Marry Me, Millie (Paradise Valley Book 1) by Amy Lillard

Book Description:

Amy Lillard’s uplifting new series unites a “Widows Club” of women who share solace, friendship, and faith in the Amish community of Paradise Valley, Missouri . . .

When her young husband died unexpectedly, Millie Bauman thought her life was over too—until she learned she was carrying his child. Now, as she awaits the baby’s arrival, Millie’s sure her future will revolve around motherhood, the B&B she runs with her Aunt Sylvie, and the beloved Whoopie Pies her Widows Club whips up each week. But when a handsome newcomer arrives in town, Millie is intrigued, and the club wonders if Millie might find a second chance at love . . .

 

Henry King plans to stay in Paradise Valley long enough to take care of some family business, and hopefully mend the heartache of his own lost love. As Henry and Millie cross paths, it’s clear their neighbors are gently trying to play matchmaker. Not wanting to disappoint, the two pretend to play along—but life gets complicated when a true and tender affection grows. As Millie gets ready to welcome her baby, they must rely on faith and fate to decide if they should risk their hearts on love again . . .  

About the Author:

Amy Lillard is an award-winning author of over forty novels and novellas ranging from Amish romance and mysteries to contemporary and historical romance. Since receiving a Carol Award for her debut novel, Saving Gideon (2012), she has become known for writing sweet stories filled with family values, honest characters, a hometown feel and close-knit communities. She is a member of RWA, ACFW, NINC, and the Author's Guild. Born and bred in Mississippi, she now lives with her husband and son in Oklahoma. Please visit her online at www.AmyWritesRomance.com.

My Thoughts:  A Fun and Inspirational Amish Romance

Marry Me, Millie, a fun and inspirational Amish romance, is the first book in Amy Lillard's Paradise Valley series.  In it the reader is introduced to the community of Paradise Valley, Missouri.  One of its members is Millie Bauman. She recently had to deal with two major life changing events back to back: the unexpected death of her husband and finding out that she was with child. As a result, Millie makes plans to never remarry and thus raise her child alone.

Henry King, a recent newcomer to Paradise Valley, is dealing with his own major life changing event: a recent painful, broken engagement that he is still recovering from. As a result, he also has no plans to marry. Ah, but as the proverb says, we make plans, but God has the final word. 

There are so many things I loved about this book. One was getting to know the characters. The author's descriptions of the characters, as well as the characters' conversations and interactions with each other, helped me feel completely connected to them. Those elements also helped me better understand and appreciate what they were feeling and going through. Many of their interactions had me reflecting, others had me laughing out loud, and still others had me feeling like my heart was breaking into pieces. The deep connection I felt with the characters, along with the romance, inspiration and laughs, are what made this wonderful story so special, and also what have me looking forward to upcoming books in this series. I highly recommend you read it for yourself, because it's just that good. 

***I received a copy of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley.  All comments and opinions are strictly my own.

An Amish Baby for Christmas (Indiana Amish Brides Book 8) by Vannetta Chapman

 Book Description:

Holiday blessings aren’t always easy…

With a baby on the way…

can this struggling widow save her home?

In danger of losing her farm after her husband’s death, Abigail Yutzy needs help—even if she can’t afford it. At her bishop's insistence, property manager Thomas Albrecht pitches in to aid the pregnant widow. With his troubled past and her shattered heart, their arrangement must stay business only. But their uneasy holiday alliance might just heal both their hearts…

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

My Thoughts:  Absolutely Loved It!

Abigail Yutzy definitely needs help. She's a young pregnant widow who lives on a large farm that she cannot maintain on her own.  Yet when the bishop sends Thomas Albrecht, a property manager, to help Abigail, she flatly refuses his help. However, what Abigail doesn't know is that Thomas is not one to give up on helping someone in need.  As Abigail finally sees the reality of her situation, she and Thomas end up agreeing to a business arrangement which will help Abigail. Thus begins the story of Abigail and Thomas: a business arrangement that is all business and nothing more. Or so they think.

I absolutely loved this story! Once I began reading it, I could not put it down. It was sweet, funny, and  inspirational. It also tugged at my heartstrings as I saw that Abigail and Thomas both carried some baggage from their backgrounds and how they were eventually able to overcome the effects of their past.  I especially enjoyed the banter between Abigail and Thomas. It added so much to the story and to helping me get to know them. It also contributed greatly to the development of their relationship and was just pure enjoyment to read. 

An Amish Baby for Christmas, the 8th book in the Indiana Amish Brides series, is an absolute joy. The plot moves at just the right pace. It includes wonderful characters, a great combination of highs and lows, and a message of encouragement and faith along with some inspirational nuggets of wisdom. Author Vannetta Chapman has woven together a beautiful, wonderful story of healing, faith and love and one that you will thoroughly enjoy.

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

Dead Set: A Cozy Mystery (Agatha's Amish B&B Book 3) by Vannetta Chapman

Book Description:

It was supposed to be a simple remodel.

She didn’t plan on finding buried treasure…or looking down the barrel of a gun.

Agatha Lapp is elated when Channel 4 News decides to run a feature story on Amish businesses. The extra publicity should guarantee even more success for her Plain and Simple B&B, especially after she’s finished with the remodel. The cameras are rolling live when Agatha raises the rubber mallet and punches the first hole in her living room wall. That’s when things get complicated…

Hidden inside the wall is a diamond-studded belt buckle stolen twenty years earlier. The police return the buckle to the owners and refuse to re-open the case. The public is convinced more stolen goods are hidden at Agatha’s. When overzealous treasure hunters break into the B&B and a dead body is found half a mile down the road, Agatha knows she needs to take this investigation into her own hands.

With the help of a retired detective and her best friend, Agatha sets out to solve the mystery of the Lost Texas Treasures and find a killer. Their chase leads them through the Texas Hill Country to the famed YO Ranch where Agatha finds herself looking down the barrel of a gun. Suddenly, she’s no longer worried about a remodel. She just wants to live through this showdown.

About the Author:  Vannetta Chapman

Vannetta Chapman is a USA Today and PW Bestselling author of over 30 books. She has written for Abingdon Press and Harvest House Publishers, and she currently writes for Harper Collins Christian Publishing and Harlequin/Love Inspired. 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.

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 Delightful Story

Agatha is at it again. As usual, not by choice, but as a victim of circumstance.  Who would think that a renovation project would open the door to another mystery? Clearly Agatha and her friends did not, but that's exactly what happened..And on hand to help Agatha solve the mystery are her good friend and employee, the gun toting Gina, and her neighbor, "friend," and retired police officer, Tony.  

The story draws you in from the start and moves on from there as it takes twists and turns that keep you guessing almost to the very end. Woven into the mystery and intrigue are tender moments, moments that had me laughing out loud, and others that had me holding my breath wondering what would happen next. The characters are delightful and engaging, and the setting had me wishing there was a real Agatha's Amish B&B in Texas Hill Country that I could go visit. The story moves along at a good pace offering details to help you try to fit all of the pieces together in order to figure out who done it. 

Although Dead Set is the third installment in Agatha's Amish B&B series, it can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend that you don't miss out on this delightful story, and while you're at it, go ahead and read the rest of the series. You won't be disappointed.

 

A Season on the Wind by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book Description:

Ben Zook had only two loves in his life: books and birds. In a stroke of good fortune, he'd stumbled onto a way to cobble together those two loves into a career, writing books about rare birds. He was as free as a bird--until a chase for a rare White-winged Tern takes him to the one place on earth he planned to never return: his Amish home in Stoney Ridge.

Desperate for photographs of the elusive tern, Ben hires a local field guide, Micah Weaver, and boards at Micah's farm, planning to "bag the bird" and leave Stoney Ridge before anyone recognizes him. But he neglected to plan for Micah's sister, Penny. One long-ago summer, Penny had introduced Ben to birding, even sharing with him a hidden eagle aerie. That eagle became his spark bird--the one that inspired his lifelong love.

Ben. He was Penny's spark bird. That was when she knew true love. She'd always hoped Ben would come back to Stoney Ridge. Back to his Amish roots. Back to her. The only problem? Ben has absolutely no memory of Penny.

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher welcomes her readers to the Amish community at Stoney Ridge in this engaging story of discovering just who the rare birds are in life.

About the Author:  Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher loves stories worth telling about people worth remembering. With over a million copies of her book sold worldwide, this bestselling, award-winning author of more than 30 books is always on the lookout for the unsung hero with an untold story.

Readers are invited to stop by Suzanne's website at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

My Thoughts: 

I really don't even know where to start. There is so much I want to say about this book, but I fear I will accidentally give away too much information. And that would be a shame, because you really just have to read it for yourself. 

This book was absolutely wonderful and inspiring, and I was drawn in from the very start. I love bird watching, so the theme of birds definitely piqued my interest. However, I was even more drawn in by the characters, especially the main characters, Ben Zook and Penny Weaver.

Ben and a Penny's story grabbed my interest from the very first pages. I was intrigues by Ben's deep desire to find a rare White-winged Tern and how that desire brought him back to his childhood home of Stoney Ridge. Ben had met Penny during his childhood, and she had actually introduced him to birding. The problem? Ben has no memory of Penny or that event.

The story does not move along at a fast pace, but it totally kept my interest as the pacing was just perfect for getting to know the primary and secondary characters, the development of their relationships, and how they all fit into the story. The book kept me turning pages as I was captured by the element of intrigue, which was accompanied by elements of faith, trust, forgiveness, friendships, relationship with God, and love. The author flawlessly wove these themes throughout the story, and nothing felt overdone or overwhelming. Everything fit just right. 

There is so much more I could say about this book, but suffice it to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it as one that you definitely won't want to miss. 

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

 

 

Matched and Married (An Amish Mail-Order Bride Novel Book 2) by Kathleen Fuller

 Book Description:

Neither Margaret nor Owen has any interest in getting married. But in the small Amish town of Birch Creek, where marriage is on everyone’s mind, their plans don’t stand a chance.

Margaret Yoder can’t seem to catch a break. Even though she’s dedicated to her Amish faith, her wild rumspringa won’t stay in the past, and her mother keeps pressuring her to get married. To placate her mother and get away from former “friends”, she decides to return to Birch Creek to visit family—and pretend to find a husband.

Like Margaret, Owen Bontrager isn’t looking for a spouse, something that’s hard to avoid in Birch Creek, where an ad for brides in the local paper has brought a swarm of single women to the thriving town. When he meets Margaret in an unexpected way, they discover they have more in common than they ever expected. In some ways, they are a perfect match.

Margaret struggles to keep her goal of avoiding romance in order to focus on being a faithful member of the Amish church, and it doesn’t help that she finds Owen intriguing. Knowing they don’t have a future together; she returns home and gives in to her mother’s insistence that she get married.

Can Margaret betray her feelings for Owen and become a dutiful daughter and wife to the man of her mother’s choosing? Or will Owen find a way to free Margaret of her past by giving her the future they both are surprised to find they desire?

About the Author - Kathleen Fuller:

Best-selling author of Amish fiction. Also a wife, mother, crafter, coffee addict, football fan, and chocolate aficionado.

My Thoughts:  A Fun Story

Matched and Married was such a fun story about two people who insist they have absolutely no plan or desire to get married.. And that ends up being the tie that binds Margaret Yoder and Owen Bontrager together. As Margaret and Owen realize that they are in agreement about their feelings toward marriage, they don't realize that they have quite a few more things in common. As they discover these commonalities, the "no marriage" waters begin to get muddied. 

The story had moments that made me laugh, moments that had me holding my breath, and moments that had me reflecting on the importance of faith and forgiveness. That combination is what made this fun and romantic story so entertaining! I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful story, and I highly recommend it.

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

An Amish Flower Farm by Mindy Steele

Book Description:

She grows flowers.
He raises bees for honey.
They help each other out,
because that’s what neighbors do…

Belinda Graber loves growing flowers for her family to sell at the Amish marketplace. Venturing beyond the farm to sell them in town, though, is out of the question. People would stare at the birthmark on her cheek, and she’s dealt with enough teasing in her life.

As a beekeeper, Adam Fisher knows how blessed he is to live next door to the Grabers’ greenhouses and fields. But when his father is injured, Adam has to take a job at the local mill. How will he manage the honey harvest?

Adam and Belinda make a deal: if she tends his hives, he’ll sell her flowers in town.

Belinda’s sure that her growing feelings for Adam could never be returned. Meanwhile, Adam can’t help but notice how his shy neighbor charms the bees…or is he the one being charmed? Because his last courtship ended badly, Adam tells himself this arrangement is strictly business, even if Belinda is sweet as honey.

This uplifting Amish romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Bee Sting Cake For Two.

About the Author:

Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele writes Amish Romance peppered in humor, using rural America and the residents as her muse. Steele strives to create 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. A hopeless romantic, with a lyrical pen, her readers will find something of themselves within her pages.

My Thoughts:

Heartwarming

Belinda has been hurt in the past , Because of this, she tends to be very shy., even with people she's known her whole life.  However, one place where Belinda's shyness disappears is when she's among her flowers. She  loves flowers and desires to have a flower farm one day.  On the other hand, Adam, is not the least bit shy, Well, except when it comes to Belinda. Although Adam has also experienced hurt, it hasn't affected his social skills.  But for some reason, when it comes to Belinda, Adam often finds himself at a loss for words.  While Belinda's passion is flowers, Adam's passion is bees.  And that makes for a very interesting combination.

This was such a sweet and heartwarming story.  I loved Belinda's journey. She grew from a shy young woman to a savvy business owner and business partner. I also loved Adam's journey of healing and dedication. Most of all, I loved their journey together as they went from practically strangers to partners, friends and on from there. Their journey also included a journey in forgiveness, which added a lovely inspirational touch to the story. The mix of romance, humor and inspiration make An Amish Flower Farm  a heartwarming story that should not be missed by anyone. 

***I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.  All comments and opinions are my own.

Christmas Grace by Mindy Steele

 Book Description:

Second chances and the Christmas spirit abound in Mindy Steele’s heartwarming novel, one of faith, love, and the power of community.

Grace Miller believed herself in love with the charming Englischer who eventually broke her heart. Now alone except for the secret life growing inside her, she arrives in the unfamiliar small village of Walnut Ridge, Kentucky, to hide and hopefully gain forgiveness.

She is pleasantly surprised, however, to find a tight-knit, welcoming group who help her heart grow right alongside her belly. And with the holidays around the corner, there’s plenty of preparations to occupy her mind. Also occupying her mind? Her strong, protective neighbor, Cullen Graber, the town’s blacksmith, who seems intent on not allowing her to ever suffer alone.

Cullen Graber gave up on love after too many losses early in life. He planned to live out his days focusing on his smithy business, yet the beautiful and mysterious Grace refuses to leave his thoughts. But can they open their hearts to God’s grace and create a new family together before Grace must return home?

About the Author:

Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele writes Amish Romance peppered in humor, using rural America and the residents as her muse. Steele strives to create 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. A hopeless romantic, with a lyrical pen, her readers will find something of themselves within her pages.

My Thoughts:

A Tender Story

Grace Miller finds herself being sent away to live in Walnut Creek, Kentucky.  There she finds a group in the community that takes to helping her with her situation, which surprises and pleases Grace.  Most surprising is the continuous help that her neighbor, Cullen Graber, is always ready to offer. These two seemingly have nothing in common. However, in getting to know Grace and Cullen better, it is obvious that they do have something in common, and that something has to do with forgiveness.  

Although I'm not a newcomer to this genre, I am a newcomer to the works of author Mindy Steele. Therefore, I wasn't sure what to expect. That being said, I found Christmas Grace to be a very tender and touching story. I loved getting to know Grace and Cullen and I loved their story. Some parts had me smiling, some parts almost had me in tears, some were heart wrenching, and some were frustrating. But through it all, the message of love, faith and forgiveness stood out, which also made it a sweet and inspirational read that you are sure to enjoy. 

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Christmas Engagement by Linda Byler

Book Description: 

Bestselling Amish novelist Linda Byler spins a sweet tale of heartache, disappointment, and ultimately hopes fulfilled at Christmastime.

Liz had been in love once, had even been engaged. In fact, the wedding had been planned, the barn cleaned, and the celery was set to be harvested to make the traditional wedding soup. Just two weeks before the day she was to exchange vows with her beloved, he changed his mind, and that was that.

The humiliation was almost as bad as the heartbreak. The whole community had celebrated her engagement, had participated in the wedding planning, had started giving her advice on keeping a home and raising children. When the wedding was canceled, no one knew what to say. She had to bear the pitying looks and awkward glances for many months. She vowed never to be such a fool again, never to trust her heart to a man who could just up and leave her with hardly an explanation. She'd rather be an old maid than go through that again.

Years pass, and Liz has made peace with her life as a single woman, a "leftover blessing" as the Amish say. She can admit to herself that Matthew, the owner of the Amish restaurant at the market where she works, is handsome. And she is aware that he is single. But she reminds herself over and over that it's not worth feeling anything for the man. He's her boss and that's it. So why does she look forward to work so much every day? And why can't she make her heart beat at a normal pace when he comes near?

About the Author

Linda Byler grew up Amish and is an active member of the Amish church today. She is the author of several bestselling fiction series, all set in the Amish world: The Dakota Series, Hester’s Hunt for Home, Lancaster Burning, Sadie’s Montana, and Lizzie Searches for Love. She is also the author of The Healing, A Second Chance, and several Amish Christmas romance novels. Linda is well known within the Amish community as a columnist for a weekly Amish newspaper. She lives near Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

My thoughts:

A Touching Story

I have always thoroughly enjoyed each of Linda Byler's stories, and A Christmas Engagement is no exception to that rule. 

Main characters, Liz and Matthew, have each had their share of heartache from past relationships, making it somewhat difficult for them to trust and love again. As they work through this, they focus on their faith and God's will to help them move forward.  While the journey has some bumps in the road, they remain steadfast in their faith and God's will.

I found this story to be inspirational, funny, romantic, and touching which made it a very enjoyable read. I also love how author Linda Byler includes pieces of Amish culture which help draw the reader in and give the reader more insight.  I especially enjoy the faith message that is an integral part of the story. She has a special talent for adding all of these components in such a way that is not overwhelming and does not overshadow the main characters' story. Those details are what make A Christmas Engagement a very moving and touching story that I'm sure you'll enjoy. 

***I received a complimentary arc copy of this book from the Author and Publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A Season of Change (The Amish Inn Novels Book 3) by Beth Wiseman

 Book Description:

Finding peace means letting go of the past—and embracing the change that is to come. 

Sisters Esther and Lizzie have a new employee, Rose Petersheim, to help them tend to The Peony Inn. But their old matchmaking ways have stayed the same. The sisters focus their efforts on the lovely twenty-five-year-old Rose. Though Rose is witty and outspoken, her nervous chattering makes her the best match for someone calm and good at listening. Someone like Benjamin—the handsome handyman who recently moved to town. 

But when Esther receives an anonymous love letter and flowers, Rose’s love life is no longer the only one capturing the sisters’ attention. As they sleuth around searching for Esther’s secret admirer, they uncover that their grumpy renter, Gus, has a secret of his own that could bring about a difficult change in all their lives. And their continued meddling in Rose’s affairs reveals she, too, is hiding something—an old wound that could threaten her future happiness. 

As Rose, Lizzie, Esther, and Gus struggle to release the weight of their pasts, they discover that although people are complicated, love doesn’t need to be. 

This charming third installment of the Amish Inn series from bestselling author Beth Wiseman is a picture of loss and healing in which forgiveness will prove to be the greatest act 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.

My Thoughts:

Beautiful Story!

There is so much I want to say about this book, but in doing so, I feel I’d give too much away. Let me just say that this story is beautiful! I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. Beth Wiseman has written a beautiful story. It’s sweet, sad, moving, inspirational, touching, funny, romantic, bittersweet, heart wrenching and so much more. I hope that all of those adjectives don't turn anyone away from reading this wonderful story. Instead I hope the description piques your interest and curiosity and drives you to read it as soon as you can. 

A Season of Change is the last book in Beth Wiseman's Amish Inn Novels series. Although it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend that you read the entire series. You’ll  be so glad you did!

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

A New Love for Charlotte (A Wells Landing Romance Book 11) by Amy Lillard

Book Description:

Renewed faith and happiness await three generations of women in this heartwarming series from Amy Lillard, set in the Oklahoma Amish community of Wells Landing . . .

 

With her daughter newly married, widow Charlotte Burkhart should have been content to find a companion for her later years in Amish widower Glenn Esh. Yet, Charlotte longs for more than life has offered her thus far. When she discovers a baby on her doorstep, the child seems like the miracle Charlotte’s been praying for.  Unfortunately, Glenn doesn’t feel the same way. What’s a single woman aching to experience motherhood once more to do?

 

From the moment Paul Brenneman sees Charlotte Burkhart with a new baby, he senses his lovely neighbor and the sweet child are meant to be. Which is why he offers to marry Charlotte and make her adoption dreams come true. No stranger to heartache himself, the stalwart widower knows second chances don’t happen every day—especially not with a woman like Charlotte, the first woman in a long time who has him taking a leap of faith that happily-ever-after is still possible . . .

 

About the Author:

Amy Lillard is an award-winning author of over forty novels and novellas ranging from Amish romance and mysteries to contemporary and historical romance. Since receiving a Carol Award for her debut novel, Saving Gideon (2012), she has become known for writing sweet stories filled with family values, honest characters, a hometown feel and close-knit communities. She is a member of RWA, ACFW, NINC, and the Author's Guild. Born and bred in Mississippi, she now lives with her husband and son in Oklahoma. Please visit her online at www.AmyWritesRomance.com.

My Thoughts:  A Real Winner 

Charlotte is a widow who lives with her mother-in-law, Nadine. Charlotte has been having difficulty adjusting to various changes in her life. Her daughter’s recent marriage and Nadine’s possible upcoming marriage have Charlotte feeling sad as she faces the prospect of being alone. She is saddened even more when she receives information about further changes that she will have to face. Charlotte continues to struggle with these situations while opening her heart to finding love. 

Just when things seem to be moving along for Charlotte, she receives a very unexpected surprise. A baby is left at her doorstep. The arrival of the baby is a game changer that results in Charlotte having to do some deep digging into her new found love, her faith and God’s will.

I found this story to be extremely heartwarming. Its messages of love, trust, faith, and hope tugged at my heartstrings and completely pulled me in. Any story that can do that is a real winner in my book (no pun intended), and that’s exactly what A New Love for Charlotte is, a real winner. 

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

The Baby Next Door (Indiana Amish Brides Book 7) by Vannetta Chapman

 Book Description:

Some secrets are harder to keep…in this novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Vannetta Chapman

Can she help her neighbor

without exposing the truth?

When Amish single mother Grace Troyer and her baby girl move back home, Adrian Schrock can’t resist the little family next door. But his plan to nudge Grace out of her shell by asking her to cook for Englischers on his farm tour doesn’t go over well. After all, Grace is worried the job will expose secrets she hopes to keep buried…

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:

The Baby Next Door is the seventh book in Vannetta Chapman’s Indiana Amish Brides series.  One of the things that makes this series so enjoyable is the uniqueness of each story line. Another is the unfolding of each story.  Although the reader has an idea of how the story will end, the journey that Ms. Chapman takes the reader on to get to that end is absolutely delightful. 

Grace and Adrian have very different ways of looking at things, and thus their interactions are often quite entertaining.  However, at other times their interactions are very heart felt which helps the reader understand and connect with the characters so much more.  And then there is Nicole.  Her contributions to Grace and Adrian’s story are just so sweet.   

The story contains romance, faith, and forgiveness.  It also brings up topics of reflection such as judging others and the effects of it.  On a lighter note, the story also has contributions by some very interesting two legged and four legged characters which add a wonderful touch of humor to the story.  All of this together makes The Baby Next Door a beautiful and delightful story that you are sure to enjoy.  

****I received a copy of this book, but I was not required to write a positive review.  All comments and opinions are my own. 

The Amish Secret Wish (Hidden Springs Book 3) by Laura V. Hilton

 Book Description:

The third book in the sweet and charming Hidden Springs series from award-winning author Laura V. Hilton.  Waitress Hallie Brunstetter has a secret: she writes a popular column for her Amish paper under the pen name GHB. When Hallie receives a letter from a reader asking to become her pen pal, she reluctantly agrees. She can’t help but be drawn to the compassionate stranger, never expecting him to show up in Hidden Springs looking for GHB . . . or for him to be quite so handsome in real life. But after losing her beau in a tragic accident, Hallie won’t risk her heart—or her secrets—again.

If Kiah didn’t already feel so connected to GHB, Hallie would be a perfect wife—and it seems most of Hidden Springs’s would-be matchmakers agree! Though Hallie is peculiarly opposed to uncovering GHB’s true identity, she understands Kiah almost as well as his mystery pen pal. The longer he searches for GHB, the more Kiah finds himself hoping Hallie will be holding the pen that first captured his heart. But will Hallie ever trust Kiah with the truth about her identity . . . and her feelings for him?

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:  Enjoyable and Entertaining

Hallie Brunstetter writes for an Amish newspaper.  Because the identity of the scribe has to be kept secret, Hallie uses the pen name GHB. 

One morning Hallie’s mother informed her that their houseguests were accompanied by their son. Hallie was very happy that she would be able to show the young boy around the farm.  However, much to her surprise, the young boy turns out to be a young man, and a very handsome one at that.  

Kiah Esh and GHB have been pen pals for some time,  and although Kiah has never met her and has no idea who she is, he feels a very strong connection to her.  Therefore, he has come to Hidden Springs in search of  GHB.  However, upon meeting Hallie and spending time with her, he finds himself hoping for the possibility that maybe, just maybe, Hallie and GHB are one and the same.  

As Kiah embarks on his search for GHB, Hallie puts roadblocks in his way to avoid being discovered.  Despite  her efforts, Kiah isn’t deterred and their relationship begins to develop.  As it does, and as Kiah continues his search, he takes the time to perform acts of kindness for others.  Unfortunately, many of his acts of kindness don't quite work out as planned, resulting in some very funny situations that had me smiling and laughing.  The humor accompanied by romance and a message of faith added just the right balance to the story making this a very enjoyable and entertaining read.  

***I received a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my freely given, honest review.  All comments and opinions are strictly my own.