Orange Blossom Cafe: Christian Contemporary Romance novella (American State Flower) by T. I. Lowe

Book Description:

What happens when a new restaurant opens right next door to your café? 

Sabotage it, of course! 

Well, that’s what Aiden O’Connell thought until she tangles one too many times with the charismatic Phillip Moreau. Between their wild run-ins and her new craving for caramels, Aiden may have finally met her match. 

Recipe for a Witty Romantic Tale 

Take one stubborn-minded heroine. Add a serving of spice with one flirty hero, who has no trouble holding his own against her feistiness. Mix in hilarious sabotages that slightly miss the mark and an amusing dash of mischief. Don’t forget to resolve the angst with an anticipated kiss. 

Recipe Tip: Be sure to balance the portions of tension and chemistry in order to whip up the sweetest, love-inspiring result. 

Recipe Included

Literature & Fiction > Religious & Inspirational Fiction > Romance

My Thoughts:

This is my first book by author T. I. Lowe, but it definitely won't be my last.  What a lovely, refreshing, fun, romantic, inspirational, and entertaining read!  Although it was a short read, it moved along at a good pace without feeling rushed.  I loved the interactions and pranks between the main characters, Aiden and Fisher, although I truly wanted to smack Aiden upside the head more than once.  She was truly getting on my last nerve and annoying me to no end.  However, that's just one of the things that made the story so enjoyable.  And of course my favorite part? The HEA ending.  Loved it!

About the Author:

T.I. Lowe is a southern belle that resides on a small farm hidden in the boonies near coastal South Carolina. Most days you can easily find T.I. in her kitchen, whipping up homemade treats for her babies and neighbors or glued to her computer keyboard. She enjoys drifting away in the fictitious world of the latest novel while bathing in the warm southern sunshine with a glass of iced tea in hand.

"I am running with patience the race set before me, looking unto Jesus, my author and finisher of my faith."

She is currently working on the Coming Home Again Series.

Information and Excerpts are available on her website: tilowe.com

She would love to hear from you!! 

ti.lowe@yahoo.com

twitter: https://twitter.com/TiLowe

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/T.I.Lowe/?fref=ts

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Hope in the Land (Amish Turns of Time Book 4) by Olivia Newport

Book Description:

When Henry Edison turns up in Lancaster County to survey farm women about their domestic contributions during the 1930s, the last thing Amish housewife Gloria Grabill has time for is the government agent’s unending questions. Gloria’s hands are already full with a farm to run alongside her husband, a houseful of children, and an English neighbor, Minerva Swain, who has been trying Gloria’s patience for forty years. Gloria’s oldest daughter, Polly, wants nothing more than the traditional path of an Amish farmer’s wife, but everything she does seems to push Thomas Coblentz further away. While the Great Depression shadows the country in gloom, can Amish and English neighbors in Lancaster County grasp the goodness that will sustain hope?

My Thoughts:

Ever since reading my first Olivia Newport book, Accidentally Amish (Valley of Choice Book 1), I realized that the author writes a very different type of story.  One of the main differences is that Ms. Newport’s writing is outside of the box.  None are a cookie cutter format, which maker her writing very refreshing.  

Her series, Amish Turns of Time, is a wonderful series, and Hope in the Land is a great addition to it.  The author incorporates a history lesson into a story of hope, romance, intrigue, mystery, overcoming obstacles, forgiving, and faith,.  The author combines these elements flawlessly in a way that keeps the reader enthralled up to the very end, and that is no easy feat.  

As a reader, I enjoy reading historical fiction from the the old west era.  However, I always bypasses any other era, especially the Depression.  And yet, once I began reading Hope in the Land, I didn’t put it down until I had read the very last word.  That’s how much it grabbed me and sucked me in.  I even learned a few things that I didn’t know had occurred during that time.  So, not only did I enjoy the story immensely, I also learned a few things in the process.

Part of Hope in the Land focuses on the forty year trying relationship between Amish Gloria Grabill and Englisher Minerva Swain.  However, more of the story focuses on Polly Grabill, Gloria’s daughter.  I really enjoyed seeing how unique Polly is and how that factored into her relationship with her family, friends, Thomas Coblentz, and Englisher Henry Edison.  While all of the characters had their special place in the story, l loved Polly’s character and her uniqueness the most.  It added a whole new dimension to the story.  All in all, Hope in the Land is a perfectly blended story that is a joy to read and one that will keep you guessing up to the very end.

****While Hope in the Land is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone.

*****I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions and viewpoints are my own.

http://amzn.to/1NT519Q

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About the Author:

Olivia Newport's novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. She chases joy in Colorado, where daylilies grow as tall as she is. Her husband and two twenty-something children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books.

Just Plain Sadie (A Wells Landing Romance) by Amy Lillard

Book Description:

The Amish of Wells Landing, Oklahoma, treasure their close-knit community, and the promise of their growing families. But one young woman is struggling to choose a future that is true to both her heart and her faith…

Everyone in Wells Landing has long expected Sadie Kauffman and Chris Flaud to marry--despite Sadie's telling them differently. While she loves Chris, it is more as a friend than a husband. Yet at twenty-two, the plainest girl in her group, Sadie is also the only one who is still single. Perhaps it's time to be practical and marry Chris--though he still has not asked. But when Sadie meets a kind, handsome Mennonite, it seems her prayers have been answered… 

With Ezra Hein, Sadie at last feels the joy she nearly gave up on. Unfortunately, others only feel shock that she would consider marrying an outsider. To complicate matters, Chris has finally begun talking to Sadie about their future. Distressed, Sadie will have to search her heart to recognize God's marvelous gifts to her--and find the courage to accept them, challenges and all…

My Thoughts:

I’ve read all of the books in Amy Lillard’s Wells Landing Romance series and have loved each one.  Oklahoma isn’t a place where one would typically think of as having an Amish community.  However, it is clear that the author has done her research on the subject.  The way she writes about the community draws you in so much that you can visualize every detail.  I can just imagine seeing an Amish man, or woman, riding down the road on their tractors. What a sight that must be!

Aside from the wonderful descriptive scenes, Just Plain Sadie takes you on a rush of emotions.  One minute I was excited for her, the next I was worried about what she would do…a real roller coaster ride.  It had so many aspects to it.  There was love, friendship, pain, soul searching, humor, suspense, hope, biases, overcoming, and so much more.  Amy Lillard flawlessly meshed all of those together into a beautiful story.  Nothing was too over the top or not enough.  I also loved how characters from other books in the series were also part of Just Plain Sadie.  The author gave just enough background information without letting it take over Sadie’s story.  All in all, Just Plain Sadie is a great addition to the Wells Landing series, and one you won’t want to miss.

**Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone.

*****I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions and viewpoints are my own.

http://amzn.to/239GwvR

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About the Author:

Amy Lillard is an award-winning writer who loves reading romance novels from contemporary to Amish. These two genres met in her first book, 2012's "Saving Gideon." Born and bred in Mississippi, she now lives with her husband and son in Oklahoma.

More About the Author:  Biography

I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son-a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels-not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I love to write inspirational romances. The two go hand-in-hand for me.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.)

Favorite movies-(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940′s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's.

Perspectives By Nancee: "Love in Store"(An Amish Market Novella)by Vannett...

Perspectives By Nancee: "Love in Store"(An Amish Market Novella)by Vannett...: "Love in Store" (An Amish Market Novella) by Vannetta Chapman Description It’s never too late for love, but...

#692 - 'Trust In You' by Lauren Daigle

#692 - 'Trust In You' by Lauren Daigle: Lauren Daigle talks about walking through questions and doubt to come to a place of affirming the truths in this song.

My Thoughts on "Trust In You" by Lauren Daigle

Where to begin?  Well, it's plain and simple.  I ab-so-lute-ly-love-love-love this song.  I heard it on the radio and immediately stopped what I was doing to pay close attention to the lyrics.  Once it was over, I found it on YouTube and played it over again and again and again.  This song just cuts right to the heart of things.  

Most of us have a constant need to be in control of things in our lives.  It's just human nature to be that way. This song reminds us that we are not in control.  God is.  No matter how we want things to be, God in His omniscience, knows all things.  He knows when it's time to move the mountains, part the waters, and give the answers.  Our job is to trust in Him.   

So, as I listen to the song, I don't just focus on the lyrics.  I also focus on God's Word and I remember to always trust Him.  

Proverbs 3:5-6 (Amplified Bible)  

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him,
And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

Lyrics "Trust In You" by Lauren Daigle*

Letting go of every single dream
I lay each one down at Your feet
Every moment of my wandering
Never changes what You see

I've tried to win this war I confess
My hands are weary I need Your rest
Mighty Warrior, King of the fight
No matter what I face, You're by my side

When You don't move the mountains I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!

Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings
There's not a day ahead You have not seen
So, in all things be my life and breath
I want what You want Lord and nothing less

When You don't move the mountains I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!

You are my strength and comfort
You are my steady hand
You are my firm foundation; the rock on which I stand

Your ways are always higher
Your plans are always good
There's not a place where I'll go, You've not already stood

When You don't move the mountains I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!

I will trust in You!

*http://artists.letssingit.com/lauren-daigle-lyrics-trust-in-you-4r2w647#axzz40BvOR3S7

More Than Friendship by Amy Lillard

Book Description:

Love is worth every challenge.

Woven deeply into the Amish community of Wells Landing, Oklahoma, a women’s quilting circle is a place to share everything from recipes to hopes and dreams, especially when love is in the air...

The youngest member of the quilting circle, Clara Rose Yutzy has her whole life ahead of her. And it’s just beginning, with plans for a wedding to her longtime beau, Thomas Lapp. Everything is falling into place, which is why Clara Rose resolutely ignores her newly warm feelings for her best friend, Obidiah Brennaman. There’s never been a hint of romance between them, and no reason to pay attention to such nonsense now...

Steady, sturdy Obie feels differently. He’s never thought too hard about his future, but the news that Clara Rose is about to be married is strangely unsettling. Convincing Clara Rose to take another look at their friendship may not be easy, but Obie is certain God intends for them to be together. He’ll do whatever he must to make Clara Rose see how much he loves her, and with the Lord’s help, before it’s too late…

My Thoughts:

In More Than a Friend, Amy Lillard brings us back to Wells Landing, Oklahoma, where she introduces us to some new characters while reconnecting us with others.  One of the new characters is Clara Rose Yutzy, a young woman who is soon to marry Thomas Lapp.  Clara is excited about her upcoming wedding until her best friend, Obidiah Brennaman, tells her he has a bad feeling about it.  This announcement doesn’t sit well with Clara, and she can’t understand why Obie would say such a thing.  Obie offers no reason for what he said, but continues telling her he has bad feelings about the upcoming marriage.  While Clara and Obie have been the best of friends forever, Obie’s declaration ends up causing a bit of a strain on their relationship as well as her relationship with Thomas.  What is Clara to do? 

More Than a Friend is not just a lovely, sweet romance, but also a story of faith, friendship, determination, and sacrifice, thus making it a very enjoyable and worthwhile read.  

http://amzn.to/1nKxOky

*****I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions and viewpoints are my own.