The Thorn Healer by Pepper Basham

Series: Penned in Time Genre: Fiction, Historical, Romance, Christian Publisher: Vinspire Publishing Publication date: December 6, 2016 Number of pages: 327 Jessica Ross' scars run much deeper than the wounds of war. Determined to escape the ghosts of her past and the German influence on her nightmares, she returns home to the sleepy Appalachian town of Hot Springs, NC, only to find the renowned Mountain Park Hotel has been converted into a 'prison' for displaced Germans. To Jessica's dismay, her grandparents have befriended one of the treacherous internees. August Reinhold has not only found kinship with Jessica's grandparents, but as they share their granddaughter's letters from the Front, he discovers a

​surprising bond drawing him toward the independent and beautiful woman. Displaced by a war and a painful history, he finds Hot Springs and the intriguing Jessica Ross a tempting place to start over. Determined to scale the heights of her bitterness and show her the power of love, August faces more than just Jessica's resistance but a more devious design to harm the civilian sailors housed in Hot Springs.

Will August's tender pursuit bring Jessica the healing and hope she needs, or will bitterness force her into the hands of a "true" enemy waiting to destroy much more than her heart? 

I loved this story! I didn't want to leave them!!! 

Pepper has penned another amazing story to which I will have to go back and reread the other 2. 

I love her writing style. She has definitely opened my eyes to the many blessings that God bestows upon us every day. Sometimes we are too blind to see them. 

There are some favorite sayings of mine throughout the entire book. One of my favorite is I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. 

To be reminded of this brings me great joy. I know He is there every day waiting for us to come to Him. 

Jessica Rossi has a lot to learn and one is that. She has a lot of hurt from the war to health from. She's also most certainly stubborn and refuses to believe that God does love her and He has never left her. 

It takes one very special man and family to help her uncover what she has lost. I love August. He's proof of God's unjust love and forgiveness. He's always has a ready smile for everyone and anyone. He has a great outlook for everything because he has Jesus in his heart.

He's kind and witty and a solid rock and my oh my he's has the good looks oh my !!!!!

I'm glad the author has brought David and Catherine back in for Catherine does give Jessica some sound advice on love and plus an evil no gooder who is prejudice against certain ppl.

I love this story because it also has given me a new family to love and cherish.

I like how the Carter family helps those in need and reaches out to share their love.

Grandpa Carter is full of wisdom and love. Just like my own Grandpa was. (My how do I miss him but I will see him again someday)

Granny was pretty special to me too!! She had some sound advice as well. I think it is amazing what our older generations have lived through and the stories they can tell!!!

I really hate to say goodbye to these ppl.

It makes me want to cry!

I did laugh in some places. Pepper does put humor in all the right places where it's needed! 

I loved the setting in which the story takes place. Ww1 has many heartaches and sometimes there is joy if we only look in the right place. 

The Lord has reasons for what He does.

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of 5 great kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus. Her debut historical novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in May 2015 and has garnered awards such as Reader's Favorites Award, finalist in the Grace Awards, shortlisted for the Inspy Awards, and a finalist in ACFW’s Carol Awards. Her second historical novel, The Thorn Keeper, released in Feb 2016 and her first contemporary romance, A Twist of Faith, released in April 2016 with a 4 star review from Romantic Times. You can get to know Pepper on her website, Facebook, Instagram, or over at her group blog, The Writer's Alley.

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Bad Day for A Bombshell by Cindy Vincent

December 5th, 1941. Houston socialite, Tracy Truworth, is always on the lookout for something suspicious. Especially after growing up with her nose in the latest Katie McClue mystery novel, a series featuring a twenty-something female detective and her constant feats of derring-do. And for Tracy, escaping reality through reading couldn't come at a better time, since her own life isn't exactly going along like she'd hoped. Not with her overbearing mother determined to see Tracy marry Michael -- a lawyer likely to be a U.S. Senator someday -- in a wedding rivaling royalty. Yet everything changes for Tracy when she spots a bleach-blonde bombshell on the train home from Dallas after a shopping trip to Neiman-Marcus. Because something certainly seems amiss with the blonde, given the way she covertly tries to snare men into her lair, and considering the way she suddenly ceases all flirtations when a Humphrey Bogart look-alike appears . . . complete with a mysterious package wrapped up in newspaper and twine. 

Then days later, Japan bombs Pearl Harbor, and just a few days after that, Germany declares war against the U.S. Rightly so, President Roosevelt returns the favor. Of course, Tracy immediately finds herself caught up in the War, just like the rest of the nation. But it's her curiosity that leads her on a collision course with a killer, and she arrives at the bombshell's apartment only moments after the blonde has been murdered. Though Tracy is accused of the crime at first, she quickly finds herself working as an Apprentice P.I., under the tutelage of a real private investigator. Soon, they're hot on the trail of the bombshell's murderer. Then from singing at the hottest nightclub around, to a car chase in her 1940 Packard, Tracy's investigation takes her far from her blue-blood upbringing. And it isn't long before she finds the War is hitting a lot closer to home than she ever imagined . . . and danger isn't much farther than her doorstep

What a fun and interesting read! certainly different from what I'm used to reading. 

I like Tracy Truworth. She's an interesting character. She loves adventure and it always seems to find her!!!

I love her personality. She can make friends and enemies no matter where she goes! Mostly makes friends and unexpectedly finds one when she needs it most!!

I kind of thought Michael didn't measure up. He's always making excuses as to why he couldn't see Tracy. I don't blame Tracy for what she did or in this case both did. It was her mother that wanted the marriage. Her mother is a high socialite. In so very many ways, Tracy felt like she never measures in her mother's opinions. in other words, her mother isn't very nice. I thought she was kind of mean and selfish. She wasn't interested in Tracys well being only herself. 

The blonde bombshell turns out to be nothing but trouble with a capital T! Shame on her but no one deserves what she got. 

Let's just say that you reap what you sew. 

I laughed until I cried in some places as Tracy tried to find her way out of some messes lol! wrong place at the wrong time!! However; some good did come out of it. She landed her first paying job. 

I guess it came from reading all those Katie McClure mysteries. After all, Katie Mcclue was Tracys heroine. 

I enjoyed this book because it had some ups and downs of our everyday life and the author has managed to bring them to life quite explicitly! 

I also love her writing style!!! She brings humor in just all the right places. I also like how she put a some mystery in the story to keep it interesting. 

I definitely was kept on the edge of my seat. 

This happens to me quite often. 

I enjoyed the backdrop of the story. I felt like I was there when Pearl Harbor got bombed. It is what drew America into the 2nd ww. (My grandfather served in that war)

I cried when that happened.

I liked Sammy immediately. I knew he wasn't a dangerous man. I thought he was interesting and a pretty special guy.

Cindy Vincent, M.A. Ed., is the award-winning author of the Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Capers, a mystery series for kids and cat-lovers that features the adventures of two black cat detectives.  And yes, as she is often asked, Cindy used her own black cats, Buckley and Bogey, as the inspiration for the series, since they seem to run surveillance on her house each and every night.  Cindy is also the creator of the Mysteries by Vincent murder mystery party games and the Daisy Diamond Detective Series games for girls, along with the Daisy Diamond Detective novels, which are a spin-off from the games.  She lives in Houston, TX with her husband and an assortment of fantastic felines.  Cindy is a self-professed “Christmas-a-holic,” and usually starts planning and preparing in March for her ever-expanding, “extreme” Christmas lights display every year . . . She is also looking forward to the release of the first book in her new Tracy Truworth, Apprentice P.I., 1940s Homefront Mystery series,  which is due out in the Fall of 2016.  ​

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Fatal Frost by Nancy Mehl

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mehl Ramps Up the Suspense in This Brand-New U.S. Marshals Series 

Mercy Brennan followed in her father's footsteps in a law enforcement career, but she has no interest in any other connection to him. A U.S. Marshal in St. Louis, Missouri, she's assigned to a joint task force with the St. Louis PD that puts her back into contact with her father and in the sights of St. Louis's most powerful gang. 

When the gang has reason to believe Mercy has possession of some highly sensitive and incriminating information, her boss assigns Mark St. Laurent--a Deputy U.S. Marshal and Mercy's ex-boyfriend--to get her out of town until they can guarantee her safety. 

Initially unaware of the danger she's in and uncomfortable working with Mark, Mercy's frustration escalates when she discovers the extent her boss and Mark have been keeping her in the dark. It isn't until a freak ice storm hits, stranding them at a remote location and out of contact with the district office, that the full severity of their situation becomes clear. As the storm worsens, the forces of nature combine with a deadly enemy closing in to put their lives at imminent risk. Can they survive long enough for help to arrive--if help is even coming at all?

MY THOUGHTS

Quite a bit different from what I'm used to reading but I enjoyed it as well.

The author kept me in suspense as well. it's definitely a page turner.

Mercy is a stubborn Marshall who insists that her way is the right way. She's afraid to let people get close to her because if she does, the people she loves and like will go away. Mercy still has a lot to learn abut life in my opinion. Life goes on no matter what happens. I think that's what Mercy realizes this and through a wonderful man she slowly "melts inside.

Mark is a good US Marshall. I like Mark because he's alway putting others before him to make sure they are safe. I think in Wild like to have him by my side at all times if trouble is lurking around every corner! 

Tally is also a cop. He's always wanted to be a cop ever since he was a kid. I liked Tally frome the beginning. I think that he would've been a great friend to me. Tally has this awesome personality that just draws you to him. He does have a few weekeness but then who doesn't. He so has a fear that through the help of God is working on.

Nancy has done a wonderful job in giving us some insight as to how the street gangs work. I know there are probably some here in Lexington, Kentucky but i haven't heard of anything like that. 

Her writing style and research is totally awesome! I loved her books since I first read about a town called Kingdom Come. I was definitely hooked then.

I'm totally hooked on her books from here on out. 

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author . These are my thoughts on this book. 

Totally looooooove! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband, Norman, and her very active puggle, Watson. First published in 2001, she has now authored nine books, including an omnibus mystery collection, Cozy in Kansas, which contains three of her previously published Ivy Towers mysteries. Book three in the series, For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls, won the American Christian Fiction Writers Mystery Book of the Year award. Nancys main writing interests lie in mystery although her new Harmony Series leans more toward the romantic suspense genre. Nancy runs a HUD program for the city of Wichita and is president of a volunteer organization, Wichita Homebound Outreach. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Kansas Authors Club. You can find out more about Nancy by visiting her Web site at: www.nancymehl.com"

The Wish by Beverly Lewis

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Compelling Story of Friendship from the Top Author in Amish Fiction 

Leona Speicher got the "sister" she'd always dreamed of the day Gloria Gingerich and her family moved to Lancaster County Amish farmland. The Arkansas newcomers seem to be everything a devout Plain family should be, and Leona can't help comparing Gloria's engaging young parents to her own. 

Leona's cousin shows a romantic interest in Gloria around the same time as Gloria's older brother expresses his fondness for Leona--it seems likely the two young women will marry into each other's families, remaining close friends for life. Thus, Leona is shocked when the Gingeriches suddenly pack up and disappear after being expelled from the church for reasons no one will discuss. Despite Leona's pleas, Gloria goes with them, leaving more than one broken heart behind. 

When Gloria unexpectedly contacts Leona after a silence of several years, Leona makes up her mind to persuade her friend to return to Lancaster County and the Amish ways. Leona's new beau, the deacon's son, is alarmed when Leona decides to go after Gloria. Will Leona's dearest wish lead to her

 own undoing?

MY THOUGHTS

As always, I'm never disappointed in Beverly's stories and this was no exception! 

I love how she portrays friendship across the miles and even through difficult times. (I'd love to have a friend like that). 

Leona and Gloria have a special friendship since day 1. I'm so glad that even after the many years it was still intact. Gloria was still able to reach out to Leona.

I know in real life that there are ppl who are or have been friends since childhood and that is a pretty cool thing

It was a great story and as always Beverly's books give me peace. It us through Beverly that I got my start in reading Amish /Christian fiction and of course my love for Christmas as well.

I love Beverly's writing style and her ability to make her characters seem like real people that we can relate to except for one one thing, her stories always have happy endings and that's one of my favorite things about her books. 

Beverly another job well done and I will reread this again. 

I got a copy of this book for my honest opinion. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."

A Lady Unrivaled

ABOUT THIS BOOK

Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile--even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well the danger that has haunted her brother and their friend, and she won't wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better. 

Lord Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life. But that proves complicated when old friends arrive on the scene and try to threaten him into a life of crime. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her--and his daughter--from those dangerous people who seem ready to destroy them all? 

MY THOUGHTS

Another wonderful book by Roseanna White. I eagerly awaited this novel and now I'm glad I did! 

A book full of action packed with wonderful characters brought back to life from the 1st and 2nd books with a great ending! I wasn't disappointed! 

I think Lady Ella is a wonderful lady. Always finding something to smile about and I definitely love her red hair!!! See, I'm a red head too and we're ways finding trouble whether we want to or not! I think this describes Lady Ella perfectly. She always finds trouble even of she doesn't want to! She also has an uncanny way if making friends wherever she goes. Being in a foul mood definitely doesn't suit her.

I also love the way Lady Ella and Lord Cayton are attracted to each other, the way they are forever bantering with each other. 

I do admire Lord Cayton for trying to change his ways through our Lord. Whitby is teaching him that he can change his ways which is what we are seeing here.

As usual, Lord Rushmore is at his evil ways. Wanting the rubies that are called the Fire Eyes. He does care who he hurts (even if it's his own sister). to get what he wants. 

Brooke is her usual fiery self which is what made me fall in love with her in the Lost Heiress. Glad to see she hasn't lost it because it has served her well in life. 

I enjoyed this story because of all the action in the book. it was like watching an AL Capon e movie. 

Roseanna, as ways you have written another wonderful story. I love how everything turns out the way it's supposed to! As always, especially in God's perfect timing! I never get tired of saying this because even though I don't believe in curses or anything like that, no matter what happens we can't change it. 

My heart is especially full after reading goof books like this. I feel satisfied in every aspect that I can be. 

I don't know if another story is in the works for this generation of the family, but maybe for the children there's an adventure awaiting them!? I sure hope so! !!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of nine novels, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. Roseanna lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.roseannamwhite.com.

A love made new by Kathleen Fuller

ABOUT THE BOOK

Abigail Schrock knows God can make all things new, but does that include her broken heart?

It seems as if everyone is falling in love in Birch Creek, including Abigail Schrock. But when heartbreak descends on her already fragile world, she can’t help but feel that if she’d only been a little prettier, she could be on her way down the wedding aisle. To make matters worse, Abigail’s two sisters have found love, while all Abigail can seem to find is the chocolate she has stashed away in the pantry. 

Asa Bontrager has never had trouble with the ladies in his Amish community—his good looks have always gotten him far. Which is why he’s baffled by the call he’s received from God to pursue Abigail, a woman who seems determined to turn him away. 

Can Abigail find the peace and joy she so desperately desires? Will she allow herself to stop running and melt into the embrace of unforeseen comfort? If she does, she may just discover a love powerful enough to lift the heavy burden of grief weighing her down and restore her hope in a promising future.

MY THOUGHTS

I'm sad to say goodbye to this wonderful little town and it's people who have given me a lot of pleasure and contentment in reading this book.

This is about family, friends, forgiveness, and most of all hope 

I like the fact that family is there for one another which as it should be but, sadly in real life it is not. I would love to have a big family all my own. 

Friends sometimes are good to have if you get the right ones! I admire this group of people even though I know Amish aren't perfect as the author shows us through some of the families. 

Hope because as long as there is hope it is easy to go on living. If there us no hope,ejat is the point of living. 

Forgiveness especially this so we can live at peace with one another. We especially have to forgive ourselves in order to forgive others as Jesus would have us do. 

Hmmm, did I leave anything out? oh yes, pride. Amish forbids pride because it goeth before a fall. 

I truly enjoyed this. I finished it in 1 night

Kathleen sure know how to make a story enjoyable. I could definitely feel their pain and rejoiced when certain ppl were able to fulfill their dreams. This is a definite 5 star review. I recommend this book for sure!

I received a copy of this book from Booklook bloggers in exchange for an honest review 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen is the best-selling author of over thirty books, including the Hearts of Middlefield Series and the A Middlefield Family Series. She lives with her husband and three children in Northeast Ohio. Kathleen loves to hear from readers.

Widow by Denise Weimer

ABOUT THE BOOK

Jennifer Rushmore has overseen the restoration of Michael Johnson's ancestors’ doctor’s house long enough to work through their initial differences. They’ve begun applying the lessons of family and community learned from the past. Now the apothecary shop discloses a heart-breaking tale circa 1870 Georgia, shaking loose Jennifer’s own carefully suppressed past. She fears that when Michael sees beyond her façade, her tentative steps toward trust and love may disintegrate into rubble. On her journey to forgiveness, Jennifer draws on her new faith and friendships, even as the mysterious accidents clouding her first preservation job escalate into imminent danger

MY THOUGHTS

After having trouble with allergies in my eyes this year I was able to finally finish this book

This is another great read by Denise Weimer who has the knack if blending past with present as she brings her characters to life. 

This wonderful novel talks about forgiveness which was what our Pastor Goia preached on for the last month.

You totally need to forgive others before you can move on and have peace in your own life.

I am living example for I still have not forgiven my father before he passed away.

Jennifer os a courageous woman yet she is afraid to love and to put herself out there or just to be around pp in general. Fortunately she has a wonderful group of friends out there who are willing to give her a nudge in the right direction. Jennifer begins to heal through the wonderful love of friends and most of a loving God. 

Charlotte has been dealt a rough blow through her husband Stuart. Even though ppl have tried to warn her she is heard Headed like me and wouldn't listen. Because she wouldn't listen she learned things about her husband the hard way!! Somehow, through all of these things, she has learned to forgive those who have hurt her including any family members. 

A favorite verse of mine is I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. 

Power of forgiveness is an awesome thing. For without it, we can never truly heal! 

Michael is still struggling with this but together I believe that he and Jennifer will ha together. 

Who knows maybe something special will happen between them. Only in God's timing will they know.

I loved this book! I can't wait until the 3rd book!! Thanks for another wonderful book Denise Weimer! ! Sorry I took so long to read this book! I rely enjoyed it!

 ABOUT THE AUTHOUR


                                         

I'm a native Georgia resident, writer and history lover. My four-book, mid-1800s Georgia Gold Series with Canterbury House Publishing (SAUTEE SHADOWS, THE GRAY DIVIDE, THE CRIMSON BLOOM, and BRIGHT AS GOLD) combines historical romance with a touch of mystery. BRIGHT AS GOLD won the 2015 John Esten Cooke award for Southern literature. New in 2016, the Restoration Trilogy (WHITE, WIDOW, and WITCH) features a modern, suspenseful romantic over-story of a historical preservation grad helping a brooding bachelor restore his family property (house, apothecary and log cabin) with three historical back stories they uncover from three different centuries. I'm also the author of historical novella REDEEMING GRACE and numerous magazine articles set in Northeast Georgia. I'm a wife, swim mom of two daughters, and for many years directed a vintage dance group. 

                                                                                                       

Mattie's Pledge by Jan Drexler

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Tender, Poignant, and Heartwarming Glimpse into the Amish Migration West from Pennsylvania
Mattie Schrock is no stranger to uprooting her life. Even as her father relocated her family from one Amish community to the next, she always managed to find a footing in their new homes. Now as the Schrock family plans to move west from Somerset County to a fledgling Amish settlement in Indiana, she looks forward to connecting with old friends who will be joining them from another Pennsylvania community--friends like Jacob Yoder, who has always held a special place in her heart.
Since Mattie last saw Jacob, they've both grown into different people with different dreams. Jacob yearns to settle down, but Mattie can't help but dream of what may lie over the western horizon. When a handsome Englisher tempts her to leave the Amish behind to search for adventure in the West, will her pledge to Jacob be the anchor that holds her secure?
Tender, poignant, and gentle, "Mattie's Pledge" offers readers a glimpse into Amish life in the 1840s--and into the yearning heart of a character they'll not soon forget. 

MY THOUGHTS

hat a wonderful read!
I loved Mattie from the start. She has a terrible thirst for wonderlust. I enjoyed watching her characters get from uncertainty to finally realizing what she wants out of life ! it's a shame it took a man like Cole Bates to make her see the truth of things! Mattie also loves to be with her friends around the campfire when they are traveling west.
Jacob is a pretty interesting guy himself.
Afraid to let himself love because he's afraid of losing that person to death. Jacob for sure learns this lesson the hard way after almost losing Mattie to an Englisher the hard way for sure and certain!
Cole Bates wants everything that everyone else has by stealing whatever it is they have. In some weird way I kind of liked Cole. It wasn't his fault the way he was raised. But he did get caught stealing one too many times was therefore; caught and punished and I think the punishment for horse thieving is a hanging.
All in all, I enjoyed this story because it was different from the norm Amish genere that I usually read. I love how they went West because unlike them I got to travel all the way to San Diego, California. We followed the old Oregon Trail which is now interstate 70! I learned this when visiting the Kansas Historic museum. I was totally floored!
When reading this story I felt like I was traveling with the Amish to see a new land but I also didn't know there was swampland
Bottom line, I lived Jacob and Mattie's story and I loved to know that they have a happy ending! I won't say what that is because I don't want to give it away!! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jan Drexler brings a unique understanding of Amish traditions and beliefs to her writing. Her ancestors were among the first Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren immigrants to Pennsylvania in the 1700s. Their experiences are the basis for her stories. Jan lives in South Dakota with her husband, their four adult children, two active dogs, and a cat. When she isn't writing, she enjoys hiking the Black Hills and the Badlands. She is the author of the Love Inspired novels "The Prodigal Son Returns", " A Mother for His Children", and "A Home for His Family" (September 2015).

review for Fraying at the Edges by Cindy Woodsmall

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 help steady Ariana's tilting ground between the 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 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 pray for 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"--

MY THOUGHTS

This was a totally amazing book! It was worth the wait! It had a delay in printing and I thought I'd never get it!
I really didn't think the whole thing was fair that the girls were taken out of their surroundings and put into different ones that each had to adjust to.
Arianna is a girl with guts and determination to do anything that her real father wants so that she can come back home Like me, she loves her adopted family and I don't really think she likes change very well! 
Skyar is also in a place she'd rather not be! It takes someone in her real family to make her see some sense and see that her family does really love her in spite of all that she does to them. 
I didn't like Nicholas because he's a hard ass. it's his way or not at all! He's responsible for all the mess and upheaval in the girls lives. 
Brandi really tries to connect with Arianna and dies succeeds somewhat better than Nicholas does. 
I really like Cameron Arianna s half sister. At first they butt heads a lot until something happens and then they start getting along. She is the fun loving and adventurous type and loves annoying her parents! I think most children love to annoy their parents. 
Will Arianna and Rudy get back together at the end of Ariannas adventure outside the Amish faith and Will Skylar stay with her Amish family or will she return to the English world in which she raised in?

ABOUT THE AUTHOUR

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author who has written nineteen (and counting!) works of fiction and one of nonfiction. She and her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud, coauthored the nonfiction, Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. Cindy's been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life. In June of 2013, the Wall Street Journal listed Cindy as one of the top three Amish fiction writers.

She is also a veteran homeschool mom who no longer holds that position. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.

She’s won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer’s Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings' Best Books of the Year. She’s been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards.

Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. Though she didn’t realize it at the time, seeds were sown years ago that began preparing Cindy to write these books. At the age of ten, while living in the dairy country of Maryland, she became best friends with Luann, a Plain Mennonite girl. Luann, like all the females in her family, wore the prayer Kapp and cape dresses. Her parents didn’t allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. During the numerous times Luann came to Cindy’s house to spend the night, her rules came with her and the two were careful to obey them—afraid that if they didn’t, the adults would end their friendship. Although the rules were much easier to keep when they spent the night at Luann’s because her family didn’t own any of the forbidden items, both sets of parents were uncomfortable with the relationship and a small infraction of any kind would have been enough reason for the parents to end the relationship. While navigating around the adults’ disapproval and the obstacles in each other’s lifestyle, the two girls bonded in true friendship that lasted into their teen years, until Cindy’s family moved to another region of the US.

As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children. Over the years Cindy has continued to make wonderful friendships with those inside the Amish and Mennonite communities—from the most conservative ones to the most liberal.

Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in their now empty nest.

Review for Like a Bee to a Honey by Jennifer Beckstrand

                      ABOUT THE BOOK

Affectionately dubbed The Honeybee Sisters in their Wisconsin Amish community, the three Christner girls are devoted beekeepers who are coming-of-age—and discovering the sweet surprise of love… 
  

Shy, skittish Rose Christner is more comfortable tending to the beehives on the family farm and keeping her aunt’s unruly cats in line than attending social gatherings with the rest of the die youngie. A childhood trauma and secret shame keep her heart under lock and key, and Rose just can’t accept the sweet attention she’s receiving from a handsome neighbor. But the more she shies away from Josiah Yoder, the more their families sneakily plot to bring them together. And when a vandal who’s been plaguing the Honeybee Farm starts targeting Rose, Josiah’s steadfast protection—and patience—just may lead her into his waiting arms…

MY THOUGHTS

This is a fast paced, very entertaining, and it even has a little bit of mystery in it! I love the who done it cases. In this case, Jennifer Beckstrand keeps you guessing for sure and certain!! It is also very funny in places. I howled in some places of the book even though I'm in a lot of pain right now from today's fiasco at work lol! Jennifer Beckstrand thank you for making me laugh.

Aunt Bitsy is really cracking me up! Especially, the way she treats Josiah. I love love her personality! Even though she carries a shotgun to ward off stray cats lol she really does have a heart of gold! I'd love to have a Aunt like her. I guess in a way I do. I also like how she gives Josiah a choice on what to do with Rose's feelings. I myself thinks he's the perfect choice for Rose. 

Josiah is madly in love with Rose Christner. I love a sweet and caring man like him. My hero (swoon ). He's always there in the right place and time and jumps to Rose's defense especially against mean Paul Glick! 
Josiah reminds me of my husband. He thinks he can fix anything but when it comes right down to it he can't fix a lick!! Lol!!!
I give him an E for effort. 

Then we have sweet,shy Rose Christner. A very lovable and kind pain but who was on the wrong place at the wrong time. It is why she's afraid all of the time and always looking over her shoulder. Her sisters and Josiah is always protecting her bit she doesn't want to be a project or a burden on them. This is Rose's story to tell like Aunt Bitsy said. 
May the Lord guide Rose in her telling the story and if she tells will the mystery be solved? Only the Lord knows. He is our protector at all times and sends ppl to help Him in his stead. 
I still will not like Paul Glick!! He's mean and a cheater and liar! He is the one who done the Honeybee sisters wrong! I do ot like ppl who twist what really happened to.make themselves look good! It's not right! But, I believe Paul will get his justice in the end. I say this because God will take care of the mean ppl in the end!!

ppl you ve just got to read this last book in the series!!! As the Honeybee sisters say,"it's wonderful gut!!!! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I grew up with a steady diet of William Shakespeare and Jane Austen. After all that literary immersion, I naturally decided to get a degree in mathematics, which came in handy when one of my six children needed help with homework. After my fourth daughter was born, I started writing. By juggling diaper changes, soccer games, music lessons, laundry, and two more children, I finished my first manuscript—a Western—in just under fourteen years.

I have always been fascinated by the Amish way of life and now write Inspirational Amish Romance. I am drawn to the strong faith of the Plain people and admire the importance they put on enduring family ties. I have visited and studied Amish communities in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin where I met with a bishop and a minister as well as several Amish mamms, dats, and children. It has always impressed me at what salt-of-the-earth people they are. My interactions with these kind people have been some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have a dear Amish friend with whom I correspond in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She helps me keep my facts straight and gives me inspiration for my stories.

My goal is to write uplifting, inspiring stories with happy endings and hopeful messages. If my books make readers want to give themselves a big hug or jump up and down for joy, I’ve done my job. I am a member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers and am represented by Mary Sue Seymour of The Seymour Agency.

There are three Amish romances in the Forever After in Apple Lake Series (Summerside/Guideposts). Kate’s Song, Rebecca’s Rose, and Miriam’s Quilt are all now available.

I have six Amish Romances in the works with Kensington Books. The first and second books, Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Summer, are now available in stores and online. The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill is set in northern Wisconsin Amish country.

The series, The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, is about an elderly Amish couple who try to find suitable mates for their grandchildren. What could be more fun than throwing two young people together to see if sparks ignite? No one would ever suspect two octogenarian Amish folks of mischief.

Romantic Times gave Huckleberry Hill 4 1/2 stars and chose Huckleberry Summer as a TOP PICK.

I have four daughters, two sons, three sons-in-law, and two adorable grandsons. I live in the foothills of the Wasatch Front with my husband and one son still left at home.