Thankful by Shelley Shepard Gray

Aden loves Christina.  Christina loves Aden.  Neither one know that.  Age separates them at first, but Aden is content to wait.  Then circumstances change.  Contemplating a future with each other wouldn't be bad until Aden's life changes. When Aden's parents died, Christina's family took him in and raised him.

Aden does a good job at stifling his emotions and desires to court Christina.  So many times in the book I wanted Aden to pour out his feelings to Christina.  Especially because Christina felt the same way but thought he didn't care in that way for her! 

I liked Christina's parents, but I wanted them to believe in the two of them and a future courtship.  I understood why Aden kept his feelings silent, and the guilt from a previous incident on the ice didn't help matters for either one of them.  I was cheering for them at the end of the book and wanted them to have that happy ever after!

Shelley Shepard Gray has written a great follow-up book to Hopeful, which is part of the Return to Sugarcreek series.  After reading the sneak peek for Joyful, her next book, I'm now really looking forward to reading that one, too!

For more reviews on this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/author/SGray.

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Thankful, Book Two in the Return to Sugarcreek series
New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray captures the beauty, devotion, and warmth of Amish life in this engaging tale of family, commitment, trust, and love set in the beloved community of Sugarcreek.
Christina Kempf has always known that God chose Aden Reese to be her husband. As children, he was there to save her when she fell through the ice, and he’s been by her side ever since. After his parents died in a car accident ten years ago, the Kempfs raised Aden as one of their own, and everyone sees Aden and Christina as brother and sister. But Christina has never given up hope that Aden will one day ask her to be his wife.
Aden always planned to court Christina. But losing his mother and father changed everything—except his love for her. Her parents generously welcomed him into their home and treated him like a son. He can’t betray their kindness by admitting his feelings for the girl who is like a sister . . . yet so much more.
Pressured by her parents to court, Christina begins to accept the attentions of Sugarcreek’s young men, and now, Aden must make a choice. Will he stand by and watch the love of his life slip away? Or will he risk losing the love and trust of the family he holds dear to tell Christina how he truly feels?
Thankful includes a P.S. section with additional insights from the author, background material, suggestions for further reading, and more.
Learn more and purchase a copy here.

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

Until I Found You by Victoria Bylin

I have never read any books by Victoria Bylin, but I did enjoy this book.  I was captured in the first few chapters (and even in the prologue) with all of the events and drama unfolding.  Kate's cliff nightmare was well-written and easy to imagine.  Nick was the hero who saved her life, in more ways than one.


When I read the back cover, I thought perhaps Nick would be saving Kate from awkward or funny situations. That's not the case.  It wasn't disappointing, by any means.  It just wasn't what I had thought.  Nick saved Kate in many real-life ways.  I could see this story being played out in real life

I liked Leona's letters to Kate.  They were super sweet to read.  With my Dad just recovering from a stroke, it hit me a little harder as I remembered the frustrations and emotions that go along with it. 

I honestly have never paid attention, nor really knew, what a condor looked like.  However, halfway through his book, I found myself online and searching all about condors!  They are quite fascinating!  Who would have ever thought that would make an interesting storyline, though.

This book isn't a fast-moving book.  I never lost interest in it, but it's more like a journey of Kate and her faith.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: A word from the Author:

This may sound crazy, but I was driven to write romance by giant bugs and killer rabbits. I just couldn't take it anymore. My husband and two sons would be camped in front of the television watching a movie about spiders the size of bowling balls, and I'd be wondering when the handsome scientist would get around to kissing the spunky woman with the bug spray. When it didn't happen, I decided to write my own happy endings--without the giant bugs...

Known for her realistic, likable characters and vivid writing, Victoria Bylin writes both western and contemporary inspirational romance. Her books have finaled in the ACFW Carol Awards, the Rita Awards and RT Magazine’s Reviewers’ Choice Awards. She and her husband currently live in Lexington, Kentucky and have two grown sons.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Finding each other was only the beginning . . .

When Kate Darby swerves off a mountain road to avoid hitting a California condor, she ends up trapped in her car, teetering on the edge of a cliff. Terrified, she breathes a prayer that changes her life.

It's Nick Sheridan who comes to Kate's rescue. Nick is handsome and confident, and he seems to develop a habit of rescuing her, but Kate is in town only until her grandmother recuperates from a stroke. She's not planning to get involved with one of the locals.

Nick is a reformed veteran of life in the fast lane, a new Christian, and a travel writer. When he sees a car dangling on the edge of a cliff, the daredevil in him jumps into action. He doesn't expect to be swept off his feet by the car's occupant. He's made a vow--no dating for a year--but keeping that vow is going to be a lot more difficult now that he's met Kate Darby. . . .

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Until I Found You, go HERE.

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

A Stitch and a Prayer by Eva Gibson

I must start my review of this book by commenting on the cover. I think this is the prettiest cover so far of all the Quilts of Love series.  The cabin at the bottom made me want to dive into his book. I think because I knew there was a story involved with it.  It also looked peaceful and inviting.  The colors blended so well on the cover from the picture, to the quilt, and to the title of book.  Some of the covers look  little busy to me, but this one did a perfect job.

I liked the whole pioneer setting of the book. I had a little trouble connecting with Florence because I don't really struggle with worry.  I felt like Florence did a lot of worrying, but I know it was for a valid reason.  With her physical struggles and then the pressure that she put on herself, she definitely could worry herself to death.  I liked Florence and understood her worries, but never felt as though she was a character I would be thinking about a lot.  Will was a little easier to connect to.  However, I do think I'd fret a little if my husband left and I had a baby coming, too!

I loved the meaning of the quilt. Florence began to take her prayers and stitches and form a beautiful quilt out of them.  I liked how she could always look at that quilt and remember how God provided and took those worries from her and covered her with strength to get through this difficult time.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

(No image available) Eva Gibson is the author of twenty books, including A Stitch and a Prayer, the latest release in the Quilts of Love series from Abingdon Fiction. She currently teaches Writing Your Life Story classes for Portland Community College and is an active member of Oregon Christian Writers. She has lived most of her life on the family farm in Wilsonville, Oregon, which is the setting for her novel.

ABOUT THE BOOK

After her fiancé returns from the Klondike gold rush in 1897, Florence Harms sets about building a new life in her new marriage—even though the lingering effects of illness have left her weak and vulnerable. She and her young husband, Will, work tirelessly to clear the land around their Northwest cabin, content with their modest life. But then a stranger comes knocking and Florence suddenly senses a restlessness in Will’s spirit that she had never seen before. When he leaves her with only a note that tells her he will return before their baby’s birth, she is devastated, and the illness that stiffened her joints returns. Counting the days until Will walks back through her door, Florence busies herself with a Tree of Life quilt displaying a map of the farm they call home. Doubts claw at her heart as Florence struggles to believe Will’s promise to return to her. Will her labor of love—and faith in God—sustain her as she waits to see her beloved once again?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Stitch and A Prayer, go HERE.

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I received this book free from CFBA and Abingdon Press in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Season of Change by Lynette Sowell

I'm an avid reader of Amish fiction books. I have read about many different Amish communities in these books. Some are real, some are fiction.  I liked Pinecraft, which is a community in Sarasota, Florida.  It is a place where many Amish vacation.  Things are not done the same way in Pinecraft as it is in other communities.  In some ways, they have to work harder to keep the "worldliness" out because of all the tourists.  Add a beach and you have lots of temptations.

Jacob and Natalie were meant to be together. I found it neat that Natalie was able to locate her family and be a part of them in a small way. I didn't want Jacob to like any of the other girls.  However, I did feel bad for Betsy.  I'm wondering if her story will be told the next book.

My favorite person would have to be Rachel.  She was such a voice of reason and loving.  She was an encouragement and didn't seem like she believed in the legalism aspect.  I was glad she didn't leave Pinecraft and decided to stay there despite the trials and lack of family that were there.

This scene was different not only because of it being Pinecraft, but also because Natalie has worked with the circus. She enjoys performing using the silks and does it very elegantly.

I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next book in the Seasons of Pinecraft series.

Read more reviews at http://litfusegroup.com/author/lsowell.

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A Season of Change

by Lynette Sowell    Abingdon Press Amish Fiction In the first novel in Lynette Sowell's new Seasons in Pinecraft series, readers are introduced to retired circus performer Natalie Bennett as she searches for the dream of her heart: a family of her own.  Amish widower Jacob Miller believes it was a mistake to visit the Amish village of Pinecraft for winter vacation, especially after his daughter is struck by a car. Stranded in Sarasota until his daughter recovers, Jacob grows increasingly wary of events that unfold in his unfamiliar surroundings---including the strange curiosity of Englischer Natalie Bennett. Natalie never thought her circus career as an aerial silks artist would end with a blown-out knee at the age of 25. She also never knew her late mother had a secret---that she was once Amish. When Natalie meets the Millers at the Sarasota hospital, she is attracted to their warm hospitality and simple ways---and soon wonders if they can help her find her mother's family. As Jacob and Natalie fall in love, their worlds collide. Will their differences tear them apart? Or will their love be strong enough to blend their clashing cultures?

Meet the Author

Lynette Sowell was born in western Massachusetts in the shadow of the Berkshire Mountains, raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and now makes her home on the doorstep of the Texas hill country. The award-winning author of more than fifteen titles, Lynette loves reading, cooking, watching movies, and is always up for a Texas road trip. When not writing fiction, she works in medical transcription and is a freelance writer and columnist for her local newspaper. Learn more about Lynette at: http://lynettesowell.blogspot.com

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

Rise and Shine by Sabdra D. Bricker

What girl, young or old, doesn't like a good fairy tale?  I mean, seriously?!  Why is Disney so popular?! I think Sandra D. Bricker had a great idea when she considered writing a modern-day series based on classic, popular fairy tales.

It doesn't take too long to figure out which story is paralleled in Rise & Shine.  Shannon has been in a coma for the past 10 years after a horrible accident.  Hmmm... which fairytale story involves a woman in a coma... or a deep sleep?

I found this book to be so much fun. I considered it a light-hearted book in a way because it was an easy book to read. However, there were so many things brought out that made me wonder how people really do feel when they wake up from being in a coma.

In Shannon's case, she has to figure out how to move on in her life after not being a part of it for 10 years. So much has happened that it's like she has to start all over again. Edmund amazed me as he stood by to care for his new wife while she was in her coma.  It was sad when he died and even worse when Shannon found out this news. Not only is she finding a new normal, but she's finding it without the one man she longed to be married to.

I've read most of the books by Sandra D. Bricker and have really enjoyed all of them.  She writes with humor and passion.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.

The author says that it was her 8th novel that opened the door to finding her way as a writer. "I'm a Christian woman, first and foremost," she says. "So it was a bit of a dream-come-true when Summerside Press chose me as one of two authors to launch the Love Finds You line."

Sandie's real-life role as cancer survivor has parlayed into her steadfast commitment to raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research. Spearheading a series of devotionals for Summerside Press (such as the popular His Grace is Sufficient...Decaf is Not), the author has stipulated that a portion of each contributor's proceeds will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

"Being allowed to combine my faith and my humor with raising funds for my pet projects ... and still pursue my writing dream," says Bricker, "well, that's the best of all worlds, as far as I'm concerned!"

And one of the author's pet projects is animal rescue, evidenced by the special bond she has created with one particular formerly-abandoned puppy -- a red-haired collie with "killer brown eyes and the heart of the class clown."

ABOUT THE BOOK

Shannon Malone thought she'd found her happy ending when she married Edmund Ridgeway, but a diving accident on their honeymoon left her in a coma. Waking up to the news that she's thirty years old would have been daunting enough . . . but she also learns that Edmund has lost his interim battle with cancer and the world has marched on without her. Her gorgeous doctor, Daniel Petros, seems to know everything about her and becomes Shannon's tour guide into a whole new world of madness where reality television has taken over the planet and everyone's life appears to revolve around a tiny screen on their cell phones! As Shannon struggles to navigate through the changes-both in the world and in her-she also must discern real memories from imagined ones. Did she really ever wear capris pants and entertain in her living room, or was that Laura Petrie from her favorite classic TV show? And where is her beloved dog, Freeway? Oh, wait! That was Jonathan and Jennifer Hart's dog, not hers. Shannon's three elderly aunts flit through her life in true Sleeping Beauty style with her well-being always a priority. And Edmund's sister Millicent descends like the Evil Queen she is, trying to extract Shannon from any claim on the Ridgeway family fortune. When a tornado moves through town and Shannon is knocked unconscious, will Daniel's kiss awaken her once and for all?

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

Somebody Like You by Beth K. Vogt

Haley Ames has had her life turned upside down.  What should have been a wonderful, exciting time in her life as she welcomes a baby into her life has turned into something heartbreaking.  Haley's husband has died and she is left with "what would have been."

Haley's husband, Sam, is a twin.  His brother, Stephen, has entered into Haley's life and now Haley has a stream of conflicting emotions.  All types of things run through her head as she meets Sam. 

Beth K. Vogt was able to put some surprise elements into a book that is very emotional.  It was hard to not cry over the death of Sam and it was hard not to laugh over how Haley meets Sam's brother.  I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster as I considered how I might feel if I met someone who looked just like my husband.  Then to have a child and wrestle with liking Stephen so soon after her husband has gone would be so much.

I liked this book and how beautiful of a story it was.  It wasn't a feel-good romance novel because of the loss, but it was a beautiful story of grace and mercy.

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

Pelican Bride by Beth White

The cover of this book is beautiful.  I like the picture and the elegant writing on the cover.  The light, contrasting colors are beautiful and eye-catching.

Pelican Bride is the first book in the Gulf Coast Chronicles series and it's a great start. Beth White is a new author to me, but I really enjoyed this story.  I will definitely be reading the rest of the books in this series.  She kept my attention and I really liked the history found in this book.

Geneviève Gallatin and her sister made some choices so that they would finally be free of religious persecution.  They were willing to give up their land (which wasn't horribly hard to do because of the persecution) and their comfort and personal wills. They planned to marry men they didn't know so that they could start fresh new lives and worship freely.  The escape from their homeland was intense and full of suspense.  I was anxiously awaiting them to be free of the horrid king.

Of course, a lot of things go wrong when they get to their new homes.  Geneviève has a lot of looking out to do for her little sister that has so much to learn.  There are false charges, mistakes, and choices made on their journey to a new life.

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