The Hope Jar by Wanda Brunstetter

The Hope Jar was defninitely a storyline that I did not expect. I didn't read the back of the book, so I came into the story not knowing what to expect. (I like to be suprised sometimes!) However, I like Wanda Brunstetter so I knew I wouldn't be disappointed in her book.

The story starts with Michelle in a rough situation. I like how abuse was talked about, but it could be a trigger for someone who has been abused. I liked how decisive Michelle became.

Michelle is mistaken for the granddaughter of an Amish couple. Instead of Michelle coming clean and telling them who she really was, she plays along for months. Well, that is, until the real granddaughter come along and Michelle is forced to come clean. But her heart longs for this family and to be loved. If only they could understand why she did what she did.

Michelle was a very well-developed character. She had her flaws, but readers just can't help but like her as the close the last page of the book. Maybe it's because there's a little of us all in her in some small way.

The start of this series is great and I can't wait to see where she goes next. The story definitely leaves the reader with a "well, what happens next?" kind of feeling!

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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!

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

Buried Secrets by Barbara Cameron

It would be impossible not to like Luke Miller. He's a man who has fallen in love and wants to take on the role of being the husband of Rose and the father of Daniel. It wasn't what he had initially planned, but after working for Rose and getting to know her, he knew where he wanted to spend the rest of his life. However, before he met her, he was interested in her farm. So naturally, Rose is curious. Does Luke want her because he truly loves her or does he want her because the farm comes with her? 

Rose, who is a widow, can't bear to have her heart broken again. Trust isn't something that comes easily for her so she's having to really relearn trust. After all, Sam was the man she met, fell in love with, and married so quickly. She had plans of spending her life with him until the leukemia took over his body and he passed away. Now she finds herself returning back to her farm to be near her sister. Of course, that means that she has a farm and she needs help fixing it up and running it. Her sister has found Luke, whom she thinks would be a great help to Rose. Of course, she may have other  intentions, too. However, she feels that the secret she holds close to her heart is too much for anyone else to know, besides her sister. She has to learn to trust someone other than herself and her family.

Buried Secrets is the second book in the Harvest of Hope series. It could read as a stand alone novel, but as in all books of a series, it really does make more sense if you read Seeds of Hope first. However, you won't feel like you've missed a thing if you choose not to.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read and I grew to really like the characters. The only thing that I felt was missing was a little bit more of a "mystery" about the book. I knew the ending, and it had a couple of surprises, but even those I had figured out before it was told to the reader. It was an enjoyable book to read on the beach though!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Gilead Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. 

A Daughter's Dream by Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray is one of my go-to authors in Amish fiction. I have not been disappointed by her yet, and I honestly never expect to be disappointed by her.

I did not realize that I had missed the first book in this series. Usually I stay on top of her releases, but one slipped by me. With that said, I was curious if I would know what was happening in this book without having read book 1. I never felt like big holes were missing in characters or in the storyline because I hadn't read book 1. Although, I have already bought book 1 because I didn't want to miss out on this series.

Jacob was a man whom I greatly admired. He gave up so much just to come and help his parents. I couldn't help but really like Lukas and his story. I love that Rachel followed her dreams and was ultimately given a blessing over her wish to follow her dreams. A relationship with Jacob was never a part of the plan--and definitely not any sort of love relationship.

I wouldn't say this book is full of twists and turns. However, it's the style that it's written in that makes it a book to grab after a long day. It's an easy read that is just perfect for summer. I absolutely cannot wait to read book 3 soon! First I have to finish book 1 though!

Read more reviews of this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray.

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Enter to win a copy of A Daughter’s Dream—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced June 8th on Shelley’s blog!

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ABOUT THE BOOK

A Daughter’s Dream (Avon Inspire, May 2016)

A young teacher and farmer discover they have much in common, especially when it comes to healing old wounds from the past . . . and finding love in one another.

Rebecca Kinsinger has always dreamed of being a teacher. But when she’s given the opportunity she’s been waiting for at Charm Amish School, she’s dismayed to discover that teaching is hard work—work she’s afraid she’s not very good at.

That is, until Lilly Yoder joins the class. A thirteen-year old who’s just lost her parents, Lilly is in need of someone like Rebecca. For the first time since starting her new job, Rebecca feels a sense of purpose. But when she meets Lilly’s uncle, Jacob, his good looks and sweet, easy-going temperament are hard to ignore. How can she even entertain romantic thoughts of Jacob when his niece is her student?

Suddenly becoming Lily’s sole caregiver, Jacob Yoder never thought he’d be a single parent—or a farmer. Having been living in Florida as a carpenter, Jacob feels more at home wielding a hammer than a backhoe. The only bright spot in his life is Rebecca Kinsinger. As Lily and Rebecca develop a bond, Jacob’s fondness for the pretty teacher grows, too.

But when a fateful accident brings them together, Rebecca and Jacob must choose between duty and desire. Will they follow the path before them? Or set out to find true happiness . . . and true love?

Learn more and purchase a copy

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Atonement by Beverly Lewis

Beverly Lewis is a household name for those who enjoy Amish fiction. She always writes her stories in such a way where the readers is instantly hooked on the book and has to finish it with late nights! Or at least that's how I feel about her books. She's one of the few authors that keep me up late at night. One particular thing I like is the fact that she uses shorter chapters. It makes it so much easier to set the story aside when I need to, but it also makes it easier for me to say "just one more chapter..."

The Atonement is a beautiful story of grace vs. works. Lucy thinks that she can work her way to forgiveness for her sins. She also thinks that God could never possibly forgive her for the sins that she has committed. She feels so unworthy of a young man she has long loved but who seems to have it all together. Then she meets an Englisher and realizes that she could possibly make the same mistake once again.

Restoration stood out to me throughout this story. I saw her struggle with forgiveness and especially with forgiving herself. However, the ending chapters were beautiful as you saw restoration in relationships and time redeemed. I also loved the story of the "couple on the bridge."

The characters were very easy to like and I enjoyed reading about each one. I don't think there was one that I disliked at all. I could feel the pain of her father and the fear of her mother, as well as the deep grief from Lucy.

Dale was a character that I respected. I was very impressed with him and how Beverly Lewis chose to write his story. I loved it.
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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Dream of Miracles by Ruth Reid

Real. Honest. Life. That's how I would sum up this book in three words. Ruth Reid didn't write a cozy, comfy book that takes you to one emotion and leaves you. There were smiles and tears as I read this story. It was real and raw. My heart ached as Mattie experienced so much heartache. I say this book is real because I think we all have seasons in our lives where it feels like we are hit hard with one thing after another. I just came out of a season like that so perhaps that's why my heart ached some through this story.

When Mattie has something happen with her children and looses just about everything, my heart broke. That touched my mommy heart and I can't imagine going through all of that.I know that this story is fiction, but there were a few times where I had to remind myself of that fact. I was so wrapped up into the story that it easily felt like I was reading an autobiography!

Ruth Reid did an excellent job at connecting the readers to her words and capturing the hearts of her readers. That isn't easy to do with me always because I tend to have my reading time broken up and interrupted by children! For me to be able jump right back into the book and feel like I hadn't even left it was a neat thing for me to experience because it happens so rarely.

A Dream of Miracles is the third book in the Amish Wonders Series. I feel like you could easily read this book as a stand-alone, but you really don't want to miss the first two books in this series.

Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/rreid.

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RUTH REID

Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA bestselling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She’s a full-time pharmacist who lives in Florida with her husband and three children. When attending Ferris State University School of Pharmacy in Big Rapids, Michigan, she lived on the outskirts of an Amish community and had several occasions to visit the Amish farms. Her interest grew into love as she saw the beauty in living a simple life.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Dream of Miracles (Thomas Nelson, April 2016)

Amish widow Mattie vows never to love again . . . until a suspicious outsider with a shadowy past comes crashing into her fragile world.

Mattie Diener can barely keep it together. A young Amish widow and mother of two young children, she faces the lingering heartbreak of lost love, her son’s mysterious illness, and a torrent of accusations that threaten to undo her.

Bo Lambright is a fast-rising social services investigator whose high-society mother won’t rest until she finds his Mrs. Right. Despite Bo’s worldly success, the raw ache of a shadowy past and a series of unsettling dreams have left him reeling.

When Mattie and Bo cross paths, all signs point to disaster. Yet as they face a crucible of trials and tragedies together, longings begin to stir that seem destined only to end in more heartbreak. Is a miracle possible—not only of healing but of forbidden love? What secrets lie in Bo’s dreams? And will Mattie find the courage to face her uncertain future . . . or will she simply run away?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

An Amish Market by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin, and Vannetta Chapman

I really enjoy reading these Amish fiction books that include some of my top authors in this genre. It's so wonderful to have four novellas written by each author included in the same book. Each author has a slightly different writing style and it brings such a variation to the book that I simply enjoy.

Love Birds by Amy Clipston is a beautiful love story between Ellie and Lloyd. It was sad to see Ellie and her mom have to struggle so much due to the loss of both Ellie's dad and brother. Now Ellie takes it upon herself to provide for her mother, especially since the man she has dreamed about doesn't seem interested in her.

A Bid for Love by Kathleen Fuller focuses on Hannah Lynne and Ezra. Ezra thinks he's too old and is set in his ways, although he can't deny that he has noticed Hannah and has even gone out of his way once a week to visit her for a tiny amount of time.

Sweeter Than Honey by Kelly Irvin introduces Isabella and Will Glick. I found this story interesting because the location is different from the other stories. It focuses on a southern state.... Texas! I will admit to laughing when Isabella broke a jar, but then I wasn't too fond of Will and his response afterwards. However, as the story continued, I understood more of why he gave that particular response.

Love in Store by Vannetta Chapman brings in Stella Schrock and David.Stoltzfus. This novella is different because David is a widower and is definitely not looking for love at all. In fact, that's the farthest thing from his mind. To be honest, Stella is more focused on the mill and figuring out why someone would want the mill closed and who it could possibly be. However, more is in store for these two who are focused on anything but each other.

Each of these novellas are obviously romance novellas. I wouldn't necessarily say there was a huge element of surprise because you ultimately know the main characters and who will probably end up together. However, I never felt that knowing where the plot was headed ever took away from the enjoyment I had in reading the stories. They have each been different, yet complemented each other in a way that does not leave the reader feeling like a completely different book is being written halfway through.

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I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Photograph by Beverly Lewis

I have never read a book by Beverly Lewis that I haven't anticipated or disliked! Sometimes authors who have written many books fall into a rut and don't improve after their first couple of books. Beverly Lewis is quite the opposite, in my opinion. She seems to keep building on her previous books and each book that I read I say is my "new favorite."

I could not imagine the heart-wrenching pain when Eva looses her sister because she has chosen to run away. The pain is very easy to relate to as a reader because we all have experienced something similar in our own families, I'd be willing to guess. I'll be honest... Eva's brother got on my bad side at the start because of how he talked to Eva and his sisters and how he made them make choices they shouldn't have had to make.

I absolutely love Jed and how he is introduced to Eva for the first time. That was such a wonderful idea to write into the story. It was beautiful!

As always, I didn't want to see this book end. I finished the last page already anxious to start another book by Beverly Lewis. They just never seem to last long enough!

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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Promise to Keep by Elizabeth Byler Younts

I absolutely love history now that I'm older. I find that I gravitate a lot towards fictional books that include history. However, I still love my Amish fiction. Usually those two genres don't go together, so that is what has endeared this series to me. I finally have my two favorite genres joined together! I read a lot of books and I can't really think of an Amish series that includes more of the historical setting of WWII. It may be out there, but I haven't ran across it yet.

What makes this book so interesting is because the author is interesting. She was Amish and still has Amish family, even though she is not Amish anymore. She also married a man in the Air Force. Fascinating! So she writes with a lot of knowledge of the Amish community and the military.

As a music therapist and someone who is partially deaf in one ear, and someone who loves sign language, the characters in this book spoke to my heart. I loved watching Joe learn to interact and communicate with his daughter.

This book stirs up many emotions that the characters have to deal with. There's risk, loss, fear, frustration, anger, and lastly, love. Daisy may bring Joe and Esther together, but they ultimately have to decide if love is more than the loss they have and will experience in their lives.

I'm sad that this series is ending. I really hope she continues to blend history and Amish fiction together. It really sets her books apart and makes them very memorable to her readers.

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I received this book free from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Promise to Keep by Elizabeth Byler Younts

I absolutely love history now that I'm older. I find that I gravitate a lot towards fictional books that include history. However, I still love my Amish fiction. Usually those two genres don't go together, so that is what has endeared this series to me. I finally have my two favorite genres joined together! I read a lot of books and I can't really think of an Amish series that includes more of the historical setting of WWII. It may be out there, but I haven't ran across it yet.

What makes this book so interesting is because the author is interesting. She was Amish and still has Amish family, even though she is not Amish anymore. She also married a man in the Air Force. Fascinating! So she writes with a lot of knowledge of the Amish community and the military.

As a music therapist and someone who is partially deaf in one ear, and someone who loves sign language, the characters in this book spoke to my heart. I loved watching Joe learn to interact and communicate with his daughter.

This book stirs up many emotions that the characters have to deal with. There's risk, loss, fear, frustration, anger, and lastly, love. Daisy may bring Joe and Esther together, but they ultimately have to decide if love is more than the loss they have and will experience in their lives.

I'm sad that this series is ending. I really hope she continues to blend history and Amish fiction together. It really sets her books apart and makes them very memorable to her readers.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the Author:

I’m Elizabeth, a blessed child of The King. I’m a middle-born daughter, military officer’s wife, homeschooling mama, writer, closet DIYer, and, dare I say it, Downton Abbey addict. May I also mention that I love both my history and my coffee rich.

I am formerly Amish and my heritage is very dear to me and thankful to be so accepted among my still Amish family. I can still speak PA Dutch, too! You can learn more about my Amish family in my first book Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl.

My three book series with Howard Books (a division of Simon & Schuster) is a dream come true. The series is titled The Promise of Sunrise. In this series you will live through World War 2 from an Amish perspective and experience their unique struggles as conscientious objectors during wartime. What happened if one of their members enlisted? What was it like to serve at the Civilian Public Service Camps for years with almost no compensation? How did Amish women and families cope when a son or father was drafted? I look forward to taking you back into the richness of these years of Amish history through fiction.

ABOUT THE BOOK

World War II Marine Joe Garrison returns home from war longing to be a father to his deaf daughter, Daisy, only to find that she is attached to Esther Detweiler, the Amish woman who has raised her since his wife’s death in this touching historical romance.

Orphaned as a child, Esther Detweiler is used to caring for herself and her ailing grandmother. They made the best out of a hard life and poverty without asking for help. They even take in her shunned cousin’s deaf daughter, Daisy, when her mother dies and her father goes off to war. When Esther’s grandmother dies, Daisy is all she has.

When war veteran Joe Garrison returns, all he can think about is recovering from the horrors of war and building a relationship with his seven-year-old daughter. Daisy, however, is unwilling to leave Esther, whom she loves. Joe and Daisy get to know each other again, but Joe struggles with nightmares and fatherhood is proving to be more difficult than he imagined. Esther loves Daisy and despite her Amish ways, Joe finds himself drawn to her as a woman and not just a caregiver.

As their love blossoms, Joe decides to send Daisy away to a school for the deaf which propels their lives into turmoil and a battle for love and family.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Promise to Keep, go HERE.
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I received this book free from Howard Publishers and CFBA in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn by Shelley Shepard Gray

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, the Amish Brides of Pinecraft. I have come to love the town of Pinecraft and would love to visit it in person one day. I like the map at the front of the book that shows you where everything is located and give you a good visual of the town.

Emma and Jay both find themselves in a spot in life that they never dreamed of experiencing. Through common circumstances, they find that they have much they can talk about and many instances where they can relate to each other. Who would ever imagine that a pizza-loving hound would be the one playing matchmaker!

Shelley Shepard Gray does a wonderful job capturing the reader from the very beginning. I have not read a book by her that I have disliked. She has captured my full attention from the beginning and I find that I have a hard time putting down her books. I do like that her books aren't as many pages because then I can read it as a reward in between doing chores (don't judge me!). By the end of my chore time, I've completed the entire book as a reward for mopping and cleaning. So thank you, Shelley Shepard Gray for giving me something to look forward to and for testing my ability to "just say no" when all I really want to do is read one more chapter before picking up that mop! I'm so glad that there's one more book in this series. I just don't want to say goodbye yet! Oh and the pictures of Pinecraft bring this story to life. Such a wonderful idea to include those.

To read more opinions on this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray.

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About the Book

                       A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn (Avon Inspire, September 2015)
A wedding brings together two young widowed parents . . . and gives them a second chance at love.
Emma Keim was heartbroken when her husband, Sanford, passed away, leaving her to raise three young daughters alone. Though several years have passed, her relatives have made it no secret that they expect Emma to remain a widow, mourning Sanford indefinitely. But when she meets Jay Hilty—a handsome widower with three young sons of his own—Emma is delighted to have a new friend who understands her struggles. Still, she is dismayed that her family is so opposed to their friendship—and the idea of it ever becoming anything more. She honors her husband’s memory every day, but is she destined to be alone forever?
Emma’s gentleness with Jay’s boys stirs something in his heart that’s been quiet for far too long. But when his oldest son becomes engaged to a local woman, suddenly Jay, Emma, and their children are swept up in wedding preparations. Witnessing his son’s joy, Jay wonders if it’s time for him to move forward, too, and find happiness again.
Once again, love has come to Pinecraft. But can these two parties of four become a happy, healthy family of eight?
Learn more and purchase a copy.

Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail. 

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I received this book free from Avon Inspire and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Ties that Bind by Cindy Woodsmall

Every time I read a new release by Cindy Woodsmall,  I'm convinced it's the best book I've read of hers. That holds true with this book, too. I don't know that I could pick a favorite book of mine that she has written because I enjoy them all and they have a permanent space on my bookshelf!

From the front cover to the back, this book is well done. The cover of the book is beautiful, along with the fonts used for the title. I try not to judge a book by its cover, but I do.

Ties that Bind is the first book her latest series, The Amish of Summer Grove. Quill and Ariana have a past and honestly, based on the synopsis of the book, I was prepared to not like Quill. I was pretty convinced that I wouldn't like him. However, it's awfully hard not to like someone who wants to protect someone from something that they know will devastate them. The lengths he goes to and the compassion he shows has made me change my mind. I cannot imagine what Ariana must feel, though, with the new knowledge she has just learned about her life.

If you're looking for a book in a series that ties the story up and puts a bow on it, don't grab this book! It leaves some things unanswered, and leaves the reader waiting anxiously for the next release.

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I received this book free from Waterbrook Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

When Grace Sings by Kim Vogel Sawyer

This is such a beautiful cover. I don't know if it's because it uses my favorite colors or what exactly, but it screams relaxation to me just by looking at it. Well done on the cover!

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a staple on my bookshelf. I'm pretty certain I've read most of her books and have always enjoyed them. This is the second book in her series Zimmerman Restoration Series.

I always enjoy books that build off a previous one. I feel a deeper connection with the story because the reader grows to know the characters more. This book could be read alone, but has so much more meaning if you have read the first one in the series. However, if you're one of those people who doesn't mind starting in the middle of the series, then by all means, go for it! I think that you'll be able to quickly decipher what all is happening easily enough.

Another thing I appreciate about this book is it's unique writing style. I read a lot so I enjoy when I come across a book written just a little bit differently. This book is written from the point of view of four different people. I like getting each character's perspective on the different situation. It flowed beautiful with the perfect transitions and I never felt like I had been lost in the book.

Now I have to stay tuned to book 3 in this series because I need to have this story resolved. I'll warn you that there's not a definitely resolution yet.... you must hang out until book 3 is released!

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I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

When Mercy Rains by Kim Vogel Sawyer

This book is the first book in Kim Vogel Sawyer's new series, the Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy. I have always enjoyed Sawyer's books and have yet to read one by her that I have disliked. This book was such a wonderful start to this new series. I'm excited to see where she goes with the next two books!

My heart broke in several places in this book. The relationship between Suzanne and her mother was tense, to say the least. I can understand why because of some of the decisions Suzanne made, but the unforgiveness was sad. I can understand the disappointment from her mother, but I longed to see that relationship restored. Even after all of the pain that Suzanne experienced, I couldn't help but want her to have a happy ending.

The story landed itself to irony when Suzanne's brother contacts her. Who would have ever thought!However because of this, her life just may go in a different direction that she ever intended. Or maybe she dreamed of it long, long ago.

 I am looking forward to getting my hands on the next book in the series. It'll be a great book to take to the beach with me, I think!

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I received this book free from Waterbrook Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Promise of Palm Grove by Shelley Shepard Gray

I always enjoy a new book by Shelley Shepard Gray. Her stories are always such a nice, relaxing read. I felt as if I was transported to Pinecraft, Florida, and found myself instantly dreaming of sunny weather and warmer temperatures. The cover of this book is perfect and really does hint at the story inside.

I like how the story focuses on Edmund and Leona, but also includes several other side stories, as well. Leona and Edmond's friends, as well as Beverly and her relationship with certain people made me feel as if I was really connecting with those within the community.

I was happy with Leona's choices that she made. I just couldn't stand the thought of her ending up with someone who didn't cherish her, value her, or love her for who she was. I didn't want to see her passion squelched or her zest for life to be snuffed out by someone who wanted to control her. She definitely had to learn to stand up for herself while she was in Pinecraft.

Another favorite character of mine was Effie. She was such a sweet girl. I would have definitely wanted to get to know her! Her determination to do things by herself was such a wonderful side story.

At the end of the book, Gray shares a snippet of her next book that will hopefully be releasing soon. I definitely am looking forward to returning to Siesta Key.

To read more reviews on this book, go to  http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray.

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{More about The Promise of Palm Grove}

The Promise of Palm Grove (Avon Inspire, January 2015) Leona must decide: Does she follow the path set out before her? Or take a chance with only the promise of what could be to guide her? A young Amish woman finds herself torn between the man she’s pledged to wed and the man her heart desires in this heartwarming story of chance, duty, and choice in the face of love—the first volume in the beloved New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series. Amish bride-to-be Leona is thrilled to be in Florida, on a mini-vacation in the pretty town of Pinecraft. Her girlfriends think she’s happy because she’s away from the stress of wedding planning. They have no idea that Leona’s real joy is in being away from her fiancé. Edmund is a good man, and will make a decent husband . . . just not for Leona. The more time she spends with him and his overbearing ways, the less she wants to be his wife. Her cousins are sure Edmund is the right man for her-and their certainty makes Leona begin to doubt herself. But when a chance encounter with a wayward cat brings her face-to-face with a handsome, fun-loving Amish man named Zachary Kauffman, Leona’s faced with two vastly different futures. Learn more and purchase a copy at Shelley's website.

{More About Shelley Shepard Gray}

Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail. Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com. FacebookTwitterPinterest

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Avon Inspire in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Child of Mine by David and Beverly Lewis

This storyline is probably a mother's worse nightmare. To have your child taken from you and never knowing if he/she is okay would be awful. I imagine that I, just like Kelly, would never stop looking for my baby.

Nattie is just plain adorable. She's a spunky 9-year-old and full of life. Jack is a sweetheart of a man who doesn't have a lot of confidence when it comes to dating or girls. However, with Kelly he is the perfect gentleman. I admired him for what he does for Nattie and all he gave up to be her guardian... or dad-a-kins. He has such a special relationship with her. Laura was the perfect nanny, but I'm glad things ended the way they did. It was absolutely perfect.

David and Beverly Lewis have once again written a top notch novel. It's a story that pulls at your heart as you root for a mother whose heart has been broken. You understand some of her less-than-ethical approaches, knowing that you would be tempted to do some of the same things. Your heart aches for a girl who just wants a mom because her life has been turned upside down twice and people keep leaving. You also cheer for the man who steps out of his comfort zone to try to give Nattie the life she needs and wants. I don't think this story could have been told any better than it was. I found myself dreaming about this story at night!

As always, I can't wait to see what's next with Beverly Lewis.

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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Dream of Home by Amy Clipston

Amy Clipston has been an author that I always enjoy. I keep track of when she has her new books coming out because I certainly don't want to miss a single one. She does a wonderful job moving the story along at a good pace, engaging the reader with just the right amount of detail, and using characters that are real and easy to relate to.

Madeline and Emma's relationship are probably one of my favorites. I understand why Saul might be a little cautious in letting Emma develop a close relationship with Madeline, but I'm glad that he finally relented. After all, she had so much that she could share with her. Both Madeline and Saul have faced major heartbreak and have had to grieve in their own ways. Moving on isn't easy for either of them, nor should it be. Despite never having been in their shoes, I felt like I was walking through these difficult trials with them.

Having read the previous books, I appreciated seeing some old faces and getting new updates on how they are doing. However, don't be deterred if you've missed the first two books in this series. You will easily be able to read this book and not feel as though you are missing out on anything.

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I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Christmas at Rose Hill Farm by Suzanne Woods Fisher

As I finished the first couple of chapters in this book, I could tell already that I was not going to be happy if things kept on the path they were headed. I so wanted Bess to be with the one she loved,  Billy, and not the man she kept trying to love, Amos. Amos was a good man and treated her wonderfully, but I had a soft spot for Billy.

I liked the facts on the roses, but there were a few times where I felt that the story was a little bogged down because of those facts. It seemed to stall for a few sentences and then pick back up once it moved past the facts. That was just my opinion, though, as I was reading it. To real rose lovers, they probably loved those parts of the book the most.

I liked how the mysterious rose brought two people together and caused them to have to patiently wait as it prepared to bloom. It was sort of similar to the relationship Bess desired to have with a certain man. The story of reconciliation was a beautiful part of this Christmas story.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould

I have enjoyed everything about this series, from the look of the covers to the story inside. I'll admit that Bea was one that took me a bit longer than the others to enjoy, only because I had read the previous books. I was kind of surprised to find myself liking Bea more and Molly less in this book! I never would have thought that would happen.

I had to laugh at the competition between Ben and Bea because of the things they argued about. The spelling competition had me laughing because it was definitely a unique idea. I thought the whole poetry parts were sweet, though, even if Ben liked to use it to antagonize Bea.

Ben was one that I liked, despite knowing how he was treating Bea. I could tell that he just didn't quite know, and wasn't for sure, how to express himself to not only her, but to himself. In his own way, he was pretty sweet.

Knowing this is book 4, I don't know there will be any more in this series. I have enjoyed reading about the Courtships of Lancaster County. I can't wait to see what plans Leslie Gould has for her next book!

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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould

I have enjoyed everything about this series, from the look of the covers to the story inside. I'll admit that Bea was one that took me a bit longer than the others to enjoy, only because I had read the previous books. I was kind of surprised to find myself liking Bea more and Molly less in this book! I never would have thought that would happen.

I had to laugh at the competition between Ben and Bea because of the things they argued about. The spelling competition had me laughing because it was definitely a unique idea. I thought the whole poetry parts were sweet, though, even if Ben liked to use it to antagonize Bea.

Ben was one that I liked, despite knowing how he was treating Bea. I could tell that he just didn't quite know, and wasn't for sure, how to express himself to not only her, but to himself. In his own way, he was pretty sweet.

Knowing this is book 4, I don't know there will be any more in this series. I have enjoyed reading about the Courtships of Lancaster County. I can't wait to see what plans Leslie Gould has for her next book!

Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/books/becoming-bea.

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More about Becoming Bea}

Becoming Bea | The Courtships of Lancaster County series
Can Bea and Ben Turn Rivalry Into Romance?
Beatrice Zook knows God wants her to learn patience toward others. When assisting a family overwhelmed by triplets proves surprisingly successful, her confidence in dealing with others, both young and old, grows.
One person she’ll never be able to find peace with though is Ben Rupp. They’ve known each other forever, and Ben understands precisely how to antagonize her. What neither she nor Ben will admit is that beneath all their bickering, attraction awaits. When friends decide to try and bring the couple together, will the pair be able to find true love? Or will they damage their relationship beyond repair?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Leslie’s website.

{More About Leslie Gould}

Leslie Gould is the coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 CBA bestseller “The Amish Midwife,” a 2012 Christy Award winner; ECPA bestseller “Courting Cate,” first in the Courtships of Lancaster County series; and “Beyond the Blue,” winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She and her familyl live in Portland, Oregon.Learn more at www.lesliegould.com.
Find out more about Leslie at http://www.lesliegould.com/.
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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.