Once Upon a Dickens Christmas ~ Review

Once Upon a Dickens Christmas
By Michelle Griep

This book is actually a 3-in-1 book that includes the following stories: 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, A Tale of Two Hearts, and The Old Lace Shop. These stories are each complete in themselves but there is a link between them. First, they are set in the time when Charles Dickens's works were new and popular. Second, there is a character who is secondary in nature who is in two stories. Third, there is a second chance coin that in all three stories and it passes through several hands as the stories progress.

Now to the individual stories themselves.

12 Days at Bleakly Manor finds Clara Chapman presented with an opportunity - the chance to obtain 500 pounds. Meanwhile, Ben Lane is presented with the chance to gain his freedom from the prison that has been his home these last 9 months. Both believe the other guilty of betrayal on the day that they were to wed when they are brought together at Bleakly Manor. They are not the only ones promised a long wanted desire. But to obtain it there are a few rules - only those who can last all twelve days will gain the promise. And staying is not going to be easy as it seems someone wants to be sure all others are out of the way.

A Tale of Two Hearts finds William Barlow in need of a wife. Will needs a wife to prove to his Uncle Barlow that he is a changed man and worthy of being named his heir. But Will's cousin Percy is also in the running to be named heir. With the help of Mina Scott, Will hopes to convince his uncle that he is married. But when the expected announcement is pushed off to a later date Mina's heart is in danger as she and Will have to play their role longer as they seek to save Uncle Barlow from a scheme that will see his life ruined. Can something more come out of this deception?

The Old Lace Shop finds Bella White determined to be a woman of independence - she never wants to be under the cruel thumb of another man. With her husband's death, she is free to pursue the life she wants and she is going to assume his majority partnership in the Nottingham Lace and Hose. What she never expected was that she would become a business partner with Edmund Archer the man who broke her heart and left her behind. Can this business partnership be a second chance at love or will it be the ruination of all Bella's plans?

These are enjoyable reads and those who prefer clean, gentle reads will love these three Christmas tales. It is interesting finding all the little Dickens tidbits scattered throughout the stories. Overall the book is 440 pages but is the total number for all 3 stories so each is approximately 130 to 160 pages long - perfect for a long afternoon of reading and enjoying tea. Each has historical notes at the end of the story to explain just what certain things were in relation to the historical period in which the story takes place.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own

About the Book:

Three Delightful Christmas Tales from Beloved Storyteller Michelle Griep

 
Pour yourself a cuppa, get lost in the merriment of the season, and enjoy a Dickensian Christmas in three stories from fan-favorite Michelle Griep:
 
12 Days a Bleakly Manor: Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters. What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.
 
A Tale of Two Hearts: Pleasure seeker William Barlow needs a wife immediately to gain his uncle’s inheritance, and Mina Scott is just the girl to make him look respectable—too bad she turns him down. Ought he give her a second chance?
 
The Old Lace Shop: Recently widowed Bella White is finally freed from the domination of the overbearing men in her life, but when she enters into a business partnership with the handsome Edmund Archer, she begins to wonder if marriage is worth a second chance.

The White City ~ Review

The White City
True Colors #1
By Grace Hitchcock

Winnifred Wylde has a knack for observing what others miss and when she sees a woman abducted at the Chicago World's Fair she is determined to put a stop to these abductions. There is just one problem with her plan - the Chicago police, including her father Inspector Wylde, don't take her claims seriously. Her father blames her over-excitable imagination on the novels she spends her time reading.

Not one to be put off Winnie decides to matters into her own hands and solve this case on her own. But after 22 years her father knows that Winnie won't let this go and he assigns newly arrived from New York Detective Jude Thorpe to keep an eye on her. Playing nanny was the last thing Jude Thorpe expected to be stuck with but all too soon he finds his bodyguard duties the bright spot in his day.

But when Winnie goes undercover more is at stake than anyone every realized - not only is her life on the line so too is her heart.

This book is right at 250 pages but it is a fast-moving story so it feels much shorter. The story progression does not lag even when the action slows for the everyday duties Winnie is expected to fulfill as a lady of 1893. The main characters are likable and well developed. And as for the villain, let's just say ewww and even more so as his character is factually based. The build-up of suspense is just right and for those who prefer cleaner suspense, this just might be what you are looking for as it is not graphic or overly violent. It is interesting to see how societal dictates were so important in how one's life was expected to proceed - marry this person they have status, don't go out without an escort, dress up for dinner. Overall this was an intriguing and fascinating step back in time that I felt well worth the time spent between its covers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Mysterious Disappearances 

Taint the 

Chicago World’s Fair

Step into True Colors -- a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for bodyguard.

Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?

Ladies of Intrigue ~ Review

Ladies of Intrigue
By Michelle Griep

Ladies of Intrigue is a collection of three delightful tales staring women who refuse to bow to the dictates of society when they see a wrong that needs to be remedied.

In The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady Helen Fletcher's return to her failing father's side is delayed when her ship is waylaid by those who are intent upon relieving the ship of its cargo. But when the very smuggler who caused her much consternation turns out to be her benefactor she's left with a quandary. Who is this Isaac Seaton? Is he truly a criminal as she first thought or is he righting a wrong as he claims?    

In The Doctor's Woman, Emmy Nelson is about to leave the life she knows and loves behind following her father's death. But when nearby Fort Snelling is in desperate need of a doctor she is the only hope for a wounded soldier. But before Emmy can use the skills that she learned from her father the new doctor arrives. But Dr. James Clark's methods are in conflict with much that Emmy knows but he needs her assistance to care for not only the soldiers but the Indians who have come under the protection of the army. Can the skills of a citified doctor and the methods that rely on old medicine of land ever work together or will they forever clash?

In A House of Secrets, Amanda Carston is determined to make an impact on St. Paul an in the process earn the approval of her father that she has always sought. There is just one problem - her proposed project has a short time constraint in place. When her fiance Joseph Blake doesn't help her as she expected she takes matters into her own hands, Little does she realize the danger she has just brought on others by her desire to help those in need.

If you like quick engaging reads this is a good option as there are 3 stories in this less than 300-page book. These would, in my opinion, fall into the gentle reads category. If you like historical with a dash of mystery and romance fiction that ends on an up note and you are looking for a cozy corner read snatch this one up and prepare your favorite tea for an enjoyable afternoon or two.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own. 


About the Book:

Can truth and love prevail

when no one is as they appear?

The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady
Cornish Coast, 1815

When a prim and proper governess returns to England from abroad, she expects to comfort her dying father-not fall in love with a smuggler. Will Helen Fletcher keep Isaac Seaton's unusual secret?

The Doctor's Woman
Dakota Territory, 1862

Emmy Nelson, daughter of a missionary doctor, and Dr. James Clark, city doctor aspiring to teach, find themselves working side-by-side at Fort Snelling during the Dakota Uprising. That is when the real clash of ideals begins.

A House of Secrets
St. Paul, Minnesota, 1890

Ladies' Aide Chairwoman Amanda Carston resolves to clean up St. Paul's ramshackle housing, starting with the worst of the worst: a "haunted" house that's secretly owned by her beau-a home that's his only means of helping brothel girls escape from the hands of the city's most infamous madam.

Stratagem ~ Review

Stratagem
By Robin Caroll

Grayson Thibodeaux's company creates games that have a psychological aspect to them and when his ex-wife dies during one of these "games" he becomes the prime suspect. Grayson is innocent but knows that Anna Belle's betrayal of their marriage gives him a motive and that the lead detective has all but convicted him.

As evidence continues to mount Grayson feels as if he is in one of his own games. Can he get to the truth before it is too late or will the real killer get away with murder?

Stratagem is an intense game of strategy that will keep the reader in suspense as to who the guilty party truly is. And with lives in the balance, everything depends on peeling back the layers of an elaborate deception.

Looking for suspense that will keep you flipping the pages and reading late into the night Stratagem is just for you!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own


About the Book:
Psychologist Grayson Thibodeaux creates mind-bending adventure games for businesses as team-building explorations. When his ex-wife’s company hires Grayson’s to create an elaborate game, he doesn’t see how things can get worse. Until she dies during the course of the game he created…making him the prime suspect for murder.

A Christmas Prayer ~ Review

A Christmas Prayer
By Wanda E. Brunstetter

Cynthia Cooper and her mother Mable find themselves leaving behind the ease of city life when their financial circumstances find them heading West with Cynthia's intended. Walter Prentice is more than ten years older than her and his looks are so-so but he offers a future of security for both Cynthia and her mother. But he is just so bland, especially when compared to the others in their wagon train of three.

Having missed the much larger train that they were to go with Cynthia, Mable, and Walter join with two other wagons that had also arrived a day or two late. One wagon belongs to Jack Simpson, who along with his young children Alan and Amelia, is heading to California to take up cattle ranching. The final wagon is owned by Cole Edwards and his sister Ginny.

As various delays slow their already slow pace reaching California before the weather turns bad is seeming less likely. And when the worst happens and they find themselves stranded a chance discovery finds them able to take shelter in something better than a tent or their wagons. Cynthia is also allowed a chance to truly get to know the man she is about to pledge herself to and Walter is not whom she thought him to be but she made a promise and she'll keep it.

A Christmas Prayer is a sweet story that is a quick read that ends in a most satisfying way. Wanda Brunstetter is known for her Amish fiction which this is not. This is a historical fiction with a dash of romance added along with a pinch of holiday charm. Take a break from your hectic schedule and take a short trip to 1850 from the comfort of your favorite corner.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Will Love Be Found While Trapped 

in the Sierra Nevada Mountains?

       Only the brave-or foolhardy-would attempt a cross-country journey late in the season. Three wagons meet up in Independence, Missouri, in April 1850, and their owners decide to keep forging ahead despite many setbacks and delays. December finds them in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when a sudden snowstorm traps them, obscuring the trail. 

       Cynthia Cooper is traveling with her mother and the man she has promised to marry. But as Christmas is upon them and they are hunkered down in a small cabin, she is forced to reevaluate her reasons for planning to marry fellow-traveler Walter Prentice. 

        When a widowed father heading to California and a gold prospector both show interest in Cynthia, she weighs her dreams for marriage alongside her responsibility to care for her mother. Can love win over her timid heart?

Madeline's Search ~ Review

My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas
Madeline's Search
By Kathleen Y'Barbo

Madeline Latour has taken employment with an older lady - Mrs. Smith, working as her assistant while at the same time working as an investigative reporter for the Picayune out of New Orleans. Mrs. Smith has decided that the time has come to find her long-lost granddaughter and to that end she has hired a Pinkerton agent to help her with this search. To Madeline's delight, she will be accompanying Mrs. Smith to Galveston in her search. Not so great Mrs. Smith expects Madeline to work with the Pinkerton agent who turns out to be none other than Jonah Cahill the man Madeline expected to marry before she put her career ahead of her heart.

Mrs. Smith is convinced that her granddaughter is in Galveston though Jonah and Madeline find no evidence to support this. And worse someone seems determined to stop their investigation. Why anyone would be determined to keep the whereabouts of a young woman a mystery is creating questions of its own.

Meanwhile, Jonah is dealing with a situation of his own that has his mother and sister in potential harm. Legends and rumors of a long ago hidden pirate treasure have once again targeted his family's home. And knowing what he does about Madeline he wouldn't put such activity beyond her if she thought she'd get a story out of it.

As Madeline and Jonah team up on this case, they work through the issues that stand between them, but neither is quite willing to risk their heart again. But will their hearts agree to such a plan?

This is an enjoyable book set in 1880 Galveston, Texas, with a couple of mysteries at play within its pages. This isn't a nail-biting mystery but rather a search for family and identity. The conclusion has a few surprises but there are a few clues that allow the reader to have a small inkling of a few possible outcomes. This overall is a Historical Romance fiction that those looking for clean reading will enjoy. This is a perfect weekend read and another great addition to the My Heart Belongs In series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Book:
Journey now to Galveston, Texas, of 1880...

Where is Mrs. Smith’s granddaughter?  

Who is the mysterious Mrs. Smith?

 
Pinkerton agent Jonah Cahill is hired by the mysterious widow to find her lost granddaughter, rumored to be living in Galveston, Texas. Though Jonah prefers to travel alone, Mrs. Smith insists that she and her companion accompany him. Madeline Latour, investigative reporter, has been acting as Mrs. Smith’s assistant for several months, and Madeline will not allow anyone—even a Pinkerton agent—to ruin the story of a lifetime. The pair forges an uneasy truce as the investigation grows dangerous.

Is there a bigger story beyond a missing girl to be revealed?

First Love Forever ~ Book Blitz with Author Spotlight and Excerpt

First Love Forever Romance Collection
9 Historical Romances Where First Loves are Rekindled
by Susanne Dietze, Cynthia Hickey, 
      Marcia Gruver, Carrie Fancett        
      Pagels, Martha Rogers, Lorna Seilstad, 
      Connie Stevens, Jennifer Uhlarik, 
      and Erica Vetsch




About the Book:
A first love is never easily forgotten...and coming face to face with that person again can be awkward when the heartstrings are still holding on to the “what ifs.”

In settings from 1865 to 1910, nine couples are thrown back on the same path by life’s changes and challenges. A neighbor returns from law school. An heiress seeks a quick marriage. A soldier’s homecoming is painful. A family needs help. A prodigal son returns. A rogue aeronaut drops from the sky. A runaway bridegroom comes home. A letter for aid is sent. A doctor needs a nurse. Can love rekindle despite the separation of time and space?

Author Spotlight:

  Susanne Dietze: began writing love stories in high school, casting her friends in the starring roles. Today, n she's the award-winning author of a dozen new and upcoming historical romances. A pastor's wife and mom of two, she loves fancy-schmancy tea parties, the beach, and curling up on the couch with a costume drama and a plate of nachos. 

You can visit her on her website, www.susannedietze.com, 
and sign up for her newsletter for an occasional cheery hello: http://eepurl.com/bieza5


First Things First 
by Susanne Dietze

1877 – South Texas: Texas rancher’s daughter Georgie Bridge mourned when her first love, Ward Harper, left town to study the law, but now he’s back — as opposing counsel in a case against her father.

Susanne Dietze

began writing love stories in high school, casting her

friends in the starring roles. Today,

she's the award-winning author of a dozen new and upcom

ing historical romances. A pastor's wife and

mom of two, she loves fancy-schmancy tea parties, the b

each, and curling up on the couch with a

costume drama and a plate of nachos. You can visit her on

her website,

www.susannedietze.com

, and

sign up for her newsletter for an occasional cheery hello:

http://eepurl.com/bieza5

First Things First

by Susanne Dietze

1877

–

South Texas: Texas rancher

’

s daughter Georgie Bridge mourned when her first love, Ward

Harper,

left town to study the law, but now he

’

s back

—

as opposing counsel in a case against her father.

Excerpt:
First Things First by Susanne Dietze
Wildrye, South Texas
Spring, 1977


For the first time in her twenty-three years of life, Georgia Bridge was rendered speechless.

“Georgie?”Pa removed his Stetson now they’d moved inside the courthouse vestibule.
He smoothed his gray-streaked brown curls and peered down at her, his brows furrowed. “The ledgers show missing cattle?”

She blinked in case her vision was somehow affected by the change in light, or because of the headache she’d had since studying Pa’s ledgers earlier—

Oh. Yes. The ledgers. Missing cattle. 

The matter lost its urgency at the sight of a man across the whitewashed vestibule. She blinked again. It was really him, all grown up, carrying a worn satchel and wearing a dark gray suit. Looking quite handsome in it too.

Pa's gentle touch on her shoulder drew her gaze back and jostled her tongue loose. “Ward.”

“Who?”

“Ward. Harper.”
Her childhood friend. One of her favorite school companions who, when she was fifteen or so, became her favorite companion, ever. He was at the house all the time until that day five years past. A day full of expectations and hope, until he walked out the door. 

Ward Harper had broken her heart, and while it had healed, she wasn’t sure it worked properly anymore. Even now, it thumped in her throat instead of her chest, pumping jitters through her veins and making it hard to breathe. 

A low whistle escaped Pa’s lips. 

“I’ll be. He’s changed a fair piece.”

He had and he hadn’t. His sandy-blond hair was shorter now, neater than it had ever been when
he was younger. His shoulders had broadened and stubble darkened his cheeks more than when
he was nineteen, last time she saw him. 

But those blue eyes were the same. And they widened when they met her stare across the crowded
vestibule. 

Ward’s gaze fixed on her longer than it should have, considering he
spoke with two gentlemen. She might have stared at him, too, had the mayor not blocked her view to greet Pa. 

After offering a brief hello to the mayor, she shifted position, the better to view Ward while
he talked to the fellows she didn’t recognize. 

He was back in Wildrye. For how long? When had he arrived?

Regardless, it was no wonder he found himself at the courthouse today. He’d probably viewed hundreds of trials since he went to study law at Baylor and then found an apprenticeship position
in Fort Worth. He’d enjoy today’s events, and not just because he studied law. No, he’d get a good laugh out of this ludicrous, so-called trial. 

To think, someone was suing Pa. 

Sure to be dropped immediately, this frivolous lawsuit was brought by a neighbor who hadn’t
fared as well as Pa in the financial panic of’73. Pa’s cattle ranch was thriving and his horse-breeding
business was ever growing, so more than one person thought he could try to squeeze something out of Pa, while assuming Pa wouldn’t even feel the pinch. 

Well, Pa did. Every loss hurt, not just her family, but the families who relied on Pa for employment. When Georgie found that discrepancy in the ledgers today, it looked as if the loss of stock would cost Bridge Ranch a few hundred dollars.

But folks like their neighbor Mr. Odell Norwood, who thought to make money off Pa today by quibbling over well-established water rights, clearly didn’t care about honesty or integrity.  

As the mayor moved off, Georgie bit back a harrumph. Pa’s business had grown the right way: legitimately, over time, with a great deal of hard work, patience, and care. He and Ma had been a team, building their home, family, and business together. They did not cheat their neighbors out of water, land, stock, or anything else.  

Ward should know that as well as anyone.  

Her heart plummeted from her throat to her stomach when he pulled away from his conversation and strode toward her. 

TO PURCHASE A COPY*

Amazon  l  Book Depository  l  Christian Book  l  Itunes

But folks like their neighbor Mr. Odell Norwood, who thought to

make money off Pa

today by quibbling over well-established water rights, clearly d

idn

’

t care about honesty or

integrity.

As the mayor moved off, Georgie bit back a harrumph. Pa

’

s business had grown the right

way: legitimately, over time, with a great deal of hard wo

rk, patience, and care. He and Ma had

been a team, building their home, family, and business toge

ther. They did not cheat their

neighbors out of water, land, stock, or anything else.

Ward should know that as well as anyone.

GIVEAWAY

(1) Winner will win a prize pack consisting of:

(1) one print copy of First Love Forever Romance Collection, 

(1) one print copy of My Heart Belongs in Mackinac Island by Carrie Fancett Pagels 

(or any other one of her released titles), 

a pair of handmade earrings** 

(**style subject to change from what is pictured), 

additional book swag, 

and a $20 Barnes and Noble Gift Card. 

(Only Gift card open internationally. All items open to US mailing addresses.) 

To Enter, use the Rafflecopter below. 

Be sure to stop at every stop on the tour for additional entries.

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Imagine...The Ten Plagues

Imagine...
     The Ten Plagues
By Matt Koceich

Kai Wells is in trouble. Vivian Gold has decided that Kai is going to pay for her interference. When a sudden punch connects to her face Kai finds herself no longer in Florida.

Coming to Kai finds herself in a strange place but the truth is even more unbelievable. She is in Egypt at the time of Ramses and Moses! And she has come to the attention of a high-ranking Egyptian official which is not good for Kai or those who have befriended her.

Observing the ten plagues makes it so much more than just words on a page or a story told in Sunday School. As she experiences the plagues and sees how it affects the land and the Egyptians Kai fears she may never return to her home.

Imagine...The Ten Plagues is the second book in the Imagine series. At the end, there is an interesting twist that will be interesting to see where the series will go with this.

This book is 111 pages so a good length for middle-grade readers who aren't yet into longer books. Kids who enjoy adventure will enjoy this book. The common factor in this series is the unexpected trip back in time to a momentous event and this time it is the 10 plagues of Egypt.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

The Second Release in an Epic Bible Adventure Series for Kids

The last thing fourth-grader Kai Wells remembers (before the world as she knew it disappeared) is being surrounded by bullies on her walk home from school. What happens next can't be explained as Kai finds herself on the run for her life in ancient Egypt! 

Imagine. . .The Ten Plagues is the second release in an exciting, brand-new epic adventure series for kids ages 8 to 12 written by schoolteacher Matt Koceich. The Imagine series brings the Bible to life for today's kids as they ponder what it would be like to live through a monumental biblical event.

The Innkeeper's Daughter ~ Review

The Innkeeper's Daughter
By Michelle Griep

Johanna Langley is mere days away from entering the workhouse along with her mother and her younger brother. She's desperate for much-needed funds to keep the family's inn going and pay this month's rent and her hearth payment. But most avoid the Blue Hedge Inn and its dilapidated appearance. 

And it is too this less than stellar inn Officer Alexander Moore finds himself staying as he tries to track down potential traitors to the crown. Alex is more than a little put out to find himself working on vague rumor and little more. Worse the assignment finds him at odds with his duty and his heart.

His childhood finds him strangely drawn to the Langley family and their plight and Johanna is a distraction from his mission - one he can ill afford as not only the nation is in danger so are the very lives of those closest to his investigation.

Sometimes when all looks bleakest there is but one course of action remaining - prayer and faith. But can Johanna and Alex discover this truth for themselves before it is too late?

The Innkeeper's Daughter is historical romance fiction set in the early nineteenth century when England was constantly keeping an eye out for French threats. Faith and family are central to the story as is duty. Just have far we allow duty to dictate our actions and at what cost is examined. The range of characters adds layers to the story as one has to determine who one can trust and just how they all fit together in an unfolding and shifting that holds the reader's attention from cover-to-cover. At just 319 pages this would be a perfect weekend read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

A London officer goes undercover to expose a plot against the Crown

Dover, England, 1808: Officer Alexander Moore goes undercover as a gambling gentleman to expose a high-stakes plot against the king—and he’s a master of disguise, for Johanna Langley believes him to be quite the rogue. . .until she can no longer fight against his unrelenting charm.

All Johanna wants is to keep the family inn afloat, but when the rent and the hearth payment are due at the same time, where will she find the extra funds? If she doesn’t come up with the money, there will be nowhere to go other than the workhouse—where she’ll be separated from her ailing mother and ten-year-old brother.

Alex desperately wants to help Johanna, especially when she confides in him, but his mission—finding and bringing to justice a traitor to the crown—must come first, or they could all end up dead.

The Celebration ~ Review

The Celebration
Amish Cooking Class #3
By Wanda E. Brunstetter

Heidi and Lyle Troyer are adjusting to their new role of foster parents to Randy and Marsha. Hoping to help her young charges to adjust Heidi with Lyle's encouragement embarks on a new cooking class. But this time the class is for children instead of adults.

But from the opening moment of the first class tensions are high. Heidi's nervous about how this new twist will play out especially with Randy and Marsha now involved.  And then some of the children who are signed up are less than thrilled about the idea of cooking classes. Can everything work together or will this be the final class Heidi ever offers?

Children in her home has been Heidi's dream but children of their own wasn't meant be. And being foster parents to two young children who have tragically lost their parent wasn't something they had ever expected. But Lyle and Heidi are determined to help these two hurting children and offer  them all the love and caring that they would have offered their own had they been so blessed. Can Heidi's kitchen provide the bonding that will heal hurting hearts of not only her home but her students?

Life isn't perfect and each of Heidi's new students and their respective family is experiencing their own trials. But as in the past Heidi's lessons and caring spirit make a difference in the lives of all involved. There is romance, broken families, cute pets and good cooking - what more could one want in a sweet book that will divert the reader from the everyday for a few hours of comfort reading.

Fans of Wanda Brunstetter's Amish Cooking Class series will enjoy this book and don't skip ahead but the final pages will leave you with a happy feeling perfect for what could be the ending of this series. And don't forget to enjoy the recipes that Heidi shared! You may discover a new favorite, I'm looking forward to trying the Surprise Muffins and the Strawberry Shortcake.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Return to Holmes County, Ohio, for Amish style cooking class.

Lyle and Heidi Troyer have taken in a brother and sister, who were orphaned when their parents were killed in a car accident. Hoping to help the children adapt and make friends, Heidi decides to hold a series of cooking classes for kids. But kids are always accompanied by an adult—and that is where the trouble arises.
 Will hearts be healed over plates of Amish food? 

Leanna's Choice ~ Review

My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah
Leanna's Choice
By Angie Dickens

Leanna McKee's life is not what she expected it to be. Living far from her old life in Boston society she finds herself a widow in the harsh mining town of Castle Gate, Utah and surviving on the slight salary she makes as a school teacher to the children of Greek immigrants. The resentment and bitterness that have made a home in her heart are keeping her from any contentment in her situation.

But when Alex Pappas, a friend of her late husband, seeks her help with his niece and nephew Leanna finds a new purpose in her life and a chance to earn her way out of Castle Gate. But the more she gets to know the Pappas children the more aware she becomes of the prejudices that are held against these hard-working immigrants.

Fear and intolerance have divided this community into two halves. Though there is work and opportunity to grow and improve what they have, distrust of what isn't known has driven in a wedge that is widening the divide. And Leanna and Alex's friendship could be the catalyst to destroy everything. Or it could be the first step in drawing everyone into a community that works together. But when two other choices for the future present themselves Leanna is faced with a decision that only she can make. But which way will she turn - that which she had known, that which she now knows, or the unknown?

This story is set in 1910 and it is interesting to run parallels to today and people's stance on immigrants. Fear that these new people will steal the jobs, the opportunities that belong to others has been a motivation in this intolerance throughout history.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Forbidden love challenges Old World

expectations in the coal mining town

of Castle Gate, Utah

Schoolteacher Leanna McKee plans on leaving the coal mining town of Castle Gate, Utah, and never looking back. Good riddance to coal dust, rugged men, and the fatal mine that took her husband’s life.

Until the widow meets a widower who awakens her heart...and she finds herself inexplicably falling for miner Alex Pappas which stirs up a whole heap of trouble.

Alex’s Greek parents have arranged a more traditional match for him.  When the schoolteacher’s association with the Greek family begins to anger the American miners, they threaten Alex and his family. Leanna has received an offer to teach elsewhere and feels she has no choice but to leave Castle Gate. . .though she will be leaving her heart behind.