Showing posts with label booksneeze. Show all posts
Showing posts with label booksneeze. Show all posts

Friday, October 16, 2015

Book Review: Love Takes the Cake

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Meet the people who make it all happen—the planners, the photographers, the musicians who have helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples—as they find their own happy endings in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

She’s known for her delicious cakes, but there’s no recipe for dealing with the new man in her life.

Charlotte owns the best bakery in Louisiana, and clients come from near and far for her renowned wedding cakes. And while the wedding scene is Charlotte’s place to shine, her own love life is more dull than ever. After a string of failed relationships—and men who actually were too good to be true—she has decided to throw herself into her craft and leave love and marriage to her clients.

Will is a successful entrepreneur but devotes much of his spare time to caring for his ill mother. He knows he doesn't have much time left with her, so he has done everything he can to guard his heart from relationships. And what girl would understand that he needs to spend all his time with his mother? But when his best friend calls in his help for his September wedding, Will can’t refuse. He's always been there for those closest to him. And when he finds out they don’t have a wedding cake yet, he knows exactly where to go—the bakery owned by the beautiful, mysterious young woman he buys treats from.

Charlotte assumes Will is just another party boy who flirts with all the bridesmaids. But is Will hiding something that explains his behavior? And despite their reservations, will they be able to deny the chemistry between them?

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We all know that I love this series and that nine times out of ten, I simply gush over each one as I read it. Nothing new here then. I loved this one. The story is great. The characters are great. The writing is great and if the publisher doesn't do a third year of these, I'm going to be very sad. These are the perfect "guilty pleasure" for a quiet afternoon.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Friday, August 28, 2015

Book Review: In Tune With Love

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They’ve helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

April is willing to do anything for her sister’s wedding—until she comes face to face with a guy from her past.

April Quinn is thrilled to be her sister’s maid of honor, until the wedding coordinator quits and the responsibilities get dumped on her. It’s April’s worst nightmare—especially since her sister has more objections and opinions than a lawyer presenting a high-profile court case. When the wedding singer walks out at the last-minute, her sister hires a replacement. When April finds out who the replacement is, she’s ready to call it quits as well.
Because there’s only one person in April’s past that she never wanted to see again, and her sister just handed him a front row seat to the wedding.

Jack Vaughn finally has the career he’s always wanted. After playing in bars and singing in weddings as a struggling musician for half a decade, he’s just released his second album and sales are skyrocketing. But while visiting his parent’s Nashville home the weekend before his first headline tour, he runs into an old friend. When she asks him for a last-minute favor, he can’t bring himself to say no. Even though saying yes means he has to come face to face with April Quinn—the girl who hasn’t spoken to him in years.

And rightly so, since he stole something from her that he’ll never be able to repay.

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Just two weeks ago, you read about how much I love this series and now I'm back and telling you that this book was only middling for me. I felt as if the characters never truly matured. April also seemed unrealistically naive. Also, while the story was fun, it didn't feel inspiring (which is often the theme with these novellas) and it ended rather abruptly. Usually I walk away from these books with a smile, but this one I walked away just not feeling confident that Jack and April have any real chance for a forever type relationship.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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Friday, August 21, 2015

Book Review: The House on Moody Avenue

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An eclectic assortment of humanity, with all their foibles and failings, lived in the house on Moody Avenue over a period of ninety years. I tell their stories.

Lisette, her unshakable faith sustaining her, is undeterred in the face of adversity; Julia, a social-climbing snob, sees her world crumble when her children marry inappropriately; Clarence, a Casper Milquetoast bank clerk, absconds with a quarter of a million dollars; Frances, a country girl, comes to the big city to marry a rich man; Sammy, a black man, passes for white.

Beatnik squatters, high on LSD, burn down the condemned ninety-year-old house, leaving it naught but a precious memory in the hearts of those who once sought its shelter.

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When I first picked up this book, I was excited because I'm one of those types who always wish "the walls could talk." I really feel as if homes have personalities and older homes have such wonderful histories. Unfortunately, this book was more the scattered stories of some of the people who lived within the house. The first story was well written, but sadly, it seemed to go downhill from there. The stories felt rushed and less and less interesting. It's not often that I pick up a book and by the time I'm done with it, I'm saddened because the idea was a great one but the reality just didn't hit the mark.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Friday, August 14, 2015

Book Review: All Dressed Up in Love

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The bridal shop business it took his mother three decades to build, the enterprise that covered his university and law degrees in full, was struggling because he might be part-genius when it came to contract law . . . But corset-style gowns with a mermaid flair? Shoot me now.

Tara Simonetti hated law school, but loved the community grant funding her presence at Temple University’s esteemed school of law. She could not fail. Would not fail. But when a notice for bridal store help appeared on the community notice board, Tara applied for the job immediately. While grants and loans helped pave her way, money for food was scarce. Legal precedence, moot court, and judicial clerking all had their place, but they were nothing compared to Alcenon lace, tucked silk skirts, and a well-placed peplum.

Greg had grabbed her help as the act of a desperate man. Within weeks, he was desperate again, this time to win her heart. But after using community funds to get her degree, how can Tara turn her back on the people who helped finance her goal?

But if she leaves Philadelphia and Greg to return to her small-town in northern Pennsylvania, she’ll be leaving her heart behind. A heart he won, fair and square by posting a help wanted notice on the coffee shop board . . . A heart that filled the missing niche in his mother’s acclaimed bridal store. A heart Greg longed to cherish forevermore.

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Does anyone remember how much I loved this series last year? Well, if you do, you won't be surprised to hear that I'm really enjoying it again this year. Novellas are a great way to get a bit of reading in without it taking up the whole day. This particular book was filled with great characters and great writing. I loved how the bridal shop staff was like a family and they brought Tara into that. Tara and Greg themselves were well written and like many novellas, it left me wanting more...


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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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Thursday, May 7, 2015

Book Review: The Big House on Adams Street

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Fritz, a young wealthy German, immigrates to America and experiences a shipboard romance on the way. His dream is to use his riches to help needy people, providing housing and hopefully developing a community of one accord. His family joins him after a big house has been built in Cincinnati, Ohio. In a variety of totally unexpected episodes, the beautiful, spacious house begins to bring together many unlikely people into a community. The transformation of lives is assisted by an elderly chaplain who is bilingual and has a great store of wisdom.

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Wow, it's been a while since I read a book that just didn't appeal to me. Unfortunately, this was such a book. While the premise was good, it just fell flat. The book moves quickly through a series of characters, but does so with such a speed that none of the characters ever become fully developed. Honestly, Katherine could have had a book all by herself. Also, the time period isn't brought to light until further in the book, which could lead to a bit of confusion. I think that Ms. Sparks has quite a bit of talent, she just needs to work more on her character structure/development and slow the pace down so that the reader gets a chance to really get to know and care about the characters.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Book Review: Never a Bridesmaid

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Meet the people who make it all happen – the planners, the photographers, the musicians who have helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples as they find their own happy endings in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

Can one bridesmaid undo the disasters caused by a poorly chosen maid of honor and save her sister’s wedding from disaster?

Mari’s older sister Crystal is getting married, and Mari is one of her bridesmaids – actually, the last in a lineup of five bridesmaids, but that doesn’t really bother her. Much. But Sienna Jameson as the maid of honor? Really? She might be Crystal’s best friend, but she’s ditzy and undependable on her best days. When the best man turns out to be hunky Derrick Richardson, the right fielder for the Houston Astros and one of Houston’s most eligible bachelors, Sienna abandons her duties as maid of honor to chase Derrick, and it’s up to Mari to make sure Crystal’s wedding day goes off without a hitch.

While Mari is wrapped up in dress fittings, bridal showers, and bachelorette nights, Derrick has taken notice of her devotion to her sister and her determination to make the wedding perfect. But between dodging Sienna’s advances and watching Mari running around like a madwoman, Derrick is left to steal moments whenever he can to get to know this beautiful bridesmaid.

When the maid of honor shows up to the ceremony late and more done up than the bride herself, Mari fears her attempts to make her sister’s wedding perfect have all been for naught. Will the bride be up-staged by the maid of honor? Will the fifth-in-line bridesmaid ever be recognized for all the work she’s done? And will Mari finally have a moment to revel in the magic of a wedding and dance in the strong arms of a man?

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Janice Thompson never fails to deliver when it comes to fun, humor and sweet romance. That is very much the case in the latest Year of Weddings novella. I loved the characters in this book, from sweet Mari to handsome Derrick and everyone in between. I feel like I absolutely gushed over this series last year and I'm doing it again this year, but I just can't help it. I'm a sucker for a well written romance and Janice Thompson has never let me down.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Thursday, April 30, 2015

Book Review: Spring Brides

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Happily ever after begins today. The honor of your presence is requested at three spring weddings . . .

A March Bride by Rachel Hauck

Susanna Truitt (Once Upon a Prince) is three weeks from royalty. She ll soon marry King Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom. But when the government insists she renounce her American citizenship before the wedding, coupled with the lack of involvement by family and friends, Susanna s heart begins to doubt whether this marriage is God's plan for her.

An April Bride by Lenora Worth

Bride-to-be Stella Carson cannot wait another day to marry soldier Marshall Henderson. But when Marshall returns home to Louisiana, it becomes clear to them both that he is not the man he used to be.

With only weeks until the wedding, Stella and Marshall must choose between a marriage built on the past and faith in long-ago love or a very different future than the one Stella imagined.

A May Bride by Meg Moseley

Ellie Martin, a country girl living in Atlanta, has dreamed of a traditional wedding all her life, but she's missing a key ingredient to her plans for the future: a groom. Then Ellie meets Gray Whitby at a wedding of all places. But when Ellie jeopardizes her own future for the sake of her sister, Gray feels like he'll always be second to Ellie's family. Can Ellie and Gray find their own way together amidst the demands and perceptions of others, or will their romance end before it has truly begun?"

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These may seem familiar to you. That's because I reviewed these individually at this time last year! That's right, last year's year of wedding novellas have now been bundled up into four books! I don't have much to tell you that I didn't tell you last year except that even now, rereading them was a total joy and a great way to spend my time while recovering from a spring cold. I love that these are bundled up so those of us who read the digital editions can get the print editions for our shelves and all of the novellas will be right there at our fingertips!

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Friday, March 27, 2015

Book Review: Two Renegade Realms

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In book two of the Realm Walkers Series, Cantor, Bixby, and Dukmee must band together to find the storied realm walker Chomountain after the devastating attack by the corrupt Realm Walkers Guild. But what they discover while traveling turns their mission upside down and they must now find a way to restore Chomountain.

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It took me a bit of time to get back into this series. It'd been so long since I'd read the first book that I needed to refresh my memory. While this book starts out slower than the first book, it didn't take long before I was drawn right back into the story. The characters are continuing to develop both emotionally and physically and yet they seem familiar and beloved. This series (yes, there's a third book coming!) is perfect for any fantasy lover and I'm going to seriously attempt to get my teenage boys to read it because I think that they would very much enjoy it. Paul mixes her faith in with an amazing story set in amazing places without it being pushy or in your face. Perfect for teenage boys who want to rebel against the very idea.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Thursday, March 12, 2015

Book Review: Wrestling For My Life

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n Wrestling for My Life, WWE superstar Shawn Michaels shares from his heart about the highs and lows of his life inside the WWE. Included are some never-before-shared stories and an intimate look into his career as well as stories of hunting, family, and faith.

With millions of fans, Michaels had adulation and all the attention he could ask for, but he discovered there was something more. When he became a committed Christian during his years in the WWE it had to affect everything. Michaels reveals what it is like to be a man of faith in this unusual world and shares insights for all of us


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I originally picked up this book because Ben is a huge WWE fan and always enjoyed Shawn Michaels. It's something that Ben and I have always enjoyed watching together so I knew there was a very good chance that I would enjoy this book as well. Turns out that I was right. The book isn't as preachy as I was originally concerned that it would be. Yes, Shawn mentions his faith, God and Jesus on nearly every page but it's done respectfully and not in a way that you feel as if it's being crammed down your throat. Having read this book, I'm very interested in finding a copy of the first book that Shawn helped to pen about his life. As for this book, it's a fine edition to both the wrestling and autobiography genres and both Ben and I are hoping to read more about the entertainers that we enjoy on tv every week.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Saturday, February 28, 2015

Book Review: Dashing Dish

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"The Dashing Dish"is an inspirational cookbook chock-full of healthy, innovative yet simple recipes, most of which are gluten-free, sugar-free, and abundant in whole grains.

Like many of us, twenty-four-year-old author Katie Farrell has struggled with her weight and healthy eating. As a teen she went through yo-yo dieting and was prone to eating disorders. But through God and a passion for food and cooking, she hit upon the formula that would transform her from unhealthy girl to confident woman.

In warm, accessible language and beautiful photographs, Katie shares100 recipes for clean eating. Every recipe is simple to make and delicious to eat. Katie uses gluten-free oat flour in place of wheat flour, cottage cheese and yogurt in place of fat, and Stevia in place of sugar. Her tips are practical, her tone inspirational. Anyone looking to eat better for the rest of their life will want to own this book."

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Okay, my obsession with cookbooks continues with Dashing Dish which is one dashing book. Yes, I know that was cheesy but I'm one tired mama today. I just spent some time going through this cookbook and I'm still drooling just thinking about all of the amazingly delicious looking recipes in this book.
My loves:

  • Pictures - this book is filled with delicious pictures of every recipe. 
  • Healthy - Since this is a clean eating cookbook, these are healthier versions of our favorites!
  • Layout - Easy to use, easy to read.
My dislikes: 
  • Waiting - The boys and I are going to start doing 1 week cooking sessions from different cookbooks, but we won't have the time together until Spring Break...and I want to eat all of the foods now!
Seriously, if you're looking for healthier alternatives to some seriously delicious recipes, don't hesitate to pick up this book. You won't regret it!


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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Book Review: A Thing of Beauty

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It's a wonder to behold what happens when love moves in . . .

Former child star Fiona Hume deserted the movie biz a decade ago--right after she left rehab. She landed in Baltimore, bought a dilapidated old mansion downtown, and hatched dreams of restoring it into a masterpiece, complete with a studio for herself. She would disappear from public view and live an artist's life.

That was the plan.

Ten years later, Fiona's huge house is filled with junk purchased at thrift stores, haggled over at yard sales, or picked up from the side of the road. Each piece was destined for an art project . . . but all she's got so far is a piece of twine with some antique buttons threaded down its length.

She's thirty-two years old and still recognizable, but Fiona's money has finally run out. She's gotten pretty desperate, too, and in her desperation she's willing to do almost anything for money. Almost. So it is that she comes to rent out the maid's quarters to a local blacksmith named Josia Yeu.

Josia is everything Fiona isn't: gregarious, peaceful, in control without controlling . . . in short, happy. As the light from the maid's quarters begins to permeate the dank rooms of Fiona's world, something else begins to transform as well--something inside Fiona. Something even she can see is beautiful.

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I'm going to start off this review by saying that if the occasional curse word offends you, don't pick up this book. It seems to be the biggest complaint from other reviewers and while it speaks of authenticity to me, it screams non-christian to others. That being said, I'm not going to get on top of any religious soapbox. Your beliefs are yours. Mine are mine and that isn't what we're here for. Now, on to what I thought!

I very much enjoyed this book. As someone who comes from a damaged background and is a borderline hoarder with ocd tendencies, I completely understood the character of Fiona. She was real. She was authentic and her story, though fiction, probably could be any one of a number of real stories. This story is one of redemption and hope and the truth that sometimes you just have to remove people from your life so that you can live yours in the healthiest way possible. It doesn't make you an awful person, it just means you're taking care of yourself. This story doesn't end with a fairytale happily ever after but it ends in a place where happiness is now possible and the future holds promise...and while some complain that this isn't an in your face God story, I don't think that's a bad thing. Sometimes the way to reach people is by telling a story without pushing your beliefs in their face and sometimes what people need is hope that there is a clear space at the end of their tunnel.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Friday, January 2, 2015

Book Review: The Wishing Season

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She daydreams of whipping up sauces and souffles in her own restaurant. His heart is set on helping foster children. Both dreams are at stake. So are their hearts.

With grand plans to open her own bed & breakfast in Chapel Springs, PJ McKinley can't afford the most crucial part: the brick and mortar. But when the owner of a local historic home announces a contest and promises her property to the worthiest candidate, PJ makes a fervent wish and tosses her name into the hat.

Cole Evans is cool, confident, and successful, but he'll never forget his roots. He's thankful for how far he's come and knows his life could have turned out drastically different. If he can win the stately old mansion, he'll turn it into a home for children aging out of the foster system.

When the eccentric house owner narrows the entries down to only two applicants, she extends the contest, giving PJ and Cole one year to prove which one of them can make the best use of her beloved home. As the pair competes in close proximity, something deeper than rivalry sparks between PJ and Cole. And in this battle, they're likely to lose their hearts.

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This book was an easy read that stole my heart. She longs to start her own B&B and restaurant to prove herself, not only to her family but to herself and to follow her dream. He longs to help foster children aging out of foster care because he's been there. These are two characters who had real depth and drew you into the story. They had their own personal struggles and struggles between them to get through and the author led you through until you couldn't wait to see how it ended. All in all? A great holiday read.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Book Review: A November Bride

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Can a decades-long friendship marred by two romantic missteps ever lead to happily ever after?


Sadie McAllister’s clients know how lucky they are to have her: an ultra-fastidious personal chef who leaves behind a spotless kitchen and a week’s worth of mouth-watering meals.


Erik Davis, her best friend since middle school, is content to enjoy Sadie’s culinary skills too while maintaining their “friends only” status. Most of his energy is focused on his just-launched freelance business and casual dates that never come close to a commitment.


But when Sadie is offered a once-in-a-lifetime cooking job across country, Erik realizes maybe he’s taken his best friend for granted. Even more, he’s about to lose his only chance for lasting love.


How can Erik convince Sadie that the well-known adage “Marry your best friend” just might apply to them? With God’s help, can they both move past their assumptions about each other and their future? Should Sadie and Erik risk taking their relationship to the romantic point of no return? If they do, their decades-long friendship is as a good as done . . . unless it ends at the altar.

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The last book in this series! I'm so not ready for it to be over. I loved each and every novella, without fail. This one..obviously no exception. I loved Sadie and her ocd tendencies. They reminded me of myself during good times. Erik is a total doll and together, they're happily ever after. It's another sweet, fast read from this series and if you loved any of the others, you'll have no regrets picking this one up.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Monday, December 29, 2014

Book Review: The Princess Spy

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Margaretha has always been a romantic, and hopes her newest suitor, Lord Claybrook, is destined to be her one true love. But then an injured man is brought to Hagenheim Castle, claiming to be an English lord who was attacked by Claybrook and left for dead. And only Margaretha---one of the few who speaks his language---understands the wild story. Margaretha finds herself unable to pass Colin's message along to her father, the duke, and convinces herself 'Lord Colin' is just an addled stranger. Then Colin retrieves an heirloom she lost in a well, and asks her to spy on Claybrook as repayment. Margaretha knows she could never be a spy---not only is she unable to keep anything secret, she's sure Colin is completely wrong about her potential betrothed. Though when Margaretha overhears Claybrook one day, she discovers her romantic notions may have been clouding her judgment about not only Colin but Claybrook as well. It is up to her to save her father and Hagenheim itself from Claybrook's wicked plot.

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While it appears that this is the 5th book in a series, this really does well as a standalone book. While it is supposed to be a retelling of The Frog Prince, I honestly never had that vibe. Of course, it's entirely possible that it's been too long since I read that particular fairy tale. What I did notice was a very well written book that is perfectly suitable for the teen and up set. There's adventure, a bit of romance and more than a bit of bravery involved as Colin and Margaretha race to save themselves, her family and her father's entire kingdom. In some ways, I felt as if it were a coming of age story as Margaretha finds her true self that was buried under all of the teasing that was done by her family. My suggestion? If you have an up and coming reader or if you yourself enjoy a twist on an old story, check out this series of books by Melanie Dickerson.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.

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Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Book Review: Love at Mistletoe Inn

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They've helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

An owner of a Victorian inn and charming rustic barn is used to creating the perfect setting for other couples nuptials. But when she falls head over heels for the new man in her life, will she be prepared to walk down that aisle?





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Ahhh! Another year in the bride series, except they're calling it the wedding series. I love love love love love these novellas and this one wasn't the exception to the rule. Hope had her reasons for how she was and what she did. So did John. Imagine both their surprise when their pasts came back to "haunt them". I loved these characters, especially Amity. I do hope that someone writes her story at some point. Honestly, if I keep reading, I'll just keep gushing. Just go get these.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Monday, December 15, 2014

Book Review: Magnolia Market

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Fresh starts aren t nearly as glamorous as they appear. And love isn t any easier the second time around.

Avery Broussard was savoring her long-dormant optimism. It was the first anniversary of her husband s death, and she was fi nally going to buy the dress boutique from her former mother-in-law. After a year of saving, the deal was nearly done. Avery was about to get her life back.

But every deal in Samford, Louisiana, can change at the whim of a Broussard. After being unceremoniously ejected from the very boutique she planned to buy the boutique she herself had rescued from ruin she becomes a woman without a future . . . suddenly at war with her late husband s family.

When carpenter T. J. Aillet begins working for the Broussards doing manual labor, he overhears enough to know that Avery is being victimized. Soon enough, T. J. is lassoed into the squabble by his family connections, his good heart . . . and the undeniable attraction he feels toward Avery.

But the Aillets are no strangers to Samford society and T. J. knows what happens when you cross the Broussards. Could these two misfits ever make a start together? Or will the pressures of Samford society pull them apart before they even get a chance to try?"

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Another late night read when I couldn't fall asleep. As usual, I'd planned on only reading a chapter or two and yet didn't close it until I'd finished the last page. While the second book in a series, this book can easily stand on its own. I hadn't read the first book and it didn't make a lick of difference. The characters are well developed and the story keeps moving right along. I'm now wishing that I'd had a chance to read the first book in this series because I'm sure hoping that there's a third. If you're looking for a nice, easy read about small town life and "high" society, I think that you'll enjoy this book, especially if you enjoy underdogs.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Friday, November 28, 2014

Book Review: Motherless

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Guilt may be the most dangerous motive of all.

On a rainy night seventeen years after his wife's presumed suicide, Garrett Becker sees her walking down the street. A car accident snatches him away from this world before he can reach her.

Marina has spent her whole life mothering her brother, who suffers from an anxiety disorder. After their father's accident, they face losing their home--the only place Dylan's fears are held at bay.

Crushing debt is just one of their father's secrets. Old keepsakes lead Dylan to believe their mother is alive and lives nearby. Sara Rochester is a successful chocolatier who doesn't dwell on her past and never expected the resurrection of its ghosts. But after Dylan confronts her, Sara consents to parent the only way she knows how: with money, chocolate, and a gross deficit of experience.

Sara's hesitant presence divides Marina and Dylan. Marina doesn't believe that Sara is their mother. The woman's paper-thin lies suggest she might even be responsible for their mother's death. When Marina's suspicions spark an investigation, no one is prepared for the tragic truth or the powerful redemption that Marina's actions expose.

Narrated by a storyteller with more to lose than any other character, Motherless is a richly layered mystery about the power of perception--and deception--among people seeking forgiveness for irreversible sins.

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I'm not sure what drew me to this book. Honestly, it's not usually the sort of book I'd be drawn to, yet somehow I was. Then, I put off reading it because I couldn't figure out why I'd chosen it. Yesterday, bundled up in blankets against the cold, I decided I was going to give it a go. I'm glad that I did. It kept me reading page after page. My only complaint is that about halfway through, the narrator changes and it took me a page or two to figure out that it had happened. Other than that, the story moved at a well paced speed, the characters were well developed and as a reader, you learned pieces of the puzzle as the children did which made you feel as if you were a part of the story.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Monday, November 24, 2014

Book Review: A Dream of Home

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When she moves to Amish country to find peace and healing, Madeleine finds a special community—and a special man—who pull her out of her solitude into a new life.

Moving to Pennsylvania wasn’t in Madeleine’s original plans. She should still be in California and should have married her pilot fiancĂ© a year ago—but death has a way of changing everything. Now the former Air Force flight nurse is living alone in Paradise, Pennsylvania, and working as a maid at the Lancaster Grand Hotel. She isn’t exactly a widow . . . but she sure feels like one.

Saul Beiler isn’t exactly a widower . . . but his wife is long gone. His six-year-old daughter, Emma, doesn’t know that her mother fled the Amish community—and married another man—but she does know that her dat is lonely, and that a pretty young maedel just moved in next door. Madeline’s numb heart begins to thaw as she spends more time with the innocent and ever optimistic Emma. The stronger her friendship grows with the young girl, the more intrigued Madeline grows about the humble, strong, man raising her on his own.

But even as a strange attraction pulls Saul and Madeleine across a stark cultural divide, they—and everybody else—have to wonder: What could they possibly have in common besides heartache? Will love allow Madeleine to finally find the home she’s been dreaming of all along?

About the Author

Amy Clipston is the award-winning and best-selling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery series. Her novels have hit multiple best-seller lists including CBD, CBA, and ECPA. Amy holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan College and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and four spoiled rotten cats.

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Last night, I couldn't quite fall asleep so I thought I would read for just a little bit. Three hundred and two pages later, I closed the book with a soft sigh and a wish that the next book was already out. It's authors like Amy Clipston that keep my love for Amish fiction alive. Her characters come alive and by the end of the book, it's like they're old friends. I really cannot say enough good things about this book. If you haven't read the others in the series, go and find them and then prepare yourself for a marathon reading session because once you start, you're not going to want to put them down.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Thursday, November 20, 2014

Book Review: An October Bride

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She wants to make her father's dream come true. She doesn't realize her own dream has been in front of her the whole time.
Emma Tate isn't a risk taker, so everyone in her small Midwest town is surprised when she suddenly becomes engaged to lifelong friend Jake Sawyer. No one but Jake and Emma know the true reason they're getting married-so Emma's dying father can walk her down the aisle.
While Jake and Emma plan an autumn wedding together, it becomes clear that their agreement has a few complications-the biggest being their true feelings for each other.
In this novella by award-winning author Katie Ganshert, a young woman must reconcile her dying father's dreams with her own dreams for love and for her future.
About the Author
Katie Ganshert graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband, their young son, and their goofy black lab, Bubba. When she's not busy writing or playing or reading or snuggling, she is obsessing over the paperwork and the waiting that comes with adoption. Visit her website at katieganshert.com.
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Wow..this one really touched me. Having been in a similar situation, I understood Emma's motivation. Jake, on the other hand, surprised me with his offer. Thank goodness he had great reason to make it! This was one that made me laugh, it made me smile and at times had me thinking back over my own life. I am so glad that Emma found just what she needed, just when she needed it. Katie has an amazing gift for writing characters that you fall in love with and Emma, Jake and her family are no different. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to read this novella..it just may be my favorite in the series.
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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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Friday, November 14, 2014

Book Review: An Amish Second Christmas

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When Christmas Comes Again by Beth Wiseman

Katherine Zook and her four children are facing their first Christmas without a loved one, and the future seems dim.But when a mysterious "Englisch" man begins to show up in the most unlikely of places, Katherine can t help but be suspicious . . . and a bit curious.

Her Christmas Pen Pal by Ruth Reid

WhenJoy Stolzfus s boyfriend tells her he wants to court other women, she s shocked.She pours her heart out in a letter, but it mistakenly reaches Noah Esh. The two begin writing letters back and forth, but a misunderstanding threatens to topple the relationship they re building.

A Gift for Anne Marie by Kathleen Fuller

Anne Marie Smucker s life is pretty perfect. Until she discovers her widowed mother is getting married and they re all moving. On top of that, Anne Marie s relationship with her friend Nathaniel has changed, and she s more confused than ever about her feelings for him.

The Christmas Aprons by Tricia Goyer

Esther Glick bakes a Christmas pie for a fundraiser, and she soon finds herself sitting across from bachelor Ammon Schwartz. Esther receives many orders for pies, but when she breaks her wrist, she discovers what community and love are all about."

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Ahh Christmas...and Amish fiction...and novellas... What better way is there to get yourself in the mood for the upcoming holidays? None that I can think of. With two of my favorite authors in this book, I couldn't say no to reading and reviewing it. I'm happy to report that I have zero regrets. What did surprise me was that my favorite story was by an author that I can't recall reading before. I'm not going to give it away because there's no fun in that. I want all of you to read it and let me know which was your favorite! Each author did a wonderful job in setting the scene, helping you get to know their characters and sharing tales that will stick in your mind as you prepare for your own Christmas.


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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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