Her Christmas Secret by Gabrielle Meyer

Book Details: 

Title: Her Christmas Secret 

Author: Gabrielle Meyer

Publisher: Love Inspired

Pages: 218

Release Date: September 24, 2024 

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance

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Book Description:

Her life was right on track

Until her past came knocking…

Nothing ever rattles school principal Valerie Wilmington…until the child she gave up a decade ago and allowed her mother to raise, now becomes her responsibility. Valerie wants desperately to be a good mom but struggles to connect with the daughter she barely knows. She finds solace in the contractor and single dad hired to renovate her school, Wade Griffin. As their children become fast friends, Wade helps Valerie navigate her new family’s first Christmas. But Wade’s been lied to before, and Valerie’s secret will change everything…

My Thoughts: First Impressions

When Valerie Wilmington gets a curveball thrown into her perfectly organized life, it has her completely frazzled. Because of that, Wade Griffin's first impression of her isn't the most positive. However, Valerie's first impression of Wade isn't the best either. As their families spend time together, new impressions and feelings replace the initial ones, creating a whole new dynamic in their relationship. All is good and well until another curveball gets thrown in. And that one will take every effort to turn things around. 

Valerie and Wade's story is lovely which was further enhance by sweet touch that the children added to it. The characters, storyline, and end result are all believable, which adds so much to the story. It is definitely well worth the 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:  Gabrielle Meyer

Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people, places, and events. You can learn more about Gabrielle and her books at www.gabriellemeyer.com.

Find Gabrielle on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AuthorGabrielleMeyer, Pinterest at www.Pinterest.com/gabriellemeyer/, Twitter at www.twitter.com/MeyerGabrielle, Goodreads, and her Website at www.gabriellemeyer.com.

A Lancaster Amish Christmas: 4 Romance Novellas by Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Amy Lillard, & Mindy Steele

Book Details: 

Title: A Lancaster Amish Christmas: 4 Romance Novellas

Authors: Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston,                                                       Amy Lillard, & Mindy Steele

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Pages: 448

Release Date: September 1, 2024 

Genre: Amish Romance

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Book Description:

Christmas Is Simply a Time for Love 
Enjoy a simple Amish Christmas in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, that is sweetened by second chances, trimmed in love, and wrapped in faith.
 
Lucy’s Christmas Sunbeam by Anne Blackburne
When her parents suddenly died, Lucy stepped into the mother role for her infant sister with Down’s Syndrome. But Lucy’s boyfriend wasn’t interested in a readymade family. Living in the dawdi house on her brother’s farm, Lucy is happy with life—until she literally runs into the hardware store owner and desire for romance returns.
 
A Bird-in-Hand Christmas by Amy Clipston
After learning her boyfriend, Wyatt, was seeing someone else, Makayla moved across state and married. Recently widowed, she visits her parents for Christmas, only to find that Wyatt is still single and working for her father. When her five-year-old son instantly bonds with Wyatt, Makayla starts to hope for a second chance at love.
 
Christmas Lily by Amy Lillard
Seven-year-old Jacob Bontrager is working hard to help his lonely widower father find love again. He believes his pretty new teacher who has just moved to the community is perfect, but none of his matchmaking works until a snowstorm strands Lily Kate Troyer at the Bontrager farm. Could God and nature be on Jacob’s side?

Leaving Lancaster by Mindy Steele
The Wicky sisters didn’t expect their father to sell their thriving deer farm with plans to move them to Kentucky. Always obedient Louise fears for her growing jam business. Beth cannot wait to start a new adventure while her twin, Leah, is running out of time for a happy-ever-after. They have only one Christmas left in Lancaster. Can God deliver a Christmas miracle for all three? 

My Thoughts: Great Combo

This is such a great combination of stories written by some wonderful authors! Each story shares the themes of Christmas, romance, and faith. However, that's as far as the common thread goes. Each explores those themes in a different and unique way. 

Lucy’s Christmas Sunbeam by Anne Blackburne

This story is such a unique blend of themes. Aside from the romance and faith, it has a little touch of intrigue thrown in. It also includes a sweet and very special child who adds a very important element to Lucy and Amos's story. It is an incredibly sweet and endearing story.

A Bird-in-Hand Christmas by Amy Clipston

Assumptions are never good, are rarely accurate, and their repercussions often carry a great price. Such is the case for Makayla and Wyatt. How they recover from it all is a beautiful story of second chances, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

Christmas Lily by Amy Lillard

I've often thought that child psychology is more about what the child does to impact the behaviors of adults. And I fully believe that little Jacob Bontrager is a master of it. His innocent and well-meaning meddling was just the right push to get Simon, his father, and Lily, his teacher, on the right track. That special touch made this enemies-to-more an exceptionally sweet story. 

Leaving Lancaster by Mindy Steele

What do you do when the future you thought you had gets thrown out the window? Such is the case for the Wicky sisters. Their parents' announcement of a move to a new state has just totally rocked their world. It's also done the same for a few others who realize that keeping their thoughts to themselves was not a good thing, and time is running out. As the moving day approaches, Louise, Leah, and Beth begin to see things they had missed that were there all the time. The result is an endearing friends to more story that is sure to touch your heart.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

                                             

Hidden Secrets Between Them: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Hope Crossing Book 5) by Mindy Obenhaus

Book Details: 

Title: Hidden Secrets Between Them 

Series: Hope Crossing Book 5

Author: Mindy Obenhaus

Publisher: Love INspired

Pages: 232

Release Date:  August 20, 2024

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance

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Book Description:

He never meant to be a father.

But it could be the life he’s always wanted.

In Hope Crossing, Texas, nurse practitioner Kirsten Reynolds has found her dream job. The only problem is that the tiny town also has Deputy Brady James…the father of her four-year-old sons. And he doesn’t know the boys are his. But as he steps into this new role he never planned for, Brady gets a hopeful glimpse into a life with children. Will he let the fear of the unknown keep him from a future he never imagined…or will an adorable pair of twins—and their mother—change his mind?

My Thoughts: Assumptions

Five years ago, Kirsten Reynolds assumed she knew what Brady James wanted. That caused her to make a decision about what she believed was best for herself. At the same time, Brady assumed he knew what was best for Kirsten. Sadly, both were wrong. 

However, the tables are turned when Kirsten returns to Hope Crossing and throws Brady a huge curve ball. The new revelation greatly changes things. This results in a lovely story of forgiveness, hope, and second chances at love. Add to that some adorable but precocious little boys, and you have a 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:  Mindy Obenhaus 

Best-selling author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She’s a multi-published author of contemporary Christian romance and resides on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching copious amounts of the Hallmark Channel Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com

Missing Her Amish Boyfriend (Surprised by Love Book 7) by Rachel J. Good

Book Details: 

Title: Missing Her Amish Boyfriend 

Series: Surprised by Love Book 7

Author: Rachel J. Good

Publisher: Zebra Books

Pages: 327

Release Date: August 20, 2024 

Genre: Amish Romance

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Book Description:

Hard-working and caring, Anna Mary Zook does her level best to care for her depressed widowed mother and five siblings . . . all while working a new farmer’s market job. And coping with her longtime boyfriend falling for another girl. She couldn’t be more grateful when visitor Abe King helps lighten her load of responsibilities—and is there when she needs a friend. Even more surprising, he understands her better than anyone ever has. But what happens when his family commitments demand that he soon returns home . . . to stay? 

Abe felt Anna Mary’s gentleness and determination was special from the moment they met. And with his own father needing help tending the King family farm in New York, he well knows the pressure she’s under. He’s more than willing to travel to Lancaster as often as possible to help Anna Mary, but she deserves so much more. Abe wouldn’t feel right asking her to uproot her family and life to marry him. But between faith and hope, can they somehow find a way to do right by their duties and their hearts?

My Thoughts: 

Although Anna Mary Zook works at the local market, she also has numerous responsibilities at home. On top of that, her love life is going through some rough times. So, when she and Abe King begin a friendship, Anna Mary is more than grateful. However, as her relationship with her boyfriend teeters and her friendship with Abe grows, she experiences a tug of war with her emotions.

This cute and sweet read had me on an emotional rollercoaster. I found myself frustrated one minute and laughing the next. Even though I felt frustration toward Anna Mary on more than one occasion, my heart still went out to her and all she was dealing with. On the other hand, Abe was absolutely wonderful. His kindness and caring completely touched my heart. It had me cheering for him and Anna Mary and wondering how their story would end, especially when other issues got in their way. All of these elements made for a fantastic read.

Although Missing Her Amish Boyfriend is book seven in Good's Surprised by Love series, it can be read as a standalone.  However, I recommend you read the entire series.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a 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)  

Colorado Mountain Kidnapping by Cate Nolan

Book Details: 

Title: Colorado Mountain Kidnapping 

Author: Cate Nolan

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Pages: 223

Release Date: June 25, 2024 

Genre: Christian Suspense/Clean & Wholesome Romance

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Book Description:

An infant in peril…

and nowhere to hide

A cryptic phone call sends Isabelle Weaver running from armed intruders—with her daughter and best friend’s baby under her care. Nowhere is safe and no one can be trusted…except former army ranger Adam Dalton. Together, they must uncover a kidnapper’s motives while protecting the children. But as danger tracks them through the mountains, can they outwit a criminal mastermind before they all lose their lives? 

My Thoughts: Captivating

It only took one tiny event to set off a large chain of mysterious events. And those events completely changed the lives of Isabelle Weaver and Adam Dalton. The mysterious events that were thrust upon them took them from complete strangers to completely relying on each other to solve them.  

And that mystery captivated me from the very first page. The twists and turns had me fully engrossed. So much so that I could feel everything the characters were experiencing. The nail-biting intrigue and suspense entwined with amusing and tender moments, as well as courage and faith, will keep you glued to the pages up to the very end. 

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About the Author:  Cate Nolan

Cate Nolan lives in New York City, but she escapes to the ocean any chance she gets. A devoted mom, wife and teacher, Cate loves to leave her real life behind and play with the characters in her imagination. She’s got that suspense writer gene that sees danger and a story in everyday occurrences. Cate particularly loves to write stories of faith enabling ordinary people to overcome extraordinary danger.

Protecting the Amish Child (Amish Country Justice Book 19) by Dana R. Lynn

Book Details: 

Title: Protecting the Amish Child 

Series: Amish Country Justice Book 19

Author: Dana R. Lynn

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Pages: 208

Release Date: August 20, 2024 

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

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Book Description:

A killer in pursuit…

and a little boy’s life is at stake.

When Francesca Brown discovers a dead body, bullets start flying her way. Soon FBI agent Tanner Hall arrives—only to find an autistic Amish boy hiding nearby. As a witness to a crime, it’s clear someone will stop at nothing to silence the little boy—permanently. With assailants on their trail, can Fran and Tanner unravel a lethal conspiracy before the murderer strikes again?

My Thoughts: Remarkable

Protecting the Amish Child is a sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat story from beginning to end, and I was hooked by the intrigue from the first page. Francesca and Tanner are wonderful characters who each have some baggage that they carry. Their story was perfectly blended with elements of intrigue, suspense, mystery, and faith. The twists and turns kept me guessing who the culprit was and what would happen to Francesca and Tanner. 

Author Dana Lynn has crafted an amazing story of romance and suspense. But she has also added some fantastic insight into autism and hyperthymesia. Both were very informative, adding very special and integral details to the story. This remarkable story is sure to keep you glued to the pages until the very end.

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:  Dana R. Lynn

Dana R. Lynn is a bestselling, award winning author of romantic suspense and Amish romance who believes in the power of God to touch people through stories. She met her husband at a wedding in Pennsylvania and told her parents she had met her future husband. Nineteen months later, they were married. Today, they live in rural Pennsylvania and are entering the world of empty nesters. She is a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by day and writes stories of romance and danger at night. She is also a blogger on Seekerville and a member of the Suspense Squad. Dana is an avid reader, loves cats and thinks chocolate should be a food group. Readers can contact her or sign up to receive her monthly newsletter at www.danarlynn.com.

Matters of the Heart (Amish Calling Book 2) by Kelly Irvin

Book Details: 

Title: Matters of the Heart 

Series: Amish Calling Book 2

Author: Kelly Irvin

Publisher: Zondervan

Pages: 308

Release Date: July 16, 2024

Genre: Amish Romance/Amish & Mennonite Fiction

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Book Description:

He's the community's jokester auctioneer. She's the serious caregiver for her siblings who also works at the local plant nursery. What future could they have together?

Declan Miller has always had feelings for Bethel King. Back when they were in school, she was the smartest girl in the class and, in his opinion, by far the prettiest. Now the two of them are in their twenties and while the attraction is still there, Declan is as hesitant as ever to let Bethel know how he feels. His corny jokes and wisecracks cover a heart that's afraid of rejection.

Bethel can't deny Declan is nice, funny, hardworking, and pleasing to the eye--a perfect match if you asked any Plain girl in the area. But marrying Bethel would also mean marrying into her family. Two of her younger brothers have a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and her sister Claire is now showing signs of having it as well. Fiercely loyal and nurturing, Bethel has promised herself her siblings will always come first. With a good chance that she carries the gene and could pass it on to her children, Bethel has tried to convince herself marriage and family just aren't in the cards for her.

When a devastating diagnosis of his own turns Declan's world upside down, he looks to Bethel for understanding, compassion, and a realistic outlook. As they share their dreams and fears and grow together in faith, a bond begins to develop between them. Perhaps their combination of optimistic extrovert and thoughtful introvert really isn't such a bad thing--perhaps it's actually a part of God's beautiful design.

My Thoughts: Beautiful

There is so much I want to say about this story that I don't even know where to begin. I guess I should start with the fact that author Kelly Irvin has clearly done plenty of research and accompanied it with her insight. There is so much depth to her characters, making them so true to life. Her writing makes your heart completely go out to the characters and feel what they're feeling and dealing with. 

Although Bethel and Declan have known each other since they were children, they've been more like acquaintances than anything else. I loved how their relationship began changing. I thought I knew where it was going. But, oh boy, was I mistaken when a complete curve ball came out of nowhere and things took off in another direction.

This amazing story is absolutely beautiful! There are difficult moments where faith waivers and worry rears its ugly head. But there are also moments where faith shines through even stronger than before. It is a mixture of joy, sadness, faith, hope, and love. This combination results in a beautiful and impactful story that will deeply touch your heart, especially when you are reminded to "rest in Gott." 

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:  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 at https://www.kellyirvin.com/; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly_irvin/; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kelly.Irvin.Author/.