Christmas at the Amish Market by Shelley Shepard Gray

Book Details: 

Title:  Christmas at the Amish Market

Series: n/a

Author: Shelley Shepard Gray

Publisher:  Hallmark Publishing

Pages:  281

Release Date:   November 8, 2022

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Wesley is so busy running his family’s Amish market at the holidays, he barely has time for Liesl, the young woman he’s been courting for years. When she suggests her aunt Jenny could help Wesley out, he agrees to the plan. But Liesl neglected to mention her aunt is only twenty-six years old—and as charming as she is hard-working.

Jenny, still healing after a painful breakup, welcomes the distraction of working at the market. She soon realizes Wesley is everything she ever dreamed a man could be. But how can Jenny even think about romance with the man Liesl expects to marry?

But Liesl’s own feelings are more complicated than she’s willing to admit. With humor, faith, and a little help from their friends in the community, everyone might just find what their hearts are looking for this Christmas at the Amish market.

My Thoughts:  Fun Read

I love a story that has some of my favorite elements in it, and Christmas at the Amish Market definitely does. It has a Christmas theme, romance, faith, family, forgiveness and great characters. Some are likable, some are not and some are just quirky and fun. While I had a fair idea of what the final outcome would be for Liesl and Wesley, I had no idea how the story would get there. This along with the wonderful story elements kept me turning pages. It is a fun and quick read that can be enjoyed any time of the year and will not disappoint.  

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are strictly my own. 

                           -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About the Author:  Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She's published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.

Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.

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, https://shelleyshepardgray.com/ to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. Shelley can also be found on: 

FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/ShelleyShepardGray?fref=ts  

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shelley.s.gray/?hl=en 

Twitter https://twitter.com/ShelleySGray

Diasporican: A Puerto Rican Cookbook by Illyanna Maisonet

Book Details: 

Title:  Diasporican: A Puerto Rican Cookbook

Series: n/a

Author: Illyanna Maisonet

Publisher:  Ten Speed Press

Pages:  256

Release Date:   October 18, 2022

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Illyanna Maisonet spent years documenting her family’s Puerto Rican recipes and preserving the island’s disappearing foodways through rigorous, often bilingual research. In Diasporican, she shares over 90 recipes, some of which were passed down from her grandmother and mother—classics such as Tostones, Pernil, and Arroz con Gandules, as well as Pinchos with BBQ Guava Sauce, Rabbit Fricassee with Chayote, and Flan de Queso.

In this visual record of Puerto Rican food, ingredients, and techniques, Illyanna traces the island’s flavor traditions to the Taino, Spanish, African, and even United States' cultures that created it. These dishes, shaped by geography, immigration, and colonization, reflect the ingenuity and diversity of their people. Filled with travel and food photography, Diasporican reveals how food connects us to family, history, conflict, and migration.

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About the Author: Illyanna Maisonet

Illyanna Maisonet was the United States' first Puerto Rican food columnist for a major newspaper, the San Francisco Chronicle, and sold out pop-up dinners across the San Francisco Bay Area. An IACP award winner for narrative food writing, she has collaborated with José Andrés for Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story wrap party, contributed recipes to Rancho Gordo, authored a crowdfunded cookbooklet, and has written for the Los Angeles Times, Bon Appétit, Saveur, Food52, Food & Wine, Lucky Peach, and more. 

She has dedicated her career to documenting Puerto Rican recipes, including her family's, and preserving the Puerto Rican diaspora's disappearing foodways through rigorous, often bilingual research.

She was also born and raised in Northern California where she still resides with her cats: Che, Chillón and Pavo. And Mami.

My Thoughts:  Not Your Run of the Mill Cookbook

If you're looking at Diasporican as your run of the mill cookbook, you will be sorely disappointed, and you will end up missing out on a great experience. Diasporican is a combination memoir, history book, and cookbook, which is what makes it so special. The author does a great job of bringing her personal connections into the recipes. She also shares a lot of the history behind the culture of Puerto Rico and its impact on the foods.

I like that the recipes are not watered down with non traditional ingredients. They are very much the real deal which is what true Puerto Rican cuisine is all about. I also appreciate the anecdotes the author shared with the recipes. While I greatly enjoyed the book, I will caution you that the author did not filter her use of some profanity. It is not overdone, but it does exist, so be forewarned. In my humble opinion, I feel that language isn't necessary and is the only thing that put me off a bit. Even so, I recommend Diasporican to all.

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

His Accidental Amish Family (Unexpected Amish Blessings Book 3) by Rachel J. Good

 Book Details: 

Title:  His Accidental Amish Family

Series: Unexpected Amish Blessings Book 3

Author: Rachel J. Good

Publisher:  Zebra Books

Pages:  234

Release Date:   December 1, 2020

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

After a buggy accident when she was a teenager, Anna Flaud was told she would never walk again. Unwilling to be an object of pity, she put aside her dreams of marriage and found purpose as an assistant at a Community Care Center. Now she has a chance to fulfill her dearest wish—motherhood—and adopt three siblings with special needs. Yet the opportunity comes with a condition Anna isn’t sure she can meet: finding a husband.
 
Levi King began working at the center as penance after a careless mistake led to tragedy. Though he’s dealing with his own heartbreak, he’s drawn to Anna, cheering her on as she strives to regain her mobility. Her quiet determination, her generous heart—these are qualities to cherish in a wife. Still, Anna’s plans give him pause. Given his past, Levi hardly trusts himself to care for one child, let alone three. Yet together, perhaps they could forge a family made sturdier by all they’ve overcome . . .

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About the Author: Rachel J. Good

Rachel J. Good is the USA Today bestselling author of inspirational fiction including the Unexpected Amish Blessings series, the Sisters & Friends series and the Amish Popcorn Shop Mysteries. She grew up near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the setting for her Amish romances, and she frequently visits Amish friends, who help to ensure the accuracy of her novels. In addition to her Amish novels, she's written more than 40 books, including children's educational books, adult nonfiction, and fiction for children and teens under several pen names. A former teacher and children's librarian, Good completed her MA from Vermont College while raising five children and is presently completing her thesis in the Hollins University MFA program. A member of RWA, ACFW, ALA, and SCBWI, Good speaks regularly at civic events, schools, libraries, and conferences across the country. Rachel can be found online at: RachelJGood.com.

My Thoughts: Great Story

This was a great story with elements of faith, overcoming pain and difficulties, romance, and humor. The characters were wonderful, especially the main characters, Anna Flaud and Levi King. They were very special and I enjoyed seeing how their relationship developed. The story also covers some topics that I rarely have found in this genre, and this made it even more special. While some may disagree with one of the topics that was dealt with in the story, I feel it was a good addition. Yes, this is a story of fiction, but the topic is a very real one.  I applaud the author for so flawlessly making it a part of this great story. 

Book Quotes:

"If we find ourselves trying to figure out how things will work out, we're taking over God's responsibility. Ours is to humble ourselves and stop relying on our own limited human knowledge."

Please help me to let go of my fear and my need to control the outcome of every situation and instead to trust You every step of the way. 

Her Mountain Refuge An Uplifting Inspirational Romance by Laurel Blount

 

Book Details: 

Title:  Her Mountain Refuge

Series: n/a

Author: Laurel Blount

Publisher:  Love Inspired

Pages:  235

Release Date:   May 24, 2022

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Going home could mean risking her heart…

She needs help to start over…

But can she ever trust again?

Widowed, pregnant and under her controlling mother-in-law’s thumb, Charlotte Tremaine needs help—but she doesn’t expect it to come from her estranged childhood best friend. Yet after a fainting spell lands her in the hospital, Sheriff Logan Carter whisks her away to his foster mother’s mountain home to recover. But when her secrets follow, can she face her painful past with Logan at her side?

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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. Whenever she's not working, you can find Laurel with a cup of tea at her elbow, a cat in her lap, and a good book in her hand. Connect with her at: www.laurelblountbooks.com

https://www.facebook.com/laurelblountbooks/

https://www.instagram.com/laurelblountauthor/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15081666.Laurel_Blount

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laurel-blount

My Thoughts: Touched My Heart

This book touched my heart right from the start, especially with Logan's response to Charlotte's secret "sign." It was so touching and sweet. I knew right then and there that their story was going to be something extra special, and it did not disappoint. I especially loved the twist that Charlotte and Logan's relationship took. That just added another dimension to the story and had me holding my breath wondering how it would all turn out. Theirs is truly a beautiful and touching story of love, faith and trust. Add to that some wonderful nuggets of wisdom and you have a great read that I highly recommend.

Book Quotes:

"You just got to trust all those old hurts and disappointments and fears to God, honey. That's the answer."

"One thing I've learned, it ain't a good idea to yank the steering wheel out of the good Lord's hands. Gotta give Him plenty of time to work."

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece by Jennifer Beckstrand

 

Book Details: 

Title:  The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece

Series: The Amish Quiltmaker Book 3

Author: Jennifer Beckstrand

Publisher:  Zebra Books

Pages:  268

Release Date:   October 25, 2022

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description: 

Mattie Zook always stands up for what’s right—which is why she’s been exiled from her Pennsylvania Dutch home to her Aunt Esther’s farm. Outraged at local discrimination against the Amish, she’s using her rumschpringe to run for town council. Esther can only hope that sensible local farmer Freeman Sensenig will help Mattie—and keep her from going too far. But Mattie is soon finding her new campaign manager all too appealing . . .
 
Freeman never thought that the standoffish, opinionated Mattie would care so much about others. Even more amazing, their differences are somehow making her campaign successful—and have him hoping for more of a future with her. But unexpected obstacles and a sudden romantic rival will put their growing closeness to the test—and give them only one chance to truly reconcile their hearts . . .

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About the Author: Jennifer Beckstrand

Jennifer Beckstrand is the RITA-nominated and award-winning author of the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill and The Honeybee Sisters series, as well as a number of novellas. Novels in her Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series have been RITA® Award and RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award finalists. Huckleberry Hill won the 2014 LIME Award for inspirational fiction and Huckleberry Hearts was named a Booklist Top 10 Inspirational Fiction Book of the Year. Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people. She and her husband have been married for thirty-three years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and seven adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten. Please visit her online at:

 www.JenniferBeckstrand.com.

https://www.facebook.com/jenniferbeckstrandfans?fref=ts

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5362202.Jennifer_Beckstrand

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jennifer-beckstrand?list=about

My Thoughts: Fun and Entertaining

What a fun and entertaining story! Mattie Zook is definitely in a class by herself. She is quick to stand up for what is right regardless of the fact that it may take her in a direction that is not that of a traditional Amish young lady, According to Freeman Sensenig that fact is not exactly a good thing. Even so, Mattie and Freeman find themselves working together as Mattie's campaigns for a position on the town council. Needless to say it is quite a bumpy ride as they continually clash in some way or another and are faced with unexpected stumbling blocks. However, as they work together, they begin to see each other in a different light and their relationship begins to take a turn. All of this unfolds into a charming Amish fiction romance story full of humor, romance and faith which will leave you smiling to the very end.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All comments and opinions are completely my own.

Happily Ever Amish (The Amish of Apple Creek Book 1) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Book Details: 

Title:  Happily Ever Amish

Series: The Amish of Apple Creek Book 1

Author: Shelley Shepard Gray

Publisher:  Kensington Books

Pages:  255

Release Date:   October 25, 2022

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description: 

Addie Byler may be Apple Creek’s resident wallflower, but she knows she has a lot to offer—and much to be grateful for. Raised by her loving grandmother, she lives a life filled with good friends and hard work. Wary of romance, Addie assumes no man will look beyond her glasses and her tendency to talk to her rescue donkey, Snickers—until the day she finds a note from a secret admirer. A prank, most likely. But then, a second note arrives . . .
 
It’s not that Daniel Miller doesn’t like Addie, he just doesn’t want to court her. She’s too willful, too chatty, too odd. Yet when he learns she’s been teased because she’s never had a beau, he decides to send a little note of encouragement. One note leads to another. And when Addie begins replying with thoughtful messages of her own, he’s struck by her sweetness and warmth.
 
As chilly winter melts into spring, what began as a gesture of sympathy becomes something much deeper. Daniel fears revealing the truth, but with courage, faith—and a helping hand from their close-knit community—Apple Creek’s most unlikely couple may find their path to happiness . . .

About the Author: Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She's published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.

Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.

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, https://shelleyshepardgray.com/ to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. Shelley can also be found on: 

FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/ShelleyShepardGray?fref=ts  

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shelley.s.gray/?hl=en 

Twitter https://twitter.com/ShelleySGray

My thoughts: Beautiful Story

The book's description labels Addie Byler and Daniel Miller as "Apple Creek's most unlikely couple."  While this seems like an appropriate label,  as I got to know Addie and Daniel better, I felt like they were more of a likely couple than an unlikely one.

Addie is seen by others as being very odd. They talk about how Addie never had any boys show interest in her during her school years, and has no one showing an interest in courting her now. On top of that she has a pet donkey that she talks to. It's a wonder that people see her as strange, but that's the sad reality of what happens when people look at the superficial instead of what's deep inside. If they had looked deeper, they would have seen a sweet, caring, helpful and hard working young lady. 

Enter Daniel. He's known Addie since they were children, but he doesn't really "know" her. What he knows is that others are talking about Addie and making fun of her.  Daniel's caring spirit rises to the occasion and he hatches a plan to help Addie by posing as her secret admirer. However, it's a funny thing about the best laid plans. They don't always go as planned and Daniel finds himself truly getting to know Addie and seeing her in a new light.

Along side their story is a subplot that throws in a little intrigue which adds just the right touch to understanding more about Addie, but doesn't deter from Addie and Daniel's truly beautiful story.  I loved how their friendship blossomed and deepened turning them from Apple Creek's most unlikely couple to its most likely one. 

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All comments and opinions are strictly my own. 

 

Amar a la gente que es muy difícil de amar: Transforme su mundo cuando aprende a amar incondicionalmente (Spanish Edition) escrito por Joyce Meyer

Mis Pensamientos:  Amar Como Dios Enseña 

Amar a los que nos tratan bien es fácil. Pero cuando no nos tratan bien, o no nos tratan de la forma que creemos que nos deben tratar, amarlos se pone un poco mas difícil. ¿Porque es así? ¿Qué podemos hacer para ir más allá de lo que es difícil y amar como Dios nos enseña?

En este libro, la autora, Joyce Meyer, habla del ejemplo que nos dio Jesús y cómo seguir Su ejemplo y Su Palabra. La autora también incluye muchos ejemplos que nos ayudan entender mejor cómo debemos honrar a Dios amando a los que son difíciles de amar. Lo hace de una manera que es fácil de entender mientras que al mismo tiempo es muy inspiradora. Es un libro que le recomiendo a todos.

Gracias a NetGalley por proveerme con una copia del libro en español. Todos los comentarios son mis opiniones sinceras y honestas.

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Love as God Teaches

Loving those that treat us well is easy. But when others don't treat us well, or don't treat us according to how we think we should be treated. loving them becomes more difficult. Why is that? What can we do to go beyond what is difficult and love the way that God teaches us to?

In this book, author Joyce Meyer, talks about the example that Jesus gave us and how to follow His example and His Word. The author also include many examples that help us to better understand how we can honor God by loving those that are difficult to love. She does so in a way that is very simple to understand, while at the same time very inspiring. It is a book that I highly recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in Spanish. All comments are my sincere and honest opinions.

The Story of Love (The Amish Bookstore Novels Book 2) by Beth Wiseman

Book Details: 

Title:  The Story of Love

Series: The Amish Bookstore Novels Book 2

Author: Beth Wiseman

Publisher:  Zondervan

Pages:  333

Release Date:   October 11, 2022

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description: 

They come from different backgrounds . . . But are they destined to write a new chapter together?

With little left to tie her to her home state of Texas and yearning for a slower life, Yvonne Wilson jumps at the chance to shake things up with a move to Montgomery, Indiana. A dream job awaits her—managing an Amish bookstore for her good friends Jake and Eva. Besides the slow-paced setting and the comfort of beloved books, Yvonne hopes the change will help distract her from the emptiness she feels after the death of her fiancé.

No longer a part of the Amish community but still a resident of Montgomery, Abraham Byler finds himself in over his head with his job as a police officer combined with a new but fast-moving relationship with the wealthy and aggressive New York native Brianna Stone. When Abraham realizes that his old crush Yvonne is back in town, he’s not just in over his head—he suddenly finds himself head over heels for Yvonne—and in hot water with Brianna.

When the violence of police work comes up against his pacifist upbringing, Abraham is forced to question his original decision to leave the Amish faith for his career. Meanwhile, Yvonne is asking her own questions about why she feels such a deep peace in Montgomery—and how much that feeling has to do with Abraham and how much has to do with the workings of her own heart.

About the Author:  Beth Wiseman

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: https://bethwiseman.com/; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBethWiseman; 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethwiseman; 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethwisemanauthor

My Thoughts: A Wonderful Addition to the Series

The Story of Love is a wonderful addition to Beth Wiseman's Amish Bookstore Novels series! It was such a joy to revisit the characters from book 1 and get to know them better.  Reconnecting with Yvonne Wilson and Abraham Byler, and wondering how things would play out in their relationship captivated me from the very first page and kept me from putting it down until I got to the very end. 

As Yvonne and Abraham navigated their relationship, they faced unpredictable behaviors of others, a difficult situation in Abraham's job, and some strange occurrences. Each situation they faced had an impact on their relationship. Through it all, Yvonne and Abraham's friendship, honesty with each other, strength and deep faith were key in getting them through everything that came their way.  Their story is a perfect combination of romance, faith, and intrigue and is not one to be missed.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book  All comments and opinions in this review are strictly my own.

Anything but Plain by Suzanne Woods Fisher

                                               

Book Details: 

Title:  Anything but Plain

Series:  n/a

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Publisher:  Revell

Pages:  316

Release Date:   October 4, 2022

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description: 

It's not easy being the bishop's daughter, especially for Lydie Stoltzfus. She's not like other Amish girls, as much as she wishes she were. The only thing she does well is disappoint others. Leaving her family and church seems unbearable, but staying might be worse.

Knowing Lydie is "between" jobs, the local doctor asks her to fill in at the front desk for a few months. To Lydie, this is a boon. It gives her time to figure out how she's going to say goodbye to her neighbor, Nathan Yoder--the main reason she needs to leave Stoney Ridge. Nathan claims he's in love with her, but she knows she's not good enough for him. If in doubt, Nathan's father reminds her frequently.

As Dok spends time with Lydie, she recognizes symptoms of a disorder rare among the Amish. She offers treatment for Lydie. But will it be enough to make her stay? Or has help come too late?

Bestselling and award-winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Stoney Ridge, a small town that feels like an old friend.

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:  Endearing and Heartfelt

I loved getting to know Lydie Stolzfus and Nathan Yoder's story!  It was great being back in Stoney Ridge and catching up with its other wonderful characters as well.

Lydie: Wow! What an amazing young woman. She was so special in her kindness, caring, and creativity.  It was so hard to see her in her struggles and how some viewed her. The author did such an amazing job helping me get to know Lydie, to the point that I felt her joys, but especially her struggles. How difficult to walk through day to day trying so hard to do right but feeling like it will never happen. That was Lydie. 

Nathan: Nathan is also wonderful and amazing. He is caring, steadfast, and will not give up doing what is right, no matter how difficult the situation. He sees Lydie with all of her wonderful qualities and how special she is, which is why he cares so much for her. 

Lydie's uniqueness and Nathan's steadfastness is just one of the things that made their story so endearing and heartfelt. Watching them with their ups and downs and wondering how it would all end kept me reading right to the very end. Add to that some great words of wisdom and reflections spread throughout the story as well as the author's insightful comments at the end and you have a wonderful story that I highly recommend.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are strictly my own.