The Love Letters by Beverly Lewis

Today, I am reviewing The Love Letters by Beverly Lewis.

When her sister falls gravely ill, twenty-year-old Marlena Wenger takes on the responsibility of caring for her infant niece, Angel Rose. Worried that this turn of events portends a more complicated future than he is prepared for, her beau ends their relationship. Marlena is devastated, but is determined to give Angel Rose the best care possible.

Though from the Beachy Amish herself, Marlena meets Ellie Bitner, an Old Order Amish mother who offers quilting and needlepoint classes. They soon form a bond, and Marlena is drawn into the circle of Ellie's family. Ellie's handsome cousin seems rather taken with Marlena, but after her recent breakup, she is cautious where her feelings are concerned.

But things begin to change when Ellie's young son Jacob discovers an older homeless man camped out in the nearby abandoned mill. Suffering from some cognitive disorder, the man has few prospects and fewer possessions--among them a small clutch of letters apparently from his own courting days. Could these letters be the key to the old man's identity? And can they bring healing and hope to Marlena and Ellie as well?

The first part of this story was about Marlena Wenger.  She moves in with her Mammi to help her deal with household responsibilities after the passing of her Dawdi Tim.  While she is there, her sister Luella, who left the Amish community, died in a car accident and Marlena has been asked to care for her young niece, Angel Rose, until Luella's husband and in-laws are contacted.  It was a transition period for her but things worked out.

Marlena also has a beau, Nat, back home who she is staying the contact with but there are several things in her life with Mammi that Nat does not approve of, including her raising her niece.  What will become of their relationship?

The second part of this story is about the Bitner family who are neighbors of Mammi.  Small Jay meets a stranger in an abandoned mill named Boston who does not remember much about his past.  Small Jay becomes a dear friend of Boston's and works with him to regain his memory of his past. 

This was a story about love, dedication, family and responsibility.  I really enjoyed reading it and how everything worked out in the end.

A special thank you to Bethany House for allowing me to read this book in advance in exchange for an honest review.

The Letters - Suzanne Woods Fisher

Summary:

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Rose Schrock is a plain woman with a simple plan. Determined to find a way to support her family and pay off her late husband's debts, she sets to work to convert the basement of her Amish farmhouse into an inn. While her family, especially her cranky mother-in-law, is unhappy with Rose's big idea, her friend and neighbor, Galen King, supports the decision and he helps with the conversion. As Rose finalizes preparations for visitors, she prays. She asks God to bless each guest who stays at the Inn at Eagle Hill. As the first guest arrives and settles in, Rose is surprised to discover that her entire family is the one who receives the blessings, in the most unexpected ways. And she's even more surprised when that guest decides to play matchmaker for Galen King.

With her signature plot twists combined with gentle Amish romance, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites readers back to Stoney Ridge for fresh stories of simple pleasures despite the complexity of life. Fisher's tale of God's providence and provision will delight her fans and create many new ones. Welcome to the Inn at Eagle Hill.

Rose Schrock's life has had so many bad things happen to her lately. Her husband's death, failure of his business, her step-son running away and also having to move in with her mother-in-law and returning to the the Old Order Amish traditions.  Rose is determined to pay back her husband's debt so to make money she turns her basement into an inn.  She learns a lot from her first guest and her guest learns from her about faith, love and forgiveness.  Will she be able to balance her life?  Will she be able to get over the guilt left behind by her late husband?  Will she be able to move on and love again?

I really enjoyed this book from Suzanne Woods Fisher.  I love that the characters fromt he Stoney Ridge series are in this series too!  But it is not necessary to have read that series in order to understand and enjoy this one.  I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series, The Calling, soon!  A special thanks to Net Galley and Revell for allowing me to review this book.

An Amish Garden by Various Authors

“A Place of Healing” by Vannetta Chapman
Emma discovers a run-away teen in her barn, and the bishop asks her to provide a haven for a woman and her two children. Then her mother-in-law reveals a secret about her garden. Will Emma choose loneliness or learn to accept God’s gifts?

“Flowers for Rachael” Kathleen Fuller
Rachael’s garden is beautiful, but she is lonely. Gideon is in love with Rachael, but when Rachael finds her garden in shambles after a crisis, she rejects his help. Will she realize she doesn’t have to do everything on her own?

“Seeds of Love” Tricia Goyer
When a corporation shows interest in buying Sadie’s heirloom seeds, she panics. They are all she has left of her Dat and Mem. Eli believes he can help Sadie, but a misunderstanding leaves her heartbroken. Will she trust him again, and will the seeds of a new relationship take root?

“Planting a Future” Beth Wiseman
Rosemary is doing her best to run her family’s household. She excels at all her tasks except one: gardening. Saul has been interested in her for years, but Rosemary has turned him down repeatedly. Saul begins helping with her family’s garden, but someone is sabotaging his efforts—and keeping a secret that could change their lives.

 

In Planting a Future, it is a heartwarming story of true love.  Rosemary is running her household since her mother passed and should be married with her own family by now.  Saul has been her true love since they were 16.  Will they now be able to give love a chance?  Will Rosemary let Saul into her heart?

 

In Seeds of Love, Sadie moved to Montana with her aunt and uncle after her parents died in a buggy accident.  She decided to leave the area to avoid the daily memories of the pain she is feeling.  The only connection she has left from her parents are her Mem's heirloom tomato seeds.  She plants a wonderful garden but is meet with several challenges to help it thrive.  Eli is the recent Amish traveling bachelor who is taken in by her aunt.  Will Eli help Sadie save her family history?  Will love bloom with them?

 

In Flowers for Rachael, Rachael has a beautiful garden and loves flowers.  Gideon is her neighbor that has fallen in love with her.  Can Gideon win Rachael's love?

 

Finally, in a Place for Healing, Emma is grieving the recent loss of her husband.  She is living on a large farm with her eldery mother.  The highlight of their day is working in the large garden.  One day she discovers that a young Amish boy is living in her barn.  Will she take him in?  How will she deal with carrying for him and the future plans for her home?

 

I loved this book! These four authors are amazing! Each story touched my heart in a special way.  A special thanks to Net Galley for allowing me to review this book in advance for free in exchange for an honest review.

The Peace Maker - Michele Chynoweth

Summary: Chessa's husband, Darren Richards, is a behind-the-scenes narcissistic abusive alcoholic. None of that changes when he becomes the leading candidate for President of the United States. Chessa's worries about her husband reach a fevered pitch as he closes in on winning the nation's highest office. How can she support his candidacy, even if it will mean becoming First Lady? Meanwhile, Darren's opponent, Leif Mitchell, is selected from his humble life as a stable hand and country rock singer to run for political office. His charm and leadership pave the way for him to become a national hero and a real threat as the leading Republican presidential candidate. A powerful Darren will stop at nothing to bring Leif down, causing Leif to reconsider his "high road" approach to politics. When Chessa finds out Leif is preparing to seek revenge on Darren in an attack that will not only destroy her husband's candidacy, but will probably cost other innocent lives as well, she is suddenly faced with a decision: Should she preserve peace at all costs, protecting those who would become collateral damage as a result of the ensuing battle - and in default, her husband--in turn sacrificing her freedom and risking her own life? Should she try to stop Leif, which may ruin his chances but save his soul? The Peace Maker is based on the story of David and Abigail in the Bible's First Book of Samuel - a story of hardship, struggle, courage and faith that God will lead his people if they but let Him.

Chessa Richards is the wife of  a New York senator who is running for President of the United States.  Her marriage is anything but perfect but with it being so much in the public eye, she does her best to cope with it.  Leif Mitchell is a young governor of Kentucky who is running against Senator Richards for the candidacy.  When the race starts getting close, the candidates will do anything to guarantee the win.  Will they make the right choices?  At what stakes will they stop? 

 

This was a quick paced and hard to put down book with a couple of good twists.  I really enjoyed the characters of Chessa and Leif and watching them develop before, during and after the campaign for presidency.  There was a little bit of politics in the story but if you've watched any shows or movies about it, it is easy to follow.  I am looking forwardto finding more books like this one to read in the future.

To Win Her Heart - Karen Witemeyer

Summary:  Having completed his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father's knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past. But small towns leave little room for secrets...

Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she steels herself against the attraction he provokes. His halting speech and hesitant manner leave her doubting his intelligence. Yet as the mysteries of the town's new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.

Levi's renewed commitment to his faith leads Eden to believe she's finally found a man of honor and integrity, a man worthy of her love. But when the truth about his prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian's affections?

 

Levi Grant comes to Spencer, Texas to start his life over while forgetting his past.  He rents a building to work as the town's blacksmith and builds himself a positive reputation.  Eden Spencer is the daughter of the town's founder and one of the most elite families in the community.  Levi and Eden are from two different worlds but their love of books brings them together.

 

Will the friendship between Eden and Levi develop into something more?  Will Levi tell Eden about his past?  If so, how will she react?

 

This was a great story about friendship and forgiveness.  These characters had such depth that you could not help but fall in love with both of them.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book!  I read it as my selection for my neighborhood book club.  The group enjoyed it as well.

 

As a surprise for the club, I had arranged to Skype with the author, Karen Witemeyer, last night to talk about it.  I met Karen through the online reading community called GoodReads.  I messaged her to ask if she would be available on this day and she graciously accepted.  Karen was a wonderful part of our discussion.  We learned where she gets her ideas for books, some of her favorite classic and contemporary books and her thoughts behind most of the characters, including Onery, the dog!  We talked to her for about 45 minutes and everyone enjoyed themselves.  After we ended the call, the group thanked me for putting in the effort to make this the best book club meeting yet.  Thank you Karen for making this month's meeting a memorable one!

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An Amish Kitchen

Book Description: The Amish Kitchen is the Heart of the Home – and the Ideal Setting for Stories of Love and Hope.  Fall in Paradise, Pennsylvania, always brings a brisk change in the weather. This season also ushers in unexpected visitors, new love, and renewed hope for three women.

Fern has a green thumb for growing healing herbs, but longs for love to bloom in her life. Then the next-door neighbor’s oldest son, Abram, comes running into Fern’s kitchen seeking help for his little sister. The crisis soon leads to a promise of romance—until mistrust threatens to end the growing attraction.

Nearby, Hannah runs her parents’ bed and breakfast, Paradise Inn—but her life feels nothing like Paradise. She longs for a man of integrity to enter her life, but never expected him to knock on the front door looking for a room. Will she be able trust Stephen with her future once she discovers his mysterious past?

When a storm blows a tree onto Eve’s farmhouse, she has little choice but to temporarily move her family into her parents’ home. Outside of cooking together in the kitchen, Eve and her mother can’t agree on anything. But this may be just the recipe for hope in healing old wounds.

Three Amish stories—each celebrating love, family, and faith—all taking place in a tight-knit community where the kitchen truly is the heart of the home.

Fern’s life is comfortable learning about herbs and treating her neighbors’ ailments with her Grandmother, that is until Abram Fisher comes into her life with a series of medical needs for his younger siblings.

Hannah wishes her mother would allow her to run their Bed and Breakfast without assuming her brother needs to handle every minor mishap or repair. He has his own family and farm. Then a single Amish man looking for a room appears at the door.

Eve’s life is running smoothly until a tree crashes into her kitchen during a winter storm and forces her family with 3 teenage boys to temporarily move back in with her parents. Can three generations live under one roof? Usually it is the Amish way but not for Eve. Or so she thinks.
I liked the “realness” of these stories. It is everyday family happenings.

These were three great stories about faith, friendship, love and family.  I really enjoyed reading this book.  A special thanks to Book Sneeze for allowing me to review this book for them!

Reunion - Karen Kingsbury

Summary from GoodReads: A Deadly Diagnosis In the fifth and final book in the Redemption series, plans are being made for a family reunion. Nearly all the adult Baxter children have a reason to celebrate - except one. As the preparations get under way, a deadly diagnosis sends shock waves through the Baxter family and threatens to tear them apart. A heartbreaking secret the reality of what might lie ahead brings each of the Baxters to a place of faith and honesty. In the process, Elizabeth and John come to grips with a secret they haven't shared with anyone, a secret they rarely admit even to themselves. At the same time, a young man is making his rise in Hollywood and wondering about his place in life. A glorious celebration amidst the threat of sorrow, the Baxters share in their most wonderful celebration of all - a moment to remember that love always wins out, no matter how long the struggle, a reminder that God reigns even in the darkest night. A story of God's grace and redemption, his victory even in the most difficult times.

In the final book of the Redemption series, the Baxter family has many changes happening that will change everyone forever.  It wraps up story with all the children.  Will Erin and Sam be able to adopt a child?  Will Ashley and Landon get married?  Will the family learn of the secret that Elizabeth and John have been hiding for over 30 years?

This book was a great conclusion to the Redemption series.  Although it ended with some heart break, the book leads to the beginning of the next series, First Born, very nicely.  I personally have to take a break from Karen's books right now.  I love them dearly but they can be emotionally heavy to me.  I will start the next series soon  though.

Rejoice - Karen Kingsbury

Summary from GoodReads: A Terrible Tragedy Brooke and Peter are struggling in their marriage when they are faced with the single worst moment ever. What was supposed to be a pool party for their two daughters and a handful of children ends in disaster. As three-year-old Hayley fights for her life, the Baxter family draws together, not even sure how to pray. A Shattered Life Peter is devastated by Hayley's accident. Unable to see past his own guilt, he distances himself from Brooke and their girls and finds other ways to ease his pain. Illegal ways. Peter's choices send him spiraling into a cavernous abyss that threatens to destroy not only his relationship with Brooke but his life. A Reason to Rejoice Against the backdrop of great pain and loss, a Baxter wedding takes place in New York City, a wedding that gives all of them a reason to smile again. Now, what will it take for Brooke and the Baxters to move forward, and how will the sudden loss of one special woman change them all?

This was a great part of the story of the Baxter family.  Brooke and Peter have been having a difficult marriage and when their daughter Hayley has an accident that changes her forever, there is no turning back.  Peter blames himself and removes himself from Brooke and their two children.  Meanwhile, Ashley is trying to move on with her life without Landon.  Luke and Reagan are getting married in NYC on Christmas Eve.  What will happen with Brooke and Peter?  Will Hayley ever recover?  What will become of Ashley and Landon?

Man, I feel like I am a part of this family.  There are so many challenges that they all have to overcome.  Will this family ever get a break?  I am looking forward to finishing Reunion, book #5 of the Redemption series.  I'm glad I am finishing this series before jumping into anything else for 2013.  I have a feeling that it will be hard to not jump into the next series with the Baxters.

The Lesson - Suzanne Woods Fisher

Summary from GoodReads: In her wildest dreams, spunky and impulsive nineteen-year-old Mary Kate Lapp never imagined herself behind a schoolteacher's desk. A run-in (literally) with the schoolteacher compels her to act as a substitute teacher, just as her restless desire to see the world compels her to apply for a passport . . . just in case. The only thing of interest to M.K. in the sleepy Amish community of Stoney Ridge is the unexplained death of a sheep farmer that coincided with the arrival of a mysterious young man into the community. Frustrated that no one takes the crime seriously, she takes matters into her own hands. Unfortunately, as tends to be the case for M.K., she jumps headlong into trouble.

Centered on one of Suzanne Woods Fisher's most loved characters, this is the story fans have eagerly anticipated. The precocious M.K. is all grown up (well, almost) and ready to take on the world--with surprising results. Fisher's trademark plot twists and turns are as unexpected and satisfying as ever in this third book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series.

 

In the final book of the Stoney Ridge series, Mary Kate (MK) Lapp ends up becoming the school teacher after running into the current teacher.  This is very challenging for her but it is a grea way for her to use some of her nervous energy.  Along the way, she gets to know Chris Yoder who is working on her father's farm.  She accusses him of a crime and their friendship is never the same.  Did Chris Yoder commit the crimes that he is accussed of?  Will MK survive being the school teacher?  What does the future hold for MK?

 

I really enjoyed this third and final book in the Stoney Ridge series by Suzanne Woods Fisher.  In the other two books, MK is much younger and always in trouble.  It is nice to see her grown up and making a life for herself.

 

A special thanks to Revell for allowing me to review this book in advance.  Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Return - Karen Kingsbury

Summary from GoodReads: A fresh new look for the best-selling series from America's number-one inspirational novelist, Karen Kingsbury. Fans will enjoy a personal note from Karen and Gary Smalley as well as discussion questions for book group use. Revisit the Baxter family in all their life-changing events, or share the series with someone who hasn't discovered it yet. The Redemption series won "Christian Retailing"'s 2005 Retailer's Choice Award for Best Series! This touching novel reunites readers with the Baxter family and focuses on the only Baxter son, Luke. He is determined to leave his faith and his past behind and embrace a new, free-thinking future. But what he doesn't realize is that his past holds a secret even he doesn't know. When Luke finds out, his comfortable new life is turned upside down, and he must turn back to his roots.

In book #3 of the Redemption series by Karen Kingsbury, the story focuses on Luke, the youngest child and only son.  Luke is leading a new life, one without his family, friends and faith.  He is strongly against the ways and beliefs of his upbringing.  When he learns about the changes in Reagan's life since she went back to New York City to be with her mother after her father dies in the World Trade Center Towers, will he change his ways?  Ashley plays a major role in getting Luke back into the family.  But she has a secret of her own, one that will change her life and the Baxters forever.

I really enjoyed this book!  I read it rather quickly and I jumped right into #4 - Rejoice.  I love this series and I cannot wait to see how it wraps up!

The Bridge - Karen Kingsbury

Summary from GoodReads: Number one New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury delivers an instant classic with this heartwarming Christmas story about a hundred-year flood, lost love, and the beauty of enduring friendships. Molly Allen lives alone in Portland, but she left her heart back in Tennessee with a man she walked away from five years ago. They had a rare sort of love she hasn’t found since.

Ryan Kelly lives in Nashville after a broken engagement and several years on the road touring with a country music duo. He can still hear Molly’s voice encouraging him to follow his dreams; Molly, whose memory stays with him. At least he can visit The Bridge—the oldest bookstore in historic downtown Franklin—and remember the hours he and Molly once spent there.

For thirty years, Charlie and Donna Barton have run The Bridge, providing the people of middle Tennessee with coffee, conversation, and shelves of good books—even through dismal book sales and the rise of digital books. Then in May, the hundred-year flood swept through Franklin and destroyed nearly every book in the store.

Now the bank is pulling the lease on The Bridge. Despondent and without answers, Charlie considers the unthinkable. Then tragedy strikes, and suddenly, everything changes. In the face of desperate brokenness and lost opportunities, could the miracle of a second chance actually unfold?

The Bridge is a love story set against the struggle of the American bookstore, a love story you will never forget.

The Bridge is a story about the downfall of a bookstore in a small Tennessee town.  As the business begins to fail and money becomes very tight, the town and all its patrons come together to save the bookstore and Charlie.  It is a true story of second chances for the store, Charlie and Molly and Ryan.

I enjoyed this book but to me, it was not one of Karen Kingsbury's best books.  I feel that it was significantly shorter than her other books so I did not feel as strong a connection with the characters as I normally do.  It is a quick read and I would still recommend it!

The Beginning: An eShort Prequel to The Bridge - Karen Kingsbury

Summary from GoodReads: From #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury comes this e-short prequel to her upcoming novel, The Bridge, shedding light on the love story behind the bookstore and how it came to be a place of hope and encouragement.

This was a cute short story (about 40-ish pages) about how The Bridge bookstore began in Franklin, TN.  It was the story of how Donna and Charlie Barton came to open the bookstore and how it helps people beginning with Edna.  It was nice to read how the bookstore began before jumping into The Bridge.

An Amish Gift - Cynthia Keller

Summary from GoodReads: After her husband, Shep, loses his latest job, Jennie Davis is grateful to be in a car en route to beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Shep has inherited a house from a distant cousin, along with the cousin’s long-established bicycle shop. The move gives Jennie, Shep, and their two children a welcome chance for a fresh start.

While Shep dives into his new venture at the bike shop, Jennie carefully restores their broken-down house. She loves being a stay-at-home mom but yearns to find some fulfillment outside of her family—particularly as they struggle financially. On morning walks, she forges a friendship with her Amish neighbor, Mattie Fisher, who opens up about her modest way of life. Mattie’s unswerving good character in the face of adversity encourages Jennie to seek practical solutions to her own difficulties. A passing remark by Jennie’s son transforms desperation about their finances into inspiration, leading her to embark upon a candy-making enterprise.

Soon, Jennie’s newfound purpose collides with Shep’s growing stress at work and long-simmering tensions between husband and wife rise to the surface. As the holiday season approaches, their family is challenged as never before—until an unexpected visitor arrives to give Jennie the greatest gift of all.

The Davis family moves to Lancaster County, PA to live in a house left to them from a family member as well as an established business.  The house and business were both in rough shape.  Jennie Davis is hoping this move is just what her family needed to get back together.  Her son, Tim and daughter, Willa, were both miserable teenagers; neither wanted to be there or to help out.  Jennie was struggling to make the house a home and hold her family together.  Then she started talking to an Amish neighbor, Mattie Fisher, when she would take the dog on walks.  A friendhsip bloomed between their families that became invaluable.  Will the Davises find happiness and become a family again?  What will they learn from their Amish neighbors to help that?

Although this book focused more on the Davis family than the Fisher family, it was still considered an Amish book.  I did enjoy growing with the Davis family and watching them change as time passed by.  But this was not the typical Amish books that I read.  This book made the Amish seem like anyone who knows an Amish person can change their life around for the better.  I thought the story was good overall; although I would have liked to get to know more of the Fisher family.  It was a heart warming Christmas story about family, love and forgiveness.

A Hope Springs Christmas - Patricia Davids

Summary from GoodReads: Amish widow Sarah Wyse does not see wedding bells in her future. Still, she can't think of a better way to spend the Christmas season than helping her handsome, shy neighbor Levi Beachy find a wife. But once the single ladies of Hope Springs start visiting his buggy shop, Levi sends the town's eligible men Sarah's way. Neither expects to find love—but with help from the close-knit community, they just might mend each other's broken heart.

Sarah Wyse has been a widow for 5 years.  She has always had a difficult time with the holidays.  Everyone she has loved has passed away around the holidays.  This year is worse because the quilt shop she worked at closed for the season so she has nothing to help her stay busy.  So she talks to her friend, Grace, who is having problems with the man who is courting her and talks her into visiting her grandmother.  This will give them both some time to think over their relationship before getting married.  Sarah offers to help Grace's brother Levi at his store in Grace's absence.

 

Levi Beachy has been raising his brothers and sisters since his parent's died when he was young.  He is a shy man who has never thought of marrying since he has to care for his siblings.  Sarah is determined to play match maker and find Levi a wife before Grace returns so that she can get married.  Will Sarah find a wife for Levi?  Will Sarah every be able to love again?

 

I really enjoyed another Love Inspired book from Harlequin by Patricia Davids!  I love how Ms. Davids builds such strong characters quickly in these books which are rather short, about 225 pages.  In reading the letter to readers at the end, this is her 7th book in the series of Brides of Amish Country.  I need to see which ones I have missed and get caught up!

A Little Amish Matchmaker - Linda Byler

Summary from GoodReads: Simon can’t stop thinking about the pretty Amish teacher at the local one-room school. But he’s ignored the sparks between them because he’s so shy.

So Simon’s little brother, Isaac, takes matters into his own hands. He’s determined to give his brother the best Christmas present ever—a date with his favorite teacher.

Amish novelist Linda Byler brings her tender humor and skillful observation of family relationships to this holiday story. “I love Isaac’s self-confidence and scheming as he prods his reluctant older brother,” she says knowingly about her characters.

Byler takes her reader straight into the Amish world as Isaac is both charmed and annoyed by his too talkative, but quite bright, Mam. He can barely tolerate his little nieces and nephews, who substantially outnumber the grown-ups when the whole family gets together. And he loves his humble, circumspect Dat, although his father isn’t always pleased by how well Isaac sweeps the forebay in the barn.

As anticipation for the Christmas program at the schoolhouse builds, Isaac cares for troubled Ruthie who stutters miserably when she practices her poem. And he wonders how much he’ll have to help his brother Sim act on his growing affection for Teacher Catherine!

This was a wonderful Amish Christmas story about Isaac, a student in 7th grade, as he tries to fix up his older brother Simon with his school teacher.  It focuses on the preparation for the Christmas pagent and how a classroom and community can work together to make it happen.  I really enjoyed reading this book my Linda Byler.  Ms. Byler is Amish so her books tend to have more details about every day life than any other Amish author I have read.  Her thoughts and comments are those that could only come from a true Amish woman.  Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to review this book for them!

The Christmas Quilt - Patricia Davids

Summary from Goodreads: Years ago, Rebecca Beachy kept her reasons for rejecting Gideon Troyer's marriage proposal a secret. Then Gideon left their Amish community. Now, Rebecca crafts quilts to raise money to cure her blindness. She's also busy guarding her heart against love. Until Gideon returns, at risk of being shunned, to make the winning bid on one of her exquisite quilts. Will the quilt—a patchwork promise of rediscovered love—bring Gideon and Rebecca back together again?

Rebecca Beachy is selling one of her quilts at an auction to help raise money for her eye surgery that may return her vision.  Gideon "Booker" Troyer sees the story on the news and returns to the Amish community to help her by buying it.  After being in Hope Springs for several days, Gideon realizes that he misses the Amish lifestyle more than he thought and returns home.  Will Gideon get back together with Rebecca?  Will Rebecca find out the truth about Gideon and Booker?  Does Rebecca's vision return?

This was a great story about honesty and God's will.  It was also a tender story about love that never ends.  I really enjoyed this book and the strong characters in it!

Secrets - Kristen Heitzmann

Summary from GoodReads: Lance Michelli is on a quest to discover the secrets his grandmother cannot tell. What happened all those years ago, and what is it she so desperately needs him to find? The old villa in Sonoma holds the answers, but it is now owned by a young woman who neither knows nor cares about his mission. But Rese Barret is a force to contend with, and her own impending storm could sweep him up as their sparring creates a fierce and uncomfortable attraction.

Lance Michelli heads to Sonoma, CA on a quest for his grandmother. Along the way, he meets Rese Barret who is renovating an older home to make it a bed and breakfast.  There are strong connections between them but Rese does not want to get emotionally involved.  Will Lance be able to uncover what his grandmother sent him out there for?  Will Rese allow Lance into her life and heart?

I thought this book was just okay.  It was a kindle freebie a few months ago so I did not pay for it.  I felt that the book dragged at some points.  Also, Rese is so emotionally cold that she frustrated me.  Lance is an over all good guy that you can't help but like yourself.

Short-Straw Bride - Karen Witemeyer

Summary from GoodReads: No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.

Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.

Four brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw bride?

Meredith Hayes warns the Archers of impending danger to their property.  When her uncle discovers that she is there due to an injury she incurred, he insists that one of the Archer men must marry her to save her reputation.  The Archer men have only been living on their property since their father passed away and do not leave it, ever.  So as rugged men would make a decision, they draw straws to see how marries her.  Meredith has been in love with Travis since he rescued her back when she was younger.  It would be a dream come true to marry him.  Will she marry Travis?  Will he grow to love her the way that she loves him?  Will this ever become a real marriage?

I totally enjoyed this book by Karen Witemeyer!  The characters are well defined and believable.  I could feel the emotions of Meredith and could not help but fall for Travis myself!  According to Karen, this is not the last we have seen of the Archer family.  I am looking forward to reading more about them, especially of Crockett and Jim and Cassie!  Thanks Karen for a very enjoyable read!

Remember - Karen Kingsbury

Summary from GoodReads: The Redemption series won "Christian Retailing"'s 2005 Retailer's Choice Award for Best Series Convinced she could make it on her own, Ashley Baxter has kept the most important people in her life at a distance-her family, the man who loves her, and the God she is sure can never forgive her. Now, just as she begins to open her heart, the events of September 11 rip into Ashley's world and she is led to heartbreaking and hope-filled decisions that will forever change her life. This story vividly illustrates that we must value others more than ourselves, and it drives home one of Gary Smalley's key messages: Honor one another.

"Remember" is second in the five-book Redemption series by Gary Smalley and Karen Kingsbury that centers around the Baxter family. As readers follow the hopes and struggles of the family, they will explore key relationship themes as well as the larger theme of redemption, both in characters' spiritual lives and in their relationships. Each book includes study questions for individual and small-group use as well as a "teaser" chapter of the next book in the series.

In this book, the story's main focus is on Ashley.  She learns a lot about herself, her son, Landon, her family and her love for God in this book.  I am glad that we learned about what happened in Paris with her and how her life changed after telling someone.  The affect of September 11th on this family also was a key topic, especially with Ashley and Luke.

I am really enjoying getting to know the Baxter family!  I am looking forward to continuing in book #3, Return, which I will be getting to soon.

The Choice - Robert Whitlow

Summary from Book Sneeze: One Young Woman. Two Very Different Roads.

The Choice will Change Everything.

Even as a pregnant, unwed teen in 1974, Sandy Lincoln wanted to do the right thing. But when an ancient woman approached her in a convenience store with a mysterious prophecy and a warning, doing the right thing became even more unclear. She made the best choice she could. But now, thirty-four years later, another pregnant, unwed teen has come into her life, and Sandy’s long-ago decision has come back to haunt her. The stakes rise quickly, leaving Sandy with split seconds to choose once more. But will her spur-of-the-moment decision bring life . . . or death?

Sandy Lincoln is a seventeen year old high school senior who finds out she is pregnant.  After talking with family and friends, she has a decision to make.  Will she keep the baby?  Put the baby up for adoption?  Or will she have an abortion?  How does that play out later on in Sandy's life?

Thirty-four years later, Sandy is a teacher helping a Mexican student named Maria with the same situation.  Along the way, there are problems and Maria is very confused about who to listen to and what to do.  Will Maria make the right choice with Sandy's guidance?

This was a great story about making the right decision for yourself and your unborn child.  In 1974, abortions just became legal but pregnant students were sent away.  Sandy's choice not only affected her future but the future of her unborn child.  I loved how they continued the story 34 years later showing how Sandy's life was and how she could use her personal experience to help make a decision for another person and their unborn child.  I love how the story went and the discoveries along the way.

A special thanks to Book Sneeze for allowing me to review this book for them.