Fraying at the Edge ~ Review

Fraying at the Edge
Amish of Summer Grove #2
By Cindy Woodsmall

For twenty years Ariana knew she was a Brenneman. And she was as Amish as she could be with her certainty that whatever those in authority said was the truth. But in an unexpected twist, she discovered that what she knew to be true was not as black and white as she had always believed. Her parents weren't her birth parents and she had no siblings. And the beliefs she had always held in highest regard were being attacked to her face and she wasn't allowed to be who she had always been. And worse, another young woman, a Skylar Nash was supposed to be living the life she had had. But Ariana was willing to be separated from the people she knew and loved to protect them from the man she had discovered was her biological father.

Meanwhile, Skylar is having issues of her own - no technology of any kind, banishment to the 18th century, sharing a bedroom, and no access to pills (to help her cope). And to top it all off the Brenneman's aren't that happy to see her thanks to her not being their precious Ariana. And they expect her to work like the rest of the family. But the Brenneman's is better than her other option rehab. But Skylar's biggest issue is that her not parent parents were more than eager to throw her over for a chance at a better daughter.

For both Ariana and Skylar life has just become so confusing as they struggle to make sense of who they are with their switched at birth identities revealed. And Ariana's siblings are having to find their new place without Ariana around to carry the load and make things better. The one hardest hit with the change is Abram - Ariana/Skylar's twin. And then there is Ariana's just purchased cafe that the Brenneman's are left with operating after two weeks of Ariana's guidance. Can we just say potential disaster in the making?

As Ariana and Skylar both confront the changes that life has just thrown at them they both have choices to make. And these choices could either make or break them. And for Ariana, her only hope of holding onto what makes her who she is is if she can withstand the pressures that Nicholas is placing on her. And to do that she will need to reach out to the one person who knows what she is going through - Quill Schlabach. But can Ariana trust someone who left the faith and broke her heart five years ago? And can she hold firm to who she is while being made to take part in a world she never wanted to know? And can Skylar use this separation from the world to get her life straightened out and get clean?

This the second book in the Amish of Summer Grove series continues the theme of family and familial ties. But this time it focuses more on what makes an individual a part of a family is it blood ties, the ties of rearing, or is it a decision made of the heart? And the back and forth between Ariana and Nicholas on matters of faith and belief makes for some interesting exchanges and Quill's insights offer even greater insights.

This book is both intriguing and thoughtful. But if you haven't read book 1 Ties that Bind you have to read it first! Much of this book would lose something without the backstory provided in book 1, though there is a The story so far... synopsis to refresh the reader's memory if needed. This is an excellent book that examines life and how circumstances play a part in our lives but the biggest influence on anyone is the choices they make. I highly recommend this book and anticipate the concluding book in this series Gathering the Threads which is releasing on August 15, 2017.

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



About the Book:

Family, community, faith, and love.

These “quilt blocks” sewn together made Ariana’s beautiful life.

When they are pulled to pieces,

will anything familiar remain?

The Old Order Amish life Ariana Brenneman loved vanished virtually overnight with the discovery that she was switched at birth twenty years ago. Now she’s immersed in the Englischer world, getting to know her mother and under the authority of her biological father, an atheist intellectual with resolute plans to expand Ariana’s worldview. Only Quill Schlabach, a childhood friend living Englisch, can steady the tilting ground between Ariana’s two worlds, but can she trust him after so many betrayals?

At the same time, Skylar Nash is forced to choose rehab or spend several months with her true relatives, the large Brenneman family and their seemingly backward life—no electricity, no technology, no fun. What the young woman can’t leave behind is her addiction to illegal prescription drugs and a deep emptiness from the belief that she doesn’t belong in either family.

New ties are binding Ariana and Skylar to the lives they were meant to have. Can they find the wisdom and strength they’ll need to follow God’s threads into unexpected futures?

Fraying at the Edge is the second novel in The Amish of Summer Grove series.

An Amish Summer ~ Review

An Amish Summer
Four Novellas
By Shelley Sheppard Gray,
      Amy Clipston,
        Kathleen Fuller, and
           Kelly Irvin

If you love reading collections of stories all wrapped up together in one book and you love Amish fiction you are in for a treat. Get ready to enjoy summer in four different Amish communities as the path to love is strewn with different obstacles.

A Reunion in Pinecraft is a fun bit of mistaken identity that could lead Graham Holland into big trouble. For six months Graham has been remembering the wrong sister to whom he has been corresponding. Can he remedy the situation before he loses his chance at happiness and marriage? And adding to the confusion is the reactions of the Kramer sisters to Graham's behavior and attention to them. This reunion may be the best or worst thing that ever happened to any of them!

Summer Storms finds Ariana Smucker and Jesse Nook in a quandary after a day of fun with their youth group. After an accident brings Ariana's father wrath down on both Jesse and Ariana's brother Tobias - their engagement is off. And nothing Jesse or Arianna say will change her father's mind. But with a little encouragement from his brother and the memory of Tobias's words Jesse is determined to prove that he is worthy of Ariana and that she is worth the effort to win. Can love overcome a loss of trust?

Lakeside Love finds Esther Coblentz in the shadow of her younger sister's head-turning beauty, especially where Judah King is concerned. Esther is only of interest to Judah when he needs her to give Sarah a message. But when Esther resigns herself to Judah's indifference and shares a summer friendship with an Englischer who is boarding with her family, she starts to attract some attention of her own. But can she trust what she is seeing? Or will she lose out to Sarah in the end?

One Sweet Kiss finds Martha Byler beside herself with her boyfriend Jacob King. Jacob is anything but manly in his behavior as far as Martha is concerned. And his friends are even worse. The last thing Martha needs in her life is a boyfriend who is less grown-up than her younger siblings. But not everything is as it seems and Jacob just needs to prove to Martha that he is the man she wishes he was but an encounter with an alligator may be just what they need to smooth everything out.

This was a fun collection of stories that because they were 4-in-1 made it easy to put it down when the end of one story was reached, or it should have been if I wasn't such a bookworm and have trouble putting books down all the time. But seriously if you have time constraints this is the perfect format to feel a sense of accomplishment while not finishing the book in one sitting (for various reasons including needing to get to work on time). This is also a fun way to discover unfamiliar authors as each story is by a different writer. And if you are familiar with these authors think of this as a tide over till their next full-length book comes out.

I was provided a free copy of this book and no expectations of a positive review were required. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A new novella collection of sweet, summer romances from 

some of our favorite Amish authors!

A Reunion in Pinecraft by Shelley Shepard Gray

When sisters Sharon and Sherilyn Kramer attend a wedding in Shipshewana, one of them returns with a new penpal while the other returns to her job at the bakery. After sending weekly letters back and forth, Sherry and Graham Holland arrange a reunion in Pinecraft. Upon Graham’s arrival, however, he realizes he’s been writing to the wrong sister. He decides to use the reunion as a way to get to know both sisters, but can he sort through the confusion in time to turn the worst vacation ever into something truly wonderful?

Summer Storms by Amy Clipston

Ariana is counting down the days until her wedding to Jesse. They have been friends longer than Arianna can remember, and that friendship turned into love over the past couple of years. But when Arianna’s brother Tobias, who happens to be Jesse’s best friend, gets them both into trouble, Arianna’s father puts an end to her engagement to Jesse. Some summer storms pass quickly, but Arianna is afraid the damage from this one may be too much to repair.

Lakeside Love by Kathleen Fuller

Esther has always lived in the shadow of her beautiful younger sister Sarah. Even the boy she has known—and loved—her entire life, Judah, only has eyes for Sarah. But when a handsome young Englischer comes to live with the family for a summer, everything begins to change.

One Sweet Kiss by Kelly Irvin

Everybody in little Bee County, Texas, can see the obvious: Jacob King and Martha Byler are meant to be together. Everyone, that is, but Martha. Ever since her mother died when Martha was a young girl, she has taken over the role of caregiver to her large family. And reckless Jacob, who has had a little too much fun on his rumspringa, only seems to add to the list of people to manage. But one summer changes everything, and these two may just find a way to meet in the middle and share one sweet kiss.

Ties That Bind ~ Review

Ties That Bind
The Amish of Summer Grove #1
By Cindy Woodsmall

Ariana Brenneman loves Her Amish life and can't understand why anyone would ever want to leave it behind and face separation from friends and family left behind. And she's never been able to get over the fact that the man she had hoped to marry turned his back on his Amish roots five years ago.

But Quill Schlabach has made a reappearance in Summer Grove and Ariana fears that his presence means yet more Amish are about to slip away and be lost to her forever. But Ariana only knows the story that was told to her she doesn't know it all (and the reader is left to discover the truth as the story unfolds). But an even bigger secret is about to be revealed, one that could threaten everything Ariana has ever known and unfortunately for Quill he is about to find himself smack-dab in the center of everything.

Meanwhile living a life that is as unAmish as one could possibly get is Skylar Nash a young woman who is struggling with who she is and even her totally dysfunctional family. Skylar's passion is acting and the life of a performer. Unfortunately, she feels she plays the part of failure all too well when it comes to her day-to-day life. She is on a slow descent into a path she may never get out of. And Skylar's actions are about to set her on a path she doesn't want.

What are the ties that bind one together as a family? Is it blood? Is it the household in which one was raised? And what makes a community a community? This is a question that is woven throughout this story but don't expect an answer by the end as this is but the first in a three book series. (But don't fret book 2 is out and the conclusion will be available in August).

This is a story that will touch the heart of any reader. Secrets, betrayal, and family are the focus of this book and I for one can't wait to see where the second book Fraying at the Edge leads.

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


About the Book:

Ariana’s comfortable Old Order Amish world 

is about to unravel. Will holding tightly 

to the cords of family keep them together—

or simply tear them apart?

Twenty-year-old Ariana Brenneman loves her family and the Old Ways. She has two aspirations: open a café in historic Summer Grove to help support her family’s ever-expanding brood and to keep any other Amish from being lured into the Englisch life by Quill Schlabach. 
 
Five years ago Quill, along with her dear friend Frieda, ran off together, and Ariana still carries the wounds of that betrayal. When she unexpectedly encounters him, she soon realizes he has plans to help someone else she loves leave the Amish.  

Despite how things look, Quill’s goal has always been to protect Ariana from anything that may hurt her, including the reasons he left. After returning to Summer Grove on another matter, he unearths secrets about Ariana and her family that she is unaware of. His love and loyalty to her beckons him to try to win her trust and help her find a way to buy the café—because when she learns the truth that connects her and a stranger named Skylar Nash, Quill knows it may upend her life forever.      
 
Ties That Bind is the first novel in the Amish of Summer Grove series.

My Daughter's Legacy ~ Review

My Daughter's Legacy
Cousins of the Dove #3
By Mindy Starns Clark
     and Leslie Gould

The Cousins of the Dove series concludes with this the final book in the series My Daughter's Legacy. Once again we are on reading journey that follows the Talbot family as they make a home for themselves while holding true to their faith and their convictions both in the past and the present day.

This time we go from 1864 Virginia during the final months of the Civil War and present day Virginia. The Talbots of today are learning more about the legacy that was left to them by those who came before. And the days of slavery made an impact upon the family as they stood by their belief that all should be free - but war has drawn them in and as citizens of Virginia are expected to do their part in defending their way of life. Therese Jenning's always thought Michael Talbot was the man who she would marry, but when he returns home to fight for the South she is uncertain if he was truly who she thought he was. And while Michael proves to be a disappointment to her faith and values, his cousin from Boston, Alec Talbot seems to hold to the same values that she does. But a future with Alec means leaving everything and everyone she has ever known behind.

Meanwhile, the Talbot cousins of present day Virginia are preparing for yet another Talbot family reunion. This reunion will be the first that Nicole has attended in several years - since before her grandfather's death. But she is finally in control of her life and avoiding her former lifestyle with the help she has received, but the past can still be a temptation. And the investigation of the murder that occurred years ago has seemingly stalled. Can the secret that Nicole has been keeping all these years make a difference? Or will it destroy the legacy of the Talbot family?

My Daughter's Legacy is a delightful mix of mystery, history, and romance that will capture the reader's attention from the first page. The historical portion of the story does not depend on reading the previous books in the series, but for the present day portion reading the previous books is highly recommended. The shift in focus is noted by the character name that heads each chapter - so the reader is not left with guessing though it should be fairly obvious as to which time period is being focused on.

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


About the Book:

Women of Strong Conviction

Virginia, 1864. Therese Jennings's immediate family has never owned slaves—until her estranged maternal grandfather dies during the Civil War and leaves his slaves to them in his will. Upset with her widowed mother's plan to accept this appalling inheritance, Therese flees the family estate in rural Virginia and heads to Richmond. As she works by day and volunteers by night, she finds herself drawn to a handsome doctor. But how can she pursue the longings of her heart when the world she has always known is falling apart around her?

Virginia, Present Day. Nicole Talbot is finally on track and doing well after years of substance abuse. Thanks to a car accident that nearly took her life and ended up saving it instead, she has managed to get sober and stay that way. Now she's back in college, pursuing a degree in social work, with her wealthy grandmother picking up the tab. But there are strings attached, and when Nicole is forced to choose between honoring those strings and doing something she knows is right, she risks losing not just the financial backing of her grandmother but the trust and support of her entire family. Meanwhile, Nicole struggles to hide a growing attraction to her new boss, a man who is off limits in more ways than one.

My Daughter's Legacy presents a thrilling tale of two women, centuries apart, who are forced to move beyond their past mistakes, make difficult choices, and open their hearts to true love at last.

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island ~ Review

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island
        Maude's Mooring
By Carrie Fancett Pagels

Maude Welling is determined to convince her father to allow her to take over the family's inn - one that has been in her mother's family for generations. But her father is insistent that she be married before taking over the Winds of Mackinac Inn in any capacity. But Maude's hopes for marriage are soon dashed with her intended's change of heart. But Maude is determined to prove to her father that she can handle the responsibilities by taking a position with their competition as a maid. But working as a maid isn't as easy as it appears.

Meanwhile, Ben Steffans has come to Mackinac on assignment - pretend he is a man of means while searching out prospectors who are in pursuit of well-to-do heiresses who will elevate not only their social standing but their economic standing as well. Ben's biggest obstacle to fleshing out his story - finding island locals willing to talk to an outsider.

But more is going on at this summer destination than anyone could possibly imagine and before long Maude and Ben find themselves caught up in the stories that they have woven. But when the truth comes out will the damages be too great to undo or will these two hurting people discover that there was something better for them all along?

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring is a delightful escape into a time, while not simpler, that was less encumbered by technology. What's fun about this book is that my great-great-grandmother lived not too far from here at the time - it is interesting to know what her world was like. So if you like sweet historical fiction with a dash of romance and mystery thrown in give this one a look-see.

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:
Although the Winds of Mackinac Inn has been in her mother’s family for generations, Maude Welling’s father refuses to let her run it without the guidance of a husband. So she seeks to prove her worth and independence by working incognito as a maid at the Grand Hotel.

Undercover journalist Ben Steffans, posing as a wealthy industrialist, pursues a story about impoverished men chasing heiresses at the famed hotel. While undercover, he becomes attracted to an intriguing maid. By an act of heroism Ben endears himself to the closed-mouthed islanders—including Maude—and he digs deep for his story.

But when scandal threatens, will the growing love between Maude and Ben be scuttled when truths are revealed?

The Separatists ~ Review

The Separatists
A Newsmakers Novel #3
By Lis Wiehl
      with Sebastian Stuart

Journalist Erica Sparks is ready to embark on a new chapter in her life. The Erica Sparks Show is still a network darling with GNN and she wants more journalistic endeavors at the network. And she has the perfect idea - a once a month in-depth topic driven show.

First up for Erica - the growing secessionist movements throughout the nation and specifically Take Back Our Homeland out of North Dakota. Erica is driven to succeed and unfortunately, her personal life is taking a hit. Her marriage with Greg is shaky and each added success delivers a hit. And then there is Jenny who seems to be caught in the middle of Erica's success - she uses it to her advantage while disdaining its intrusion into her life while dealing with typical tween issues.

But when Erica gets a phone call that someone needs to talk to her about something very important - something that may have to do with the Take Back Our Homeland movement - things start to go wrong. And by wrong, I'm talking deadly and all too soon the body count starts going up. (As a side note you may not want to eat while reading some of the murders are a tad nauseating with post death descriptions.)

The closer Erica gets to finding answers or the illusion of answers the more dangerous her investigation becomes. And anyone as who's read the previous Newsmakers books knows Erica doesn't back down when it gets dangerous.

First off I have mixed feelings about this book - the story overall is good and it fits in well with current news stories. The violence is a little graphic for my personal tastes but I know it is nothing compared to some popular thrillers. Erica is a character with whom one can empathize with while at the same time shake your head at her career focused drive. The shift in voice can, at times, interrupt the flow of the story but once the reader gets used to it the flow evens out. This book doesn't lack for suspense or excitement so it most likely isn't a great just before bed choice if sleep can be elusive but if you don't mind skipping a little shut-eye time get ready for some news-worthy reading.

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

About the Book:
From New York Times bestselling author Lis Wiehl comes the final book in her Newsmakers series. Journalist and newscaster Erica Sparks is only planning to report on an explosive story—until she gets caught in the middle of it.

After getting the green light from her network to launch an investigative news show, Erica flies to Bismarck, North Dakota, to investigate Take Back Our Homeland, the largest secessionist group. What she finds is profoundly disturbing – a growing threat to the future of our union.

Back home, her husband Greg is drinking more and talking less—and taking an unusual interest in the glamorous author Leslie Burke Wilson. Erica’s teenage daughter has also begun acting out in troubling ways.

Then she discovers a potential informant murdered in her Bismarck hotel. Take Back Our Homeland might be even more dangerous than she had thought—and she’s unwittingly become one of the key players in the story. Her fear and anxiety escalate – for her marriage, her daughter, and her own life.

Bestselling novelist and former legal analyst for Fox News Lis Wiehl takes us behind the anchor’s desk in this gripping look at high-stakes reporting in a country torn apart.

Lies and Letters ~ Review

Lies and Letters
By Ashtyn Newbold

Charlotte Lyons absolutely knows she is superior to every unattached young lady who is seeking a husband (and every attached one, for that matter). And her younger sister Clara, don't make her laugh. But for some reason Charlotte has yet to be presented with an offer of marriage but she and her mother are certain that it will happen any day.

But when a sudden reversal of not only fortune but reputation threatens Charlotte's chances both she and Clara are sent to the desolate and unrefined northern coast in hopes of securing an unsuspecting and wealthy Earl. With nothing to recommend them Charlotte and Clara find themselves having to live a life far different than the one to which they've been accustomed to.  And to make matters worse their only hope of ever meeting the Earl seems to depend upon the good favor of some lowly fishing merchant - a James Wortham, who even smells of fish.

Determined to hide the truth of their circumstances Charlotte soon finds herself caught in a web of lies of her own making. And when Charlotte loses even more than she thought possible will she begin to see herself for what she truly is? Or will the lessons of her mother keep her from seeing beneath the surface?

I totally loved Ashtyn's previous book Mischief and Manors and if it is possible to fathom I think this book Lies and Letters just might be better. I know, totally shocking considering how thoroughly delightful the previous work was, right. But the depth of character of Charlotte, Clara, and James just makes this book something special. And in the words of Miss Bingley (Pride and Prejudice) "And their mother!" She is certainly no nominee for mother of the year.

Get ready for a delightful afternoon (and evening) of reading with a favorite cup of tea and perhaps a shortbread cookie or two. And see what unfolds as the lies grow, tangle and then come undone. Can her heart be broken before she makes the mistake of a lifetime? Or will everyone have to pay for the lies she's told herself?

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



About the Book:

"That same ache I had been feeling for

weeks now blossomed inside of me,

bruised, bleeding, and broken.

Only now did I realize it was my heart."

After a season in London, Charlotte Lyons is still regrettably unattached. With her family’s finances in peril, she is sent away with her sister to a bleak coastal town where she is expected to pursue a wealthy Earl. Beautiful and talented, how could she possibly fail? But when her heart is captured by someone entirely unexpected, Charlotte finds herself caught up in a web of lies and intrigue. Between hardship and sorrow, she finds more than she bargained for, forced to choose between the life she once wanted and a new love she never imagined.

About the Author:
Ashtyn Newbold discovered a love of writing early in high school. Inspired by regency period romance, she wrote her first novel at the age of sixteen. Because she can’t vacation in her favorite historical time periods, she writes about them instead. When not crafting handsome historical heroes, she enjoys baking, sewing, music, and spoiling her dog. She dreams of traveling to England and Ireland. Ashtyn is currently studying English and creative writing at Utah Valley University. She lives in Lehi, Utah with her family.