Saturday, May 24, 2025

Green Pastures (The Amish of Shepherd's Hill Book #1) by Patricia Johns


Book Details: 

Title: Green Pastures

Series: The Amish of Shepherd's Hill Book 1

Author: Patricia Johns

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: March 18, 2025

Pages: 333  

Genre: Amish Romance

Book Description:

Tabitha Schrock's return to Lancaster County shakes the foundations of her family and community. After her departure during rumspringa and a recent divorce, Tabitha faces the challenge of reintegrating into Amish society while pursuing her dream of working as a veterinarian. Meanwhile, her sister Amanda, whose own prospects were dimmed by Tabitha's leaving Shepherd's Hill, decides to seize her chance at love by pursuing a man with a shadowed past. And their youngest sister, Rose, despite her beauty and romantic hopes, faces the harsh realities of matrimony, grappling with the weight of vows made before Gott and her community.

As the sisters navigate the intricacies of love, faith, and tradition, they are bound by their commitment to uphold their Amish way of life. But as they strive to keep their promises, how much are they willing to sacrifice to remain true to themselves and their community?

My Thoughts: Well Written

This is such a wonderfully written story! Yes, it is in the Amish genre, but no, it does not follow the pattern of most in that genre. That being said, it is well written, the characters have depth, and many deal with realistic topics. Some of those topics are sensitive and may not always get brought up in this genre. But aside from that, it is also a story that is filled with hope, forgiveness, new beginnings, family, faith, overcoming judgments, and second chances.

Author Patricia Johns has flawlessly woven all of those elements together into a beautiful story. It's deep, funny, thought-provoking, and emotional, and all of that makes it a story that definitely should not be missed.

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About the Author: Patricia Johns

Patricia Johns is a Publishers Weekly bestselling Amish fiction author, writing from Alberta, Canada. She relishes electricity and modern conveniences in her real life, but she loves to imagine what life would be like living without everything we so easily rely upon. If you were to peek in at her, you'd find her tapping away on her computer writing her newest book, or arranging her dollhouse furniture which has become a big passion of hers. You can keep up with her on social media, or sign up for her newsletter for a chance to win signed books and knitted surprises made with love by the author herself.


 
  

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Unshaken by Shelley Shepard Gray



Book Details: 

Title: Unshaken 

Series: 

Author: Shelley Shepard Gray

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: June 3, 2025

Pages: 304 

Genre: Amish Romance/Christian Mystery & Suspense

Book Description:

When Stephanie Miller planned her visit to a dollar store in southern Ohio, she was expecting to pick up a few items she couldn't find in her Amish community. She was not expecting to find herself an innocent bystander as a drug deal went horribly wrong. The sole witness to a murder, now Stephanie is targeted by the gunman.

Hardy Anderson is always ready to help his social worker sister, Beverly--which now includes hiding an Amish woman until a killer can be brought to justice. Surely if they dress her in English clothing, Hardy can hide her at the sprawling ranch where he works.

But the killer is desperate--and there's no telling what lengths he will go.

This tension-filled, tightly written tale from 
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray is sure to thrill fans of Amish fiction and romantic suspense alike.

My Thoughts: Fantastic

Unshaken is a fantastic Christian romantic suspense story. It is so good that once you begin reading, you won't be able to put it down. 

While this is Stephanie and Hardy's story, there were a number of secondary characters who not only contributed to the main characters' story but also played a much more integral part. The author beautifully depicted the secondary characters' struggles, reactions, and so on, and how those impacted the bigger picture. But instead of these overtaking the main characters' story, it enhanced it by showing their effects on the main storyline. It added much depth to the entire story without overshadowing the main characters' story. 

That being said, Stephanie and Hardy's story was absolutely beautiful. Even with the suspense that surrounded them, they were able to make discoveries about each other and themselves, which helped them see beyond the impossible and expected. That blending of romance, intrigue, suspense, and faith made this a must-read that should not be missed. 

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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About the Author:  Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books, including Unforgiven and Unforgotten. Two-time winner of the HOLT Medallion and a Carol Award finalist, Gray lives in Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail. Learn more at ShelleyShepardGray.com.  



Friday, May 16, 2025

The Amish Bachelor's Promise by Amy Lillard



Book Details: 

Title: The Amish Bachelor's Promise  

Author: Amy Lillard

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: May 27, 2025

Pages: 208  

Genre: Amish Romance

Book Description:

From a lifelong friendship

To an unexpected courtship…

After years of overlooking his best friend, Amish farmer Freeman Yoder finally begins to see Evie Ebersol through new eyes. But Evie is convinced that she would be a rebound—and that her physical challenges would be a burden. Despite loving Freeman for most of her life and yearning for a family and home of her own, she refuses to hold Freeman to his decades-old promise to marry her. Now he’s determined to show Evie that 
she’s the only one he wants to build a future with.

My Thoughts: Great Story

The Amish Bachelor's Promise is yet another great story by author Amy Lillard. It is a story of love, hope, disappointments, new beginnings, and faith. And all of these played into Evie and Freeman's story. It was quite the roller coaster ride, but, boy, oh, boy, what a ride it was. As I read it, I was taken through a range of emotions, from smiles to sadness, frustration, and much more. 

While I understood Evie, her decisions and her actions, she drove me to exasperation more than once, but I still had high hopes that love would win out. And Freeman? I was actually rooting for him to figure things out so that their true feelings would come to the surface. Theirs was a bumpy ride, but what a great one it was. And all of that made this a fantastic story that was a joy to read.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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About the Author:  Amy Lillard

Amy loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family...and maybe homemade tacos...and nail polish. But reading and writing are definitely high on the list.

Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, two spoiled cats, and one very lazy beagle. Oh, and don't forget the stray kitty that has taken up residence on her front porch. ^..^

When she's not creating quirky characters and happy endings, she's chauffeuring her prodigy to guitar lessons, orchestra concerts and baseball practice. She has a variety of hobbies, but her favorite is whatever gets her out of housework.

Amy also writes contemporary romances under the pen name Amie Louellen.

An award winning author, Amy is a member of RWA and ACFW. She loves to hear from readers. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest. For links to the various sites, check her website: www.amylillardbooks.com.



Thursday, May 15, 2025

MIssing in Texas by Virginia Vaughan




Book Details: 

Title: Missing in Texas 

Series: Lone Star Defenders Book 2

Author: Virginia Vaughan

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Release Date: May 27, 2025

Pages: 207  

Genre: Christian Suspense/Clean & Wholesome Romance

Book Description:

Can she crack a decade-old cold case

before the murderer silences her?

The moment FBI agent Christy Williams arrives in Mercy, Texas, determined to solve her friend’s disappearance twelve years ago, she becomes a killer’s number one target. Ignoring the threats on her life, she partners with Deputy Mike Tyner, the cousin of one of the chief suspects…and the last person to see her friend alive. As they work to investigate this cold case together, it becomes clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the past hidden. With time running out, can Mike keep Christy alive long enough to find justice for her friend…before a murderer strikes again?

My Thoughts: Awesome Page-Turner

Missing in Texas is an awesome page-turner as it follows Christy and Mike as they work on a cold case. This might seem like Christy and Mike are on the same side, which they are, except that each one has a connection to the case, which puts them a little at odds with each other. Most of the time, they can keep their differences at bay as they focus on solving the case. But one surprise after another keeps making the case more and more complicated. 

The story is very well paced. It kept me guessing and turning pages up to the end. The suspense was on point, as was the romance. It is a wonderful and intriguing story that I greatly enjoyed. 

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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About the Author: Virginia Vaughan

Award winning author Virginia Vaughan was born and raised in Mississippi and has never strayed far from those borders. Blessed to come from a large, Southern family, her fondest memories include listening to stories recounted by family and friends around the large dinner table. She was a lover of books even from a young age, devouring gothic romance novels and stories of romance, danger, and love. She soon started writing them herself. Connect with Virginia at virginiavaughanonline.com. 



Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Her Amish Country Husband by Patricia Johns



Book Details: 

Title: Her Amish Country Husband 

Series: An Amish Antique Shop Romance Book 1

Author: Patricia Johns

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Release Date: May 27, 2025

Pages: 335  

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance

Book Description:

An Amish country inheritance…
A second chance to mend her heart!


Faith Fairchild is back in Amish country, running her late aunt’s antiques shop along with her two sisters. Never mind that Faith, Hope and Elaine rarely see eye to eye, or that the electrician rewiring the store is Faith’s ex-husband, Trent Lantz. Now guardian to an adorable toddler named Tyke, Trent has changed from the man Faith once loved, or maybe still does… But Faith hasn’t come home for good, and Trent has to put his son first. Can Faith follow her dreams to the city when she’ll be leaving her heart in Amish country?

My Thoughts: Absolutely Wonderful Story

Her Amish Country Husband is an absolutely wonderful read! As I read Faith and Trent's story, I could feel every bit of their struggles, what they had dealt with, and what they were dealing with now. I loved how the other characters were so integral in their story and enhanced it without overshadowing Faith and Trent. 

Author Patricia Johns has such a fantastic way of developing her characters that makes the reader completely connect with the story and the characters. It left me feeling heartbroken, but as the story progressed and Faith and Trent spent more time interacting, hope began to replace the heartbreak. This truly is a fantastic story of healing and second chances that will deeply touch your heart.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author:  Patricia Johns

Patricia Johns writes from Alberta, Canada where she lives with her husband and son. She has her Honors BA in English Literature and has written Amish romance for Harlequin, Kensington Books, and has a new miniseries starting in 2025 with Bethany House. She loves prairie skies and time with her family.

You can find her online on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or on her website at patriciajohns.com.  



Saturday, May 3, 2025

The Marriage Pact (An Amish of Marigold Novel Book 3) by Kathleen Fuller



                                                                                                            


Book Details:

Title: The Marriage Pact 

Series: An Amish of Marigold Novel Book 3 

Author: Kathleen Fuller

Publisher: Zondervan

Pages: 320

Release Date: May 6, 2025 

Genre: Amish Romance

Book Description:

Perry and Daisy's fake relationship is fooling everyone . . . but they're the ones who might be getting fooled.

When Daisy Hershberger and Perry Bontrager meet, they discover they have one thing in common: both their families are way too eager to see them matched with the person of their dreams. Daisy is convinced that Maynard is the one for her, but her parents have their doubts. And Perry? His family wonders if there's anyone out there for a quirky guy like him. He's also certain that some people--himself included--are destined to be single for life.

After comparing notes, Perry and Daisy agree to a pact. He'll help her make Maynard realize what he's missing, and she'll pretend to be Perry's love interest to keep his matchmaking mother satisfied. For a while, their pact seems to be working.

Maybe their imagined futures aren't exactly what fairy tales are made of, but they're committed to their plan . . . until they realize that a real-life fairy tale is happening where they least expect it. Sometimes, you don't have to pretend to be anything but yourself in order for love to find you.

My Thoughts: Fun Read

Daisy and Perry's story is such a fun read! I loved their interactions and how their relationship developed. I also enjoyed one very pesky, but very intuitive, gentleman. He played a role in their "friendship" and added some entertaining moments, without overshadowing them. 

I loved Daisy and Perry. They have such a giving nature, which plays into their interactions with each other and those around them. I loved how unique they were in their interests, which also played into their relationship. Most of all, I loved how Daisy and Perry's discoveries helped them follow God's leading for their lives versus what everyone else had planned for them. All of this made for a delightful and entertaining read. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely voluntary and my own.

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About the Author: Kathleen Fuller

With over two million copies sold, Kathleen Fuller is the USA TODAY bestselling author of several bestselling novels, including the Hearts of Middlefield novels, the Middlefield Family novels, the Amish of Birch Creek series, and the Amish Letters series as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield. Visit her online at KathleenFuller.com; Instagram: @kf_booksandhooks; Facebook: @WriterKathleenFuller; X: @TheKatJam.