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

Picture & Back Cover Description from www.barnesandnoble.com

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

The Yuletide Rescue by Margaret Daley

Alaskan Search & Rescue

Risking Their lives to save the day!!

Back cover & Photo from Barnes & Noble

 

Back Cover: MISTLETOE & MURDER

  When Dr. Bree Mathison's plane plummets into the Alaskan wilderness at Christmastime, she is torn between grief and panic. With the pilot—her dear friend—dead and wolves circling, she struggles to survive. Search and Rescue leader David Stone fights his way through the elements to save her. David suspects the plane crash might not have been an accident, spurring Bree's sense that she's being watched. But why is someone after her? Suddenly Bree finds herself caught in the middle of a whirlwind of secrets during the holiday season. With everyone she cares about most in peril, Bree and her promised protector must battle the Alaskan tundra and vengeful criminals to make it to the New Year.

My Review: The Yuletide Rescue, Alaskan Search & Rescue by Margaret Daley

Love Inspired Suspense

Suspense, Romance, Christian Fiction

ISBN 97803736377

   As Dr. Bree Mathinson returns home with family friend and pilot Jeremiah, he suffers a heart attack and crashes the plane. Alone in the Alaskan wilderness, to face subzero temps and a pack of wolves, Bree fights to survive. David Stone with Northern Frontier Search and Rescue Organization races to her rescue. As they are leaving the crash site armed men descend upon the plane. Later the plane is stolen and Bree’s home and office are trashed and searched. Her friend and coworker is kidnapped. Bree’s quite life is in turmoil. Her heart is broken over the death of a friend and the unknown about his life.

Quote, “What were you up to Jeremiah?

Where did the money come from?

Why are people after me?”

   The author Margaret Daley did an outstanding job of intertwining faith into this action packed suspense book. The characters were well developed and believable. The storyline is well thought out, fast paced and jam-packed with action. I give The Yuletide Rescue 5 stars and highly recommend this faith filled book. I really enjoy this book and many others by this author.

   I want to thank the author Margaret Daley and publisher Love Inspired Suspense for bringing good clean Christian books like this one to readers like me. I was provided with this book in exchange for my honest review.

Margaret Daley

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Running Lean by Diana L. Sharples



Photo from http://dianasharples.com/

 

Book Description from Back Cover:

Equilibrium.

That’s what Stacey and Calvin found in each other. He is as solid as his beloved vintage motorcycle and helps quiet the constant clamor in Stacey’s mind. She is a passionate, creative spirit—and a lifeline after Calvin’s soldier brother dies.

But lately the balance is off. Calvin’s grief is taking it's toll. Voices of self-loathing are dominating Stacey’s life. When struggles with body image threaten her health, Calvin can’t bear to lose another person that he loves. Taking action may destroy their relationship, but the alternative could be much more costly.

 



My review: Running Lean by Diana L. Sharples

Teen Fiction, Christian, romance, anorexic

ISBN 9780310734970

Teens Stacey and Calvin are high school sweethearts dealing with some very serious problems, anorexia and the death of a sibling. Calvin’s older brother died in Afghanistan and Stacey is hiding a life-threatening secret of her own. Stacey helps Calvin to deal with the death of his beloved brother. As time goes on Calvin realizes Stacey has a problem and try’s to help her. He is understanding, compassionate, sensitive and tries not make things worst. Farmer boy as Stacey’s BFF calls him is a great boyfriend and would be any girls dream.

I found this book to be intense and heartbreaking at times. It was very informative about anorexia. The characters were well thought out, real, like any teen you might meet on the street or the kid next door. I found their pain to be real, they were emotional and had me take a hard look at someone I care about that suffers from anorexia. The author Diana L. Shaples gave great insight into the life an anorexia and the worry it causes those that care about them. She handled a sensitive subject with compassion and sensitivity of someone that may have lived with this. I give 5 stars to Running Lean and highly recommend it. I can’t wait for other family members read it to see how it effects them.

I want to give a high-five to the author Diana L. Sharples and publisher Blink 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. 

Diana L. Sharples

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Chapel Springs Revival by Ane Mullgan

Photo from http://www.anemulligan.com/

Book Description from Back Cover: Everybody in the small town of Chapel Springs, Georgia, knows best friends Claire Bennett and Patsy Kowalski. It's impossible not to, what with Claire's zany antics and Patsy's self-appointed mission to keep her friend out of trouble. And trouble abounds.

During an early morning discussion at Dees 'n' Doughs bakery with their ladies group, all Chapel Springs entrepreneurs, attention is drawn to the slackened tourist trade. With their livelihoods threatened, they join forces to address the town's revitalization in hopes of drawing back the tourists. No one could have guessed the real issue needing restoration is their marriages.

Claire, a pottery artist, stumbles through life, usually with her foot in her mouth. When she became a Christian, she thought life and her marriage would be included in the new creation part. But her thighs are just as big and her husband, Joel, is as ornery as ever. She's become nothing more than a sheet-changer, a towel-folder, a pancake-flipper. Her life is just humdrum and she's tired of being taken for granted.

Patsy has plans for her empty nest, plans that include a cruise ship. However, her husband, Nathan, continues to work long hours, and he's not talking about slowing down. In fact, he's not talking much at all. She's asleep long before he comes home each night. At first she thought it was just because of tax season, but now she's not so sure. Something other than work seems to keep him late at the office every night. With the lines of communication closed, she'll have to find another way to reach him.

With their marriages as much in need of restoration as the town, Claire and Patsy embark on a mission of mishaps and miscommunication, determined to restore warmth to Chapel Springs —and their lives. That is if they can convince their husbands and the town council, led by two curmudgeons who would prefer to see Chapel Springs left in the fifties and closed to traffic.



 

My review: Chapel Springs Revival by Ane Mulligan

Christian, Humorous

ISBN: 9781941103418

Quote “With fiends like Claire, you need a gurney, a mop, and a guardian angel.”

Best friends Claire Bennett and Pasty Kowalski live in Chapel Springs, Georgia. With the help of entrepreneurs in the community they try to revive their tired little town and restore their marriages. As they make changes to improve their town and marriages they stumble from one hilarious situation to another. I found the antics of Claire to be quite funny. I especially laughed when she fell in an open grave and had to be rescued. It seems that life around Claire was anything but boring. She was always in need of rescuing and often it was her buddy Pasty giving her a helping hand. If there was one thing to take away from this fascinating story it would be communication is everything. I give this comical story 4 stars and highly recommend it. The author Ane Mulligan did a great job of filling her characters with animation, joy and laughter. I can only wonder how much come from real life, because you really can not make some of this up. This was my first book I read by her but I can not wait to find another.

I want to give a high-five to the author Ane Mulligan and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolines for bringing compelling Christian books that are entertaining and bring laughter 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.

Ane Mulligan

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