Fiction

Before and Again by Barbara Delinksy

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before

Pages: 416 (eBook)

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Published: June 26, 2018

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Let me start off with this statement: You will be thinking “what if that had been me” the entire time you are reading. It will make you think about your own distracted driving and letting your kids have their privacy with their own electronics.

Maggie Reid used to be Mackenzie Cooper in another life. Maggie, as everyone knows her in her small Vermont town, lives a quiet but fulfilled life. She works at the local spa as a makeup artist and lives with her two cats and dog on the outskirts of town. No one knows her past, that is until closet friend’s son is arrested for computer hacking. As Maggie becomes the stability her friend needs her own life starts spiraling out of control. Will she be able to keep her past in the past?

I am still thinking about this book days after I have finished. We all know the dangers of looking at our smartphones while driving. What we don’t always think about is what could happen to our lives if we cause a serious accident while doing so. We don’t think about the legal implications that could stem from the accident. We don’t think about the guilt that would eat us up from the inside outside. We don’t think how it would affect our family, close and extended. Maggie makes you think about all those things.

Barbara Delinsky is one of the greatest women’s fiction writers out there and this is the perfect summer read to pick up as you leave for vacation. Beware as you read you will not hear anything around you and you may forget you are cooking dinner.

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

Kappy King and the Pickle Kaper (An Amish Mystery #2) by Amy Lillard

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kappy

Pages: 352 (eBook)

Publisher: Kensington Books

Published: June 26, 2018

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Kappy King had been living a quiet life on the edges of her Amish faith until Edie returned home to care for her special needs brother. Since then Kappy and Edie have been in the midst of murder investigations. This time it involves a young Amish girl who was killed in an auto accident delivering pickles to the store. Can Kappy and Edie find the killer before angering everyone in the town?

This is the second book in The Amish Mystery series from Amy Lillard and it is a treat to read. Each book reads as a stand alone but you get a lot of the back story in the first book, Kappy King and the Puppy Caper. Each book is a clean read with a light romance in the background. I would have no problems letting a teenager into mysteries read these books.

Edie is ex-Amish and is hilarious in her outfits. She is a great friend for Kappy in that she makes Kappy come out of her shell and be apart of the community. Kappy is a great friend for Edie in that she makes Edie think about her life decisions. You could not have two better friends for each other.

Grab yourself some pickles (white church pickles or green) and go to town reading about the latest adventures for Kappy King.

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

The Lost for Words Bookshop by Stephanie Butland

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lost

Pages: 368 (eBook)

Publisher: St. Martins Press

Published: June 19, 2018

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Loveday’s life has been hard since she was a child and to survive she found her solace in books. She’s carried that love into her adult life by tattooing her favorite first lines of books on her body and by working in a bookstore. When books start showing up in the store from her childhood she becomes terrified that someone has learned of her past. Is it time to share her heartbreaking past or run?

At first I could not get into the book and then all the sudden I could not put it down. It grows on you and then becomes a part of you. Loveday is a character that we can all relate to in someway whether the loss of parents in our youth or feeling like we do not fit in anywhere except between the pages of a book.

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

The Hawaiian Discovery by Wanda Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter

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hawaiian

Pages: 256 (eBook)

Publisher: Shiloh Run Press

Published: June 5, 2018

Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars

Ellen and Mandy’s friendship has endured so much from being stranded in Hawaii together, Mandy’s marriage and move back to Hawaii with her husband. An unfortunate accident in Hawaii had Ellen flying over to be with her friend and help where help is needed. While in Hawaii she befriends Rob who has a terrible secret in his past. Will Ellen be making a life altering decision soon?

What a sweet treat to visit Hawaii with Ellen and Mandy again. Even with the terrible accident that has occurred as you read you feel yourself relaxing and letting all your troubles and cares melt away. The description the Hawaiian beauty around them makes me wish I could visit and befriend Ellen and Mandy.

This is a sequel to The Hawaiian Quilt but can be read as a standalone. Whether you are an frequent reader of Amish fiction/romance or a first timer you won’t be disappointed in the latest from Wanda and Jean Brunstetter.

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

The Diva Cooks Up a Storm (A Domestic Diva Mystery #11) by Krista Davis

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diva storm

Pages: 352 (eBook)

Publisher: Kensington Books

Published: May 29, 2018

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Sophie and her best friend Nina are excited to spend their vacation on the beach but before they can leave they attend the trend of an underground dinner. The next day one of the diners is found dead. What or who had it in for him?

I absolutely adore this series. Sophie is your quintessential girl next door that everyone wants to be around. She not only can cook yummy dishes she also has a knack for solving the latest murder around town. Her ex-husband lives down the street and they share custody of Daisy, the most lovable dog ever and get this, Sophie and Mars get along. At times it makes you wonder if a certain someone was out of the picture would they get back together.

When you read a Diva book not only are you solving murders you are also learning so much about decorating, baking, cooking and general etiquette. I find that so very fun. It’s like reading Ann Landers all over again.

While each book can be read as a stand alone I suggest to get the full experience you read them in order. So far there are eleven books:
1. The Diva Runs Out of Thyme
2. The Diva Takes the Cake
3. The Diva Paints the Town
4. The Diva Cooks a Goose
5. The Diva Haunts the House
6. The Diva Digs Up the Dirt
7. The Diva Frosts a Cupcake
8. The Diva Wraps it Up
9. The Diva Steals a Chocolate Kiss
10. The Diva Serves High Tea
11. The Diva Cooks Up a Storm

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

Ella: An Amish Retelling of Cinderella by Sarah Price

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ella

Pages: 368 (eBook)

Publisher: Kensington Books

Published: March 29, 2018

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Ella has not had it easy since her father died unexpectedly and left her alone with her stepmother and two stepsisters. She has had to do whatever her stepsisters did not want to do which is everything from cooking, cleaning and working in the family store. Her stepmother lets the girls get away with everything while making Ella look and feel as if she is worthless. An unfortunate event has plagued the family and something must be done to save the family store. When a young man starts visiting Echo Creek for his father another store owner life gets interesting for all. Will this be Ella’s chance to shine?

Sarah Price has done a wonderful job in the retelling of Cinderella through an Amish perspective. It makes it very fun and interesting. My favorite line in the story is Ella’s mother’s final words, “Be kind and have faith.” What a powerful line. I have found myself repeating that many times since I have finished the book.

This book is great for teenage readers (and adults) who want to read a clean romance without the crude sex scenes and unneeded obscene language that is finding its way into young adult books.

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

The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable

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jack

Pages: 544 (eBook)

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Published: May 29, 2018

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A historical fiction account of a love affair between JFK and Alicia Corning Clark which may have resulted in a love child.

Alicia is a Polish refugee who arrives in Hyannisport via Oklahoma to work as a maid for the Kennedys. Jack (a young JFK) becomes dazzled by her beauty and starts a romance that leads to an engagement. Jack’s father, Joe, has other ideas of who Jack should marry and it is not a maid from Poland. Over the years Alicia and Jack continue to see each other on the side but they each marry other people.

Alicia tries to become someone important but winds up rich in money but poor in family and friends as her life comes to a close.

I found this book fascinating as I have always enjoyed reading about JFK. This book sure has me rethinking what a great guy he was as he is portrayed as a playboy, slob and rude person his entire life. I believe I had my head buried in the sand as to his true character.

I felt sorry for Alicia as I cannot imagine being separated from my parents to go into hiding and then learning my father was killed in a concentration camp and my mother was only a shell of herself. I thought she was a strong person to leave her mother to try and get them a better life. She did the best she could. Money to her was important and that is how she saw a way to get her mom what she needed and later in life she used the money to make herself happy in the moment. She did one of the most selfless acts in letting someone else raise her baby as their own. She thought she was protecting the baby.

Does Alicia’s story have truth? I believe it does.

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

Beneath the Summer Sun (Every Amish Season #2) by Kelly Irvin

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summer

Pages: 382 (eBook)

Publisher: Zondervan

Published: January 16, 2018

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Jennie lost her husband four years ago and she is struggling to make ends meet with seven kids. Atlee was not a nice husband and has forever scarred her emotionally to love again or so she thinks.

Nathan, a Mennonite bookseller, has fallen in love with Jennie over the years he has stopped by her place trying to sell her books. He thinks he wants to become Amish but us he doing it for the right reasons?

Leo used to be in love with Jennie when they were younger but life got in the way from him pursuing her further. Can he overcome his own demons and learn to love again?

I truly enjoyed this book even though it was not a light hearted Amish read as most. Kelly Irvin tackles abuse between husband and wife and child and father. She tackles death from all sides with the upside of new life. I feel as if she really gets down and deep into true Amish life as much as one can to keep the reader still interested. We read to escape reality in some way and don’t want constant reminders of the “real world”. Irvin has it down to a science to write about real subjects but not fully immersing in to real world. We still get our fairy tale ending.

This is the second book in the Every Amish Season series and both books are a true work of art. If you want an Amish fiction story with a little more grit I suggest starting with this book that can be read as a stand alone with no problems.

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

Room on the Porch Swing (Amish Homestead #2) by Amy Clipston

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room

Pages: 336 (eBook)

Publisher: Zondervan

Published: May 8, 2018

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Laura has had a year of heartache. First her mom dies unexpectedly and then her best friend, Savilla, dies after a brief illness. She has having trouble with her boyfriend of four years as every time they are together there is a feeling of disconnect.

Allen, Savilla’s widow, needs help raising his daughter Mollie, when his mother-in-law suffers a terrible accident and will be laid up for several months. He turns to Laura asking for her help as a live-in nanny. Laura will do anything to honor her best friend’s memory even if it causes more friction between her and her boyfriend.

As time goes by Laura gets more attached to Mollie and her dad. Can Laura separate her feelings of friendship love and romantic love while caring for Mollie?

Book two in the Amish Homestead series is beautifully written and filled with sorrow, heartache and joy. Amy Clipston is a natural when it comes to writing about family and relationships. You will never be sorry to pick up one her books.

I instantly felt a connection to Laura even though I have never experienced (thankfully) losing my mom or best friend. She has this sweet nature about her but at the same time she does not let anyone run over her. She can be stubborn when it is most needed. I was impressed with her ability to just jump right in and help without a second thought.

This would make the perfect Mother’s Day gift for the reader in your life.

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

The Amish Quilter (Women of Lancaster County #5) by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould

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amish quilter

Pages: 352 (eBook)

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

Published: May 1, 2018

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Linda may be the “Little Sister” of the family but she knows what she wants when it comes to a husband and family or so she thinks. As Linda explores her creativity in making quilts she learns of her grandmother’s artistic painting ability that was frowned upon so many years ago.

Issac has moved the area to take care of an aging relative and build his home painting business. He has a talent of his own with a paintbrush and canvas. He agrees to help Linda look into her family’s past but the closer they get to the past the more his past comes to the present.

Can Linda look beyond her rigid idea of the perfect husband to give love a chance?

I did not pay attention that this was the fifth book in a series until I got to the end. It read as a beautiful stand alone novel. This novel is not your typical Amish romance with more fluff than seriousness. The authors did not shy away from tackling heavy taboo topics such as autism, depression and family members growing apart. I found that the novel read quick even with such meaty topics. I would still feel comfortable giving this novel to a teenager to read as the romance was clean, no violent scenes and no foul language.

I cannot say that Linda is my favorite character of all time. I found her bit perturbing. She was a little whiney at times when it came to learning everyone but her knew something. She was not a good listener when she needed to be when others were trying to help her navigate her feelings for Isaac. I would get so frustrated with her that I wanted to throw the book. On a good note she kept my interest in the novel as I wanted to keep reading to see if she ever got off her high horse.

I am interested to read the other books in the series. The funny thing is I believe I have a few in my TBR pile. Maybe I should move those up closer to the top.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from Harvest House Publishers. Any opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.