Daybreak (Cyber Division Book 3) by Vannetta Chapman

Book Description:

Nora Brooks and Randall Goodwin are hot on the trail of a new cyber-terrorist. This time the target is Seattle as well as the lucrative cruise ships docked there. They fear that daybreak will bring unprecedented destruction.

Who was nursing a vendetta against the largest city in the Pacific Northwest as well as the tourist industry?

Nora Brooks has dealt with many different kinds of cyber criminals, but she's never come across one whose motive and method she couldn't grasp at all. They'll have to rely on her instinct as well as her partner's coding skills. Randall Goodwin might be the only one who can save the day. For the people of Seattle, their very lives could depend on it.

Daybreak is book three in Vannetta Chapman’s Cyber Terror series. The journey begins with Fading Into the Night and continues with Midnight Strike.

About the Author:

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

webpage -- www.VannettaChapman.com 

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

facebook -- www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks

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

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

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

My Thoughts:

I must confess that I am a fan of mystery and suspense, but dystopian? Not so much.  That genre is out of my comfort zone.  Totally.  However, author Vannetta Chapman writes dystopian/suspense in a way that blew my comfort zone right out of the water.

Daybreak drew me in from the very beginning.  I loved the banter between Nora and Randall.  They make a great team and complement each other so well.  On the one hand you have Nora with her no nonsense attitude and on the other hand you have Randall with his nerdiness and amazing computer skills.  Yup, they make a great team indeed.

Another part that drew me in was the details.  It is evident that the author did a ton of research.  The details were just enough to help the reader understand everything that was important to the story without being overwhelming or redundant. 

But the most important piece that drew me in was the element of suspense.  I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire story, and it kept me guessing until the very end. 

While my prior list of reading genres did not include any dystopian books, Vannetta Chapman’s Daybreak has caused me to rethink my list. This story of intrigue and suspense was so amazing that it has me anxiously awaiting the next story in the series.

I was given a copy of this book.  All comments and opinions are my own.

An Amish Picnic: Four Stories by Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, Kathleen Fuller, Vannetta Chapman

Book Description:

From bestselling authors in the Amish genre come four sweet stories about picnics and romance.

Baskets of Sunshine by Amy Clipston

Kevin Weaver has lived with his brother’s family since his parents passed away when he was young, but he craves a home and family to call his own. Freeman Kurtz owns a successful brick mason business, and Kevin takes the job as Freeman’s apprentice to pursue his own financial freedom. 

Phoebe Kurtz is helping her sister with her booth at the marketplace when she notices Kevin, her father’s employee. Their friendship grows, but Kevin is convinced that the difference in their ages makes a relationship between them impossible. Amidst summer outings, Kevin and Phoebe must decide if taking a chance on love is worth the risk.

Candlelight Sweethearts by Kelly Irvin

Esther Marie Shrock loves her job at Valley Grocery Store where she’s worked for four years. Despite a stutter that has plagued her since childhood, she thrives filling orders from a steady stream of customers. Still, at 25, she and her family wonder if romance is in her future.

Jasper Cotter isn’t good with people, but he’s found himself obligated to take over day-to-day operations of the family owned grocery store—a store he doesn’t have the first clue how to run. Thrown together, Esther Marie and Jasper don’t exactly see eye to eye. One night, the store loses power, and the candles aren’t the only things shooting off sparks. Esther Marie and Jasper are suddenly forced to discover common ground when it matters most, and they might be surprised with love along the way.

Reeling in Love by Kathleen Fuller

Nina Stoll and Ira Yoder are just friends. Just friends and fishing buddies. Every Saturday afternoon, they have a picnic at their favorite fishing hole and see who can out fish the other. Until Nina starts to wonder if there’s more.

Her plans to share her feelings go awry, and circumstances seem destined to keep Nina and Ira apart. With both Nina and Ira confused and hurting, it’s going to take courage, some help from the community matchmakers, and a little bit of divine intervention for Nina and Ira to realize they’re each other's perfect catch.

Picnics and Prospects by Vannetta Chapman

Faith Troyer is claustrophobic, and David Lapp builds tiny houses. They went on a date years ago with disastrous results. Now that they’re in their late twenties, their families and friends are beginning to wonder if either will ever find that special someone. When a picnic outing is diverted by the discovery of a package of letters dating back to the 1970s, they take it upon themselves to find answers to a mystery that causes them to rethink their past and consider their future.  

My Thoughts:

A Lovely Collection

What a wonderful collection of stories!  Each one has the theme of picnics.  Some of the picnics were sweet, some were romantic and some were a total disaster.  The authors each put their own spin on the picnic theme as well as the characters and their relationships.  They brought in characters that dealt with a variety of issues which generally aren’t brought up in books of this genre.  Each story also had the theme of friends whose relationship blossoms into more, but not without misconceptions, misunderstandings, and lack of communication causing bumps in the road to true love.  These themes flowed flawlessly throughout each story, and yet no two stories were the same, making each story special and unique.   

I am always amazed at how a group of authors can come together to make a compilation of stories.  I feel that it can at times be a challenging feat, but these authors have done a wonderful job collaborating, and it has resulted in an amazingly lovely collection that you will definitely enjoy.

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

Loving Jenna (A Wells Landing Romance Book 9) by Amy Lillard

Book Description:

In this new novel set in the beloved Oklahoma Amish community of Wells Landing, three generations of women challenge themselves and each other to make a fresh start in faith, family—and love. 

 Jenna Burkhart is tired of being “special” and hearing about what she can't do. Even though she suffered a head injury in a childhood swimming accident, she wants a life of her own just like any Amish woman. But now that she, her mamm, and her mammi have moved to Wells Landing, she's having a hard time fitting in. . . . Until she meets Buddy Miller, a boy just like her, who gives her the confidence to reach for the impossible . . .

Like Jenna, Buddy is used to being the boy no one expects much from, the one people see as “different.” Still, being around Jenna’s lively, kind-hearted ways makes him strive ever-harder to become the self-sufficient Amish man she deserves. But in the face of family disapproval and their own fears, will Jenna and Buddy's courage be enough to give them a forever happiness together?

About the Author:

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

My Thoughts:

Jenna - She remembers some parts of her life before the accident, when all was “normal.”  But since the accident, her new normal is being referred to as  “simple” or “special.”  It would probably be a little easier to handle if people would stop looking at her and treating her as if they feel sorry for her.  All Jenna wants is a life of her own, which seems impossible until she meets Buddy.

Buddy - Because he was born with Down Syndrome, Buddy’s  normal has always been that he is “special/simple.”  Yet people have always treated him kindly and made him feel accepted.  However, when Buddy lays eyes on a blue eyed angel, he decides all the more that he wants a life of his own.  

I was drawn in by how the author tells the story from Jenna and Buddy’s perspectives.  It took me on an emotional roller coaster ride.  At times it made laugh, and other times it made me sad, upset and even frustrated with how the actions of others affected Jenna and Buddy.  The author’s way of unfolding how their friendship and relationship began and developed was so special, tender and heartfelt.  Even when their families couldn’t see beyond their “uniqueness” to allow their relationship to grow, and even when adversities and challenges came their way, Jenna and Buddy remained steadfast and never gave up. They were truly inspirational.

Amy Lillard has outdone herself with Buddy and Jenna’s story.  The way she tells the story of these two “special” characters is simply flawless and I absolutely loved it!

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

An Unlikely Amish Match (Indiana Amish Brides) by Vannetta Chapman

Book Description:

Is she about to fall for trouble?

She could never love an Amish rebel…Or could she?

Susannah Beiler is determined to protect the other young marriageable Amish women from falling for the new bad boy in town…by pretending to date Micah Fisher herself! Their deal is simple: she’ll keep him company if he stays away from her friends. But she doesn’t count on finding out there’s more to Micah than his reputation…

Indiana Amish Brides

About the Author:

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

webpage -- www.VannettaChapman.com 

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

facebook -- www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks

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

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

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

My Thoughts:

Susannah Beiler is considered serious, cautious and mature for her age.  But illness at a young age can do that to a person.  Micah Fisher, on the other hand, is more of a free spirit.  Maturity and seriousness don’t rank very high on his radar.  

Shortly after Micah arrives in Susannah’s community, gossip begins about his bad boy reputation.  Susannah tries to not to pass judgment, but she is concerned about him and how his ways will affect her friends, and thus makes it her job to protect them.  So, when Micah asks her about inviting one of her friends on an outing, Susannah shoots down that idea real quick.  She also makes excuses about all of her other friends.  Although Susannah had shut herself off from dating, she suggests herself as Micah’s “buddy/companion,” all in the name of protecting her friends.  And there begins Susannah’s journey into new and unfamiliar territory.

Things are a little different for Micah.  He’s the youngest child and only boy in his family.  Therefore, he’s always been coddled and catered to.  As a result, Micah struggles with being more “mature and serious.”  He enjoys life in the moment, seizing the day so to speak.  He and Susannah couldn’t be more polar opposites. Yet, Micah agrees with Susannah’s suggestion of being “buddies,” and thus also begins his own journey into new and unfamiliar territory.   

How will these two “buddies” fare in their new journeys?  Will Susannah let go of her fears and seriousness enough to begin enjoying life in the moment?  Will Micah be able to let go of living in the moment to become more mature and serious?  Will these polar opposites be able to see eye to eye?

Author Vannetta Chapman’s An Unlikely Amish Match is a sweet and wonderful story.  It’s a story of love, mystery, forgiveness, tenderness, sadness, joy, hope and faith.   It will draw you in from the start, keep you hooked, and leave you with a feeling of contentment and a smile on your face.  It’s definitely a read you won’t want to miss.

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

The Amish Wedding Promise (Hidden Springs Book 1) by Laura V. Hilton

Book Description:

Could this bride's wedding disaster be a blessing in disguise?

Grace Lantz always imagined her wedding day would be a blissfully happy occasion. But after a tornado swept through town, she finds herself relieved that the ceremony is delayed. After all, her groom-to-be hasn't even bothered to check on her. Instead, it's the handsome volunteer Zeke Bontrager who selflessly offers Grace his strong shoulders to lean on.

Zeke came to Hidden Springs to assist a community in need. He didn't expect to meet his soul mate. Determined to ignore his feelings, Zeke promises to help reunite kind, beautiful Grace with her groom. But after spending time together, Grace confesses that she might not want to marry her fiancé after all. Can Zeke convince her that her true love is standing right in front of her? And can she find the courage to follow her heart?

About the Author:

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

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

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

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

lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com

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

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

booksbylaura.blogspot.com

My Thoughts:

Grace Lantz’s wedding day is interrupted by a horrible tornado.  However, instead of being sad, Grace is relieved.  Even so, she can’t understand why her fiancé hasn’t checked on her.  On the one hand, Grace wonders if the events are an answer to prayer, but on the other hand, she feels somewhat guilty wondering what has happened to her fiancé.  Grace is caring, loving, and dedicated to following God’s will.  But right now, the events have muddied the waters and she struggles to find answers about her future.

Enter Ezekiel “Zeke” Bontrager.  Zeke is part of a team from Shipshewana that has been sent to help in the aftermath of the tornado.  Zeke is also caring, loving, and dedicated to following God’s will.  What he knows is that God’s will would be easier if Grace were not in the picture.  As Zeke and Grace are drawn to each other, both know that due to Grace’s missing fiancé and a rule that forbids relief workers from dating, they must stay in the friend zone.  

As the story continues to unfold, you’ll meet some very special supporting characters (one of which is a funny temperamental dog) that add a special touch to the story, without overshadowing the main characters.  I especially applaud Laura V. Hilton for including Grace’s sister, Patience.  It’s not often that a special needs character is included in a story.  Ms. Hilton flawlessly portrayed Patience realistically and with all sincerity which made the story that much more endearing.

The Amish Wedding Promise is not just a story of love.  It’s a story of trusting God and fully seeking His will, especially when you can’t even imagine what plan and path He has for you.  I recommend you read it for yourself.  You will thoroughly enjoy it!  

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

Dead Wrong (Agatha's Amish B&B Book 1) by Vannetta Chapman

Book Description:

A new Amish cozy mystery from Vannetta Chapman.

Who killed Russell Dixon?
When Agatha Lapp’s brother and sister-in-law are tragically killed in a buggy accident, Agatha relocates to the new Amish community in Hunt Texas, nestled in the Texas Hill Country. She’s there to make a success of her brother’s dream--an Amish B&B. Agatha is friendly, efficient, and capable. She's also a fifty-five year old widow who has learned to be independent. When she discovers Russell Dixon’s lifeless body in Cabin 3, she runs next door where retired detective Tony Vargas lives. The police determine that her guest died of natural causes, but as Agatha and Tony put together the events of the previous two days they become convinced that the police are Dead Wrong.
Dead Wrong is a story of discovering new friendships and embracing a different path in the midst of tragedy. Above all else, it's a story of God's grace and provision.

About the Author:

Vannetta Chapman is the author of 30 published books. She has written for Abingdon Press and Harvest House Publishers, and she currently writes for Harper Collins Christian Publishing and Harlequin/Love Inspired. Her books have hit the CBD Bestseller list, the Amazon bestseller list, and her most recent release, A Widow's Hope, debuted at #17 on Publishers Weekly mass market list. She's received numerous awards including the ACFW Carol Award for best mystery (Falling to Pieces), and she was a Christy Award finalist (Anna's Healing). She recently signed a contract for an additional six books with Harlequin/Love Inspired.

Chapman has a BA and MA in English literature from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has taught for numerous writing groups and speaks around the country on writing, how to publish, and steps to finding an agent and landing a publishing contract. Chapman’s releases include Amish romance, cozy mystery, novellas, romantic suspense, and dystopian. She has tutored writers in these genres and more. She currently teaches English at Central Texas College and writes full time. She's also the president for the Central Texas Chapter of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).

For more information, visit her at
webpage -- www.VannettaChapman.com
blog -- http://vannettachapman.com/blog/
facebook -- www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks
pinterest -- http://pinterest.com/vannettachapman
instagram -- https://instagram.com/vannettachapman
twitter -- https://twitter.com/VannettaChapman

My Thoughts:

A Whodunit That Will Keep You Guessing Til the Very End!

From the minute I heard about Vannetta Chapman’s new Amish mystery series, I couldn’t contain my excitement.  Needless to say it was worth the wait!

One of the first things I loved about the story is that Agatha, the main character, is not a twenty or thirty something.  I’m not biased against that age group, but it was refreshing to have a main character that is a little more seasoned in age.  And what a fun and delightful character she is!  Agatha is strong in her faith.  She’s a hard worker and very caring, There were many times when her answer to questions and situations brought a smile to my face.  It would especially happen when she would matter of factly respond with, “I’m Amish,” as if that explained everything.  Although Agatha moved to Texas to take over her deceased brother’s  B&B, her attitude about the difficult situation was  accepting it as God’s will.  

Anthony “Tony” Vargas was almost Agatha’s exact opposite.  He’d suffered his wife’s illness and passing.  In his case, the loss kept just coasting day to day.  He was a a retired detective until Agatha’s knock on the door changed it all.  

As Agatha and Tony work together to solve the mystery of Russel Dixon’s death, a strong friendship is formed.  Along with the friendship comes healing to a hurting soul.  Add to that some fun moments, hold your breath moments, and a whodunit that has you wondering til the very end and you have a wonderfully entertaining cozy mystery which is sure to leave you wanting more. All of these reasons are what made me love this story, and I’m sure you’ll love it too!

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

Hearts in Harmony by Beth Wiseman (An Amish Journey Novel Book 1)

Book Description:

They both love music. Will God deny what brings them such joy? 

Musical prodigy Levi Shetler hasn’t touched a piano since he secretly played one years ago. His strict Amish community forbids instruments or the singing of any music not in their approved songbook. Levi asks God often why music tempts him when playing an instrument isn’t allowed in his world. 

One person knows Levi’s talents: Mary Hershberger, the girl who promised years ago to keep his secret. Mary comes from a more liberal district than Levi, but she’s facing family troubles of her own. The mutual care for an aging Englischer, Adeline, reunites Mary and Levi as young adults. They realize that, despite their differences, they have a shared love of music—and a shared confusion about whether their talents are God-given gifts or temptations luring them into the Englisch world. 

The couple realizes they must compromise or part ways, but a tragic accident shakes their decision. Both Mary and Levi will need to reconcile what they love with what their hearts say is right—because even as their passion for music brings them together, it could be what tears them apart. 

The first novel in the new Amish Journeys series by bestselling author Beth Wiseman, Hearts in Harmony explores how far the heart will travel for the melody of love.

About the Author:

Bestselling and award-winning author Beth Wiseman has sold over two million books. She is the recipient of the coveted Holt Medallion, a two-time Carol Award winner, and has won the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award three times. Her books have been on various bestseller lists, including CBD, CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly. Beth and her husband are empty nesters enjoying country life in south central Texas. Visit her online at BethWiseman.com; Facebook: AuthorBethWiseman; Twitter: @BethWiseman; Instagram: @bethwisemanauthor.

https://www.amazon.com/Beth-Wiseman/e/B001JP7RNS/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

https://twitter.com/bethwiseman

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBethWiseman/

My Thoughts:

What is family?  Traditionally, we look at family as blood relatives.  However, author Beth Wiseman has created a delightful story which shows that family isn't just limited to the traditional definition, but it can be so much more.

Adeline, Levy, Mary, and Natalie.  At one time, all were strangers, each with his or her own challenges, struggles, and beliefs. However, a series of events unexpectedly brings these individuals together. As they come together, their bond is strengthened through moments of sadness and laughter, moments where beliefs are questioned, moments where challenges are faced, and moments where difficult decisions are made.  

Their story will immediately draw you in and keep you turning pages with its twists and turns.  There are moments that will have you smiling and laughing while others will have you reaching for tissue. But through it all, the bonds of love, faith and trust in God will bring their hearts together in harmony through the love of family.  

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