Dangerous Amish Showdown is a high-octane romantic suspense stand-alone by Mary Alford. US Marshal Mason Shetler and his partner, Erik Timmons return Dangerous Amish Showdown is a high-octane romantic suspense stand-alone by Mary Alford. US Marshal Mason Shetler and his partner, Erik Timmons return to an Amish community from Mason’s past to protect a six-year-old witness.
I loved the relationships involving the six-year-old and the different adults. Children often bring out the best in people, and this is certainly true of little Samantha. It is heart-warming to see the interactions between Mason and Samantha, Willa and Samantha, and Beth and Samantha.
I loved the strength portrayed by not only the main characters, but by Beth, who has a huge issue of her own, and by little Samantha. I did think perhaps Samantha was expected to “be strong” a few too many times for a child of her age.
The premise of the novel seemed very realistic as Alford sets it up. This is one romantic suspense story I could envision all too well. My grandfather’s house had a root cellar with a trap door in the kitchen. It was covered by a rug when we were little. This enabled me to live out the action in my head way too well!
One thing I wished for, was some humor to break the tension in a few spots. I felt like I was in a bad dream, playing the same scene over and over again, without resolution for the longest time. This stretched my perception of plausibility.
Alford writes in an easy to read style, and shows growth in her characters. Willa must help Mason deal with his own doubts and guilt before he can consider returning home. I also appreciated the growing role of faith in Mason’s life as he progresses through the standoff.
The resolution is sweet and endearing. If you are a fan of romantic suspense, Amish, or children, this might be a good novel for you to add to your reading list.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required and all thoughts are my own.
Merged review:
Dangerous Amish Showdown is a high-octane romantic suspense stand-alone by Mary Alford. US Marshal Mason Shetler and his partner, Erik Timmons return to an Amish community from Mason’s past to protect a six-year-old witness.
I loved the relationships involving the six-year-old and the different adults. Children often bring out the best in people, and this is certainly true of little Samantha. It is heart-warming to see the interactions between Mason and Samantha, Willa and Samantha, and Beth and Samantha.
I loved the strength portrayed by not only the main characters, but by Beth, who has a huge issue of her own, and by little Samantha. I did think perhaps Samantha was expected to “be strong” a few too many times for a child of her age.
The premise of the novel seemed very realistic as Alford sets it up. This is one romantic suspense story I could envision all too well. My grandfather’s house had a root cellar with a trap door in the kitchen. It was covered by a rug when we were little. This enabled me to live out the action in my head way too well!
One thing I wished for, was some humor to break the tension in a few spots. I felt like I was in a bad dream, playing the same scene over and over again, without resolution for the longest time. This stretched my perception of plausibility.
Alford writes in an easy to read style, and shows growth in her characters. Willa must help Mason deal with his own doubts and guilt before he can consider returning home. I also appreciated the growing role of faith in Mason’s life as he progresses through the standoff.
The resolution is sweet and endearing. If you are a fan of romantic suspense, Amish, or children, this might be a good novel for you to add to your reading list.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required and all thoughts are my own....more
“We’re all on a spectrum of our own perceptions.” While this thought belongs to David Stoltzfus, the more I think about it, the more I think it sums u“We’re all on a spectrum of our own perceptions.” While this thought belongs to David Stoltzfus, the more I think about it, the more I think it sums up all the different characters in this wonderful book, Lost and Found, by Suzanne Woods Fisher.
Many families are leaving the Stoney Ridge district so their children don’t join more the more permissive Beachy Amish, which has recently moved into area. With church and school attendance down, Bishop David Stoltzfus has to decide how to handle to crisis for his Old Order district. Just as Trudy believes she and Micah are becoming close, a voice from the past threatens to undo any developing relationship. And speaking of developing, a big one development may change life for many. Can it be stopped?
So much to love about this story! Trudy, the patient, plain girl is about to snag her dream man. Or so it seems. Micah is finally coming to his senses, until… ( you’ll have to read to find out!) And the birds!! I had my bird app and Google open as I read and really enjoyed all the different bird references(wow!) I have always loved seeing how carefully and lovingly David Stoltzfus handles his flock in this series. I even wished I could get a glimpse or listen of loud, obnoxious Hank Lapp who brightens each book. Not so long ago, an author asked what book we’d like to live in. This one for me! To be able to interact with all these great characters and take a birding tour with Micah, besides!
I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads through NetGalley. Plus I bought my own paperback for the keeper shelf. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“When you’re Amish, family was everything.”
“The future of this church hinges on how you lead everyone, how you hold it all together. You know how that old saying goes. Aller Mann fer sich un der Deiwel fer die Iwwriche.” Everyone for himself and the Devil takes the rest.”
“What the Englisch referred to as nature, like it was all happenstance, Jesus knew only as creation, a work of God. Even better, the Bible described the entire cosmos as a temple, full of the glory of God. An unending outdoor cathedral. That was why he loved his work. It felt like holy work.”
“Jesus noticed the sparrows. And the widow’s mite. And the lilies in the fields. He welcomed little children that the disciples shooed away. Nothing was too insignificant for Jesus. So why shouldn’t we take every concern to him?” ...more
In Amish Wilderness Survival, Mary Alford brings us back to the Amish community of West Kootenai, Mon“...Gott had brought them together for a reason.”
In Amish Wilderness Survival, Mary Alford brings us back to the Amish community of West Kootenai, Montana. I fear this may be a crime-riddled area instead of the peaceful Amish community I once believed it to be, given the number of romantic suspense plots that take place with its members.
Alford’s middle name just might be “non-stop suspense.” It is incredible how many situations she can put her characters (Leora Mast and Fletcher Shetler, in this case) through in one reading experience. You will be sorry if it takes you more than one sitting to finish this book, as the adrenaline rush is high. Why are the men after Leora? Why are they after her brother, Tanner? What secrets could he possibly be hiding? Can Fletcher and Leora find her brother and Ethan before those chasing them? Perhaps the biggest question of all, is God present in the difficult times, and can His leading be trusted for one’s life?
I was captivated by the suspense aspect and the involvement of a SAR dog. I sure didn’t want Molly to get hurt.
Logically, my head agreed that the forced togetherness and trauma Fletcher and Leora experienced could result in a romance, but I had a hard time connecting with the story on this level. I believe this issue to belong solely to me, although I did feel like we were told, more than shown, the romance.
Please, get your own copy of Amish Wilderness Survival and see how your heart rate soars!
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought an ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“It isn’t your fault, Leora—none of it. You are not responsible for what bad men choose to do.”
“Family was what bound the Amish together... Now, at times, it felt as if death was the one thing to hold her and Tanner together.”
“Sometimes animals are better than humans in these situations. At least they won’t betray you.”...more
Leslie Gould has written a very compelling, yet for me, too political story about a young Mennonite woman, Ivy Zimmerman, and her family who live in OLeslie Gould has written a very compelling, yet for me, too political story about a young Mennonite woman, Ivy Zimmerman, and her family who live in Oregon. Following a family tragedy, Ivy and her sisters leave their beloved Gran and travel to stay with their estranged Amish grandparents on the other side, who live in PA. As the sisters travel back to PA with their Amish grandparents, they are accompanied by a great-aunt, who tells Ivy a story about another young woman. This woman, Clare, is a relative who visited Germany years ago, and stayed with a family of three sisters.
I enjoyed the dual timeline, even as it surprised me. I loved the historical timeline (narrated in third person)best, but the present-day story (told in first-person pov) is also interesting. I liked learning more about the Mennonites. I was surprised, as Clare is, at the difference in beliefs and practices of the American Mennonites vs. their European counterparts.
Gould wants to make sure the reader understands history and its importance today. While we aren’t responsible for the actions of others, the past can teach us. “But we have a responsibility to it—to caring for those affected by it, by never forgetting, and by doing all we can to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again.” I totally agree with that.
However, this was a difficult book for me to finish. For one thing, there are too many characters to keep them all straight. I also had some difficulty sorting out the which Mennonite group Gould is referring to in places. I felt as if the author had a ton of information she was excited to share, and didn’t pare it down enough for one book.
Gould heavily emphasizes the Ukrainian/Russian conflict before WWII. According to Gould, it’s very clear that the same events are now being repeated.
What I didn’t enjoy: Strong inferences made that being a Christian means you can only hold one political view. I hear that from both sides of the aisle, and it saddens me. Because we are human, we are imperfect, and our politics are imperfect. We will not all agree, but we should all be able to speak our minds respectfully, yet not insist that our way is the only way. Also, I read for enjoyment, not a rehashing of the conflict in the world around us. Realism is ok, but I expected this type of book to be more educational about WWII and the Mennonites, not the strong political statement I felt it became halfway through.
All in all, this is an interesting story, but very political and with too many threads in the tapestry.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“How did my grudges correlate with my will to survive? Not physically survive, but emotionally?”
“What was the difference between a grudge and a boundary?”
“I’d read once that if you flew west on a plane at one thousand miles an hour, you’d be continually in the dawn of one day for twenty-four hours. But I liked the idea. It gave me hope. A new day was always beginning, somewhere.” ...more
“God does not see you for what you are. God sees you for what you can be.”
Stoney Ridge and especially Bishop David Stoltzfus’s home is my favorite set“God does not see you for what you are. God sees you for what you can be.”
Stoney Ridge and especially Bishop David Stoltzfus’s home is my favorite setting that Suzanne Woods Fisher has penned. While Anything but Plain could be read as a stand-alone, it is sweeter if you have read the preceding books.
Everyone loves Lydie, but having the Bishop’s youngest daughter work for them is another matter. As Edith says, ”Everyone says you’re an accident waiting to happen.” (How can some people be so cruel to others?)
Mammi, David’s widowed mother, comes for a visit. Before long, she informs Lydie, “‘You’re the reason I’m here.’ Mammi smiled. ‘You’re going to be my special project. We are going to fix you.’” Oh, the angst in that household , and not just for Lydie, as Mammi settles in! I love how Fisher weaves that one event into so many subplots.
I was slightly dismayed to find in this book that David himself is not perfect. He has always been such a humble, wise, and godly bishop. To find he has faults was indeed sad. May it be a reminder to all of us that we cannot put church leaders on pedestals. The only one we worship and adore is God. He alone is perfect.
I loved Nathan. He is humble, kind, knowledgeable about his organic farming, and eloquent as well. He is very forgiving, more than most.
One plot twist did throw me for a loop. I did not feel the reader had been properly prepared or armed with enough understanding to receive that twist as plausible.
Still, this is probably my fave Fisher novel so far for the unusual subject matter, (ADHD among the Amish) and the way Fisher deals with it.
I received a copy of the book through Celebrate Lit, and also NetGalley, plus I bought a copy to give away. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“Act first and think later. Lydie’s life in a nutshell.”
“He needed to seek things to be grateful for, something Birdy was always reminding him of. Search for them like a lost coin, she would say, because his mind didn’t naturally go to gratitude.”
“The Lord God did not make a mistake when he made you. Everything about you was ordained from the beginning. You have to start believing that.”
“She had a knack for solving problems, for seeing things he couldn’t see....more
“The inevitable showdown coming had been a decade in the making. When it was over, would any of them be left standing?”
This quote. It indicates the en“The inevitable showdown coming had been a decade in the making. When it was over, would any of them be left standing?”
This quote. It indicates the enormous level of suspense created and maintained throughout novel. I felt the need to check my blood pressure after reading Among the Innocent by Mary Alford, to make sure it was not abnormally high!! This particular novel is a little darker than most I choose to read, but it is oh, so well done!
I did identify with Leah more than I would like at some points. “She’d lost her family to a killer—probably Ellis to the same man. Now she was slowly losing Marge to a different kind of killer.” The killer that stalks Marge is all too prevalent, and so many families must deal with that threat. I loved how that thread strengthens the story.
Sigh. Dalton is swoony dreamboat who might be perfect, but for his secrets. Full of faith despite a rough past, he is protective of Leah, kind, sensitive, and quite the looker. Will he and Leah be able to work together to keep tragedy away from the Amish community, or will they become part of the region’s mounting calamities?
I received a copy of the book from RevellReads and NetGalley. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
Let it go. The past is written and done, but you’re not.”
He was back. John was back.
“…he wanted to beg her to trust him. Yet how could he ask for trust when he had his own secrets?”
“It’s going to be okay.” And it would, because he’d make sure of it. Yet to get to okay, they’d have to go through a whole lot of bad.
“Her heart kicked out an unsteady beat at his protectiveness. Something about him made her wish for a second that she could be normal.”
“You’re alive because God wants you to be. He has a reason. You’ll find it.”
“I’ve learned I’m better off with animals. For the most part, they don’t try to kill you.”
“The mountains were black shapes in the distance, but they were always there. Just as God was. Even in the darkest moments when it was hard to feel his presence.”...more
“Never invest with your heart, only with your stomach.”
If you’re not looking for the nearest made-from-scratch ice creamery after you finish The Sweet“Never invest with your heart, only with your stomach.”
If you’re not looking for the nearest made-from-scratch ice creamery after you finish The Sweet Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher, you may not be completely human. The extensive details about ice cream making are fascinating and show Fisher’s great research/familiarity with the cold dessert. For me, this was the strongest and best part of the book.
I truly enjoyed seeing how this mother-daughter duo interacted with each other. I couldn’t decide whether I identified with Dawn or Marnie more. Each had qualities that were relatable, so I flipped back and forth, which really made me enjoy that aspect of the book.
I was a fan of the novel by its end, which is superb. However, it took me a good one-third of the book to truly care about Marnie, Dawn, Kevin, and others the way I wanted to. I felt that we were told, rather than shown, much about the characters in the first part.
Lincoln is such an endearing, encouraging person to have as a friend! If only there were more such selfless people in the world. His view on cancer is upbeat, and he holds out the light of Hope and faith to others traveling that scary path.
Great discussion questions at the end would make a book discussion group easy to lead. I am prepared for a field trip to Cape Cod, Chatham in particular!!
————————————————————————— I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit through NetGalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own. ————————————————————————— Notable Quotables:
“Love does not have an expiration date.”
“I’m not going to let you hemorrhage Dad’s life insurance policy on a melting ice cream cone.”
“Cancer is a wonderful teacher. If you let it, it’ll teach you lessons you never dreamed you needed to learn.”
“The most important thing Dawn expected from her ice cream was consistency—because she couldn’t expect it from the rest of her life.”
“God wants to hear those honest prayers. No filter. From the gut…” ...more
Wow! A fiction book with birding as its subject matter!! I am a fan!! Suzanne Woods Fisher pens a most engaging tale of Amish and Englischers hunting Wow! A fiction book with birding as its subject matter!! I am a fan!! Suzanne Woods Fisher pens a most engaging tale of Amish and Englischers hunting both birds and fulfillment in A Season on the Wind. I loved this book on so many levels.
First, it starts with descriptions of birds. It was so hard to not look up the birds’ pictures in my phone app as I went. Each chapter includes a page out of Micah's bird diary about a different bird: its plumage, nesting and mating habits, and habitat.
Second, personalities and relationships are complex. Nothing is as simple as it seems it should be. Because the novel is written in a non-linear way, we slowly discover the motivations behind Ben’s attitude and life. We also slowly see what makes his cousin Natalie tick. I love the way Fisher surprised me more than once with twists well-placed that make perfect sense, yet I hadn’t seen them coming.
Third, a return to some of the characters of Stoney Ridge. The more Amish stories I read, the more I love and respect David Stoltzfus, Bishop of Stoney Ridge. “He was a true Spirit-led leader. Just the right combination of depending on the word of God in Scripture, and the word of God in hearts.” Such wisdom and care for his flock. Then there’s Hank and Edith. This unlikely couple adds so much color and sometimes confusion to their community.
Fourth, I love that Fisher is careful to point out that while the Amish life seems peaceful, it has its share of troubles and heartaches. It’s not their lifestyle that is the panacea for troubles. As Boyd says, it's about what’s on the inside, not the outer trappings. “Wherever God puts us, he wants us in relationship with him. That’s for everyone, wherever they are. Amish or Englisch or any other label.”
A beautifully complex novel, presenting pain, fear, romance, faith, and ultimately, forgiveness. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit via Net Galley. I was not required to leave a positive review, and all opinions are my own....more
If I mention Amish fiction, how many authors could you list? I could easily list four or five, then stretch it maybe to ten with a little thought. AndIf I mention Amish fiction, how many authors could you list? I could easily list four or five, then stretch it maybe to ten with a little thought. And they would all be women. So, The Amish Menorah and Other Stories “by the men of Amish fiction,” caught my attention. This compilation of novellas is a potluck of tastes of writers Patrick Craig, Willard Carpenter, Jerry Eicher, Thomas Nye, Murray Pura, and Amos Wyse. Each man told a very different tale and got a different reaction from me. Patrick Craig’s Amish Menorah was full of suspense and romance between Gerd and Emily. Joshua was my favorite character. I was disappointed when the ending skipped several years of hardship to complete the story happily. While necessary for the length of the narrative, the tale felt unbalanced, action-wise. I had a hard time getting into the second offering, A Cloudy Day, by Willard Carpenter. It is written in the first-person plural present tense. I found this extremely distracting. The author did a good job of showing the very real problems an Englischer army recruit and his Amish intended go through, but I wanted a less abrupt ending and much more resolution than we got. I enjoyed The Silo by Thomas Nye. All through the telling, the reader has a sense of foreboding. What is going to happen? The events are largely seen through the eyes of the eldest brother, Harvey, 15, of a large Amish family. I was surprised exactly what happens and felt the story had a good, solid ending. Lone Star by Murray Pura is unusual. This short story tells of a crime-ridden Kansas town that solved its problem with a pacifist Amish sheriff, Saul Miller. As outlandish as the idea was, I thought the author explained well how it could have happened. At times the narrative starts to sound a little like a textbook. I wanted the characters to have a little more life. But then, Pura has already pulled off a coup in getting the concept to fly, and the end was a good finishing touch. My favorite of the group was Amish for the Summer by Amos Wyse. When a drunk, spoiled, rich girl DeeDee causes trouble for an Amish family, she can go to jail or stay with the family for the summer. A very fulfilling story as DeeDee matures and grows up. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors and publisher from Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required. All opinions are my own....more
I was happy to hear the clarion call of the bugle inviting me back to what should have been the uncomplicated Amish lives in Weaver’s Creek. However, I was happy to hear the clarion call of the bugle inviting me back to what should have been the uncomplicated Amish lives in Weaver’s Creek. However, Jonas has returned home after 3 yrs serving as medic in the Civil War. He can only marry Katie if the church approves him for membership, and everyone knows the Amish don’t believe in war. Jan Drexler ups the drama in her third book of the Amish of Weaver’s Creek, Softly Blows the Bugle. While this could be read separately, it is so much richer when read following the first two books. Aaron Zook, a close non-Amish friend of Jonas’s, has followed him home. Aaron has issues to sort through, some caused by the war, some inherited. His very presence causes conflict for widowed Elizabeth, who must decide if she wants to court respectable Amishman Solomon Mast, or wait on Aaron, who is neither Amish nor settled. So many different threads going in this story, and I loved them each and every one. I finished the book in one day, as I couldn’t pull myself away from the events at Weaver’s Creek as they became more and more intense. While Jonas’s patience and trust in Gott amazed me, I felt like Aaron and Elizabeth grew the most throughout the novel. I loved how Ms. Drexler feeds the reader just enough doubt and clues at the right times to make one feel as if they have suddenly figured out something essential. I also liked the inclusion of the Amish gossip. Doesn’t every group have at least one person who needs to learn to control their tongue? Anxiously awaiting Ms. Drexler’s next series. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and publisher through JustRead Publicity Tours and NetGalley. I also received an ARC from LibraryThing. All opinions are my own and unsolicited.
Notable quotables:
“That’s a mother’s kiss, young man. And a mother’s kiss lasts forever.”
“No man is whole when he is by himself. All of us are broken on the inside until we find our place with God...” ...more
Piecing It All Together, #1 Plain Patterns, by Leslie Gould, is one novel I want to label purely “wunderbaar.” I was fortunate to catch a sample chaptPiecing It All Together, #1 Plain Patterns, by Leslie Gould, is one novel I want to label purely “wunderbaar.” I was fortunate to catch a sample chapter somewhere on my phone and I was hooked. I immediately requested an egalley from NetGalley. I must admit, I was a little uncertain. Some of Gould’s collaborations I have loved, while one particular series was not my style. But I am so glad I didn’t miss this one, and I will be first in line for book two, it is that enticing. Gould’s riveting novel is a dual-timeline, with two young women, either Amish or with Amish ties, who are desperately seeking their place in life. Gould weaves so much tension into each story, switching between the two effortlessly. I couldn’t stand to put the book down and finished it in one day. So many emotions are pulled out of the reader’s heart, as you journey life with both present-day Savannah and 1842’s Emma and begin to see the greater picture come together. So many takeaways for any reader. As we see overt and covert prejudice, we see what the cost is to fight for true equality. There are people who don’t give troublesome teenagers a chance to grow and mature into upstanding adults. We see characters who, one step at a time, rise far above anything they’d ever imagined. And we see incredible courage in the face of insurmountable odds, only to be recognized after the fact. Faith and forgiveness lived out to the fullest. I can’t rave enough about this book and its unforgettable characters. I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the author and publisher. No positive review was required and the opinions are solely my own....more
One good Jennifer Beckstrand deserves another. Or 10, as this series, The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill proves. While Home on Huckleberry Hill is myOne good Jennifer Beckstrand deserves another. Or 10, as this series, The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill proves. While Home on Huckleberry Hill is my first Huckleberry Hill book, the book stood alone great. Home on Huckleberry Hill, #9 in the series, is a hilarious look at a serious problem. One that a good Amish couple would never, ever have. Starting with Mary Anne’s octogenarian grandparents, you will be doubling over in laughter by the first page. Ah, the dirty secrets of the Amish. Mary Anne certainly has one. After a miscarriage four years ago, she has grown so estranged from her husband, Jethro, that she wants a divorce. But, of course, there is no such thing in the Amish church. Mary Anne creatively finds a way to escape Jethro’s overbearing ways. If only she could keep her decision between her and Jethro. No such luck. “Gossip traveled faster than a runaway horse in Amish country, but it seemingly traveled like lightning in an Amish grocery store.” As I read this book, it was easy to reflect on the early years of my marriage, and even selfish moments since. Who gives in? Who declares themselves wrong? Who steps up to the plate and magnanimously, truly, forgives and moves forward? I loved Mary Anne’s mammi and dawdi, but after a while I did want to tell them to stop insulting Jethro by name-calling. I was half-afraid that, though Jethro had indeed ignored his wife, the whole burden of the failed marriage would land solely on him. Ack! Jethro’s family! Especially his mamm and his brother, Willie Jay. “Willie Jay had no idea how entertaining he was from a distance.” But up close he’s a terror of a sermon. As the bishop put it so well (and I hope we see more of him in the other books), “I can’t make anybody do anything, and I wouldn’t want to. Gotte will force no man to heaven.” But will Jethro use the Scriptures to force Mary Anne back to him? Or will he finally look at himself and say, “Is it I” causing the problems? Will Mary Anne hold out forever or will she tear down some walls and forgive? If you haven’t read Beckstrand before, you’re in for a treat. Her sense of humor is hilarious and inventive. And you will feel like you’ve grown with the characters along the way. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit. This does not affect my opinions, which are solely my own.
The Englisch Daughter may be an Amish novel, but I was amazed at how much wisdom a married or single person could glean from it. Cindy Woodsmall and EThe Englisch Daughter may be an Amish novel, but I was amazed at how much wisdom a married or single person could glean from it. Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall have teamed up to write a volume of prose that explores the attitude pits, so easy to fall into, but so hard to escape. Between the two relationships the Woodsmalls examine, one the marriage of Jemima and Roy, the other the blossoming attraction between Abigail and Chris, we see lies, deceit, cover-ups, and barriers. What will it take for each couple to come to honesty and forgiveness? Can the relationships continue, or will the wrongs done be too great to overcome? ”When the honeymoon was over...marriage seemed to be a constant war between gratefulness and resentment, between contentment and restlessness, between what was too real and what wasn’t real enough.” Surely this is a truth that a lot of marriages run up against. They will either continue the dance between the two attitudes or choose to let the less needful attitude go. I also loved another quote that any person who has been married for many years will tell you, in some form. “...In every long-standing relationship, when life turned emotions on their heads and the only thing one felt was the opposite of what he or she used to feel, love became a decision and it stood the test of time.” One person I know says, “Every morning I get up and I choose to stay married today.” Surprisingly, it isn’t just Chris and Roy who need to make changes. Jemima and Abigail discover they also harbor attitudes that need to be forgiven, barriers that need to be lowered, and they both need to be vulnerable. In case this sounds like a book full of only ruminations, don’t be fooled for a minute. There are boxing fights, fights with baseball bats, a horse farm disease, a tiny baby whose existence is threatened, then a lot of suspense about the baby’s living arrangements. No time for boring here. Plus you will relate to the tenseness of several situations the characters find themselves in, and you may just sigh with relief when life seems to right itself again. There are study questions (that would make this an excellent book club pick)and also a glossary in the back of the book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook-Multnomah. This in no way affects my opinions, for which I am solely responsible....more
Hannah’s Courage by Molly Jebber is a cute, Amish romance with a love triangle that confounds me. Hannah Lapp works in a bakery with Ellie and MagdalenHannah’s Courage by Molly Jebber is a cute, Amish romance with a love triangle that confounds me. Hannah Lapp works in a bakery with Ellie and Magdalena, and eventually a few others. The relationships we see there are warm and energizing. If you wouldn’t want to work in Liza’s Bakery, you would at least want to make it a daily stop, like Sheriff Williams and Dr. Harrison. These older mid-life men are fun secondary characters, adding breadth to the story. No one but Timothy Barkman is going to like Charlene. At first, helping a newcomer to the area, he finds she attaches stronger than a hungry flea. Unfortunately, she’s rude and rotten to the core. (Ellie likes to call Charlene “Miss Nasty.”) Everyone but Timothy can see Charlene’s bad personality, and I’m left thinking, ”Can even a person in love be this blind?!” Charlene fails to consider Timothy’s wishes and requests about her forward behavior. As a former teacher, the book both delighted and dismayed me. These reactions had to do with Hannah and the course of actions she took. I can’t say more without spoilers. What unimpressed me? The story moseyed a little slower than I would have liked. I wished the novel would have had a little more substance. Also, I felt like there was one possible loose end that loomed over most of the book and then quietly disappeared. Why would I want to read more? The relationships in the bakery mentioned earlier. Maryann is a person that enters the book early on. By the end, I am intrigued enough that I will look for the next book by Molly Jebber to read her story. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. This does not influence my opinions. I am voluntarily leaving my thoughts, for which I am solely responsible....more
After reading this book, Abraham, by Jennifer Beckstrand, I have two big questions. First, how did I miss the first book of this series, (Andrew, #1 TAfter reading this book, Abraham, by Jennifer Beckstrand, I have two big questions. First, how did I miss the first book of this series, (Andrew, #1 The Petersheim Brothers) ? Second, when does the third come out? “Alfie formed a plan in his head.” Oh, my! What dangerous things result from such simple words. Alfie and Benji are tired of sharing a basement bedroom with spiders. They’ve plotted and married off one brother. Maybe they can marry off another and take over his room. Who can resist two mischievously cute nine-year-old boys? What a perfectly fun book with twins Alfie and Benji. Those boys are up to so much LOL mischief!! Just the way they think cracks me up! What an enjoyable book. I DID like Abraham and Emma, but the twins just stole the show! Examples of why the book is a must read, belly laugh:
“He likes animals. He wants to be a vegetarian.”
“‘But, Mamm, it’s an emergency. We need Abraham.’ Mamm didn’t even turn around. ‘It’s only an emergency if someone is dead or bleeding.’” (Seems I may have heard similar lines as a kid.)
“Where did you get this?” “We can’t tell you, Benji said... Alfie seemed more confident. “It’s from a nominous benedictor.”
Quickly run your fingers over to the online store and pick up this gem! You won’t regret it, and you may shake off a few pounds laughing. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. This did not influence my opinions for which I am solely responsible....more
The long-awaited next Amish cozy series by Vannetta Chapman is here. I am a big fan of Vannetta Chapman’s Amish cozies. Dead Wrong, # 1 Agatha’s AmishThe long-awaited next Amish cozy series by Vannetta Chapman is here. I am a big fan of Vannetta Chapman’s Amish cozies. Dead Wrong, # 1 Agatha’s Amish B&B, takes place in Hunt, Texas, where Agatha has moved to take over her dead brother’s rather unsuccessful b&b. One of the qualities of a Chapman Amish cozy is that Chapman is not afraid to have Amish and Englischers interact and be friendly. In this book, neighbor Tony Vargas, retired police chief, is essential to Agatha’s sleuthing and peace- of- mind. This spirit of inclusivity makes me especially sympathetic to Ms. Chapman’s particular groups of Amish. I like the way that Agatha takes life one day at a time, not stressing out overly much about things. Instead, she trusts in God and stays sensible enough to calm her guests and to be aware of incongruities in stories and behavior. Agatha’s cool head and sensibility shine as we read such phrases as, ”...she’d learned long ago that if you argue with a fool, both of you look stupid,” and, ”You can look a man into the face, but not into the heart. As the season of merriment, stress, and wishing for things we don’t truly need comes, I found a quote that brought me back to reality: ”Sometimes we have to be reminded that the next great thing comes after this life. Our job in this one is to be good stewards with what we have.” Totally a great book if you are looking for a fun, clean cozy and like a touch of Amish included....more
This series, The Amish of Weaver’s Creek, presents an unusual view of the Civil War. The first book, A Sound of Distant Thunder, saw Jonas off to war,This series, The Amish of Weaver’s Creek, presents an unusual view of the Civil War. The first book, A Sound of Distant Thunder, saw Jonas off to war, taking the place of his (pacifist) drafted brother. Now, Jan Drexler provides us with the story of Ruby Weaver, Jonas’s sister. Poor Ruby is outspoken, red- haired, and brash. No wonder she is still single. When a new family moves into the area and settles, Ruby has no idea the effect that befriending them will have on her life. Who, as a reader, won’t fall in love with Ruby? She isn’t your typical beauty, she doesn’t fit the typical behavior norms, and she isn’t just ”perfect.” But she is loyal, kind, and she loves children. Gideon was a puzzle to me. I liked his determined character, his hard work, and his loyalty to those around him. Gideon feels like he failed God, and God cannot forgive him or use him. But the more I think about it, the more I believe his understanding of right and wrong or what he should have done, was very skewed in real life. Just my opinion. You’ll have to read the book to see what I’m referring to, and even then, you may have a different opinion. All in all, I really enjoyed this book. If you like Amish, romance, or the Civil War, this might be a book for you. I can't wait for book three! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Revell via NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own.
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