Wednesday, July 2, 2025

An Amish Second Chance Romance (Surprised by Love Book 8) by Rachel J. Good


Book Details: 

Title: An Amish Second Chance Romance 

Series: Suprised by Love Book 8

Author: Rachel J. Good

Publisher: Zebra Books

Release Date: July 29, 2025

Pages: 320  

Genre: Amish Romance

Book Description:

Cathy Zehr prides herself on her skilled donut-making—and on her plain speaking. After all, talking about others’ failings is only telling the honest truth—and it might prevent others from making the same mistakes. But gossiping has made her an alt maidel—someone never courted to be a wife. And she’s finally at a loss for more than words when she must care for her ailing brother's young sons. To find out what not to do, she turns to reserved woodworker Myron King, a bachelor who raised his orphaned niece and nephew. His advice proves invaluable—plus, Cathy discovers they have much in common. Yet she fears their growing closeness will never overcome her deep trauma—much less lead to love . . .

Myron is taken aback by Cathy’s request—yet he’s also intrigued. Perhaps confessing his parenting regrets will ease some of his guilt. Still, he’s surprised when Cathy truly listens to him, even softening her blunt manner. Myron is even more surprised by his growing attraction to her—despite his fears about risking heartbreak again. But when their deepest secrets suddenly collide, can faith, forgiveness, and courage unite their longing hearts?

My Thoughts: Outstanding

This later-in-life romance between Cathy Zehr and Myron King is outstanding. Both of them have skeletons in their closets that have shaped who they are: slightly abrasive characters with some judgmental tendencies. 

Before Cathy and Myron work together, they only see the faults of each other, but not their own. But as they spend more time together, they begin to see those behaviors in a different light. Myron is a quicker study than Cathy, though. Cathy's struggles to overcome threw some delays into their collaboration and their relationship. However, little by little, newfound self-discoveries, along with the help of a very special woman and faith and trust in God, open the door for healing and love to make their way in. The result is a beautiful and touching story of faith, love, hope, overcoming, healing, and second chances that is a definite must-read.

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:  Rachel J. Good

USA Today bestselling author Rachel J. Good grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for many of her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel loves to travel and visit many different Amish communities. In searching for the best Amish soft pretzels, she's visited many Amish markets, auctions, and mud sales. Because of her love of Amish food, she tries to include recipes in her books as often as possible. When she's not traveling, she spends time with family and writing.

In addition to her Amish novels, she's written more than 60 books, including children's educational books, adult nonfiction, and fiction for children and teens under several pen names. To find out more about Rachel and her books, you can sign up for her newsletter: http://bit.ly/1qwci4Q

Rachel enjoys meeting readers and speaks regularly at book events, schools, libraries, churches, book clubs, and conferences across the country. She also loves talking about Amish life, using authentic Amish clothes and goods, and/or doing coloring parties.

You can connect with Rachel on her website (http://www.racheljgood.com) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/racheljgoodnovels). 



Saturday, June 28, 2025

Montana-Sized Secret by Allie Pleiter



Book Details: 

Title: Montana-Sized Secret 

Series: Three Sisters Rescue Farm Book 2

Author: Allie Pleiter

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: July 29, 2025

Pages: 208  

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance

Book Description:

Can she trust him again

For the sake of their baby?

Returning to High Mountain pregnant is not the fresh start Carly Davis imagined—nor is telling Jack Peters he’s the father. And with Jack in the early stages of addiction recovery, she questions if he can handle being a parent. But Jack is determined to show that he’s changed, and a chance to prove himself arises when they must care for a litter of rescued baby bunnies. Trust slowly builds between them again, but as unexpected news threatens their fragile bond, can they overcome the uncertainties to be the family they both need?

My Thoughts: Deeply Touching 

Carly and Jack's story is deeply touching and is so much more than a simple romance. It is about two people with a past whose mistakes have thrown huge curveballs into their lives. These mistakes play into their reestablished relationship, but the journey is far from easy. The challenges they face are sensitive and realistic, and author Allie Pleiter weaves them in flawlessly, delicately, and in such a way that made me feel everything Carly and Jack were going through. 

The author also did a fantastic job with the details of the situations being dealt with, to the point that I learned some things that I had no clue were a thing. The story involves faith, trust, forgiveness, overcoming, and second chances, along with many bumps in the road. It is strongly felt and sincere, and I encourage you to read it for yourself. 

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

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About the Author:  Allie Pleiter

The bestselling author of over sixty titles, Allie Pleiter's twenty-year career has sold over 1.7 million books.Allie also coaches on writing productivity and speaks nationally on time management for creatives. Allie is an avid knitter, confirmed coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better.” She lives in the suburbs of Charlotte with her husband and the world’s most adorable dog. Sign up for her newsletter at alliepleiter.com/contact.html  



Thursday, June 26, 2025

Rage (Kate Burkholder Book 17) by Linda Castillo


Book Details: 

Title: Rage 

Series: Kate Burkholder Book 17

Author: Linda Castillo

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Release Date: July 8, 2025

Pages: 296  

Genre: Women Sleuths/Police Procedurals

Book Description:

In this gripping installment of the Edgar Award winning series, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder investigates a brutal double murder that takes her into the dark underbelly of society and exposes the dangers of Amish lives gone wrong.

Summer has arrived with a vengeance in Painters Mill, and a macabre discovery by three Amish children brings the quiet to a grinding halt. Chief of Police Kate Burkholder arrives on scene to find the dismembered body of 21-year-old Samuel Eicher, a local Amish man who owned a successful landscaping business. What twisted individual murdered him in such a sadistic way?

The investigation has barely begun when, miles away, a second body is found, stuffed into a barrel and dumped in a ravine. The deceased is 21-year-old Aaron Shetler, Samuel Eicher’s best friend. What could these two young Amish men have been involved in that led to such violent ends?

With a heat wave bearing down, Kate learns quickly that, for reasons she doesn’t understand, no one is willing to talk about what happened to the men. Just as she begins to fear the case may be hopeless, a mystery woman comes forward and reveals that fun-loving Aaron and Samuel had recently befriended some very unsavory characters
individuals who may have ties to a larger, more sinister, black market.

To solve the case, Kate must delve into the most sordid corners of her community, but when she gets too close, the killers target Kate herself. Will the secrets simmering beneath the surface of Painters Mill take another life before she can expose the truth? Or will Kate be the final victim?

My Thoughts: Fast-Paced Page-Turner

Rage, the seventeenth book in the Kate Burkholder series, is a fantastic, fast-paced, contemporary, multilayered mystery. Author Linda Castillo's descriptive writing had me feeling like I was right there, seeing and experiencing everything. It makes for a gripping story that, once you start reading it, you can't put it down till the very end. The twists and turns kept me guessing and turning pages. Even when I suspected who did it, I couldn't put it down because there was so much more I needed to know. 

If you enjoy fast-paced mysteries that will keep you glued to the pages, then this one is definitely for you. You won't be disappointed. 

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:  Linda Castillo

Linda Castillo is the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Kate Burkholder series, set in the world of the Amish. The first book, Sworn to Silence, was adapted into a Lifetime original movie titled An Amish Murder starring Neve Campbell as Kate Burkholder. Castillo is the recipient of numerous industry awards including a nomination by the International Thriller Writers for Best Hardcover, the Mystery Writers of America’s Sue Grafton Memorial Award, and an appearance on the Boston Globe’s shortlist for best crime novel. In addition to writing, Castillo’s other passion is horses. She lives in Texas with her husband and is currently at work on her next book.


 

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Hunting for a Husband (The Heart of the Amish Book 9) by Mindy Steele



Book Details: 

Title: Hunting for a Husband 

Series: The Heart of the Amish Book 9

Author: Mindy Steele

Publisher: Barbour

Release Date: July 1, 2025

Pages: 256  

Genre: Amish Romance

Book Description:

Ten years ago, Joe Shetler took a leap, and it cost him his ability to walk. Accepting that this is God’s will for him, Joe finds his independence running Shetler Outdoors, an archery and outdoors shop.
 
Leah Wicky moves to Kentucky where her father has set up a deer farm. With a strong desire to marry, she soon sets her sights on Joe who, despite his disabilities, has determination and an easy way about him. A sticky situation finally affords the opportunity for a friendship to form between them.
 
When the Wickey’s prize buck attracts attention in the community—and attempted poachers—Leah is caught in the crosshairs, and Joe’s fears of inadequacy haunt him when he fails to protect her. A future once bright has dimmed.

My Thoughts: Heartfelt Story

Before I read a book, I read the description, which gives me an idea of how it will end. Knowing the end is one thing, but the ride to get there is what it's all about. And I can easily say that Leah and Joe's ride was fantastic! It was heartfelt, funny, introspective, full of faith, and at times even painful. I greatly enjoyed getting to know them and loved author Mindy Steele's pacing of their blossoming friendship and more. It was just perfect, as was her descriptive writing that had me visualizing the scenes in my mind and feeling what the characters were feeling. 

However, there was more. Along with Leah and Joe's story is a touch of mystery, which played beautifully into the story. It didn't overshadow the main storyline but added more depth to it by making it more intriguing. 

I also greatly enjoyed the self-discoveries that Leah and Joe made about themselves. It was so true to life that I found myself saying, "Yah, that's exactly how it is," which added an extra layer of wow to this great story. 

Hunting for a Husband is a wonderful and heartfelt story that should definitely be added to your TBR list, and I hope you do just that.

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:  Mindy Steele

Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele writes Amish Romance peppered in humor, using her rural surroundings as her muse. She is a best selling author and the winner of the 2022 and 2024 FHLCW Reader's Choice award for sweet romance. Steele creates realistic characters for her readers and believes in engaging all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy ever after ending. Readers can find themselves, somewhere within her pages.   



Wednesday, June 4, 2025

The Secrets We Keep by Amy Lillard



Book Details: 

Title: The Secrets We Keep 

Author: Amy Lillard

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Release Date: June 24, 2025

Pages: 320  

Genre: Amish & Mennonite Fiction; Traditional Detective                        Mysteries

Book Description:

Detective Nate Fisher must go back to the Amish community he left behind and confront his past to help the woman he once loved in this dual-POV mystery, perfect for fans of Linda Castillo.

Back to active duty after an administrative leave of absence for the use of deadly force, the last thing Detective Nathan Fisher wants to do is return to the conservative Amish community he left behind, but when his father passes, he has no choice. Hoping to clear his head and perhaps mend fences with his family, he returns to his small Mississippi hometown despite not being welcome. What was supposed to be a quick visit turns into a prolonged stay when his former love pleads for his help.

Rachel Hostetler’s world is turned upside down when she finds her brother’s body hanging in her family’s barn. Rachel is sure her brother Albie did not kill himself, but neither her father nor the police are willing to listen. When she spots Nate, her ex, now a detective in Oklahoma, back in Cedar Creek, she knows he is the answer to her problem and begs him to intercede.

As Nate and Rachel come to terms with their shared history, despite knowing nothing can come of the longing they have for each other, the pair must look into Albie’s death as suspects stack up. The truth is out there, but can they find it before Nate has to return to his real life and face the shooting that has him so desperately searching for peace?

My Thoughts: Highly Recommend

Oh my word. I don't even know where to begin. The Secrets We Keep had me flipping pages as fast as I could. Once I started reading, I could not stop. The mystery had me guessing all the way through. Each time I thought I'd figured something out, it went in a different direction. The pacing was on point, as each bit of evidence emerged, adding another piece to the mystery and drawing me further into the story. 

Just as the mystery kept me intrigued and reading, so did the reconnection between Nate and Rachel. I enjoyed the story from their points of view and how they were affected by everything. Author Amy Lillard's descriptive writing had me feeling each of their feelings and struggles, which was heart-wrenching at times. Even so, I felt that the door on their reconnect was not fully closed; it left me hoping that in the future I will see more of them and what is to come next. And I am definitely looking forward to it.

The Secrets We Keep is listed as Amish & Mennonite Fiction and Traditional Detective Mysteries and falls under the umbrella of contemporary for some mild language and a sensitive subject. That being said, it is truly a fantastic story that I highly recommend.

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.  




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.