Margareete's Harbor by Eleanor Morse

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

A literary novel set on the coast of Maine during the 1960s, tracing the life of a family and its matriarch as they negotiate sharing a home.

Margreete’s Harbor begins with a fire: a fiercely-independent, thrice-widowed woman living on her own in a rambling house near the Maine coast forgets a hot pan on the stovetop, and nearly burns her place down.

When Margreete Bright calls her daughter Liddie to confess, Liddie realizes that her mother can no longer live alone. She, her husband Harry, and their children Eva and Bernie move from a settled life in Michigan across the country to Margreete’s isolated home, and begin a new life.

Margreete’s Harbor tells the story of ten years in the history of a family: a novel of small moments, intimate betrayals, arrivals and disappearances that coincide with America during the late 1950s through the turbulent 1960s. Liddie, a professional cellist, struggles to find space for her music in a marriage that increasingly confines her; Harry’s critical approach to the growing war in Vietnam endangers his new position as a high school history teacher; Bernie and Eva begin to find their own identities as young adults; and Margreete slowly descends into a private world of memories, even as she comes to find a larger purpose in them.

MY REVIEW

I really enjoyed the time period and the family that was placed in it. This era 

I think for me that this was a hard book for me to read. Why you ask?

I feel that dementia is a hard thing to address. While I might not have any experience in that area I can't imagine what it must be like for the families that do. My heart went out to Margareet and her family.

There were places in the book that I wanted to cry because it was so very sad. In many cases in this story I even snickered at some of the scenes.

I think the author has done an excellent job on this subject and has managed to bring it to life so us readers can get a glimpse of how families deal with this issue.

The characters in this beautiful story were well rounded out and I enjoyed in getting to know each character. Margareet especially. I thought she was a jem.

This book deserves 5 stars and more! I am looking forward to more from this author.

My thanks to Netgalley for a beautiful story. One that I highly recommend. This is one of a few books that I've read that wouldn't let me put it down until I was finished. It also left me thinking about the characters especially Margareet long after the story was finished.

I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELEANOR MORSE is the author of White Dog Fell from the Sky and An Unexpected Forest, which won the Independent Publisher’s Gold Medalist Award for Best Regional Fiction in the Northeast United States, and was selected as the Winner of the Best Published Fiction by the Maine writers and Publishers Alliance. Morse has taught in adult education programs, in prisons, and in university systems, both in Maine and in southern Africa. She lives on Peaks Island, Maine.

Almost a Bride by Jody Hedlund

ALMOST A BRIDE BY JODY HEDLUND

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Always close, but never a bride.

Longing to find true love, Kate Millington arrives in British Columbia on a bride ship. With countless men waiting to snag a bride, Kate has no trouble getting engaged. It’s staying engaged that’s the problem. After traveling to the remote mining town of Williamsville to marry her newest fiancé, she finds herself single again.

As the prosperous owner of a gold mine, Zeke Hart has everything he’s ever wanted except for a wife. At Kate’s arrival, he takes it upon himself to protect his childhood friend from the men clamoring to court her. The more he renews her friendship, the more he wants to win her for himself. But as much as Kate admires Zeke, she’s resolved not to marry someone who doesn’t share her faith.

When Zeke begins receiving anonymous threats, he unwittingly puts them both in grave danger. In the midst of peril, the past rises up to haunt them both, and Zeke realizes the fight for Kate’s affection may be his biggest challenge yet.

MY REVIEW

What a wonderful ending to this series! Hedlund has outdone herself in this book. I love the research that she has put into these books to bring the women to life. It's just amazing how these women have left everything they know to begin anew. How much courage and determination that must've taken!

I finished this book about 2 am because I wanted to see what Zeke and Kate would end up doing. I wasn't disappointed! However; I was surprised at the twist the story took. I hadn't seen that one coming at all. To me, that's what makes a great story!

I think the character's that I most liked were Mr. Peabody and his grandson Wendell. Wendell sort of reminded me of Percival on the tv show Little House. I'm not sure why he just does. Wendell tickled me pink with his calculations and outlook on life.

Mr. Peabody especially because of his eagerness to "look" after Zeke as his housekeeper. I especially loved his outlook on life. To me, a housekeeper like that only comes around once in a lifetime.

I had so much fun reading this series that I hated to see it end but I'm looking forward to seeing what she comes out with next! It makes the anticipation that much more exciting! Anything she writes is good!

I highly recommend.

My thanks for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jody Hedlund is the author of over thirty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

Love and a Little White Lie by Tammy L. Gray

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

January Sanders grew up believing karma was more reliable than an imaginary higher power, but after suffering her worst heartbreak in 29 years, she's open to just about anything, including taking a temporary position at her aunt's church. Keeping her lack of faith a secret, January is determined to use her photographic memory to help Grace Community's overworked staff, all while scraping herself off rock bottom.

What she doesn't count on is meeting the church's handsome and charming guitarist, who not only is a strong believer, but has also dedicated his life to Christian music. It's a match set for disaster, and yet January has no ability to stay away, even if it means pretending to have faith in a God she doesn't believe in.

Only this time, keeping secrets isn't as easy as she thought it would be. Especially when she's constantly running into her aunt's landscape architect, who seems to know everything about her past and present sins and makes no apologies about pushing her to deal with feelings she'd rather keep buried.

Torn between two worlds incapable of coexisting, can January find the healing that's eluded her or will her resistance to the truth ruin any chance of happiness?

MY REVIEW

I know that this is a silly reason to like a character but January’s name is so unique that I really loved it! Not only that my birthday is in January.
I felt January’s emotions coming to me loud and clear and I admired her for the changes that she went through. After all, it’s not easy to change especially when you’ve been raised one way only to find out something different!
I simply loved January’s aunt! So very easy to get to know and love! Everyone needs an Aunt like her!
This book is just simply a beautiful read! I was drawn immediately into the book and I didn’t really want to say goodbye to the characters!
Will I read another book by this author again? Yes, I will! She’s just that good!
Gray adds some beautiful Christian verses in this book and some I believe you’ll be familiar with. (I found myself looking up some of them.)
Cameron is a wonderful supporting character. If I was to have a friend I’d want it to be him.
I don’t want to give away anything else because it will spoil it for other readers. So, let’s just I highly recommend this book and I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tammy L. Gray lives in the Dallas area with her family, and they love all things Texas, even the erratic weather patterns. Her nine modern and true-to-life contemporary romances include 2017 RITA award winning, My Hope Next Door, and show her unending quest to write high quality, culturally relevant stories with relatable and flawed characters.

When not taxiing her three kids to various school and sporting events, Tammy can be spotted crunching numbers as the financial administrator at her hometown church. Writing has given her a platform to combine her passion with her ministry all while sharing the messy, yet remarkable journey that is a faith-filled life.

Tammy L. Gray has lots of projects going on. For all the latest info, visit her website at http://tammylgray.com

I'd love to hear from all of you! Come join me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tlgraybooks or twitter @tlgraybooks 

The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Ivy Rose returns to her hometown to oversee an estate sale, she soon discovers that her grandmother left behind more than trinkets and photo frames--she provided a path to the truth behind Ivy's adoption. Shocked, Ivy seeks clues to her past, but a key piece to the mystery is missing.

Twenty-four years earlier, Harvey James finds an abandoned newborn who gives him a sense of human connection for the first time in his life. His desire to care for the baby runs up against the stark fact that he is homeless. When he becomes entwined with two people seeking to help him find his way, Harvey knows he must keep the baby a secret or risk losing the only person he's ever loved.

In this dual-time story from debut novelist Amanda Cox, the truth--both the search for it and the desire to keep it from others--takes center stage as Ivy and Harvey grapple with love, loss, and letting go.

MY REVIEW

This book was terrific! I couldn’t put the book down because I needed to see what happens between Reese and Ivy. I did laugh at some of their antics in the book because that’s what friends do.

There were also some places that my heart broke for the characters too. I found myself wanting to pray for them, as well. Have y’all ever done that? Ivy’s story spoke to my heart so much because you see, I’ve been adopted too, and my parents were vague about it, just like Ivy’s parents. 

I love this quote that Ivy’s mom said, “You and Reese will change one way or another, whether you like it or not. You can’t hang on to what once was forever.”

So many times, I wish I could hang on to the past, but then we couldn’t enjoy what God has in store for us now, could we? Friends like Reese and Ivy are a rarity indeed.  For once you find one, you’d better hang on to them. For they will always be there for you no matter what.

This is a new to me author who I will be adding to my long, long list of favorites! This story will pull you in from the beginning and not let you go. It will leave you thinking about it long after it’s over. I didn’t want it to end. It was so good! I highly recommend this book. 

I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR




Amanda Cox is a blogger and a curriculum developer for a national nonprofit youth leadership organization, but her first love is communicating through story. She holds a bachelor's degree in Bible and theology and a master's degree in professional counseling. Her studies and her interactions with hurting families over a decade have allowed her to create multidimensional characters that connect emotionally with readers.

An Amish Husband for Tillie by Amy Lillard

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

For the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi, all roads lead to faith, family, and tradition, even when the path is unconventional—especially at Christmas . . .

 

Tillie Gingerich is so in love with Melvin Yoder that she agrees to leave her conservative Amish home to live with him in the English world. But when the struggle to make ends meet leads to conflict, and reveals troubling weaknesses in their relationship, Tillie returns to Pontotoc—pregnant and unmarried. Her loving family accepts her, but to convince the rest of the community, they must turn to the bishop. Distraught, Tillie runs away on Christmas Eve—only to get as far as an isolated house on the edge of town.

 

Levi Yoder, Melvin’s upright distant cousin, is grieving the loss of his wife and wants to be alone. He is hardly pleased to open his door and find a pregnant woman––a painful reminder of all he’s lost. But with an ice storm approaching, he can’t turn Tillie away. Yet as morning nears, the miracle of Christmas brings unexpected challenges, opportunities—and promises for

the future . . .

 

MY REVIEW

Faith, love and trust are the main theme in this book. I feel that fans of Amish fiction will love this book just as much if not more than I did.

I love how God orchestrates things don't you? I know I do and this book does an excellent job in showing that.

I'm glad that Tillie finally got her own story! Yay! I certainly enjoyed in getting to know her and from the very beginning I felt I already knew her from the previous books.

This woman definitely has courage. More than anyone I"ve met in real life. I wish I were more like her. Her, not her circumstances in life. However: they can happen to anyone and how different people handle it makes a difference.

My heart went out to Levi. I won't say why because I don't want to give away any more things about this book.

Grief has no time limit and some people heal in their own way.

I know it took me a long time to get over my loss. It's not easy so I certainly sympathized with Levi.

Lillard has done an excellent job of telling this story. She definitely makes you turn the pages to see what happens to Levi and Tillie.

I appreciate it because of the inspirational messages that were woven throughout the book. It's one of the many reasons why I love Amish fiction.

My many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review for this book and all opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son--a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels--not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I adore romances.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.)

Favorite movies--(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940's movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's

The Gentleman Spy by Erica Vetsch

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

He only wanted a duchess for a day―but she's determined to make it a marriage for life

When his father and older brother suddenly pass away, the new Duke of Haverly is saddled with a title he never expected to bear. To thwart the plans of his scheming family, the duke impulsively marries a wallflower. After all, she's meek and mild; it should be easy to sequester her in the country and get on with his life―as a secret agent for the Crown.

But his bride has other ideas. She's determined to take her place not only as his duchess but as his wife. As a duchess, she can use her position to help the lowest of society―the women forced into prostitution because they have no skills or hope. Her endeavors are not met favorably in society, nor by her husband who wishes she'd remain in the background as he ordered.

Can the duke succeed in relegating her to the sidelines of his life? When his secrets are threatened with exposure, will his new wife be an asset or a liability? 

MY REVIEW

I wanted to read this book so bad and I finally got my wish! I sure wasn't disappointed that's for sure!

I definitely wish I could give this book more than 5 stars! This book ya'll was just so amazing that it was very hard to put down.

I really admired Marcus for being so down to Earth despite his newfound status. Just simply dreamy! But, oh my did I ever feel sorry for him! Putting up with his nagging mother and all. I love the way he just let all of her nagging roll off his shoulder just as pretty as you please! I wish I could do that with my mother in law she sounds just exactly like her that it almost scary!

I adored Charlotte. You go girl! I love how you stood up for yourself in this book! I applauded you all the way! Charlotte has a heart of gold. Always wanting to help others and being down to Earth as well.

I thought that Charlotte and Marcus would make a great team!

There's a hint of mystery going on in this book as well. I loved guessing at who it was! I wasn't quite sure what to make of it when I found out who it was but yet at the same time I wasn't surprised. I had my suspiciions.

This is an excellent beach read that will pass away your afternoon before you know it!

All these wonderful character all blended in to make a perfect guessing at whodunit. This author sure knows her stuff. I really enjoy her books a lot!

I highly recommend this book and all of her books!

My thanks to Revell/Baker Publishing group for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. She’s a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota, and she married her total opposite and soul mate! When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks. You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com where you can read about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/EricaVetschA... where she spends way too much time!

The Stone Wall by Beverly Lewis

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Anna is eager to begin a new chapter in her life as a Lancaster County tour guide in the picturesque area where her Plain grandmother once stayed. Anna wishes she could talk with her grandmother about those long-ago days, but the elderly woman suffers from Alzheimer's, and beyond a vague hint about an old stone wall, much about that time is a mystery. Thankfully, Martin Nolt, a handsome Mennonite, takes the young Beachy Amish woman under his wing for her training, familiarizing her with the many local highlights, including Peaceful Meadows Horse Retreat, which serves children with special needs. The retreat's mission so inspires Anna that she returns to volunteer, and she quickly strikes up a friendship with Gabe Allgyer, the young Amish widower who manages it.

As Anna grows closer to both Martin and Gabe, she finds herself faced with a difficult choice--one in potential conflict with the expectations of her parents. Will Anna find true love and the truth about her grandmother's past in Lancaster County? Or will she find only heartbreak?

MY REVIEW

Friends I just had to write this review even though I'm not finished with the book yet. I was so excited when I seen this book because it's not often that a Beverly Lewis book is on Netgalley. Of course, I downloaded it right away!

I wasn't disappointed! Her books are always a treat to read! I'm almost finished with this one because I just couldn't put it down. I'm tired but it's a good kind of tired. I haven't read a book quite this good in a long while and plus I've been in a reading slump so this was just what I needed to pick my reading back up.

There are so many interesting places that were named in this book and Lewis has done a very good job in describing them that I felt like I was there seeing it through Anna's eyes and helping the tourists myself!

Her faith in God is truly amazing and I sometimes envy her for that because sometimes I find myself getting very discouraged sometimes ( many times) actually. Faith is never easy that's for sure and for me it's been a challenge throughout the years.

Yes, life can be discouraging but if we let it, it can and will keep us hostage as long as we let it if that makes sense.

There are lots of good quotes in this book and some of them are really uplifting. I consider them a gentle reminder from God to always look to Him and let Him guide us if it's His will. Through Him all good things will come if we trust Him enough and put Him in our lives first.

Anna is a girl who loves books just like me. I always like to keep one handy. You never know when you might need one to pass the time. History is a favorite of mine. I love learning things and refreshing myself at times too.

I think Anna's occupation is very interesting. I could imagine myself doing her job.

The many characters that are in this story is interesting like horse therapy. I enjoyed meeting Gabe and seeing his farm. A very interesting occupation as well.

I got to go to an Amish farm on a tour bus one year and I really enjoyed it. Our tour guide was Mennonite and she was a cousin to the people whose farm we were going to. It was such a fun day.

I really highly recommend this book. It is going on my fall list of 2020 books to read and I think I"ll also add it to my shelf along with my favorite books.

Thank you Beverly Lewis for another fine book! I always look forward to your stories and they are such a treat!

My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this fine book and I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own!

ABOUT THE BOOK

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."

We Go On by Regina Walker

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for We Go On by Regina Walker, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: We Go On
Author: Regina Walker
Release Date: June 12, 2020
Genre: Inspirational Fiction

Content Warning: This book deals with loss by suicide and the grief a family endures.

Life has been comfortable for the Miller family. Liz and Josh have devoted their lives to raising their two sons. Their oldest son, Colby, reached adulthood and set out on his own. A few hard knocks sent him back to live with Mom and Dad until life got to be too much, that is. As Liz and Josh grapple with the hole in their hearts left by Colby’s early departure from this world, they find themselves at odds with one another and with their faith.

Will they remember that Jesus is enough in the middle of this dark storm? Will they see through their own pain and help each other and their teenage son, Tyler, learn to live despite the grief?


PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository  

EXCERPT

From the backseat came a deep grunt that Josh accepted as affirmative. He reached over for Liz’s hand. He weaved his fingers between hers and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. His insides knotted when a moment passed, and then another, and she didn’t squeeze back. Just as he told himself to stop thinking about it, she squeezed his hand and looked over at him. Her damp eyes made him ache inside all over again, but this time for her instead of toward her.

Jesus, how are we ever going to overcome this? One day I think I see the sun peeking through this dark storm and then the next the rain crashes down. I’m tired. Please let this trip be refreshing for Liz. Help her see Your love and Your purpose. Don’t let this heartache swallow her up. I need her, Lord. I really need her.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Regina Walker was born in the beautiful state of Colorado. She moved to Oklahoma in her late teen years, where she has resided ever since. She likes to curl up on the couch and binge-watch crime shows with her hard-working husband. When she's not wrestling with a writing project, she can be found wrangling their children, riding their horses, or tending the garden. Along with finding horses on their small farm, chickens, dogs, and cats can be found at nearly every turn.

Regina crafts compelling characters facing some of life's hardest challenges. Her heart's desire is to always point toward Jesus through the way her characters face challenges, relationships, and adversity.

CONNECT WITH REGINA: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive his/her choice of bookish socks or a bookish candle!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight August 10, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on August 17, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

 

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

A Springtime Heart by Marta Perry

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

A second chance at love blooms in the quaint Amish community of Promise Glen, from national bestselling author Marta Perry.

Dorcas Beiler's reckless teenage years are far behind her. She's serious and responsible now, and the good people of Promise Glen trust her with the education of their children. But when her first love returns after years of exile from the community, her past comes rushing back. Thomas is the only one who knows her secret, and despite his careless charm and teasing manner, she refuses to let her guard down.

Thomas Fisher has plans. Plans to start a construction company and prove himself a success to all those who doubted him, and plans to find the woman he left behind. His chance comes when he lands the opportunity to rebuild the stable and shed at the community school. He won't be paid for his time, but he'll be able to showcase his abilities...and spend time with Dorcas.

Scenting love in the air, Dorcas's young pupils make excuses to bring them together. As old feelings stir, Dorcas and Thomas wonder whether their first love might also be their last. 

MY REVIEW

A Springtime Heart is a sweet read that's about regrets, hurtful choices that we make and forgiveness which is sometimes the hardest thing for us to do. It's because of the old deceitful pride.

I enjoyed this novel to the fullest and I do love Marta Perry.

I was glad to see a few of the other characters back like Sarah, Noah and the boys Matthew and Mark.

They were my favorites and still are.

Dorcas is my heroine because of the way she handled things in this story. Her kind but firm and caring ways made me wish that all teachers were like her. I loved how Perry has made this character so realistic that I felt her pain come to me from the pages of this book. I couldn't imagine carrying around that kind of guilt from years before. I admire her very much.

Thomas is equally amazing although I know for a fact that forgiveness doesn't come that easy or that quick. I had a falling out with my own father and didn't forgive until years later. He's strong, stalwart, and most of all very very stubborn!

Trust is the main theme of this book. Once you break that trust it's hard to get it back. It's a delicate subject in my opinion.

I've had my trust broken many a time and I'm sure it won't be the last. We are after all human.

I love the Amish view of life and the way the author has portrayed these characters. She's shown us that the Amish really aren't that different from us. Their thoughts, feelings, spreading gossip etc

Gossip can hurt especially the ones we love. Gossip can be devastating. It tends to break up families if we let it. I hate gossip!

And last but not least, here's my favorite "Where ever love leads you must follow." " You'll have to go with him wherever he goes."

"Home she thought snuggling up against him and feeling the strength of his arms around her. Mammi was right. Where they were together that was home.

Home has different meanings for different people but in this case, I think the author just may have hit a home run where this is concerned. There's never a truer word spoken especially when it comes from the heart.

I highly recommend this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review but I did so anyway because I loved this book. All opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marta Perry is a Pennsylvania-based author of over 35 novels, many of them inspirational romances. She uses her rural Pennsylvania life and her Pennsylvania Dutch heritage in writing her books, especially in her Pleasant Valley Amish series for Berkley Books and her new Amish-set suspense series for HQN Books.

Marta and her husband live in a centuries-old farmhouse in a quiet central Pennsylvania valley. They have three grown children and six beautiful grandchildren, and when she's not busy writing her next book, she's usually trying to keep up with her gardening, baking for church events, or visiting those beautiful grandkids.

Romancing Nadine by Amy Lillard

ABOUT THE BOOK

n this heartwarming series from Amy Lillard, three generations of women find the Oklahoma Amish community of Wells Landing a heaven-sent opportunity to take new leaps of faith . . .

Wife, widow, mother, and grandmother--sixty-something Nadine Burkhart is everything a sensible Amish woman is supposed to be. She's moved to Wells Landing to give her daughter-in-law and granddaughter a fresh start--not herself. So as far as she's concerned, good-hearted farmer Amos Fisher should find something better to do than try to draw her out, be there when she needs help--and make her believe in love for the first time . . .

A friendly but solitary man, Amos is realizing there's more to life than work. Although he hasn't courted in years, Nadine's honesty makes him long to know her better--and understand her standoffishness. But when everything he tries fails to soften her stubbornness, he'll just have to trust his heart that real, true, and utterly impractical love will prevail--for a lifetime . . .

Praise for Amy Lillard and her Wells Landing novels

"An inspirational story of romance, faith, and trust . . . will appeal to fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis."

--Library Journal

"Fans of inspirational romance will appreciate Lillard's vivid characters and positive message."

--Publishers Weekly

MY REVIEW

I feel that if things are meant to be they will be even if it's finding love after 60.

I found this an enjoyable story with some giggles included and I really wanted to shake some sense into Nadine because she couldn't or wouldn't look past the end of her nose. Being stubborn/afraid I felt kept her from the joys of life. 

I did enjoy seeing her come out of her shell though. I guess finding the right person can do that to you. I eventually started to love her because she's proof that love can find you no matter how old you are. 

Amos is a delightful character and I loved him because he kept up and never did let go of what/whom he wanted.

In some places of this book my heart went out to Amos. Yes, he can be annoying at times but then can't we all?

There was just something special about him and I found myself rooting for him. ( In some ways, he reminded me of my father in law jack of all trades so to speak). My father in law made the meanest meatballs ever!

I practically drooled over the chocolate because that's my favorite sweet!

I loved all of the characters in this story but most especially Amos. I loved Amos too, because of his outlook on life. It seemed that he never let nothing get him down except maybe a certain someone. ( I did have an uncle named Amos before he passed away).

An overall wonderful story that can be believable because it can happen even in real life! Especially if God has a hand in it!

My thanks to Kensington and Netgalley for a copy of this awesome book! I really enjoyed it! All opinions are my own! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son--a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels--not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I adore romances.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.)

Favorite movies--(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940's movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's.

Survival from Isaias August 2, 2020

If there's one thing I learned while here in Florida it's you don't play when mother nature is at her worst. 

On Sunday night we were sleeping outside ( living on the streets of course) when Isaias came through. Thank God it was only a tropical storm. I couldn't imagine what it might be like living outside during an actual hurricane. I really don't want to find out! 

God is good! He really is! 

I think that He protected us during the storm with His arms around us. It's like that story with Peter walking on the water toward Jesus during the storm. But, Peter took his eyes off Jesus and started to sink. I kept my eyes on the Lord and asked Him to keep us safe and here we are. 

Butt hole police officers down here in Daytona doesn't mind putting you out in the middle of the storm. Not at all! Makes me disrespect cops more and more! Unbelievable! 

See, we were sleeping under the gazebo in a dog park taking shelter from the coming storm but I guess everyone else has other ideas. 

I believe it now when they say there's neighborhood watchdogs in the area.  I really don't understand that because we weren't bothering no one. That man stood there and watched us for at least several hours before calling the cops. And let me tell you they believe in the witching hour too! Catch you dead asleep Wow! 

The sad thing is they didn't tell us the shelters were open and no one here came looking for us. Said they weren't allowed to tell us anything. I know that's bull! 

In Lexington they would have come looking for us. Here they don't. So sad! Sucks here really does!

But my God came through for me. He led us to something better and the cops didn't bother us the rest of the night.

Maybe in time I will come to love this city but right now it's highly unlikely. 

Maybe it's the times we're living in with this awful virus I don't know but people just aren't the same anymore. It's like they're scared and don't trust each other. It's sad really but if you remember what Paul talks about in the Bible toward the end times it's that men will be lovers of themselves disrespectful of others and a whole lot of other things too. But that's another story for another day. 

Folks, we are living in the end times now. Please be prepared because you know not what the day, hour, or time that Jesus will return. Don't be caught sleeping! 

I will be keeping a journal every other day on here telling of what we've been up to and how Florida is. For me, nothing is going right right now. 

Well folks, gotta go for now. Remember to keep your eyes open for Jesus. He's coming soon! and I'll be glad! I'm ready to go home!