Monday, November 25, 2019

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:





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.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

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.*