Her Pretend Courtship by Jocelyn McClay & Vannetta Chapman

Book Details: 

Title: Her Pretend Courtship 

Authors: Jocelyn McClay & Vannetta Chapman

Publisher: Love Inspired Amish Collection

Pages: 417

Release Date: April 25, 2023 

Genre: Amish Romance

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Book Description:

Her real Amish love

Their Unpredictable Path by Jocelyn McClay

Despite pressure from his parents, shy stuttering widower Jethro Weaver does not want to remarry and has hatched the perfect plan—a fake courtship with an unsuitable partner. His senior by a decade, widow Susannah Mast has had enough of unwanted suitors and reluctantly agrees to Jethro’s scheme. But what happens when their fake relationship turns into something real?

An Unlikely Amish Match by Vannetta Chapman

Susannah Beiler is determined to protect the other young marriageable Amish women from falling for the new bad boy in town by pretending to date Micah Fisher herself! Their deal is simple: she’ll keep him company if he stays away from her friends. It’s not long before she starts to see there’s more to Micah than his reputation…

My Thoughts: A Great Double Hitter

This is one great double hitter! Each involves two people that are so unlike each other that you are left thinking, "There is absolutely no way these two will come together." And that is just exactly what makes each story so great. 

Author Jocelyn McClay has brought together Susannah Mast and Jethro Weaver in a sweet, tug at your heart story. (Jethro won me over right from the start.) 

Their Unpredictable Path - Book Quote:

"Everyone seems t-to have an opinion on what is gut for m-me. Like I'm incapable of d-dealing for m-myself." His voice was hoarse. Jethro swallowed against the ache in his throat. "I thought you were gut for m-me. B-but apparently I'm not gut for you. Or m-maybe just not gut enough."

Vannetta Chapman has brought together Susannah Beiler and Micah Fisher in a sweet and wonderful story of love, mystery, forgiveness, tenderness, sadness, joy, hope and faith. It will draw you in from the start, keep you hooked, and leave you with a feeling of contentment and a smile on your face.

This double hitter is definitely a read you won’t want to miss.

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About the Authors:  

Jocelyn McClay:  Publisher's Weekly bestselling author Jocelyn McClay grew up on an Iowa farm, ultimately pursuing a degree in agriculture. She met her husband while weightlifting in a small town - he 'spotted her'. After thirty years in business management, they moved to an acreage in southeastern Missouri to be closer to family when their oldest of three daughters made them grandparents. When not writing, she keeps busy grandparenting, hiking, biking, gardening, knitting and sub teaching.

Vannetta Chapman:  Vannetta Chapman writes fiction full of grace and is the author of over 20 Amish novels. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather's birthplace in Albion, Pennsylvania. Vannetta is a Carol award winner and a Christy award finalist. She lives in the Texas Hill Country where she writes full time. She and her husband spend their time doting on their labrador, beagle, cats, and herd of deer. Vannetta also loves to knit, quilt, hike, camp, and travel.

Her Only Wish (A Season in Pinecraft Book #2) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Book Details: 

Title: Her Only Wish 

Series: A Season in Pinecraft Book #2

Author: Shelley Shepard Gray

Publisher: Revell

Pages: 288

Release Date: June 6, 2023 

Genre: Amish Romance

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Book Description:

Sheltered yet adventurous, Betsy Detweiler is on a mission to get out of Kentucky and experience new things in life. She's got a list--a life list. What better place to start than with her friends in beautiful Pinecraft, Florida?

From the moment Betsy walks into the Snow Bird Golf Course to sign up for lessons, August Troyer is mesmerized. Betsy is a mass of contradictions--beautiful yet awkward, outgoing yet unsure, joyful yet hesitant. She's like no one he's ever met before, and as the only child of missionary parents, he's met a lot of people.

As Betsy and August embark on a month of enjoying life to the fullest, they'll encounter several reasons to back off and play it safe. But playing it safe has its own consequences. This tender romance reminds us that life--and love--requires a fair amount of risk.

My Thoughts: Great Story 

Betsy and August have nothing in common other than the fact that Betsy wants to learn to play golf, and August seems like the perfect person to teach her. While golf provides a starting point for their friendship, they find that they have more in common than they thought. It was so sweet to see how they forge ahead in a friendship that blossoms into something more. However, challenges to their relationship appear in various forms resulting in difficult decisions that must be made. 

Betsy and August captured my heart from the get go, as did their story. Alongside their story were other characters whose own stories intertwined with Betsy and August's story beautifully without overshadowing it. In each one the messages of love, family, overcoming fears, hope and seeking God's guidance shine through making this a wonderful and inspiring story. It deeply touched my heart, and I know it will do the same for all who read it. 

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:  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, www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. Shelley can also be found on FaceBook, Instagram @shelley.s.gray, or on Twitter @ShelleySGray.

Reinventing Ruthie by Kate Lloyd

Book Details: 

Title:  Reinventing Ruthie

Author: Kate Lloyd

Publisher: Union Bay Publishing

Pages: 293

Release Date: April 13, 2023 

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance/Women's Romance

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Book Description:

When Ruth Ann Templeton’s husband, Drew, leaves her for another woman Ruthie is devastated. She seeks solace at their beach cabin in Puget Sound where she meets Victor, a neurologist who has marital problems of his own. Their relationship blossoms just as Ruthie’s husband moves home asking for forgiveness. But can Ruthie trust and forgive him or any man?

My Thoughts: An Emotional Roller Coaster Ride

Life sometimes seems like a constant roller coaster with its ups and down. We go from childhood to teen years, teen years to adulthood, watch our children go through their own stages of life, and on it goes. Each stage has its own ups and downs. Some are happy times and some not so much. And that is what makes Reinventing Ruthie such a pleasant read. 

Ruthie is experiencing many changes. While she and Drew deal with the effects of the changes they're facing as a couple, they also are dealing with its effects on their daughters. Add to that the changes that Ruthie's parents are experiencing, and you have quite a lot going on. How this all gets dealt with and how it affects everyone, especially Ruthie, had me on an emotional roller coaster of my own. At times the story was heart wrenching, other parts had me smiling and yet others almost had me in tears. Wondering how it would all play out and wondering if forgiveness would be a thing kept me turning pages up to the very end, and I think it will do the same for anyone who reads it. 

I was provided with a copy of this book.  All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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About the Author:  Kate Lloyd

Bestselling author Kate Lloyd is a passionate observer of human relationships. A native of Baltimore, Kate and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest, the location of her newest novel, Reinventing Ruthie. A Lancaster Family Secret, follows but is not a sequel to A Lancaster Family Christmas. (Both are stand-alones.) Another captivating book is Stage Fright, a delightful story with twists and turns as a woman ventures through England with her church choir. From Rome with Love is an intriguing Christmas book that will keep you guessing. Kate spends time with family and friends in Lancaster County, PA, the inspiration for her novels Leaving Lancaster, Pennsylvania Patchwork, and Forever Amish, the third book in the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy, and also A Letter from Lancaster County and Starting from Scratch. Kate studied art, art history, and Italian in college. She has worked a variety of jobs, including restaurateur and car salesman. Kate enjoys travel and walking with her cairn terrier, Piper, who plays an important role in her last two novels.

Readers are invited to stop by Kate's Website: www.katelloyd.com

Facebook Author Page: www.facebook.com/katelloydbooks

Instagram: @katelloydauthor

Giveaways on her Blog: https://katelloyd.com/feed

Pinterest: @KateLloydAuthor

Sign up for her newsletter on her website! Be one of the first to hear about the latest news on Kate's books, sales, cover reveals, and giveaways.

Arletis, Abuelo y el Mensaje en la Botella (Spanish Edition) by Lea Aschkenas

Detalles del Libro: 

Título: Arletis, Abuelo y el Mensaje en la Botella 

Autora: Lea Aschkenas

Editor: Star Bright Books

Páginas: 48

Fecha de Lanzamiento:  April 25, 2023

Nivel de Grado: 1 - 2

Género: Vida familiar multigeneracional de los niños

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Descripción del Libro:

Había una vez una isla con forma de caimán en medio de un ancho mar, donde vivía una niña que amaba los mapas y soñaba con conocer otros lugares… En otra parte del mundo, en la desembocadura de una amplia bahía, vivía un señor mayor que en su juventud había soñado con navegar por el mundo y hacer amigos en tierras extranjeras… Cuando estos dos desconocidos se conectan, a través de un mensaje en una botella, la relación que establecen inspira una visita. Se forja así una amistad duradera que amplía el mundo de ambos. Basado en una historia real, Arletis, abuelo y el mensaje en la botella es un retrato sobre la vida en la Cuba rural, líricamente escrito e ilustrado con exuberancia, que encantará a niños y adultos por igual.

Mis Pensamientos: Bello

¡Que cuento tan bello! Lo primero que me cautivó fue el título. Enseguida que comencé a leer, me cautivó el cuento y las bellas ilustraciones. Sentí como si estuviera ahí al lado de Arletis en su bella isla. Todo lo que ella  hacía me traía a la mente gratos recuerdos de mis días visitando a mi familia quienes también viven en una isla. 

La historia de Arletis y el abuelo es bella e impactante. Lo mejor de todo fue algo inesperado que sucedió. Me sorprendió, pero también me dejo feliz y con una sonrisa en la cara. Realmente es una hermosa historia que recomiendo encarecidamente no sólo a los niños, pero a personas de cualquier edad.

Gracias a NetGalley por proporcionarme una copia avanzada de este libro. Todos los comentarios y opiniones son voluntarios y completamente míos.

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About the Author:  Lea Aschkenas

Lea Aschkenas ha escrito reseñas de libros y artículos para Washington Post Book World, Los Angeles Review of Books y Salon. También es autora de un libro de memorias de viaje, Es Cuba: Life and Love on an Illegal Island. Se enamoró de Cuba y su gente en su primer viaje a la isla en el año 2000 y ha regresado casi todos los años desde entonces. Arletis, abuelo y el mensaje en una botella es su primer libro para niños. Lea vive en el norte de California, donde trabaja como bibliotecaria pública y enseña en el programa California Poets in the Schools. Visite: leaaschkenas.com. 

Arletis, Abuelo and the Message in a Bottle by Lea Aschkenas

Book Details: 

Title: Arletis, Abuelo and the Message in the Bottle 

Author: Lea Aschkenas

Publisher: Star Bright Books

Pages: 48

Release Date:  April 25, 2023

Grade Level: 1 - 2

Genre: Children's Multigenerational Family Life

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Book Description:

Once, on an alligator-shaped island in the middle of a wide sea, there lived a little girl who loved maps and dreamed of one day knowing other places . . . In another part of the world, at the mouth of a wide bay, there lived an old man who in his youth dreamed of sailing the world and making friends in foreign lands . . . When these two strangers connect through a message in a bottle, their communication inspires a visit that forges a lasting friendship, which expands both their worlds. Based on a true story, Arletis, Abuelo, and the Message in a Bottle is a lyrically written, lushly illustrated portrait of life in rural Cuba that will enchant children and adults alike.

My Thoughts: Beautiful

What a beautiful story! The first thing that drew my attention was the title. Immediately as I began reading, I was captivated by the story and the lovely illustrations. I felt as if I was right next to Arletis on her beautiful island. Everything she did brought to my mind fond memories of my days visiting family who also live on an island.

The story of Arletis and the grandfather is beautiful and amazing. The best thing of all was something very unexpected that occurred. It surprised me, but it also left me with a smile on my face. It truly is a beautiful story that I highly recommend not just for children, but for people of all ages. 

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:  Lea Aschkenas

Lea Aschkenas has written book reviews and articles for Washington Post Book World, Los Angeles Review of Books, and Salon. She is also the author of a travel memoir, Es Cuba: Life and Love on an Illegal Island. She fell in love with Cuba and its people on her first trip to the island in the year 2000 and has been returning nearly every year since. Arletis, Abuelo, and the Message in a Bottle is her first book for children. Lea lives in Northern California where she works as a public librarian and teaches with the California Poets in the Schools program. Visit: leaaschkenas.com. 

Her Amish Patchwork Family (Hope's Haven Book 3) by Winnie Griggs

Book Details: 

Title:  Her Amish Patchwork Family

Series: Hope's Haven Book 3

Author: Winnie Griggs

Publisher: Forever

Pages: 353

Release Date:  April 25, 2023

Genre: Amish Romance

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Book Description:

In this heartwarming Amish romance, a former schoolteacher and a single father discover a second chance at friendship, family, and love—perfect for fans of Laura V. Hilton and Marta Perry.

Former Hope’s Haven schoolteacher, Martha Eicher, has always been the responsible one, putting her family first and caring for her widowed father and two younger sisters. But now they’re all happily married, and Martha isn’t sure where she fits in anymore . . . until she hears that Asher Lantz needs a nanny. Even though her childhood friendship with Asher ended abruptly years ago, when a misunderstanding drove a wedge between them, Martha offers her assistance.

Asher is also feeling adrift. As a single father to his niece and nephews, he struggles to balance his new family responsibilities with those on the farm and in his workshop. He’s grateful for Martha’s help, but worries things will always feel awkward with her. Yet before long, Asher realizes Martha is exactly what his family needs, and he can’t imagine his home without her. Martha and Asher thought they were lost, but could they be right where they belong . . . together?

My Thoughts: Absolutely Lovely 

What an absolutely lovely story! I was immediately drawn into an emotional connection with the characters and their story. I felt for Martha and Asher as the changes they went through with their family situations had to be difficult for them. When Martha takes on the task of helping Asher with his situation, things begins to take a turn. It deeply touched my heart to see how theirs turned from friendship to unexpected feelings, and I loved how the transition took place. The great secondary characters, especially the children, added a lovely touch to the story and had me smiling and laughing more than once. 

Another thing that made this such a lovely story is how it drove home the message about misunderstandings. They can cause great hurt, affect relationships and can also cause one to carry a heavy weight on their shoulders unnecessarily. It also drove home the message that through honest communication, trust, and forgiveness, healing is possible and misunderstandings can be overcome. 

Great characters, great message, and a touching storyline are what make this such a lovely story 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.

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About the Author:  Winnie Griggs

Winnie Griggs grew up in south Louisiana in an undeveloped area her schoolmates considered the very back of beyond. With her two younger siblings and another family of three siblings for playmates, she spent many an hour exploring the overgrown land around her home, cutting jungle trails, building forts and frontier camps, and looking for pirate ships on the nearby bayou.

Once she 'grew up' she found other outlets for dealing with all those wonderful, adventurous, imaginary friends by filling notebooks with their stories. And somewhere along the way, those scribblings gave way to full length books.

Eventually she found her own Prince Charming, a rancher whose white steed takes the form of a tractor and whose kingdom is situated in a small rural community that she loves to call home, and together they've built their own storybook happily-ever-after. Their lives together expanded to include four now grown children who share Winnie's vivid imagination and her husband's steadier influences and are now out in the world pursuing their own adventures.

You can learn more about Winnie and her books, past and future, at www.winniegriggs.com

 

Courage in the Storm (A Johns Mill Amish Romance Book 3) by Laurel Blount

Book Details: 

Title: Courage in the Storm 

Series: A John Mills Amish Romance Book 3

Author: Laurel Blount

Publisher: Berkley

Pages: 336

Release Date:  April 25, 2023

Genre: Amish Romance

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Book Description:

In this powerful Amish romance, an isolated woman and a compassionate man learn that love can build a bridge between their two worlds.

Since witnessing the murder of her beloved parents, Miriam Hochstedler suffers from paralyzing anxiety and a deep-seated fear of the Englisch. Unwilling to venture beyond her family’s Tennessee farm, she forms a close bond with a badly injured gelding. Like Miriam herself, the traumatized animal seems unlikely to recover—until skilled horse whisperer Reuben Brenneman arrives.
 
A survivor of an abusive childhood, Reuben understands fear better than most. He’ll do whatever it takes to help a terrified animal, but his compassion doesn’t extend to the church that turned a blind eye to his family’s suffering. Once he finishes this job, he’ll return to the Englisch world, putting his Amish heritage behind him forever.

As Miriam works alongside Reuben, battling the horse’s fear—and her own—an unexpected friendship blooms and deepens into romance. But the Amish faith that sustains her inspires only distrust in Reuben, and the Englisch world he’s chosen has already broken her heart once.
 
Falling in love was easy. But staying together will take all the courage they have.

My Thoughts: Deeply Touched My Heart

Miriam and Breeze were each in need of healing from deep fear caused by traumatic situations. While it appears that Reuben enters the picture only to help Breeze, it becomes evident that Reuben himself is also in need of healing. As Reuben and Miriam work together, they develop a very special relationship. Seeing how honest and open they were with each other and how that honesty impacted their relationship, even when struggles and unexpected events presented themselves, was beautiful. Their story is an absolutely special one that deeply touched my heart.

Author Laurel Blount has once again crafted a story that is so well written and realistic. Once I started reading I did not stop until I got to the very end. At times I felt angst for the characters and what they were each dealing with. Other times I felt hopeful as I watched them experience even the smallest of victories and breakthroughs in their situations. Through everything, love, faith, courage, forgiveness and trust shine through as key elements in the healing process. 

The author's research added so much to the realism of the story. I learned much about the trauma of horses, how it affects them and their healing process. I also learned so much about fear and how deeply it's impact can be. These details added an extra touch that took the story to another level. I recommend you read it for yourself to see just how special it is.

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

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Men of Courage: Prequel Novella to the Acts of Valor series by Rebecca Hartt

Book Details: 

Title: Men of Courage 

Series: Acts of Valor Series Prequel

Author: Rebecca Hartt

Pages: 55

Release Date: June 28, 2020 

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance/Military Romance

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Book Description:

Enjoy this prequel novella to Rebecca Hartt's highly acclaimed Acts of Valor series (Returning to Eden/ Every Secret Thing/ Cry in the Wilderness). Meet the world's bravest men and the women strong enough to love them. Follow their struggles and triumphs as they rely on faith to overcome adversity.

Taylor Rex never considered being anything besides a Navy SEAL. But a mission-gone-wrong has ended his career in the Teams, leaving Taylor handicapped, his self-identity in tatters. Returning to his hometown of Louisa, Virginia, Taylor wallows in despair. He has no idea the dog foisted on him by a former classmate holds the secret to his healing and his happiness. Becca Winslow's high-school crush on the formidable "T-Rex" hasn't waned one iota in the last decade. Seeing him brought so low rouses Becca's determination to help, even as she is menaced by a stranger who gets bolder by the day.

My Thoughts: Awesome!

What an awesome book! While I was completely drawn in and captivated by the suspense and romance, my heart was deeply touched by the elements of loss, faith and healing. This is the first book I've read by author Rebecca Hartt, but it definitely won't be the last.

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About the Author:   Rebecca Hartt

Rebecca Hartt is the nom de plume for an award-winning, best-selling author who, in a different era of her life, wrote strictly romantic suspense. Now Rebecca chooses to showcase the role that faith plays in the lives of Navy SEALs, penning military romantic suspense that is both realistic and heartwarming.

As a child, Rebecca lived all over the world. She has been a military dependent for most of her life, first as a daughter, then as a wife, and knows first-hand the dedication and sacrifice required by those who serve. Living near the military community of Virginia Beach, Rebecca is constantly reminded of the peril and uncertainty faced by US Navy SEALs, many of whom testify to a personal and profound connection with their Creator. Their loved ones, too, rely on God for strength and comfort. These men of courage and women of faith are the subjects of Rebecca Hartt’s enthusiastically received Acts of Valor series.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07VH13GKH/about