The Heart Knows the Way Home by Christy Distler

Book Details:

Title:  The Heart Knows the Way

Author:  Christy Distler

Publisher:  Avodah Books

Pages:  358

Release Date:  February 1, 2021

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Book Description:

Sometimes home isn't a place, but a people.

As children, Janna Carpenter and Luke Martin lived on opposite sides of Division Highway, and that wasn’t the only division in their lives. While he grew up in the gmay—Lancaster County’s Old Order Mennonite community—she was the daughter of a single mother who left her in the care of Luke’s grandmother. For six years Janna found love with the Martins, until her mother abruptly moved them away.

Now, almost fourteen years later, Janna returns to the area with her daughter. Her hope for a new beginning is lost when they find their home uninhabitable after a storm, then an out-of-gas car leaves them stranded. When two women stop to help, they turn out to be Luke’s aunts, and the Martin family again takes her in.

Janna and Luke, a widower struggling to balance business and family responsibilities, reacquaint as Janna assists his grandmother and cares for his son. Her self-protective independence and his conservative principles put them at odds, but the difficulties they face draw them closer.

When long-lost friendship rekindles into unexpected love, will either be willing to make changes so they can be together?

A portion of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to Clinic for Special Children in Strasburg, Pennsylvania.

About the Author:  Christy Distler

For as long as she can remember, Christy Distler has dreamed her most vivid dreams with her eyes wide open. Names became people—people who didn’t exist in this time and place but couldn’t have been more real in her heart and mind. So she did the only rational thing: gave them a voice by writing fiction.

Christy’s novels, whether historical or contemporary, delve into betrayal and reconciliation, faith and grace, and always involve the intertwining of cultures. When not writing, she works as an editor for publishing houses and independent authors.

Obsession with words aside, she's also a wife and the mom of kids and dogs. She considers dark chocolate a food group (level on the pyramid all depends on the day). She loves to laugh. And she's thankful. When not reading, writing, editing, or involved with family and church activities, she can be found trolling yard sales and thrift stores. She lives in the same Pennsylvania town where she grew up.

My Thoughts:  Wonderful and Inspiring

This was such a wonderful and inspiring story!  I was hooked from the very beginning and could not put it down until I finished reading the entire book.  I felt a deep connection to the characters, to the point that I could feel every emotion, struggle, and everything that they were feeling and going through as if I were in the story.  It's a story of faith, friendship, redemption, forgiveness, and love.  But more importantly, it is also about drawing nearer to God and seeking and following His will instead of following what others think.  It's an absolutely amazing story, and I highly recommend it!

Pine Creek Marriage by Amity Hope

Book Details: 

Title:  Pine Creek Marriage

Series:  Pine Creek Series Book 2

Author:  Amity Hope

Publisher:  Entangled: Amara

Pages:  297

Release Date:  March 28, 2022

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Book Description: 

Love may blossom where it’s least expected in the delightful and heartwarming Pine Creek series from Amity Hope.

Widow Amelia Baumann has sworn to never love again. She’s content to live peacefully in Pine Creek at her friend Mary’s warm, comfortable farmhouse. But then Samuel Kurtz shows up and becomes Mary’s permanent guest, making it hard to keep her feelings in check. Especially after Samuel's six-year-old niece, Ruthie, whom he's been raising as his own daughter, completely steals her heart.

When the bishops from another district threaten to send Ruthie to live with her distant aunt, so that she'll have two parents raising her instead of just Samuel, he hatches a plan.

Amelia reluctantly agrees to a marriage of convenience with Samuel–only because she loves Ruthie and can't bear to see her torn from the only father she's ever known. Not because Samuel’s kind green eyes and charming laugh draw her in. And as long as she and Samuel are in agreement that they will simply remain friends...what could possibly go wrong?

About the Author:  Amity Hope

Amity lives in beautiful northern Minnesota with her two sons and a couple of cats.

She has a degree in elementary education and worked in that field for ten years before deciding to self-publish.

Her first self-published novel, Twisted, was listed by Amazon as a Top 100 Kids & Teens Kindle Book of 2012. It hit Amazon's Teen & Young Adult Contemporary Romance Best Sellers List in several countries. Truths and Dares held the #1 position on Amazon's Best Sellers in Teen & Young Adult Contemporary Romance eBooks in the UK.

If she's not writing, or spending time with her boys, she's most likely reading.

My Thoughts:  It Grabbed Me From the Start

I was barely a few paragraphs into the book when I immediately realized that I was going to really, really enjoy.  The first thing that grabbed me was that the author's description was so vivid that I could see it all in my mind, and I was immediately hooked.  And what a scene it was!  In it the reader is introduced to Amelia Baumann, Samuel Kurtz and Ruthie, and it's also where Amelia, Samuel and Ruthie are introduced to one another in a most unusual, unique and amusing way.  And that is also where Amelia and Samuel's story begins.  

I have to admit that although the story hooked me immediately, it took me a bit to get to like Amelia. However, once I got to know her and her story, my heart went out to her.  As for Samuel, I liked him from the start, especially because of his tender and caring way with Ruthie. Truth be told, though, Ruthie was just special.  Her curiosity, her directness, and everything about her immediately captured Amelia's heart (and mine). 

Amelia, Samuel, Ruthie and Aunt Mary fall into a comfortable pattern with each other.  However, when trouble comes knocking, Samuel comes up with a master plan.  He offers Amelia a marriage of convenience.  When she agrees, it seems that everything will turn out just fine, until...trouble comes knocking again.  

Pine Creek Marriage is a wonderful story that combines romance, faith, humor, some tug at your heart moments, some surprises and even a little intrigue.  It has a wonderful cast of characters, some of which you'll love and others, not so much.  But they all add just the right touch to the story as do their interactions. It's a definite must read and I highly recommend it.

*****I received a copy of the book from the publisher, Entangled: Amara, via NetGalley.  All comments and opinions are strictly my own.

Edgewater Road (The Rumors in Ross County Series Book 1) by Shelley Shepard Gray

                                            

Book Details: 

Title:  Edgewater Road 

Series:  The Rumors in Ross County Series Book 1

Author:  Shelley Shepard Gray

Publisher:  Blackstone Publishing

Pages:  289

Release Date:  March 1, 2022

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Book Description:

The first in a new series from New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray, Edgewater Road invites us into a world of family mysteries, small-town secrets, and perhaps a little romance along the way.

When Jennifer Smiley’s grandmother, Ginny, leaves her an old farmhouse on Edgewater Road in seemingly quiet Ross County, Ohio, Jennifer can’t pass up the opportunity for a new beginning. Almost immediately she meets a group of men who generously help her move in. When she realizes that they work for Lincoln Bennett, her next-door neighbor, she’s intrigued. Lincoln is gorgeous and has dark, lapis-blue eyes she could get lost in … but he doesn’t seem all that friendly. She’s torn between getting to know him and sticking with the solitude she knows so well. Maybe she could let down some of those walls she’s built around her emotions?

Lincoln Bennett likes to keep his head down and get his work done. He’s been to prison and he knows that a lot of folks don’t take kindly to a man with that kind of history. Plus, he’s busy helping other ex-cons get back on their feet. But when he meets Jennifer, he can’t help but feel an instant attraction. Will she be able to look past his unsavory history? Will she be able to accept the men he’s working so hard to help?

While Jennifer gets to know Lincoln and his friends, she also begins to unravel her grandmother’s story, putting together the pieces from scraps of memories and things she finds in her new home. She soon discovers that Ginny Smiley harbored some dark secrets on Edgewater Road—and that those secrets include both Lincoln and her own absent father. Is learning the truth worth the heartache it could bring?

As the weeks pass and she and Lincoln become closer, Jennifer learns there is a lot to uncover in Ross County—wonderful friendships, darling towns … and more than one secret that might be better left buried.

My Thoughts:  Secrets, Secrets, and More Secrets

When Jennifer Smiley inherits an old farmhouse from Ginny, her grandmother, she is excited for the chance at a new beginning.  Her first item on her agenda is to get her grandmother's house cleaned out.  As she begins the task, Jennifer makes some discoveries that cause her to question the few memories she has of her grandmother, and also has her questioning who her grandmother really was. 

In order to get some answers, Jennifer calls on her grandmother's very handsome neighbor, John Lincoln Bennett.  One thing Jennifer knows is that her grandmother trusted Lincoln, and that must mean that Lincoln can shed some light on Ginny's secrets.  And yes, Lincoln does indeed know many of Ginny's secrets, but he has some major concerns. Is Jennifer ready to hear Ginny's secrets, and in turn, is she ready to hear his?

Shelley Shepard Gray has brilliantly written this story in a way that draws you in from the start and keeps you holding on until the very end. Jennifer and Lincoln's story deeply gripped my heart.  I so wanted their relationship to grow, but considering how Jennifer and Lincoln were like night and day and came from such different backgrounds, I had no idea as to how it could possibly happen. 

But not to worry, because the way the author has blended the mystery of Ginny's secrets with Jennifer and Lincoln's relationship is just one of the many elements that makes Edgewater Road an absolutely awesome read.  There are also some wonderful secondary characters which gave the story an even greater depth and made it all the more enjoyable. Also woven throughout the story were elements of judging others, overcoming your past, second chances and new beginnings, as well as a light message of faith. Some moments had me holding my breath, some had me reflecting, and yet others had me smiling and laughing. The author flawlessly combined all of these elements together into a beautiful and amazing story that left an impression on me long after I had finished reading it. Edgewater Road is just that good.

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

About the Author:  Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. A busy wife and mother of two, she spends her days writing and keeping track of her two teenagers. Her two dogs keep her company when she writes in her basement.

Shelley enjoys writing about the Amish and visits Amish communities in Adams and Holmes counties several times a year. When not spending time with her family or writing, she serves on several committees in her church.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news...or become her friend on FaceBook.

The Sugarcreek Surprise (Volume 2) (Creektown Discoveries) by Wanda Brunstetter

 Book Description:

Book 2 in the Creektown Discoveries series. 
Antique Store Owners Offer Romance Advice to a Smitten Carpenter

Welcome to Sugarcreek, Ohio, where the Amish schoolteacher has a determined admirer. Tragically losing her parents as a child, Lisa Miller has grown up being afraid of loving and losing. She dedicates herself to teaching at an Amish schoolhouse and helping the grandparents who raised her, all the while avoiding the advances of newcomer Paul Herchberger. Paul enjoys antiques and meets Orley Troyer while looking for unique old milk bottles at yard sales. Orley and his wife offer prayers and advice as Paul tries to reach Lisa’s closed heart. But when secrets are revealed, will Lisa use them as an excuse to close herself off again?

About the Author:  Wanda E. Brunstetter

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written more than 100 books translated in four languages. With over 11 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com. 

My Thoughts: A Beautiful and Touching Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lisa Miller has suffered much tragedy in her life.  She lost her parents at a very young age and was sent to live with her grandparents.  Lisa is very dedicated to her grandparents and is also a very dedicated school teacher.  However, the loss of her parents at such a young age has instilled a fear of losing anyone close to her, and therefore caused her to be fearful of any relationship.  Lisa has done well keeping herself distanced, or rather she was successful until Paul Herchberger entered into her life. 

Paul has his own share of loss and that loss is what brought him to Sugar Creek to work with his uncle. Paul meets Lisa by accident, and that is all it takes for him to find himself interested in her.  He wants to get to know Lisa, but the wall she's built around herself is making that easier said than done. 

I was drawn into this story right from the start.  However, I admit that while I understood Lisa and what she'd been through, I had a difficult time feeling connected to her. She was kind of making me a little agitated with how much she was keeping herself distanced from everyone and justifying her reasons for doing so. Paul, on the other hand, was dear to my heart right off the bat.  He was so caring and helpful that it was hard not to like him.  I felt his pain in wanting to get to know Lisa, although she kept her distance, and I admired his persistence.  But, no one could get through to Lisa and help her change her way of thinking, that is, until God's Word spoke to her. 

What message did she receive from God, and how did that start to bring the walls down?  Well, you'll just have to read it for your self to find out.  Trust me.  You won't be disappointed.

I received a copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. All comments and opinions are strictly my own.