Gathering of Sisters by Darla Weaver

I was so excited to receive this book in the mail for several reasons. First of all, I love stories about the Amish and Mennonites. I find their intentionality about life challenging and I want to incorporate that into my life....like making time to visit with others and cooking with my kids.

Second, the cover of this book is beautiful. I carried it around many places and was always asked what book I was reading simply based on the cover. The contrasting colors really grab a reader's eye. I know we don't judge a book by its cover, but I do enjoy a beautiful book cover!

Since reading this book, I feel like the term "simple living" doesn't apply to them. They aren't living simply. Their lifestyle requires a lot of work. They definitely aren't chosing the simple way. However, I do see an intentionality in which they are living. Right in the opening pages of the book you learn of  Darla's intentionality by spending every Tuesday with her family.

There's not action plastered on the pages of this book but there is real life. I love getting to see the daily interactions and chores that are on their to-do list. I like seeing how parenting differs, too. Darla has 3 kids herself. But combined, there are more than 20 cousins! I can't even imagine the fun they all have together! No screens, only creativity!

Another thing I absolutely loved is that there are recipes! I love to buy food at the local Menonite store, so I can't wait to try the recipes!

This is a book that you can get lost in very quickly, as it takes you to another world that's a lot slower than my world. It's a world of intentionality and a world of peace as they remember who they are ultimlately living for. I've learned a few things from this book to put into my life!

____________

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

Fit to Be Tied by Debby Mayne

I am absolutely enjoying the Bucklin Family Reunion series. I cannot wait for the third book to come out. Everything about this series shouts southern charm, from the cover to the story. It has everything you could want, from drama to humor. Needless to say, this is one family that won't let you down when you're needing a good laugh or just some good characters that you can't help but love.

Staying true to the format of her first book, each chapter tells the story of a different character. She balances going back and forth seamlessly, never leaving the reader feeling frustrated that things are left undone. She gives the reader time to adjust to the characters so it flows nicely.

I really can't pick out a favorite character, but Bucky surprised me in this book. I was so proud of his wife and the changes she had decided on. And I really didn't expect the ending to be like she chose. Picking up where this book ended, I'm curious to see the romance and drama in the next book! I'm so excited for what I lovingly call "my girls," meaning the three cousins in this book....Shay, Sally, and Sara. I feel that the story was more focused on the twins this time, but you do get your fill of all of the other characters that you grew to love from the first book.

Debby Mayne has a hit with this series, in my opinion. It was a fantastic idea with great characters and so many places that you can go. Please don't make me wait long for Book 3 and don't stop yet!

__________________________

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

The Hawaiian Discovery by Wanda Brunstetter & Jean Brunstetter

     Welcome to Hawaii! For someone who would absolutely love a vacation at this moment, this book takes me on a little escape to the islands.  Having not read the first book in this series, the Hawaiian Quilt, I decided to read that book before I read this one. While you could definitely read this as a stand-alone novel, I don't think it would have the same level of meaning unless you started with the Hawaiian Quilt. I felt like it really built off of the first book and you would be missing half of the story if you didn't start there.

     The Hawaiian Discovery starts on the mainland, where the first book ends at, and then they find themselves over on the islands for some unexpected reasons. Without giving too much away, this story does carry on with the story of Mandy, but it really focuses on Ellen. Ellen is Mandy's best friend and she is willing to sacrifice a lot for her best friend. I kept thinking how different our world would look if everyone had a best friend like her!

    The writing style in this book felt different to me. I'm not sure if it's because of the different characters and short chapters or if it was something else. I liked the short chapters, but I felt like just as I was getting into the new character for that particular chapter, it would switch. I don't think that I would have changed anything, except maybe put a little bit more of each person together to give the reader some time to adjust.

    I really enjoy books on the Amish and Wanda Brunstetter has been one of my top authors for Amish fiction for a long time. I appreciate that she thought out of the box for the setting of this book. It set itself apart and told a sweet story in a fun setting. I hope that she does more books like this, as far as a setting that is unique where you wouldn't really picture the Amish going.

   I'm looking forward to reading her Christmas book that is coming out really soon!

                                                _____________________________

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.