The Amish Matchmaker's Choice: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Redemption's Amish Legacies Book 6) by Patricia Johns

Book Details:

Title:  The Amish Matchmaker's Choice

Series:  Redemption's Amish Legacies Book 6

Author:  Patricia Johns

Publisher:  Love Inspired

Pages:  203

Release Date:  May 24, 2022 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Even a matchmaker can’t predict true love…

She has to find him a bride

unless she falls for him first…

Widow Adel Draschel refuses to marry again, but that won’t stop her from playing matchmaker for her old schoolmate Jake Knussli. After a decade with the English, Jake’s six-month time limit to marry so he can inherit his uncle’s farm is quickly running out. Finding him the perfect wife won’t be easy…especially when Adel might just be his perfect match.

About the Author:  Patricia Johns

Patricia Johns is the bestselling author of inspirational, sweet romances including The Infamous Amish Trilogy published by Kensington and the Redemption's Amish Legacies series from Harlequin. She lives with her husband and son in Alberta, Canada. Visit her online at PatriciaJohns.com. 

My Thoughts: Wonderful Story

Finding the right someone to share his life with becomes quite the challenge for Jake Knussli, because he only has a few weeks in which to accomplish the task. However, he doesn't have to tackle the task on his own. Widow Adel Draschel has been tasked with the job of finding Jake a match. With Adel's help, Jake is introduced to various candidates. However, he runs into a problem when he realizes that none of the potential matches can hold a match to his matchmaker.

Although I had mixed feelings about the main characters, Adel and Jake, I loved their story. It took me awhile to warm up to Adel and to like her. As for Jake, I liked him right from the start. (Hence the mixed feelings) While I understood Adel's hesitation to be true to her feelings, she tired me out by her constant reminders of why she had to hold back. That being said, waiting to see what would happen with the tug of war with her feelings kept me captivated to the end in wonder of how it would all play out.

As for Jake, I loved how he was up front, honest and true to his feelings. I really enjoyed the banter between him and Adel, especially how he could get a rise out of her, which usually made me smile. (Keep that in mind when you get to the mashed potatoes.)

The combination of romance, humor, seeking God's will, and great characters are just a few of the things that made this story such a joy to read, and I highly recommend that you do just that.

Book Quote:
"I'm praying, Adel," he said quietly. "I pray constantly. but Gott doesn't always give us exactly what we pray for. He gives us what is good for us--and we don't always see the bigger picture."

Sold on Love (A Maple Falls Romance Book 3) by Kathleen Fuller

Book Details:

Title:  Sold on Love 

Series:  A Maple Falls Romance Book 3

Author:  Kathleen Fuller

Publisher:  Thomas Nelson

Pages:  334

Release Date:  August 2, 2022  

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

She’s a high-fashion realtor; he’s a low-maintenance mechanic. What on earth could they have in common?

Dressed in designer labels and cruising around town in her red Mercedes, workaholic realtor Harper Wilson presents the picture of success in charming Maple Falls. But Harper’s carefully cultivated image is resting on a shaky foundation. With a sudden drought in sales, she’s starting to see her professional dreams—along with her posh lifestyle—slipping away.

Car trouble brings her to mechanic Rusty Jenkins, and their unlikely friendship is taken to the next level when the laid-back Rusty allows her to give him a makeover for a charity bachelor auction. Harper soon discovers that beneath the town mechanic’s wild beard and grease-stained clothing lies a true Southern gentleman—someone with a kind heart and dreams of his own. Their chemistry is undeniable, but as they get closer, past fears and relationships start to creep in, reminding them of just how much is at stake when carefully constructed facades fall apart.

Maybe their worlds aren’t so separate after all. And maybe covering up who you really are keeps you from discovering what was always meant to be.

About the Author:  Kathleen Fuller

With over a million copies sold, Kathleen Fuller is the USA TODAY bestselling author of several bestselling novels, including the Hearts of Middlefield novels, the Middlefield Family novels, the Amish of Birch Creek series, and the Amish Letters series as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield. Visit her online at https://kathleenfuller.com/; 

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/kf_booksandhooks/; 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriterKathleenFuller; 

My Thoughts:  Absolutely Charming

Harper and Rusty's story is absolutely charming! It grabs you from the very beginning and keeps you engaged right to the end.  At first glance, Harper and Rusty, appear to be as different as night and day, with nothing in common.  Harper carries herself with all confidence and is always dressed to the nines, with not a hair out of place. Rusty, on the other hand, is very down to earth and humble, and fashion is the furthest thing from his mind. They share nothing in common with their occupations or much else. However, taking deeper look at each of their stories reveals some likenesses. One of these is the hurt and difficulties they've each experienced with their families. While they don't see it, this shared bond plays a small part in how they somehow become kindred spirits. 

I loved the romance, humor, and everything about Harper and Rusty's story. I also loved the message that I gleaned from it:  People will generally look at what they see on the outside, the clothes the person wears, what occupation a person has, what type of car someone drives, and all sorts of things to make an assumption about a person or pass judgment on them.  However, when you take the time to look and see what's on the inside, what's important to the person, how the person treats others, and so on, that's what truly matters. Not what's on the outside. 

Watching how Harper and Rusty evolved from friendship to more was absolutely beautiful If you want to see how it all plays out, I highly recommend you read and find out for yourself. You won't be disappointed. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Building a Future (An Amish Legacy Novel Book 2) by Amy Clipston

Book Details:

Title:  Building a Future

Series:  An Amish Legacy Novel Book 2

Author:  Amy Clipston

Publisher:  Zondervan

Pages:  347

Release Date:  August 2, 2022  

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

They both had different plans for their futures . . . until their hearts led them to each other.

Michelle Lantz dreams of marrying and starting a family, and now that she’s been dating Korey for over a year, she thought it was only a matter of time before he proposed. But lately, Korey has seemed distant and is far from the attentive boyfriend she once knew. They’ve spent so much time together that she feels she can’t give up on their relationship, but she begins to question her own feelings as his seem to cool.

Tyler Bontrager is focused on expanding his father’s roofing company so he can take over one day. He throws himself into his work and thinks he’s too busy to worry about finding a wife. He and his brother Korey find themselves continually arguing: Tyler doesn’t approve of how Korey treats Michelle and Korey thinks Tyler is out to take anything that’s his. When Tyler happens to be around when Michelle needs a listening ear, he is startled to realize that he has feelings for Michelle, so he denies them because his relationship with his brother is too important.

But when there’s an accident and lives are at stake, true feelings come to the surface. Is it possible for Michelle and Tyler to put aside their feelings for the sake of their relationships with Korey, or will they find a new foundation on which to build their future?

About the Author: Amy Clipston

Amy Clipston has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her fiction writing "career" began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories. She has a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan College and is a member of the Authors Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America. She is the author of the bestselling Kauffman Amish Bakery series with Zondervan, which is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. An advocate for organ and blood donation, Amy donated a kidney in 2011 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Through her donation, her husband received a second kidney transplant. Amy and her husband matched another couple and swapped kidneys with them. Amy's memoir, A Gift of Love, will be available in early 2014. She hopes her story inspires others to become organ and blood donors. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and four spoiled rotten cats. You can find her on the web at www.AmyClipston.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmyClipstonBooks.

My Thoughts: Pleasant and Enjoyable

Sometimes, a story takes me on such an emotional roller coaster that I feel I might end up saying too much and giving it all away. Such is the case with Building a Future. Yes, it took me on an emotional roller coaster, but that tugged me right into a connection with the characters which made me enjoy the story that much more. 

I felt for Michelle who had been dating Korey for over a year, and yet he failed to commit in moving toward the next step, marriage.  I also felt for Korey. Although he was not my favorite and definitely needed to grow up, but he also was in a tough spot with how to communicate his true feelings with Michelle. Enter Tyler, my favorite character. He wanted to do the right thing by his family, Michelle, and his plans for his future, which was not an easy place to be. Through it all, there were family issues to contend with as well as how to be true to their hearts and following God's will for their lives. This combination makes Building a Future a very pleasant and enjoyable read. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Love Blooms in Morning Star (The Maidels of Morning Star Book 4) by Charlotte Hubbard

 Book Details:

Title:  Love Blooms in Morning Star

Series:  The Maidels of Morning Star Book 4

Author:  Charlotte Hubbard

Publisher:  Zebra Books

Pages:  310

Release Date:  July 26, 2022  

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

When five unmarried Amish maidels turn a ramshackle barn into a thriving business, their small Missouri town is energized by new opportunities. But the Morning Star Marketplace has also brought unexpected joy, as each woman finds her own true love . . . 

As Jo Fussner keeps the Marketplace humming, her heart dances with a joyous secret. Jo and Michael Wengerd, a shy nursery owner from a nearby town, have fallen hopelessly in love. When Michael buys a courting buggy, Jo is sure a proposal will follow. But she’ll have to work hard to gain her mother’s approval—because the widowed Drusilla Fussner is convinced that marriage will bring her daughter nothing but heartache.
 
To win Jo’s hand, Michael enlists his father’s help in convincing Drusilla to give the marriage her blessing—and perhaps even open her heart to new happiness of her own. . . . But just as Jo and Michael’s hope for their future grows, an even bigger obstacle looms. The Amish elders vote to forbid any maidel from working once she marries. Now Jo must choose between the beloved store she’s put her heart into, and the man she can’t live without. Conflicted, Jo will have to trust that anything is possible when true faith guides the way . . .

About the Author: Charlotte Hubbard

Charlotte Hubbard is the highly acclaimed author of Amish romances celebrating simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle. A longtime Missourian, she draws upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the  Mississippi, to create strong, inspiring characters and uplifting stories. Faith and family, farming and food preservation are hallmarks of her lifestyle, and the foundation of all her Amish romance series. She’s a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and when she’s not writing, she loves to try new recipes, crochet, and sew. Charlotte now lives in Nebraska with her husband and their border collie. You can learn more about Charlotte and her novels at CharlotteHubbard.com.

My Thoughts: Beautiful and Inspirational

While it varies from person to person, for me there are many things that make a great story, one of which is a connection to the characters. I have to say that Love Blooms in Morning Star definitely did that for me.  I found a very strong connection with the main characters, Jo and Michael. I was drawn into their story and shared with them in their feelings for each other, and also to their relationships with their families and community. I deeply felt what they felt as they dealt with their love for each other, to what they felt as they dealt with the roadblocks that kept coming up. It caused me to feel their joy, their pain, and their struggle with doing what was expected and what their hearts wanted.  This created an emotional roller coaster that just drew me deeper and deeper into the story as I cheered them on and held my breath wondering how things would turn out. All the while, the themes of forgiveness, trust, community, and God’s everlasting love and His will came through offering hope that only He can provide.

There is so much that makes this such a beautiful and inspirational story that I cannot adequately convey. That being said, what I can say is that this is a definite must read and one that you won’t want to miss. 

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

Dairy, Dairy, Quite Contrary (A Sunflower Café Mystery Book 1) by Amy Lillard

Book Details:

Title:  Dairy, Dairy, Quite Contrary

Series:  A Sunflower Café Mystery Book 1

Author:  Amy Lillard

Publisher:  Kensington

Pages:  277

Release Date:  June 28, 2022  

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Looking for a fresh start, advice columnist Sissy Yoder heads to small-town Yoder, Kansas, to help in her aunt’s café. But when a milkman is murdered, the newcomer becomes the prime suspect . . .

After Sissy’s rodeo cowboy boyfriend turns out to be more of a rodeo clown, she packs a bag; picks up her Yorkshire terrier Duke; and leaves Tulsa, Oklahoma, bound for her parents’ former hometown. There are still plenty of Yoders in Yoder, Kansas, including Sissy’s aunt Bethel, who owns the Sunflower Café but recently broke her leg. It’s a homecoming of sorts as Sissy arrives to help in the café and reunite with her pregnant cousin Lizzie. Plus she can continue to secretly write her newspaper advice column as seventy-year-old “Aunt Bess.” But it’s Sissy who could use some advice when she finds the milk deliveryman out behind the café with a knife in his back. As the sheriff’s prime suspect, it’s up to Sissy to catch the backstabber herself—before someone else gets creamed . . .

About the Author: Amy Lillard

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:  Loved It!

What can I say about author Amy Lillard's wonderful writing talents that hasn't already been said? Not much, but repeating it doesn't hurt anything.  Ms. Lillard's talent for writing cozy mysteries never disappoints! And what does Dairy, Dairy, Quite Contrary offer? Mystery, laughs, romance, nuggets of advice and so much more. 

Getting to know Sissy Yoder and following her to a new town, a new job, and new friends was so much fun. When you add in a cute little Yorkie, a murder and being the prime suspect, that just kicked the story up a few more notches. As Gavin Wainwright joins forces with Sissy to investigate the murder, a special bond forms between them. Where this all goes can only be found out by reading Dairy, Dairy, Quite Contrary for yourself, and I definitely recommend that you do just that. 

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

The Warmth of Sunshine (Amish Blessings Book 2) by Kelly Irvin

Book Details:

Title:  The Warmth of Sunshine

Series:  Amish Blessings Book 2

Author:  Kelly Irvin

Publisher:  Zondervan

Pages:  380

Release Date:  July 5, 2022  

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Abigail’s Amish life has always followed a certain path . . . until an Englisch woman disrupts all she’s known to be true.

Growing up Amish, Abigail Bontrager often felt like a square peg in a round hole. Her pie crusts always turned out tough. Her stitches always ran crooked. She was clumsy. Not ideal for an aspiring Amish wife and mother, but her faith and love of her family, which are so much more important, are solid. Plus, her relationship with the attractive and kindhearted Owen Kurtz is moving in the right direction.

Owen is part dreamer, part entrepreneur. His friendship with Abigail has gradually blossomed into a sweet and loving courtship. Inspired by the hope of a future with the girl of his dreams, he decides to take the next step in building a business of his own—in the promising new industry of growing sunflowers.

When an outsider claiming to be Abigail’s birth mother abruptly enters her life, Abigail’s world comes crashing down. Confused and upset, she is determined to discover who she really is. Her journey of discovery leads to the possibilities of a new life waiting for her in the Englisch world. But is this new life really worth giving up everything and everyone she’s known? How can Abigail and Owen follow their hearts—and God’s plan—when these new paths now lead them into the unknown?

In this second book in the Amish Blessings series, bestselling and award-winning romance novelist Kelly Irvin shares an inspiring story of following your heart while trusting God to lead you into your future.

About the Author: Kelly Irvin

Kelly Irvin is a bestselling, award-winning author of over twenty novels and stories. A retired public relations professional, Kelly lives with her husband, Tim, in San Antonio. They have two children, three grandchildren, and two ornery cats. Visit her online at https://www.kellyirvin.com/; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly_irvin/; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kelly.Irvin.Author/.

My Thoughts:   Square Peg

Abigail Bontrager has always felt a little out of place. Having grown up Amish, she's always felt that there are things she should be better at, such as making a great pie crust. However, that does not have any affect on her faith, her love of family, or her blossoming relationship with Owen Kurtz.  Owen also has a strong faith and love of family.  As his relationship with Abigail continues to blossom and as he looks toward a future with her, Owen  works toward beginning a business of growing sunflowers.  All seems to be going in the right direction until an outsider claiming to be Abigail's birth mother completely shatters everything.

First of all, I have to say props to Ms. Irvin for how well she dealt with this sensitive topic. I can only imagine what it would be like to find out that your parents are not your biological parents.  It brings in a slew of questions, a whole new family to get to know, and in this case, an entirely different culture, faith and way of life.  That had to be very difficult, not just for Abigail, but also for her family and Owen.  However, Ms. Irvin flawlessly handled the topic.  

Abigail's walk in the English world had some happy moments, but also challenging and sad moments.  While she tried new things in her new environment, she would ask herself so many questions about everything.  Heather, her bio mom, and Eric, her bio dad, sometimes said things that were encouraging to her, but other times, they came across as not wanting her to continue to follow her faith. This made Abigail feel even more like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole. Such a difficult walk for Abigail and for Owen as he waited for Abigail's return. 

Another thing I have to say is that I struggled with this story, not because there was anything wrong with it, but because I had a very close personal connection to it. Through the years I've witnessed many baptized church members completely walk away from the faith and their belief in God. Having seen that and made me feel so much more connected to Abigail's story, and that was painful.  That being said, the author took the topic and wove it into a beautiful story. 

I can say so much more about this wonderful story, but the only real way to appreciate Abigail and Owen's story is to read it for yourself.  Just be prepared for the emotional rollercoaster and enjoy the ride.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

His Amish Sweetheart (The Petersheim Brothers Book 3) by Jennifer Beckstrand

Book Details:

Title:  His Amish Sweetheart

Series:  The Petersheim Brothers Book 3

Author:  Jennifer Beckstrand

Publisher:  Zebra Books

Pages:  325

Release Date:  June 28, 2022  

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Fondly nicknamed “The Peanut Butter Brothers,” Andrew, Abraham, and Austin Petersheim skillfully run one of Wisconsin’s most cherished family businesses. But their mischievous younger twin siblings have a talent all their own—for matchmaking . . .
 
Between work and keeping his little brothers out of trouble, Austin Petersheim barely has time to think, much less court the most popular maidel in town. But if he can establish a local market to direct-sell his family’s goods, he’ll stand out as a potential husband. He’s so grateful for the help of his longtime friend, Hannah Yutzy, who has such practical ideas—and is so easy to talk to . . .
 
While Austin embarks on his plan, his siblings have a plan of their own: to give Austin and Hannah a little nudge to show them they’re made for each other. When their antics wreak havoc with a rival family emporium, Hannah must help Austin set things right.  And as she does just that, Austin is stunned to realize his best friend could be his perfect wife. Now he’ll just need the courage and faith to find out if she agrees . . .

About the Author:  Jennifer Beckstrand

Jennifer Beckstrand is the RITA-nominated and award-winning author of the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill and The Honeybee Sisters series, as well as a number of novellas. Novels in her Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series have been RITA® Award and RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award finalists. Huckleberry Hill won the 2014 LIME Award for inspirational fiction and Huckleberry Hearts was named a Booklist Top 10 Inspirational Fiction Book of the Year. Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people. She and her husband have been married for thirty-three years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and seven adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten. Please visit her online at www.JenniferBeckstrand.com.

My thoughts: Fun and Entertaining

Hannah Yutzy and Austin Petertsheim have been friends since childhood.  Hannah knows she feels more for Austin than just friendship, but he only sees her as his easy to talk to friend. To top it off, Austin only has eyes for Priscilla Lambright, the most popular girl in town.  However, courting Priscilla means that he has to have viable financial means for the future. In order to meet that goal, Austin looks to begin a business. As Hannah encourages him, he finds that she has some great ideas that can help make the business a reality.  While Austin works at getting the business ready to go, he also has the task of taking care of his little brothers, twins Alfie and Benji, who can be quite a handful, but add so much to the story.

I greatly enjoyed His Amish Sweetheart, which I found to be very entertaining. Much of it was due to the twins' antics. However, when a few young ladies joined forces with the twins, that made it all the more entertaining. As for the others, I loved Hannah. She was sweet, funny, and so caring.  Austin, on the other hand, had me wanting to shake him on more than one occasion with his over the top dedication to Priscilla, who I so did not like. Her whininess and her obsession with her "organic" recipes quickly put her in the unlikeable category. However, when you put together characters you love, characters you want to shake, and characters that you just don't like, along with some hilarious antics of the littles, you have a great combination that makes a fun and entertaining story that you're sure to enjoy.

*I received an advanced copy from NetGalley.  All comments and opinions are strictly my own.