The Hidden side by Heidi Chiavorli

ABOUT THE BOOK

New York, 2016

Natalie Abbott offers answers for hurting listeners on her popular radio program. But she struggles to connect with her teenagers, with her daughter in an unhealthy relationship and her son uncommunicative and isolated. When one member of the family commits an unspeakable act, Natalie is forced to uncover who she truly is under the façade of her radio persona.

New York, 1776

Mercy Howard is shocked when her fiancé, Nathan Hale, is arrested and hanged as a spy. When she’s asked to join the revolutionary spy ring in Manhattan, she sees an opportunity to avenge Nathan’s death. But keeping her true loyalties hidden grows increasingly harder as the charming Major John Andre of the King’s Army becomes more to her than a target for intelligence.

Mercy’s journals comfort Natalie from across the centuries as both women struggle with their own secrets and shame, wondering how deep God’s mercy extends. 

MY REVIEW

I'm going to give this book 5 stars because I like the story line and what it means to me.

As I was reading this book

I was beginning to realize that may be all these school shootings are happening today because certain kids are being bullied and the adults don't do anything to stop it.

I sometimes feel like these kids and I'm an adult. 

I feel like sometimes people don't like me because of how I look or maybe I'm not smart enough to be in the in crowd. 

There were things that I enjoyed about school but not all of it.

As I got older I realized that I didn't really care about being in the in crowd because all they are is just a bunch of mean kids.

I cried through some of this story because I know just how the person who did this terrible thing feels most of the time. 

Since I'm not really finished reading this book In I'm not sure how Mercy's story is going to fit in.

I feel like I'm invading someone's diary when it comes to her side of the story. 

I'm not sure about twins connecting but I do know that twins run on my husband's side of the family lol. Maybe it will get my son. Who knows what God has in store for us.

I can only hope and pray that someday there will be an end to all these school shootings and justice is served. 

I worry and pray for my son and his fellow students every day

Is there a real reason for this? Why does God allow this to happen? 

Is it so we can draw closer to God when the bad things do happen? 

I'm thinking so since I'm a believer. 

Well, need to finish this book before my final thoughts 

I do recommend this book because I believe there's a special message everyone needs to read

God bless!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heidi Chiavaroli is a writer, runner, and grace-clinger who could spend hours exploring Boston's Freedom Trail. She writes Women's Fiction and won the 2014 ACFW Genesis contest in the historical category. Both her debut novel, "Freedom's Ring" and her sophomore novel, "The Hidden Side" are Romantic Times Top Picks. "Freedom's Ring" was also a BOOKLIST Top Ten Romance Debut, 2017. She makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, and Howie, her standard poodle. Visit her online at heidichiavaroli.com.

Arms of Mercy by Ruth Reid

ABOUT THE BOOK

On the eve of a new year, Catherine Glick is expecting her bu of five years to propose. Instead, the unexpected arrival of an old boyfriend, Elijah, sends her life spiraling out of control. When a rash decision damages her current relationship, Catherine leaves for Florida to work in her cousin’s bakery—anything to flee the source of her shame.

Elijah Graber knows he hurt Catherine when he left their Amish district six years ago. He’s determined to explain his actions, even if it means following her to Florida. Perhaps their two-day bus trip together will provide enough time for him to make his case and win her back.

Just when Elijah is starting to tear down the walls Catherine has built, their bus skids on an icy road—and amid the mayhem and tragedy that follow, Catherine disappears. Elijah’s friends urge him to prepare for the worst, but Elijah holds on to his hope in God and refuses to give up his search for Catherine. With supernatural nudging from the most unexpected places, Elijah sets out to find the love he once lost—no matter the cost. 

MY REVIEW

I  was delighted to be invited to read this awesome new novel by Ruth Reid.

I really liked this book! 

However;  Abiding Mercy will remain my favorite.

The only thing I didn't really like about the book was that I thought there were some scenes that were too drawn out. In other words I thought that Ruth focused on too much of one thing.

Elijah and Catherine are great people. I thought they were very brave!!

In light of all that has happened throughout this story I think I'd be afraid to travel again if I were them!!

As a believer,  I think that it was wonderful how Ruth added the Angel. I'll never be uncomfortable with a guardian angel!! Where would we be without them?

I liked how she wrote that it was how people were too full of themselves to really "see", what was in front of them.

Even tho I really couldn't get into the 2nd half I still give this book 5 stars because I like Ruth's style of writing and we'll thought out characters. 

Some places in this book will make you cry and hold your breath because you'll want to see what happened to Elijah and Catherine. 

I received this book for free. All opinions are my own

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She's a full-time pharmacist who resides in Florida with her husband and three children

The Hawaiian Discovery by Wanda Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ellen Lambright mourned when her best friend, Mandy, moved from Indiana to Hawaii. But now Ellen has received the Amish church’s permission to go to Hawaii and help Mandy through challenging times. Rob Smith works on the Williams family’s organic farm, far from his past mistakes and burning regrets. 

When Ellen befriends Rob, the attraction is mutual, but her commitment to the Amish faith stands between them. Could a heartfelt discovery lead to forgiveness, reunion, and love? Or is Ellen’s destiny waiting for her in Indiana?

Find out in this sequel to The Hawaiian Quilt from New York Timesbestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, writing with her daughter-in-law Jean Brunstetter.

MY TRIP TO HAWAII

I stayed up late one night to read this book and I very much enjoyed this novel. 

I enjoyed being taken to Hawaii for free and I loved meeting the people there and while I was there
I could actually hear the music being played. This is why I like Wanda and Jean's writing styles. They have a certain style to make you feel these things along with the characters in the book.

I also loved how the author shows us that even tho there are trials and tribulations in life we can overcome them with God's help if we let Him. 

There wasn't much that I didn't like only that I didn't like the deception that went on in the book. But, I guess without that there wouldn't be a story! 

Deception is never good!! As the saying goes" it will all come out in the wash eventually." 

Blaming yourself never is good. All it will do is eat you up on the inside until you take it to God. 

Ellen is a very brave lady. I admired her very much!! For more reasons than one. I just hope that she is paid in full someday for her kindness towards others. 

Wanda thanks you for another awesome read!! I sure hope there will be another Hawaiian story in the future!!
Sadie has to tell her story too!!

I strongly recommend this book.

I received this book for free and all opinions are my own

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com. 

I also loved how the author shows us that even tho there are trials and tribulations

an overcome them with God's help if we let Him. 

There wasn't much that I didn't like only that I didn't like the deception that went on in the book. But, I guess without that there wouldn't be a story! 

Deception is never good!! As the saying goes" it will all come out in the wash eventually." 

Blaming yourself never is good. All it will do is eat you up on the inside until you take it to God. 

Ellen is a very brave lady. I admired her very much!! For more reasons than one. I just hope that she is paid in full someday for her kindness towards others. 

Wanda thanks you for another awesome read!! I sure hope there will be another Hawaii story in the future!!

I strongly recommend this book.

I received this book for free and all opinions are my own

The Amish Teacher's Gift by Rachel J. Good

About the Book

Title: The Amish Teacher’s Gift, Book 1 of the Love & Promises Series

Author: Rachel J Good

Genre: Amish Romance

Release Date: April 24, 2018

Widower Josiah Yoder wants to be a good father. But it’s not easy with a deaf young son who doesn’t understand why his mamm isn’t coming home. At a loss, Josiah enrolls Nathan in a special-needs school and is relieved to see his son immediately comforted by his new teacher, a woman whose sweet charm and gentle smile just might be the balm they both need.

With seven siblings to care for, Ada Rupp wasn’t sure she wanted to take on teaching too. But the moment she holds Nathan in her arms, she realizes she’ll do all she can to help this lost little boy. Plus, it gives her a chance to spend more time with Josiah. Falling for a man in mourning may be against the rules, but his quiet strength is the support Ada never knew she needed. Yet with no time to court and a family secret holding her back, how can she allow herself to fall in love?

Click here to purchased your copy!

 LORI'S REVIEW

I thourghly enjoyed this book very much!! Rachel has done a fabulous job in bringing the special needs children to life along with some other delightful characters!! I didn't want this book to end and it's such a joy to know that there will be another book on the way!! Although, I didn't like the sneak preview at the end of the book bc to me that seems to ruin the 2nd book for me. I like to look forward to a book and I will admit that the cover of this book drew me to want to read the book! I love Amish stories the best!! We have Amish around where we live now. Rachel I can't tell you enough on how much I enjoyed this book. I think Nathan is my favorite little boy. I felt sorry for him at first but as always I enjoy watching him change and grow through the right people that could help him. I've said before that grief has no end. Only time can help with that. What would you give to Jesus? I lIke like that phrase!! No one has ever put it that way before. I think that's the best way to heal. Jesus has had our backs in everything we do. All we need to do is ask. I've ask Him into my Heart have you? I received this book for free. All opinions are my own!

About the Author

Rachel J. Good grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events. Rachel loves to travel and visit many different Amish communities.

Rachel is the author of several Amish series in print or forthcoming – Sisters & Friends series, Love & Promises series, and two books in the Hearts of Amish Country series – as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Books and the contemporary novella, Angels Unaware, part of the Hope Chapel series. In addition, she has stories in the anthologies Springs of Love and Love’s Thankful Heart.

She’d love to have you visit her website, or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Bookbub. Rachel also enjoys meeting readers and will be doing talks and booksignings around the country this year. To find out more about Rachel and her books, you can sign up for her newsletter: http://bit.ly/1qwci4Q

Guest Post from Rachel J. Good

Heart-Tugging Research

Sometimes as an author, stories call to you and beg you to write them. This story first tugged at my heart after I spent time with an Amish friend’s special needs child. I thought about writing a book to show how the Amish treat each child as a gift from God. After meeting a hearing-impaired teen girl with Down’s syndrome and seeing how she was encouraged to live up to her potential, the idea grew stronger. This girl later became Martha in the book.

Then at an auction, I watched a young Down’s syndrome boy help the auctioneer by delivering the goods to the bidders. His straw hat tilted a little crookedly, but with a broad smile on his face, he carefully matched items with the correct bidder. He looked so proud of himself and proud to be able to do such an important job. I sat there at the auction and jotted notes for the novel.

Once I knew the topic of the novel, I began my research by visiting Amish schools for special needs, attending auctions to support them, and touring the Community Care Center, where Amish and Mennonite children and adults with special needs get amazing help. The young man in the wheelchair who showed us around was an awesome guide. We peeked into an exercise room, a therapy room, a craft room, several classrooms, a cafeteria, and my favorite—a multi-sensory environment. This room with dark walls lit only by a small row of twinkling Christmas lights had a ball pit (with the plastic balls like some fast food restaurants have in their play areas), a plush recliner, blankets, headphones, and a hammock. Autistic children at the center found this room a great calming atmosphere. I knew this room had to have a place in the book.

I visited a teacher who taught autistic children and learned a lot about programs, therapies, and teaching techniques. After learning the cutting edge techniques she used, I was surprised to realize that the Amish had adopted quite a few of them for their classrooms. I chose a hearing-impaired boy for the hero’s son because I had a nephew with hearing problems, so I could incorporate some of the struggles he had into the story.

I wanted this series to be about the healing power of love, so each book will deal with a different type of healing. When something touches my heart like this, I always pray it will touch the readers’ hearts too.

Blog Stops

Carpe Diem, May 8

Texas Book-aholic, May 8

The Avid Reader, May 9

Among the Reads, May 9

Reading Is My SuperPower, May 10

The Fizzy Pop Collection, May 10

Lighthouse Academy, May 10

Ansel book blog, May 11

Because I said so – and other adventures in parenting. , May 12

Bibliophile Reviews, May 12

Splashes of Joy, May 12

books n baubles, May 13

A Baker’s Perspective, May 13

cherylbbookblog, May 14

Maureen’s Musings, May 14

Captive Dreams Window, May 14

Blossoms and Blessings, May 15

Mary Hake, May 15

Janices book reviews, May 15

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, May 16

SusanLovesBooks, May 16

A Simply Enchanted Life, May 17

proud to be an autism mom, May 17

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 18

Artistic Nobody, May 18 (Spotlight)

margaret kazmierczak, May 18 (Interview)

Quiet Quilter, May 19

Red Headed Book Lady, May 19

Bigreadersite, May 20

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, May 20

Simple Harvest Reads, May 20 (Spotlight)

Pink Granny’s Journey, May 21

Vicky Sluiter, May 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a grand prize package of a tote, an autographed copy of The Amish Teacher’s Gift, and an autographed copy of Hearts Reunited!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cee3/the-amish-teacher-s-gift-celebration-tour-giveaway