A New Love for Charlotte (A Wells Landing Romance Book 11) by Amy Lillard

Book Description:

Renewed faith and happiness await three generations of women in this heartwarming series from Amy Lillard, set in the Oklahoma Amish community of Wells Landing . . .

 

With her daughter newly married, widow Charlotte Burkhart should have been content to find a companion for her later years in Amish widower Glenn Esh. Yet, Charlotte longs for more than life has offered her thus far. When she discovers a baby on her doorstep, the child seems like the miracle Charlotte’s been praying for.  Unfortunately, Glenn doesn’t feel the same way. What’s a single woman aching to experience motherhood once more to do?

 

From the moment Paul Brenneman sees Charlotte Burkhart with a new baby, he senses his lovely neighbor and the sweet child are meant to be. Which is why he offers to marry Charlotte and make her adoption dreams come true. No stranger to heartache himself, the stalwart widower knows second chances don’t happen every day—especially not with a woman like Charlotte, the first woman in a long time who has him taking a leap of faith that happily-ever-after is still possible . . .

 

About the Author:

Amy Lillard is an award-winning author of over forty novels and novellas ranging from Amish romance and mysteries to contemporary and historical romance. Since receiving a Carol Award for her debut novel, Saving Gideon (2012), she has become known for writing sweet stories filled with family values, honest characters, a hometown feel and close-knit communities. She is a member of RWA, ACFW, NINC, and the Author's Guild. Born and bred in Mississippi, she now lives with her husband and son in Oklahoma. Please visit her online at www.AmyWritesRomance.com.

My Thoughts:  A Real Winner 

Charlotte is a widow who lives with her mother-in-law, Nadine. Charlotte has been having difficulty adjusting to various changes in her life. Her daughter’s recent marriage and Nadine’s possible upcoming marriage have Charlotte feeling sad as she faces the prospect of being alone. She is saddened even more when she receives information about further changes that she will have to face. Charlotte continues to struggle with these situations while opening her heart to finding love. 

Just when things seem to be moving along for Charlotte, she receives a very unexpected surprise. A baby is left at her doorstep. The arrival of the baby is a game changer that results in Charlotte having to do some deep digging into her new found love, her faith and God’s will.

I found this story to be extremely heartwarming. Its messages of love, trust, faith, and hope tugged at my heartstrings and completely pulled me in. Any story that can do that is a real winner in my book (no pun intended), and that’s exactly what A New Love for Charlotte is, a real winner. 

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

The Baby Next Door (Indiana Amish Brides Book 7) by Vannetta Chapman

 Book Description:

Some secrets are harder to keep…in this novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Vannetta Chapman

Can she help her neighbor

without exposing the truth?

When Amish single mother Grace Troyer and her baby girl move back home, Adrian Schrock can’t resist the little family next door. But his plan to nudge Grace out of her shell by asking her to cook for Englischers on his farm tour doesn’t go over well. After all, Grace is worried the job will expose secrets she hopes to keep buried…

About the Author:

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She is the author of over twenty novels, including the Pebble Creek Amish series, Shipshewana Amish Mystery Series, and Plain and Simple Miracle series. Vannetta is a Carol award winner, a Christy finalist, and she also received more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She currently writes Christian suspense, Amish romance, and Amish mystery. She was a teacher for 15 years and resides in the Texas hill country. For more information, visit her at: 

webpage -- www.VannettaChapman.com 

blog -- http://vannettachapman.com/blog

facebook -- www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks

pinterest -- http://pinterest.com/vannettachapman

instagram -- https://instagram.com/vannettachapman

twitter -- https://twitter.com/VannettaChapman

My Thoughts:

The Baby Next Door is the seventh book in Vannetta Chapman’s Indiana Amish Brides series.  One of the things that makes this series so enjoyable is the uniqueness of each story line. Another is the unfolding of each story.  Although the reader has an idea of how the story will end, the journey that Ms. Chapman takes the reader on to get to that end is absolutely delightful. 

Grace and Adrian have very different ways of looking at things, and thus their interactions are often quite entertaining.  However, at other times their interactions are very heart felt which helps the reader understand and connect with the characters so much more.  And then there is Nicole.  Her contributions to Grace and Adrian’s story are just so sweet.   

The story contains romance, faith, and forgiveness.  It also brings up topics of reflection such as judging others and the effects of it.  On a lighter note, the story also has contributions by some very interesting two legged and four legged characters which add a wonderful touch of humor to the story.  All of this together makes The Baby Next Door a beautiful and delightful story that you are sure to enjoy.  

****I received a copy of this book, but I was not required to write a positive review.  All comments and opinions are my own. 

The Amish Secret Wish (Hidden Springs Book 3) by Laura V. Hilton

 Book Description:

The third book in the sweet and charming Hidden Springs series from award-winning author Laura V. Hilton.  Waitress Hallie Brunstetter has a secret: she writes a popular column for her Amish paper under the pen name GHB. When Hallie receives a letter from a reader asking to become her pen pal, she reluctantly agrees. She can’t help but be drawn to the compassionate stranger, never expecting him to show up in Hidden Springs looking for GHB . . . or for him to be quite so handsome in real life. But after losing her beau in a tragic accident, Hallie won’t risk her heart—or her secrets—again.

If Kiah didn’t already feel so connected to GHB, Hallie would be a perfect wife—and it seems most of Hidden Springs’s would-be matchmakers agree! Though Hallie is peculiarly opposed to uncovering GHB’s true identity, she understands Kiah almost as well as his mystery pen pal. The longer he searches for GHB, the more Kiah finds himself hoping Hallie will be holding the pen that first captured his heart. But will Hallie ever trust Kiah with the truth about her identity . . . and her feelings for him?

About the Author:

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning author with more than twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she's not writing, she reviews books and writes devotionals for Seriously Write.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas.

When she's not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, and her favorite holiday is Christmas.

To learn more about Laura, read her reviews, and find out about her upcoming releases, readers may visit:

lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com

www.familyfiction.com/authors/laura-v-hilton

www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q

booksbylaura.blogspot.com

My Thoughts:  Enjoyable and Entertaining

Hallie Brunstetter writes for an Amish newspaper.  Because the identity of the scribe has to be kept secret, Hallie uses the pen name GHB. 

One morning Hallie’s mother informed her that their houseguests were accompanied by their son. Hallie was very happy that she would be able to show the young boy around the farm.  However, much to her surprise, the young boy turns out to be a young man, and a very handsome one at that.  

Kiah Esh and GHB have been pen pals for some time,  and although Kiah has never met her and has no idea who she is, he feels a very strong connection to her.  Therefore, he has come to Hidden Springs in search of  GHB.  However, upon meeting Hallie and spending time with her, he finds himself hoping for the possibility that maybe, just maybe, Hallie and GHB are one and the same.  

As Kiah embarks on his search for GHB, Hallie puts roadblocks in his way to avoid being discovered.  Despite  her efforts, Kiah isn’t deterred and their relationship begins to develop.  As it does, and as Kiah continues his search, he takes the time to perform acts of kindness for others.  Unfortunately, many of his acts of kindness don't quite work out as planned, resulting in some very funny situations that had me smiling and laughing.  The humor accompanied by romance and a message of faith added just the right balance to the story making this a very enjoyable and entertaining read.  

***I received a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my freely given, honest review.  All comments and opinions are strictly my own.

An Amish Winter (Love Inspired) by Vannetta Chapman and Carrie Lighte

Book Description:

Can love warm their hearts?

Snowstorms and babies bring couples together

in these two sweet Amish novellas.

In Vannetta Chapman’s Stranded in the Snow, widowed single mother Faith Yoder and her baby find temporary refuge from a snowstorm with Elijah King’s generous help. And in Caring for the Amish Baby by Carrie Lighte, after her trip south for the winter is delayed, Amish spinster Leah Zehr must work with Jonathan Rocke to care for her sick friend’s baby.

From Harlequin Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

My Thoughts:     Two Wonderful Novellas

Stranded in the Snow by Vannetta Chapman

Elijah King has set a very important plan and timeline for himself. When he meets Faith Yoder, he is pretty sure she will play a part in his plans. However, our plans don't always turn out the way we expected, especially since Faith and Elijah see eye to eye on very little. This fact just may put a slight damper on Elijah's plans. 

Caring for the Amish Baby by Carrie Lighte 

Leah Zehr has her entire vacation mapped out and she can’t wait for it to begin. However, Leah has just a slight detour that she needs to take before her long awaited vacation begins. That’s the plan, or rather it was the plan. One thing is for sure.  Leah is absolutely certain that Jonathan Rocke is most definitely not part of the plan.

An Amish Winter is comprised of two novellas that share quite a few common threads. First, the pacing was just right. Neither story felt rushed, and the characters and plots were well developed. Second, they each have romance, humor, sadness, as well as a message of faith, and these themes are well balanced throughout the stories. Third, each story brings up how no matter what our plans are, we need to always seek God’s will. When we do that, we will find that His plans will always be far better than anything we could ever think or imagine. The authors have each created beautiful stories that will entertain you and bless you making these two wonderful novellas that you won’t want to miss.

****I received a copy of this book, but I was not required to write a positive review. All comments and opinions are my own. 

The Amish Christmas Gift (Hidden Springs Book 2) by Laura V. Hilton

                                     

Book Description:

Past relationships and close quarters stir up old emotions, making Christmas the perfect time for a magical connection in this heartwarming second chance Amish romance.

Elsie Miller has witnessed -- and experienced -- Levi Wyse's forgetfulness too many times to count. But even after they broke things off, Elsie never forgot the handsome Amish toymaker or her love for him. So when Levi's sister asks her to help keep him organized for the busy Christmas season, Elsie agrees. But she didn't expect working alongside Levi to reignite those old feelings.

Secretly, Levi's heart will always belong to Elsie. But she deserves a better man, one who isn't so absentminded . . . or responsible for a terrible tragedy. Now, she's at his workshop every day and as Christmas draws near, his reasons for staying away become harder and harder to remember. Will the spirit of Christmas heal past hurts and give Elsie and Levi the greatest gift of all: a future together?

My Thoughts:  A Heartfelt Story

I love happy endings.  So just about every book I read is predictable in the sense that there will be a happy ending.  Quite frankly, if I didn’t think that would be the end result, I wouldn’t bother reading it.  Even though I know the story I’m reading will have a happy ending, I look forward to the journey in getting to that happy ending. That’s what makes a story, and that is something that Laura Hilton is a master of in her writing.

The journey that Elsie and Levy take is inspiring, romantic, fun, surprising, and moving.  I love how the author entwines a spiritual message in her stories.  In this case, the faith based messages involved Levy’s struggle for forgiveness and Elsie’s struggle to trust God’s will.  Between the funny moments, the romantic moments, and the surprising moments that were snuck into the story every so often, there were reflective moments where I was able to identify with Elsie and Levy’s feelings and struggles of what God wanted for them.  

The story also includes a variety of interesting supporting characters.  They were integral to the story and added much to the fun and romance.  Although they enhanced the story, they did so without overshadowing the main characters.

Ms. Hilton has again written an entertaining and inspirational story where entertainment and inspiration are well balanced. There isn’t too much of one or too much of the other.  The combination is just right making The Amish Christmas Gift a wonderful heartfelt story that will entertain you, bless you and inspire you to try out some new recipes that are included in the story. Enjoy!

About the Author:

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning author with more than twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she's not writing, she reviews books and writes devotionals for Seriously Write.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas.

When she's not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, and her favorite holiday is Christmas.

To learn more about Laura, read her reviews, and find out about her upcoming releases, readers may visit:

lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com

www.familyfiction.com/authors/laura-v-hilton

www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q

booksbylaura.blogspot.com

The Amish Christmas Secret (Indiana Amish Brides Book 6) by Vannetta Chapman

 Book Description:

All she wants for Christmas is the truth.

A struggling Amish woman. Her mysterious new neighbor.

And a secret that could change everything…

Becca Schwartz’s curiosity is going to be a problem. When Amish secret millionaire Daniel Glick moves to Shipshewana for seclusion, he doesn’t expect his pretty new neighbor to ask so many questions. Or to be so generous, despite her family’s poverty. As Daniel falls for Becca, his secret looms between them. This Christmas, can he finally give her the truth…and his heart?

About the Author:

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She is the author of over twenty novels, including the Pebble Creek Amish series, Shipshewana Amish Mystery Series, and Plain and Simple Miracle series. Vannetta is a Carol award winner, a Christy finalist, and she also received more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She currently writes Christian suspense, Amish romance, and Amish mystery. She was a teacher for 15 years and resides in the Texas hill country. For more information, visit her at: 

webpage -- www.VannettaChapman.com 

blog -- http://vannettachapman.com/blog

facebook -- www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks

pinterest -- http://pinterest.com/vannettachapman

instagram -- https://instagram.com/vannettachapman

twitter -- https://twitter.com/VannettaChapman

My Thoughts:

A book that teaches me a lesson or leaves me thinking about it long after I’ve finished reading it are just two of the qualities I enjoy when I read a book. And those are just a few of the characteristics that made“The Amish Christmas Secret” so enjoyable for me.  

The main characters, Becca Schwartz and Daniel Glick, each has their own  ideas about limited finances and privacy. While Daniel works at embracing all that would indicate that he has very limited financial resources, Becca is always looking for ways to help her family’s limited financial situation.  While Daniel desperately desires privacy, Becca desperately desires to know all there is about Daniel Glick, so much so that she eventually hatches a plan to find out all she can about Daniel.  

I pause at this point, because this brings me to the first thing that I enjoyed about the book; it taught me a lesson.  What lesson you ask?  Well, I really did not like Becca very much.  I found her annoying.  She was consumed with the desire to know all there was about Daniel and just wouldn’t back down.  What did I learn from this?  Author Vannetta Chapman taught me that first impressions could be wrong and that we should not be judgmental especially when we don’t understand where the person is coming from.  While I know this in real life, I forgot to apply it to the story.  The author flawlessly helped me see Becca’s behavior through Daniel’s perspective, and that was the switch that turned off annoying Becca and let me see her as a sweet  and loving young woman that just wants the best for her family.

Along with the lesson I learned, the story was very entertaining.  Some of the entertainment came from Becca’s dad and his jokes.  They put a smile on my face every time.

“Who was the smartest man in the Bible?  Abraham.  He knew a Lot.”

Along with her dad’s jokes, Becca and her creative efforts at entrepreneurism also kept me smiling.  The story also has romance along with messages of forgiveness, encouragement, faith and new beginnings all of which make the story so uplifting.  

“…even when we have trouble believing, even when our faith fails, Gotte is faithful…It’s a thing that pricks our hearts and eases the burden on our shoulders…so Gotte does for us…if we are willing to let Him carry that which troubles us.” 

And that quote brings me to the other quality that I like in a book. It left me pondering many things long after I had finished reading it, so much so that I think I just may adopt Daniel’s habit of what to do with those ponderings.  What habit is that you ask?  Well, I guess you’ll just have to read the book to find out. 

 

****I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All comments and opinions are my own.

An Amish Husband for Tillie (Amish of Pontotoc) by Amy Lillard

 Book Description:

For the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi, all roads lead to faith, family, and tradition, even when the path is unconventional—especially at Christmas . . .

 

Tillie Gingerich is so in love with Melvin Yoder that she agrees to leave her conservative Amish home to live with him in the English world. But when the struggle to make ends meet leads to conflict, and reveals troubling weaknesses in their relationship, Tillie returns to Pontotoc—pregnant and unmarried. Her loving family accepts her, but to convince the rest of the community, they must turn to the bishop. Distraught, Tillie runs away on Christmas Eve—only to get as far as an isolated house on the edge of town.

 

Levi Yoder, Melvin’s upright distant cousin, is grieving the loss of his wife and wants to be alone. He is hardly pleased to open his door and find a pregnant woman––a painful reminder of all he’s lost. But with an ice storm approaching, he can’t turn Tillie away. Yet as morning nears, the miracle of Christmas brings unexpected challenges, opportunities—and promises for

the future . . . 

About the Author:

Amy Lillard is an award-winning author of over forty novels and novellas ranging from Amish romance and mysteries to contemporary and historical romance. Since receiving a Carol Award for her debut novel, Saving Gideon (2012), she has become known for writing sweet stories filled with family values, honest characters, a hometown feel and close-knit communities. She is a member of RWA, ACFW, NINC, and the Author's Guild. Born and bred in Mississippi, she now lives with her husband and son in Oklahoma. Please visit her online at www.AmyWritesRomance.com.

My Thoughts:

I often read reviews where one of the comments used over and over again is, “The story was so predictable.”  Generally when this comment is used, it is used in a negative connotation, as in, “Don’t read it.  Don’t waste your time.”  However, that isn’t my way of thinking.  I feel that even when I can predict that all will end with a happy ending, the fun in reading the story is in the “how” it’s going to end up with a happy ending.  What is the sequence of events that will take the story from point A to the “predictable” ending? This turns the predictable to unpredictable, and that’s what makes a story so enjoyable, the unpredictable how. Such is the case with An Amish Husband for Tillie. 

This is one time where I feel that giving details about the story will spoil the main characters’ journeys.  Therefore, I refuse to go down that rabbit hole.  What I can say is this.  Tillie and Levi’s journeys will have you turning pages to see what is happening next.  It will draw you into the story in a way that will feel like you’re there experiencing everything with them.  There are funny parts and sad parts.  There are times where you’ll become frustrated, yet other times where you’ll feel happy and hopeful.  Through the emotional roller coaster ride that the story will take you on, what comes through over and over is a story of 

hope, forgiveness, trust in God, and new beginnings.  Enjoy the ride.

You won’t be disappointed. 

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