Saturday, April 20, 2024

The Widow's Unexpected Suitor (Pinecraft Seasons Book 2) by Lenora Worth

Book Details: 

Title:  The Widow's Unexpected Suitor

Series: Pinecraft Seasons Book 2

Author: Lenora Worth

Publisher: Love Inspired

Pages: 207

Release Date: May 21, 2024

Genre: Amish Romance/Contemporary Christian Romance

Book Description:

She thought she’d never find love again

Until he built a foundation for it…

Amish widow Lilah Mehl wants to make sure her daughter has the wedding she’s always dreamed of—even if it means building a new gazebo. Hiring widowed carpenter Noah Lantz to work on the project is easy, but ignoring their attraction proves more challenging than expected. As the gazebo takes shape, so do new feelings…but is love more than they bargained for? 

My Thoughts: Kindred Spirits

Widow Lilah Mehl has her plate completely full of preparations for her daughter Sarah's upcoming wedding. With just a few weeks to go, and much to Lilah's surprise, Sarah announces that she wants a gazebo built for the wedding and that she has chosen widower Noah Lantz as the builder. As the wedding prep gets moving at full speed ahead, Lilah and Noah find themselves spending more and more time together. As they do, they find that the loss of their spouses has given them a special connection as kindred spirits. However, their blossoming relationship is constantly and surprisingly interrupted by events and people.  All of these had me wondering if the wedding would ever take place, if the gazebo would ever get built, and if Lilah and Noah's relationship would ever fully bloom. Be assured that the answers to each of these questions can be found in this sweet, endearing story of faith, love, hope, healing, and second chances. 

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:  Lenora Worth

Lenora Worth is an ACFW Honor Roll member. She writes inspirational fiction for Harlequin's Love Inspired and sweet romance for Tule Publishing. She also writes for Kensington Books. She helped launch the Rodeo Knights Western Romance imprint. Her LIS Body of Evidence made the NY Times Bestseller list and she is also a USA Today and Publishers Weekly Bestselling author. In 2016, she received a Romantic Times Pioneers of Fiction Award. Three of her books have been nominated for the ACFW Carol Award and she is an RWA RITA finalist. Lenora has written 80+ books and has an estimated 3 million books in print. She loves cheesecake, shoe shopping, walking on the beach and reading. 

https://www.lenoraworth.com/



The Proposal Plot (An Amish of Marigold Novel Book 2) by Kathleen Fuller

Book Details: 

Title: The Proposal Plot 

Series: An Amish of Marigold Novel Book 2

Author: Kathleen Fuller

Publisher: Zondervan

Pages: 320

Release Date:  May 7, 2024

Genre: Amish Romance

Book Description:

A headstrong young businesswoman. An unlucky-in-love bachelor. And the chaperoning assignment that keeps pushing them together.

For someone so strong-willed and certain, Ella Yoder has never been more unsure of her life. It's been a year since she convinced her father to move with her and her younger sister Junia to Marigold, Ohio, to open E and J Grocery. Ella's got a keen eye for running a business and has big dreams to expand. But her plans are stalled because Junia refuses to lift a finger at the store--or listen to her about anything.

Nelson Bontranger knows one thing for sure: creating his own artisan deli meats is his passion. Well, maybe one other thing: he's sworn off women forever. After two bouts of heartbreak, he's not willing to open up himself to a third. When he eyes his own butcher shop next to E and J Grocery in Marigold, he's surprised to learn that Ella has had her eye on the property for some time. He doesn't trust this stubborn, pushy young woman--and for her, the feeling is mutual.

Against their wishes, Ella and Nelson's paths continue to cross when Nelson's nephew Malachi falls head over heels for Junia. Nelson and Ella are brought together to keep the lovebirds in check, but somewhere along the line, their frustration turns to something altogether more pleasant. But they will both need to come to terms with past pain before they can find their future happiness.

My Thoughts: A Pure Delight

Author Kathleen Fuller is a master at helping the reader completely get to know the characters. and the Proposal Plot is no exception. She introduces us to some wonderful characters, both main and secondary, with such varying personalities that it makes you wonder how in the world their relationships will ever mesh. And yet, it always works out in the most entertaining of ways. 

Ella absolutely annoyed me to no end. Her take-charge, bossy attitude, along with her justification of both, had me feeling some type of way, and I could not fathom how she would ever redeem herself. However, she did in fact manage to do so, which helped me change my mind about her. Nelson, on the other hand, was my favorite. He had me sympathizing with his feelings, struggles, and insecurities, and I wanted to see him overcome everything. With their night and day personalities, I found myself laughing and smiling on more than one occasion as I watched these two interact. Add in the contributions of the secondary characters, along with some unexpected twists and turns of events, and you are left with a very entertaining story of love, faith, and new beginnings that is a pure delight 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:  Kathleen Fuller

With over a 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 https://kathleenfuller.com/

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/kf_booksandhooks/

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/WriterKathleenFuller



The Mysterious Amish Bachelor: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Indiana Amish Market Book 4) by Vannetta Chapman

Book Details: 

Title: The Mysterious Amish Bachelor  

Series: Indiana Amish Market Book 4

Author: Vannetta Chapman

Publisher: Love Inspired

Pages: 223

Release Date: April 23, 2024 

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance/Amish Romance

Book Description:

He has a secret.

She’s set on discovering it.

After paying the price for a crime he committed ten years ago, Noah Beiler wants a fresh start—which means hiding where he’s been for the last decade from his Amish community. But Sarah Yoder is determined to uncover his past. As Noah and Sarah work together and grow close, Noah’s history is the only thing standing in their way. Will revealing the truth set them free, or are some secrets best kept buried?

My Thoughts: Wonderful and Heartwarming

Secrets are very powerful. They have the ability to hold one back, push one forward, cause feelings of guilt, and so much more. And although anyone who harbors a secret has at least one reason for doing so, it often carries a heavy burden, which is sometimes made heavier by the reactions of others. Such is the case for Noah Beiler. 

Author Vannetta Chapman has such a wonderful way of writing that draws one in right from the start. My heart was deeply touched by Noah's story. And while Sarah worked at finding out just what that story was, Noah, in turn, worked at finding out what Sarah's story was. Following their interactions was at times funny, but at times painful. But as new discoveries were made, forgiveness, second chances, new beginnings, faith, and love broke through. Chapman has written a wonderful and heartwarming story that deals with a topic that is rarely found in this genre, and she has done so flawlessly. It's a must-read, for sure.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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About the Author:  Vannetta Chapman

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



Monday, April 1, 2024

Dating an Amish Flirt (Surprised by Love) by Rachel J.Good

Book Details: 

Title: Dating an Amish Flirt 

Series: Surprised by Love, Book 6

Author: Rachel J. Good

Publisher: Zebra Books

Pages: 338

Release Date:  April 23, 2024

Genre: Amish Romance

Book Description:

With her sweet nature and delicate beauty, Rachel Glick attracts boys like bees to a flower—despite her best attempts to discourage them. Downhearted since her beloved brother’s death, and isolated as the sole caretaker to her invalid mother, Rachel would welcome the friendship of other girls. But her unfair reputation as a flirt leaves her snubbed. Yet she’s only ever loved Josh Yoder, her childhood best friend. Why he distanced himself from her in eighth grade, she’ll never understand. And now, though he’s been a blessing doing repairs around her farm, he is courting another girl, so there is no going back . . .

Josh has been in love with Rachel since he was a boy. But he can never forgive himself for hurting her—or for the reason behind it. He can only do his best to lighten her burdens and hope others see her good heart. Still, the sight of her fills him with fresh longing, much as he tries to focus on his girlfriend and forget the past. Yet when jealousy flares, igniting trouble, they both must look to faith to do what’s right—and bring joyous futures for everyone . . .

My Thoughts: Beautiful and Inspiring

I was drawn to this story once I realized that my assumption of the flirt's identity was completely inaccurate. As I began reading, I was drawn even more deeply into the story, and my heart immediately went out to Rachel. How she innocently became the topic of gossip, which led to her being snubbed by others, was heartbreaking.  Even her childhood best friend, Josh, was guilty through his avoidance, albeit due to some major guilt he harbored. And yet, through all of this, Rachel's sweet spirit never wavered. 

This inspiring story is beautifully woven together with romance, faith, and forgiveness, and the result is a beautiful and touching story that is sure to touch your heart. 

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

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About the Author: Rachel J. Good

USA Today bestselling author Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. She grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for 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 has several Amish series, including Surprised by Love, Unexpected Amish Blessings, Love & Promises, and Sisters & Friends as well as stories in many anthologies. Rachel can be found online at: RachelJGood.com.



Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Cold Case Tracker (Unsolved Case Files Book 1) by Maggie K. Black

Book Details: 

Title:  Cold Case Tracker

Series: Unsolved Case Files Book 1

Author: Maggie K. Black

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Pages: 209

Release Date: April 23, 2024 

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

Book Description:

A missing sibling. A targeted witness.

A K-9 on the case.

K-9 officer Jackson Locke’s sister has vanished—and the key to finding her lies with Amy Scout…his sister’s best friend and his old crush. But when Amy comes under attack, two things become clear: Jackson’s sister has been investigating cold cases and someone wants Amy dead. Now he must untangle the mystery between the cold cases and his sister’s disappearance while guarding Amy from an enemy willing to kill to hide the truth…

My Thoughts: Grabbed Me From the Start

Cold Case Tracker is an excellent suspense that grabbed me right from the start. Following Amy and Jackson, along with the other characters, had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. There are other key elements that accompany the mystery. These include moving forward from past hurts, forgiveness, faith, new beginnings, and love. All of these are blended together flawlessly, making this a story that is well worth reading.

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

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About the Author: Maggie K. Black

Maggie K. Black is an award-winning journalist, self-defense instructor and romantic suspense author. Her writing career has taken her around the globe, and into the lives of countless grass-roots heroes and heroines, who are changing lives  in their own communities. 

She's  lived in the United States, Middle East and United Kingdom, before making her home in Canada.

She is thankful to her readers for allowing her to turn the adventures and people which have inspired her, into fresh stories that make her pulse race and her heart soar. 
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00N6RWE5S  
https://www.harlequin.com/shop/authors/23239_maggie-k-black.html



Courting an Amish Bishop (The Heart of the Amish Book 4)

Book Details: 

Title: Courting an Amish Bishop

Series: The Heart of the Amish, Book 4

Author: Mindy Steele

Publisher: Barbour

Pages: 288

Release Date: April 1, 2024 

Genre: Amish Romance

Book Description:

No One Is Ever Too Old to Love Again

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

Simon Graber became a widower and a bishop early in life. His focus is solely on his very close-knit Old Order Amish community—not entertaining the idea of marriage, despite what many of the elders think. When sickness comes to Cherry Grove, Kentucky, Simon reaches out into the next community for help. But help is beginning to look a lot like a second chance when Stella Schmucker agrees to offer her vast herbal knowledge to the sick. Can it be that these two, who have been too busy serving others to entertain the idea of love, have met at just the perfect time for an unlikely courtship?

My Thoughts: Definitely Should Not Be Missed

When you have so much you want to say about a book, you come face-to-face with some important questions. 1. Where do I begin? 2. How do I limit all I want to say so that I don't include any spoilers? Yup, author Mindy Steele does it again. She's once again crafted a beautiful story that has drawn me completely into the characters, their story, their struggles, their feelings, and so much more. So, I'll cut to the chase and narrow it down to this. 

Courting an Amish Bishop is a beautiful, touching story of awakenings, second chances, overcoming past hurts, learning to trust, deepening one's faith, hope, and discoveries. Stella and Simon's story has many layers to it, and pulling away each one to see where it would all end up just deeply touched my heart. Every character in the story was wonderful and added much to the main story, especially Ellie, my favorite. All of that, along with the blending in of learning all about herbs and such from Dok Stella, made this a very special story that is most definitely not to 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: Mindy Steele

Raised in Kentucky timber country, Mindy Steele is a 2022 Readers Choice winner, and a best-selling author who writes in favor of her rural surroundings. Her books are peppered with humor, and sprinkled with grace, charming all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy ever after ending. A storyteller at heart, she enjoys coffee indulgences, week end road trips, and researching her next book. https://mindysteeleauthor.wordpress.com/



  

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Baby Protection Mission (Mountain Country K-9 Unit Book 1) by Laura Scott


Book Details: 

Title: Baby Protection Mission 

Series: Mountain County K-9 Unit, Book 1 

Author: Laura Scott

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Pages: 216

Release Date: March 26, 2024 

Genre: Christian Suspense & Romance

Book Description:

When a baby is targeted, can a K-9 team keep him safe?

When his sister is kidnapped, rancher Cade McNeal will do anything to prevent his baby nephew from being next. Now Officer Ashley Hanson and her K-9 partner are on the case, and it’s up to them to track down the assailant and keep Cade and his nephew from harm. But as the suspect list grows and the attacks escalate, will they bring a kidnapper to justice…before he strikes again?

My Thoughts: Kept Me Guessing

This is a great mystery, with a blend of romance and faith rolled into it. The story grabbed my attention right at the beginning. The pacing was just right where nothing felt rushed or too slow, and learning about the K-9's was an extra special perk. It also kept me guessing right up to the very end. The perfect blend of suspense, intrigue, romance, and faith makes this a story well worth reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin 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: Laura Scott

I'm a former registered nurse turned full time author. I have written 65 books for Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense as well as several indie series - Crystal Lake, Lifeline Air Rescue, The McNallys, Security Specialists, Inc., Smoky Mountain Secrets, Called to Protect and Finnegan First Responders. I live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with my husband of 37 years. I hope you enjoy my books as much as I love writing them!

Yours in Faith,

Laura Scott

www.laurascottbooks.com