Their Surprise Reunion by Shelley Shepard Gray

Book Details: 

Title: Their Surprise Reunion 

Series: A Matchmaker Knows Best Romance Book 1

Author: Shelley Shepard Gray

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Release Date: April 29, 2025

Pages: 335  

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance

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Book Description:

Friendship can turn to more…

When you least expect it!

Kayla Harding knew she’d reached rock bottom when she forced herself to walk through the front doors of Loaves of Love, the food bank in Medina, Ohio, one Saturday morning. Happily, what she finds there is a loving community of people who offer her not just food, but friendship and hope. She also finds Sean Copeland, a former crush, father to six-year-old Jackson and small-town football coach, who volunteers at the food bank. But Kayla is still reeling from her divorce, and Sean is a recent widower. Can they find it in their hearts to fall in love again?

My Thoughts: Sweet Second-Chance Story

Kayla and Sean have had their share of difficulties, albeit for different reasons. They haven't seen each other since high school, but that all changes when they reconnect at Loaves of Love. While each of them is there for a different reason, it sparks a new beginning for them. That's when this sweet second-chance story takes off. 

And that's where my heart went, right along with Kayla and Sean. I followed their journey, which was at times sad, at times funny, at times reflective, and at times highly emotional, but completely endearing and heartfelt. Theirs is a wonderful story that should not be missed.

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.  

Smoky Mountain Escape by Rhonda Starnes

Book Details: 

Title:  Smoky Mountain Escape

Author: Rhonda Starnes

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: April 29, 2025

Pages: 210  

Genre: Christian Suspense

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Book Description:

Two killers on the loose

and threats around every corner…

Sheriff Heath Dalton accidentally stumbles upon two gunmen trying to hide a body in the Smoky Mountains and barely escapes with his life. And when traveling nurse Kayla Eldridge finds herself stranded in the stormy wilderness with Heath, she now has a target on her back. They must work together to navigate the treacherous terrain and evade the criminals who are tracking their every move. Can they outrun their merciless hunters before they both lose their lives?

My Thoughts: Action-Packed

This awesome, action-packed story will keep you guessing and turning pages to find out how it all turns out. Kayla and Heath's story is loaded with what seems to be one roadblock after another. As they try to stay ahead of their pursuers, they have to continually ramp up their game. In the process, their relationship begins to shift. Their story will keep you on your toes and holding your breath to see how it will all turn out.

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:  Rhonda Starnes

Rhonda Starnes is a retired middle school language arts teacher who dreamed of being a published author from the time she was in seventh grade and wrote her first short story. She lives in North Alabama with her husband, who she lovingly refers to as Mountain Man. They enjoy traveling and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Rhonda writes heart and soul suspense with rugged heroes and feisty heroines. 

An Amish Widow's Promise (Sweetbrier Creek Book 2) by Winnie Griggs

Book Details: 

Title: An Amish Widow's Promise 

Series: Sweetbrier Creek Book 2

Author: Winnie Griggs

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: April 29, 2025

Pages: 320  

Genre: Amish Romance 

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Book Description:

Widow Miriam Esh has to find a fiancé, or her overbearing bruder-in-law will sell her familye apple orchard. He’s already taken it upon himself to hire someone—likely another man presuming he knows what’s best for her land. But if she’s going to save it, Miriam must focus on finding a suitable husband, not on the new orchardist or on how good he is with her son, and definitely not on how his smile scatters her thoughts . . .

By the looks of things at the Esh estate, Daniel Beiler knows Miriam could use a hand. Only the stubborn widow doesn’t want to take any of his advice. Yet as they spend their days working side-by-side and sharing warm meals, Daniel and Miriam can’t deny the growing comfort in each other’s company. So when Miriam begins receiving attention from eligible men seeking a wife, Daniel must admit his feelings for her before it’s too late. With the promise that he’ll be the partner she can trust, can Daniel convince Miriam that he should also be the mann in her life?

My Thoughts: Touching and Heartfelt

This wonderful story of healing, forgiveness, new beginnings, family, faith, and love is beautiful! The message of how our past, our relationships, how we treat each other, and listening to God's voice truly shape and affect us resonates deeply. Watching Miriam and Daniel navigate all these issues was at times painful, but overall beautiful. All of this makes for a very touching and heartfelt 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: 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

  

Un Camino en el Desierto (IVP Bible Study Experience) (Spanish Edition of A Way in the Wilderness) by Kristel Acevedo

Detalles/Book Details: 

Título/Title: Un Camino en el Desierto/A Way in the Wilderness 

Autora/Author: Kristel Acevedo

Editor/Publisher: IVP Español

Fecha de Lanzamiento/Release Date:                                                              20 de mayo, 2025/May 20, 2025

Número de Páginas/Pages: 176  

Género/Genre: Christian Bible Study Guides

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Descripción del Libro/Book Description:

Si en algún momento te has sentido desconectado, perdido, lastimado o confundido y te has preguntado dónde está Dios, entonces has experimentado lo que Kristel Acevedo denomina una temporada de desierto. Y ella entiende porque ha experimentado su propia temporada de desierto de soledad, aislamiento y desesperación.

Pero Kristel quiere que sepamos que Dios está con nosotros en esas temporadas.

Usando los ejemplos de figuras bíblicas que han experimentado el desierto, este estudio de seis semanas nos recuerda que aunque estas temporadas pueden ser duras y solitarias, muchas veces también son periodos de preparación y crecimiento. De hecho, Dios nos encuentra y se revela a nosotros en nuestros momentos de oscuridad y pérdida, y Dios usa estas experiencias para transformarnos y renovar nuestras mentes.

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In the tumultuous journeys of life, there are moments that leave you feeling disconnected, lost, hurt, confused, and wondering where God is. A Way in the Wilderness by Kristel Acevedo offers a six-week Bible study designed for individuals or groups of any size, encouraging you that in those seasons of wilderness, God is with you.

Each week, Kristel leads readers through reflections on a biblical figure who faced their own wilderness―from the solitude of John the Baptist to the trials of the Israelites. Through these familiar stories, she draws parallels to life now, helping you see that amidst the struggles is often where God meets you most profoundly.

• Learn from the story of John the Baptist how strength in the wilderness comes from God, not yourself
• Experience alongside Hagar how God still sees and cares even though the world is broken
• See through the story of Adam and Eve how God covers your sins in Christ’s righteousness and offers hope for restoration in the midst of the wilderness
• Reflect on the journey of the Israelites and the importance of keeping your focus on God
• Delve into the life of Elijah to understand how God meets you even in the depths of despair
• Through studying Jesus’s experience, learn how the scriptures provide guidance to help you through the wilderness

Six weekly online teaching videos enhance your study, offering deeper insights. Whether you've felt the sting of isolation, the ache of lost direction, or the shadows of despair, A Way in the Wilderness will remind you that while you might not choose these experiences, they are opportunities for growth and reliance on a strength greater than your own.

Available in both English and Spanish, A Way in the Wilderness offers an invitation to meet God in the wilderness and to allow him to grow and transform you through it.

Mis Pensamientos/My Thoughts: Estudio Biblico/Bible Study

Este libro es un estudio bíblico de seis semanas sobre cómo afrontar los momentos arduos de la vida y cómo superarlos con la ayuda de Dios. Se centra en cómo Él nunca nos abandona, sin importar cuán difícil sea nuestra situación. También incluye un video, preguntas de estudio, ideas para la reflexión y versículos bíblicos que abordan los problemas y ofrecen apoyo para ayudar a las personas a superar sus desafíos. Los personajes bíblicos sirven como referencias y ejemplos de personas que enfrentaron desafíos y los superaron con la ayuda de Dios. Estos estudios de seis semanas son adecuados para estudios bíblicos grupales o individuales. El estudio ofrece esperanza para todos.

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

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This book is a 6-week Bible study about dealing with difficult times in life and how to work through and overcome them with God's help. It focuses on how He never leaves us, no matter how difficult our situation is. It also includes a video, study questions, reflection prompts, and Bible verses that address the issues and offer support to help individuals navigate their challenges. Bible characters serve as references and exemplars of individuals who faced challenges and triumphed over them with God's help. These six-week studies are suitable for group or individual Bible studies. The study offers hope for 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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Sobre la Autora/About the Author: Kristel Acevedo

Kristel Acevedo es la Directora de Formación Espiritual de la Iglesia Transformación en Carolina del Sur. Originaria de Miami e hija de inmigrantes, le apasiona el discipulado, la alfabetización bíblica, el ministerio multiétnico y ayudar a otros a desarrollar una perspectiva bíblica sobre la inmigración.

Kristel se graduó con una licenciatura en Psicología de la Universidad Internacional de Florida en 2007. Posteriormente, completó su Maestría en Artes del Seminario Southeastern en 2010. Actualmente, Kristel cursa su Doctorado en Ministerio en la Escuela de Posgrado de Wheaton College.

Kristel tiene el honor de estar casada con su esposo, Alex, y tienen dos hijos, Liam e Isabel.

Sigue a Kristel en redes sociales (@KristelAce) o en su sitio web: KristelAcevedo.com

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Kristel Acevedo is the Spiritual Formation Director at Transformation Church in South Carolina. Originally from Miami and the daughter of immigrants, she has a passion for discipleship, biblical literacy, multiethnic ministry, and helping others develop a biblical view on immigration.

Kristel graduated with a BA in Psychology from Florida International University in 2007. She went on to complete her Master of Arts from Southeastern Seminary in 2010. Kristel is currently working towards her Doctor of Ministry degree at Wheaton College Graduate School.

Kristel has the honor of being married to her husband, Alex, and they have two kids, Liam and Isabel.

Keep up with Kristel on social media (@KristelAce) or on her website: KristelAcevedo.com  

One Devotion a Day for Boys - Compiled by Barbour Staff

Book Details: 

Title: One Devotion a Day for Boys

Author: Compiled by Barbour Staff

Publisher: 

Release Date:

Pages: 384  

Ages: 8 - 12 years old

Genre: Young Children's (Boys) Devotional

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Book Description:

Knowing, understanding, and applying God's Word just makes life better. And this wisdom-filled devotional book encourages boys, ages 8 and up, to read, think about, and apply biblical truth to their lives every day of the year.One Devotion a Day for Boys addresses dozens of relatable topics like overcoming fear, making good choices, loving others, being generous, obeying God, keeping promises, and so much more. With each turn of the page, the boys in your life will come to know and understand how God is working—every day—to grow them into the faithful, brave young men He created them to be.

My Thoughts: Wonderful Devotional

This is a wonderful devotional for boys aged 8 to 12 years old. It includes a daily devotion for each day of the year. Each daily read is basic, but practical. It gives real-life scenarios with something to reflect on and apply. It also includes a Bible verse and prayer. The length and topic of each daily read are perfect for its target age group. There is also an index that connects the Bible readings to the devotions. 

This would make a great gift for a young boy. It would also be a great resource for parents to use with a young boy in this age group. It is also a great resource for having discussions about the readings.

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: Compiled by Barbour Staff

Barbour Publishing is a leading Christian book publisher offering bestselling books featuring exceptional value, biblical encouragement, and the highest quality. Barbour is the home of New York Times Bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter along with well-known fiction authors Gilbert Morris, Olivia Newport, Michelle Griep and many others. If your interest is Christian Living or Bible Reference, you'll find excellent titles by bestselling authors Josh McDowell, Jonathan McKee, Debora Coty, and Stephen M. Miller's The Complete Guide to the Bible. Barbour also publishes the top classic devotionals God Calling by A.J. Russell, and Come Away My Beloved by Frances J. Roberts. With inspirational Christian books available in all genres--fiction for adults and children, Bible Promise books, devotionals, Bibles, Bible reference, puzzle books, and gift books there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Enseñen Bien a Sus Hijos por Sarah Cowan Johnson (Traducido por Sofía Castillo y Livia Giselle Seidel)

Detalles del Libro/Book Details: 

Título/Title: Enseñen Bien a Sus Hijos 

Autora/Author: Sarah Cowan Johnson

Traducido Por/Translated by: Sofía Castillo                                                                                    Livia Giselle Seidel

Publicador/Publisher: IVP Español

Fecha de Lanzamiento/Release Date: 8 de abril, 2025

Páginas/Pages: 254  

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Descripción de Libro/Book Description:

La mitad de los estudiantes cristianos abandonan su fe al terminar la educación secundaria. ¿Cómo podemos educar a nuestros hijos para que su fe se mantenga firme a través de los años?

Sarah Cowan Johnson explica cómo los padres pueden desempeñar un papel de discipulado activo en el desarrollo de la fe de sus hijos, con ideas y estrategias apropiadas para las distintas edades y etapas del desarrollo. Además, ella muestra cómo podemos identificar momentos en que los niños experimentan una conexión con Dios, facilitar encuentros espirituales, esclarecer creencias emergentes y fomentar nuevos hábitos de fe en nuestros hijos.

Este manual, lleno de ejercicios y actividades para realizar en familia, es un recurso esencial para discipular a los niños con confianza y creatividad.

Mis Pensamientos/My Thoughts: ¡Excelente!

Este libro es excelente para padres. La información es muy práctica y fácil de implementar. Todo es basado en las Escrituras, en varios recursos y en las experiencias personales de la autora. Y como indica la autora, la información es para parejas, padres solteros, abuelos y más.

También me gustó que hay una sección donde divide la información según las edades, lo cual ayuda muchísimo. Pero lo que más me impactó es la importancia de la relación que uno tiene con sus hijos y el ejemplo que nosotros tenemos que ser para ellos. También hay preguntas de reflexión que ayudan a procesar la información presentada y ponerla en práctica. Recomiendo encarecidamente este libro a todos los padres, abuelos y cualquier persona que esté criando hijos. (El libro también está disponible en inglés.)

Gracias a NetGalley por proporcionarme este libro. Todos los comentarios y opiniones son voluntarios y completamente míos.//Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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Excellent!

This book is excellent for parents. The information is very practical and easy to implement. Everything is based on Scripture, various resources, and the author's personal experiences. And as the author indicates, the information is suitable for couples, single parents, grandparents, and more.

I also liked that there's a section that divides the information by age, which is incredibly helpful. But what struck me most is the importance of the relationship you have with your children and the example you must set for them. There are also reflection questions that help you process the information presented and put it into practice. I highly recommend this book to all parents, grandparents, and anyone raising children.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own. My review, comments, and opinions are based on the Spanish version of this book. However, the book is also available in English as Teach Your Children Well.

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Sobre la Autora/About the Author:  Sarah Cowan Johnson

Sarah Cowan Johnson es capacitadora, consultora y coach ministerial que trabaja con plantadores de iglesias, pastores y líderes ministeriales en todo Estados Unidos. Imparte seminarios para padres sobre discipulado familiar para ayudar a sus hijos a seguir el camino de Jesús. Sirvió en la Iglesia del Pacto Evangélico como pastora ejecutiva de la Iglesia Santuario en Providence, Rhode Island, y anteriormente fue capacitadora de personal y directora de área de InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Ella y su esposo tienen dos hijos y viven en Providence.

  

The Amish Widow's New Love (Indiana Amish Market Book 6) by Vannetta Chapman

Book Details: 

Title: The Amish Widow's New Love 

Series: Indiana Amish Market Book 6

Author: Vannetta Chapman

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: April 1, 2025

Pages: 215  

Genre: Amish Romance/Contemporary Christian Romance

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Book Description:

She thinks she’s done with romance

But love has other ideas…

When newly widowed Hope Lambright moves to Indiana with her three sons, the last thing on her mind is romance. And much like his new neighbor, widower Amos Yoder thought love was part of his past. But when Hope boldly asks Amos for a job at his Amish outdoor market, he finds he can’t say no, and soon their professional relationship blossoms into something more. They’ve both loved and lost once. Will they be brave enough to risk their hearts for a second time? 

My Thoughts: Loved This Story!

I absolutely loved this story! Amos and Hope's story is so much more than just a story of romance and faith. It deals with many real-life issues that are not dealt with very often. 

Changes, effects, and difficulties associated with new stages of life

Changes, effects, and difficulties of starting over in the unfamiliar

The importance of community support

Effects and difficulties associated with unexpected situations, regardless of the person's age

Difficulties young people face, especially in trying to deal with changes

Tough love

Although I know these issues are dealt with in other stories, author Vanneta Chapman's descriptive writing brings them so much to life that it makes the reader feel every bit of what the characters are going through. And though this does come up often, I love that this story deals with a second chance at love during a later stage in life rather than at a young age. 

All of this makes for a wonderful and endearing story that should not be missed.

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

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About the Author: Vannetta Chapman

Vannetta Chapman is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 50 full length novels, plus various novella collections.

She has sold more than one million copies and has written for Abingdon Press, Harvest House Publishers, Harper Collins Christian Publishing, and Love Inspired. She also publishes dystopian and technothrillers independently. Chapman has received numerous awards including the ACFW Carol Award for best mystery (Falling to Pieces), and Christy Award finalist (Anna's Healing).

Chapman received an MA degree in English from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has 20 years of experience as a high school teacher as well as an adjunct college professor. She also speaks to writing groups on how to get published, plotting your novel, what's in a mystery, how to acquire an agent, and more.

Chapman is currently a full-time writer and makes her home in the Texas Hill Country. She is represented by Nicole Resciniti of the Seymour Literary Agency.  

Lizzie's Little Mouse (The Heart of the Amish Book 8) by Anne Blackburne

Book Details: 

Title: Lizzie's Little Mouse 

Series: The Heart of the Amish Book 8

Author: Anne Blackburne

Publisher: Barbour

Release Date: April 1, 2025

Pages: 256  

Genre: Amish Romance

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Book Description:

Lizzie Has Dreams That Won’t Be Deterred
 
Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.
 
Ever since attending a wedding in Louisiana, Lizzie Miller has been fascinated by French baked goods. With permission of her parents and bishop, she did a two-year internship in a French bakery in New Orleans. When a local Amish bakery became available, she bought it and opened her own French inspired bakery.
 
But now someone wants her out of business. During her grand opening, a strange man accosts her, then a brick is tossed through her window wrapped in a note telling her to leave. Someone breaks into her apartment above the bakery, and her cat chases the intruder out.
 
With the help of her friends, Lizzie will get to the bottom of why someone wishes her to fail. And at the same time, she’ll realize that sometimes dreams can be fulfilled with what—or who—was always close at hand, just waiting to be noticed.

My Thoughts: Joy to Read

The story is such a wonderful mix! It is a mix of some long-standing relationships between friends that become even more solidified through work but also through a mystery that gets them working together in a different way. Through it all, one relationship takes on an entirely new direction, which is quite endearing and entertaining. Along the way, many sweet and funny occurrences had me laughing out loud more than once, making the story all the more captivating. When you add the mystery, romance, and faith together, along with one very intuitive little feline, you have a great story that is a joy to read. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for 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.