The Amish Firefighter

                       ABOUT THE BOOK

Abigail Stutzman thought it was bad enough being dropped at the nearest bus station and sent to live several states away with some relatives she'd never even heard of, much less met. But now, just a week after her arrival in Jamesport, Missouri, she finds herself at the scene of a barn fire. An intentional barn fire. And all fingers are pointed at her. She's desperate to prove her innocence and protect her reputation, but nobody's making that easy to do. And God certainly doesn't seem willing to help.

Sam Miller is in the process of turning over a new leaf. Determined to atone for the follies of his past, he is a volunteer firefighter, an EMT, and a paramedic-in-training. With suspicious barn fires escalating, and the Miller family being among the victims, no one is more determined to see the perpetrators brought to justice than Sam.

When their paths first cross at the site of a barn burning, the emotional intensity rivals the warms of the flames. Soon, they must decide whether this fire is one they should feed or fight. And they'll discover that the truth can prove more dangerous than a blazing inferno. (less)

                        MY THOUGHTS

I couldn't put this book down!! I love Laura Hilton's books. I was hoping that Laura would write about Sammy. Sammy was the trouble maker in the Birdhouse. I loved Sammy's story. 

It seems God still works miracles today even. 

I laughed and I held my breath waiting to see what would happen to Abigail who was constantly getting blamed for everything that happened. I think It is terrible the way her family has treated her but maybe God has led her to live with her family in Jamesport for a reason. Abigail isn't perfect by any means. She is confused and unhappy and winds up in the wrong places at the wrong time and with the wrong crowd. This is what happened to my brother in law. He got mixed up in the wrong crowd. Thankfully, he has finally straightened himself put.  We all need God. He knows every hair on our head out thoughts even before we know ourselves sometimes. 

God has many names but one I haven't seen is de herr. I've heard Yaway,  Jehovah etc. 

Sammy is learning to grow up and admit his mistakes through trust in God. 

Too many times we want to do things our way instead of His will on His timing. We get in a big hurry and I'm definitely guilty of this and mess things up. 

My very favorite verse is That who so ever believes in me shall have eternal life. 

This means me too!!! I'm so very glad that Jesus loves me no matter what!! 

Whenever we turn to God in prayer sometimes He answers our prayers but not always in the way we want.

I'm glad that Abigail and Sammy got their answers. 

Also on short note people don't always apologize Whenever they do wrong to us or vise versa.

Laura, you've outdone yourself on this novel. The cover is awesome!! Thank you for letting me read and review your book. 

I have this book 5 stars because the story made me laugh and cry and even stunned in some places!! Abigail is an OK gal!!! 

I kept my fingers crossed for her through the entire book.

It seems to me, that if you keep your faith and trust in God that things do have a way of working out.
I recieved a copy of this book  from Laura V Hilton in exchange for an honest review
I strongly recommend this book for everyone who loves to read!!!

Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek by Sharlene MacLaren

ABOUT THE BOOK

Two years ago this Christmas, Sadie Bennett's beloved husband was killed in a tragic accident at the local sawmill. What was once her favorite time of year now haunts her, with its cheerful trappings a cruel reminder of the love she lost. The young widow would like nothing more than to hibernate until the festivities are over. When she finds herself assigned to the committee tasked with picking a Christmas tree for the town square of Little Hickman Creek, she begrudgingly agrees but determines to fulfill her duties to the bare minimum. As the search for a suitable tree gets under way, Sadie is dismayed to learn that one of her fellow committee members is a man she's worked hard to avoid. Reed Harris owns the local livery, and while he's friendly enough, good-looking, too, Sadie isn't ready to invest in another relationship. In fact, she may never be ready, unless a Christmas miracle manages to thaw her frozen heart. (less)

MY THOUGHTS

Sharlene Baker MacLaren has done it again. I just love her books.  I was talking to her and asked if Little Hickman was a real town and alas it really is!  The best part is I'm only 20 minutes away from it and didn’t even realize it exists.  

This is my very first time reading a novella.  I thought it was a sweet and tender romance story. Sharlene is a great storyteller. 

I can't imagine what it's like to lose a spouse.  I think if I lost mine I wouldn't want to ever marry again but as I read this book I realized that God has other plans for Sadie.  When Sadie lost her husband in an accident it seemed like it took her forever to come around.  

When you put God first good things seem to start happening.  Prayer is also a very powerful thing.  

I laughed out right at the skunk story because I can relate to that one too! I was waiting for the city bus to take me to work one morning.  As I was sitting there, in seen something out of the core

of my eye and at first I thought it was a cat.  It didn't occur to me at first that it was a skunk! I started calling here kitty kitty and just as reached to.pet it I seen the white stripe up its back and boy did I run for my life!!!! Luckily,  I didn't get sprayed. it just wanted my lunch I had packed. God was with me that morning as He is with me all the days of my life.  I just don't always put him first! 

Sadie first started coming around when she went Christmas tree hunting with the town council.  Almost reminds me of a scene in Christmas Vacation lol.

Then later with the sewing of costumes for the children's Christmas program.  Finally,  she did come around when she thought Reed was seeing someone else.  

It was her Pa that gave her the final nudge. I'm so very glad that he did!  

After Reed and Sadie had their talk, things were finally taking place they way they should have been.  

Grief is different for each person.  It comforts me that knowing God is by my side each and every day. 

I hated leaving my friends in Little Hickman.  it was great reading about them again!  But maybe I'll get to visit Little Hickman someday the Lord willing!

I am giving this book 5 stars!!! Thanks Sharlene for another wonderful story!

I received this book from the publisher for an honest review and I n highly recommend this book and for those of you who haven’t read the Little Hickman series I recommend that as well!

More About the Author

› Visit Amazon's Sharlene MacLaren Page

Biography

BIOGRAPHY/AWARDS & ACCOLADES

Born and raised in west Michigan, Sharlene attended Spring Arbor University. Upon graduating with an education degree in 1971, she taught second grade for two years then accepted an invitation to travel internationally for a year with a singing ensemble. In 1975, she married her childhood sweetheart. Together they raised two lovely, wonderful daughters, both of whom are now happily married and enjoying their own families. Retired in 2003 from 31-years of teaching, "Shar" loves to read, sing, travel, and spend time with her family, in particular, her wonderful, adorable grandchildren!

A Christian for 45+ years, and a lover of the English language, Shar has always enjoyed dabbling in writing--poetry, fiction, various essays, and freelancing for periodicals and newspapers. Her favored genre, however, has always been romance. She remembers well the short stories she wrote in high school and watching them circulate from girl to girl during government and civics classes. "Psst," someone would whisper from two rows over, and always with the teacher's back to the class, "Pass me the next page." 

In recent years, Shar felt God's call upon her heart to take her writing pleasures a step further and in 2006 signed a contract for her first faith-based novel; thereby, launching her writing career with Through Every Storm. With a dozen books now gracing store shelves nationwide, she daily gives God all the praise and glory for her accomplishments. 



Shar has done numerous countrywide book-signings, television and radio appearances, and countless interviews. She loves to speak for women's organizations, libraries, church groups, women's retreats, and banquets. She is involved in Apples of Gold, a mentoring program for young wives and/or mothers, and is active in her church as well as two weekly Bible studies. She and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan with their beautiful white collie, Peyton and their rag doll cat named Blue.

Awards and Accolades: 

2006 Through Every Storm - American Christian Fiction Writers" Book-of-the-Year (now Carol Awards) finalist 

2007 Loving Liza Jane - Road to Romance Reviewer's Choice Award 

2008 Sarah, My Beloved - Inspirational Readers' Choice Award (3rd Place)

2008 Sarah, My Beloved - Road to Romance Reviewer's Choice Award

2009 Courting Emma - Inspirational Readers' Choice Award (3rd Place)

2010 Hannah Grace - Inspirational Reader's Choice Award (2nd Place)

2011 Abbie Ann - Inspirational Reader's Choice Award (3rd Place)

2011 Tender Vow - Retailers' Choice Award Finalist 

 Show Less

ABOUT THE BOOK

It's a better life, a fresh start--and a heaven-sent second chance. Founded by three Amish sisters determined to put misfortune behind them, Promise Lodge is a colony where faith's abiding promise can be fulfilled--and love can make all things new…

Energetic widow Mattie Bender Schwartz is working day and night to get Promise Lodge going. She's also hoping the change will help her son Noah's heart to heal after his broken engagement. But his former fiancée, Deborah, is looking for a fresh start too. Filled with regret, and cast out by her dat for a reason she can't yet reveal, Deborah can only pray Noah will forgive her foolishness. 

Deborah is the last person Noah expected to show up at Promise Lodge. But with her cruel words still ringing in his head, he's reluctant to accept her apology--even if the Old Order ways demand he try. If only he could obey Christ's most important commandment: love one another. But one thing is certain--his mother and aunts, and their beloved Preacher Amos, will do their best to help him get there. 

MY THOUGHTS

Charlotte Hubbard has really outdone herself on this one!!!!
I have laughed myself silly throughout this book and I sniffled some too.
The characters are so delightful!!
I think though that Deborah is my favorite and then Rosetta is next.
Deborah is innocent in all that happens to her. She only did what she thought was right since there was no one around.
I love her strength and determination to get through her trials and tribulations against the bishops son. She keeps turning to God to help her in her times of trouble.
Rosetta and her sisters have left Coldstream because of the bishop and his wayward son. The bishop might claim that Issac is innocent but God knows and sees all that we do. They'll have to answer to God on judgement day even if they do get away with whatever wrong they do here on earth.
My favorite saying is God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble. Our church sang a song much like this by Mary McDonald.
Noah and his brother at first resented coming to Promise Lodge. it is here that Noah learns to forgive Deborah after he hears and understands what has been done to her..Eventually God begins working towards softening his heart.
Rosetta has a lot of guys and determination as well. All she wanted place of peace to live for madels and older women.
I wasn't too fond of France's and Floyd at first until they were getting ready to depart and I learned why he was the way he was.
This shows us a good example that really don't know what other folks go through unless we've traveled in their shoes.
Ruby and Beulah were brave to come on their own as well. At first I thought they were twins the way they finished each other's sentences.
Will there eventually be a wedding in store for our favorite young couple and will the two sisters come back to stay at Promise Lodge a place of peace?
I strongly recommend this book for anyone who loves to read about the Amish
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Thank u Charlotte Hubbard. I really enjoyed your story

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Charlotte considers it her personal mission to feed people-to share hearth and home. Faith and family, farming and food preservation are hallmarks of her lifestyle, and the foundation of all her Amish romance series. She's a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and when she's not writing, she loves to try new recipes, crochet, and sew. Charlotte now lives in Minnesota with her husband and their border collie.

Hope in the Land

Olivia Newport

Barbour Publishing, Inc.

 

When Henry Edison turns up in Lancaster County to survey farm women about their domestic contributions during the 1930s, the last thing Amish housewife Gloria Grabill has time for is the government agent's unending questions. Gloria's hands are already full with a farm to run alongside her husband, a houseful of children, and an English neighbor, Minerva Swain, who has been trying Gloria's patience for forty years. Gloria's oldest daughter, Polly, wants nothing more than the traditional path of an Amish farmer's wife, but everything she does seems to push Thomas Coblentz further away. While the Great Depression shadows the country in gloom, can Amish and English neighbors in Lancaster County grasp the goodness that will sustain hope.

MY THOUGHTS ON HOPE IN THE LAND

I enjoy reading Olivia Newport's books because I'll never know where she'll take me next. This time it was back in the 1930"s the year of the Depression and the Dust Bowl years. She has done her research quite well. I felt like I was working right along with Polly and Henry. But the thing is, I didn't really like all the secret keeping. Usually it winds up hurting that person. But, I guess either way will hurt. Polly is an upstanding character. A bit clumsy but otherwise delightful. Accidents can happen whether we mean for them to or not. I liked Polly. It seems like the harder she tried the more clumsier she got lol! Henry is another delightful person to get to know. Not a very ambitious person but at least he does try. Very determined. It couldn't have been easy in his line of work. Minerva was something else altogether. I sometimes got very frustrated with her. She thought she was too good to share company with her neighbors. In those day and times, I don't think it was worth being choosy. I'd welcome the help wherever I could get it. She is a very spoiled person. Used to getting her own way all the time, spending too much money. Money they didn't have back in those days. I believed she learned a very hard lesson. Sometimes getting along with what she considered the enemy can pay off. I didn't like the fact that she judged Henry. It's not our place to judge others it is God's place. Even we still do that to others these days. It's just plain wrong. Rose was determined to win over her mother and teach her a lesson on the ways life was different and had to off besides money. So was Ernie. Sometimes, some of us has to learn the hard way. I am such a person. I am still such a person but, I don't go spending money we have. In some ways, I think that we're still living in the Depression days. Why I say this. The cost of living has gone up but, not the wages. Some wages are the same. This is why I say it couldn't hurt to learn from the Amish.

They know how to live from the land. Even back then. I don't think that today's generation would know how to survive very well. They don't know nothing about raising their own crops, fruits, chicken whatever the case may be. Chickens are awesome to have around! There's nothing like good ole fashioned country eggs! I've tried telling my son this but he won't have nothing to do with no more lol!! Thomas is a determined character as well. I believe that he will make an excellent husband for someone!! I'm glad his daed thought to take care of him as well. It is usually the 1st born that gets everything. Gloria is stubborn. So is Minerva. But, as I said in the beginning of this review. It sometimes helps to come together to survive. There's hope in anything we can do. It may take a lot of hard work and trust in God. I give this book 5 stars!! I very strongly recommend this book for anyone that loves Amish and Historical fiction mixed. I received a ecopy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review Thank you for the opportunity to read and review books for you

Arcana by Jessica Leake--Book Tour Review + Giveaway

Genre: Historical, Romance, Fantasy
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
Publication Date: January 5, 2016
Number of pages: 268

A romantic, suspenseful, genre-bending debut set in Edwardian London.

Amid the sumptuous backdrop of the London season in 1905, headstrong Katherine Sinclair must join the ranks of debutantes vying for suitors. Unfortunately for Katherine, she cannot imagine anything more loathsome—or dangerous. To help ease her entrance into society, Katherine’s family has elicited the assistance of the Earl of Thornewood, a friend and London’s most eligible bachelor, to be her constant companion at the endless fetes and balls. But upon her arrival in London, Katherine realizes there will be more to this season than just white gowns and husband hunting.

Through her late mother’s enchanted diary, Katherine receives warning to keep hidden her otherworldly ability to perform arcana, a magic fueled by the power of the sun. Any misstep could mean ruin—and not just for her family name. The Otear of the Eternal Sun is everywhere—hunting for those like her, able to feed on arcana with only a touch of the hand.

But society intrigue can be just as perilous as the Order. The machinations of the fashionable elite are a constant threat, and those who covet Katherine’s arcana, seeking the power of her birthright, could be hiding behind the façade of every suitor—even the darkly handsome Earl of Thornewood.

With so much danger and suspicion, can she give her heart to the one who captivates her, or is he just another after her power?

Jessica Leake is author of Arcana, a historical fantasy with a heavy dose of romance, and The Order of the Eternal Sun, the next book in the series to be released summer of 2016. She writes every chance she gets, which is basically just during bedtime or whenever the kids are in preschool since she's a stay-at-home mom to three beautiful children under the age of 4 (with another on the way!). She loves blending different genres in her books, but almost everything she writes has to have an element of fantasy and romance. What's life without love? She's represented by Brianne Johnson of Writers House, and she lives with her husband, 3 children, and 2 dogs in Greenville, SC. She invites you to visit her online at jessicaleake.com. 

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | AMAZON | B&N | WEBSITE

There were parts that really enjoyed and some parts that I didn't. While I got lost in the historical part I wasn't too fond of the fantasy part. 
I also wasn't too fond of present tense; I did however like that it was told in first person my favourite genre when I go to read a book. 
I thought the author did a wonderful job on her story telling. While some people may think it was rushed I didn't think so. 
My favorite character is Wren. Maybe it's because there's something special about her. She's strong and very determined to try and get out of socializing with a bunch of snobs. I dont think would want to be taken out of my comfort zone just because everyone wants me to get married and have a husband. I would want to marry for love. But, I guess in some situations it isn't always convienient.
My next favorite is Lucy who seems like a shy and gentle person. Lucy fascinates me. I think it is because she's the youngest and grandma's favorite.  I thought grammama was a definite snob even though in her opinion she was only trying to right by the girls. 
I thinks it wrong that some parents at favortism among their children. My husband's parent's did that and it makes me so mad!!! 
Eliza is my least favorite because she's ways jealous wanting something someone else has. She's always wanting to make Weeks life miserable. 
I definitely didn't like Lord Blackburn. When I first met him in this story I had a funny feeling about him!! Something just didn't quite add up. 
Penelope is also a gentle and shy soul. It was Penelope who made Wren feel comfortable for her coming our party. Lord Thorenwood is our mysterious man. At first I didn't like him but as I read on he became an awesome character. 
My hero!! 
Overall, I did like the story and I thought the author did an awesome job on writing it. I am giving this book a 4 stars.
I received a copy of this book from the Singing Librarians in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review your books.

A review copy of this book was provided via SLB Tours.

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The Isaac Project by Sarah Monzon

Becky Sawyer’s life unravels in a single day. Not only does she catch her boyfriend, the man she hoped to marry, lip-locked with another woman, she also receives the gut-wrenching news that her grandfather, the man who raised her, is dying. His last wish? To see her happily married. Heartbroken, Becky seeks inspiration in the pages of the Holy Scriptures. And finds it in the story of Isaac and Rebekah.

If love couldn't keep his parents together, Luke Masterson wonders what will make a marriage last. He decides to steer clear of all women—especially crazy ones like Becky Sawyer, who employs a friend to find her a husband. But when he feels the dogged promptings of the Holy Spirit to move across the country and marry a complete stranger, it seems love has little to do with it anyway.

With commitment their only foundation, and love constantly thwarted, can an arranged marriage find happiness in the twenty-first century?

Available to purchase on

- AMAZON -

Sarah Monzon is a pastor's wife and a stay at home mom of two small children. She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Southern Adventist University. Sarah is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). The Isaac Project is her debut novel.

Connect with Sarah on:

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | AMAZON | WEBSITE

 I have really enjoyed this book. When I first opened it I had no idea what to expect.

Being told by 2 different people kind of confused me at first. But, as I kept reading I thought to myself, how interesting for a story to be told by a guy. Most of us women never know just how most men feel. Most men never tell us how they feel about certain things or what they want in a soul mate. Some women are the same way. Becky in the beginning is a very independent, strong willed person who thinks she can do it all on her own.
Becky loves horses just like I do. I was delighted to find this story involved horses.
I imagined Poppy looking like most grandfathers do. I liked Poppy from the start.  His personality was infectious. It seemed he understood and felt things before Becky could come and talk with him over certain things. I guess it's because he has lived a long life and raised Becky on his own. I believe that's why Becky loved him and could always count on him comforting her and as someone she could talk to after a stressful day.
I was also delighted to find that the author included God in the story. God is our Heavenly Father and our creator. If we just turn to God how much easier our lives would be! One of my favorite songs is Have Thine Own Way Lord Have Thine Own Way.  Most often not we tend to take things in our own hands not considering God's plans for us at all because we're in a hurry.
 I am happy knowing that Becky takes time out of her everyday life to talk to God even if it's inside of a horse barn. God can see and hear us no matter where we are.
I felt like God had me read this book to remind me that he is always there watching over us and that if something is meant to be then He will make it happen in His time not ours. I have made new friends through this story and I am sad to see them go.
I snickered through most of this book and I know at times my mouth must've dropped open on some things.
God shows us that it takes two to make things work the way they're supposed to if we just take time out of our busy day and ask Him for help
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Singing Librarians. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.
I gave this book 5 stars

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Huckleberry Hearts

I loved this book! Jennifer Beckstrand is an awesome author. I love love all of her books and couldn't wait to read this one!  The cover on the book is gorgeous!
Anna and Felty are at it again! They are trying to play matchmaker to  Cassie and Zach; unbeknownst to them that they've already met when they were in college!
Even though Zach has changed he had a long way to go to prove himself to Cassie and her family. Especially Norman! Norman is something else altogether! What a bully!
It's amazing how Anna knows what Cassie needs before Cassie does herself! It's no wonder Cassie left the Amish.!
I did laugh when Zach wore his pink shirt to church and to the hog butchering time. I also laughed when it turned out that Cassie and Zach wound up having the same car! How ironic is that?!
I thought Cassie's mamm was very domineering on a whole lot of things especially when Cassie couldn't dress the way she wanted! No wonder Norman is a bully! He's just like his mamm! Yea to Dr. Reynolds's when he won a wrestling match. To me, that just like children that are fighting over a toy only this was a girl. Men! They never grow up!
I'm glad that Dr. Reynolds came into Cassie's life when he did. I'm also very glad that he grew up from his "college" days. I could tell that he and Cassie were meant for each other just as Anna and Felty could tell.
I wish Dr. Reynolds was my dr! He's got great bedside manners. Not all dr's do! I'm very happy that Cassie eventually changed her mind about him!( God works in mysterious ways and sometimes not to our liking!) It's in His time, not ours. It can be very disappointing for some ppl. And there's another of my favorites Good things come to those who wait.
Thank you Jennifer Beckstrand for another wonderful tale about Anna and Felty trying to play matchmaker. I hope your stories about them continue. I'm also looking forward to your new series. The covers are just beautiful!
This book was given to me by Netgalley and a paperback was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 5 stars!

Biography

http://www.jenniferbeckstrand.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/jenniferbeckstrandfans
Twitter: @JenniferBeckst1

Jennifer Beckstrand is the bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer has been nominated for the 2015 RWA RITA Award and the RT Book Reviews Reviewer's Choice Award, and Huckleberry Hill won the 2014 LIME Award for Inspirational fiction. Both Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Christmas appeared in Examiner.com list of top ten inspirational books for 2014. 

Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a background in editing. She and her husband have been married for thirty years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and four adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

Books by Jennifer Beckstrand
Forever Apple in Apple Lake Series:
Kate's Song
Rebecca's Rose
Miriam's Quilt

The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series:
Huckleberry Hill
Huckleberry Summer
Huckleberry Christmas
Huckleberry Spring
Huckleberry Harvest
Huckleberry Hearts