All In (The Bridgeport Social Club Series Book 2) by Shelley Shephard Gray

Book Description:

Meredith Hunt is content with her solo life. She owns and runs a successful Pilates studio, volunteers at the high school every week, and recently bought a house. She can take care of herself, which is good because she has a hard time relying on other people. When she's mugged and a handsome man comes to her rescue, she doesn't know how to accept his help-or how to stop staring into his chocolate-brown eyes.

Ace Vance moved to Bridgeport to offer his fifteen-year-old son, Finn, a better life. Here, Finn has a chance to play football for a good team and maybe even earn a college scholarship. And Ace scored a job at a top-notch garage, where he gets to fix up classic cars. Plus, they could both use some distance from Finn's toxic mom. The last thing on his mind is falling in love, but he can't help offering assistance to a gorgeous redhead in need.

Thrown together by a careless criminal, Meredith and Ace can't deny their attraction. But can they open their hearts-and their lives-to make room for love?

Shelley Shepard Gray's Bridgeport Social Club series explores how communities can come together to support each other, whether it's around a poker table, in a Pilates studio, or anywhere in between. Get ready to fall in love with a group of men and women who, even when they feel lost, refuse to lose hope.

https://amzn.to/2Tt4yiM

About the Author:

Shelley Shepard Gray lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. A busy wife and mother of two, she spends her days writing and keeping track of her two teenagers. Her two dogs keep her company when she writes in her basement.

Shelley enjoys writing about the Amish and visits Amish communities in Adams and Holmes counties several times a year. When not spending time with her family or writing, she serves on several committees in her church.

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 on line! Please visit her website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news...or become her friend on FaceBook.

https://www.shelleyshepardgray.com

Facebook:  http://bit.ly/2BapSCy

Twitter:  http://bit.ly/2CReN9M

Pinterest:  http://bit.ly/2Wts2qc

Goodreads:  http://bit.ly/2CVrNvb

My Thoughts:

Okay.  Let me begin by saying that as I write this review, I find myself in a bit of a conundrum.  It comes from my background of experience with author Shelley Shepard Gray’s earlier books. My experience with this author has been through her works in the genres of romance/historical/mystery&suspense mainly involving Amish and Mennonite.  They have also been labeled as religious/christian/clean&wholesome.  Thus, my conundrum begins.  I had to separate & get beyond my past experiences with the author’s prior works in order to give my honest thoughts about All In.

So, let me just begin by saying that my first challenge was to accept that All In doesn’t fit into a mold that I’ve experienced with the author’s prior works.  That being said, it was scary, refreshing and exciting for me to read.  Scary in that from the beginning, I could tell this was a different type of story from what I was used to from this author.  Refreshing in that from the beginning, I was immediately drawn into the characters, which were different from the other works I’d read by this author.  Exciting in that I really wanted to see where the story would go.

I was indeed drawn in from the start when Meredith Hunt is mugged and two guardian angels in the form of Ace and Finley Vance, show up just in the nick of time to help her.  The problem is that Meredith isn’t used to being helped.  She didn’t have the best situations while growing up.  The difficult situations in her life and relationships have made her self reliant and hesitant to receive help from anyone.  Even in this situation, she found it uncomfortable to 

have someone, make that two someones, helping her.  

Ace Vance hasn’t had things so easy either.  He’s just moved to Bridgeport to make a better life for his son Finn and to get away from Finn’s mother.  His main focus has been to make things better for Finn.  The situation with Finn’s mother combined with his focus to make a better life for Finn has kept the whole dating thing off of his radar.  

And as for Finley Vance, he’s had his share of bad experiences in his young life, most of which stem from his mother’s lack of mothering.  At his young age he feels the need to be self reliant but also struggles with things he’s missed out on, as well as the typical challenges faced by teens.

The lives of these three become entwined when Meredith’s mugging brings them together.  The story has romance, mystery and intrigue. But the largest part of the story revolves around how these three individuals come to terms with their pasts and how they are able to move forward from there to find forgiveness, healing and love.  

So, I said all that to say this.  All In is a clean, wholesome read with a slight contemporiness (is that even a word?)  to it.  It will take you to a place where you will find just how powerful love, and love’s healing, can be.  

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

The Farmer's Bride (An Amish Brides of Birch Creek Book 2) by Kathleen Fuller

Book Description:

They promised to keep each other’s secrets . . . not realizing they were about to make some of their own. 

Martha Detweiler has a problem many Amish women her age would envy: she’s the only single woman in a community of young men, and they’re all competing for her favor. Overwhelmed by the unwanted attention, Martha finds herself constantly fleeing from her would-be suitors, dismayed at what her life has come to. 

Birch Creek’s resident matchmaker, Cevilla Schlabach, suggests a solution: Martha and the bishop’s son, Seth Yoder, should pretend they are dating. What better way to keep the other young men away? 

But Seth is the only man around not interested in Martha. He has a secret hobby that keeps him away from social gatherings: woodcarving. Having grown up in poverty, he’s determined to keep his father’s farm successful, even if it means he has no time for dating. Then Delilah Stoll, a new resident of Birch Creek, eyes Seth as the perfect man for her granddaughter. Suddenly Cevilla’s proposition doesn’t seem all that ludicrous. Can Seth and Martha convince their family and friends to leave them alone? 

The second book in bestselling author Kathleen Fuller’s Amish Brides of Birch Creek series, The Farmer’s Bride celebrates the unexpected power of love and the joy of discovering God’s calling.

https://amzn.to/2RXUDFh

About the Author:

With over a million copies sold, Kathleen Fuller is the 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: 

KathleenFuller.com

Amazon:  https://amzn.to/2FYbGR8

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2RXtnqD

Facebook:  http://bit.ly/2DHDpDp

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2RrQ4Oo

My Thoughts:

I am not new to author Kathleen Fuller’s works, and I’ve always enjoyed her writings.  Her stories grab you right from the start.  The characters are lovable and make you feel like you’re right there with them, feeling what they’re feeling and going through what they’re going through.  When it comes to these characteristics, The Farmer’s Bride is no

exception.

Enter Martha.  Poor Martha is struggling with something that most would consider a plus.  She’s being pursued by not just one, but a number of young men in her district.  Instead of being happy about it, she dreads it, and that’s her secret.  From the beginning, the reader is drawn into her plight and gets the sense of what Martha is going through. 

Enter Seth.  The furthest thing from his mind is dating.  He’s too busy with his own secret, a secret that Martha accidentally gets drawn into.  And there begins the camaraderie between the two.  Where it goes next will take the reader on a fun ride full of just enough twists and turns to keep you drawn in.

The story will make you laugh, hold your breath, reflect, sigh, and much more.  But through it all, there are also lessons in trust, forgiveness, overcoming past hurts, and love.  All of this is the wonderful combination that makes The Farmer’s Bride a most delightful read.

***I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Amish Candymaker by Laura V. Hilton

Book Description:

Agnes Zook finds herself on her own in a small Amish community in Mackinac County after a tragedy kills her family. Most of the Amish call her “off in den Kopf” (strange) since she’s starting her own business and forging her own way in the community instead of relying on the bishop to take care of her. Since she’s viewed as non-submissive and too-forward for an Amish woman, she’s not courted by young men in the area.

Isaac Mast is on the verge of leaving the Amish church. He’s become a sought-after auctioneer and has a thriving business, but he feels confined by the strict rules. When his brother is severely injured in a wild fire, Isaac receives a letter from his sister-in-law, begging him to come to Mackinac County to help out while his brother is hospitalized. Isaac agrees but is unsure how to manage their young children when he has weekend auctions he’s expected to attend.

Agnes may be the answer to a prayer. Sparks fly when she and Isaac meet. But could their differences help them form a deeper connection to their faith...and each other?

https://amzn.to/2Cfqy9G

About the Author:  Laura Hilton

Laura V. Hilton has authored more than two dozen books and is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews published on the Internet.The Amish Candymaker is Laura’s second book in the Amish of Mackinac County series; the first was Firestorm. Her last series, The Amish of Jamesport, included The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse. Although not part of that series, her novels Love by the Numbers, The Amish Wanderer, The Christmas Admirer, and The Amish Firefighter also take place in Jamesport.Laura’s first series with Whitaker House, The Amish of Seymour County, consists of Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts, and Promised to Another. In 2012, A Harvest of Hearts received a Laurel Award, placing first in the Amish Genre Clash. Her second series, The Amish of Webster County, includes Healing Love, Surrendered Love, Awakened Love, and A White Christmas in Webster County.Laura and her pastor-husband, Steve, have five children and make their home in Arkansas.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:  Fun and Entertaining!

Although I am not an author, I feel it’s safe to say that an author faces many challenges when  creating a story.  They write a quality story whose plot and characters engage and entertain the reader.  Yet, I often read reviews stating that although the book was enjoyable, the characters were not likable.  Sadly, that last part doesn’t do much to encourage one to read the book.  However, I can assure you that as you read The Amish Candymaker, you will not come away complaining about the characters.  Instead, you will find that Agnes and Isaac are two of the most endearing characters you’ve come across in quite some time. 

Agnes is quite a unique character.  She doesn’t quite fit the mold of a typical Amish woman.  She runs her own business.  She’s quirky.  She’s blunt.  She speaks her mind in that if it pops into her head, it’s going to come out of her mouth.  Zero filter.  But, at the same time, she’s extremely caring and lovable.  Then there’s Isaac who is also quite unique. Isaac doesn’t live in one place.  He has a job that keeps him traveling all of the time.  Because he’s never in one place very long, he’s not a member of a particular church.  Instead he attends church wherever he is.  So, when it comes to following the Ordnung and rules of the church, he pretty well marches to the beat of his own drum.  

Together, Agnes and Isaac make quite the pair.  Although these two are fun and endearing, they’re also two individuals full of pain, guilt and scars left behind by events they’ve each had to face in their lives. But through it all, these two are drawn to each other and begin to grow in love for one another. In doing so, they also begin to find their way back to God’s plan for their lives as they receive forgiveness and freedom from the weight of guilt they’ve been carrying for so long.

An engaging storyline, endearing characters, romance, twists and turns, laugh out lout moments (and there were many), as well a message of hope and forgiveness make The Amish Candymaker a fun, entertaining, hard to put down, definite must-read.

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book. All expressed opinions are my own.

Tell Her No Lies by Kelly Irvin

Book Description:

Combining romance and suspense, bestselling author Kelly Irvin’s Tell Her No Lies is a high-stakes race for the truth. 

“A moving and compelling tale about the power of grace and forgiveness that reminds us how we become strongest in our most broken moments.”—Library Journal review of Upon a Spring Breeze

Even the most admired families have secrets to hide . . .

Nina Fischer carries a camera wherever she goes—so she can view life through a filter. Safely. After her mother abandoned her to the streets, Nina has kept people at a distance, including her uncle, who adopted Nina and her sister. Wealthy and proud, he is a good man, a fair judge, and someone many in San Antonio admire. 

But when he is murdered, and the detective assigned to the case accuses Nina of the crime, she knows she must act. She’s determined to use her journalism background to find the real killer. The two men in her life want to help, but can she trust them?  She’s known Rick since they were children, but now he’s an attorney whose political aspirations seem more important than Nina’s tragic loss. And then there’s Aaron, a news videographer; using their friendship could break the biggest story of his career. 

Following the evidence leads Nina on a journey of discovery into her father’s shocking masquerade as a law-abiding, family-loving Christian. Unlocking these secrets could prove fatal, but it’s the only way Nina will ever be able to trust love again. 

Combining romance and suspense, bestselling author Kelly Irvin’s Tell Her No Lies is a high-stakes race for the truth.

https://amzn.to/2EQrfZR

About the Author:

Kelly Irvin is the bestselling author of the Every Amish Season and Amish of Bee County series. The Beekeepers Son received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, who called it a “beautifully woven masterpiece.” The two-time Carol Award finalist is a former newspaper reporter and retired public relations professional. Kelly lives in Texas with her husband, photographer Tim Irvin. They have two children, two grandchildren, and two cats. In her spare time, she likes to read books by her favorite authors. 

Visit her online at http://www.kellyirvin.com/; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly_irvin/; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.irvin; Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kelly_S_Irvin.

My Thoughts:

Could Not Put It Down!

Although I enjoy romantic suspense stories, it's been awhile since I've read one. I chose to read this book because I'm familiar with some of this author's other works which are not in this genre, Thus, my curiosity was piqued when I realized Tell Her No Lies is a romantic suspense story. And let me say that I am soooo glad I chose to read it. This book is amazing! Once I began reading it, I could not put it down!

The story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen next, I was left saying, "Wow! I did not see that coming!" The plot moved along at a good pace, and the details throughout the story helped create a great visual of every scene. It has just the right blend of suspense and romance. Ms. Irvin undeniably hit the mark with this romantic suspense novel. It is without any reservation that I highly recommend Tell Her No Lies to those who enjoy this genre as well as those who are new to it. In my humble opinion, once you begin reading it, you will not be able to put it down, and you most definitely will not be disappointed.

A Chance at Forever (Teaville Moral Society Book #3) by Melissa Jagears

Book Description:

In early 1900s Kansas, Mercy McClain, determined to protect Teaville's children from the bullying she experienced as a child, finds fulfillment working at the local orphanage and serving on the school board. When Aaron Firebrook, the classmate who bothered her more than any other, petitions the board for a teaching position, she's dead set against him getting the job.

Aaron knows he deserves every bit of Mercy's mistrust, but he's returned to his hometown a changed man and is seeking to earn forgiveness of those he wronged. He doesn't expect Mercy to like him, but surely he can prove he now has the best interests of the children at heart.

Will resentment and old wounds hold them back, or can Mercy and Aaron put the past behind them in time to face the unexpected threats to everything they're working for?

https://amzn.to/2EvSXaC

About the Author:

Much to her introverted self's delight, ACFW Award winner and double INSPY finalist Melissa Jagears hardly needs to leave her home to be a homeschooling mother and novelist. She lives in Kansas with her husband and three children and can be found online at: www.melissajagears.com

https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Jagears/e/B00BCU4VVQ/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

https://www.facebook.com/melissajagearsauthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6929011.Melissa_Jagears

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-jagears

https://www.pinterest.com/melissajagears

My Thoughts:

G. Aaron Firebrook returns to Teaville in hopes of finding a teaching job, as well as making amends for his past behaviors.  In his school days, Aaron was known as the school bully.  He was relentless in who he targeted and how he bullied them.  But, Aaron is no longer that school yard bully.  He has turned his life around and is now applying for a teacher position in the same place where he had been a student.  By dropping “George” from his name and now going by Aaron, he hopes no one will make the connection.  Unfortunately, the first person to recognize him is Mercy McClain.  

Mercy recognizes Aaron as the boy who tormented her in school.  Because of her partial arm, one of his names for her was “Stumpy.”  Mercy couldn’t fathom why Aaron would be back, and as a teacher.  There was no way she would allow him to be given a teaching job, because there was no way that Aaron, aka George the bully, had changed.  Or had he?

As the story unfolds, we get to know more of Aaron's life and background.  Piece by piece the author gives us insight into what drove his past behavior, as well as his present behavior.  Getting to know Mercy also helps one understand her feelings, her hurts, and her struggle with forgiveness.  The story also makes one reflect on how easily one can become judgmental to the point of not recognizing in one self some of the same behaviors we judge or criticize in others.   Although the story is set in the past, the story and its message is timeless.  With A Chance At Forever, author Melissa Jagears has skillfully handled the topic of bullying and entwined it with forgiveness, love, and some twists and turns that will keep you turning pages making it a story you definitely won’t want to miss.

Love by the Numbers by Laura V.Hilton

Book Description:

After a buggy accident claims the life of her fiancé, Lydia Hershberger makes a fresh start in Jamesport, Missouri, managing a gift store. It isn’t long before she meets the young man hired to handle the bookkeeping—Caleb Bontrager, whose handcrafted cuckoo clocks are sold in the store.           

And it isn't long before Caleb has made up his mind about her: bright and sparkly but not right for him. Alarmed by his attraction to her, he determines to settle down with someone more practical. Less sparkle. More logic. But he can’t seem to shake his feelings for Lydia.      

      

When false allegations by the bishop back home catch up with Lydia and threaten to ruin her reputation, can she clear her name and find lasting happiness? Or will her sunny disposition fade away into heartbreak?

Author Biography:

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with over twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.

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

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

Blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com  

https://twitter.com/laura_v_hilton?lang=en

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraVHilton

My Thoughts:  

Love by the Numbers is a beautiful story of romance  with what I consider a little bit of mystery.  The mystery part is where the author gives little bits and pieces of each of the main character’s story that keeps the reader guessing.  There was also intrigue woven in through some twists and turns throughout the story.  As the story continued to develop and the pieces started coming together, I realized that Lisa and Caleb were each carrying guilt over their past.  The characters try their best to stay in the “friend zone” but needless to say, that doesn’t work out very well, making the characters all the more endearing.  The story flows well with a mix romance, intrigue and forgiveness.  It drew me in from the very first page all the way to the last page.  I felt the struggle, pain, and joy of each character, as well as the blessing of God’s amazing forgiveness.

Love by the Numbers will hook you from the very first page.  Once you start, you won’t be able to put it down until you’ve read all the way to the very last word.  You won’t be disappointed.

Diana's Tea Time Reviews: Love by the Numbers by Laura V. Hilton

Diana's Tea Time Reviews: Love by the Numbers by Laura V. Hilton: After a buggy accident claims the life of her fiancé, Lydia Hershberger makes a fresh start in Jamesport, Missouri, managing a gift sto...