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.

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

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.

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

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

 

An Amish Christmas Match (Sweetbrier Creek Book 1) by Winnie Griggs

Book Details: 

Title: An Amish Christmas Match  

Series: Sweetbrier Creek Book 1

Author: Winnie Griggs

Publisher: Forever

Pages: 315

Release Date: September 24, 2024

Genre: Amish Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Can one Amish woman give a struggling widower with five rowdy boys a helping hand—and a chance at love—this Christmas season?
 
Phoebe Kropf knows everyone thinks she’s a bit odd—and more than a little accident-prone. She doesn’t understand why they fuss over her at home rather than see her as a bright, independent Amish woman. So when a friend asks Phoebe to help care for a house full of young men in nearby Sweetbrier Creek, she leaps at the chance to prove she’s more than her shortcomings . . .

Widower Seth Beiler is in over his head with his five orphaned brieder to care for and all the Christmas orders his woodworking shop needs to fulfill. When he asked for help with some cooking and cleaning, he wasn’t expecting a housekeeper as unconventional—or lovely—as Phoebe. Yet her warm care and holiday traditions win their hearts one by one. And soon, the farmhouse finally starts to feel like home again. When the Christmas season and Phoebe’s time there is nearly at an end, will Seth convince her that the greatest gift would be her staying . . . as part of their familye?

My Thoughts: Absolutely Wonderful!

This story is not at all what I expected. For one, I expected to read a little and then set it aside until I could read more. However, once I got started, I could not put it down until I'd read the very last page. The second unexpected was the wonderful characters in the story. Each one added such a special touch to the story. It was absolutely wonderful! 

And what did I love? I loved seeing Phoebe become her own person by overcoming her past and the limitations her family had placed on her. She is extremely unique, loving, intuitive, caring, and such an overcomer.  

I also loved seeing Seth's transformation, especially how it seemed to happen without him noticing it. Watching him go through the changes, along with the impact of those changes and Phoebe's influence on him and the brothers, was just sheer joy. 

I can't say enough about this wonderful story. I can only add that it is a definite must-read that you don't want to miss. 

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: Winnie Griggs

Winnie Griggs grew up in south Louisiana in an undeveloped area her schoolmates considered the very back of beyond. With her two younger siblings and another family of three siblings for playmates, she spent many an hour exploring the overgrown land around her home, cutting jungle trails, building forts and frontier camps, and looking for pirate ships on the nearby bayou.

Once she 'grew up,' she found other outlets for dealing with all those wonderful, adventurous, imaginary friends by filling notebooks with their stories. And somewhere along the way, those scribblings gave way to full-length books.

Eventually, she found her own Prince Charming, a rancher whose white steed takes the form of a tractor and whose kingdom is situated in a small rural community that she loves to call home, and together, they've built their own storybook happily ever after. Their lives together expanded to include four now-grown children who share Winnie's vivid imagination and her husband's steadier influences and are now out in the world pursuing their own adventures.

You can learn more about Winnie and her books, past and future, at www.winniegriggs.com

   

Serenity's Secret (Hearts of the Amish Book 6) by Lisa Jones Baker

Book Details: 

Title: Serenity's Secret 

Series: Hearts of the Amish Book 6

Author: Lisa Jones Baker

Publisher: Barbour Fiction

Pages: 261

Release Date: October 1, 2024 

Genre: Amish Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Serenity Holds Her Secrets Close
 
Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.
 
Serenity Miller has much to love about life as the owner of The Pink Petal in Arthur, Illinois, and enjoys trying natural remedies and exploring garage sales. Then comes the day her neighbor, Stephen Lantz, saves her from trespassers on her property, and their friendship deepens into an attraction Serenity knows can never lead to marriage. She holds secrets she can never divulge, despite Stephen’s way of wooing her. But how can Serenity return to her life of contentment after a taste of love? And when danger returns, will it steal her last hope for a bright future?

My Thoughts: Endearing 

Serenity and Stephen's story is a wonderful mix of friendship, love, faith, and intrigue. The author has done an amazing job of weaving these elements into their story and does so flawlessly. The result is a lovely and endearing story that is a joy to 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.

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

About the Author: Lisa Jones Baker

Lisa Jones Baker grew up near a small Amish town in Illinois that she frequented with her family on weekends. She's also a dog lover and a fan of Scottsdale, Arizona, where she spent nearly two decades. Lisa graduated from Illinois State University with a French major; has been on five out of seven continents; and considers her parents the best in the world. Raised in a Christian home, Lisa has always been blessed with love and support. She enjoys hearing from readers at LisaJonesBaker.com.  

The Christmas Gathering by Shelley Shepard Gray, Lenora Worth, Rachel J. Good

Book Details: 

Title: The Christmas Gathering  

Authors: Shelley Shepard Gray, Lenora Worth, Rachel J. Good

Publisher: Kensington Books

Pages: 286

Release Date: September 24, 2024

Genre: Christian Short Stories/Amish Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Christmas miracles abound in this trio of stories that celebrate holiday blessings with three Amish families who discover the season’s sweetest gifts . . .

A CHRISTMAS REUNION by Shelley Shepard Gray
Tricia Troyer is thrilled when Brandt Holden, her cousin’s English friend, joins the Troyers’ holiday gathering for the second year in a row. The sparks between them are clear to everyone. When Brandt asks Tricia to be his girlfriend, they both know she’ll have important choices to make about her future. But the two aren’t as different as some believe—and with open hearts and understanding, their very own Christmas miracle just might be  
possible . . . 

WE GATHER TOGETHER by Lenora Worth
When Lucas Myer meets Kayla Hollinger on the shores of Lake Erie, he’s smitten. Their families are even staying at the same inn, for different gatherings. The two plan to meet again—but soon enough they discover a problem: their relatives are locked in a longtime feud and forbid them to socialize. Fortunately, Lucas and Kayla are old enough to make their own decisions—and they decide to create a Christmas miracle of forgiveness and love . . . 

HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES by Rachel J. Good
Years ago, Mark was banished by his Amish family when he chose a career in music. It still hurts, especially during the holidays. And now, just before Christmas, he and his band find themselves stranded after their manager absconds with their money. Desperate, Mark is offered a job teaching piano—but that’s just the first miracle. His work will not only bless others in need, but a longtime fan might just capture his heart—and even lead him home . . .

My Thoughts: 3 Great Stories

These are three wonderful stories that are connected by the Christmas theme, but that is the only similarity. Each one is unique and a wonderful read.

The Christmas Gathering by Shelley Shepard Gray

Tricia and Brandt have a special connection, but there's just one small problem. Brandt is English, and Tricia is not. Theirs is a fun and engaging story of what can happen when love is at the center of everything.

We Gather Together by Lenora Worth

What do you do when you meet someone that you click with but find out that your family will never let you pursue a relationship? When Luke and Kayla find themselves in this predicament, they hatch a plan. However, obstacles come up at every turn, making it seem like an impossible feat. But love turns things around in a surprising way.

Hitting All the Right Notes by Rachel J. Good

Andrew thinks he has things all figured out with his music career. Joline thinks her plan for pursuing music, and Andrew is perfect. However, when each one's plans come to a halt, they are left thinking of what is next. As unexpected help comes, along with some turn of events, love ends up coming through in a very sweet and special way.

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

                                                 

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

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

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.