Reconciliation by Susan Lantz

ABOUT THE BOOK 

Winter in Southern Maryland's Amish country brings brisk winds, crisp snow, and evenings spent nestled by a warm fireside. For one prodigal daughter, it may also bring a new beginning . . . 

On her baptismal day, Rebecca Zook ran from the church, leaving her stunned Amish community behind. She only wanted to see something of Gott's vast world, but city life didn't turn out as planned. Tricked into a sham marriage, Becky has come home humbled, wiser . . . and pregnant. Her mamm and daed are welcoming, and helping an overburdened young widow gives Becky a new sense of purpose. But after creating such scandal, Becky feels unworthy of a loving husband--let alone a wunderbaar man like Atlee Stauffer.

Atlee knows Becky's situation--and understands why his mother advises him to be careful. Still, this once flighty, flirty girl has become a thoughtful, kind young woman. He's drawn to Becky like a magnet to a nail. One day, he hopes to build a family with her. But first, he must convince her wary, troubled heart to accept forgiveness and love 

MY REVIEW

For by Grace we are saved. Isn't that wonderful! I sure think so! What a wonderful message in this book.

For Becky Zook this was a hard lesson for her to understand. But really not so hard. She just had to open her heart. I feel that I am a lot like her. Too stubborn for my own good at times. I'm too proud to ask for help or I can do it myself. Becky thought she didn't need anyone's help because she made too many mistakes or wasn't good enough. Those are my thoughts as well at times.

Bless Atlee. He is such a good man. His Faith and patience are much stronger than mine and Becky's. Atlee stuck by Becky and never gave up on her. Now that is what I call a very determined man!!

Fear is our biggest enemy. I have this a lot. Fear is what keeps us from moving on. Just what Satan wants us to do. 

I'm glad that Becky was finally able to let go and trust God's judgement and ways. Just learn to trust and believe and then will surely fall into place.

Lena was a wonderful supporting character. She was just what Becky needed. I would love to have her for a big sister myself. Someone that I can tell things to that won't go blabbing to others. 

I'd like to shake Fannie until her test rattles. She reminds me of someone at my work. 

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. No compensations were received and all opinions are my honest opinion.

I recommend this book very strongly

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan Lantz Simpson has been writing stories and poetry ever since she penned her first poem at the age of six. She has always loved the magic of words and how they can entertain and enlighten others. Her love of words led her to earn a degree in English/Education from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in St. Mary’s City, Maryland. She has taught students from pre-kindergarten to high school and has also worked as an editor for the federal government. She also holds a degree in nursing from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and has worked in hospitals and in community health. She writes inspirational stories of love and faith and has published a middle grade novel (Ginger and the Bully). She lives in Southern Maryland and is the mother of two wonderful daughters. She’s also a member of ACFW. When not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, and doing needlework.

Discovery by Sherry A. Burton

ABOUT THE BOOK

While most use their summer breaks for pleasure, third grade teacher Cindy Moore is using her summer vacation to tie up some loose ends concerning her grandmother’s estate. When Cindy enters the storage unit that holds her grandmother’s belongings, she is merely looking for items she can sell to recoup some of the rental fees she’s spent paying for the unit. Instead, what she finds are secrets her grandmother has taken to the grave with her. The more Cindy uncovers, the more she wants to know. Why was her grandmother abandoned by her own mother? Why hadn’t she told Cindy she’d lived in an orphanage? And how come her grandmother never mentioned she’d made history as one of the children who rode the Orphan Trains? Join Cindy as she uncovers her grandmother’s hidden past and discovers the life that stole her grandmother’s love.

MY REVIEW

Oh my!! There is one thing that I can relate to in this beautiful story and that is adoption.

Adoption is a beautiful thing. I'm not ashamed of who I am or who raised me. To me those are my real parents!

I loved this story because

1 it was different than what I am used to reading. I felt like I was looking at Michigan back then through the eyes of a young girl who was amazed at everything she saw while on the train.

2. What a wonderful time to be loving in as we saw all of the different things being invented!! How must it feel to be riding in your very first motor car or seeing something new for the first time.

3. It was a sad kind of story too.

It wasn't anyone's but her fault for losing out on so many things!! People are meant to be loved! Not taken for granted. But yet, at the same time I understood.

4. I had a grandma too. When she passed at first I had an extremely hard time going through her things. She had many interesting stuff and so did my grandfather. I miss my grandparents. The stories they could tell!! Too bad they weren't written down!! 

Grandparents are a cool thing to have!! Even though I was adopted I still loved them and they loved me.

I loved that my grandparents also lived during the dust bowl years even though they didn't really tell that story.

Oh and just for the record you'd better have some tissues next to you. I sniffled some and snickered as well.

I stayed up most of the night to finish this book because it was so good!! And best of all it's a very clean read!!

I can't wait for y'all to read this cool book!!

I received a copy from Netgalley and no compensation were received. All opinions are my own!!

A definite 5 or more stars for sure!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sherry A. Burton was born in Kentucky and married a Navy man at the age of eighteen. She and her husband have three children and seven grandchildren. After moving around the country, and living in nine different states, Sherry and her husband retired to Michigan's thumb, where they had previously spent fourteen years. 

Sherry writes full time and is currently hard at work on the second installment of her planned eighteen-book Orphan Train Saga. 

When Sherry is not writing, she enjoys traveling to lectures and signing events, where she shares her books and speaks about the Orphan Train

Love like Sky by Leslie C. Youngblood

ABOUT THE  BOOK

"Love ain't like that."

"How is it then?" Peaches asked, turning on her stomach to face me.

"It's like sky. If you keep driving and driving, gas will run out, right?"

"That's why we gotta go to the gas station."

"Yep. But have you ever seen the sky run out? No matter how far we go?"

"No, when we look up, there it is."

"Well that's the kind of love Daddy and Mama got for us, Peaches--love like sky."

"It never ends?"

"Never."

G-baby and her younger sister, Peaches, are still getting used to their "blended-up" family. They live with Mama and Frank out in the suburbs, and they haven't seen their real daddy much since he married Millicent. G-baby misses her best friend back in Atlanta, and is crushed that her glamorous new stepsister, Tangie, wants nothing to do with her.

G-baby is so preoccupied with earning Tangie's approval that she isn't there for her own little sister when she needs her most. Peaches gets sick-really sick. Suddenly, Mama and Daddy are arguing like they did before the divorce, and even the doctors at the hospital don't know how to help Peaches get better.

It's up to G-baby to put things right. She knows Peaches can be strong again if she can only see that their family's love for her really is like sky.

MY REVIEW

I'm hoping that this author will write another one about G-baby and her blended up family.

This book is more than adequate for middle schoolers or any adult. 

I am adding this author to my long list of favorite people.

I can relate to G baby in some of the things that were mentioned in this book. Like moving to a new state new school and making new friends and somewhere along the line wwith a step mother as well but this didn't happen to me until 1998 after I was old enough and my real mom passed away.

While I can't relate to is the big sister thing because I was raised alone I still sympathize with G-baby. One thing I've never heard love being described as Love keeps going on like Sky. I love the phrase? Where was this when I was growing up or I was raising my son?

To me God is live like Sky. He is awesome and helps us along the way. I sometimes keep forgetting to ask and trust. 

I also loved this because the author shows us that family is everything. We stick together through thick and thin lime glue no matter what.

Love like Sky shows us that love will prevail no matter what.

I missed this growing up by myself. Oh I had a few friends that would stick up for me but as I grew I learned to stick up for myself. 

G baby us my little heroine. She's strong loveable and at times can be funny. And most of all a huge blessing because she taught me a few things as well as reminded me of a few childhood memories.

It's tough being a kid at times but I sometimes wish I could go back just to have my family around me again. I'm sole survivor of my immediate family.

I strongly recommend having a box of tissues with you as you read this.

I laughed and cried with G baby. 

G baby I look forward to meeting you again. I love you lots!!!

I received a copy from my library. I wished I'd known this was on Netgalley but I still enjoyed it!!

No compensations were received all opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leslie C. Youngblood received an MFA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. A former

assistant professor of creative writing at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, she has lectured at

Mississippi State University, UNC-Greensboro, and the University of Ghana at Legon. She’s been

awarded a host of writing honors, including a 2014 Yaddo’s Elizabeth Ames Residency, the Lorian

Hemingway Short Story Prize, a Hurston Wright Fellowship, and the Room of Her Own Foundation’s

2009 Orlando Short Story Prize. In 2010 she won the Go On Girl! Book Club Aspiring Writer Award. Born

in Bogalusa, Louisiana, and raised in Rochester, New York, her debut novel, Love Like Sky, will be published November 6, 2018, Disney Hyperion. 

Ellie's Redemption by Molly Jebber

ABOUT THE BOOK

The comforting aroma of fresh baked-and-buttered bread. The hearty spice of cinnamon-oatmeal bars and hot coffee. In 1912 Ohio, The Amish Charm Bakery is the sweet sustaining center of a faith-abiding town built on peace, forgiveness--and ever-surprising love . . . 

Ellie Graber couldn't be happier working at Amish Charm--and making good on a precious chance to reunite with her Amish community. Grief over her mother's death made her rebel and try the Englischer world, but now she's home to start again. And quiet, thoughtful Joel Wenger is one of the few willing to understand her as their unexpected friendship develops into something much more . . .

But no matter how hard Ellie tries, Joel's mother resolutely refuses to approve of her--much less accept her as a potential daughter-in-law. And as painful misunderstandings and a beautiful rival for Joel's affections threaten to separate the couple for good, can they bridge the gap between distrust and faith to secure a lifetime of love?

MY REVIEW

This Amish author has won my heart as a favorite top 10 authors I enjoy supporting.

I enjoy reading her books because they always remind us that forgiveness and trust are essential to our daily lives. Jesus says that we are to forgive as he would 7 times daily ( I think that's how it goes). Bit anyway it's a good reminder.

We are also not to judge others. I thought it was unfair that Joel treated Ellie as he did. I know that what Ellie told him was a lot to take in but at least she had some backbone to fess up. I think I would've done the same because if you denied it it would eventually come out in the end. 

I think I like Peter best. I like him because he loves everyone until they give him a reason not to. I'm the same way.

Mrs. Wengard reminds me too much of my mother in law. Too controlling and wrapping her attention all into one child. It's truly sad when a parent does that

In some ways I'm glad I'm an only child. 

I admired Ellie for trying to change and behave herself. I consider her a prime example of living the way Amish do despite her bad past. But then don't we all have a past or skeletons that we're ashamed of. It's called love and forgiveness.

Joel also had a past but not the same. I do think he learned a lesson the hard way. I felt like he blew things out of perspective but I'm glad things worked out. 

Did I say God intervenes? Yes, He does but only in His own time. Sometimes its in our favor and some not so good. He always closes one door only to open another. Isn't that great?! All we need to do is ask and walk the walk. 

I also enjoyed this story because Ohio was used a backdrop as the setting. I'm from Marysville so not too far from where this story takes place.

I can't wait for y'all to read this sweet little read!! It's full of excitement and action!!

I received this book from Netgalley. No compensations were received and all opinions are my own

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I said to my loving husband, Ed, “I’ve always wanted to write a book. A story that readers would get lost in for a while.” He said, “Do it!” My daughter, Misty, brother, Mitch, and Mom, Sue said, “Take Ed’s advice, do it!” So I did. The road wasn’t easy, but the education, Amish research, and ride along the way to getting published taught me to take my favorite verse to heart.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13 

Why Amish Inspirational Romance? 

I love their dedication to serve God. I visited Amish Country in Ohio many times. They work hard and have such a close knit friendship with each other. It’s heartwarming and uplifting. At the same time, they face hardships and difficult problems just like we do.

God answered my prayers and gave me the best mentor, author, and friend, Patricia Campbell, to hone my skills. I’m blessed to have Dawn Dowdle as my agent, and John S. from Kensington as my editor. 

I’m thank for you, the reader, for being interested in my book! 

I’d love to hear from you. www.mollyjebber.com

Join my newsletter. Like my facebook author page, or send me an email. 

A Better Dcember

ABOUT THE BOOK

Know someone FRAZZLED or SAD this Christmas? A Better December by Steve Estes applies Solomons Proverbs to holiday stresses. Playful and tiny, this illustrated work would be a good gift for your unbelieving friends as it gently introduces Jesus during a month when they are more receptive.

MY REVIEW

This little book can be used for church groups or families around Christmas time or just all year round!!  And yes, it

can even be used for around the house while company is waiting for you to finish up dinner or whatever the case may be. It may be that the person looking through might want to ask questions and possibly could have a lively discussion on the book.

King Solomon goes over everything in this little book even adding humor to it. I think it would even bring those that are skeptical, unbelievers to follow Jesus.  

It would also help those that are depressed around Christmastime to remind them that there is someone that does love them and all they would have to do is ask Him. 

I pray that this book would be a blessing to those that receive this for a gift and that they would have a better December or maybe the whole year because of it  

I received this book from the publisher. No compensations were received and all opinions are my own

I couldn't find no information on this particular author. I usually like to add this at the end of my blog. Sorry guys!!!  

Prepare Him Room by Marty Machowski

ABOUT THE BOOK

 Christmas traditions become a treasured part of a familys heritage, passed down from generation to generation. This brand new, four-week devotional guides your family on an unforgettable advent journey, exploring some of the most wonderful prophecies in the Bible and how God fulfills them in Christ. From Bible devotions which tell the Christmas story through the eyes of the prophets to an original Christmas short story called Bartimaeus,Prepare Him Roomhelps you build family Christmas traditions around Christ. The memorable and meaningful activities, songs, and stories of Prepare Him Roomwill become the fabric of your familys Christmas memories. So gather them to watch the amazing gospel story unfold every December for generations to come!

MY REVIEW

I know that this is a little late and I apologize but here lately I've had a lot going on in my life and I just wasn't able to do this until now.

This is such a delightful little devotional book. It's great for families and it can also be used for Sunday school groups during Advent.

It also has great instructions for making things related to Christmas and the children will love it too.

I too love Christmas songs and when the season is over I am disappointed. It's like everything goes back to normal. Sometimes that is good and others it isn't
To me, Christmas is special. It's when we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus.
We should celebrate Him everyday and look up to him to lead the way for He is returning soon!! I so can't wait!! Are you ready?

I relieved a complimentary copy from the publisher and no compensations were received. All opinions are my own. 

I strongly recommend this for everyone!! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marty Machowski serves as the Executive Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for over 30 years. He is the author of The Ology, a systematic theology for children, Long Story Short, Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God, The Gospel Story Sunday School Curriculum and the companion Gospel Story Children's Bible. Marty enjoys writing "study fiction," a genre he developed that combines Bible study with engaging fiction. Dragon Seed, a novel for teens, and Prepare Him Room, an Advent devotional for families combine these two elements. He and his wife Lois and their six children reside in West Chester Pennsylvania area.

Marty recently became the proud grandfather of Zion Thaddeus Mahalik, born to his oldest daughter and her husband Destin. With the addition of grandchildren, Marty’s desire to get the gospel to the next generation was freshly invigorated. Currently, Marty has five additional books in the works to be published, all of which look to equip parents to share the gospel with their children.

A SILKEN THREAD BY KIM VOGEL SAWYER

ABOUT THE BOOK

For readers who love a heartwarming romance and a rich historical setting comes a tale of a young woman with a heavy burden, the International Cotton Exposition, and the pursuit of true love.

Eighteen-year-old Laurel Millard, youngest of seven children, is expected to stay home and "take care of Mama" by her older siblings, but Laurel has dreams of starting her own family. Operating a silk loom at the Atlanta Exposition will give her the chance to capture the heart of a man wealthy enough to take care of Laurel and any children she might bear, as well as her mother.

Brendan Rochester's parents have given him an ultimatum: settle down with a wife or lose his family inheritance. At the Exposition, Brendan meets Laurel. Marrying her would satisfy his parents's command, she would look lovely on his arm for social events, and in her besotted state, he believes she would overlook him continuing pursuing rowdy adventures with his unmarried buddies. Brendan decides to woo Laurel. Willie Sharp is not well-off and must take on an extra job at the Atlanta Exposition as a security guard. When mischief-makers cause trouble in the Women's Building, Willie is put in charge of keeping the building secure. He enjoys visiting with Laurel, who seems like the little sister he never had, but his feelings for Laurel change to something much deeper. Can Willie convince Laurel that he can give her better life--even with so little to offer?

MY REVIEW

As always Kim has written another wonderful book! I'm always looking forward to seeing what she comes out with next!

I did learn something new about the cotton exposition since I didn't know it even existed. This is why I love historical fiction because I'm always learning something new.

I hated to see this story end. 

Laurel is such a delight! I enjoyed her immensely! Her character is a strong in Faith and I love her personality!

I did hate how her brother and sisters treated her. I think everyone should take care of each other. I didn't like how the older brother thought he was better than everyone else. 

I couldn't imagine having that many kids but I can relate to that because my dad came from a large family.

Willie was pretty special in my book.

I loved Willie. I loved that he stood up for what he believed in

It reminds of me of Aaron Tipons song you've got to stand up for what you believe in and not fall for anything else.

I guess I'm lucky not to be part of the rich society. I'd be a very unhappy person. I wouldn't fit in because of my beliefs.

I wish everyone would just get along.

It is what Jesus wants us to do.

I enjoyed this book to the fullest and I am grateful for Netgalley for allowing me to read an early copy.

All opinions are my own and no compensations were received

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning, bestselling author Kim Vogel Sawyer told her kindergarten teacher that someday people would check out her book in the library. The little-girl dream came true in 2006 with the release of Waiting for Summer's Return. Kim's titles now exceed 1.5 million copies and are available in six different language. A former elementary school teacher, she now enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Kim's passion lies in writing stories that point the reader to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. When Kim isn't writing, you'll find her traveling with her retired military hubby, spoiling her granddarlings, petting the cats, quilting, or--as time allows--participating in community theater. You can learn more about Kim's writing and speaking ministries at her website, KimVogelSawyer.com. 

A Bound Heart by Laura Franz

ABOUT THE BOOK

Though Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall grew up on the same castle grounds, Magnus is now laird of the great house and the Isle of Kerrera. Lark is but the keeper of his bees and the woman he is hoping will provide a tincture that might help his ailing wife conceive and bear him an heir. But when his wife dies suddenly, Magnus and Lark find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of accusations, expelled from their beloved island, and sold as indentured servants across the Atlantic. Yet even when all hope seems dashed against the rocky coastline of the Virginia colony, it may be that in this New World the two of them could make a new beginning--together.

Laura Frantz's prose sparkles with authenticity and deep feeling as she digs into her own family history to share this breathless tale of love, exile, and courage in Colonial America.

MY REVIEW

Loved Loved this book!! 

I stayed up til 3 am to try and finish this awesome story about Lark and Magnus!! 

I also loved that this was based on the author's ancestors. How truly fascinating!! I wish I knew my family history!! But alas I am adopted.

However I do know that my adopted father's family came directly from Germany! 

But anyway, I held my breath in some places and was rooting for the characters the next. 

Lark is a magnificent woman!!! Her faith just astounds me!! It's like o wow!! I admired how she got through the tough times.

Little Larkin bless his soul. I think he had to be my little hero!!! Be times I wanted to reach into the story and hold him myself!! Makes me sometimes miss having a little one to hold!! So I imagined getting to hold him in the story. It's funny how babies sense things. I loved how Larkin didn't like certain men but he took to others. Smart baby I hope his story continues!!

Magnus is something else. He knows how to get things done!! I love how he loved the Lord as well as Lark did. 

I am thinking that this story is telling us not to marry someone that is unequal or an unbeliever I should say.

It would make a marriage more fullfilling. 

I also believe that people shouldn't own one another. It's wrong on all accounts

Sometimes waiting patiently can be very rewarding!! In my opinion it makes that person a little more appreciate the finer things in life!

Way to go Magnus and Lark!!

Oh I also loved Lark because she has red hair like me lol!!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was no compensations were received All opinions are my own

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, , Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Frantz lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California.Readers can find Laura Frantz at www.laurafrantz.net.