A Deputy in Amish Country: A Clean Romance (Amish Country Haven Book 1) by Patricia Johns

 Book Description:

Falling for a witness

Was never his plan

When Annabelle Richards needs someone to keep her safe until she’s able to testify, Deputy Conrad Westhouse volunteers to protect her at his family’s ranch, deep in Amish country. Watching Annabelle charm his neighbors and dream of starting over in the Ohio countryside tugs at Conrad’s heart…even though keeping his emotions locked down is the only way to protect the woman he's starting to care about. 

About the Author:  Patricia Johns

Patricia Johns is the bestselling author of inspirational, sweet romances including The Infamous Amish Trilogy published by Kensington and the Redemption's Amish Legacies series from Harlequin. She lives with her husband and son in Alberta, Canada. Visit her online at PatriciaJohns.com.

My Thoughts: Beautiful Love Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Annabelle Richards finds herself in a difficult situation when she not only witnesses a robbery and murder, but she recognizes the culprit.  Worse yet, the culprit recognizes her. When Annabelle agrees to testify in court, she falls into a witness protection situation. Enter Deputy Conrad Westhouse. Conrad is involved in the investigation of the crime and further involves himself when he volunteers to protect Annabelle.  The protection plan? Annabelle will stay at his family's ranch until the trial.  The ranch, which is located deep in Amish country, is a perfect location for maintaining her safety. Keeping Annabelle safe is one thing, but keeping the heart safe is another matter.

I loved this story for so many reasons. I loved that Conrad and Annabelle already knew each before the crime situation. Having worked together as volunteers at a local soup kitchen gave them a prior connection which  added much to how their relationship continued to develop.  I loved how their conversations and interactions added to their discoveries about each other which in turn contributed to their growing relationship. Elements of humor, intrigue, suspense and some doses of wisdom were also wonderful additions to the story.  A few who contributed to those elements were other characters which included Conrad's brother, Wilder, their Amish neighbors, Wollie, Jane, and Linda, as well as some pesky and endearing farm animals. 

All of these elements woven together are what make this such a fantastic story. But, the beautiful love story that is at its core just makes it that much more special and one that I highly recommend. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, HARLEQUIN via NetGalley.  All comments and opinions are my own.

Strength in the Storm (A Johns Mill Amish Romance Book 2) by Laurel Blount

 Book Description:

In this touching Amish romance, a brokenhearted woman and a steadfast man discover that the safest place to weather tragedy is in each other’s arms.

After the murder of both her parents, Emma Hochstedler returns to the small community of Johns Mill, hoping to resume her quiet existence. Reclaiming her place proves harder than expected—especially now that a movie is being made about her family’s loss. But then, an old friend offers her a lifeline that gives her new purpose.
 
Amish builder Samuel Christner is the biggest—and the strongest—man in town. In fact, the gentle giant has only one weakness—Emma. Even though she broke his heart, he won’t let his childhood sweetheart face her troubles alone. He hires Emma as a nurse for his elderly aunt…and finds himself falling for her all over again.
 
But while romance blooms, storm clouds gather. And when darkness falls, it will take all Sam’s strength—and all their love—to see them through.

About the Author:  Laurel Blount

Award-winning author Laurel Blount writes captivating romances full of grit and grace—with characters who’ll walk right off the page and into your heart. She lives on a farm in Georgia with her husband, their four fabulous kids, and an assortment of ridiculously spoiled animals. Learn more online at laurelblountbooks.com.

My Thoughts:  It Won't Be the Last

This is the first book I've read by author Laurel Blount, but it definitely won't be the last.  This story was absolutely wonderful!

Emma Hochstedler and Samuel Christner have been friends since childhood, or rather, they were friends until Emma broke Samuel's heart. Regardless of that, Samuel, who is such a wonderful, sweet and kind "gentle giant" just can't keep from helping Emma in any way possible. As Emma and her family continue to grieve the loss of their parents, Emma seeks a new purpose in her life, and Samuel ends up being instrumental in helping her do that.  Emma begins taking care of Samuel's elderly aunt, and that is where things begin to take a turn. 

Strength in the Storm was absolutely amazing! It drew me in from the onset and kept me riveted to the story and turning pages until I got to the end.  Every so often I thought I knew which way the story was going and then it was,  Oops!, Detour! Guess again!  Woven throughout were the themes of hope, faith, love, overcoming adversities, new beginnings, perseverance, and God's will.  The story also takes you on a journey that may have you reflecting on things in your own life.  All in all, it is a very touching and moving story whose impact will stay with you long after you've finished reading it. 

***I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley from the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group. All comments and opinions are completely my own.***

Trust Me by Kelly Irvin

 Book Description:

Her best friend is murdered the same way her brother was years ago. Is there anyone she can possibly trust?

A decade ago, Delaney Broward discovered her brother’s murdered body at the San Antonio art co-op he founded with friends. Her artist boyfriend, Hunter Nash, went to prison for the murder, despite his not-guilty plea.

This morning, Hunter walks out of prison a free man, having served his sentence.

This afternoon, Delaney finds her best friend dead, murdered in the same fashion as her brother.

Stay out of it or you’re next, the killer warns.

Hunter never stopped loving Delaney, though he can’t blame her for not forgiving her. He knows he’ll get his life back one day at a time, one step at a time. But he’s blindsided to realize he’s a murder suspect. Again.

When Hunter shows up on her doorstep asking her to help him find the real killer, Delaney’s head says to run away, yet her heart tells her there’s more to his story than what came out in the trial. An uneasy truce leads to their probe into a dark past that shatters Delaney’s image of her brother. She can’t stop and neither can Hunter—which lands them both in the crosshairs of a murderer growing more desperate by the hour.

In this gripping romantic suspense, Kelly Irvin plumbs the complexity of broken trust in the people we love—and in God—and whether either can be mended.

About the Author:  Kelly Irvin

Kelly Irvin is a bestselling, award-winning author of over twenty novels and stories. A retired public relations professional, Kelly lives with her husband, Tim, in San Antonio. They have two children, three grandchildren, and two ornery cats. Visit her online at https://www.kellyirvin.com/; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly_irvin/; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kelly.Irvin.Author/.

My Thoughts:  Gripping and Engaging

Wow! I wasn't sure what to expect with this story, but from the onset and beyond it kept me on the edge of my seat!  

Ten years ago, Delaney Broward's brother, Corey, was brutally murdered, and Hunter Nash, Delaney's boyfriend at the time, was convicted of the murder. After a ten year incarceration, Hunter is released from prison. Coincidentally, Delaney's best friend, Ellie, is murdered on the same day that Hunter is released from prison. Because of the timing and commonalities in the murders, Hunter is once again the targeted suspect. 

With all that he's been through, Hunter finds himself on a mission to prove that he is innocent of the crime he was incarcerated for as well as maintaining his innocence in Ellie's murder. Hunter also wants to regain Delaney's trust and friendship, while maintaining the hope that they can possibly renew a relationship. And although Delaney doesn't trust Hunter's claim of innocence in the murders, she agrees to work with him on finding the truth, while insisting that a relationship beyond that is a no go. 

I absolutely loved and thoroughly enjoyed Trust Me! It is a wonderful mixture of romance and gripping sit on the edge of your seat intrigue and suspense. Integral elements of trust and forgiveness were also integral parts of the story that added even more to the plot.  It is also very thought provoking in that it really makes you think of the sad reality that being  falsely accused and convicted of a crime or any situation, doesn't just occur in fiction, but also in real life. All of these elements were flawlessly woven together in this fantastic story that will not only have you guessing all the way through, but will also touch your heart with a deep sense of what it truly means to trust and forgive.  

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

Much Ado About a Latte (A Maple Falls Romance) by Kathleen Fuller

 Book Description:

A coffee war is brewing in Maple Falls, where Anita and Tanner are serving up plenty of sparks to keep the town buzzing.

Anita Bedford needs to face reality. It’s time to decaffeinate the dream that she and Tanner will ever be more than friends. Growing up in small-town Maple Falls, she’s had a crush on Tanner for years. But he’ll only ever see her as good, old, dependable Anita. Now she’s finally ready to make her own goals a reality. In fact, that deserted building next door to Sunshine Diner looks like a promising location to open her own café . . .

Tanner Castillo may know how to operate a diner, but he doesn’t know beans about love. After pouring his life savings into buying the Sunshine Diner, he needs to keep his mind on making a success of it and supporting his widowed mother, not on kissing Anita Bedford. First order of business: improve his customers’ coffee experience. Next, he should probably find out who bought the building next door . . .

It’s a bitter cup to swallow when ambition turns longtime friends and coworkers Anita and Tanner into rivals. Now that they own competing businesses, how could they ever compete for each other’s hearts? Or will the two of them come to see what’s obvious to the whole, quirky town of Maple Falls: potential for a full-roast romance, with an extra splash of dream?

Welcome to Maple Falls, where everyone knows your name, your coffee order, and your relationship status.

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 KathleenFuller.com; Instagram.com/kf_booksandhooks; Facebook.com/WriterKathleenFuller.

My Thoughts:  A Fun Romance

Anita Bedford has had some challenges in life.  One of her challenges was that she experienced difficulties during her school days.  Another challenge is that she never quite feels like she measures up to her family's expectations which make her feel like she doesn't quite measure up to what they think she should be.  And yet another challenge is her "unrequited" love that she has harbored toward Tanner Castillo, her long time friend.  

Tanner has his own set of challenges one of which is his concern for his mother.  He worries about her and how hard she works.  He also has the challenge of dealing with a former love interest.  And, he has the challenge of trying to figure out his friend, Anita. 

Through it all, these two forge ahead on their friendship that has its ups and downs, but eventually begins to evolve into something more. As this happens, they each take on a new venture that makes for some interesting situations which ultimately impact their relationship. 

Much Ado About a Latte is a fun contemporary Christian romance that is sure to be enjoyed by all.  While the book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone.

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

Foundation of Love (An Amish Legacy Novel Book 1) by Amy Clipston

 Book Description:

Get swept away in the first installment of Amy Clipston’s Amish Legacy series.

They were “only friends” . . . but they wanted so much more.

Crystal Glick is grateful to live with her brother’s family since her father died and her fiancé, Owen, broke their engagement. Crystal loves her bruderskinner and cheerfully helps her sister-in-law through a difficult pregnancy with babies number seven and eight, but she yearns for a husband and children of her own.

Duane Bontrager is mourning the recent death of his wife, Connie, after twenty-four years of marriage. He and his grown sons have a thriving roofing business but can’t get used to life without her. As the young men prepare to launch out on their own, Duane can’t imagine life alone—nor with anyone but Connie.

When a roofing job at the Glicks introduces Duane and Crystal, they’re attracted in spite of their fourteen-year age difference. But their bishop thinks Duane is better suited for the sweet widow Tricia, and Duane’s sons object to his interest in any woman. Crystal’s family fears losing her indispensable help. If she must go, they’d rather she be reunited with Owen in spite of his betrayal.

They’re the only two who believe they’re a match made in heaven, can Duane and Crystal overcome the obstacles to love?

About the Author: Amy Clipston

Amy Clipston has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her fiction writing "career" began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories. She has a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan College and is a member of the Authors Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America. She is the author of the bestselling Kauffman Amish Bakery series with Zondervan, which is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. An advocate for organ and blood donation, Amy donated a kidney in 2011 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Through her donation, her husband received a second kidney transplant. Amy and her husband matched another couple and swapped kidneys with them. Amy's memoir, A Gift of Love, will be available in early 2014. She hopes her story inspires others to become organ and blood donors. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and four spoiled rotten cats. You can find her on the web at www.AmyClipston.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmyClipstonBooks.

My Thoughts:  A Charming Story 5

Thirty something, Crystal Glick, spent most of her life being a caregiver, first to her father and then to her nieces and nephews. Between the time she spends caring for her nieces and nephews and the hurt she suffered from a past relationship, it doesn't seem likely that Crystal will ever marry. 

Widower, Duane Bontrager, does roof work along with his three young adult sons. He is focused on growing the business with his sons and is not thinking about a new relationship. 

However, Crystal and Duane's situations take a turn when they meet, and they slowly from a friendship. As their friendship grows, they find that their feelings for each other are growing beyond friendship.  However, situations, people and opinions seem to be getting in the way of their growing relationship. Their story gripped my heart completely and kept me turning pages to the very end. I found Crystal and Duane endearing, their story charming, and one you won't want to miss. 

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

My Rating: 5 ⭐️