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? 

The Engagement Plot ~ Review

The Engagement Plot
By Krista Phillips

Hanna Knight thought she'd be living a happily-ever-after after when she is William Preston picks her as his choice in The Price of Love. But when he makes a comment that trashes her reputation and subjects her to national ridicule Hanna wants nothing to do with him.

But with his job on the line, William has no choice but to repair the damage he has done and ask for Hanna's forgiveness. But Hanna's not sure that she's ready to help William, but when a snowstorm lands them in the headlines yet again Hanna agrees to pretend that she and William are engaged.

Scandal seems determined to dog them as they try to present the appearance of a happily engaged couple. Which isn't that hard as they are both still drawn to the other. But a new scandal is lurking just below the surface, one that could cost Will more than his job or Hanna. Can Hanna and Will get beyond the past and accept help where they least expect it?

The Engagement Plot is a house built on sand that is just waiting for the first little wave to wash out the nonexisting foundation. The hoopla and pressure of living under the ever-watching eye of the public has created a false environment for finding a love worth having. Hanna and Will will have to decide what is important before they can move forward either together or alone. And they will have to return to their faith before that can happen. And they just might need a little help to get there.

This is a fine book to just read but I have to admit reality tv is not my thing (I avoid it totally). And Hanna's shock at the behavior of those involved in the show and the fallout from her appearance should not have been surprised in the least. "Um, hello, reality television." But on the positive Hanna and Will both came to realize that they needed to get their priorities reassessed and determine just what was really important to them. If you like contemporary Christian romance fiction with a lot of dramatics give this book a try. For me, there was too much kissing and toeing the line when it comes to standing true to one's commitments, but then I've been called a Puritan when it comes to dating do's and don't's.

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.

I was


About the Book:
Six months ago, William stole Hanna’s heart and shattered it in front of millions of people on a reality TV dating show. When all seems lost, it’s only with help from above that Hanna and Will may find their happily-ever-after.

365 Classic Bedtime Bible Stories ~ Review

365 Classic Bedtime
    Bible Stories
Inspired by Jesse Lyman Hurlbut's Story of the Bible
Illustrations by Alessia Girasole

Looking for a new Bible bedtime devotional for the upcoming year? One that you can share with your little reader? Well, this one might be what you are looking for. The stories start with Creation and continue through Revelation. Each page is one day and is a summarization of a Bible passage. The Bible passage from which each story is taken is referenced before the story is related.

The illustrations are throughout and should capture children's attention. My only complaint with the illustrations is the lack of skin pigmentations. This area of the world was a major trade route so there should have been more racial diversity.

There is an index at the back broken down into Old Testament and New Testament so that one can search for a person, place, or thing based on the Testament.

The book is hardcover with what appears to be a stitched binding. There is a red ribbon place marker attached to the spine so that one's place can be easily marked through the year. This book is aimed more towards younger children, I'm thinking 3 - 8 years of age. This is a time to share with your children so be sure to read the Bible references with your children to add more depth to the story.

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:
Your children or grandchildren will delight in this fully-illustrated storybook that brings 365 read-aloud classic Bible stories to life for impressionable young hearts.

Beginning with the creation story, "God Creates the Earth," and ending with "In Eternity with God,” your children will develop faith in an almighty God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, while journeying alongside Bible characters like Samuel, Jonah, Esther, David, John the Baptist, Mary, Joseph, and many more.

Colors of Christmas ~ Review

Colors of Christmas
By Olivia Newport

Colors of Christmas is a two-in-one book. Two short stories with Christmas as the common theme. Christmas is supposed to be a happy time of the year but this year things are just not quite right.

First up is Christmas in Gold which finds Astrid moving out of her home and into an assisted community living facility. Christmas will be very different this year with all that she has been used to no longer an option. Christmas will no longer be the family gathering in her home. Rather it will be in her son's home.

But when the plans for Christmas are put in doubt Astrid makes plans with those she has come to know in her new home. And Astrid can tell that her therapist could use her friendship. And this year the greatest gift Astrid can give is friendship and hope.

Wondering why the title Christmas in Gold? This has to due to Astrid's memories of a cherished Christmas from her childhood one which was marked by special ornaments.

The second story is Christmas in Blue - Angela has lost her dearest friend and Christmas this year just won't be the same. And somehow the town's Christmas celebration has become her responsibility. But nothing seems to be going easy, in fact, it all keeps going wrong. With Christmas just days away help is nigh on impossible to find until an unexpected offer arrives. Soon what was going to be a blue Christmas becomes a Christmas celebration that will gladden any heart no matter what color Angela finds to create A Christmas to Remember.

These stories are both contemporary settings that end on an up note. These are stories that focus on the season and the importance of friendships in our lives.  If you are looking for short but delightful Christmas reading this is an option.

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:
Christmas in Gold
When eighty-year-old Astrid moves into an assisted living community and meets a young woman on the brink of despair, she resolves to stir up Christmas hope one more time.

Christmas in Blue
Angela just wants Christmas to be over. Instead, she finds herself in charge of the town’s celebration, and everything goes from bad to worse. Can she rescue Christmas for the town—and herself?

12 Days at Bleakly Manor ~ Review

12 Days at Bleakly Manor
Once Upon a Dickens Christmas #1
By Michelle Griep

What could be better than a Christmas story? Maybe a Victorian Christmas story? Even better is a Victorian Christmas mystery.

12 Days at Bleakly Manor takes the reader back to 1850 London where Clara Chapman is living on the charity of her Aunt Mitchell since Benjamin Lane left her waiting at the altar with no word of apology or explanation. For nine months Clara has been angry at Ben for his betrayal and the ruin he brought to her and her family.

For the last nine months, Benjamin Lane has been calling a dank cell within Millbank Prison home. Without warning his life as he knew it ended on the day he was to wed. Ben knew that he had been betrayed the only question in his mind was why and whom?

When both Clara and Ben receive mysterious invitations to attend the Twelve Days of Christmas at Bleakly Manor it seems someone has a cruel streak taunting them both with what could have been. But these two are not the only guests and their host remains anonymous and absent. Each guest is offered a special gift if they make it through the entirety of the twelve days. But when strange things begin happening the surety of completing the entire twelve days is soon in doubt. Could this be just random occurrences or is something more sinister at work?

One thing is certain if they live through this visit it will be a Christmas none will soon forget...
   
This is a fun read and very much a holiday mystery. If you want something a little different to read that is easy to get into this would be an excellent choice. Even more fun would be reading this book aloud, enjoying it with friends and family as you attempt to determine who did or didn't do what. This book promises to be the first in a delightful series that makes a definite nod to Charles Dickens that Dickens fans will love!

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 mysterious invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home may bring danger...and love?

England, 1850: When Clara Chapman receives an intriguing invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home, she is hesitant yet feels compelled to attend—for if she remains the duration of the twelve-day celebration, she is promised a sum of five hundred pounds. That's enough money to bring her brother back from America and reinstate their stolen family fortune. But is she walking into danger? It appears so, especially when she comes face to face with one of the other guests—her former fiancé, Benjamin Lane.

Imprisoned unjustly, Ben wants revenge on the unknown person who stole his honor. When he’s given the chance to gain his freedom, he jumps at it—and is blindsided by the anger of the woman he left at the altar. 

Brought together under mysterious circumstances for the 12 Days of Christmas, 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.

The Teen's Guide to Social Media and Mobile Devices ~ Review

The Teen's Guide to Social Media
    and Mobile Devices
By Jonathan McKee

Navigating the ever-changing digital world of social media is a challenge for most people. And for teens, there is the added pressure of navigating the ever-changing world of life with school, friends, peer-pressure, and parents all having expectations.

But how do we make sure that what we post won't have a negative impact on the rest of our lives? We need to post, share, and friend in an intelligent and thoughtful manner. But making smart decisions can be hard when we don't think things through completely.  And once we hit the button it is impossible to take back what we've put out for our audience to share.

This book offers rules (or guidelines) for you to follow to keep you safe and out of trouble both today and in the future. One can never know who will see what we've put out to share. Yes, it could be a close friend or family member or it could someone with intentions that could do you harm. There are no absolutes when online so your best course is to be smart in this insecure world.

Though written to teens anyone who uses the internet could make use of this book. And anyone who has dealings with kids should definitely read through this book and share it with the young people in their life. There are 21 tips for safe and wise posting and real-life situations where not following these guidelines had dire consequences, sometimes for life! The tips are presented with Biblical reasons why followed by questions to make you think.

This book should be a must for any home with young people in it and it should be included in a library's young adult and/or parent resources collection. The book isn't preachy in its message yet it is firmly based on Godly principles.

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:

Ever regret something you’ve posted?
Honestly? How smart are you being when it comes to streaming, messaging, gaming, commenting. . .?
 
 The Teen’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices will help you navigate the digital world with 21 refreshingly honest and humorous tips that will not only inform, but that also just might change the way you think about your social media interaction.

     21 real-life tips including. . .

• Know the app before you snap.
• Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want Grandma, your boss, and Jesus seeing! (Jesus is on Insta, you know!)
• Peek at your privacy settings. . .so you know who’s peeking at you.
• Take more “selflessies.”
• Press pause before you post. 

. . .and many more will provide just the information you need to post wisely in an insecure world.

The Blessing ~ Review

The Blessing
Amish Cooking Class #2
By Wanda E. Brunstetter

The Blessing is the second book in the Amish Cooking Class series and Heidi Troyer is trying to decide if she wants to offer a second six lesson cooking class. She and her husband Lyle are anticipating the arrival of their soon-to-be adopted baby and Heidi wants to be sure to have plenty of time for their long desired baby. But Heidi decides to offer a second class (if she didn't the series would need a different name) for reasons not to be revealed in this review. And various characters from the first book make an appearance in this book (in case you are wondering).

With six new students, Heidi has a new round of people to whom she can minister. And believe me, they all can use a little help with the various situations they find themselves in at present. But these students are a tad more difficult than Heidi's first group and there seem to be tensions between her students that hint at their need for her special brand of care.

Overall this is a fine story, though the reader could potentially get lost in the various character viewpoints that the book jumps between. But those familiar with Wanda's writing should be fine in story navigation department. For those new to Wanda Brunstetter's world if you haven't read her previous book in this series don't worry as you'll easily get brought up to speed as the backstory is referenced throughout. I personally enjoyed the first book over this book but I still found this one to be an enjoyable read while waiting in the car. (Yes, I'm one of those people who always has a book or two with me at all times.)

Of note, if you are so included to sample some Amish recipes for yourself the recipes that Heidi teaches in her class are included in the back of the book along with some discussion questions.  

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.

#Truth ~ Review

#Truth
365 Devotions for Teens
Connecting Life and Faith
By Josh McDowell

Looking for a devotional that will take you through the year?

Well, #Truth from Josh McDowell just might be what you are looking for. Each month is themed meaning the devotions fall under this theme.

And as a point of note #Truth has 29 days in February so you can read this devotional any year. Though this devotional is targeted at teens the messages are of importance to all who want to learn more about God and the truth about Him. Each day is a whole page - no shared pages or days with this devotional.

What is each month's focus you ask? Here is a brief synopsis along with the stated theme at the beginning of each month.

January = An Awesome God
The power of God over life and nature and His holy and pure being are examined.

February = Totally Inspired
God's words won't change or end while this world exists and we can know His thoughts through the Bible, which reveals all we need to know.

March = You Choose
Sin is a choice and we need to determine if we will choose to follow and trust God or choose the separation that sin brings.

April = He Entered My World
Jesus gave up His divine powers to experience life as us so that we would have the chance to know eternal life and freedom from sin's deadly consequences.

May = The Price of Forgiveness
Humanity's redemption was at the cost of Jesus' death and His temporary separation from God as He took our sins upon Himself.

June = The Power to Save
Salvation is a gift from God, not something we can boast of earning. God alone has this power, He is the only way to salvation and life after death if we accept His gift.

July = A New Person
Accepting God's gift makes us want to change, to be who we were meant to be if sin hadn't had an effect on us.

August = No End in Death
Death was the sacrifice that Jesus made to save us, but His death would have been meaningless if He had not risen from death. He conquered sin and death with His resurrection.

September = Empowered
The Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) was the internal presence of God in the life of those who believed (trusted) that Jesus was the Son of God. This presence identifies us as being with God and allows us to exhibit spiritual gifts.

October = How You View the World
A relationship with God changes how we see our place in the world, we view ourselves as members of a kingdom that has not yet come, to our perspective, in a physical sense, a kingdom free of sin and death.

November = Real Community
The true Church is not a building but rather all believers (think how all the different parts of your body make up you) the same is true of the Church. We are there to comfort and to encourage one another and be thankful for ALL He has done for us.

December = Waiting for His Return
After He arose from His death Jesus ascended into Heaven (which can be a difficult concept to fully understand). He remains there today waiting for us while preparing a new home that is without sin, sorrow, or pain.

This is a perfect start or end to your day - a way to learn more about God and His gift given freely to any willing to accept it. The devotionals passages are not overwhelming in giving too much, but rather a small portion perfect for reflection and examination upon finishing.

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:
This brand-new devotional from Josh McDowell unpacks spiritual truths that inspire, challenge, and fuel young people every day of the year--from January 1 through December 31. Practical and relevant, each month of devotional readings shares a common theme--
January: The Truth That GOD Exists  -  December: The Truth About CHRIST'S Return.

My Heart Belongs in Ruby City Idaho ~ Review

My Heart Belongs in Ruby City Idaho
Rebecca's Plight
By Susanne Dietze

Rebecca Rice is headed to a new and better life in Ruby City, Idaho. At least that was her plan - she was headed for a marriage with a Mr. Fordham, Ruby City's shopkeeper, a man she had become acquainted with through an exchange of letters.

When bandits hold up the stagecoach that's carrying Rebecca to her new life she more than a little relieved to arrive more or less unharmed in Ruby City. And she's even more relieved to find her intended awaiting her arrival. And before the sun had a chance to set Rebecca was the lawful wife of Deputy Thaddeus (Tad) Fordham. All too late Rebecca discovered she had made a horrible mistake - she had married the wrong Fordham!

And the worst part of the day is there is no easy way to undo the mistake - they have to wait for the area judge to return before this mess can be resolved to everyone's satisfaction, or so they hope. But with Rebecca married to the wrong cousin and without funds due to the holdup she finds herself in a most unexpected situation.

As they wait for the judge to return to Silver City, Rebecca begins making a life for herself in Ruby City. But as she gets to know both Thaddeus and Theodore she is left wondering if Theodore is truly the man she should marry.  

Mistaken identities, feuding cousins, and a gang of bandits make Ruby City, Idaho, a place of interest in this story set in 1866. This is a fun and diversionary story that is the perfect foil to the heat of summer. Get ready to sit back and be entertained with this marriage mishap that just may the best thing to happen to any of the parties involved.

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:
Looking forward to a quiet life and a full stomach, mail-order bride Rebecca Rice is pleased to marry her shopkeeper intended, Mr. Fordham, until the justice of the peace calls him Thaddeus, not Theodore—proceeded by the title Deputy.

Is it possible to marry the wrong man?

When the newlyweds realize they’ve married the wrong partners with similar names, an annulment seems in order—and fast, since Rebecca’s true intended is impatient to claim her as his own, not to mention Rebecca would never marry a lawman like her father. But when the legalities take longer than expected, Rebecca wonders if Tad wasn’t the right husband for her all along. . . .

Gladden the Heart ~ Review

Gladden the Heart
Amish Turns of Time #5
By Olivia Newport

Susanna Hooley's life in Kishacoquillas Valley, Pennsylvania, 1847, is about to get a whole lot more difficult. The Amish church is curious and yet wary of the Methodist tent revival meeting going on in their midst. And Susanna is just as curious as anyone, but there are some lines not meant to be crossed and stepping into the tent is one of those lines, even if the Reverand Baxton and his daughter Patsy have been friends with many of the community's Amish for years.

Susanna has a comfortable life and she anticipates the possibility of marriage to Adam Yotter in the near future. But when a strange malady strikes Noah Kauffman, her favorite cousin, Susanna's hopes and dreams for the future are threatened when Noah's "gift of the Spirit" begins to divide friends and family.

Noah's preaching tugs at Susanna's heart but Noah seemingly has no recollection of preaching once he stops. And once he starts he is unaware of all that surrounds him, even to the point his own safety is in question. Drawn to help Noah and his wife Phoebe, Susanna soon finds herself at odds with her mother and Adam over Noah and the suitability of his gift (or curse) to the Amish way of life. Soon their very community is taking sides and the rift that is dividing them may never be repaired...

Gladden the Heart takes a peek into the past which few are familiar with, one that revolves around "sleeping preachers: and have the very differences of worship and lifestyle were the very things drawing the seeking of the Amish community to this revivalist style of preaching. This book provided an interesting look at Amish history during the time in American history during which revivals were sweeping the nation. It is interesting to see this story unfolding from the perspectives of the various characters who come at the situation from varying and unique viewpoints.

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:

When the lively fervor of nineteenth century revivalism endangers the staid customs of the Amish community in the lush but rugged Kishacoquillas Valley of central Pennsylvania in 1847, the Amish church must deal with a divisive question: What is a genuine spiritual experience?

The question turns personal when Susanna’s beloved cousin Noah begins preaching while under trances and even though he is not a minister he gives long sermons that attract increasing attention. Curious, she helps to keep Noah safe during his trances. At the same time Adam, Susanna's intended, feels pressure from the bishop to speak out against the ways of revivalism.

Susanna and Adam are pushed to opposite sides of a controversy that threatens their traditional Amish faith..  Now they must grapple with whether love is possible...even if they come to different conclusions.

The Farmers' Market Mishap ~ Review

The Farmers' Market Mishap
By Wanda E. Brunstetter
        and Jean Brunstetter


 Elma Hochstetler wants to get married but at her 30+ years doesn't think its ever going to happen. Her twin sister Thelma is married and expecting her first baby and want Elma to marry too. Just one problem Thelma wants to pick out the man Elma will marry after all that is the only way to ensure Elma stays close and in Topeka, Indiana.

In Grabill, Indiana, Ben Wagler is having his own matchmaking troubles - his mother, Dorothy can't accept that he doesn't want to marry any of the local Amish in their community. After all why wouldn't he want to marry an eligible young woman especially at his age! She's sure he could fall in love if he'd just put a little more effort into it.

But when Ben and Elma meet over a spilled basket of fruit they have a connection - there is just one problem they live more than 50 miles apart. This is an instant strike against them in both the eyes of Thelma and Dorothy. But when the heart's involve who will win ~ love or loyalty to family ties?

This is a cute book that at times can get a tad redundant with the main characters rehashing their feelings and the re-explaining of situations. Yes, Elma's horse was injured and needs a few more weeks of rest - got it. But if you're looking for a quick read and have enjoyed Wanda Brunstetter's Amish novellas in the past you'll enjoy this book as well. I was a tad disappointed in the book and the story flow at times and at other times it flowed smoothly when not dealing with Elma's chore load, and Thelma and Dorothy's attempts at marital manipulation.

And an added bonus for those who like to cook - there are two recipes in the back one for crisp and one for potato salad.

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


About the Book:

New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter and Daughter-in-Law, Jean, Weave a Lighthearted Romance from Indiana’s Amish Country

Living alone for the first time in her life is lonely for Elma Hochstetler, whose twin sister Thelma recently married. Though they share the running of a general store, more and more of Thelma’s time is taken up by her growing family. Elma has dated some, but she wonders if she is just too picky to find love.

Through a mishap at the farmers’ market, Elma meets Ben Wagler and instantly likes him. But there is a problem. He lives in Grabill—50 miles away! But Elma has tried long-distance dating before, and it won’t work for her. Besides the store needs her. Her sister needs her. Elma feels love will forever remain beyond her grasp.

Elma has a habit of putting others before her own needs. Can she learn to take a risk at following the desires of her heart?

Weaver's Needle ~ Review

Weaver's Needle
By Robin Caroll

When a murder results in a missing map - a map that could lead to the rumored Dutchman's Lost Gold Mine - a hunt is on. When Winifred Winslet, the widow of Bartholomew Winslet, calls two different recovery specialists in to locate the map that may have cost her husband his life the race is on and only one of them will be paid.

Landry Parker and Nickolai Baptiste are both drawn against their better judgment to locate the map. Landry needs the money to save her father's business while Nickolai needs the money for his sister. With two very determined and stubborn people on the case the map - if it exists - is sure to be found. There is just one problem - someone wants the map to be lost forever and the rumors about the long lost gold may be a key factor in this case.

Landry and Nickolai are both determined to find the answers that will lead them to the killer and the map, but that may be difficult when someone takes a personal interest in stopping them. And where one murder has been committed what is a couple more?

With danger closing in on them and the clock running down will they solve this case or will they become yet another casualty of a doomed expedition for gold in the Superstition Mountains? Joining forces seems to be the best way to stay alive unless the competition is where the true danger lies. Can Landry and Nickolai trust one another with their backs?

Weaver's Needle takes the reader back and forth between the quest that Landry and Nickolai find themselves on and mysticism of the Indians who call the Superstition Mountains. The spiritual aspects of the Apache portion of the story was presented in such a way that the reader wasn't sure if it was in the present day or in the past until the end of the book (you'll have to read the book for yourself to know the answer for this). This added another layer of complexity to the story and the mystery surrounding the quest for the map and the powerful pull of greed upon the human spirit.

This was an interesting book that gave several potential suspects as to who did it and why. If you are looking for a mystery with a unique twist this may be what you are looking. There is mystery aplenty within these pages and the suspense will keep you flipping the pages if you aren't careful.

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:

Two recovery specialists. One murder. 

A modern-day treasure hunt becomes a race of survival.  

Former Army MP Landry Parker fell into the recovery specialist role quite by accident—to help her ailing father. Now that she’s on her own, she is determined to prove herself and honor her family legacy.

After being shot in the line of duty, former police officer Nickolai Baptiste became a recovery specialist, and he’s good at his job—maybe even the best.
           
A potential client pits Landry and Nickolai against one another to find the Dutchman’s Lost Gold Mine map that was stolen from her murdered husband, and the potential payday is too enticing to pass up. Landry and Nickolai are no strangers to adventure, but the unlikely partners quickly discover there’s someone after the treasure and there are those who want to ensure the lost mine in Arizona’s Superstition Mountain stays lost forever.

Baseball Faith ~ Review

Baseball Faith
52 MLB Stars Reflect on Their Faith
By Rob Maaddi

Baseball Faith gives readers an inside look at 52 baseball players who share how their faith has shaped their lives and careers.

Each player featured has a full page picture of them with the facing page a sharing of their faith testimony headed by a Bible verse. The following two pages are followed by life and career stats.

This book is interesting as it provides a look at these select players that one wouldn't necessarily expect to ever see. There is a mix of players (and even some coaches) from several different eras and backgrounds who are bound together by their love of baseball and God.

This book would be a perfect gift for a baseball aficionado and be a great tabletop book. This book is over 200 pages  (52 of them being player photographs) with a Scripture index in the back of the book. The text type is nicely sized so easily read - no squinting required here.

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


About the Book:

Winning the World Series may be the ultimate prize for most MLB players,

but a relationship with Jesus Christ is No. 1 for many diamond stars, including:

• Hall of Famer John Smoltz
• Three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw
• MVP Albert Pujols
• All-Star Mariano Rivera
• And dozens more.

Baseball Faith will inspire you in your faith journey as 52 MLB players--past and present--share their stories and how they are chasing the success that only comes from being God's man and following His plan. These men are committed to living their lives with eternity in mind. Empowered by God, they are looking beyond the competition to a larger goal: following God's game plan for their lives as team players, as husbands, fathers, sons, and then using their influence to point others toward Him. 

The Seekers ~ Review

The Seekers
Amish Cooking Class #1
By Wanda E. Brunstetter

For eight years Heidi Troyer has been married yet she and Lyle have not been blessed with any children to her great disappointment. With hours of the day that need to be filled Heidi borrows an idea from her Aunt Emma, but instead of quilting classes Heidi decides to teach cooking classes.

But Heidi's classes are not quite what she expected - in addition to the cooking classes her students begin turning to her with problems and challenges that they are experiencing. But the experience was one that offered her a chance to share her faith and the love of God to those who sought out her class.

The differences in the five people who take her class are a contrast in both age and life experiences. There is an unwed-mom-to-be, a troubled Vietnam Veteran, a widowed single mom, a just engaged woman, and an Amish neighbor who lost his wife. Could a more unlikely grouping learn to cook and form friendships that last beyond the six week class? Come to Walnut Creek, Ohio and find out in this newest series from Wanda Brunstetter. And for those who like Emma and Lamar - they make an appearance in this book.

This first book while complete in that this cooking class is finished there is a promise of what is to come in future books. And the promise of what is to come is one I look forward to discovering.

An added bonus can be found in the back of the book in that the 6 recipes that Heidi teaches her class are included. There are also discussion questions perfect for book clubs that may decide to make this their reading selection.

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:

Unlikely Friendships are Formed

in an Amish Cooking Class...

Join a class of unlikely Ohioans who take cooking lessons at Lyle and Heidi Troyer’s Amish farm.

A woman engaged to marry, an expectant mother estranged from her family, a widowed mom seeking to simplify, a Vietnam vet who camps on the Troyer’s farm, and an Amish widower make up the mismatched lot of students. But Heidi’s cooking lessons soon turn to life lessons as they each share the challenges they are facing.

Is this what God had in mind when Heidi got the idea for cooking classes?

Stars in the Grass ~ Review

Stars in the Grass
By Ann Marie Stewart

Abby McAndrews's world is perfect until one day. What should have been a happy time of making memories that would bring a smile for years to come becomes an event that could break not only her but her family forever. The summer of 1970 turns Abby's nine year old world upside down and she realizes all too clearly the fragility of life.

This is a book that will touch the reader on an emotional level as Abby, her brother Matt, and her parents come to terms with the loss that they never expected and try to go from five to four. But the loss brings with it a lot of what-ifs. And a life of what-ifs brings feelings of guilt, anger, and fears.

Stars in the Grass is the year that follows. As everyone deals with the loss differently Abby and Matt at time feel as if they have been lost to the dead - that they no longer matter and no one would hear them even if they knew had to express what they are feeling.

This book will move you to tears, or at least make your eyes well as this family struggles. Though one could never say "I know what you are going through" one could at least be aware of the struggles and pain that one going through a similar situation might be experiencing. Highly recommend this book for those who want an emotional component to their reading. And it might be a good idea to have a few tissues nearby while reading.

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 idyllic world of nine-year-old Abby McAndrews is transformed when a tragedy tears her family apart. Before the accident, her dad, Reverend John McAndrews, had all the answers, but now his questions and guilt threaten to destroy his family. Abby’s fifteen-year-old brother, Matt, begins an angry descent as he acts out in dangerous ways. Her mother tries to hold her grieving family together, but when Abby’s dad refuses to move on, the family is at a crossroads.

Set in a small Midwestern town in 1970, Abby’s heartbreaking remembrances are balanced by humor and nostalgia as her family struggles with—and ultimately celebrates—an authentic story of faith and life after loss.