A Stolen Kiss (The Heart of the Amish Book 7) by Mindy Steele

Book Details: 

Title:  A Stolen Kiss

Series: The Heart of the Amish Book 7

Author: Mindy Steele

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Pages: 287

Release Date: December 1, 2024 

Genre: Amish Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Who Kissed Who First?
 
Full of faith, hope, and romance, the series takes you into the Heart of Amish Country.
 
LeEtta Miller has never done anything spontaneous before, but when a girl is the last one at everything, sometimes she has to take the reins into her own hands. What harm could come from kissing a stranger she’ll never see again?

Benuel Ropp isn’t sure he can ever forgive his father for giving away his inheritance. Taking work far from home, Ben hopes to earn enough to build his future, but nowhere in his plans did he predict being kissed by a beautiful stranger - or having to marry her. To save both their reputations he has little choice but to accept the elder’s demands. Well...if LeEtta thought he’d flinch, letting her boldness ruin the future he had all mapped out, she was mistaken. He has a dream to work for, and if he has to make sacrifices to reach them, so will she.

Who kissed who first? He couldn’t even remember anymore.

My Thoughts: Fantastic, Must-Read

What do you do when you're an only child raised by a single father who has had to learn things as they crop up, and you dream of romance, but your friends constantly comment about you being the last one to be picked? Okay, so maybe kissing a complete stranger wasn't her brightest idea, but she sure didn't think it would lead to marriage. So, what now?

What do you do when your parents shut down your plans and dreams, and you have to start over, and you've lost trust in those you thought you could count on? And what do you do when a beautiful stranger kisses you out of the blue? Okay, so maybe letting himself be drawn to a beautiful stranger and being kissed by her wasn't his best idea, but he sure didn't think it would lead to marriage. So, what now?

I loved LeEtta and Benuel's story. Author Mindy Steele's take on the conventional marriage makes for a stellar story. The characters are wonderful, and the descriptive writing had me bringing up images in my mind, making me feel like I was right there with them, feeling all they were feeling and seeing everything play out. The vivid conversations had me smiling, laughing, cringing, letting out a frustrated sigh, and so much more. The secondary characters added so much to the story, as did the slight touch of intrigue. It all blended together beautifully, making it a fantastic, must-read story. 

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

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About the Author: Mindy Steele

Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele writes Amish Romance peppered with humor, using her rural surroundings as her muse. She is a best-selling author and the winner of the 2022 and 2024 FHLCW Reader's Choice award for sweet romance. Steele creates realistic characters for her readers and believes in engaging all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy ever-after ending. Readers can find themselves, somewhere within her pages.

https://mindysteele.com/

  

An Amish Christmas Table: Four Amish Christmas Sweet Romance Stories by Mindy Steele, Rachel J. Good, Jennifer Beckstrand, Tracy Fredrychowski

Book Details: 

Title: An Amish Christmas Table: Four Amish Christmas Sweet                          Romance Stories

Authors: Mindy Steele, Rachel J. Good, Jennifer Beckstrand,                               Tracy Fredrychowski

Publisher: The Tracer Group, LLC 

Pages: 332

Release Date: October 14, 2024 

Genre: Amish Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Step into the cozy, snow-kissed world of Amish country with a collection of heartwarming Christmas stories by four of your favorite Amish storytellers. This holiday season, let the spirit of love, family, and faith fill your heart with these enchanting tales:

An Ideal Christmas by Mindy Steele

Ina Graber has decided on the perfect Christmas gift for her sister, Lavina, and she knows exactly who needs to build it. Now if she can only convince her childhood crush to help her when he doesn’t even know she exists.

Orders are piling up on local furniture maker and widower, Abner Fisher, but when a young woman from by a nearby community asks him to do the impossible, Abner discovers anything is possible this Christmas.

Gathered Around Love’s Table by Rachel J. Good

Miriam Lapp can’t bear to face a lonely Christmas table, which once held her large family, who’ve all gone to Pinecraft to care for her ill grandparents. Miriam has stayed behind to keep her rebellious seventeen-year-old brother, Abraham, out of trouble during Rumspringa. She decides to fill the seats at her holiday table with lonely and homeless people. Little does she know that this simple act of giving will lead her on a journey to warm her aching heart and provide healing for her brother.

One of her guests, Jerry Gingerich, has been struggling since he left the Amish. Reluctantly, he accepts her invitation, but the welcoming atmosphere and kindness he finds at the Lapp home begins to break through his walls. Miriam’s generosity becomes a beacon of hope to him as well as to the others she asks to share her table. But can Jerry open his heart completely, not just to the spirit of Christmas, but to the greatest gift of all – God’s love and forgiveness – so he can find healing, redemption, and love?

Trouble at the Christmas Tableby Jennifer Beckstrand

Eleven-year-old twins Alfie and Benji Petersheim are in big trouble. They’re stuck in the cellar because intruder Zeke Hostetler is sleeping in their bedroom. Worse than that, Zeke is in love with their schoolteacher Sarah Zimmerman. But the worst part is Alfie and Benji accidentally put a long scratch in Mamm’s new kitchen table, and Mamm is going to be very angry when she sees it. Zeke Hostetler comes to the rescue and agrees to secretly fix the table if Alfie and Benji will help him woo Sarah Zimmerman. Unfortunately, if they help Zeke, they’ll lose their favoritest teacher in the world. But if Mamm sees that scratch, she’ll probably put them up for adoption or, worse, give them the spatula.

Alfie and Benji are going to need binoculars, walkie-talkies, three chickens, an unruly dog named Tintin, and a lot of luck to get themselves out of this mess.

Love Beneath the Pine by Tracy Fredrychowski

In the heart of Amish County, among the enchanting snow-covered landscape of Willow Springs, Hannah Schrock’s kitchen buzzes with activity and delightful aromas as Christmas approaches. Overwhelmed by her baking orders and devotion to her ailing grandmother, Hannah finds an unexpected ally in Isaac Kauffman, a gentle soul whose silent love for her has endured for years.

Isaac discovers an antique table in the barn. Even amidst Hannah’s refusal to help him, Isaac embarks on a journey to restore it, uncovering hidden secrets and heartwarming tales of its past owners along the way.

As the holiday season unfolds, Hannah and Isaac navigate a delicate balance between duty and desire, discovering that sometimes the sweetest surprises often emerge from the most unexpected places.

My Thoughts: Absolutely Wonderful

While every story in this compilation is unique, each one will deeply touch your heart. There is love, faith, laughs, tears, reflection, second chances, overcoming, family, and so much more. It truly is a heartwarming read with an extra perk of recipes that are included. An Ideal Christmas by Mindy Steele Abner Fisher doesn’t know what to do when Ina Graber approaches him for help. While he is a man of few words, Ina has enough words and ideas for the two of them and then some. And besides that, he has no time. Oh, but that’s not a problem, as Ina has an idea for that as well. Although Abner has doubts about every idea that Ina throws his way, he begins experiencing a shift in his thinking. It seems Ina’s idea is just what he needs to pull him out of his protective shell to see a new possibility. Ina and Abner's story will take you on a wonderful and enjoyable ride to finally see how it all plays out. Gathered Around Love's Table by Rachel J. Good Jerry Gingerich is in for a huge surprise when Miriam Lapp literally crashes into his world. As their worlds intertwine, Jerry begins to rethink his choices and looks to forgiveness and new hope, while Miriam finds herself on a new path she didn't expect to be on. Their sweet story is sure to touch your heart. An Amish Christmas Table by Jennifer Beckstrand If you haven't met Alfie and Benjie Petersheim before, you are in for the ride of your life. They are out to spoil Zeke Hostetler's plans and save Sarah Zimmerman from him. Unfortunately for Alfie and Benjie, one little mistake has them doing what they never planned to do, and the result is one surprise after another and one laugh after another. It is sweet and entertaining. Love Beneath the Pine by Tracy Fredrychowski Hannah Schrock is on a mission to make sure she properly takes care of and provides for her grandmother. Isaac Kauffman, her neighbor, wants to help her and hopefully grow a relationship with her. When he finds his family's old table and chooses to restore it to help Hannah, he makes a discovery that takes him and Hannah on a hunt to solve a mystery. It also makes Hannah rethink her mission and consider opening up to possibilities. Hannah and Isaac's story is one of discoveries, faith, and love.

                                                   

Redeeming the Past (House of Hope Book 1) by Linda Goodnight

Book Details: 

Title: Redeeming the Past 

Series: House of Hope Book 1

Author: Linda Goodnight

Publisher: Love Inspired

Pages: 250

Release Date: December 24, 2024 

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Can repairing an old house…

Open the door to a new love?

To make amends for his misspent youth, bodyguard John-Parker Wisdom vows to turn his late foster mom’s property into a home for neglected teenage boys. Only there’s a catch—unexpected co-heir Zoey Chavez. The pretty widow needs the house proceeds to support her children, and she won’t let a former bad boy stand in her way. Now they have three months to agree on a plan or forfeit their shared inheritance. But when John-Parker’s past complicates things as the deadline looms near, will they risk everything for a chance at a forever partnership?

My Thoughts: Heartwarming

John-Parker Wisdom and Zoey Chavez don't know each other, but that changes when John-Parker returns to Rosemary Ridge. His return is not a happy one for Zoey, especially when they are thrust together to honor the terms of a will. Not only do they have to work together, but they each have a different goal in mind. How in the world can two people with such different goals work toward common ground, especially when growing feelings make their way in?

I absolutely loved this story! I especially loved how the author blended love, faith, forgiveness, and second chances with the themes of foster care, recovery from a broken relationship, and judgmental attitudes. Linda Goodnight has done a flawless job of blending these into an awesomely heartwarming story that will deeply 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.

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About the Author: Linda Goodnight

NY Times and USA Bestseller, Linda Goodnight writes novels to stir the soul as well as to entertain. Her stories of hope through faith in Jesus have won the RITA, the Carol, the Reviewer's Choice, and other industry awards. A small-town girl, Linda remains close to her roots, making her home in rural Oklahoma. Connect with Linda on Facebook, Twitter, or at www.lindagoodnight.com  

B is for Bonnet (Amish ABC's Book 2) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Book Details: 

Title: B is for Bonnet 

Series: Amish ABC's Book 2

Author: Shelley Shepard Gray

Publisher: Kensington Books

Pages: 271

Release Date: January 21, 2025 

Genre: Amish Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Raised by their divorced, lapsed Amish father and English mother, siblings Jonny, Martin, Kelsey, and Beth can't wait to reinvent their lives. The four don't have much in common, but they long for the stable sense of family they felt when visiting their New Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful Holmes County, Ohio. And the Schrocks couldn't be more surprised when the grandkids want to try living with them—and joining their faith . . .

When Jonny hears startling news about his health, he knows it's past time to change his life. Quitting college, he unexpectedly finds the fulfilling job of his dreams. And he's instantly smitten with cafe owner Treva Kramer, whose baked goods are as warm and delicious as her lively personality. But no matter how hard Jonny tries, he can't seem to get past her secret sadness and distrust. Can he prove that his feelings for her are for real—and forever—in time?

A bad breakup left Treva heartbroken—and resolved to be independent without relying on anyone ever again. Exhausted from pouring everything she's got into her cafe, she’s stunned by Jonny’s easygoing ways—and drawn to his optimistic nature. But when she thinks his real interest is in becoming Amish, she's even more determined to stay focused—and keep her heart safe . . .

Soon, deep secrets and hidden family truths will test Jonny and Treva in unexpected ways. And with help from his warm-hearted grandparents, he and Treva might gain the happiness they secretly long for—with each other.

My Thoughts: Heartfelt

Jonny Schrock has just received some surprising news about his health that has him making some important and life-changing decisions. He is also faced with decisions regarding some of his family relationships. Then, when Treva Kramer becomes an unexpected but welcome inclusion in his life, Jonny's decisions have an even greater impact on him. As the relationship between him and Treva grows, a surprising situation for Treva arises. It has her making some important decisions of her own that will also affect her and Jonny. Along the way, more surprises show up that put some bumps in their growing relationship. But seeing it all play out is a sheer joy to watch. 

Jonny and Treva's story is so heartfelt. Its themes of forgiveness, love, faith, family, and second chances flow through this story in a lovely and exceptional way that deeply touched my heart. It is a wonderful story of love that I highly recommend.

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 the two-time Holt Medallion Award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over one hundred novels. Her novels have been translated into multiple languages and highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, NPR , and USA Today. An active member of her church and the mother of two young adults, Shelley lives with her husband in Ohio and writes full-time. Please visit her online at ShelleyShepardGray.com. 

Unforgotten (Amish Romantic Suspense Story with Forgiveness and Second Chances) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Book Details: 

Title: Unforgotten 

Series: Amish Romantic Suspense Story with Forgiveness and                         Second Chances, Book 2 

Author: Shelley Shepard Gray 

Publisher: Revell

Pages: 294

Release Date: November 5, 2024 

Genre: Amish Romance/Amish Mystery

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Even though Bethanne Hostetler has found some peace seven years after an attempted assault and the accidental death of Peter Miller, she is still haunted by the memory. When her Englisher cousin, Candace--who has just been crowned Miss Crittenden County--reveals that she has a stalker, all of Bethanne's old fears come rushing back.

Jay Byler had once been Peter's best friend, and the fact that he did not protect Bethanne that fateful night has haunted him ever since. To make matters worse, she continues to avoid him--even as he continues to love her. Jay can only hope and pray that one day Bethanne will see the person he is today and not the boy he used to be.

As Candace's stalker becomes bolder, Officer Ryan Mulany becomes her escort to various events. He knows he should only think of Candace as a job, but the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to maintain professional distance. When everyone's worst fears are realized, all four must work together to prevent another tragedy before time runs out and another innocent person is hurt.

My Thoughts: Riveting

Cousins Bethanne and Candace come from different backgrounds but are extremely close. After surviving an attack, Bethanne works daily for a sense of normalcy. Candace, who has just won the title of Miss Crittenden County, struggles for normalcy as she tends to the commitments that go with her new title and a potential stalker. While working through their situations, they each find themselves in unexpected company. Bethanne finds herself spending time with Jay, and Candace finds herself doing the same with Ryan. But all the while, danger is lurking in the wings, taking this romance story in a completely different direction. 

The result is a mix of romance and suspense that's beautifully put together  The fantastic characters and riveting story kept me glued to the pages all the way to the end. This heartwarming and heart-stirring story is wonderful, captivating, and one that I highly recommend.

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

                              -------------------------------------------------

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 online! 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.

  

A Courtship for the Amish Spinster (Indiana Amish Market Book 5) by Vannetta Chapman

Book Details: 

Title: A Courtship for the Amish

Series: Indiana Amish Market, Book 5

Author: Vannetta Chapman

Publisher: Love Inspired

Pages: 224

Release Date: October 22, 2024 

Genre: Amish Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

A courtship of convenience

Brings her more than she ever imagined

As the last unmarried girl in her family, Eunice Yoder is given an ultimatum—find a husband or full-time job, or move out. Too independent for a suitor and with no one willing to hire such an unconventional Amish woman, Eunice’s future seems set. Until widower and best friend, Zeb Mast offers her a deal. He’ll pretend to court her if she will help care for his young son. Both believe they are done with romance, but as they begin their arrangement, their pretend courtship starts to feel a little too real…

My Thoughts: Heartwarming

Life for Eunice Yoder is going just fine. But when her father proposes an ultimatum, it turns her world upside down. When she shares her situation with Zeb Mast, her childhood best friend, he proposes a solution that will serve both of them. And all goes well until it doesn't.

I loved Eunice and Zeb's story. I could feel Eunice's plight and her feelings of being a square peg in a round hole. My heart went out to Zeb and his struggles and difficulties in dealing with his loss and being a single father. As Eunice and Zeb spend more time together, there are ups and downs, discoveries are made, and their relationship blossoms.

The story is a blend of romance, faith, family, and friendship, but it also brings in the topics of grief, depression, and not fitting in. Author Vannetta Chapman does an exceptional job dealing with these topics and flawlessly blending them in with the other elements. Add to that a very special and wise little boy into the mix, and you have a truly wonderful and heartwarming story that is a definite must-read. 

Book Quotes:

No clouds are so dark that God cannot see throught them.

God won't lead you where His grace can't keep you.

I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book. All comments and opinions 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, how to plot 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.

Snowbound on Skye by Kate Lloyd

Book Details: 

Title: Snowbound on Skye

Author: Kate Lloyd

Publisher: Union Bay Publishing

Pages: 238

Release Date: October 1, 2024 

Genre: Christmas Holiday Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

A Tale of Second Chances and Unexpected Love

Denny Campbell's life is crumbling. With her parents gone and her beloved bookstore on the brink of failure, she's lost her anchor. But when her celebrity chef sister Maureen extends an olive branch in the form of a trip to the breathtaking Isle of Skye, Denny reluctantly accepts. Little does she know that this Scottish getaway will become a journey of the heart, offering her the chance to rewrite her own story.

But as a fierce snowstorm descends upon the island, trapping them in a powerless hotel, tensions rise and secrets threaten to spill. With each passing hour, Denny finds herself torn between the pull of her old life and the promise of new beginnings.

Will Denny have the courage to reach for happiness, or will she let this chance at love and redemption slip away?

Immerse yourself in this heartwarming tale of family bonds, unexpected romance, and the healing power of Scotland's magical landscape. "Isle of Second Chances" isn't just a story – it's an invitation to believe in new beginnings and the transformative power of opening your heart.

Don't miss this chance to transport yourself to the misty shores of Scotland and rediscover the magic of new beginnings.

My Thoughts: Wonderful Story

This wonderful story is a great mix of characters, their struggles and situations, and the curve balls life throws at them. 

Denny and Maureen are at the forefront. However, a rather spoiled young girl, an Amish nanny, a hunky Scottish driver, and a few others are mixed in as all of their stories blend together. Author Kate Lloyd has done a fantastic job of flawlessly weaving the characters' stories together without losing focus on the main characters. 

As I read, I was quickly drawn into the characters, their feelings, and their frustrations. Because of the vivid descriptions, I could visualize the beauty of Skye and every single detail of the hotel, the snow, and so much more. It kept me on an emotional rollercoaster with moments of smiling, sighing, holding my breath, and even frustration. 

All of this is what makes Snowbound on Skye such a wonderful read.

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

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About the Author: Kate Lloyd

Bestselling author Kate Lloyd is a passionate observer of human relationships. A native of Baltimore, Kate and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest, the location of her newest novel, Reinventing Ruthie. A Lancaster Family Secret, follows but is not a sequel to A Lancaster Family Christmas. (Both are stand-alones.) Another captivating book is Stage Fright, a delightful story with twists and turns as a woman ventures through England with her church choir. From Rome with Love is an intriguing Christmas book that will keep you guessing. Kate spends time with family and friends in Lancaster County, PA, the inspiration for her novels Leaving Lancaster, Pennsylvania Patchwork, and Forever Amish, the third book in the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy, and also A Letter from Lancaster County and Starting from Scratch. Kate studied art, art history, and Italian in college. She has worked a variety of jobs, including restaurateur and car salesman. Kate enjoys travel and walking with her cairn terrier, Piper, who plays an important role in her last two novels.

Readers are invited to stop by Kate's Website: www.katelloyd.com

Facebook Author Page: www.facebook.com/katelloydbooks

Instagram: @katelloydauthor

Giveaways on her Blog: https://katelloyd.com/feed

Pinterest: @KateLloydAuthor