25 Book Reviews

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

A Fantastic Read!! Be sure to enter the author's giveaway!



            "The Amish Widow's Rescue"
                     By Rachel J. Good

 About the Book:
Genre: Amish Romance
Release Date: May 28, 2019
The perfect family awaits…if only he’ll risk his heart.
Pregnant and recently widowed, Grace Fisher is determined to provide for her family on her own. Thankfully, her jam business is popular in her Amish community. But it’s difficult keeping up with her work, her farm chores, andher two mischievous children. Especially now that they’ve taken to idolizing their neighbor Elijah. While the handsome farmer is kind and generous, he seems intent on holding Grace and her little ones at a distance…
Elijah Beiler has always admired his neighbor Grace. So standing by while she struggles to support her family isn’t an option. Offering to take over her farm duties, Elijah is determined to help while remaining detached. He knows all too well that love only leads to heartbreak. Yet the more time he spends with Grace and her children, the harder he finds it to leave each day. But can Elijah overcome past hurts and open his heart to this ready-made family?
“A beautiful story of forgiveness and second chances.” -Shelley Shepard Gray, New York Timesbestselling author, on The Amish Teacher’s Gift
Click here to purchase your copy.

My Thoughts:

Rachel Good has quickly become a favorite author of mine. Her books exhibit a talent in bringing us "down to earth", dealing with challenges in the Amish community that each one of could experience in our Englisch world. This book is the third in  the Love and Promise series, but can be thoroughly enjoyed as a standalone. I had read the first two but I have to admit that this novel was outstanding in its depth and emotion. 

I found myself deeply involved with the characters from the first chapter. Each character was described so realistically that they were easy with whom to identify. I walked alongside them on their rocky road of life. They sure had their hills and valleys. The hurts each hit me very deeply. Made me really think ! What would I do in that situation??  It was obvious that God was working through their lives in a very special way. 

The plot was filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping the reader engaged from beginning to end.  The issues that were addressed were ones that are rarely seen in the Amish genre, described with understanding and grace. The hearts of these dear ones had to change in order to forgive themselves and others as well as to allow them to love unconditionally, as the Lord wants us to. 

Will I be reading more by this author?? YES!! I definitely will be waiting for Rachel's next creation!! 

 This is a fantastic read! Don't miss it!!

 This book was received from CelebrateLit. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own. 



About the Author:
Inspirational author Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, her website and by signing up for her newsletter.
and forgiveness. The bestselling author of several Amish romance series, she grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for many of her stories. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farms and attending family events. Rachel has more than 40 books in print or forthcoming for both children and adults under several pen names. Find out more about Rachel and her books at
Rachel’s Amish series include Sisters & Friends (Charisma House & Harlequin), Love & Promises (Hachette/Grand Central), Hearts of Amish Country (Annie’s Book Club), and the forthcoming Unexpected Amish Blessings and Surprised by Love series (Kensington). She also has several anthologies in print as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Book.

More from Rachel

The story idea for The Amish Widow’s Secret came to me after I’d just finished reading stories to my Amish friend’s children to give her a little break. She was expecting a new baby, and while we sat in their kitchen enjoying a snack, her husband came in.
The tenderness in his eyes as they talked made my eyes well with tears. It was obvious how much they loved each other, and they both supported each other. A perfect companionship. Not everyone gets to experience that bond, that caring.
It made me wonder what she’d do without him, and the seeds of a story was born. I decided to explore how a widow would cope with a pregnancy and two children alone. In the Amish community, of course, no one is ever left on their own. Everyone chips in to help.
So, what if the handsome and reclusive bachelor next door felt obligated to help, but wanted to avoid getting involved? Would he eventually soften his heart toward children and love?
As I wrote, I wondered if Elijah Beiler could get over a previous heartbreak. He needed to face his past before he moved forward, so I gave him that opportunity. A surprise visit and unwelcome news force Elijah to rethink everything he believes about parenting and love. And about the person who destroyed his world. He also needs to face the bitterness he’s been harboring.
Sometimes learning more about the circumstances or reasons of the person who has hurt us causes us to see the whole situation in a new light, making it easier to let go of the hurt. That’s what happens to Elijah.
I hope his journey will encourage readers to consider the places in their lives where they’ve been holding onto pain and reevaluate those experiences in the light of God’s forgiveness and love. To write this story, I needed to do that too.

Blog Stops



Quiet Quilter, May 28
Emily Yager, May 31
Bigreadersite, June 1
Vicky Sluiter, June 3
Mary Hake, June 8
EmpowerMoms, June 9
Genesis 5020, June 10

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a grand prize of autographed copies of The Amish Midwife’s Secret and Big-City Amish, a copy of an Amish cookbook, and an authentic Amish headscarf!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e2ab/the-amish-widow-s-rescue-celebration-tour-giveaway
at 13 comments:

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Complicated Family Dynamics!! Make sure that you enter the giveaway!


                            Moments We Forget
                By Beth Vogt

 About the book:
Genre: Contemporary fiction, woman’s fiction
Release Date: May 7, 2019
Jillian Thatcher has spent most of her life playing the family peacemaker, caught in the middle between her driven, talented older sister and her younger, spotlight-stealing twin sisters. Then on the night of her engagement party, a cancer diagnosis threatens to once again steal her chance to shine. Now, Jillian’s on the road to recovery after finally finishing chemo and radiation, but residual effects of the treatment keep her from reclaiming her life as she’d hoped. And just when her dreams might be falling into place, a life-altering revelation from her husband sends her reeling again. Will Jillian ever achieve her own dreams, or will she always be “just Jillian,” the less-than Thatcher sister? Can she count on her sisters as she tries to step into a stronger place, or are they stuck in their childhood roles forever?

Click here to purchase your copy.
My Thoughts:

 This, the second book in Beth's Thatcher Sisters' series, draws you into the lives of the three sisters , every bit as much as the first one did. I thought that my box of tissues was well used for "Things I Never Told You", however, I was mistaken. Out came a new box as I made my way through Jillian's story. This author has the unique and ability when dealing with sensitive topics, to draw you deeply into the lives of young women who each have a struggle . Jillian, as the middle sister, feels very neglected and on her own to fight a battle that not one of us would want to encounter. As she works her way through the ravages of cancer and its way of taking over her life, she also attempts to reconcile with her two other sisters who have been separated far too long by grief and circumstances. With the realistic and vivid description of each character , the reader easily identifies with them, feeling every hurt, disappointment and fear. Deep emotions arise as you walk alongside Jillian in her struggles with health and relationships. 

 The plot keeps one so totally engrossed that time passes you by. I have to admit that I read the book in one sitting. I could not put this novel down!!! The unexpected twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat, just waiting for the next disappointment or tragedy to fall, as usual, in the character's weakest moments! This is reality!! The rocky road of life trips us up on occasion, however, Jillian found the strength she needed, when she needed it most. You could feel her inner strength as it developed in the most unexpected ways. God is always nearby, however, we must seek and accept His help.

 So many sensitive topics addressed in this story of these women, cancer, adoption, relationships that were falling apart, were done so in such a caring manner. Beth Vogt has the unique talent of appealing to her readers' empathy in such a way that it grows, unnoticed, as the characters develop. I had to keep reminding myself that this is a work of fiction!!! 

 This is definitely a five star book addressing so many topics that many avoid. I am eagerly awaiting Book three in this series!!

This book was provided by CelebrateLit. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own. A positive review was not required.

About the Author

Beth-VogtBeth K. Vogt is a nonfiction author and editor who said she’d never write fiction. She’s the wife of an Air Force family physician (now in solo practice) who said she’d never marry a doctor—or anyone in the military. She’s a mom of four who said she’d never have kids. Now Beth believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” A women’s fiction novelist, Beth’s first novel for Tyndale House Publishers, Things I Never Told You, released May 2018.
Beth is a 2016 Christy Award winner, a 2016 ACFW Carol Award winner, and a 2015 RITA® finalist. Her 2014 novel, Somebody Like You, was one of Publishers Weekly‘s Best Books of 2014. A November Bride was part of the Year of Wedding series by Zondervan. Having authored nine contemporary romance novels or novellas, Beth believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us.
An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Novel Rocket and also enjoys speaking to writers’ groups and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband, Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people, and their youngest daughter, Christa, who loves to play volleyball and enjoys writing her own stories. Connect with Beth at bethvogt.com.

More from Beth

“A sister is like yourself in a different movie, a movie that stars you in a different life.”
Deborah Tannen (1945-), sociologist
I’m launching Moments We Forget, book two in the Thatcher Sisters series, and I’ve just turned in the final book in the series. I’d love to share book three’s title with you, but I don’t know what it is. (Of course, book three might have a final title by the time you read this—that’s part of the fun of prerelease deadlines.)
One thing I do know: the theme of “Little Women gone wrong” is woven through all of the books . . . thanks to the Thatcher sisters: Payton, Pepper, Jillian, and Johanna.
Sisters, be they real or imaginary, can be complicated.
Of course, there are sisters who have close relationships. They “get” each other and love doing life together.
But then there are the sister relationships that are like mismatched socks. Or those expensive jeans you loved in the store, but when you bring them home, they never quite live up to those moments in the dressing room.
Such are the Thatcher sisters. Johanna, Jillian, Payton, and Pepper grew up in the same family. They’re all tall. They love Broncos football and board games. But in so many ways their lives are like different movies because they each made different choices. Choices that changed and separated them. Moments We Forgetcontinues to explore whether the Thatcher sisters can find a way to understand each other enough to bridge the distance between them.

Blog Stops

Livin’ Lit, May 7
Carpe Diem, May 8
Simple Harvest Reads, May 10 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Remembrancy, May 10
Genesis 5020, May 13
By The Book, May 13
Bigreadersite, May 14
Moments, May 15
Hallie Reads, May 19

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Beth is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card plus a softcover copy of Moments We Forget!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e26d/moments-we-forget-celebration-tour-giveaway
at 3 comments:

Saturday, May 4, 2019

This Book Will Keep You Thinking... of life and for those things we should be thankful! Make sure that you enter the giveaway!



                        "Shine the Light"
                       By April McGowan

 About the Book:
Shannon is out to save the world one caring act at a time. She’s stood by her best friend, Amber, through their whole lives especially when Amber lost her sight. She has an active outreach ministry to the homeless and disenfranchised. And she’s even let down her guard long enough to let a boyfriend, Justin, into her life.
Her life has settled into a pleasing routine of teaching, freelance photography work, quiet dinners with Justin, and taking Amber on treks to find new subjects for her visionary paintings. But when a man from her past shows up, her secure world crumbles into triggered PTSD episodes that threaten everything she relies on. Will she be able to overcome these old memories, or will her past crush any hopes she had for a future?
Click here to purchase your copy.
My Thoughts:

 This book is one that will make you think deep thoughts.... all centred on overcoming!! Overcoming what?? you may ask. Well, when the book begins , I was immediately struck by a main character overcoming the inability to see. Being blind in a seeing world would challenge me in ways that I can't even imagine!! But as the plot progressed, the theme of overcoming many serious problems became evident! Just imagine, you have to somehow strive to live a happy life while attempting to deal with many deep seated fears and memories.

April manages to use her unique talent to pull the reader into her characters' lives , travelling alongside them as they fight their inner demons. Your emotions are in high gear making your heart throb, as each fights to win and overcome. The characters are all described so vividly that one is wanting to constantly give them hope and a big hug , as well as a prayer that all will be well one day in the near future. The reader feels the brokenness and hopelessness that must be experienced before achieving healing from hurtful pasts.

 The plot is detailed, moving along at a quick pace, with twists and turns jumping out at the most unexpected moments. The need for forgiveness plays an important part throughout this story. How can one forgive someone who left such a hurt in your inner being ? Can trust every be a part of your life again? Only God can truly give the healing touch that is needed. There is hope and redemption but only when one puts their whole lives in God's hands and allows Him to take control. Easier said than done, but possible.

 This book is ideal for those who are hurting and need some answers to have hope for a happy future. It is also for those of us who need to appreciate what we have and what greater happiness we can feel through our faith.

 This is a five star book!! Leaves you in deep thought long after the book has been read and put away!!
Eagerly awaiting this author's next book!!

This book was a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

About the Author

April McGowan loves to read and write inspirational fiction. She and her husband, two children, and her ‘mews’ (three cats!), live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. April is a member of Oregon Christian Writers, the Christian Author’s Network, and American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not writing, homeschooling her son, or playing board games, you might find her at her drum kit, imagining she’s on a world tour. Hey, it could happen.

More from April

Writing About Tough Subjects—with Hope
I began writing over twenty years ago. And technically I wrote long before that as well. But those pieces were ‘just for fun.’ However, as I look back on my short stories, blog posts, and now my published work, there’s a definite theme: overcoming. Overcoming childhood abuse, overcoming an abusive marriage, overcoming loss—physical and emotional. And those overcoming stories were not about overcoming through our own strength, which is so often flawed and lacking, but by relying on the One who can heal us from every wrong, every hurt, and every loss.
After my first novel, Jasmine, I asked my readers what they’d like me to focus on in my next books—what subjects were overlooked in fiction today? The overwhelming consensus was adoption, loss, and mental illness.
As a contemporary fiction author, I stay current on social issues, so that wasn’t a huge jump for me. My readers saw a gap, and I did, too.
Not that it’s wrong to simply read for entertainment—shoot, I do! But I’ve always loved gripping stories with people I could identify with who were overcoming obstacles I’d faced, or watched a loved one face—stories that offer real hope in the face of tragedy.
So began my journey. In book one of this series, Hold the Light, I wrote about sight loss and adoption. I wrote about best friends who were solidly there for each other in the face of great hardship and pain. And in book two, Shine the Light, I’m doing the same—with a twist.
There’s a lack of representation and writing concerning mental illness and how it affects the sufferer and those around them. There is a stigma that is significantly changing, but it’s something we’re still hesitant to discuss. Myself and many I know are deeply touched by this issue, and I think we’re long past due letting those that suffer from mental illness and their families know that they are not alone. Or if they are, that they don’t have to be.
Book two, Shine the Light, is about Shannon’s life. Her love for the downtrodden, the lost, and the injured. Her passion for the underdog. How she became the stalwart friend she is to Amber in Hold the Light, the obstacles she’s overcome, and those she has to continue to grapple through with God’s help.
As with all of my books, I’ve vetted this story with people who have faced these situations and am very careful to respect their stories as well as staying true to my characters. I hope you’ll dive in and find Shannon to be a deep and real and identifiable character. I hope you’ll discover in her a friend.
I know you’ll grow to love her as I do.
The giveaway: Many of my books are set in Portland, Oregon, and as a celebration of that, I’m offering a giveaway celebrating two of my favorite things about the city: Powell’s books and super good coffee! Also cats…but I can’t give one of those away in a contest! Well…I could try, but I’d probably fall in love with it and never send it to you…so for now, books and coffee!

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, May 6 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Mary Hake, May 10
Carpe Diem, May 15

Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, April is giving away a grand prize of a $20 Powell’s gift card, a Powell’s coffee mug, and Stumptown coffee!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e21c/shine-the-light-celebration-tour-giveaway




















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Another Fantastic Read by One of My Favorite  Authors, Vannetta Chapman!



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