Pages: 368

Publisher: Kensington

Published: December 26, 2017

In the eighth installment of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill we join the lovable grandparents of Anna and Felty as they once again take to finding love for one of their grandkids. Their granddaughter Elsie has traveled to Bonduel, Wisconsin to teach and Anna has decided to find Elsie’s one true love. A typical Amish teacher is soft-spoken, mild mannered and obedient to the Ordung. Elsie is a little different in that she has no trouble speaking her mind, especially when it involves one of her beloved students. Such outspokenness has gotten her in trouble in the past. When Elsie decides to push the limits of one of her students, Wally, she riles up the Wally’s older brother, Sam. As Elsie and Sam dance around each other over Wally, Anna is trying to get them together unbeknownst to each of them. The trouble is Sam has attracted his next door neighbor, Rose and Rose has become a thorn in his side. She has decided that Sam is the one for her and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Can Sam shake Rose to fall in love with Elsie or will Rose succeed in her life plan to become Sam’s bride?

This is my favorite book of the series and that says a lot as all the books are a pleasure to read. Jennifer Beckstrand writes her books with love and it shines through in her characters. Anna and Felty are the grandparents I think everyone wants. Feisty and spunky and oh so unlovable. I know when I pick up a Huckleberry Hill novel that I am for a treat and will turn the last page filled with happiness.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for a copy to read in exchange for a review based on my own thoughts and opinions.

Pages: 352

Publisher: Zondervan

Published: November 14, 2017

An emotional read that will have you going for the tissues.

Kayla Dienner is still healing from losing her older brother, Simeon, to a house fire when a barn fire at her home puts her little brother’s life in danger. James Riehl, an Amish volunteer firefighter, responds to the fire and one look into Kayla’s eyes lights a fire inside of him. Will he flame that fire or will a personal tragedy extinguish it before it has a chance to burn?

Amy Clipston writes so beautifully that the love between her characters jumps off the page into your heart. I’ll be the first to admit I can become attached to characters quickly but no other Amish characters have touched my soul as Kayla and James. I did not think that my heart could take any more and Clipston would throw another heart twinging moment at me. I heavily suggest in a box of tissues and several hours of quiet time when you read A Place at our Table. You will not want to put the book down as the story will keep grabbing at you even when you are not reading.

I hope there are more books involving the Riehls and Dienners as it would be a shame to not visit them again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zondervan for an advance copy in exchange for a review based on my own thoughts and in my own words.

Pages: 304

Publisher: Kensington

Published: October 31, 2017

A collection of three novellas centered around three women in a quilting circle. The stories focus on love, family and learning what makes you happy.

In More than Friendship, Clara Rose is set to marry Thomas until her best friend, Obie, throws a snag into the plans. Will Clara Rose be able to figure out where her heart belongs before it is too late?

In More than a Promise, Mariana learns she is pregnant soon after she buries her husband. She turns to her husband’s best friend, Reuben, in her time of need. Will they find love together?

In More than Marriage, Tess and Jacob have hit a rough patch. There is more arguing than sweet words of love. Will Tess leave Jacob or will she see a way to find the love in her marriage?

I enjoyed these novellas and found them short enough to read the entire book in under 24 hours. The strangest thing for me was their use of tractors to get around. That was a first. These novellas have made me curious about the Amish in Oklahoma.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review in my own words.

Pages: 352

Publisher: Penguin

Published: September 26, 2017

I enjoy being able to read short story compilations by different authors as it allows me to see if I will enjoy reading the author’s other works.

I did not enjoy the first story, Snow Shine on Ice Mountain by Kelly Long. First let me say, this is my own personal opinion on how the story spoke to me. Please make your own opinions when you read the story. Second, the author is a great writer and my opinion in no way reflects her great writing. I read Amish fiction as a change from novels with lots of sexual innuendos and such. For me this story was too sexually charged.

A Honeybee Christmas by Jennifer Beckstrand was my favorite. Bitsy is a real hoot. We all need a little bit of Bitsy in us. This story has sparked my interest in reading the Honeybee series.

The Christmas Candle by Lisa Jones Baker was exactly what you expect of a sweet Amish Christmas story. You will finish with a smile on your face.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for an advanced copy to read and provide a review based on my own honest opinion.

Pages: 320

Publisher: Kensington

Published: September 26, 2017

Willow Ridge is a place where one can start over with the help of the town without judgement.

Loretta and her sister Rosalyn are still living at home with their Dat after Edith gets married. Loretta wants nothing more than to find the love of her life but first she has to deal with Will, her ex-fiancé. Will, has moved to Willow Ridge to get a fresh start after the death of his wife. Can Loretta and Will put their past behind them and find love again or will a new suitor sweep her off her feet?

I enjoyed visiting Willow Ridge again and following the Reihl sisters through all the ups and downs is a true joy. Hubbard continues the mystery with the girls Dat which makes the book very meaty. I hope there is a third one coming soon.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for an advance copy in exchange for a review in my own honest words.