The Amish Wedding Promise (Hidden Springs Book 1) by Laura V. Hilton

Book Description:

Could this bride's wedding disaster be a blessing in disguise?

Grace Lantz always imagined her wedding day would be a blissfully happy occasion. But after a tornado swept through town, she finds herself relieved that the ceremony is delayed. After all, her groom-to-be hasn't even bothered to check on her. Instead, it's the handsome volunteer Zeke Bontrager who selflessly offers Grace his strong shoulders to lean on.

Zeke came to Hidden Springs to assist a community in need. He didn't expect to meet his soul mate. Determined to ignore his feelings, Zeke promises to help reunite kind, beautiful Grace with her groom. But after spending time together, Grace confesses that she might not want to marry her fiancé after all. Can Zeke convince her that her true love is standing right in front of her? And can she find the courage to follow her heart?

About the Author:

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning author with more than twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she's not writing, she reviews books and writes devotionals for Seriously Write.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas.

When she's not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, and her favorite holiday is Christmas.

To learn more about Laura, read her reviews, and find out about her upcoming releases, readers may visit:

lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com

www.familyfiction.com/authors/laura-v-hilton

www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q

booksbylaura.blogspot.com

My Thoughts:

Grace Lantz’s wedding day is interrupted by a horrible tornado.  However, instead of being sad, Grace is relieved.  Even so, she can’t understand why her fiancé hasn’t checked on her.  On the one hand, Grace wonders if the events are an answer to prayer, but on the other hand, she feels somewhat guilty wondering what has happened to her fiancé.  Grace is caring, loving, and dedicated to following God’s will.  But right now, the events have muddied the waters and she struggles to find answers about her future.

Enter Ezekiel “Zeke” Bontrager.  Zeke is part of a team from Shipshewana that has been sent to help in the aftermath of the tornado.  Zeke is also caring, loving, and dedicated to following God’s will.  What he knows is that God’s will would be easier if Grace were not in the picture.  As Zeke and Grace are drawn to each other, both know that due to Grace’s missing fiancé and a rule that forbids relief workers from dating, they must stay in the friend zone.  

As the story continues to unfold, you’ll meet some very special supporting characters (one of which is a funny temperamental dog) that add a special touch to the story, without overshadowing the main characters.  I especially applaud Laura V. Hilton for including Grace’s sister, Patience.  It’s not often that a special needs character is included in a story.  Ms. Hilton flawlessly portrayed Patience realistically and with all sincerity which made the story that much more endearing.

The Amish Wedding Promise is not just a story of love.  It’s a story of trusting God and fully seeking His will, especially when you can’t even imagine what plan and path He has for you.  I recommend you read it for yourself.  You will thoroughly enjoy it!  

****I received a copy of this book.  All comments and opinions are my own.

Dead Wrong (Agatha's Amish B&B Book 1) by Vannetta Chapman

Book Description:

A new Amish cozy mystery from Vannetta Chapman.

Who killed Russell Dixon?
When Agatha Lapp’s brother and sister-in-law are tragically killed in a buggy accident, Agatha relocates to the new Amish community in Hunt Texas, nestled in the Texas Hill Country. She’s there to make a success of her brother’s dream--an Amish B&B. Agatha is friendly, efficient, and capable. She's also a fifty-five year old widow who has learned to be independent. When she discovers Russell Dixon’s lifeless body in Cabin 3, she runs next door where retired detective Tony Vargas lives. The police determine that her guest died of natural causes, but as Agatha and Tony put together the events of the previous two days they become convinced that the police are Dead Wrong.
Dead Wrong is a story of discovering new friendships and embracing a different path in the midst of tragedy. Above all else, it's a story of God's grace and provision.

About the Author:

Vannetta Chapman is the author of 30 published books. She has written for Abingdon Press and Harvest House Publishers, and she currently writes for Harper Collins Christian Publishing and Harlequin/Love Inspired. Her books have hit the CBD Bestseller list, the Amazon bestseller list, and her most recent release, A Widow's Hope, debuted at #17 on Publishers Weekly mass market list. She's received numerous awards including the ACFW Carol Award for best mystery (Falling to Pieces), and she was a Christy Award finalist (Anna's Healing). She recently signed a contract for an additional six books with Harlequin/Love Inspired.

Chapman has a BA and MA in English literature from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has taught for numerous writing groups and speaks around the country on writing, how to publish, and steps to finding an agent and landing a publishing contract. Chapman’s releases include Amish romance, cozy mystery, novellas, romantic suspense, and dystopian. She has tutored writers in these genres and more. She currently teaches English at Central Texas College and writes full time. She's also the president for the Central Texas Chapter of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).

For more information, visit her at
webpage -- www.VannettaChapman.com
blog -- http://vannettachapman.com/blog/
facebook -- www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks
pinterest -- http://pinterest.com/vannettachapman
instagram -- https://instagram.com/vannettachapman
twitter -- https://twitter.com/VannettaChapman

My Thoughts:

A Whodunit That Will Keep You Guessing Til the Very End!

From the minute I heard about Vannetta Chapman’s new Amish mystery series, I couldn’t contain my excitement.  Needless to say it was worth the wait!

One of the first things I loved about the story is that Agatha, the main character, is not a twenty or thirty something.  I’m not biased against that age group, but it was refreshing to have a main character that is a little more seasoned in age.  And what a fun and delightful character she is!  Agatha is strong in her faith.  She’s a hard worker and very caring, There were many times when her answer to questions and situations brought a smile to my face.  It would especially happen when she would matter of factly respond with, “I’m Amish,” as if that explained everything.  Although Agatha moved to Texas to take over her deceased brother’s  B&B, her attitude about the difficult situation was  accepting it as God’s will.  

Anthony “Tony” Vargas was almost Agatha’s exact opposite.  He’d suffered his wife’s illness and passing.  In his case, the loss kept just coasting day to day.  He was a a retired detective until Agatha’s knock on the door changed it all.  

As Agatha and Tony work together to solve the mystery of Russel Dixon’s death, a strong friendship is formed.  Along with the friendship comes healing to a hurting soul.  Add to that some fun moments, hold your breath moments, and a whodunit that has you wondering til the very end and you have a wonderfully entertaining cozy mystery which is sure to leave you wanting more. All of these reasons are what made me love this story, and I’m sure you’ll love it too!

*I received an advanced copy of this book by the author.  All opinions and comments are strictly my own.*

Hearts in Harmony by Beth Wiseman (An Amish Journey Novel Book 1)

Book Description:

They both love music. Will God deny what brings them such joy? 

Musical prodigy Levi Shetler hasn’t touched a piano since he secretly played one years ago. His strict Amish community forbids instruments or the singing of any music not in their approved songbook. Levi asks God often why music tempts him when playing an instrument isn’t allowed in his world. 

One person knows Levi’s talents: Mary Hershberger, the girl who promised years ago to keep his secret. Mary comes from a more liberal district than Levi, but she’s facing family troubles of her own. The mutual care for an aging Englischer, Adeline, reunites Mary and Levi as young adults. They realize that, despite their differences, they have a shared love of music—and a shared confusion about whether their talents are God-given gifts or temptations luring them into the Englisch world. 

The couple realizes they must compromise or part ways, but a tragic accident shakes their decision. Both Mary and Levi will need to reconcile what they love with what their hearts say is right—because even as their passion for music brings them together, it could be what tears them apart. 

The first novel in the new Amish Journeys series by bestselling author Beth Wiseman, Hearts in Harmony explores how far the heart will travel for the melody of love.

About the Author:

Bestselling and award-winning author Beth Wiseman has sold over two million books. She is the recipient of the coveted Holt Medallion, a two-time Carol Award winner, and has won the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award three times. Her books have been on various bestseller lists, including CBD, CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly. Beth and her husband are empty nesters enjoying country life in south central Texas. Visit her online at BethWiseman.com; Facebook: AuthorBethWiseman; Twitter: @BethWiseman; Instagram: @bethwisemanauthor.

https://www.amazon.com/Beth-Wiseman/e/B001JP7RNS/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

https://twitter.com/bethwiseman

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBethWiseman/

My Thoughts:

What is family?  Traditionally, we look at family as blood relatives.  However, author Beth Wiseman has created a delightful story which shows that family isn't just limited to the traditional definition, but it can be so much more.

Adeline, Levy, Mary, and Natalie.  At one time, all were strangers, each with his or her own challenges, struggles, and beliefs. However, a series of events unexpectedly brings these individuals together. As they come together, their bond is strengthened through moments of sadness and laughter, moments where beliefs are questioned, moments where challenges are faced, and moments where difficult decisions are made.  

Their story will immediately draw you in and keep you turning pages with its twists and turns.  There are moments that will have you smiling and laughing while others will have you reaching for tissue. But through it all, the bonds of love, faith and trust in God will bring their hearts together in harmony through the love of family.  

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

An Amish Reunion: Four Stories by Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Irvin

Book Description:

From bestselling authors in the Amish genre come four stories about reuniting with those you love. 

Their True Home by Amy Clipston

When Marlene Bawell moved from Bird-in-Hand ten years ago, she was in the deepest of mourning for her mother. Now her family has moved back so her father can seek employment after being laid off. To help save money, Marlene works at the hardware store owned by Rudy Swarey’s father. She knew Rudy growing up and had a secret crush on him, though he never seemed to notice her. But just as a friendship between them begins to blossom, her life is once again turned upside down. Will Marlene ever have a chance to find her own true home?

A Reunion of Hearts by Beth Wiseman

Ruth and Gideon Beiler experienced one of life’s most tragic events. Unable to get past their grief, the couple abandoned their Amish faith and went in different directions, though neither could bear to formally dissolve the marriage. When their loved ones reach out to them to come home for a family reunion, Ruth has reason to believe that Gideon won’t be there. Gideon also thinks that Ruth has declined the invitation. Family and friends are rooting for them to reunite, but will it all be enough for Ruth and Gideon to get past their grief and recapture a time when they were in love and had a bright future ahead of them?

A Chance to Remember by Kathleen Fuller

Cevilla Schlabach, Birch Creek’s resident octogenarian matchmaker, is surprised when Richard, a man from her Englisch past, arrives in Birch Creek for a visit. While he and Cevilla take several walks down memory lane, they wonder what the future holds for them at this stage of life—friendship, or the possibility of something else?

Mended Hearts by Kelly Irvin

At eighteen Hannah Kauffman made a terrible mistake. Her parents and members of her Jamesport Amish community say they’ve forgiven her. But she feels their eyes following her everywhere she goes with eighteen-month-old Evie. Thaddeus, Evie’s father, escaped this fate by running away from Jamesport. Now that Thaddeus is gone, Hannah’s old friend Phillip is stepping up to be by her side. He has waited patiently for Hannah to realize just how much he cares for her. But when Thaddeus returns after two years, Hannah can’t deny the love she feels for him. Does the fact that Phillip has waited patiently for her all this time mean that she owes him something? Can she trust either one of them? Can she trust herself? She has repented and been forgiven by the One who is most important—her heavenly Father. But is she willing to risk making more mistakes by opening herself up to love?

My Thoughts:

An Amish Reunion is a collaboration by four authors.  The stories are about love, faith, hope, family, and healing, and yet, each story is different.  Each author has woven these themes into their stories in their own unique way making this collaboration an inspiring and delightful read.

Their True Home by Amy Clipston

After ten years, Marlene Baxwell returns back to her home town.  She reintegrates into the community and runs into Rudy Swarey, her former crush from their school days. A friendship blossoms, but will it become more?

A Reunion of Hearts by Beth Wiseman

Can a couple recover what they once had after suffering a tragic loss?  Does time heal all wounds?  Ruth and Gideon Beiler reflect on these as they are reunited after years of separation.  Will love and God’s faithfulness bring these two back together?

A Chance to Remember by Kathleen Fuller

Although one is Amish and the other Englisch, Cevilla Slabach and Richard Johnson were great friends in their younger days.  But decades have passed since they’ve seen or heard from one another.  However, life situations bring fond memories back to Richard and he decides to try and reconnect with Cevilla. Is love possible after all these years?

Mended Hearts by Kelly Irvin

Mistakes in life are painful.  Hannah Kauffman lives this every day as she feels her community has forgiven, but not forgotten. Even so, she works hard and is doing her best in raising her child as a single parent. When Thaddeus Yoder returns home, Hannah struggles even more, not just with what others think, but about what she feels for Thaddeus.  He also feels the pain of life’s mistakes, but is working to change and make things right.  Will their love grow?  Will it bring forgiveness and healing?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Perfect Amish Match (Indiana Amish Brides) by Vannetta Chapman

Book Description:

Every courting disaster has led him to her.

An Indiana Amish Brides story

After three failed relationships, Amish bachelor Noah Graber would rather disappoint his parents than try again. But when matchmaker Olivia Mae Miller agrees to provide courting lessons, Noah’s perfect match becomes clear—it’s Olivia Mae herself! With ailing grandparents at home, she hadn’t planned on love or marriage. Might a future with Noah be everything she’s been missing?

About the Author:

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She is the author of over twenty novels, including the Pebble Creek Amish series, Shipshewana Amish Mystery Series, and Plain and Simple Miracle series. Vannetta is a Carol award winner, a Christy finalist, and she also received more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She currently writes Christian suspense, Amish romance, and Amish mystery. She was a teacher for 15 years and resides in the Texas hill country. For more information, visit her at: 

webpage -- www.VannettaChapman.com 

blog -- http://vannettachapman.com/blog

facebook -- www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks

pinterest -- http://pinterest.com/vannettachapman

instagram -- https://instagram.com/vannettachapman

twitter -- https://twitter.com/VannettaChapman

My Thoughts:

Olivia Mae Miller’s stereotypical description of a matchmaker: “Old, maybe. Using a cane. Peering at you over my glasses and shaking my knitting needles at you.”

In reality this description does not even remotely describe Olivia Mae.  Old? Glasses? A cane? Not at all.  Olivia Mae is young, pretty, and never been married.  Yet, she’s known in her community as a very successful “matchmaker.”  And she’s also her grandparents’ caretaker. Although being their caretaker doesn’t affect her matchmaking skills, it constantly keeps challenges coming her way.

Enter Noah Graber.  Noah insists he’s “happily single” and that has no need for a matchmaker.    However, pressure from his family places him dead center in need of Olivia Mae’s matchmaking skills. 

What happens next takes these two on a humorous, challenging, faith filled, romantic  adventure that had me continually laughing and smiling (especially at Noah’s jokes) up to the very end. 

All in all, I found A Perfect Amish Match to be a thoroughly entertaining sweet, funny inspirational romance.  So, if this sounds like your kind of story, I highly recommend that you check it out.  And if it’s not your kind of story, check it out anyway.  You will be pleasantly surprised.

I was given a copy of this book.  All comments and opinions are my own.

A Widow's Hope (Indiana Amish Brides) by Vannetta Chapman

Book Description:

His scars are visible.

Hers are hidden…

An Indiana Amish Brides match

After tragedy claimed her husband’s life and her son’s ability to walk, Hannah King doesn’t want a new man. She has her family, a home and mounting debts. Scarred Amish bachelor Jacob Schrock offers Hannah the job she desperately needs. But while Hannah helps Jacob resolve his accounting issues, can she and her little boy also heal his wounded heart?

About the Author:

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She is the author of over twenty novels, including the Pebble Creek Amish series, Shipshewana Amish Mystery Series, and Plain and Simple Miracle series. Vannetta is a Carol award winner, a Christy finalist, and she also received more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She currently writes Christian suspense, Amish romance, and Amish mystery. She was a teacher for 15 years and resides in the Texas hill country. For more information, visit her at: 

webpage -- www.VannettaChapman.com 

blog -- http://vannettachapman.com/blog

facebook -- www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks

pinterest -- http://pinterest.com/vannettachapman

instagram -- https://instagram.com/vannettachapman

twitter -- https://twitter.com/VannettaChapman

My Thoughts:

Two souls, each shouldering the weight of pain from their pasts, are connected by one special little boy.  That is where the story begins.  Where it goes from their is at times sad.  Other times it’s painful.  Then there are times that make you smile, laugh, or hold your breath.  But through it all, the message of God’s love, grace, and forgiveness shine through.  

Those are just a few of the qualities that make this such a great story.  But there is one more thing that stood out for me, and that was the story of that special little boy.  I don’t recall any of the books I’ve read ever dealing with the issue of a special needs child.  However, the author very skillfully weaves and blends the topic into the story.  She does so in a way that gives the reader insight into the love, dedication, challenges, and sometimes pain that all go along with having a special needs child, along with allowing you to see things from the viewpoint of the child.  The child’s innocence and determination added an entirely different and refreshing dimension to the story.

A Widow’s Hope is a story of grace, letting go of the past, forgiveness, hope, trust, healing, and finding love. I absolutely loved this beautiful story and its endearing characters, and I think anyone who reads it will come away feeling the same way.  

Home At Last (The Bradshaws Book 3) by Shirlee McCoy

Book Description:

Returning to their hometown isn’t something the Bradshaw brothers ever thought they’d do. But a family tragedy has reunited them in Benevolence, Washington—where second chances, reignited dreams, and real love are never far away . . .

Texas rancher Flynn Bradshaw has his work cut out for him. His sister-in-law, Sunday, is finally home after the car crash that killed her husband and left her critically injured. But Flynn still has to get her failing ancestral farm up and running while looking after his six nieces and nephews. He prefers wide open spaces and working solo. Yet as he tries to get the grieving Sunday to care about her life again, he’s finding a chance for love that’s closer than he ever expected . . . 

Even before the accident, Sunday struggled to keep the farm afloat as her once-happy marriage crumbled. Now with her body still recovering, she can't seem to get back the hope she once had. But as she reconnects with her children, Flynn’s dedication, love for the land, and caring slowly inspire her to dream again. Is their growing affection enough to help them through unresolved pain—and risk trying for a future together?

https://amzn.to/2Eef0FW

About the Author:

New York Times best-selling author Shirlee McCoy loves books. She loves reading them. She loves writing them. She loves sharing them with family, with friends, and with total strangers on airplanes and in doctor's offices. It's no surprise that she loves being an author. Her first book was published in 2004. Since then, she's written more than 45 novels. Her books have appeared on the New York Times, Publisher's Weekly, and USA Today bestsellers lists. 

Of course, her love for books pales in comparison with her love for family. When she's not writing, she's homeschooling her two youngest children and spending time with the people she cares about most. Her books are a reflection of her passion for relationships and community. An advocate for adoption and a firm believer in the power of faith, love, and compassion, Shirlee writes books that explore the dynamics between siblings, parents, children, and friends. 

She enjoys hearing from readers and writers. You can email her at http://bit.ly/2BF0i9n or catch up with her life and writing at http://bit.ly/2N9ewDL.

My Thoughts:

In this third book from The Bradshaws, the story of Sunday and Flynn (the oldest Bradshaw brother) unfolds.  As the story begins, you learn of the accident that killed Matt, Sunday’s husband, and left Sunday completely different from the person she had been before.  Along with Sunday’s physical changes come changes in her memory.  The accident has left Sunday with little memory of even the most basic of things.  As she battles the physical and mental challenges, she is also dealing with being a single mom of six children and trying to take care of the family farm that has seen it’s better days.  All the while she is remembering bits and pieces of a love story that had seemed perfect, but wasn’t.

Flynn Bradshaw is the oldest of the Bradshaw brothers.  His brother, Matt, had been Sunday’s husband.  Flynn left home years ago, but would come occasionally to visit.  He’s now returned to help Sunday with the farm while giving his brothers a little break.

During his stay on the farm, Flynn attempts to help Sunday with her challenges.

But, unlike Sunday, Flynn has no problems with his memory.  His vividly remembers the family difficulties that occurred when he was growing up.  His memories about Matt included some that made him question a few things about his brother.

This was an absolutely beautiful story.  The author’s skillful way with words just cut right to my core.  The way she writes about Sunday’s challenges, what she’s feeling, how things that were so easy at one time had now become so difficult to do, was just heart wrenching.  I could feel Sunday’s pain and frustration, and she was trying with such determination to do things that were now a challenge, I found myself cheering her on. The family dynamics, the amusing behavior of her children, and the sweetness of their care for her had me laughing and smiling.  As Sunday and Flynn’s friendship blossomed and grew, I held my breath wondering how it would all end.

I cannot say enough about what a lovely story this is.  Although it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.  And while I haven’t read the rest of the series, I am definitely looking forward to doing so.  

Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Welcome at Our Door (An Amish Homestead Novel Book 4) by Amy Clipston

Book Description:

After a devastating loss, Cindy Riehl is still searching for peace. Will she find it in the community she calls home—or will love send her down a new path?

Over the last few years, Cindy Riehl—the youngest of the Riehl siblings—has watched her brothers and sister find love and happiness in Lancaster County. But as her family has settled down and grown, Cindy has continued to grieve her mother, whose death left an enormous hole in her heart. Since that haunting day, Cindy has struggled to find peace and wonders if the community is the place for her—and if her faith in God will ever feel the same as it once did.

When a handsome and kind Englisher named Drew crosses Cindy’s path one surprising day, the two of them become fast and easy friends. Drew dreams of starting a family after some losses of his own, and before long, he and Cindy discover that their feelings for each other are romantic. As they spend more time together—often in secret—Cindy is drawn further and further away from the Amish community and the family she loves. In time, she is faced with a difficult choice that threatens to upend her world.

Will Cindy find contentment and love, and will she ever find restored comfort in God and her beloved community? In this final installment of the Amish Homestead series, we return to the charming town of Bird-in-Hand for a story of healing, family, and God’s perfect provision.

https://amzn.to/2G9BjyL

About the Author:

Amy Clipston has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her fiction writing "career" began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories. She has a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan College and is a member of the Authors Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America. She is the author of the bestselling Kauffman Amish Bakery series with Zondervan, which is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. An advocate for organ and blood donation, Amy donated a kidney in 2011 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Through her donation, her husband received a second kidney transplant. Amy and her husband matched another couple and swapped kidneys with them. Amy's memoir, A Gift of Love, will be available in early 2014. She hopes her story inspires others to become organ and blood donors. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and four spoiled rotten cats. You can find her on the web at https://amyclipston.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AmyClipstonBooks.

https://amzn.to/2HOjLKb

My Thoughts:

One of the many things I like about this author is that she has a somewhat different style of writing Amish fiction.  One of the things she includes in her stories is a viewpoint that this culture, as with all groups, is not 100% perfect. Although this is a work of fiction, including this gives the story a sense of realism.  

The reality in A Welcome at Our Door has to do with the the Riehl family’s convictions.  The family members are loving and caring.  They are also friendly and hospitable to their neighbor, Drew Collins, an Englisher.  Or rather, they are friendly and hospitable towards him until something occurs that goes against their convictions.

Although the Riehls are a loving and caring family, Cindy, the youngest of the Riehl children, just doesn’t feel like she fits in.  Since her mother’s passing, she feels like no one understands her.  That all changes when she meets Drew.  And that’s also when the Riehls’ friendship and hospitality toward Drew changes, all in the name of their convictions.

The story takes you through the friendship, a budding romance, hurts, hard choices, and finally, forgiveness.  It had me laughing in some parts, crying in others, frustrated in many, and left me with a feeling of peace seeing that no matter what the situation, God’s love and forgiveness make all of the difference.  Add to that a surprise twist that I didn’t see coming and you have a lovely story that is well worth the read.

***I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

All In (The Bridgeport Social Club Series Book 2) by Shelley Shephard Gray

Book Description:

Meredith Hunt is content with her solo life. She owns and runs a successful Pilates studio, volunteers at the high school every week, and recently bought a house. She can take care of herself, which is good because she has a hard time relying on other people. When she's mugged and a handsome man comes to her rescue, she doesn't know how to accept his help-or how to stop staring into his chocolate-brown eyes.

Ace Vance moved to Bridgeport to offer his fifteen-year-old son, Finn, a better life. Here, Finn has a chance to play football for a good team and maybe even earn a college scholarship. And Ace scored a job at a top-notch garage, where he gets to fix up classic cars. Plus, they could both use some distance from Finn's toxic mom. The last thing on his mind is falling in love, but he can't help offering assistance to a gorgeous redhead in need.

Thrown together by a careless criminal, Meredith and Ace can't deny their attraction. But can they open their hearts-and their lives-to make room for love?

Shelley Shepard Gray's Bridgeport Social Club series explores how communities can come together to support each other, whether it's around a poker table, in a Pilates studio, or anywhere in between. Get ready to fall in love with a group of men and women who, even when they feel lost, refuse to lose hope.

https://amzn.to/2Tt4yiM

About the Author:

Shelley Shepard Gray lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. A busy wife and mother of two, she spends her days writing and keeping track of her two teenagers. Her two dogs keep her company when she writes in her basement.

Shelley enjoys writing about the Amish and visits Amish communities in Adams and Holmes counties several times a year. When not spending time with her family or writing, she serves on several committees in her church.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news...or become her friend on FaceBook.

https://www.shelleyshepardgray.com

Facebook:  http://bit.ly/2BapSCy

Twitter:  http://bit.ly/2CReN9M

Pinterest:  http://bit.ly/2Wts2qc

Goodreads:  http://bit.ly/2CVrNvb

My Thoughts:

Okay.  Let me begin by saying that as I write this review, I find myself in a bit of a conundrum.  It comes from my background of experience with author Shelley Shepard Gray’s earlier books. My experience with this author has been through her works in the genres of romance/historical/mystery&suspense mainly involving Amish and Mennonite.  They have also been labeled as religious/christian/clean&wholesome.  Thus, my conundrum begins.  I had to separate & get beyond my past experiences with the author’s prior works in order to give my honest thoughts about All In.

So, let me just begin by saying that my first challenge was to accept that All In doesn’t fit into a mold that I’ve experienced with the author’s prior works.  That being said, it was scary, refreshing and exciting for me to read.  Scary in that from the beginning, I could tell this was a different type of story from what I was used to from this author.  Refreshing in that from the beginning, I was immediately drawn into the characters, which were different from the other works I’d read by this author.  Exciting in that I really wanted to see where the story would go.

I was indeed drawn in from the start when Meredith Hunt is mugged and two guardian angels in the form of Ace and Finley Vance, show up just in the nick of time to help her.  The problem is that Meredith isn’t used to being helped.  She didn’t have the best situations while growing up.  The difficult situations in her life and relationships have made her self reliant and hesitant to receive help from anyone.  Even in this situation, she found it uncomfortable to 

have someone, make that two someones, helping her.  

Ace Vance hasn’t had things so easy either.  He’s just moved to Bridgeport to make a better life for his son Finn and to get away from Finn’s mother.  His main focus has been to make things better for Finn.  The situation with Finn’s mother combined with his focus to make a better life for Finn has kept the whole dating thing off of his radar.  

And as for Finley Vance, he’s had his share of bad experiences in his young life, most of which stem from his mother’s lack of mothering.  At his young age he feels the need to be self reliant but also struggles with things he’s missed out on, as well as the typical challenges faced by teens.

The lives of these three become entwined when Meredith’s mugging brings them together.  The story has romance, mystery and intrigue. But the largest part of the story revolves around how these three individuals come to terms with their pasts and how they are able to move forward from there to find forgiveness, healing and love.  

So, I said all that to say this.  All In is a clean, wholesome read with a slight contemporiness (is that even a word?)  to it.  It will take you to a place where you will find just how powerful love, and love’s healing, can be.  

***I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.