Christian Fiction

A Simple Vow (Simple Gifts #1) by Charlotte Hubbard

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a simple vow.jpg

Pages: 315

Publisher: Zebra

Published: May 31, 2016

Could you see yourself taking in twin babies that are no relation to you and to care for them with limited questions asked? Edith Riehl does that very thing when she interrupts two Amish men arguing over who is the father. As Asa and Will determine to find the real father, an accident delays Asa’s leaving of Willow Ridge. During his stay he finds himself falling head over heels in love with Edith and day dreaming of being a family with her and the babies. Can Asa make his dream come true or will a deep dark secret ruin his dreams?

I am enjoying seeing writers of Amish fiction stepping outside of the box and writing more about real life problems we all face no matter if we are Amish or “Englishers”. At the beginning of this book we learn that the babies mother had relations before marriage and tricked her husband into marriage. We all know how common this story is to the “English” world but rarely hear or read about it in the Amish world. Hubbard does an excellent job of tackling this difficult story line while maintaining the strong Christian values of Amish life.

Even with the sensitive subject Hubbard is able to tell the story without explicit scenes or language. If you are a fan of Amish fiction but want more meat to the story line pick up a copy of A Simple Vow today. I think you will enjoy.

The second book in the series, A Simple Wish, comes out on September 26, 2017. I’m looking forward to seeing how this series progresses.

Side note: If you have read The Seasons of the Heart series, the Simple Gifts series is a spin-off taking place in the same town of Willow Ridge.

The Proving by Beverly Lewis

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the proving

Pages: 354

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Published: September 5, 2017

Imagine a quaint little Amish B&B surrounded by beautiful butterflies and you have pictured Butterfly Meadows. Amanda Sue, Mandy as her family and friends call her, has been called back to her former Amish life to run the B&B after her mother suffered a stroke and died. The stipulation is that she must run the B&B for twelve months successfully. Mandy finds it hard to be so close to her twin sister and husband, the man Mandy thought she was going to marry. Can Mandy succeed? Will Mandy forgive her sister for the wrong she thought was done to her?

I know whenever I pick up a Beverly Lewis book I will have a sense of calm and peace as I am reading and The Proving was no exception. I enjoyed seeing Mandy grow as an adult and watching her learn the ways of her mom. Learning to pray over the guests and help them find the comfort of a quiet life to ease their troubled lives.

I think we could all learn to pray more and pray quietly. Lewis shows us where a prayerful life could lead us. It could lead us to the most unexpected but perfect place in our life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for an ARC in exchange for a review based on my own honest opinion.

An Amish Christmas Love by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin and Ruth Reid

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an amish christmas love

Pages: 385

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Published: September 12, 2017

An Amish Christmas Love is a book of 4 Amish novellas that center around love after death.

In Winter Kisses, Naomi lives with her mom, Barbara, and grandmother, Ruth. They have rented the daddi house to 3 Amish carpenters for the month of December. Will one or all of the ladies find love with the carpenters?

The Christmas Cat is a little funny with sadness as a strong undertone. It is Christmas Eve and Emma is settling in to weather the snowstorm and her first Christmas Eve without the love of her life. Two young Amish couples on the brink of forever love have surprised her with Christmas Eve dinner and a chance to share her love.

Snow Angels takes us back to Bee County, Texas where a surprise rare snowstorm has allowed broken hearts to heal.

Home for Christmas brings Ellie back to her childhood home and into the path of Ezra and his daughter, Allison. Will Ellie’s dog, LuLu hold the answer to Allison’s illness? Can Ezra’s heart thaw after the death of his wife? Will Ellie revert back to the Amish way of life of her early childhood?

This would be the perfect book to pull out and read in the middle of winter with snow falling. You will find yourself warm and cozy and cheering for love to win.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an ARC to read in exchange for my honest review in my own words.

When the Bishop Need an Alibi (The Amish Bishop Mysteries #2) by Vannetta Chapman

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when bishop needs alibi

Pages: 354

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

Published: August 22, 2017/September 1, 2017

I am a fan of Amish fiction and mysteries and when a writer puts them together it is a homerun. I loved the first book, What the Bishop Saw, but the second is even better. I adore the bishop, Henry. I want someone like him in my life. Kind, caring, a great listener and thinks outside the box. He and Emma make the perfect team solving mysteries and as a romantic couple.

As with most of Vannetta Chapman’s works, you will not be able to put this down. I was able to read this book in a little under 24 hours as I was still reading at 2 am. I just had to know what was going to happen next. Every time the hubby woke up last night he was asking, “are you still reading?” Yes, yes I am dear.

Henry is your typical bachelor, Amish or English, in that he does like to eat at home very often so he goes to Maggie’s Diner in town. He has befriended a waitress, Sophia, and decides one day to draw her helping an elderly couple. That drawing spooks Sophia and raises flags for Henry that she may be in trouble. Unfortunately, he finds her body in the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge while watching a family of cranes. Discovering her body lands him in jail and sets the community on edge. Will Henry’s friends be able to use the drawings to prove his innocence? Hunker down with a good cup of tea because you are in for one wild buggy ride.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers for an ARC to read in exchange for my own honest review.

A Plain and Sweet Christmas by Various Authors

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plain and sweet xmas

Pages: 448

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Published: August 18, 2017

A great introduction to the world of Quakers, Amish, Mennonite and Amana fiction novels. If you have never read this genre but are interested this is a great book to get your feet wet.

I enjoyed the book but it helped me realize I am not a fan of stories involving the Quakers. Those stories do not grab my attention like the Amish and Mennonite stories. I really enjoyed the Amana story and wish I could find more.

The stories are short enough that it makes it the perfect book for the busy reader who only gets to read before bed or the reader who needs a book for the bus or subway ride.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an ARC in exchange for my honest review in my own words.

 

The Beloved Christmas Quilt by Wanda Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter and Richelle Brunstetter

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beloved xmas quilt.jpg

Pages: 400

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Published: September 1, 2017

Three beautiful Amish stories intertwined through a Christmas quilt passed down through three generations. Each story shows how to overcome death to love again, martial strife and fear of new love.

I was very impressed with debut author, Richelle Brunstetter. She has her grandmother’s storytelling gift. I’m excited to see how she progresses.

This is the perfect book to give as a present for fans of Amish romance. The stories are short enough to read one story in a sitting. The progression from story to story is seamless. Your heart will be light and airy when you finish the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an ARC to read and provide a review based on my own honest opinion.

The Blessing (Amish Cooking Class #2) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

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the blessing

Pages: 322

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Published: August 1, 2017

Wanda E. Brunstetter never disappoints in providing a heartwarming read.

In book two of The Amish Cooking Class, she introduces 6 new members of Heidi’s Saturday morning cooking classes. Heidi is able to teach her students some new Amish recipes as well as share God’s word.

My favorite character is teenager Nicole. Since her mom left she has become the “mom” of the household and cooks all the meals. Her family is ready for some new dishes and her dad finds Heidi’s class. Over six weeks Nicole will learn more than cooking from Heidi. Will forgiveness be one of her learning experiences?

My least favorite character is Todd. Why? Because he is so full of himself. At times I found myself yelling at him to get over himself. Will Heidi be able to teach him that the world does not revolve around him?

I loved that Wanda brought back Kendra throughout the entire book. I cannot wait to see if she continues her story in the next book. I want to know what happens with the new love interest in Kendra’s life. (Hint, Hint)

I cannot wait to try the recipes in the back of the book, especially Chicken in a Crumb Basket. It sounds yummy and I think my picky teenager might even like it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for my own and honest review.

 

Mary’s Home (#3 The Peace in the Valley) by Jerry S. Eicher

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marys home

Pages: 352

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

Published: August 1, 2017

After enjoying the first two books in The Peace in the Valley series I was disappointed with this book. The idea behind the story is good but the delivery was lacking. There was too much going on with both Mary and Betsy’ s story. Though at the same time there slow, drawn out sections. The story ended very abruptly as if the author was tired of writing.

I would recommend the first two books but not the third.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers for a free ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

Phoebe’s Gift by Jerry E. Eicher Peace in the Valley #2

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phoebes gift

Pages: 352

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

Published: August 1, 2017

The second installment of The Peace in the Valley series is a good story with a great motto: the more you believe in yourself the more you can accomplish.

After the passing of her beloved grandma, Phoebe must decide if she will return home to Lancaster or stay and turn the farm into her grandmother’s dream of a healing farm for mistreated children. A terrible action in Phoebe’s childhood has caused her to lose her self-confidence. Will her neighbor David help her to find it again? Will Phoebe help David convince his sister, Ruth, to not jump the fence to the English world?

I’m quickly becoming a fan of Jerry S. Eicher’s work. He is able to the Lord’s words and apply it to every day obstacles without making one feel they are reading a heavy sermon. He makes you think about your life and how you should apply the lesson to yourself.

I had one complaint with this book. The beginning was a bit confusing. I had to reread paragraphs several times to fully understand what was happening. Phoebe’s waffling within herself made me feel waffled. Other than that another great book for teens and adults.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers for a free copy to read and review with my honest opinion.

Silvia’s Rose by Jerry S. Eicher (Peace in the Valley #1)

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silvias rose

Pages: 352

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

Published: August 1, 2017

Do you trust God enough to direct you toward your soul mate? Do you trust God enough to lead you to another great love after you’ve been widowed? These are the great questions that Arlene, Joseph, Isaiah and Esther must answer.

Esther and her daughter move to the Amish district where Isaiah is a minister. Esther must trust that Isaiah is the husband she longs for and the dad that her daughter needs. Will a disagreement over flowers derail their love?

Joseph moves to the district with his son after his wife died from cancer. Arlene has her heart on saving him and his son from starvation and a dirty house by making Joseph fall in love with her. Can their love bloom through the harshness of Arlene’s words about his love of roses?

I’ve not read much of Jerry S. Eicher so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I enjoyed this book. The writing is easy to read and the plot moves between the two romances seamlessly. This is a clean romance for any teen or adult.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers for a free ARC copy for my own honest review.