An Amish Mother for His Child: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Amish Country Matches Book 4) by Patricia Johns

 

Book Details: 

Title: An Amish Mother for His Child 

Series: Amish Country Matches Book 4

Author: Patricia Johns

Publisher: Love Inspired

Pages: 208

Release Date: December 26, 2023 

Genre: Amish Romance/Contemporary Christian Romance

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Book Description:

She’ll make the ideal mother…

But could she be his perfect match?

Marrying a virtual stranger gives Verna Kauffman almost everything she’s ever wanted—a husband, a daughter…and a list of childcare rules. Despite Adam Lantz’s strict standards and formal demeanor, Verna is determined to turn their convenient arrangement into a happy union. But when their growing relationship is challenged, can they overcome their opposite views of marriage to discover what they really need is each other?

My Thoughts: A True Delight

Upon reading the book description, I'm embarrassed to say that I came away with preconceived notions about how the story would play out as well as preconceived notions about Adam. With the description of his strict standards and formal disposition, I thought that for sure I would have some not so kind feelings about him. And that is the great thing about how author Patricia Johns tells a story. You might start out with something in mind, but then she takes you on a journey that makes you rethink things. 

Such was the case with Adam. Once I got to know him, I discovered the why behind his ways. I came to like him and felt compassion and understanding for him especially with all he'd been through. The funny thing is that in contrast, while I liked Verna, I also saw a side of her that had me shaking my head. Yes, she quickly fell into being a great wife and mother, but she also had what I would call some "Adamisms" in her which added a special twist to the story. It was truly a joy to see how these two began to discover each other, even when butting heads, and to see where those discoveries took them. Needless to say, little "Miss Mandy" added much to the story making it a true delight to read and a book that I highly recommend. 

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

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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.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaJohnsAuthor

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorPatJohns

  

 

Book Details: 

Title: Murder of an Amish Bridegroom 

Series: An Amish Seamstress Mystery Book 1

Author: Patricia Johns

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Pages: 272

Release Date: December 5, 2023 

Genre: Amish Fiction/Christian Fiction/Cozy Mystery

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Book Description:

The quiet Amish lifestyle isn't all that it seems in this debut cozy mystery series, for fans of Amanda Flower and Wanda E. Brunstetter.

Petunia Yoder is Blueberry, Pennsylvania’s youngest old maid, at twenty-two years of age, and completely unmarriageable. But she’s determined to celebrate her friends’ weddings with joy and a full heart. Unfortunately, Petunia’s best friend, Eden Beiler, is playing a dangerous game with a man who is ruining her reputation.

Ike Smoker is the community’s iceman—the one who cuts, stores, and sells the ice—and when Petunia discovers him dead with an ice pick in his chest, Eden is found on the scene with blood on her hands. Homicide detective Asher Nate is new to the area, and he has a challenge on his hands. The Amish community sticks close together, and he doesn’t understand the subtleties and nuances of the clues he uncovers. He needs an Amish interpreter, and he asks Petunia if she’ll help. In a bid to keep her best friend out of prison, she agrees.

The community is filled with people who had good reason to hate Ike Smoker, especially as Petunia and Asher begin to uncover his secrets. Was someone trying to protect their family's reputation? Or to exact revenge for a sin buried deep in the past?

There’s a litany of damning clues that litters the ground—and if Petunia and Asher can’t come up with the truth, they could end up as the next ones on the killer’s list.

My Thoughts: Kept Me Guessing

This is such a wonderful cozy mystery! While the title and blurb piqued my interest, the lovely cover completely cinched the deal. As I read the story, I could see more and more of how on target the cover really is and how well it matches the story. 

Although those elements drew me to the story, the great characters, story line and mystery kept me glued to the pages. I loved Petunia and her way of looking at things, her determination and her caring nature. I also loved Asher and how he was willing to learn from Petunia. They definitely made quite the investigative pair. The story kept me guessing right to the very end and that is just one of the great things that made this such a wonderful read and one that I highly recommend.  

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

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

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.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaJohnsAuthor

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorPatJohns 

Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise (The Heart of the Amish Book 2) by Anne Blackburne

 Book Details: 

Title: Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise 

Series: The Heart of the Amish Book 2

Author: Anne Blackburne

Publisher: Barbour

Pages: 254

Release Date: December 1, 2023 

Genre: Amish Romance

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Book Description:

Ruth Defies Authority to Hold on to her Family Farm
Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.
 
Ruth Helmuth has never been rude in her life; trust her to choose the bishop of her Amish community for her first time!

Ruth has worked hard to keep body and soul together since her husband, Levi’s, death. She tends her herd of goats, making her living from the milk and fiber she gets from them, all while running a farm and household by herself—and very competently, thank you! How could she imagine the bishop suggesting she should give it all up to another family, who will “make better use of the space”?

Enter widower Jonas Hershberger, owner of a pair of adorable dimples and father of a charming 4-year-old daughter. Jonas is in need of a larger place to house his growing business. Ruth’s big red barn may be just the ticket. Little Abigail is in need of a new mother. Ruth might be just the ticket there, too!

Can two independent souls learn to work together for their mutual good? And will they be willing to explore what grows between them?  Or will Ruth’s fear over her “big secret” and Jonas’s caution about allowing someone new to get close to his young daughter, kill their love before it has a chance to grow?

Luckily for both of them, God’s plan involves the stubborn pair getting a little help in the form of a wise, elderly friend; a quirky orange kitten; and a smart little girl who takes one look at Ruth and decides she would make her the perfect new mother!

My Thoughts: Delightful Story

I never know what to expect when I come across a new author. However, once I saw the cover of the book and read the blurb, I knew I just had to give it a try. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. 

This is such a delightful story! I love it when characters have a history, share a commonality and then find themselves seeing each other in a different light. While those are the CliffsNotes of the story of Ruth and Jonas, there is so much more. Everything that weaves their story together is sometimes funny, sometimes infuriating, sometimes sentimental, sometimes thought provoking and so much more. The romance is tender, the characters are great (well, almost all of them are), and what's not to love about some very cute kittens.

Overcoming grief is not an easy task, but if we keep our faith and trust in God, He will make a way through it. Just how He did that for Ruth and Jonas is what will keep you glued to the pages to find out, and trust me, you won't be disappointed.

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

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About the Author:  Anne Blackburne

Anne Blackburne lives and works in Southeast Ohio as a newspaper editor and writer. She is the mother of five grown children, has one wonderful grandchild, and a spoiled poodle named Millie. For fun, when she isn't working on Amish romance or sweet mysteries, Anne directs and acts in community theater productions and writes and directs original plays. She also enjoys reading, kayaking, swimming, searching for beach glass, and just sitting with a cup of coffee looking at large bodies of water. Her idea of the perfect vacation is cruising and seeing amazing new places with people she loves.

https://www.anneblackburne.com/

https://twitter.com/AuthorAnneB

https://www.facebook.com/anneblackburneauthor/

The Amish Christmas Promise by Amy Lillard

 

Book Details:

Title:  The Amish Christmas Promise

Author: Amy Lillard

Publisher: Love Inspired

Pages: 232

Release Date: November 28. 2023 

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance/Amish Romance

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Book Description:

A proposal out of obligation

Could become a promise of love…

Pregnant Amish widow Mattie Byler is stunned to find her late husband’s shunned twin brother at her door. Samuel Byler is back to fulfill a promise: to marry Mattie. Only he’s not the rogue Mattie remembers. This Christmas, he’s determined to do right by her and the community. Saying “yes” feels impossible. But if Samuel's vow won’t heal her grieving heart…maybe his love can.

My Thoughts: Tugs at Your Heartstrings

Wow! Mattie and Samuel's story is absolutely wonderful! In it you have two people that are brought together by a loss, and each one is dealing with it in their own way. Mattie deals with it by insisting on proving how strong she is and that she doesn't need to depend on Samuel. Samuel deals with it by trying to do all he can to help Mattie while making up for what he's been through and to keep the promise he made.  As they deal with it in their own way, they don't seem to see how much of a bond it creates between them. However, with the help of some very special sisters and a cute little goat, that bond just might grow into something special. 

The Amish Christmas Promise is truly a beautiful story. Throughout the story you will find love, faith, redemption, forgiveness and healing, and that combination will surely tug at your heartstrings.  

I received and advanced copy of the book. However, all comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own. 

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About the Author: Amy Lillard 

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.

When Hattie Finds Love (Paradise Valley Book 4) by Amy Lillard

Book Details: 

Title: When Hattie Finds Love 

Series: Paradise Valley Book 4

Author: Amy Lillard

Publisher: Zebra Books

Pages: 286

Release Date:  November 28, 2023

Genre: Amish Romance

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Book Description:

Hattie Schrock’s lively optimism makes her the Widows Club’s most outgoing member. The circle has helped her through widowhood—and in building a thriving popcorn shop with her cousin. So when Elsie bets Hattie that she can’t help Paradise Valley’s most cantankerous man learn to be happier, Hattie tackles the challenge head-on. But what can she do when she finds Christian Beachy is far more complicated—and appealing—than she thought?
 
Christian lives his faith through hard work, supporting his overbearing sister, and growing the Valley’s best vegetables. After all, a good Amish man should be dedicated to duty. Yet suddenly, Hattie’s warm-hearted attentions and knack for unexpected adventures is showing him life can be so much more—especially if Hattie can share it with him. But when he discovers her wager, can she and the Widows Club ever convince him that her growing love is the real thing—and that risking together forever will be the sweetest, most fulfilling chance of all?

My Thoughts: A Delightful Story

Hattie and Christian's story was such a delight to read! It was so enjoyable and had me smiling and laughing throughout. However, it also had me experiencing moments of true frustration with the behaviors of some of the characters. That wonderful combination, though, of smiles and frustrations kept me turning pages to see how it would all work out.

That being said, the fun, romance and frustrations aren't the only things that makes this story so special. It's also special because of the lesson that is included. It teaches us how important it is to not make assumptions or depend on how things look on the surface. Get to know the real story, and you may be surprised to find that what you discovered and what you assumed are miles apart.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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About the Author:  Amy Lillard

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.

An Unusual Amish Winter Match: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Indiana Amish Market Book 3) by Vannetta Chapman

Book Details: 

Title:  An Unusual Amish Winter Match

Series: Indiana Amish Market Book 3

Author: Vannetta Chapman 

Publisher: Love Inspired

Pages: 221

Release Date: October 24, 2023

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance/Amish Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

He’s too serious. She’s too flighty.

But together, they might be perfect…

With his crops failing, Amish bachelor Ethan King already has enough problems. He certainly doesn’t need pretty Ada Yoder—and her sunny exuberance or her penchant for jumping from job to job—adding to his troubles. But when a family emergency requires them to work together, they’ll discover that the biggest problem isn’t their differences…it’s their feelings for each other.

My Thoughts: Touching Story

Ada Yoder is quite unique. She can't hold a job, is somewhat flighty, and has a habit of misquoting sayings, but she's also very caring. On the other hand, Ethan King is dead serious, is carrying the weight of everything on his shoulders and can be quite broody, but he's also very caring. There is no way that these polar opposites could ever be anything more than an annoyance to each other, or is it?

Ada and Ethan's story is truly touching. They each have a past that they carry which plays into how they deal with situations and with each other. It's sometimes funny, sometimes painful and overall very endearing. It's a lovely story that is sure to touch your heart and leave you with a smile on your face.

I received an advanced copy of this book.  All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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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

A Boy's Amish Christmas (The Butternut Amish B&B Book 3) by Patricia Johns

 

Book Details: 

Title: A Boy's Amish Christmas 

Series: The Butternut Amish B&B Book 3

Author: Patricia Johns

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Pages: 270

Release Date: October 24, 2023 

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance/Holiday Romance

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Book Description:

An old-fashioned Christmas…
A newfound love!

Brett Rockwell is looking forward to a peaceful Christmas retreat with his young nephew—until they’re snowed in at an Amish bed-and-breakfast with tenacious journalist Emaline Piper. Though Brett is determined to avoid publicity, Emaline’s charm melts his reservations. And Brett lets slip a shocking truth—a story that could make Emaline’s career. Will professional ambition divide them, or can Brett and Emaline give their love story a happy ending?

My Thoughts: Heartwarming

Emaline and Brett have something in common: family. However, that's as far as the commonality goes. While their family experiences are as different as night and day, those experiences are what drives each of them. Their past experiences also play into their interactions and blossoming friendship which is helped along by a sweet little boy, two well-meaning friends, and a very naughty donkey. 

Author Patricia Johns has flawlessly woven together a beautiful story of two unlikely people coming together against all odds. Their journey isn't always smooth as it has its ups and downs. It tests the bonds of family loyalty and love that is sometimes painful and sometimes heartwarming. That special combination makes it well worth the read. 

Thank you to Harlequin Heartwarming for providing me with an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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

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.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaJohnsAuthor

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorPatJohns

Shadows at Dusk (Missing in Alaska Book 2) by Elizabeth Goddard

Book Details: 

Title: Shadows at Dusk 

Series: Missing in Alaska Book 2

Author: Elizabeth Goddard

Publisher: Revell

Pages: 347

Release Date: October 17, 2023 

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance

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Book Description:

Montana Detective Trevor West is desperate to learn what happened to his sister, who went missing in Alaska over a year ago, leaving nothing but a few photographs as clues to her whereabouts. At the advice of Police Chief Autumn Long, Trevor enlists the help of an experienced bush pilot. If Carrie James can't help him find the places in the photographs, no one can.

But Carrie has her own agenda. Grieving the death of her closest friend and the only person she could trust, Carrie will help Trevor find his sister on one condition--that he help her track down her friend's killer.

As the two close in on the answers they crave, they'll face dangers and connections they could not have imagined. They'll have to learn to trust one another--and face the dark secrets of the past--if they are ever to discover the truth and bring a killer to justice.

My Thoughts: A Real Nail Biter

When a book captures me right from the start, I know it's going to be something special. Such was the case with Shadows at Dusk. It grabbed me from the start and never let up. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat more than once with the nail biting suspense, action and intrigue. It offered numerous curve balls that kept me guessing all the way through. The budding relationship between Carrie and Trevor was flawlessly blended in with the other elements. No part of the story overshadowed the next making it a perfectly well balanced romantic suspense with an entwined faith message. I highly recommend this gripping nail biter of a story. 

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

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About the Author:  Elizabeth Goddard

Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than sixty novels, including Cold Light of Day and the Rocky Mountain Courage and Uncommon Justice series. Her books have sold nearly 1.5 million copies. She is a Carol Award and Reader's Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books or sign up for her newsletter, visit her website at www.elizabethgoddard.com.

You can also follow her on: 

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elizabeth-goddard

Facebook: http:/facebook.com/elizabethgoddardauthor

Twitter: http://twitter.com/bethgoddard