The Refuge by Ann H. Gabhart

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Darcie and Walter Goodwin hear of a new cholera epidemic sweeping the area, they join the Shakers whose villages seem immune to the disease. It's meant to be a temporary stay, but Walter is killed in a riverboat accident. With no family and no money, Darcie has little choice but to stay with the Shakers. To complicate matters, she is expecting a baby conceived before she and her husband came to the Shaker village. Marital relationships are considered sinful in this celibate community, putting Darcie in a unique--and lonely--position. Can the arrival of widower Flynn Keller and his headstrong daughter offer Darcie the hope of happiness . . . and family?

Ann H. Gabhart returns to the enigmatic world of the Shakers in this emotional exploration of the power of love and the bond of family. 

MY REVIEW

This book was so very good that I couldn't put it down!! I'd give it 10 stars if I could!!

Once you open this book you'll be taken back to Harmony Hill in 1850. I love to time travel like this!! 

Ann is a wonderful writer and I always look forward to what she will write next! 

Prayer is certainly powerful my friends. God always answers just not the way we want him to. His ways are not ours. 

I love talking to God. I don't always do it on a daily basis but I do try before my day starts and when my day ends. Sometimes I even pray for my coworkers and the customers that sometimes come through with their attitude. Does this remind you of a certain someone in the story?

I have no idea why people bully others or just want to torment them. But even bullies can change. It's like praying for your enemy. 

I learned quite a bit from the Shakers. I don't like some of their ways. I won't name some of them because that will be giving away some of the story. But, it's a wonder!! 

In some ways they remind me of the Amish. Wanting to be in the world but not of it. 

I loved Sister Darcie although I just called her plain Darcie. She's patient even when she doesn't feel like it sometimes (like me) and is always willing to work with people. Darcie is special. 

Eldress Maria is a character unlike any other. When you read this book you'll see what I"m talking about!! But, in the end I ended up loving her too. 

Sister Genna the ever practical sister. I think I liked her the most because of her no nonsense attitude. I loved her support for Darcie when she first came to the village. 

And then there's Sister Ellie!! Lord, I felt like she was my big sister. The sister I always wanted! I felt like I could come to her and tell her anything.

Shakertown is one of my most favorite places in Kentucky to visit. I recommend y'all to visit this author's blog to get a tour of this wonderful place or even just to come to Kentucky to visit the place itself!! 

I recommend this book very strongly. You will learn some wonderful things about these people of the past. 

I received a copy from Netgalley and all opinions are my own!! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ann H. Gabhart grew up on a farm in Kentucky. By the time she was ten she knew she wanted to be a writer. She's published over twenty novels. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. She still lives on a farm not far from where she grew up. She loves playing with her grandkids, walking with her dog, reading and, of course, writing. Her Shaker books, set in her fictional Shaker village of Harmony Hill in the 1800's, are popular with readers. The Outsider was a Christian Fiction Book Award Finalist in 2009. Her Heart of Hollyhill books are Small Town, America books set in the 1960's. Angel Sister, a Rosey Corner book set during the Great Depression, will be followed by Small Town Girl. Visit Ann's website http://annhgabhart.com or her two blogs, One Writer's Journal, www.annhgabhart.blogspot.com, and the Hollyhill Book of the Strange, www.hollyhillbookofthestrange.blogspo.... Giveaways several times a year. 

The Golden Bride by Kimberly Woodhouse

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can Olivia survive the crime and Gold Rush fever of 1849...and the countless marriage proposals?

A series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.

The Daughters of the Mayflower series continues when Olivia Brighton finds herself widowed and working her brother’s restaurant in San Francisco during the height of the rush for gold. Even though she receives at least twenty marriage proposals a day, she will never marry a gold miner. Her brother’s friend Joseph Sawyer has gotten caught up in local politics and the plight of Chinese in forced labor. The more Joseph gets pulled into investigating crime in the city, the less Olivia sees of the compassionate man. And just when she thinks she could love again, a fire threatens to steal all hope. 

MY REVIEW

Wow!! What a wonderful message this author has weaved into this fantastic story!!.

I love this book in the whole series best so far!! 

This author has also added some mystery, a little action and a whole lot more to make u sit on the edge of your seat to see what will happen next!!

Olivia astounds me!! I have loved watching her change in this book. 

Isn't God wonderful my friends? 

He will never forsake us nor leave us and if we let Him guide us through our lives I think it would be much easier to get though life. Too often we want to do things on our own and not keep our eyes on the Lord.

I wished I had a big brother like Daniel. He's awesome! I love his get go and get things done. 

Mr. Sawyer I especially like!! Mmm hmmm!! My my!! He has a great personality and I love his protective side. I like how he doesn't flaunt his wealth around town and he's your normal down to earth guy. I just can't say enough good things about him!!

All in all I did learn some things about San Francisco I never knew.

This is why I love reading historical fiction 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling author of more than twenty books who loves the JOY of story. A lover of history and research, she often gets sucked into the past and then her husband has to lure her out with chocolate. She's spoken to more than 800,000 people at more than 2,000 venues and has taught the craft of writing around the country. Married to the love of her life for twenty-five plus years, she makes her home in Montana. You can connect with Kimberley at: www.kimberleywoodhouse.comwww.facebook.com/KimberleyWoodhouseAu...

The Bishop's Daughter by Patricia Johns

ABOUT THE BOOK

As a bishop's daughter and good Amish mother, widowed Sadie Hochstetler teaches her young son that God blesses those who try their best to please Him. But her brief marriage taught her that life is infinitely more complicated than that. Older, and serious, her late husband seemed a sensible choice--especially compared to Elijah Fisher, the spirited boy with whom she butted heads and hearts. Then Elijah abruptly left for the Englisher world, taking Sadie's beloved brother along with him--a double betrayal she still strives to forgive. Especially now that Elijah has returned . . .

Elijah plans to stay in the Amish community only as long as he's needed, helping his family and working for Sadie's ailing father. The outside world has changed him, leading him to question rules and restrictions that others take on faith. Once, he'd been head over heels in love with the bishop's daughter--a girl he was judged unworthy of courting. Nine years have changed so much between them. Yet something remains--a spark that, for all their differences, might light the way home again .

MY REVIEW

Love is the main theme here. A wonderful theme I might add. 

Love is patient, Love is Kind. But it's easier said than done. For some parents it is hard to show love where their kids are concerned. Others want only the best for their kids. 

While other still yet don't want the responsibility to take care of their kids. 

This story kind of hit home with me because it sort of reminds of the life I had with my parents. They provided for me ok but they never really cared for me because my dad said quote I wasn't his by blood. Mom later in life it was like she gave up on herself. She stayed sick a lot

But I learned a hard lesson just like Elijah. Home is where the heart is and where your family is no matter the situation you ran away from. I wanted to reach through the story and give Elijah the hug and love he so desperately needed. But I also wanted to choke him because I got so tired of him and Sadie telling each other they weren't meant for each other. I felt like Groundhog day the movie in this book!! 

I can't imagine a man not loving me but I guess it can happen. I kept wanting to kick Sadie in the butt to see what was right in front if her before it was too late. Thank the Lord God He works in mysterious ways!!

You can't shove away what's meant to be. It's all part of God's bigger plan for all of us. Even if we can't see it at the time.

Some us are just so set in our ways that we are comfortable. We're too afraid to take that big step outside our comfort zone like some of the Amish were. 

Traditions can be good but they can also be harmful. There wouldn't be any room to grow as needed.

For the most part, I really enjoyed the book except for the repetitive parts. I'm still giving this book 5 stars because I do love a good Amish novel. They are an interesting people and some of us can learn from them

An oh my!! I just love the name Absolom!! Oh sooooooo gorgeous of a name! It's an usual name and I thought he lived up to his name in this story!

I hope there's a sequel to this book because Elijah and Sadie have more to tell!!

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. No compensations were received and all opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patricia Johns has her Honors BA in English Literature from University of Toronto. She writes from Alberta, Canada, where she lives with her husband and son. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

An Amish Reunion

by 

Amy Clipston (Goodreads Author),

 

Beth Wiseman (Goodreads Author)

, 

Kathleen Fuller (Goodreads Author)

, 

Kelly Irvin (Goodreads Author)

 4.53  ·   Rating details ·  34 ratings  ·  27 reviews

From bestselling authors in the Amish genre come four stories about reuniting with those you love.

Their True Home by Amy Clipston

When Marlene Bawell moved from Bird-in-Hand ten years ago, she was in the deepest of mourning for her mother. Now her family has moved back so her father can seek employment after being laid off. To help save money, Marlene works at the hardware store owned by Rudy Swarey’s father. She knew Rudy growing up and had a secret crush on him, though he never seemed to notice her. But just as a friendship between them begins to blossom, her life is once again turned upside down. Will Marlene ever have a chance to find her own true home?

A Reunion of Hearts by Beth Wiseman

Ruth and Gideon Beiler experienced one of life’s most tragic events. Unable to get past their grief, the couple abandoned their Amish faith and went in different directions, though neither could bear to formally dissolve the marriage. When their loved ones reach out to them to come home for a family reunion, Ruth has reason to believe that Gideon won’t be there. Gideon also thinks that Ruth has declined the invitation. Family and friends are rooting for them to reunite, but will it all be enough for Ruth and Gideon to get past their grief and recapture a time when they were in love and had a bright future ahead of them?

A Chance to Remember by Kathleen Fuller

Cevilla Schlabach, Birch Creek’s resident octogenarian matchmaker, is surprised when Richard, a man from her Englisch past, arrives in Birch Creek for a visit. While he and Cevilla take several walks down memory lane, they wonder what the future holds for them at this stage of life—friendship, or the possibility of something else?

Mended Hearts by Kelly Irvin

At eighteen Hannah Kauffman made a terrible mistake. Her parents and members of her Jamesport Amish community say they’ve forgiven her. But she feels their eyes following her everywhere she goes with eighteen-month-old Evie. Thaddeus, Evie’s father, escaped this fate by running away from Jamesport. Now that Thaddeus is gone, Hannah’s old friend Phillip is stepping up to be by her side. He has waited patiently for Hannah to realize just how much he cares for her. But when Thaddeus returns after two years, Hannah can’t deny the love she feels for him. Does the fact that Phillip has waited patiently for her all this time mean that she owes him something? Can she trust either one of them? Can she trust herself? She has repented and been forgiven by the One who is most important—her heavenly Father. But is she willing to risk making more mistakes by opening herself up to love?

MY REVIEW

I loved this book. I liked it because there are 4 different stories all of them about a reunion of some type or other. There's something in these novellas for all different types of people. 
I used to not like these stories until I found out that some are a continuation of several of my favorite books by certain authors.  Here are two I never tire of hearing about and Cevilla is my most favorite character of all. I love her spunk, ability to love and help others no matter the need. And, I'm also pretty sure she still looks good even after all these years!! She reminds of my own grandmother on my mom's side. Here are my two favorites that I enjoyed:
  
A Chance to Remember by Kathleen Fuller
I love Kathleen's stories about Cevilla because she's an interesting person.
I enjoyed this novella but problem is it's too short!! It's like there's more left waiting to be told!!
I feel you're never too old to love again or to be loved. God has his reasons. I love to think that maybe someday that Cevilla will marry the love of her life. I just hope it's not too late for either of them!!
Next up is Mended Hearts by Kelly Irvin!! Now this is an author you must definitely read!! She is on my long list of favorite authors to read!!

Mended Hearts is another 2nd chance at love story!! 
I really admire Hannah!! She has taken a lot of the brunt while a certain someone runs away. Ain't that like most men? Men that don't wanna take responsibility?
I guess it takes a lot for some men to grow up and take responsibility. We know of one such person don't we? 
This why I like Kelly's writing. I could actually feel these characters pain throughout this novella. I 
But God has a way of working things out doesn't he. I enjoyed watching these two change their ways and I just loved little Eve. I could her Eve when she's happy or howls lol!
 
I strongly recommend this book for ppl who love to read Amish Romances in one book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher with no compensations received. All opinions are my own!

The Mennonite Queen

ABOUT THE BOOK

Isabella, Princess of Poland, is raised to a life of great wealth and leisure in the Polish Royal Court, destined to marry a king. But fate or divine providence intervenes when she meets Johan Hirschberg, a young Anabaptist who works in her father’s stable. This chance meeting leads the young couple into a forbidden love. Together they flee Poland and embark on a dangerous journey that brings them, after great peril, to the small parish of a troubled priest named Menno Simons. Catholic Bishop, Franz von Waldek, paid by King Sigismund, Isabella’s father to find the princess at all costs, pursues them across Europe. Isabella does not know it, but if von Waldek captures her, she will have to make a choice that will change the course of European history forever. 

MY REVIEW

Wow! Wow!! This will blow your mind away!! Really and truly it will!! 

If any of you has read this man's work he is just super with his writings!!! 

I'm just truly stunned!! This is unlike any Amish story y'all have read!!

He brings the Anabaptist to life so well!! 

I think my favorite scene was in Munster Germany. ( Well, not really). The prediction of the Lord's return

For no one knows not the time or the hour of when He'll come. If He returned back then we wouldn't be here today. 

The word Karma comes to mind in the city of Munster. I won't say more. I don't want to spoil the story.

There are two wonderful people who I feel like life has dealt them a terrible blow. They were your real life down to earth people. 

Johann and Isabella. They are also my favorite people.

Johann and Isabella. I loved their strength and watching them grow into what They were meant to be.

The way that the author described the king's best horse reminded me of the Black stallion in Walter Farley's books. It was like seeing him in another time and place.

I really recommend for all who love Amish, Mennonites to read this story. It will make you stop and think long after this book is finished!! I also think you'll love it as much as I did!!! 

I received a ecopy from the publisher. No compensations were received. All opinions are my own

Oh and some places in this story will make your mouth fall open too!! 

P.S. y'all will need tissures by your side. Tears are falling as I write this review. No book has ever made me cry quite like this one has!! It will be at the top of my favorite Amish books. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Best-selling Author Patrick E. Craig is a lifelong writer and musician who left a successful career in the music industry after two albums on Warner Brothers Records and years of live performances in one of San Francisco's most popular music groups to follow Christ in 1984. He spent the next twenty-six years as a worship leader, seminar speaker and pastor in churches, retreats, seminars and conferences in the Western United States. In 2013 Harvest House published the first of his Apple Creak Dreams series, A Quilt For Jenna, followed by The Road Home and Jenny's Choice. A Quilt For Jenna recently moved into the #1 bestseller in Amish Fiction on Amazon. His new book, The Amish Heiress is the first in his new series, The Paradise Chronicles.

Patrick is represented by the Steve Laube Agency

A Daughter's Truth by Laura Bradford

ABOUT THE BOOK

Emma Lapp tries to be the perfect daughter, to earn the loving embrace of her family and her Amish community in Pennsylvania. Yet she can't quite win her mother's smile--or her forgiveness for a transgression Emma can't quite place . . .

Emma knows she's the source of her mother's greatest sorrow, having been born on the same day Mamm lost her beloved sister. The one bright spot has been the odd trinkets anonymously left at her aunt's grave each year on Emma's birthday--gifts Emma secretly hides because they upset her parents. But the day she turns 22, a locket bears a surprise that sends her on an unexpected journey . . .

Searching for answers, Emma travels to the English world and finds a kinship as intriguing as it is forbidden. But is this newfound connection enough to leave behind the future she'd expected? The answers are as mysterious, and as devastating, as the truth that divides Emma from the only family, and the only life, she's ever known . . . 

MY REVIEW

This is soooooooo gooooooood!!!! I feel that I can relate to Emma in so many ways. Her thoughts, feelings and especially on finding out the truth on who you really are. 
I really don't want to say much about this review because I don't want to give anything away. 
This is the 2nd book that I've read by this author and I think that so far this one will be my favorite!!
I think I"ll end my review here. I just can't wait for y'all to read this!! I recommend this for all my friends who were adopted because I think this will sum up our feelings perfectly!! 
A well rounded out story with awesome characters and we all know that Emma will be my favorite person!! 
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. No compensations were received and all opinions are my own!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

While spending a rainy afternoon at a friend's house nearly forty years ago, Laura Bradford fell in love with writing over a stack of blank paper, a box of crayons, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil.

Those early attempts at the craft had her writing and illustrating stories for young children. Wise beyond her years, Laura saved her first writing attempt in a hand decorated shoe box (complete with sparkly stickers) and moved on to her next idea. Her second book—O’Casey’s Wish—was so utterly brilliant, she sent it off to a well-known New York publishing house at the tender age of ten, confident she was on the verge of becoming the next Don Freeman (Corduroy) or Shel Silverstein (Giving Tree). 

Months later, she received her first form letter rejection.

While she wasn’t of the mindset to save that first crushing blow for posterity, Laura did save the original copy of this particular literary masterpiece in the event the letter was a mistake. 

Desperate to prove her flexibility as a writer, Laura soon found herself dabbling in jokes (for her Girl Scout troop’s newsletter), stories of angst (a somewhat autobiographical look at her teenage years), movie reviews (for the Xavier University Newswire), and countless news and feature articles (for newspapers in CT, SC, TN, and MO). 

It wasn’t until Laura was home raising children of her own though, that she was finally able to dust off that rainy day dream and bring it back to its original form—writing fiction. Today, she is a bestselling mystery author with Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin Publishing), and an award winning romance author with Harlequin American. She lives in New York with her family. 

Oh, and if you meet Laura at a book event in the future, ask her about O’Casey’s Wish. It tends to travel with her everywhere she goes.

The Memory House by Rachel Hauck

ABOUT THE BOOK

Embracing the future means remembering the past . . . 

When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that either.

Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share.

Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.  

"Accomplished Hauck demonstrates genre finesse as she blends inspirational romance with a cinematic style of storytelling, bringing empathic characters to life as they cope with grief in marriage and faithfulness, parenthood and adoption, death and tragedy. Challenging decisions, the blessing of finding love again, and the solace of a beautiful Victorian home all come together in this spellbinding, lovely novel." —Booklist 

MY REVIEW

I'm going to agree with quite a few other people. I don't know how this author or quite a few others that can write a duo time line and get away with it, plus add a spot of mystery and action within!

Rachel is a wonderful writer that can really make u feel like you are there with the NYPD Beck and Bruno.

When you read this story at first you're like what does present have to do with past? I loved reading this book to see how they weaved together!!

Beck and Bruno were truly amazing characters!! The author has brought them to life and I hated saying goodbye to them! They were like my best friends!!

A truly remarkable book!!

I received this copy from Netgalley No compensations were received and all opinions are my own!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times, USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Rachel Hauck writes from sunny central Florida.

A RITA finalist and winner of Romantic Times Inspirational Novel of the Year, and Career Achievement Award, she writes vivid characters dealing with real life issues.

New York Times, USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Rachel Hauck writes from sunny central Florida.

A RITA finalist and winner of Romantic Times Inspirational Novel of the Year, and Career Achievement Award, she writes vivid characters dealing with real life issues.

Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was made into an original Hallmark movie.

She loves to hear from readers. She also loves to encourage new writers and sits on the Executive Board of American Christian Fiction Writers.. 

A graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Journalism, Rachel is an avid OSU football fan. She hopes to one day stand on the sidelines in the Shoe with Ryan Day.

Visit her web site to find out more and click on the icons to follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was made into an original Hallmark movie.

She loves to hear from readers. She also loves to encourage new writers and sits on the Executive Board of American Christian Fiction Writers.. 

A graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Journalism, Rachel is an avid OSU football fan. She hopes to one day stand on the sidelines in the Shoe with Ryan Day.

Visit her web site to find out more and click on the icons to follow her on Twitter and Facebook.