fiction!


                 Don't miss the giveaway!!!




      "The Amish Firefighter"
           By Laura V. Hilton

I must say  that the cover of this book, as well as the title, grabbed my attention immediately! The picture of a young Amish woman with a firefighter??? Seemed very different! Who is this man? Why would he be pictured with a good Amish girl?? I have to admit I could hardly wait to get started on this story.

About this book:
Beautiful Young Woman Banished from Home
Abigail Stutzman thought it was bad enough being dropped at the nearest bus station and sent to live several states away with some relatives she’d never even heard of, much less met. But now, just a week after her arrival in Jamesport, Missouri, she finds herself at the scene of a barn fire. An intentional barn fire. And all fingers are pointed at her. She’s desperate to prove her innocence and protect her reputation, but nobody’s making that easy to do. And God certainly doesn’t seem willing to help.
A Brave Firefighter with an Agenda of His Own
Sam Miller is in the process of turning over a new leaf. Determined to atone for the follies of his past, he is a volunteer firefighter, an EMT, and a doctor-in-training. With suspicious barn fires escalating, and the Miller family being among the victims, no one is more determined to see the perpetrators brought to justice than Sam.
A Kindled Flame Neither One Could Have Anticipated
When their paths first cross at the site of a barn burning, the emotional intensity rivals the warmth of the flames. Soon, they must decide whether this fire is one they should feed or fight. And they’ll discover that the truth can prove more dangerous than a blazing inferno.
My Thoughts: Laura Hilton has never disappointed me with her creations and this book was no exception. From her well crafted characters to her double intertwining plots, she captured my attention and kept it throughout the book. I have to admit the world passed me by as I read this amazing story of faith, trust and forgiveness. My husband could attest to the fact, as housework was left incomplete and meals were...... well, they just didn't happen!!!
Laura has a unique talent of creating characters that have such depth that you immediately identify with each in very different ways.  Abigail's hurts and struggles became mine. I just wanted to wrap my arms around this girl who had an unbelievable past, none of the problems due to her own making. Sam also intrigued me as he struggled to overcome the difficulties in his past, a kind man who just had to come to terms with the ability of God to forgive and lead him to a bright future. 
The plot was well developed and moved quickly with twists and turns at every turn of the page.  The theme of forgiveness of oneself as well as of God shines brightly through the trials and challenges that appear in the lives of these captivating characters. God's mercy and grace shines through in the darkest hours. I must say that I was on the edge of my seat as I  was waiting for the next block to fall in the path of forgiveness. 
This book was comprised of romance, secrets and mystery , all combined to make up a WINNING book!!!  Don't miss this new twist in the Amish genre. Laura Hilton is an author to be watched!! I can hardly wait for her next creation!! This book was her best yet!! Well, I say that , until I read the next one. LOL!!


About the Author:  Amish fiction lovers responded positively and immediately to Laura V. Hilton’s debut novel, Patchwork Dreams, when she burst on the scene in 2009 with her unique series, The Amish of Seymour, set in the tiny town of Seymour, in Webster County, Missouri. Fans of the genre immediately recognized Hilton’s insider knowledge, not only of the Webster County community, but Amish culture in general. Her natural speech and writing patterns, she says, are uniquely “Amish,” acquired from her Amish maternal grandparents. The Amish of Seymour, includes Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts, and Promised to Another. Her second series, The Amish of Webster County, is comprised of Healing Love, Surrendered Love,and Awakened Love. A stand-alone title, A White Christmas in Webster County, was released in September 2014. The Birdhouse concluded Laura’s 2015 series, The Amish of Jamesport, includes The Snow Globe, The Postcard and The Birdhouse. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer. Laura and her husband, Steve, have five children, whom Laura homeschools. The family makes their home in Arkansas.
For more about Laura, her latest book, the books she’s written and those she’s reviewed:
Laura Hilton’s Website:  www.lauravhilton.blogspot.com
Purchase your copy of The Amish Firefighter here

Guest Post from Laura V. Hilton

Unlike some authors, I am not a planner. I have a very vague idea of the story, of the series, and as soon as the characters step forward and introduce themselves I dive in and start writing. When I first began writing this series – New Beginnings in Jamesport – I knew Sammy Miller was going to be the hero. Readers started asking for Sammy’s story as soon as they read The Postcard where Sammy was the villain. Ouch. I’d never considered writing a story about a former villain. But just as David in The Postcard was reader requested, Sammy would be.
Sammy is a very strong character and I knew he had to have a strong female lead character, one that wasn’t afraid to stand up to him and keep him under control. He is a leader, an EMT studying to be a paramedic, and a volunteer firefighter. The female lead, Abigail, is thrown into Jamesport without warning. Her step-father takes her to the bus station and sends her away and she doesn’t even know why! When she is met at the bus station by an aunt and uncle she didn’t even know existed, she is thrown into the middle of several mysteries, including barn fires set by arsonists. And she is the main suspect.
The whole New Beginnings in Jamesport series, while considered a continuation of The Amish of Jamesportseries due to Sammy being the hero, is set around Amish starting over in Jamesport. The second bookThe Amish Wanderer is about a former resident of Jamesport hitchhiking across the country to get to his Mennonite uncle’s house in Pennsylvania. Silas is desperate to escape from his dysfunctional family for several reasons. But he cannot stay in Jamesport because someone is out to kill him. When he stumbles upon another mystery within hours of his arrival, what choice does he have but to stick around for awhile?
God gave me the verses for all three books in the Amish of Jamesport series The Amish Firefighter, The Amish Wanderer and the yet untitled third book (My books all stand alone) before I started writing them, which is unusual. He usually reveals these things slowly to me, as I need to know. The verse for The Amish Firefighter is Isaiah 43:2-4 and the verse for The Amish Wanderer is Romans 8:38-39. The third book’s verse is 2 Corinthians 4:8. It is tentatively titled The Amish Accountant, but most people think accountants are boring, and his real profession is a clockmaker. But The Amish Clockmaker has already been taken by another author. So we shall see what the wonderful Whitaker House team will come up with. It is about another young Amish woman, Lydia, who needs a “safe haven.” So her parents send her to live with her Mennonite aunt and uncle in Jamesport. It doesn’t exactly work out as planned, as the aunt and uncle leave for a foreign mission trip immediately, leaving Lydia acting manager of a gift shop and living in an all electric apartment. Before her aunt leaves, she tells Lydia’s secrets to her best friend. But did she tell all of them or some of them? And the best friend’s son, Caleb (the clockmaker) is acting as accountant for the gift shop. And what about Caleb’s carefully kept secret? When Lydia’s past catches up with her, will it destroy all she’d begun to imagine as she dreamed of starting over in Jamesport?
Next after that is The Christmas Challenge which is also set in Jamesport.
I don’t have official release dates for The Amish Wanderer or the other books yet. But as soon as I know, I’ll share.
Coming next? Who knows? I have two ideas warring for attention—but which one gets told first, I don’t know! I lean toward one, then the other. They both want to be told.
And now, I must get back to work. Thank you for visiting today and thank you so much for supporting my books. I do hope you’ll enjoy The Amish Firefighter!
Happy Reading!
Because of Him,
~ Laura ~
This book was provided by CelebrateLit in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Please take a moment to read other reviews of this book.

Blog Stops

June 9: Quiet Quilter
June 12: Splashes of Joy
June 13: Babs Book Bistro
June 13: bigreadersite
June 17: A Greater Yes
June 19: Petra’s Hope
June 21: A Holland Reads
June 22: Pause for Tales
June 22: KarensKrayons

Don't miss the giveaway!! Enter today!!
To celebrate her tour, Laura is giving away a basket that includes a Kindle Fire and a complete set of her books! Enter here: https://promosimple.com/ps/9bed

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

A Well Written, Meaningful Novella!


:

"Whispering to Horses"
An Amish Horses Novella

By Thomas Nye

Synopsis:
An old fence separates a modern community from their Amish neighbors, until a little boy opens the gate and breaks down barriers between them. Main characters, Matt and Eli, find friendship, hope, and a future through a mutual need, which creates an opportunity for them to learn to understand each other. Eli and his little sisters will touch your heart by Whispering to Horses.

My Thoughts: If you are looking for a lovely, light novella  to relax with, this is the perfect one!! Lovers of Amish fiction will enjoy this short read. 
I was a bit apprehensive when this book arrived in my mailbox, as I had never heard of this author and am not a big fan of novellas. They seem too short and leave me wanting more! However, this story was one that appealed to my inner being. It is a story of peace, understanding and faith. It left me with some deep thoughts of what our world would be like today, if we only allowed that gate to remain open!
The characters were well described with realistic detail. I easily identified with Matt as he struggled to understand this kind, considerate, well behaved, little boy. In our busy lives, we often forget the value of being a good neighbor. Friendship and understanding of each other is often lacking as we work, keep family obligations and try to keep up with the world's expectations. The effect that we can have on others due to kindness is too often lacking. 

The plot of the book was simple however one that moved steadily to achieve its goal of making the reader have some deep thoughts. The simple act of giving flows throughout the tale.

 This book is one that I highly recommend. One that is totally different but leaves some lasting thoughts deep within.


Guest Post from Thomas Nye

Last spring, I visited numerous Amish communities throughout the state of Indiana. My original goal was to bring awareness of my Amish Horses book series to the Amish and tourists in that region. As I traveled down quiet country roads, my heart was overwhelmed by beautiful farm scenes. Conversations with Amish families, and especially Amish children, brought a new awareness and inspiration to me. Springtime and its rich aromas flooded my senses and filled my heart with a story, Whispering to Horses.
Whispering to Horses is a very short novel which spans several generations. It is the story of two families that live side-by-side for years, and yet are strangers to each other. A fence that was installed to keep livestock apart has become a dividing line, separating Amish from their non-Amish neighbors. Years ago, when putting in the fence, an Amishman remembered his grandfather’s advice, almost prophetically, “… a gate opens the way for help in time of need.” Generations later, a gentle Amish boy named Eli, seems to have inherited his great-great-grandfather’s wisdom, as he opens the gate and communication between neighbors.

Kalona, Iowa has been my home for the past 35 years. Living in an Amish/Mennonite community, I have experienced many situations exactly like the one described in this book. It is so easy for us to look over a fence and have a disdain for people we don’t know, or understand. Sometimes, a little child can use their simple wisdom to break through our misconceptions, and soften our crusty opinions. In my hundreds of visits to Amish farms, it has been the children that have surprised me most. Even though English is their second language, Amish children speak with wisdom that has become a treasure to me, and I want to share it with you. I hope the story of Whispering to Horses opens your eyes, and brings back memories of your own childhood, when we all shared that simple wisdom.
About the Author:


Thomas Nye, author of the Amish Horses Book Series, Lives near an Amish community where he grew to know and respect his Amish neighbors. During grade school Thomas developed an interest in history and loved reading anything he could find about the 1800s. His love of farm, history, and horses all came together in real-life experiences with his Amish friends, who also happen to share his Christian faith.  He purchased draft horses from Amish farmers in his neighborhood and set out to learn the art of working with horses in harness.  After years of buying, selling, and trading work horses with Amish farmers in his community, Thomas had many wonderful memories of those experiences. His novels based on those adventures. Learn more about Thomas Nye on his website.

Link to purchase book: http://amzn.to/1sNTAqf


If you wish to read other reviews on this CelebrateLit Tour:

Blog Stops
June 7: Quiet Quilter
June 8: ArtisticNobody
June 8: Petra’s Hope
June 12: Bigreadersite
June 14: A Greater Yes

Giveaway!!  Don't miss it!!


To celebrate his tour, Thomas is giving away an entire set of his Amish Horses Series! Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/9b7f

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











Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Suzanne Woods Fisher Writes Another Winning Novel!!

      "The Quieting"
  By Suzanne Woods Fisher

Are well laid plans always "the best" plans??? Abigail Stoltzfus discovers that they certainly are NOT!! 

This second book in Suzanne's series, "The Bishop's Family", is every bit as good as the first, "The Imposter". I must admit that I had doubts about this book as I picked it up. Not that I wouldn't enjoy it, (who would not love this author's creations??),  but that it could not possibly be as great a read as the previous one was! Happy to announce that I was WRONG!! It was a fantastic read that kept me glued to the page from  beginning to the end.

Synopsis:
The Stoltzfus family faces serious problems, both in the church and at home. Everyone in the community expects minister David Stoltzfus to fix things–fast. But David doesn’t work fast. He prefers to wait for God to work in individual hearts. However, even he is left wondering if the solution to their most pressing problem might be a Quieting.
When David’s mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store. She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David and her eligible granddaughters–and especially for David’s niece Abigail. When Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem–but will it create another?
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher takes fans back to Stoney Ridge, delivering the twists, turns, and romance they adore.
My Thoughts:  For those that love genealogy, this book will grab your attention immediately!  A topic, not common among those stories written about the Amish community, is dealt with in the usual unique style that only Suzanne Woods Fisher can produce. Abigail, the main character is totally amazed by and engrossed in this study, as well as being dedicated in assisting her father who is unable to complete the work himself. She proves to be a somewhat quirky, determined young woman who has no time to waste on frivolous things like finding a husband, much to her Grandmother's dismay! I immediately was able to identify with this young woman who became my closest friend! I felt her every challenge and disappointment. Her Grandmother was certainly not a person to ignore or take lightly! Her plan to find a husband for Abigail among the many bachelors, she believes is available in Stoney  Ridge was one that this determined woman was not going to give up. Even when discovering they are not as plentiful as thought, Mammi does not give up!! She is one strong willed woman!! I wasn't sure I would want her to be pushing me towards any end!! What a stubborn old woman she was!!  
The plot moved quickly and steadily with surprising twists and turns appearing at the most unexpected times. The conflict grows as the plot develops keeping the reader totally engrossed. The complications lead to family against family, clear that that path to a solution may lead to a Quieting- the removal of a church leader, not a pleasant or common occurrence in the Amish faith. The solving of one problem seems to create another!!  I could not put this book down as I just had to know what would happen next!! There were so much going on within the main plot that you feel that you must untangle the webs that develop! At least, I wanted to!! 
This book stresses the need to let go of the past and move on with the present. Although the past may be important, it must remain in the past, not carried on in the present and future! Each of must take time to listen to God. He has a plan for each of us, however, we have to be the one to allow Him to carry it out.
 Definitely, a five star book!! Don't miss this one, it is a true winner in Amish fiction!!

This book was provided by the author and CelebrateLit in exchange for a fair and honest review. 
Purchase your copy of The Quieting here.

About the Author

suzanne-croppedSuzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author whose most recent novels include Anna’s Crossing and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

To see other reviews of this book: 

Blog Stops

May 17: Heidi Reads…
May 18: Just Commonly
May 19: A Holland Reads
May 20: Quiet Quilter
May 21: cherylbbookblog
May 22: Giveaway Lady
May 23: Splashes of Joy
May 24: Lane Hill House
May 24: Book by Book
May 24: Mary Hake
May 29: Bukwurmzzz
May 29: Bigreadersite
A Word from the Author:
Twenty years ago, my husband and I attended a large church with a dynamic senior pastor. Each Sunday, we would sit spellbound during 40 minute sermons—he was that good a preacher. And then a terrible thing came to light—this very man had been taking advantage of vulnerable women during counseling sessions. Fourteen women, it turned out, and the pastor remained unrepentant. As issues were dealt with, our entire church suffered. We were a hurting community. The sins of one affected all.
As I plotted out ‘The Bishop’s Family,’ I wanted to borrow the theme of how a leader’s sins hurts the church community. (Now, I need to clarify that this is not a novel that addresses sexual sin. However, it does address unrepentant sin in an ordained leader.) First, I spoke to some Amish friends to see if my story idea had any merit. Was I was on the right track? To my amazement, a similar situation to my novels had occurred in one Amish friend’s church, and it resulted in a “quieting.” That’s an Amish phrase that means revoking the responsibilities of an unrepentant ordained leader. Just like it sounds–he is, essentially, “quieted.”
In this novel, you’ll see the behind-the-scenes of Amish church leadership, and get a sense of how a community is hurting. And how it begins to heal, too.
This series began in the Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania community with The Imposter. More twists and turns are coming to Stoney Ridge after The Quieting—so stay tuned for The Devoted to hit bookshelves in early October. Just in time for autumn reading by a warm fireplace!
Warmly, Suzanne

Giveaway

The Quieting giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grab bag of Amish-made gifts worth over $100! Click the link to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/99a8

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Released Today!!!! A Fabulous New Collection of Amish Novellas by Our Favorite Authors!

"An Amish Harvest"

  Four Novellas

By: Beth Wiseman
     Kathleen Fuller
     Amy Clipston
     Vannetta Chapman


Synopsis: 

 Faith, hope, and love remain forever in season in this collection of four richly absorbing novellas set amidst the wonder of an Amish autumn.


Under the Harvest Moon, by Beth Wiseman
When Naomi Dienner is suddenly widowed, she never expects to find love again . . . until she meets Brock Mulligan, an English family friend hired at harvest time. As a sinister presence begins to threaten Naomi, Brock seeks to prove himself trustworthy while struggling with growing feelings for Naomi and her children. Will God open Naomi’s heart—and give Brock his own second chance at love?
Love and Buggy Rides, by Amy Clipston
Janie Lantz is a cashier at Lancaster Souvenirs and Buggy Rides, where Jonathan Stoltfuz is a buggy driver. A frightening accident brings Janie and Jonathan together in a blossoming friendship, yet daunting obstacles stand between them and something deeper. Can love kindle into flames that burn away fear and regret—and lead them to a life together?
Mischief in the Autumn Air, by Vannetta Chapman When items start going above market value at his auction house, Eli Wittmer is first thrilled, and then puzzled. But when the house is broken into, Eli and his new bookkeeper, Martha Beiler track down a trail of clues. Will they solve the mystery before the fall festival ends—and discover an unexpected new love?
A Quiet Love, by Kathleen Fuller Dinah Hochstetler, quiet and bookish, longs for marriage but hides in her shyness. Amos Mullett, a simple farmer, knows he’s different but aches for a loving wife. As Dinah and Amos navigate a budding romance, will the power of love—and the blessing of God—be enough to overcome their doubters?

My Thoughts:

Given a chance to review this book, which just happens to be written by four of my favorite authors, was indeed an honor and a pleasure!!  I must admit that any book of Amish Fiction is high on my list of "To Read"  titles. 

Each of these authors has the unique ability to write Amish stories, each with very different characters and unusual topics, yet blending together to make a winning book! All of the stories take place in the time of harvest, in the autumn. One creation just seems to flow into the next tale with ease. 

Beth's talent of making the characters come to life is obvious in her tale. I became one with them and fought their challenges alongside them. A developing romance was evident but along with it came toils and troubles. Love and forgiveness run throughout this novella. 

Amy's story blended the Englischer's world together with the Amish community in a unique way. The clash of the two cultures disrupted the budding romance of the two main characters. The feeling of turmoil was felt deep within as I read this tale. 

Vannetta writes with her own special talent of creating a mystery within  an Amish story. The plot moved quickly with twists and turns surprising me, yes, even shocking me at times, in every chapter. Can a new love overcome the tensions and fears?

Kathleen's story exemplifies her strong character development. You feel the pressures and challenges of an extremely shy individual who struggles to find love. My heart ached for this dear soul who had to strive so hard to find contentment and happiness. 

These authors came together and wrote a book that flows from story to story, without a struggle. This is unusual to find. Although each story was very different , they seemed to belong together. Hard to explain but you will see this when you read this awesome collection of novellas! 

A GREAT book!! Don't miss it!!

Being released on August 16th, 2016. 

This book was provided by the publisher and authors, in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Sunday, May 15, 2016

What Could be Better Than a Coloring Book Filled With Amish Quilts!!!!!!

"Amish Quilts Coloring Book"
By Rachel Good

About the book

Amish Quilts Coloring BOOK coverFeeling stressed? Why not relax with an adult coloring book? Rachel J. Good’s Amish Quilts Coloring Book takes you back to a time and place that’s calm. Immerse yourself in a world of peace as you color the 25 different quilts.
Inspired by quilts seen in Amish country, many of these designs are based on traditional patterns, but some have been reimagined or repeated multiple times to create more intricate designs to color. Each quilt is printed on only one side of the page; facing pages contain inspirational Amish proverbs. To make the quilts even more colorful and interesting, sketch fabric designs – plaids, checks, paisleys, flowers, or abstract shapes – into the larger quilt blocks, use pattern stamps, or even collage fabric scraps to the pages. And if the designs inspire you to make quilts of your own, the pages can be used as templates for quilt-making.
What a great way to "de stress"!  For those of us who have busy lives, sometimes it is just a pleasure to sit back and enjoy something many of us haven't done for years!! I loved coloring  as a child and still do! I find it a way to unwind after a busy day. It is also a fantastic way to rid oneself of stress and worries that build up deep within us , living in this fast paced world. 
I am a quilter as well, so this book appealed to me immediately. Often too weary to quilt after an active day, sitting down with a coloring book gives me time to reflect on life in general and often totally forget what is going on around me. The Amish Proverb at the top of each page makes this book very special. Not only do you color, but you can find enjoyment in thinking of how these proverbs apply to us! They are practical, often sounding humorous, but each has a deeper meaning !  
The pages, at first , appear to have very tiny areas to color, however, once begun, they don't seem so challenging at all! I enjoyed choosing the colors. Every quilt will look so different, depending on colors and designs. This is much the same thing that occurs when you are designing and sewing a quilt. 
Here are the two sample pages that I colored for this review! I totally enjoyed every moment! I highly recommend this book to all lovers of coloring!


This sample was provided by the author and CelebrateLit, in exchange for a fair and honest review. 










About the Author:
Rachel J. Goodinspirational author, writes life-changing, heartfelt novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. She is the author of Amish romances in the Sisters & Friends series. She grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for her novels. A former teacher and librarian, she completed her MA from Vermont College while raising five children. She is presently an MFA student in Writing and Illustration at Hollins University. In addition to having more than 2200 articles and 30 books in print or forthcoming under several pseudonyms, she also juggles freelance editing and illustration careers. To buy the Amish Quilts Coloring Book:http://amzn.to/1VmIOUi. Visit Rachel at:
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/racheljgood1/

Purchase your copy here.
Here is a link to a fantastic giveaway:  https://promosimple.com/ps/986f
Rachel is giving away two autographed copies of this coloring book.


If you wish to see other reviews on this coloring book, please follow CelebrateLit's Blog Tour.

Blog Stops

May 4: Bookworm Mama
May 12: Petra’s Hope
May 14: A Greater Yes
May 14: Artistic Nobody
May 15: Quiet Quilter

amish quilts FB cover

Friday, May 13, 2016

A Book Overflowing with Secrets, Lies and Danger!!



                       "Sins of the Past"
          A Romantic Suspense Novella Collection
                   By  Dee Henderson
                         Dani Pettrey
                         Lynette Eason

Synopsis:

In Dee Henderson's "Missing" a Wyoming sheriff is called to Chicago when his elderly mother goes missing. Paired with a savvy Chicago cop, the two realize her disappearance is no accident, and a race against the clock begins.

Dani Pettrey returns to Alaska with "Shadowed"; introducing readers to the parents of her beloved McKenna clan. Adventure, romance, and danger collide when a young fisherman nets the body of an open-water swimming competitor who may actually be a possible Russian defector.

Lynette Eason's "Blackout" delivers the story of a woman once implicated in a robbery gone wrong. The loot has never been found--but her memory of that night has always been unreliable. Can she remember enough to find her way to safety when the true culprit comes after her?

My Thoughts:  

What more could I ask for???? Three novellas by my favourite romantic suspense authors!!
I must admit , that I normally don't "love" this type of short stories. I prefer a longer book, detailed,  in which I can lose myself in another world for a good length of time. This time, however, I have to say that this type of book met my current needs!! Once in a while, it is great to have shorter story to read in one sitting. All three of these authors were successful in providing action right from the start. No fooling around with piddly details or slow starts!! The pace of the plots were extremely fast and the dramas unfolded in an unusually speedy fashion. I found these novellas to be even more suspenseful than usual. 

All three authors's creations carried the theme that sins of the past are exactly that. They are in the past and have to remain there to carry on a happy life in the present and the future. God forgives our past so easily! But we, with our difficult human nature, seem to find great difficulty in doing so .  Sometimes we need to be forced, by some unpleasant, even frightening circumstances, to follow the path that God is providing for us. Each story takes a different look at how that can happen, through mysteries filled with suspense. 

This collection is ideal for the person who does not have hours to sit to enjoy a book but still desires the thrill of a great read! Each story is about 120 pages long, so you can read one and go on with your busy life until another break, then read another. A great book for the summer when one goes on vacation and wants to take a short stay in another world .

I did not have a favourite story. All three were equally good and kept my attention throughout. Good authors write good books, whether long or short. Their talents are clearly exhibited in this collection. Romantic suspense at its best!!

Five stars for this book!! Don't miss it!!



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 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...