Falling for the Amish Bad Boy (Seven Amish Sisters Book 2) by Emma Miller

Book Details: 

Title: Falling gor the Amish Bad Boy

Series: Seven Amish Sisters Book 2

Author: Emma Miller

Publisher: Love Inspired  

Pages: 206 

Release Date: February 21, 2023

Genre: Amish Romance 

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Book Description:

She knows all about his reputation…

But is she ready to know the truth?

When Beth Koffman finds out her family has hired Jack Lehman to build their new store, she’s furious. The far-too-charming Amish bachelor is known in their community as a heartbreaker, and Beth doesn’t want him near her sisters. But the more time they spend together, the more she realizes hating Jack might prove difficult when she’s falling for him at the same time…

My Thoughts: Truth and Trust 

What do you do when you are tasked to work with someone whose reputation is said to be very questionable and with which you wholeheartedly agree? Beth Koffman is about to find out.

What do you do when yours is the reputation fueled by people who think they know the story, interject their own ideas into it, and then run with it? Jack Lehman isn't about to find out, because, sadly, it is already part of his reality.

I loved Beth and Jack's story. As I read, I couldn't wait to see how they would be able to rise above what others labeled as reality. However, as they spend time together, Jack works at showing Beth the truth, and she in turn begins to trust. Their journey turned into a sweet and endearing relationship that melted my heart. However, a few bumps in the road had me once again wondering whether or not Beth and Jack would be able to overcome, which kept me riveted to the story up to the very last page.

I throughly enjoyed this sweet and inspirational story. It was a great reminder of how there is always more than one side to a story. It also brought to mind the many quotes about lies and truth, but especially the one that talks about seeing it with your own eyes vs. inventing it with your own mouth. The story also reminded me of the proverb that talks about a good name/reputation being worth more than silver and gold. (22:1) I loved how the author wove together these life lessons into Beth and Jack's story. The combination of these lessons, along with the romance and inspiration, made this a truly wonderful story that I highly recommend.

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

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About the Author: Emma Miller 

Emma Miller is a wife, mother and a grandmother who lives a quiet life in Delaware. She's the author of the Hannah's Daughter's series and is at work on her next Amish romance novel.

Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard

Book Details: 

Title: Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge

Author: Charlotte Hubbard

Publisher: Zebra Books 

Pages: 311

Release Date: February 21, 2023 

Genre: Amish Romance

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Book Description:

With two spring weddings to celebrate, friends and family are reunited at the Amish community of Promise Lodge, where nothing—and no one—can derail an unexpected new love when it’s part of a glorious plan . . .
 
In the year since he lost his wife in a tragic accident, Lester Lehman has found healing and purpose—helping construct Dale Kraybill’s new bulk store, enjoying the Kuhn sisters’ hearty meals, and settling into a tiny, built-for-one lakeside house. Falling in love again is surely not on Lester’s mind. Yet despite his firm “no,” two available ladies have set their kapps on the handsome widower—in a boisterous rivalry that weaves mayhem among the wedding festivities . . .
 
A welcome escape comes from a fresh-faced newcomer. Marlene Fisher disarms Lester with her witty quips on his romantic predicament, while her sparkling eyes inspire surprising thoughts of a shared future. But the heartbreak that brought Marlene to Promise Lodge runs deep, and the pretty maidel believes she’s not meant to marry. In a season of vows to love and honor, scripture holds the key to building their happiness together: love is kind, and above all . . . patient.

My Thoughts: Entertaining and Inspiring

Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge was quite an enjoyable read. It follows Lester Lehman and Marlene Fisher as they begin a friendship under some amusing circumstances, according to Marlene, but not so amusing, according to Lester. Regardless of its beginnings, as they spend time together, their friendship takes on a different course which is not the smoothest due to some very insistent characters and issues from their pasts. As I turned page after page to see where it would all lead, I was kept captivated by the humor, a bit of intrigue, and the candid conversations between Marlene and Lester which gave much insight into their struggles and backgrounds. My palate was captivated as well by the many delicious desserts that were throughout the story, and I was very much pleased to see that some of the recipes were added at the end. However, I was especially captivated by the messages of forgiveness, faith and hope that were key elements throughout the story. 

On the flip side, there was one topic that although the author dealt with it flawlessly,  some might find a little disconcerting. However, it was key to the story and added much to the elements of forgiveness, faith and hope. Having said that, I found Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge to be an entertaining and inspiring story that should not be missed. 

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

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About the Author: Charlotte Hubbard 

Charlotte Hubbard is the highly acclaimed author of Amish romances celebrating simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle. A longtime Missourian, she draws upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the  Mississippi, to create strong, inspiring characters and uplifting stories. Faith and family, farming and food preservation are hallmarks of her lifestyle, and the foundation of all her Amish romance series. She’s a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and when she’s not writing, she loves to try new recipes, crochet, and sew. Charlotte now lives in Nebraska with her husband and their border collie. You can learn more about Charlotte and her novels at CharlotteHubbard.com. 

Wisdom for Life Devotional 100 One-Minute Reflections from Psalms and Proverbs by Gail Purath

Book Details: 

Title: Wisdom for Life Devotional

Series: n/s

Author: Gail Purath

Publisher: B&H Books

Pages: 224

Release Date: February 21, 2023

Genre: Christian Devotional

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Book Description:

Do you desire daily wisdom—the kind of wisdom that can give you peace and comfort, guide your decisions, correct your misunderstandings, and teach you truths that help you mature in your faith? Wisdom for Life is designed to offer exactly that, using the Old Testament books of Psalms and Proverbs. 

Easy to fit in any schedule, each of the 100 devotions takes one minute to read. They also offer multiple Scripture references and a bonus "For Further Thought" section so you can dig deeper when you have the time. 

Whether you’re a new student of the Bible or a mature believer, enjoy relevant insights for your daily life and grow in your appreciation for the Psalms and Proverbs in Wisdom for Life.

My Thoughts: Awesome!

If you are looking for a devotional with brief entries that are loaded with great analogies, insights, and scriptural references which will help you in your spiritual growth and understanding of the Bible, this one is definitely for you. The author's format is engaging and makes it easy to understand what you are reading. She also provides ideas for further thought on the topics discussed so that you can process and dig deeper. 

The author has also added a very helpful appendix which she suggests can be useful for small Bible studies or for further studying on your own. It is set up topically and is also easy to use. 

That being said, I strongly recommend this awesome devotional to all. 

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: Gail Purath

Gail Burton Purath is the founder of the Bible Love Notes ministry, an international online ministry reaching hundreds of thousands each month. She has decades of experience leading women’s Bible studies and serving in various ministry positions both in the United States and overseas. Gail has an MA in Leadership for Evangelism and Discipleship from Columbia Biblical Seminary, and she has been married to her best friend Michael for more than fifty years. 

Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites by Monica Eng and David Hammond

Book Details: 

Title: Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites 

Author: Monica Eng and David Hammond

Publisher: 3 Fields Books; First edition

Pages: 168

Release Date: March 21, 2023 

Genre: Travel Dining Reference 

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Book Description:

Italian beef and hot dogs get the headlines. Cutting-edge cuisine and big-name chefs get the Michelin stars. But Chicago food shows its true depth in classic dishes conceived in the kitchens of immigrant innovators, neighborhood entrepreneurs, and mom-and-pop visionaries.

Monica Eng and David Hammond draw on decades of exploring the city’s food landscape to serve up thirty can’t-miss eats found in all corners of Chicago. From Mild Sauce to the Jibarito and from Taffy Grapes to Steak and Lemonade, Eng and Hammond present stories of the people and places behind each dish while illuminating how these local favorites reflect the multifaceted history of the city and the people who live there. Each entry provides all the information you need to track down whatever sounds good and selected recipes even let you prepare your own Flaming Saganaki or Akutagawa.

Generously illustrated with full-color photos, Made in Chicago provides locals and visitors alike with loving profiles of a great food city’s defining dishes.

My Thoughts: Awesome Combination

Made in Chicago is an awesome combination. It's a travel guide, history book and cookbook all rolled into one. Add some great photographs to that and you have a real winner! The collection includes many of Chicago's iconic foods that reflect the wonderful variety of cultures of the city. 

Having lived most of my life just thirty minutes outside of Chicago, I spent many hours and days in the city. One of the things I've always enjoyed the most is trying the different foods that the city is known for. The authors have flawlessly taken those foods and provided their histories, recipes  and some wonderful pictures which make this such a wonderful collection. Whether you're a foodie, a Chicago traveler, or just plain curious, this book is definitely for you. You won't be disappointed. 

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

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About the Authors:   

Monica Eng is a reporter for Axios Chicago and cohost of the podcast Chewing. She has worked as a food, culture, and investigative reporter at WBEZ Chicago Public Radio and at the Chicago Tribune, where she was nominated for five James Beard Awards for writing. David Hammond is Dining and Drinking Editor for Newcity/Chicago magazine. He regularly writes on food- and drink-related topics for Wednesday Journal and the Chicago Tribune. He is a founding member/moderator of LTHForum.com, a site celebrating Chicago’s mom-and-pop restaurants.

Her Amish Adversary: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Indiana Amish Market Book 2) by Vannetta Chapman

Book Details: 

Title: Her Amish Adversary 

Series: Indiana Amish Market Book 2

Author: Vannetta Chapman

Publisher: Love Inspired  

Pages:  217

Release Date:  January 24, 2023

Genre:  Amish Romance

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Book Description:

Joining forces with her rival…

Means risking everything.  

Running the RV park at her father’s Amish market makes Bethany Yoder happy—until he hires her childhood nemesis, Aaron King. Soon Bethany’s quaint ideas clash with Aaron’s Englisch-style upgrades. But they must work together to turn a profit…or else. When their unlikely alliance turns into something more, will Aaron’s secrets break them—and the business—apart forever?

My Thoughts:  It Drew Me in From the Start

Her Amish Adversary is a wonderful story. It drew me in from the start and kept me glued to the pages until I reached the end. 

Meeting the main characters, Bethany Yoder and Aaron King, right at the very beginning of the story was the first thing that drew me in. Bethany made me laugh with her attempts at letting Aaron know she was in charge and just what she thought of him working with her at the RV park. Aaron also made me laugh with his reaction at seeing the introverted Bethany attempt to display a take charge attitude. I found their encounter endearing and their banter had me laughing more than once. Needless to say I was immediately hooked.

Bethany and Aaron's growing relationship was a joy to watch. As they spent more time together, they each found that some of what they had assumed of each other in the past was not quite the entire story. These discoveries brought them closer together but not without bumps in the road. One of the bumps was due to Aaron's struggles with family issues which left him questioning many things and doubting his future. Love, faith, hope and forgiveness were key in getting Bethany and Aaron over the bumps and also helped them grow in their relationship. 

Author Vannetta Chapman has written a beautiful story. The way she brought in and tackled such a delicate issue, it's effects and challenges is absolutely flawless. She also has a way of making the reader connect with the characters. For me this was especially true about Aaron. My heart completely went out to him, his struggles and all that he was going through. Yes, it made me feel sad in parts, and yet, it had me laughing in others. Nevertheless, when it was all said and done, I was left with a smile on my face as I said, "Wow! That was a great story!"

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and strictly 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

Say a Little Prayer: 101 Ways to Pray throughout Your Day by Joanne Redmond

Book Details: 

Title:  Say a Little Prayer: 101 Ways to Pray throughout Your Day

Series: na

Author: Joanne Redmond

Publisher: Our Daily Bread Publishing

Pages: 176 

Release Date:  June 6, 2023

Genre: Christian Devotional

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Book Description:

Do you need to pray a certain way for God to hear you?
 
Many people think prayer has to be formulaic and complicated, perhaps while on bended knees. Joanne Redmond wants to help make prayer simpler so you can communicate with God more often and in any place. Alongside pictures, Scripture verses, and quotations, Redmond offers 101 ways to pray throughout your day.
 
Practical suggestions include "While brushing your teeth in the morning, pray for three things you need help with during the day" and "Any time you use a credit card or pay for a purchase using your mobile device, ask God for discernment in spending your money."
 
Each prompt will encourage you to pray without ceasing. Learn to pray wherever you are and whatever you’re doing!

My Thoughts: Awesome!

This devotional is absolutely awesome! It is simple and easy to read and yet it offers great suggestions on prayer. The suggestions are significant and purposeful and show how to include prayer in simple ways. The suggestions are practical and easy to implement, such as praying during certain situations or times of the day. But most importantly, the suggestions offered are simple ways that will make a powerful  impact on your prayer life.

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

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About the Author:  Joanne Redmond

Joanne Redmond is an executive communications leader who takes complex business concepts and creates succinct, easy-to-understand messages that inspire and motivate. She currently leads global events for the chairman and CEO of a large technology company. She has a passion for helping people connect more frequently with God through everyday practical ways, which inspired her to write Say a Little Prayer. She lives in Michigan with her family, and her favorite way to pray is when walking through Central Park in New York.

Lost and Found Faith (Love Inspired) by Laurel Blount

Book Details: 

Title: Lost and found Faith

Series: n/a

Author: Laurel Blount

Publisher: Love Inspired  

Pages: 179

Release Date: August 24, 2021

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance 

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Book Description:

A terrible tragedy nearly broke him.

Can love put him back together again?

Widowed history teacher Neil Hamilton has lost his way—at work, with people and even with his faith. But Neil's shut-down existence is disrupted when a small toddler and his would-be foster mother, vibrantly pretty Maggie Byrne, come crashing into Neil's yard and his life. Can this absentminded teacher find himself again…and take a chance on love, too?

My Thoughts:  Beautiful Story

Lost and Found is a beautiful story of two broken people and their road to healing and love. Although the events in their lives are like night and day, the results are the same. In one way or another they are broken. One has a pretty good handle on it as the focus is turned toward serving others. However, every once in awhile things crop up that cause memories of the hurt and pain to come to the surface. The other is having a much harder time coming to grips. Each day is a challenge. Going through the motions is the coping method used, and yet it's not really working.  

All of this changes when one very special and very broken little boy gets involved. Thus begins the road from brokenness to revelations, self-reflection and faith.  What was thought to be impossible and too far gone transforms into new hope, new beginnings, second chances and love. Through it all is God's faithfulness and how He can use the simplest of things to impact change, and that makes a for a very beautiful story.

Book Quote: 

p. 193 God's love for us lights up our lives.Sometimes we forget about Him...but that doesn't change God. He still loves us just the same. 

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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

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