Sunday, October 31, 2021

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.





Tuesday, October 12, 2021

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.