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Colors of Christmas by Olivia Newport

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colors of christmas.jpg

Pages: 320

Publisher: Barbour Publishing Inc./Shiloh Run Press

Published: October 1, 2017

Two very inspiring novels of having faith during the difficult times life can throw our way. The message that the Lord will see you through trials and tribulations if you give it to me is especially needed at Christmas when so many suffer from depression and the world seems to be falling in around them.

In Colors of Christmas we meet Astrid on the day her son moves her into the Assisted Living facility after a nasty fall resulting in her breaking her foot. Astrid accepts the move but is not letting that slow her down. She befriends her physical therapist, Carly, who is going through a particular hard time. As Astrid tells her story from growing up in WWII, to moving to America as a new bride not able to speak the language and two unexpected deaths she helps Carly find the strength to overcome her situation. I would like to hope we all have a little of Astrid in us when the going gets tough.

Christmas in Blue introduces us to Angela, a middle age widow, who is dealing with the loss of her best friend, Carole. The town has decided she is the perfect replacement for Carole who was the leader of the town’s Christmas celebration, A Christmas to Remember. All Angela wants to do is lock the door for next ten days and be on the other side of Christmas. As Angela deals with one problem after another she learns how strong she really is and how a town can come together to help one through a time of grief if you let them.

This is the perfect book to read to get you in the holiday spirit while keeping the true meaning of Christmas in the forefront. I see this as a book I will be buying and handing out as presents.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing Inc./Shiloh Run Press for an advance copy in exchange for my review in my own, honest words.

The Farmers Market Mishap by Wanda and Jean Brunstetter

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the farmers market

Pages: 208

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Published: June 1, 2017

You always know you will enjoy what you are reading if the book is written by Wanda E. Brunstetter. One reason is she uses real places as the settings for her books. I’ve been lucky enough to have visited Topeka, Shipshewana and surrounding Amish communities in Northern Indiana and it draws me into the story more. It is a very friendly group of Amish communities. Brunstetter does a great job in conveying their friendliness.
This is the second book to feature the twins Thelma and Elma. The focus is more on Elma and her journey to finding last love. The first book had me in stitches at times and this book had some funny dialogue but I found it a bit more serious.
The Brunstetters are pros when it comes to using descriptive words without being overwhelming. I can picture Elma as if she was a real person. When an author succeeds in doing so I am a devoted fan.
Personally I don’t think you have to read The Lopsided Christmas Cake before reading The Farmers Market Mishap but you might appreciate Elma and Delbert’s friendship more if you do. I hope to see another book in the future featuring the twins Elma and Thelma.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an ARC to read and review with my honest opinion.

You always know you will enjoy what you are reading if the book is written by Wanda E. Brunstetter. One reason is she uses real places as the settings for her books. I’ve been lucky enough to have visited Topeka, Shipshewana and surrounding Amish communities in Northern Indiana and it draws me into the story more. It is a very friendly group of Amish communities. Brunstetter does a great job in conveying their friendliness.
This is the second book to feature the twins Thelma and Elma. The focus is more on Elma and her journey to finding last love. The first book had me in stitches at times and this book had some funny dialogue but I found it a bit more serious.
The Brunstetters are pros when it comes to using descriptive words without being overwhelming. I can picture Elma as if she was a real person. When an author succeeds in doing so I am a devoted fan.
Personally I don’t think you have to read The Lopsided Christmas Cake before reading The Farmers Market Mishap but you might appreciate Elma and Delbert’s friendship more if you do. I hope to see another book in the future featuring the twins Elma and Thelma.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an ARC to read and review with my honest opinion.

The Beloved Hope Chest by Amy Clipston

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the beloved hope chest

Pages: 320

Publisher: Zondervan

Published: May 9, 2017

Join Mattie, the mom of the three Fisher sisters from The Forgotten Recipe, The Courtship Basket and The Cherished Quilt as she tells her story of losing a husband and son.

You will not have a dry eye while reading this book. Amy Clipston has outdone herself with this series and especially the last book. I took my time reading, The Beloved Hope Chest, as I knew it would be my last first time visit with the Fishers. Yes, I plan on re-reading this series again as it was that good.

Faith abounds in the love story of Leroy and Mattie Fisher. Christian Faith, faith in each other and faith in true love. Through this book we learn we have to trust that God knows our path before we do as he is the one who set us for it. As the wall hanging in the book states: “Happiness is like a butterfly. Don’t go chasing it.” God will make sure everything happens in the time it is to happen. Some of the happiest times are after the worst times.

You can read any of the four books as stand alones but I recommend reading in order so you can get the build up and excitement for The Beloved Hope Chest. Grab some tissues and plenty of free time. You will fight yourself to put this wonderful book down.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zondervan for providing an ARC for my own, honest opinion.