The Secret Amish Admirer (Bluebird Hills Series Book 2) by Virginia Wise

Book Details: 

Title:  The Secret Amish Admirer

Series: Bluebird Hills Book 2

Author: Virginia Wise

Publisher: Love Inspired

Pages: 210

Release Date: March 28, 2023 

Genre: Amish Romance

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Book Description:

This could be her one chance

To win his heart…

For years, Eliza Zook has been content to love Gabriel King from afar. But when an injury forces him off the farm and into the Amish gift shop alongside Eliza, she has no idea how to act around her secret crush. Working side by side, it seems that opposites really do attract…but can the single mother convince the rebel that he’s worthy of love?

My Thoughts: Beautiful Story

At first glance Eliza Zook and Gabriel King are as different as night and day. Yes, they’ve known each other for years, but they don’t really know each other. However, as they work together, they get to a deeper level of knowing and understanding each other. In doing so, they find that each one struggles with a deep seeded issue which is the key to much of the way they deal with things. This discovery impacts not just their relationship, but also some family relationships. 

While I was cheering for Eliza and Gabriel, I was beyond frustrated with one character. I could not embrace the why behind the actions and behaviors. The effects those actions had on Eliza and Gabriel had me frustrated more than once. However, Gabriel in his wisdom made some very insightful comments that spoke to this type of behavior. Those comments held a very deep and true message, not just in the story, but in real life. They also changed my feelings of frustration to feelings of hope, especially for Eliza and Gabriel.

When you put it all together, The Secret Amish Admirer is a wonderful story of love and faith. Add to that some great words of wisdom that are woven in and you have a beautiful story that is a definite must read.

Book Quote:

God can find us anywhere,…,but you’ll never see that if your back is turned.

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About the Author: Virginia Wise

After Virginia Wise’s son left for school, she finally had time to pursue her dream of writing novels.  Virginia creates worlds that combines her love of romance, family, and Plain living. Virginia loves to wander Lancaster County to find inspiration for her next novel. While home in Northern Virginia, she enjoys painting, embroidery, taking long walks and spending time with her husband of almost 25 years. Visit her online at www.VirginiaWiseBooks.com.

A Hope for Healing (Secrets of Bliss Valley Book 4) by Jo Ann Brown

Book Details: 

Title: A Hope for Healing 

Series: Secrets of Bliss Valley Book 4

Author: Jo Ann Brown

Publisher: Love Inspired Trade

Pages: 352

Release Date:  April 25, 2023

Genre: Amish Romance

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Book Description:

Sometimes the greatest act of courage is trusting your heart…

After loving and losing the perfect husband, widow Rosemary Mishler can’t imagine ever marrying again. Yet the small Amish community of Bliss Valley keeps playing matchmaker—and the arrival of newcomer Gideon Wingard only makes things worse. But when a little Englisch girl is abandoned in her kitchen and is discovered to be her late husband’s child, Rosemary realizes that her perfect husband clearly had some secrets of his own…

Gideon left his community to escape the matchmakers—only to stumble upon more. And he can’t quite steel himself against the pull of Rosemary’s somber gray eyes and his need to help her with the small kind who’s been left to her care. With his feelings for Rosemary and the little girl growing stronger every day, Gideon can see himself putting down roots in Bliss Valley. But is the hope of love enough for him to plan a future…and a family?

My Thoughts: New Discoveries, New Beginnings

Widow Rosemary Mishler discovers that her "perfect" husband may not have been so perfect after all.

Gideon Wingard discovers that matchmakers are a much smaller problem than getting sucked into the mystery surrounding his new landlady.

Little Braelynn discovers there is only one way to deal with her new situation, which she's going to make work for her, especially if it involves cookies.

As Rosemary and Gideon confront their new discoveries, it leads them to new beginnings, one of which is a special friendship that develops between them. In working together to find answers, they find themselves on a very bumpy road leading to even more discoveries that contribute yet another piece to the puzzle they are trying to put together.  As they do this, Braelynn is in the background making her own discoveries that impact her relationship with Rosemary and others. 

A Hope for Healing is a beautiful story of love, faith, forgiveness, and new beginnings. While that comes through in Rosemary and Gideon's story, it also comes through in the role that Braelynn plays. Their story will touch your heart making you smile at times, but also making you painfully sad at other times. It will also leave you with the reality of the message that no matter what our situation is, we can always count on God and His plan for us. In my humble opinion, that in itself makes this a definite must read. 

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:  Jo Ann Brown

Jo Ann Brown has been creating characters and stories for as long as she can remember. Her first stories were populated with her friends and sisters. She wrote her first novel in high school, and it happily resides in the forgotten depths of her file cabinet. Fast forward through college, serving in the US Army as a quartermaster officer, getting married, and increasing her blessings with three children...and Jo Ann sold her first book in 1987. Since it was published in 1988, she has sold over 100 titles and has become a best-selling and award-winning author. Romantic Times called her “a truly talented author.” She writes romance, mystery, and YA under a variety of pen names. Now she is writing Amish romances for Love Inspired and Annie’s Fiction as Jo Ann Brown.

Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages and are sold on every continent except Antarctica. A sought-after speaker, she has been teaching creative writing for over 20 years, and she established several popular fiction courses at Brown University. She resides in Florida with her husband and about a zillion little lizards in her yard.

https://www.joannbrownbooks.com/index.html

 

Their Amish Secret: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Amish Country Matches Book 2) by Patricia Johns

Book Details: 

Title:  Their Amish Secret

Series: Amish Country Matches Book 2

Author: Patricia Johns

Publisher: Love Inspired

Pages: 202

Release Date:  April 25, 2023

Genre: Amish Romance

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Book Description:

Could an unexpected visitor…

Be their family’s missing piece?

During a powerful rainstorm, the last person Claire Glick expects to find on her doorstep is the man who broke her heart. When Joel Beiler abandoned her with no explanation, Claire never told him she’d had his child. But he’s been searching for them since he learned about their son. As the roads flood, trapping Claire and Joel under one roof, could the love they once shared spring anew?

My Thoughts: Captured My Heart

Their Amish Secret has taken me on a wonderful emotional rollercoaster ride. In following Claire and Joel’s story, I felt pain and sadness, but also hopefulness and love. It is amazing to me how author, Patricia Johns, crafted this beautiful story in such a way that I was completely drawn to each character and felt what they were feeling. All together it makes for a beautiful story that completely captured my heart.

Joel is my hero for sure. I can’t even imagine all he went through and how difficult his journey has been. Just thinking about it had me in tears. And yet he remains a man of great faith with a beautiful spirit of love, caring, determination and integrity. 

As for Claire, it took me a quite a bit to like her. While I partially understood why she felt as she did, I just couldn’t empathize with her feelings and actions. It truly broke my heart, so, yes, it took time for me to warm up to her. Nevertheless, I kept my fingers crossed in hopes that she would see the light, and as she did, my heart was drawn to her. 

Secondary characters, Gloria and Ted, added to Claire and Joel’s story without overshadowing it. My heart went out to them as well, and I felt a real appreciation for their interactions and their words of wisdom. Add to that the role and contributions of the adorable Aaron and you have a wonderful story of love, second chances, faith, hope, and forgiveness that will surely touch your heart.

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About the Author: Patricia Johns

Publishers Weekly bestselling author Patricia Johns writes sweet romance for Harlequin Inc. and Kensington Books.

She writes from Alberta, Canada, where she lives with her husband and son.

  

Hallowed Ground: A Kate Burkholder Short Story by Linda Castillo

Book Details: 

Title:  Hallowed Ground

Series: Kate Burkholder Short Story

Author: Linda Castillo

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Pages: 75

Release Date:  April 25, 2023

Genre: Two-Hour Mystery/Thriller & Suspense Short Reads

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Book Description:

When a family dog brings home a human bone, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder finds herself on a desperate search for answers. Where did the bone come from? Who does it belong to? And perhaps most importantly, are the bones a result of foul play? With Halloween approaching, the unsettling questions garner uneasiness, rumors, and macabre theories among the residents of Painters Mill. Determined to get to the bottom of the case—and stop the ghost stories upsetting the town—Kate and her soon-to-be husband John Tomasetti embark on a sweeping investigation. Will their search for the source of the human remains uncover the truth? Or will it lead them to an even darker discovery buried on hallowed ground?

My Thoughts: Don't Miss Out

If you think you need a full length novel in order to get an action packed mystery that will keep you glued to the pages in order to figure out “who done it,” you haven’t been reading the right book. 

Read Linda Castillo’s short story, Hallowed Ground and you will find all of the mystery and intrigue that you find in her full length novels. Short doesn’t mean anything is missing from the mystery and intrigue that you enjoy in her other books. Pick this one up and don’t miss out. I highly recommend it. 

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About the Author:  Linda Castillo

Linda Castillo is the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Kate Burkholder series, set in the world of the Amish. The first book, Sworn to Silence, was adapted into a Lifetime original movie titled An Amish Murder starring Neve Campbell as Kate Burkholder. Castillo is the recipient of numerous industry awards including a nomination by the International Thriller Writers for Best Hardcover, the Mystery Writers of America’s Sue Grafton Memorial Award, and an appearance on the Boston Globe’s shortlist for best crime novel. In addition to writing, Castillo’s other passion is horses. She lives in Texas with her husband and is currently at work on her next book.

 

A Single Dad in Amish Country (The Butternut Amish B&B Book 2) by Patricia Johns

Book Details: 

Title:  A Single Dad in Amish Country

Series: The Butternut Amish B&B Book 2

Author: Patricia Johns

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Pages: 260

Release Date:  June 27, 2023

Genre: Amish Romance

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Book Description:

He wants security…
She wants the chance to fly

All single mom and soon-to-be commercial pilot Hazel Dobbs expects from her Amish B&B vacation is gorgeous farmland, fresh air and delicious food. No one mentioned handsome landscaper Joe Carter—or his irrepressible little girl. Suddenly Hazel sees the possibilities of a whole new family. But with her biggest dream finally on the horizon, falling in love looks like the ultimate crash landing…

My Thoughts: A Great Read

A single dad with a steadfast idea of what “perfect” is

A precious little girl with a void to fill and a knack for repeating what others say

A single mom beginning a new stage of life and about to fulfill a lifelong dream

At first glance, I wasn’t sure how the characters would click. Needless to say, little Lottie was a key player in many different ways. I loved how realistic the story was, especially with Lottie’s way of thinking, acting and responding. It was so spot on behavior of a child that age. It had me frustrated one minute, smiling the next and even laughing out loud more than once.  

I also loved how Hazel and Joe’s friendship evolved and how honest they were in their conversations with each other. Their openness and honesty with each other  was a breath of fresh air to observe as I followed their interactions and their growing relationship.  

Lastly, I enjoyed the intrigue factor that was a part of the story. It added a lovely touch to understanding Joe better and also intertwined perfectly into Hazel and Joe’s story.

Great characters, romance, humor, and intrigue  are just some of the things that  make this wonderful romance one that I highly recommend and one that you will definitely want to read for yourself.

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

Publishers Weekly bestselling author Patricia Johns writes sweet romance for Harlequin Inc. and Kensington Books.

She writes from Alberta, Canada, where she lives with her husband and son.

A Murder of Aspic Proportions (A Sunflower Café Mystery Book 2) by Amy Lillard

Book Details: 

Title: A Murder of Aspic Proportions 

Series: A Sunflower Café Mystery Book 2

Author: Amy Lillard

Publisher: Kensington Books

Pages: 259

Release Date:  

Genre: Amateur Sleuth Mysteries/Cozy Mystery

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Book Description:

Twenty-something Sissy Yoder never imagined herself running her Aunt Bethel’s café, but her help is needed, so she’s making a go of it. And she must admit that life in tiny Yoder has been anything but
dull–she’s already solved one homicide—after being named the prime suspect in the case! Enjoying a peaceful respite after all that excitement, Sissy just wants to write her advice column, hang out with her loyal Yorkie, Duke, and procure some of local farmer Walt Summers’ scrumptious “To Die For” tomatoes for the Sunshine Café’s menu. But when the unsavory Summers–resented by just about everyone in town–turns up murdered in his garden shed, it’s up to Sissy to roll up her sleeves, dig for some clues, and weed out the culprit . . .

My Thoughts: A Perfect Cozy Mystery

This was a perfect cozy mystery for sure! Sissy, Aunt Bethel and Duke make the perfect sleuths that kept me wondering "who done it" while keeping a smile on my face. While visualizing Aunt Bethel in a few of the situations had me laughing out loud, the mystery kept me guessing and took me quite some time to figure everything out. 

A Murder of Aspic Proportions is a cute mystery mixed with a little romance and some wonderful characters. Add to that some great quotes and you have a real winner 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: Amy Lillard

Amy loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family...and maybe homemade tacos...and nail polish. But reading and writing are definitely high on the list.

Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, two spoiled cats, and one very lazy beagle. Oh, and don't forget the stray kitty that has taken up residence on her front porch. ^..^

When she's not creating quirky characters and happy endings, she's chauffeuring her prodigy to guitar lessons, orchestra concerts and baseball practice. She has a variety of hobbies, but her favorite is whatever gets her out of housework.

Amy also writes contemporary romances under the pen name Amie Louellen.

An award winning author, Amy is a member of RWA and ACFW. She loves to hear from readers. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest. For links to the various sites, check her website: www.amylillardbooks.com.

  

Her Pretend Amish Boyfriend (Surprised by Love Book 5) by Rachel J. Good

Book Details: 

Title: Her Pretend Amish Boyfriend 

Series: Surprised by Love Book 5

Author: Rachel J. Good

Publisher: Zebra Books

Pages: 320

Release Date: June 27, 2023

Genre: Amish Romance

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Book Description:

Hiding a painful secret, valley newcomer Noah Riehl is looking for a fresh start with few complications.  He hopes his job at the Farmer’s Market will give him the quiet life he craves. But light-hearted Caroline Hartzler has other ideas. She practically falls in love with him at first sight. And when she asks Noah for a not-so-simple favor—and won’t take no for answer—he finds himself reluctantly agreeing . . .
 
Caroline refuses to listen to the gossip that has followed Noah into the valley, or even to her own daed’s warnings. She’s taken with Noah and his gentle, generous spirit. In fact, he’s the perfect person to help her discourage an unwanted suitor—by pretending they’re courting. Yet the more time they spend together, the more Caroline must remind herself that their relationship is just a temporary ruse. But she’s not the only one struggling. . . . Secretly, Noah’s feelings for Caroline deepen more than he thought possible, helping him renew his faltering faith. But when rumors about his past threaten to ruin them both, they must pray that the truth leads them to the blessed union they long for . . .

My Thoughts: A Great Story 

This was such a great story and one that had me connecting to its wonderful characters right off the bat.  

While some may disagree, Caroline was an absolute breath of fresh air. I loved how she had a directness of saying whatever came to mind while also having such a deep and caring nature. That may sound like an oxymoron, but in her case it’s true. Reigning in her directness and impulsivity causes her some difficulty, but watching her grow in doing so was sometimes funny and sometimes painful, but also inspiring. 

Noah touched my heart from the get go. There was some mystery revolving around him and his story, and I really wanted to find out what that was all about. Getting to know him and his story caused me moments of sadness, but also moments of joy, especially as I watched him and Caroline develop a beautiful friendship. Their story kept me turning pages to see how their relationship would continue to develop especially when some unexpected issues crept in. 

However, a major highlight for me was a revelation that Noah experienced which was unexpected and left me completely in awe. I was touched beyond words as it had me reflecting on how great God’s love and faithfulness truly are. The story is a wonderful combination of many rich elements that deeply touched my heart and will stay with me for quite some time. I highly recommend 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:  Rachel J. Good

USA Today bestselling author Rachel J. Good grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for many of her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel loves to travel and visit many different Amish communities. In searching for the best Amish soft pretzels, she's visited many Amish markets, auctions, and mud sales. Because of her love of Amish food, she tries to include recipes in her books as often as possible. When she's not traveling, she spends time with family and writing.

In addition to her Amish novels, she's written more than 60 books, including children's educational books, adult nonfiction, and fiction for children and teens under several pen names. To find out more about Rachel and her books, you can sign up for her newsletter: http://bit.ly/1qwci4Q

Rachel enjoys meeting readers and speaks regularly at book events, schools, libraries, churches, book clubs, and conferences across the country. She also loves talking about Amish life, using authentic Amish clothes and goods, and/or doing coloring parties.

You can connect with Rachel on her website (http://www.racheljgood.com) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/racheljgoodnovels).

Breaking McKinley’s Curse (The Mountain Protectors Book 2) by Mindy Steele

Book Details: 

Title: Breaking McKinley’s Curse

Series: The Mountain Protectors Book 2

Author: Mindy Steele

Publisher: Ally Press

Pages: 238

Release Date:  May 23, 2023

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

A Woman Cursed
Plagued by a century-long family curse, Mammoth Cave Wildlife Conservationist, Josie McKinley has a reason to distrust strangers. But when a charming Warden arrives with a hundred-year-old photo and a dog, Josie must face the past chasing her to make room for the future she's been waiting for.

A Man Searching
On leave from Virginia Fish and Wildlife, Reed Montgomery agrees to help his older brother with his biggest flip ever, converting an early eighteenth-century Baltimore church into apartments. Finding a mysterious secret room, an heirloom desk, and a hundred-year-old photo, compels Reed to travel deep into Kentucky cave country to seek out the family to which it belongs.

Uncovering the secrets surrounding Josie’s great-grandfather’s disappearance will prove impossible as a stranger from the north decides the past is better off hidden in this page-turning romantic suspense novel.

My Thoughts: Could Not Put It Down

The minute I started reading I knew I would not be putting the book down until I reached the end. The mystery factor and intrigue hit me right off the bat and that is all it took to keep me glued to the pages. 

One of the things I loved is how author, Mindy Steele, gives just enough clues to make me think I know where the story is going and then it completely goes in an unexpected direction, which of course, spurred me on all the more. 

I also loved the way the story moved from past to present at just the right moments and with just the right amount of clues to keep me guessing and keep me connected to see where it was going and what the characters were going through. I could not put it down.

As if the mystery wasn’t enough to catch my attention, the romance, faith messages and humor sealed the deal. Josie was something else with the burden she carried, making me feel extreme compassion for her. Reed was just plain awesome, and his caring and compassionate nature won me over from the start and completely touched my heart. Their blossoming relationship was a joy to watch. That along with the twists and turns of the mystery and the wonderful descriptions of Mammoth Caves the surroundings definitely made this a winner of a story that I could not put down, and it is definitely one that I highly recommend. 

I received an ARC, but was not required to give a review.  All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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About the Author:  Mindy Steele

Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele writes Amish Romance peppered in humor, using her rural surroundings as her muse. She is a best selling author and the winner of the 2022 FHLCW Reader's Choice award for sweet romance. Steele creates realistic characters for her readers and believes in engaging all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy ever after ending. Readers can find themselves, somewhere within her pages.

https://mindysteele.com