The Bachelor Book 2 of Plain City Peace series by Stephanie Reed

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My Review:  The Bachelor Book Two of Plain City Peace Series by Stephanie Reed
Kregel Publications
ISBN 9780825442162
Amish, Christian Fiction

  The Bachelor is set in 1970’s around the Vietnam war and draft. Bestie Troyer lives in Plain City where she is raising her two younger siblings and taking care of a English girl. Her biggest prayer is for her parents and aunt to return to Amish life. They left the Amish life to live out their new-found faith in Jesus. Bestie is promised to Charley but has a intense friendship with Englisher Michael.  Among much confusion she has to decide who to give her heart to and which faith she will follow.
  The author Stephanie Reed did a great job explaining salvation in this story. I really enjoyed learning how the Amish and English view faith and salvation. It was an eye opening experience to see the contrast of faith between Bestie who is Amish and Englisher Sheila. They both had such strong beliefs. The Bachelor is book 2 in Plain City Peace series but it stands alone. I have not read the first book The Bargain but after enjoying this one so much I will.
  I loved this fast paced Amish novel. It was thought provoking, well written and filled with faith. I give The Bachelor 5 stars. And a high-five to the author Stephanie Reed and publisher Kregel Publications for bringing compelling Christian books that are entertaining and give hope to the reader with stories of faith. The Book Club Network Inc. provided me with this book in exchange for my honest review and I am so grateful for their, the authors and publishers generosity.  

Who is Jesus by Mary Ann Diorio

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Back Cover: WHO IS JESUS? presents a biblical picture of our Savior in a way that will help your child recognize Him as Love Personified. Little children will come to know Jesus as the essence of all that is good, holy, and true. As you read this book to your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or students, the will learn that Jesus Christ cares about them and loves them with a perfect love.

My Review: Who Jesus Is? By MaryAnn Diorio TBN
Top Notch Press
ISBN 9780930037154
Christian Fiction, Children
  Ever child I know asks a bunch of questions. This book has the answer to who is Jesus. The author MaryAnn Diorio answers the tough question with everyday situations of will Jesus love me when I do wrong, does He love me when I hurt or cry, and does He love me when I can’t see Him. She includes a scripture to each question and an illustrated picture. I read this book to my grandchildren and they loved it. It was written in a way that a 2 yr old, 5 yr old and 8 yr old could understand it. The illustrations really caught their attention and helped them to understand better. They give this book 5 stars.
  I want to thank the author MaryAnn Diorio and publisher Top Notch Press for bringing good  Christian books like this one to the youngest readers. I would also like to thank The Book Club Network Inc. for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Mary Ann Diorio

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Treacherous Tart by Ellie Grant

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Back Cover: Festive pastries are flying off the shelves at Pie in the Sky, where Maggie Grady and her Aunt Clara sell the best desserts in Durham, North Carolina. Yet it;s not the tantalizing scents of cinnamon and nutmeg in the air, for murder is on the menu too...

 As Christmas approaches, Aunt Clara's love life is heating up. Maggie likes seeing her beloved partner-in-pie happy with her new beau, Donald Wickerson- until Maggie's own boyfriend, local reporter Ryan Summerour, discovers that several of Donald's wealthy exes met with unfortunate "accidents."

  Is Clars's boyfriens just looking to fatten his bank account? Before Maggie ca discover, a dying Donaldstumbles into Pie in the Sky. The way to a man's heart may be through his stomach, but someone found a handgun more effective. Even worse, Clara-who was out back feeding a stray cat at the time- had motive, means, and no human witnesses. 

  To clear Clara's name, Maggie and Ryan start sifting through suspects. Could the murderer be one of Donald's numerous former in-laws, or an emitted flame? And can Maggie find the culprit before the killer serves up a second helping?

My Review: Treacherous Tart, Pie in the Sky Mystery by Ellie Grant
Pocket Books
Christmas, Cozy Mystery
ISBN 9781451689563
   Donald Wickerson has had six wealthy wives die suspiciously. Now he has his eyes set on Aunt Clara, one of the owners of Pie in the Sky. He walks into the pie shop, calls out to Aunt Clara and drops dead. Who might have killed him? It could be any number of people that he has taken advantage of or maybe one of the many ladies he is dating. Maggie and Ryan are determined not to allow Aunt Clara to take the fall for a crime they know she could not commit. They are doing their best to keep her out of the big house while creating new pies and keeping the newspaper afloat. Aunt Clara insists that they are wrong about her beloved.
   Aunt Clara’s story is filled with vibrant and spirited characters. They bring life and laughter to this novel. The author Ellie Grant did a great job with the storyline and plot it was well written. There is action, laughter and cats, you could not ask for a better lineup unless you add pie, which she has. Treacherous Tart’s is a fun, fast paced and clean read. I recommend it to anyone that enjoys cozy mysteries. I give it 5 stars.
Quote: “Freeze it? Bite your tongue, Maggie Grady! Frozen crust never tastes the same. I thought I taught you better than that.”
There are worse crimes than using frozen crust….
  I want to thank the author Ellie Grant and publisher Pocket Books for bringing good clean  books like this one to readers like me. I was provided with this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Ellie Grant

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Christmas at Rose Hill Farm, A Amish Love Story by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Photo & Overview from Barnes and Noble

Overview of book: Bess found herself remembering what Billy had looked like as a young man of eighteen. He was still every bit as gloriously handsome as he had always been--but the roguish twinkle in his eyes was gone. His face was drawn tighter than the lids of Mammi's rose petal jam jars. It seemed as if he could barely tolerate being here, as if she and all of Stoney Ridge were nothing but a great inconvenience to him.

Then why was he here?

The rose, of course, which gave her a small measure of comfort. The Billy Lapp she once knew would go to any length for a rose.

My Review:  Christmas at Rose Hill Farm, An Amish Love Story by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Revell
Christian Fiction, Amish, Christmas, Romance
ISBN 9780800721930
  Years ago Billy Lapp fled town, hurting and wondering if anyone truly loved or believed in him. Bess Riehl for years has carried the torch for him but has accepted he is not returning. Newly engaged and questioning her choice she prepares for her wedding. When a old rose is found at Rose Hill Farm’s she and her father turn to Penn State University for answers to it’s identity. Billy is the rose expert sent by the college. As they research and wait for the rose to bloom love is in the air.
   I feel a little in love with the character George. The author kept me guessing to the very end about this hobo. Was he a hobo, a drifter or someone much, more important?  He brought the element of faith alive. I enjoyed how he made the scriptures come alive with a new deeper understanding. Overall there was a feeling of that God is faithful even when we are not.
   Quote: “ The rose. This elusive, mysterious rose. With a practiced eye, Bess gathered every detail about the rose, confidant that the same thoughts were being cataloged in Billy’s mind: class of Gallicas; a large, dramatic bloom of pink-mauve color, packed with petals; deeply fragrant. What couldn’t be described was why it was the most important rose in the world. This rose had brought Billy Lapp home.”
  By far Christmas at Rose Hill Farm is my favorite novel by Suzanne Woods Fisher. It turned out to be so much more than a Christmas story. I highly recommend this 5 star book. The characters were well developed and thought out. There’s no way not to fill their pain and joy.
   I want to give a high-five to the author Suzanne Woods Fisher and publisher Revell for bringing compelling Christian books that are entertaining and give hope to the reader with stories of faith. I was provided with this book in exchange for my honest review and I am so grateful for the authors and publishers generosity.  

Suzanne Woods Fisher

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At Bluebonnet Lake by Amanda Cabot

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Back Cover: Her life is set to warp speed. His is slowing to a crawl. But love has its own timing.

Marketing maven Kate Sherwood's world is fast-paced, challenging, and always changing. The last thing she wants to do is grind to a halt at Rainbow's End, a dilapidated resort in the Texas Hill Country. Still, she cannot deny her ailing grandmother's request to visit the place where she and her deceased husband spent one glorious week fifty years ago. There, Kate meets Greg, who appears to be the resort's unassuming handyman. But there's more to Greg than meets the eye--billions more, in fact. 

Kate isn't looking for romance, but she can't deny the sparks of attraction that fly every time she and Greg are together. Could there be a future there? Or will Kate's long-sought promotion take her back to the big city?

Amanda Cabot invites you to step into a place away from the pressures of the day. You might be surprised by what you find at Rainbow's End.

My Review: At Bluebonnet Lake, Book 1 in Texas Crossroads Series by Amanda Cabot
Revell
Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
ISBN 9780800734343

  Advertising executive and workaholic Kate Sherwood has taken a month off at her grandmother’s request. They return to Rainbow’s End at Bluebonnet Lake. The place Sally Fuller and her beloved husband had spent one magnificent vacation. Rainbow’s End is nothing like the glamorous place her grandmother remembers, it’s falling down and in disrepair. There they meet Greg Vange and Roy Gordon, sparks fly and love is in the air for both grandmother and granddaughter. 

   Quote “ Kate looked around her room, them walked into the living room and performed the same inspection. No phones, not even a phone jack. She hadn’t been surprised by the absence of a television. The brochure had claimed that was one of Rainbow’s End’s advantages, a way of helping guests enjoy the natural beauty of the Hill Country without unnecessary distractions. Kate could live without a TV. But cell service was a totally different story. She needed, she absolutely needed, to be able to connect.”

   At Bluebonnet Lake is a fresh story of transformation and change. It is as laid back as it’s Texas Hill Country it is set in. The story is well written with admirable characters. The author Amanda Cabot did a great job of giving life and faith to the characters. I recommend this novel to anyone seeking a laid back love story, it that calls for you to sit back , relax and enjoy a cool glass of sweet tea while reading. I give At Bluebonnet Lake 4 stars. 

   I want to thank the author Amanda Cabot and publisher Revell for bringing good clean Christian books like this one to Christian readers like me. I was provided with this book in exchange for my honest review.  

Amanda Cabot

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The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson

Photo and Back Cover from Barnes and Noble

 Back Cover: He felt his face flushing as Cara opened the door. Wearing a garnet-colored knit dress and with her dark hair pinned up, she looked even prettier than he remembered. Suddenly he wished he'd thought to bring a hostess gift. Like a cat.


My review: The Christmas Cat Melody Carlson
Revell
Christian Fiction, Contemporary
ISBN 9780800719661

Not long after serving in the missionary field of Uganda, Garrison Brown has losses his grandmother. He is now in charge of finding good homes for her 6 beloved cats. Only problem is he is highly allergic and dislikes cat’s. His grandmother once teased him asking if he had traveled halfway across the globe just to escape her furry felines. Viola was the top cat but was slightly moody, Rusty was easy going and was the clown cat, Spooky was very moody and anti social, Oreo was black & white, Muzzy was very vocal and her favorite Harry was a Maine Coon that looked like a raccoon. Finding homes for them should have been easy except for her specific stipulation for each cats new home. I fell head over heels in love with these cats and their sweet story.

Quote “ He smiled at Garrison. “and you can have the pleasure of playing Santa Claus.”

The Author Melody Carlson’s love for cats really shined in this cat tail. You can’t help but fall for the feline characters especially Harry. I really enjoyed the love Garrison’s grandmother had for her beloved furry children and the extent she went for their well being.

I want to thank the author Melody Carlson and publisher Revell for bringing clean, fun Christian books like this one to readers like me. I was provided with this book in exchange for my honest review.

Melody Carlson

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Trading Secrets by Melody Carlson

 

                     Picture's from www.melodycarlson.com/
Back Cover: The truth may set you free --- but it might also land you in some uncomfortably hot water.

   Over the years, Micah Knight has exchanged many letters---and many secrets---with her longtime Amish pen pal, Zach. But Micah's kept quite on the biggest secret of all---the fact that despite her name, she's a girl.
   Now Micah finally has to meet her pen pal face-to-face, She wants nothing more than to experience life on Zach's Amish farm, but she more than a little anxious. Will he be angry at her for deceiving him all these years? And will she risk losing his friendship to find something more?

My Review: Trading Secrets by Melody Carlson, Revell

Teen Fiction, Amish, Romance

ISBN 9780800722272

Micah Knight and Zach have been pen pals every since her 5^th grade teacher gave an writing assignment 6 years ago. They have become great friends and have helped each other through some difficult times. Now Zach is on his rum spring and would like to visit Micah. His father will not allow it because of planting, so Micah volunteers to go and help. The only problem is Zach and everyone else think she is a boy. She shows up on the farm dressed as a boy but soon confesses she is not.

Quote: “Zach is absolutely certain that I’m a boy, Lizzie! For more than six years he has completely believed my little myth. This whole time he’s been writing me--- conversing with me like I’m his best friend --- like I’m a boy.”

I really enjoyed watching feelings develop between these two but also enjoyed the way Zach dealt with his struggle about leaving or staying Amish. The author Melody Carlson did a great job of bringing the characters to life. I enjoyed the comparison of the English lifestyle to the Amish lifestyle. The storyline was portrayed in a believable way a normal teen would question life and faith. The struggle to do right or wrong was well played out. I enjoyed this teen fiction and had no problem reading it as an adult. I highly recommend this 5 star book to teen and adults. This is a book, I can be proud to pass to a teen in my life knowing that it is a great clean read. I hope to the author continues their story. I would love to hear the rest of the story.

I want to give a high-five to the author Melody Carlson and publisher Revell for bringing compelling Christian books that are entertaining and give hope to the reader with stories of faith for both teens and adults. I was provided me with this book in exchange for my honest review and I am so grateful for the authors and publishers generosity.

Picture and description from www.melodycarlson.com

Another Great book by Melody Carlson

 

My Amish Boyfriend

Sixteen-year-old Shannon McNamara has exciting plans for the summer, and she can't wait to get to them. Unbeknown to her, however, her widowed and ailing mother has plans of her own--to relocate them both to the heart of Amish country in Ohio where she has relatives who can look after her. Shannon quickly learns that living a "simple" life is actually a lot of hard work. But when a hot young Amish guy named Ezra enters the picture, she's ready to get an Amish makeover and even consider making it a permanent change. But does Ezra share her attraction? Will Shannon really make the jump into this new way of life? And will it be for the right reasons?

 

 

 

 

Melody Carlson                                                                             Facebook