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?

Sweetbriar Cottage ~ Review

Sweetbriar Cottage
By Denise Hunter

For the last 18 months, Noah Mitchell has been divorced.  Betrayed by his wife Josephine he wasted no time filing and signing the paperwork. Unfortunately, Josephine messed up and the divorce was never finalized. Thanks to the IRS this not so little mistake comes to light and totally ruins Noah's day and his general disposition, which admittedly hasn't been the best since his break from Josie.

 The last thing Josie needs is having more face time with her not-so-ex ex, but she thought they were done with everything. But she's determined to expedite rectifying her mistake even if it means taking the new divorce papers up to Noah's ranch. But Josie's best intentions are about to strand her at Noah's when a winter storm makes an unexpected spring visit to Georgia.

The story shifts between the present day and key moments in the past that contributed to Noah and Josephine's marriage and divorce. Secrets and betrayals are at the heart of their pain and until they can acknowledge them and allow healing to come they will both be trapped by their failures.

In a small way, Sweetbriar Cottage reminds me of  Hosea and yet it is much more than just a modernized fictional retelling of this Biblical book. This is a story of unconditional love and the truth that it cannot be found within the human heart. But unconditional love can be found in God and experienced through His grace and mercy.

This is a book that will leave the reader emotionally moved as one experiences the pain of betrayal that both Noah and Josephine suffer even as their love still is glimpsed at unguarded moments. God gives second chances and this is just such a moment for these two hurting people.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook Bloggers with no expectations of a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.


About the Book:

When Noah and Josephine Mitchell discover their divorce was never 

actually finalized, their lives are turned upside down.

Following his divorce, Noah gave up his dream job, settling at a remote horse ranch in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia, putting much-needed distance between himself and the former love of his life. But then Noah gets a letter from the IRS claiming he and Josephine are still married. When he confronts Josephine for the first time in months, they discover that she missed the final step in filing the paperwork and they are, in fact, still married.

Josephine is no happier about the news than Noah. Maybe the failed marriage—and okay, the botched divorce—was her fault, but her heart was shattered right alongside his, more than he would ever believe. The sooner they put this marriage behind them, the better for both of their sakes.

But when Josephine delivers the final paperwork to his ranch, the two become stranded in his cottage during the worst spring snowstorm in a decade. Being trapped with Josephine is a test of Noah’s endurance. He wrestles with resentment and an unmistakable pull to his wife—still beautiful, still brave, and still more intriguing than any woman he’s ever known.

As they find themselves confronted with each other and their shared past, old wounds surface and tempers flare. But when they are forced out into the storm, they must rely on each other in a way they never have before. Josephine finally opens up about her tragic past, and Noah realizes she’s never been loved unconditionally by anyone—including him. Will Noah accept the challenge to pursue Josephine’s heart? And can she finally find the courage to trust Noah?

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.

With You Always ~ Review

With You Always
Orphan Train #1
By Jody Hedlund

1857 is a difficult year for those looking for work in New York - Elise Neumann and her siblings know this only too well. But when Miss Pendleton offers them a place to call home off the streets and the promise of work Elise accepts. But the economy is anything but stable as soon rumors spread of other seamstresses being let go. But surely the Seventh Street Mission which is their new home will be safe with Miss Pendleton's support.

Meanwhile, in the elite circles of New York society, Thornton Quincy is going through his own crisis. His father is dying and he has issued a challenge to his two sons - compete for the family's railroad empire. Thornton has always been second to his twin Bradford and he is sure he will again, after all, how can anyone develop a sustainable town plus fall in love and marry within six months.  But their father is not to be dissuaded in his challenge.

When gang fighting brings Elise and Thornton together in a race for their lives neither had any idea that they would ever see one another again. But Elise needs a job and Thornton's new town of Quincy, Illinois needs workers to bring it into being. But getting work through the New York Children's Aid Society means leaving those nearest and dearest to her behind if she hopes to provide for them. But for her family, Elise is willing to make the sacrifice and take whatever work they have for her.

With You Always is a journey that is not only of distance but of heart as both Thornton and Elise learn who they truly are and grow as individuals.  Both need to see past social dictates that label without knowing the person. Can they both learn to see a person for who they truly are at their heart or will they let preconceived perceptions blind them to the truth? Only time will tell and it is running down.

This is yet another step into the past from Jody Hedlund and this time she shares a piece of history I had certainly never before heard of. Who knew that the orphan trains also helped placed women in need of work! For fans of historical fiction with a touch of romance, you'll enjoy this first book in a new series.

I was provided a review copy this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review all opinions expressed are my own.

Check-out An Awakened Heart the e-novella that pre-dates this book  and it is free on Amazon.

About the Book:

Could following the opportunity of a lifetime

cost them the love of their lives? 

One of the many immigrants struggling to survive in 1850s New York, Elise Neumann knows she must take action to care for her younger sisters. She finds a glimmer of hope when the New York Children's Aid Society starts sending skilled workers to burgeoning towns out west. But the promise of the society's orphan trains is not all that it seems

Born into elite New York society, Thornton Quincy possesses everything except the ability to step out from his brother's shadow. When their ailing father puts forth a unique challenge to determine who will inherit his railroad-building empire, Thornton finally sees his chance. The conditions to win? Be the first to build a sustainable community along the Illinois Central Railroad and find a suitable wife.

Thrown together against all odds, Elise and Thornton couldn't be from more different worlds. The spark that ignites between them is undeniable, but how can they let it grow when that means forfeiting everything they've been working toward? 

Rooglewood Fairy Tale Contest Cover Reveal

Today is the day you've been waiting for

 the reveal of the cover for the Final Fairy Tale Contest.

I know final sounds so sad, but the fun and anticipation

is just beginning with the cover and theme reveal.

For entrants, it is the seed that will birth a story.

For readers, it is the hint of what is to come.

To start with you need a theme...

And this year's theme is Snow White and

Rooglewood Press invites you to join the adventure of the 

Five Poisoned Apples creative writing contest!

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.

Then you need a cover worthy of the theme.

But before the cover is revealed here is a little bit

about the cover.

The cover model/photographer is WYNTER CLARK. 

If you'd like to check out her photography website, here it is.

And the gorgeous cover design was done by the amazing JULIA POPOVA,

whose website is here.

And now this year's cover...

Want to enter the contest?

The link to all the contest rules can be found here: 

http://www.rooglewoodpress.com/writing-contest 

The White Knight, the Lost Kingdom, and the Sea Princess ~ Review

The White Knight, 
                  the Lost Kingdom, 
                                     and the Sea Princess
By Judy Carlson

Tragedy has struck the Eastern Islands and the royal family has been lost to the unmitigated evil pf the Lord Regent when he conquered the Kingdom of Ajar. Years have passed and Emperor Haroldson of the Northern Dominions has received a vision from the White Knight Aryel that the time to liberate the Eastern Islands has come.

But this quest to stop evil's dark enchantment is not without cost as Prince Lael, son of Haroldson, soon discovers. But this battle cannot be won solely on the strengths of those who calls these lands home. Two strangers from a distant land are part of the Knight's plan. But how can two children, cousins, who gave ties to Minnesota, possibly be expected to aid in this battle?

With shades of the influence of Tolkien, Lewis, and MacDonald the reader is taken on a journey faith, hope, and truth. A hidden door, an enchanted sea maid, and a love long promised all combine together for an enjoyable and exciting experience.

Be prepared to enter a world filled with fantastical creatures and a growing threat that could destroy them all.  This is a world that is bridged between by a most unusual entrance, one that is a legacy that they never knew was so close at hand. This is the fantasy world you never knew you were missing and once you enter it you won't want to leave anytime soon!

Perfect for summer reading for tweens through adults who love to delve into unknown worlds of fantasy that touch on the spirit and soul.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher (through BookFun/TBCN) with no expectation of a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.



About the Book:
Prince Lael must prove his strength and loyalty when challenged by an insidious enemy. The tragic loss of loved ones will only fortify his resolve to fight for the freedom of the lost kingdom. 

Clara and Ian, two kids from Minnesota, will join the adventure to free a captive Sea Princess, battle evil, and overcome lurking temptations. They will meet the legendary White Knight and along the way gain wisdom, love, and friendships. 

It is a story of intrigue and ever present danger in a world populated by creatures and mortals, whose destiny hangs by the threads of an Emperor’s vision, a prince’s lost love, mysterious foes, enchanting forest maidens, unlikely heroes, and a mermaid-heroine. All of this is wrapped up in a champion so invincible, yet mysterious, that he challenges the Dark Sorcerer with supernatural forces of a fascinating nature, using even the humblest of defenders. This profound love story will leave you with a taste for a country and a universe beyond your dreams and even imaginings: a world that is a fairy tale come true, and one you will never want to end.

Infected ~ Review

Infected
A Kennedy Stern Christian Suspense Novel #6
By Alana Terry

College life hasn't been quite what Kennedy was expecting but it all seems to be finally evening out. And spring break is looking to be pretty good - Sandy and Carl are going away on a short anniversary trip and she'll be watching Woong for them.  And if her dad would quit freaking out with every single Nipah virus update she'd be even better. And she's hoping for a little time with her boyfriend Dominic while on break.

But plans are soon out the window when Nipah makes its presence known close to home. But shopper panic is the least of Kennedy's worries when she finds herself in the middle of a lockdown at the hospital and no outgoing contact with the outside world thanks to yet again a dead cell phone battery.

Kennedy is about to face yet again a trying situation in which her faith will be tested. And she'll face questions to which she isn't prepared to answer.

If you've enjoyed the previous books in the Kennedy Stern Suspense series you'll want to read this one as Kennedy continues her journey. This is another emotional journey and one that will tug at the reader's heart, it did mine, and bring a tear or two.

I was provided a free review copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
A global epidemic has doctors and health-care workers panicked, but life continues on as usual for college sophomore Kennedy Stern, who's not about to let a little virus interrupt her premed studies or dampen her spring break.

When she finds herself isolated in a hospital lockdown, Kennedy and all those quarantined with her can only guess who will survive and who will succumb to the deadly threat confronting them.

An exciting new release from award-winning Christian suspense novelist Alana Terry.