A Simple Christmas by Charlotte Hubbard

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Simple Christmas

(Simple Gifts #3)

by 

Charlotte Hubbard (Goodreads Author)

 4.59  ·   Rating details ·  136 ratings  ·  53 reviews

"Hubbard writes Amish stories with style and grace."

--RT Book Reviews 

The rustic beauty of a country Christmas fills the Simple Gifts crafts shop, while the Amish residents of Willow Ridge pull together in uncertain times--and in the face of an unexpected homecoming. 

Nora Hooley's shop is abuzz with preparations for the holiday open house, and Rosalyn Riehl is handcrafting wreaths from evergreen boughs, pinecones, and other natural materials. The work is a welcome diversion for the only unmarried daughter of Cornelius Riehl: her gruff dat has been receiving envelopes marked Past Due, leaving dutiful Rosalyn to manage the household's inexplicably shrinking budget. Then another distraction swaggers into Simple Gifts--blue-jeaned and leather-jacketed, with a reputation that precedes him.

Marcus Hooley hightailed it to Willow Ridge on a wing and a prayer--not that he's the praying type. He rejected his Amish roots long ago. But behind the bad-boy attitude is a gifted horse trainer who's counting on some 

bent-but-not-broken family ties to throw him a lifeline. He can't erase his past, but a sparking attraction with strong, spirited Rosalyn holds the promise of a second chance . . . and of shedding light on shadowy secrets to build a bright tomorrow.

MY REVIEW

There's nothing wrong with having a Simple Christmas. In fact, that is exactly what we're going to have this year ourselves. I don't really like all that noise and overcrowding that happens when big families get together. Although I do understand that sometimes that's the only time they see each other.

This author shows us that even the Amish aren't perfect. And that is what I liked about this story. Forgiveness and Grace. 

For Rosalyn the oldest of the sisters ( which I honestly thought she was the youngest. I guess it's because of the way her dad treated her). 

I can connect with her in this way. My dad was a piece of work too. For me, words hurt more than the physical abuse itself. Once said you can't take them back.

I enjoyed watching her change throughout the story. With God and the right person to come al

the right person, anything can happen!!!

Marcus is the perfect example. I was really rooting for him. He truly amazed me. Cause some people just don't want to grow up.

This was truly an amazing story of love, grace and a very special friendship. How I enjoyed the family of Willow Ridge! It's like coming home again

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Drawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, longtime Missourian Charlotte Hubbard (a.k.a. Naomi King) writes of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle in her new Seasons of the Heart series. Like her heroine, Miriam Lantz, 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 her earlier Angels of Mercy 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. (less)

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Simple Gifts (3 books)

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Something Right by Rose Fresquez

ABOUT THE BOOK

Something Right

by 

Rose Fresquez (Goodreads Author)

 4.67  ·   Rating details ·  6 ratings  ·  5 reviews

Jake Larson is good at everything…except relationships. When his marriage ends, it leaves the firefighter with doubts he’s never experienced before. Now he’s determined to protect his crushed heart the only way he knows how: avoid falling in love at all costs. And thanks to his friend Ezra, Jake is more than content to fill the hole in his life with a newfound faith in Christ and the hope for a brighter—if single—future.

Renee Buchanan is one of the best interior designers Colorado has to offer, and she knows it. She’s young, skilled, and confident…except when she’s around Jake Larson. Every time Jake steps into a room, her carefully crafted professionalism crumbles, and she finds herself lost.

And that’s a problem when Jake hires Renee to decorate his fixer-upper of a home. Not only is Jake her brother’s best friend, he’s also the gentleman of her dreams. And no matter how determined she is to make this the well-designed house of her career, and how thick the walls around Jake’s heart are, something new sizzles up between them, something they can’t help but be drawn toward.

As they work together to chip away at the walls of both Jake’s house and his heart, Jake is faced with a life-changing decision: let himself fall for his best friend’s beautiful sister, or stay single but keep his friendship intact. Either way, Jake knows he must let go of his past before he can grab hold of the future…or else risk losing the second chance he desperately needs.

Something Right is a sweet interracial romance between a damaged firefighter and the interior designer determined to make him whole again.

Something Right is the second book in the standalone in series; The Buchanans

If you want to read them in order;

Book 1- First Site

Book 2- Something Right 

MY REVIEW

I'd love to give this book more than 5 stars!! 

The characters are enjoyable and I love the firefighters banter as they laugh and joke with each other. I also love they way they stand up for each other and support each other especially if one of their own is down! In my opinion, this makes a great team and it shows teamwork! Sadly though and especially at my work place there is no such thing as teamwork.

I always say it's best to start out as friends. That's the best kind of relationship and then if it's meant to be a much more sweeter thang comes out if it. 

I love this author's writing style. She has the ability to make you feel like you are right along with these guys doing their job and laughing with them.

Of course Jake is my favorite person in the whole story. Kind, gentle and caring he's the type that has your back no matter what situation someone may be in.

He's pretty special in my book.

I strongly recommend this book!! It was so good and I cried when I finished it. I didn't want to say Goodbye but hey, we can always reread it again and check in on our favorite people right?

I received a complimentary copy of this book with no compensations received 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rose Fresquez is a stay-at-home mom, with a husband and four kids. In her free time, she likes to spend time outdoors with the family, sing gospel music and plotting her next writing project.

Rose's writing projects include both Christian non-fiction and Christian fiction. 

Her latest release coming soon is Something Right. An interracial romance between a firefighter and an Interior Designer. Other books are; FIRST SITE, COMPLEX, the Ten Commandments for Kids and Families and Rose's Signed and Delivered devotional letters.

Visit my facebook page for updates on new books

https://www.facebook.com/rosefresquezbooks/

or signup for my newsletter at https://rosefresquez.com

Also working on the series THE OUTSIDERS IN ERON. 

Book 1; COMPLEX

BOOK 2 ; CHOICES. Coming soon

Never Say Goodbye by Mandi Blake

ABOUT THE BOOK

Never Say Goodbye (Unfailing Love, #2)

by 

Mandi Blake (Goodreads Author)

 4.42  ·   Rating details ·  12 ratings  ·  10 reviews

Lindsey Payne left her small, southern hometown six years ago for the bright lights of New York City with big dreams of becoming an actress. Now, she’s returning to Georgia with regrets and hoping to steer clear of those she’s wronged. 

Dakota Calhoun fills his days with work to keep his mind busy. The last thing he wants is time to dwell on the past or the mistakes he made. When a ghost from his past comes barreling back into his life, everything gets harder—and more dangerous. Now, Dakota is struggling to stay on the straight and narrow. 

Dakota and Lindsey have a past as long as their memories, but their future is tied up in old wounds. They’ll have to decide if they can forgive each other and themselves. Can they overcome the past and have the future they always wanted?

Never Say Goodbye is the second book in the Unfailing Love series, but the books can be read in any order. 

MY REVIEW

Just finished this sweet story about second chances. Isn't it wonderful that God gives us many 2nd chances?

I love the way God works things in His own timing not ours. Sometimes we may think it's forever or even longer than it seems but this story has a great ending!

I love how the author has portrayed jealousy. That is our worst enemy!!

Sometimes what we think is love is not how it's supposed to be. Some people just have a hard time showing their love or even saying it and without even realizing it they've damaged the other person.

But, there is One who loves us no matter what we do or how much we Sin. Our Father in heaven.

Sometimes it takes time to grow up and others are just not ready for commitment. I think if we're meant for that person God will see us through and that is the sweetest love there is. Oh so worth waiting for!!

Forgiveness is in this story too. I like that part even better!!

And take a guess who my favorite character was? Little Lydia!!

Such a sweet baby!! I could just picture her in her mama's arms with not a care in the world! Wouldn't life be so much better if we were all like that!!

Next come Lindsey and Dakota. I want a relationship like that and in a way, mine is like that.

Yes, we have our disagreements but doesn't everyone?

I am also blessed to have a wonderful relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book with no compensations received. All opinions are my own!!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mandi Blake was born and raised in Alabama where she lives with her husband and daughter, but her southern heart loves to travel. Reading has been her favorite hobby for as long as she can remember, but writing is her passion. She loves a good happily ever after in her sweet Christian romance books and loves to see her characters' relationships grow closer to God and each other.

A Lady's Maid by Jen Geigle Johnson

ABOUT THE BOOK

                             A Lady's Maid

by 

Jen Geigle Johnson (Goodreads Author)

 4.44  ·   Rating details ·  9 ratings  ·  8 reviews

Molly O’Malley, lady’s maid to the progressive Lady Amanda Halloway, is determined to continue the life’s work of her lost love, killed in the Peterloo Massacre. But when her efforts and a trip to Lady Halloway’s charitable orphanage culminate in her own abduction, Molly’s eyes are opened to the horrifying crimes transpiring in the city’s slums. Despite the risks, she broadens her mission and is drawn ever closer to the peril all around them. 

Thomas Flaherty, a footman in the Halloway household, has been with Molly from the beginning, but he fears she will never trust him with her heart. Even though her cause and happiness are of foremost importance to him, his loyal patience is tested by the fears that keep her at a distance. But with their safety on the line, Thomas is resolved to sacrifice everything for the woman he loves. 

Risking their lives and their love, Molly and Thomas and a team of nobles on their side will stop at nothing to empower the powerless, no matter the personal cost.

MY REVIEW

Wow!! and wow!! 

I'm like my friend. I learned a lot in this novel! 

The women before us was truly amazing and I appauld them!! I think that the ladies of yesterday would be quite upset with some us that don't cast their vote in these elections!! Think about what a difference that might I said might make!!

This is a new to me author and she truly is a gem! I love her research, stories, and her talent for bringing the lower class to life and their struggles. 

Not much is written about women's suffrage. That is one of the reasons I loved this book!!

I love Molly's vivacious spirit! Her sense of adventure even if it's sometimes naughty lol!! But, that is what makes Molly Molly. Her personality is superb and good at keeping her head.

I also love Lady Amanda's gentle spirit. She is a soothing balm at times. I love her approach about certain situations. 

In a way I'm glad I'm not a socialite although it probably would help us out a lot!! But then I wouldn't know how to act with that kind of money lol!! Anyone really!!

I even love the shady characters!! They really bring out the mystery part of this book!! 

This book will make you want to keep turning the pages to see what is going on with our friends in this book and yes they're easy to make friend's with.

I think the character I most related to was shy Chole. Whenever I get bad vibes about people and or their true character I tend to clam up or I fumble about to sound witty but I end up looking dumb so I just don't usually say anything at all.

But then, there are people like Lady Amanda or Molly that I feel like I can open up to them and be myself. Isn't that strange?

This book is a gem if you want to learn more about women's suffrage and the plight of the lower class. I strongly recommend it! You'll be glad you did!!

Oh and there's a surprise about the book! Let me know if you find it lol!!

My thanks to the publisher and no compensations were received. All opinions are my own!! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jen Geigle Johnson once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. Other vital things to know: the sound a water-ski makes on glassy water and how to fall down steep moguls with grace. No mountain is too steep for her to climb, yet. During a study break date in college, she sat on top of a jeep's roll bars up in the mountains and fell in love. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager. 

Now an award-winning author and mother of six, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure. She is a member of the RWA, the SCBWI, and LDStorymakers. She is also the chair of the Lonestar.Ink writing conference.

https://www.jengeiglejohnson.com

Twitter—@authorjen
Instagram—@authorlyjen
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenGei... (less)

BOOKS BY JEN GEIGLE JOHNSON

 

 

 

 

    

Reunited with the Cowboy

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Reunited with the Cowboy (Heroes of Shelter Creek #1) By Claire McEwen Adult Contemporary Romance Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages July 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She can save his ranch…

But can he forgive her?

Maya Burton knows she’s the last person rancher Caleb Dunne wants to see. After all, she survived the crash that killed his sister, and then left town. Now she has to convince the stubborn cowboy that she can help him save his ranch. But once she earns his trust—and his heart—will she be able to walk away?

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Harlequin│iBooks│Kobo


MY REVIEW

A sweet love story that will leave you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.

This is a great read with forgiveness and a light (hope) at the end of all the hurt and anger that our two favorite characters are going through.

Thing is about this story that I didn't like, was how they kept dragging this out never letting the past really go. 

Yes, I know it's very hard to do when certain trials in life are getting you down. Believe me, I know.

I now understand why it's sometimes hard to come home from a war. There's no telling what they've seen or done overseas. But even then, alcohol will not help. It just succeeds in dragging some people down with it. Alcohol will not take it away. Whatever has caused the pain will always be there and it will never go away unless you face your fears.

I really admired Maya. She stood fast and strong and passionate about what she believed in. Yay Maya!! 

It also takes a big person to say I'm sorry. I know many times that is hard to do. But, really it's more for you than the other person. I've said this in my other reviews and I really hope that this message will help people be blessed and reach out to them.

Sometimes we all just have to grow up and learn where we are meant to be like Trisha and Maya. And yes Caleb too. 

Small towns can be a blessing and a hindrance. I should know I grew up in one!! Everyone loves to gossip. Gossip is evil and can hurt others. It isn't nice!! Gossip stinks. Sometimes when it gets back to you it is so twisted that that wasn't how it happened at all! 

This is a wonderful tale about 2nd chances.

I feel if God opens doors for you you should take them!! There might not ever be another chance again

My thanks to Prism book tours for a wonderful read!! No compensations were received and all opinions are my own!! 

About the Author

Claire McEwen writes stories about strong heroes and heroines who take big, emotional journeys to find their happily-ever-after. She lives by the ocean in Northern California with her family and a scruffy, mischievous terrier. When she’s not writing, Claire enjoys gardening, reading and discovering flea-market treasures. She loves to hear from readers! You can find her on most social media and at www.clairemcewen.com.

Website│Goodreads│BookBub│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│Instagram

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Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Cross-Country Trip through Regency England Brings Intrigue, Rogues, and High Adventure

The must-read conclusion to Michelle Griep’s Bow Street Runners Trilogy: Life couldn’t be better for Abigail Gilbert—but it’s been a long time coming. Having lived with a family who hated her, love is finally within reach. Abby sets off on a journey across England to marry one of the most prestigious gentleman bachelors in the land—until highwaymen upset her plans and threaten her life.

Horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher arrives just in time to save Abby. But to him she’s simply another victim in a job he’s come to despise. Tired of the dark side of humanity, he intends to buy land and retire.

Abby pleads with him to escort her on the rest of her journey. He refuses until she offers him the thing he desperately needs to achieve his goal: money. Delivering her safely will earn him more than enough to settle into a quiet life.

So begins an impossible trek for the cynical lawman and the proper lady. Each will be indelibly changed by the time they reach her betrothed, if they don’t kill one another first—or fall in love.

MY REVIEW

I enjoy books by Michelle Griep and this one is no exception.

I loved the action from the start and it seems that trouble plagues Abigal Gilbert from the start lol!! Some of it is funny while others it's not so funny

I thought Johnathan should have accompanied Abigail from the start and not expected her to come to him. After all, it would have been the gentlemanly thing to do but then I guess there would have been no story!!

I love Abigal's personality. HDr stubborn streaks tend to get her in trouble. 

In a way this book sort of reminds me of Cinderella. Where we have a mean stepmother and sisters who are so afraid they won't get what's coming to them.

Then we have Samuel Thatcher " hubba bubba!! Our gallent hero who comes along more times than once. Of course I would not mind ya know?

If the cover of the book says anything wow!! 

I love Michelle's stories!! I know I can count on her for a romp though Englands countryside. She always manages to keep the action turning with each page and her characters are easy to make friends with well, except for maybe a few.

I'm so happy to be able to get ahold of this book that I wanted to read so bad and I wasn't disappointed. It was worth every bit.

I received a complimentary copy from Barbour publishing with no compensations received. All opinions are my own!!

I very strongly recommend this book and I guarantee you'll love it as much as I did!! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I hear voices. Loud. Incessant. And very real. Which basically gives me two options: choke back massive amounts of Prozac or write fiction. I chose the latter. Way cheaper. I've been writing since I discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. I seek to glorify God in all that I write...except for that graffiti phase I went through as a teenager. Oops. Did I say that out loud?

Refuge at Pine lake by Rose Chandler Johnson

ABOUT THE BOOK

. a tender story of healing and finding a place to belong. This sweet, Southern romance doesn't disappoint." - Liz Talley Robin Lancaster, a twenty-six-year-old former kindergarten teacher, has her summer and her life all figured out. She's ready to be on her own, writing and illustrating her children's stories at her family's beloved lake house. Once there, she intends to rekindle a romance with Caleb Jackson, the area's top hunting and fishing guide, and bag him for herself.Complications arise from the start when Robin finds out her mother has rented the lake house to a man they know nothing about. Matthew McLaughlin, forty-year-old widowed university professor and author from California, shows up at Pine Lake in crisis. A sabbatical might be his only hope to save much more than his career. He needs a place of refuge. Sharing the lake house with a lighthearted young woman and her dog is the last thing on his mind. Caleb Jackson has his own plans. He's used to things going his way, but a man staying in Robin's house presents unforeseen challenges. When paths unavoidably entangle for these three, hearts are on the line.    

MY REVIEW

I'd love to give this 5 stars or more. Christina Rose Johnson is a new to me author. A sweet Southern book that will keep you reading and thinking about it long after you finish it. I think that this would be A great place for healing a broken heart, rebuilding a friendship or just a lazy summer vacation. I didn't want to leave Matthew and Robin. They were so easy to make friends with and poor Matt I just wanted to put my arms around him and give him a big encouraging hug!! I'm glad that Robin was there too!! I thought she was a great help to him! I did want to reach out a gran Callie the dog and pet her. I felt her energy coming from out of the page! I think she sensed that Matt needed a friend. Dogs are awesome like that. I also felt the peacefulness of the lake coming through the pages too! How beautiful our Lord makes things just for our healing, love and friendship to grow!! I enjoyed the supporting characters as well!! I used to love going fishing until I caught a snake and that was the end of that cause I hate snakes!! I threw everything up into the air and ran for my grandfather who made me back and get my stuff. I wasn't going back there myself. I made him go with me. So I've never been fishing since. That ruined it for me. I like this author and will be looking for more from her! Her writing makes you feel like you're part of the story! I strongly recommend this book for a great summer read!! Or any other time! I guarantee you won't want to return to the present! My thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. No compensations were received and all opinions are my own!!  ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rose Chandler Johnson's award-winning devotional journal, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments released in July 2013. Her devotions, poems, short stories and articles have appeared in numerous publications over the years. My Father' House is Rose's first novel. Rose has lived near Augusta, GA for the last thirty-two years. For the last twenty plus years, Rose has been a French and English teacher. Currently she is an adjunct English instructor at a technical college. Rose enjoys baking, gardening, and spending time with her six children and their growing families. Another devotional is in the works and another Southern lit novel, coming March 2019.