Month: January 2019

Ellie’s Redemption (An Amish Charm Bakery #2) by Molly Jebber

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ellie

Pages: 288

Publisher: Kensington/Zebra

Published: January 29, 2019

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

After experiencing the English world for a bit, Ellie has returned to her Amish community and enjoys working with her stepmom in the bakery. Joel and his family have just moved to Charm for a new chance. He is not aware of Ellie’s past and finds himself falling for her. When her past comes to light will Joel be able to forgive her and continue to love her?

As I felt with the first book in the series, I find it hard to review a book that I just liked and not loved. It is not the author’s fault if the book did not speak to me. I have read many reviews where others loved it. My main issue remains the same as I felt the story was rushed. It seemed to jump from one thing to another and ideas were not given a full follow through as I am used to in other Amish novels.

This is Ellie’s story and I’m still not impressed with her behavior. At times she still acted like a brat and I found myself shaking my head in disgust at her.

Will I continue with the series if there are more? I honestly don’t know. I’m leaning towards this series not being my cup of tea.

Please do not use my review as a judge if you want to read the book. Read the book yourself and make your own opinion. What doesn’t speak to me may speak volumes to you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

The Rancher’s Twins (Return of the Blackwell Brothers #1) by Carol Ross

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twins

Pages: 384

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Published: August 1, 2018

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Lydia Newbury is on the run and finds herself as a nanny to Jon Blackwell’s five-year-old twins. To say they are spunky is mild. They are little imps of joy and curiosity. Will Lydia be able to convince the grouch faced rancher she is the woman for the job?

I have not read a Harlequin for many, many years and I am impressed with the Harlequin Heartwarming books. The Rancher’s Twins was full of clean romance with a detailed storyline. The plot of helping one another was the main focus and not how fast they could get in the bed.

The twins are utterly adorable and I hope they make cameo appearances in the rest of the series. You will find yourself falling in love with these little girls.

Fans of western romances written by Diana Palmer and Linda Lael Miller will enjoy this clean romantic story set on a ranch in beautiful Montana.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

Secrets at Cedar Cabin (Lavender Tides #3) by Colleen Coble

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cedar

Pages: 352

Publisher: Thomas Nelson – Fiction

Published: January 22, 2019

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Bailey’s life has been turned upside down since the murder of her mother. One of the biggest changes has been fleeing from Rock Harbor, MI to Lavender Tides, WA. Once there she meets Lance, an FBI agent hunting for the human trafficking ring that abducted his sister five years ago. Through wonderful mastery, Coble has written an edge of your seat thriller with plenty of romance.

Secrets at Cedar Cabin is the third book in the Lavender Tide series and it kept up with the first two as being a fast-paced read with no dull scenes. You will find yourself embedded in Lavender Tides as you read. Fans of romantic thrillers will enjoy this book/series. You can read each as a standalone with no issues.

This book deals with the more sensitive subject of human trafficking so before giving it to a teenager to read I would sit down and discuss what human trafficking is and what to look for on social media and how to stay safe. Coble does an excellent job of showing how scarily easy it can be for our young women to be picked up by these horrible excuses of human beings.

I enjoy reading Coble’s books as I know I am guaranteed a clean romance, no obscene language, and a happy ending.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson-Fiction through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review is entirely my own.

Inside an An AMish Home

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amish home

Pages: 96

Publisher: Herald Press

Published: January 29, 2019

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

I was let down as soon as I opened the book and my opinion never changed. Based on the description from the publisher I thought I would get an “intimate” look into an Amish home and what I got was a picture book with extended descriptions. As a fan of Amish fiction, I did not learn anything new. If you have never read Amish fiction or are not familiar with the Amish then you will learn a few interesting facts.

I hope the print version resembles more of a coffee table book than a novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Herald Press through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

The Amish Midwife’s (Love and Promises #2 Secret by Rachel J. Good

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midwife

Pages: 385

Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)

Published: November 27, 2018

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Kyle left his hometown behind after a heartbreaking young romance and a devasting accident with no plans to ever return. When the local doctor asks him to take over his medical practice, Kyle feels the need to help. What Kyle did not expect was to fall in love with Leah. Leah is the Amish midwife who believes that holistic healing herbs and faith in God are the best healing medicines. Can Kyle and Leah overcome their differences to let love have a chance?

This book kept me up way past my bedtime more times than I can count. I also found myself ignoring everything that needed to be accomplished after work just so I could dive back into Kyle and Leah’s story. You cannot help but believe in love and the power of love when you read this story. I became a little weepy as I read because it was so tender.

I am also more interested in the holistic healing properties of organic herbal teas for chronic illness. I have found a new interest. Leah’s story was very convincing in how well they can work.

This is the second book in the Love and Promises series but each book can be read as a stand-alone. It is a beautiful Christian romance with no obscene sexual overtones or scenes, no foul language and not overly religious (meaning scripture verses on every page). I would feel comfortable giving this to a teen girl or my ninety-year-old grandmother to read.

I received a copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

Seasons of an Amish Garden by Amy Clipston

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seasons

Pages: 386

Publisher: Zondervan Fiction

Published: January 8, 2019

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

A sweet collection of 4 stories spun-off from Amy Clipston’s The Christmas Cat. I heavily suggest you read that novella first because it sets the background and tone for these four wonderful love stories.

Spring Is in the Air is about Katie Ann. She feels as if she losing her best friend and bother as they both find love with each other. Will Katie Ann find love as she learns to accept the changes life has to offer?

Home by Summer finds Clara learning what it means to love someone enough to let them find their own way back.

The Fruits of Fall is a heart-aching story about Tena. She finds herself afraid of Englishers after a terrible experience in her life. When a homeless man wanders up and asks for him she learns to face her fear head-on with the love and patience from Wayne.

Winter Blessings is the story of Ephraim and Mandy. When life starts throwing curve balls will their love be strong enough to withstand them?

I am a fan of Amy Clipston and Amish stories and Seasons of An Amish Garden did not disappoint. You will find yourself cheering on the couples as they learn about love and the work it takes for it to grow.

Perfect for any time of year read but get it now to ease yourself into 2019 with some love and happiness.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan Fiction through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

The Rain Watcher by Tatiana de Rosnay

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rain

Pages: 240

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Published: October 30, 2018

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Linden is in Paris to celebrate his father’s birthday with just the family. Unfortunately, Paris is flooding at a rapid rate due to neverending rain and both parents get sick. As Linden tries to care for his father at the hospital he starts realizing he may not have much time left to bond with his father.

My feelings have run from I did not like the book at all (2 stars) to wow, what a powerful message (4 stars). After sitting here a couple of hours after finishing I have decided on a four-star review. I started this book thinking it was mainly about the flood and how it would bring the family together but it is about so much more. The moral I got out of the book is tragedy makes you see things you gloss over in life or refuse to see due to your own shortsightedness. Instead of assuming what others think or see about you, ask them. It is much better than letting the wrong thoughts fester for years. You may lose out on something remarkable being shortsighted.

There are no steamy sex scenes but there is a gay storyline. I don’t remember a lot of obscene language so if there is any it must be minimal and feel right for the story. Of course, tons of Paris landmarks are mentioned so allow yourself time to look them up if you are not familiar with them.

This was my first book by Tatiana de Rosnay and I have already bought Sarah’s Key to read soon.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

2019 Reading Goals

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Another year of book blogging under my belt. I’m having more fun with this than I thought I would. I have learned much about myself as a reader and self-proclaimed bookworm. Most importantly I’ve learned I’m still the same as I was in school/college in that I like to dictate what I read and when. I’m not a happy reader when obligations dictate my reading.

2019 reading goals
1. Finish several series I have started
2. Read the first Harry Potter book
3. Read more of books I own
4. Review if I want, who says I have to review every book I read

I am taking back some of my reading time for me. I miss going to the library and letting the books speak to me as I walk between the bookcases. I miss reading just for fun.

I will still post reviews but maybe just not every book I read. To keep up with my reading list you can follow me on Goodreads (Angela Brocato-Skaggs) and/or Instagram (@kentuckybooklover).

Thank you for your support. I look forward to providing reviews throughout 2019 and hearing your responses.

Have a happy and safe New Year my fellow bookworms!