Love at Pebble Creek by Lisa Jones Baker

ABOUT THE BOOK

Love at Pebble Creek

(Hope Chest of Dreams #5)

by 

Lisa Jones Baker (Goodreads Author)

 4.50  ·   Rating details ·  14 ratings  ·  13 reviews

In Lisa Jones Baker's heartwarming series, precious hand-carved chests hold treasured dreams--and bring blessings to a new generation ...

Anna King has a talent--and a secret. Like the birth mother she never knew, Anna is gifted at sketching and longs to study and teach art one day. Unbeknownst to her beloved adoptive family, she's even entered a contest to win a full scholarship to art college. Sketching isn't a desirable vocation in her community, so Anna does her work in a remote spot by Pebble Creek and stores it in her beautiful hope chest. Only her family's farmhand, Jesse Beiler, knows her plans--and that's by accident ...

The bishop's son, Jessie is surprised to discover Anna's contest entry form. He can't imagine wanting a life beyond having his own farm and raising a family. Still, he admires Anna's spirit and promises to keep her secret, despite their differences. Yet the better he and Anna get to know each other, the more they find their personalities--and their hearts--complement one another. With Gott's guidance, can they forge the futures they desire--together?

"The heart of this romance goes far beyond stereotypes ... providing an unusual and welcome level of insight into the characters' inner lives."

--Publishers Weekly on Rebecca's Bouquet, STARRED REVIEW

"A sweet tale. . . . Forgiveness is a key theme, as is the concept that life is a combination of good and bad situations that make us who we are."

MY REVIEW

I gave this book 5 stars just because it's Lisa Jones Baker. Everytime I read any of her books I'm left feeling full and blessed simply because of the sweet messages that are from the Lord in this book!! Fabulous!!

My heart hurt for Anna since I knew how she felt at times while she found herself.

Like her, I used to draw and quite well too!! Until I layed my pencil down and didn't pick it up again. I found that if you don't use the talents that God has sent you, like singing and drawing He can take them away from you like He did me. I believe that He shut those doors and gave me something more special and I'm now playing in an Orchestra.

Many times I wished I was like Jesse who knew what he wanted out of life and went for it with a full vote of confidence. I admired him for that. I wished that I had a good friend here on Earth to confide in and tell my deepest secrets to but I don't. I do in my heavenly Father and for that I will habe the greatest treasure in Heaven when I get there

I strongly recommend this sweet book to anyone who needs a friend and confident for He is there.

I received a complimentary copy with no compensations received. All opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Jones Baker grew up near a small Amish town in Illinois that she frequented with her family on weekends. She's also a dog lover and a fan of Scottsdale, Arizona, where she spent nearly two decades. Lisa graduated from Illinois State University with a French major, has been on 5 out of 7 continents, and considers her parents the best in the world. Raised in a Christian home, Lisa has always been blessed with love and support.

Our trip to Natrual Bridge on Aug 17th, 2019

On Sat Aug 17, 2019 my family and I went to Natural bridge for an outing.
Oh my it was hotter than Hades!! Then to top it off the air conditioning went out our car which didn't help matters any.
What we really went down for was the Artisan Arts and Crafts show. I hadn't planned on going to the top of the bridge. But now, that I think about it I"m glad we did.
Since it was too hot to take the trail like we normally do, we opted out to ride the skylift. What a treat!! We got to go straight up the mountain and from our point of view, it looked like we were going to crash into the mountain side!!

      Here's a picture of me and Michael in the chair lift going up the side of the mountain side. Michael was squinting his eyes because the sun was too bright lol so was I!! 

Here's another one of us after we got to the top of the bridge.

Sorry the picture is so dark!! Like I said earlier, the sun was really bright that day.

Isn't the scenery gorgeous? Kentucky is a very beautiful state. The only thing I really don't like about it is the very high pollen count. Especially around this time of month through the first frost. Here's some scenery photos!! Enjoy!!!

My son then went under the bridge for me a took these lovely photos!! Since I"m now on a cane and can't really get down to the bottom and it was really hot I sat in the shade and let him do it lol!! And guess what? I made the mistake of eating before we went on this short jaunt. I think I did get a little bit of heat sickness but not Michael!! He downed a chocolate shake from Arby's and it didn't bother him one bit!! Lucky butt!! 

Another view of the bridge. Michael took a few in case they didn't turn out very well. 

Here's one I wasn't expecting him to take and this one is called Lover's Leap.

When my son told me how this was named and that it came from an Indian Story. It's too long to tell here but I will get him to explain it to me someday. 

I'm not sure if this was taken going up or getting ready to come back down. Coming back down is to me the really scary part!! It's like you're suspended out in mid air before the drop down. Not a very pleasant feeling for someone who is scared to death of heights!! But you know what?? I ended up enjoying the ride after all!! It was peaceful and I could feel the presence of God around me saying it's all right my child. 

All in all, it was a lovely way to spend the Sabbath. 

And last but least here I am with my cane. Man did that ever come in handy!! Some day I will tell how I came by it. 

If you ever want to come and feel God's presence, there's nothing like being out in nature at it's finest.  I highly recommend this outing!! 

Oh, and we ran into a group of Mennonites enjoying the same thing. I think they were part of a youth group. This is the first time that we've been there that a group like this has come here that I know of. 

They had an English driver with them which confused us because I thought they were allowed to drive. 

My top 10 favorite summer reads of 2019 so far

Here's some of my favorite reads so far this summer and I'm going to say bear with me because this is my first time doing this and I wanted it to make this blog a little more personal.

1.  YOURS TRULY, THOMAS

To start off with here's my very favorite so far. This book has everything in it a reader could want. Just make sure that you have a box of tissues sitting beside you. 

I enjoyed this so much that I really wanted to savor this book so I took my time with it because I didn't want to say goo bye to the characters.

Oh, and did I say that Margaret the boardinghouse lady is my favorite character! I felt that I could go to her and tell anything and it wouldn't go past the boardinghouse. I think she'd make a wonderful friend in real life!

Rachel, you've done a fabulous job on this story! I can't wait to see what you come out with next!

2. A FAMILY FOR GRACIE BY AMY LILLARD

Next up, A Family for Gracie because I love love Amish fiction!! Amy Lillard is an awesome writier that can make her characters feelings' come straight from the page and sometimes even want to make you yell at them or pray for them or whatever the case may be. I can feel Mathew digging his heels in since my own husband does sometimes when he doesn't really want to do something. I can also believe Gracie. I too wanted a family of my own. I strongly recommend this book for Amish fiction fans or just anyone in general. 

Isn't the cover of this book just beautiful?

Amy, looking forward to your next book!

3. MARRIED TO A STRANGER BY LAURA V. HILTON

 

I especially liked this book because of Bishop Mia. I loved his nosy ways and I even laughed out loud where he'concerned.  I loved his protective ways for his community!! They will surely miss him if something happens to him! 

I loved the life lessons that are learned in this story as well.  

Laura is a master storyteller and I first fell in love with this author when she wrote Postcards. 

 I strongly recommend this book!! You won't want to put it down!! 

Laura, can't wait to see what you write next!!

4. MONARCH MANOR BY MAUREEN LEURCK

I strongly recommend this book if you love time slip novels and this one is great!! It's also perfect for a beach read if you've a mind to.  I really felt sorry for Erin who is going through some things that have to do with just life in general.  

We meet with Amelia first. I thought she was a very brave woman in those days.  Especially with a mean mother in law!!  

I can't wait for ya'll to read this book!! 

I'm looking forward to more from this author!

5. FIRE STORM BY NANCY MEHL

.

I liked this one because I love a who done it mystery or crime if you want to call it that. This one is also a great guessing who done it book!! And believe me, it's not the person who you think it is!!

 Nancy is a great story teller and I highly recommend this book.

 I'm what you call a set in your ways reader but something nudged me about this book. I"m glad I trusted my inner self!

 I am starting to expand my reading though and thought I"d try this one. I wasn't disappointed! I "first met" Nancy through her Mennonite books. 

Let me tell you folks this one will make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck too if you like those kinds of stories!! 

Nancy, I"m looking forward to your next book!

6. THE PINK BONNET BY LIZ TSOLMA

I particularly liked this book because I learned some things that I never knew people actually did that. Makes me wonder how my parents adopted me!! 

Liz has written a captivated story in how children "get readopted' from the original families they had. 

Georgia Tann is a very interesting person. How she managed to get away with what she was doing is beyond me but she will have to answer to a higher power come judgement day

I strongly recommend this book. Ya'll wont be able to put it down!!

Liz, I can't wait to see what you will write next!

7. A RELUCTANT BRIDE BY JODY HEDLUND

I'm a huge fan of Jody Hedlund!! I was so grateful to be on her launch team this year to help promote her book. I"m hoping that this will promote it even further lol! But, anyway I've always loved this author and I look forward to reading her books.  She is also a great storyteller!! I love how the words flow from her heart and her pen! 

I strongly recommend this book!!  It's a wonderful summer read!! 

Jody, I'm looking forward to reading the next installment of this series! 

8. NO OCEAN TOO WIDE BY CARRIE TURANSKY

I put this book on the list because I love Carrie Turansky and this her best yet!! It's also my very 2nd favorite!!  I love this book because it tells of a families love and just like the title says No Ocean is too Wide for love.  Family ties are often times very strong especially in hard times like in Laura's family. Now, I definitely recommend that you have a box of tissues beside you! You'll need them!! I grantee you won't want to say goodbye to these characters!! 

Carrie, I hope there will be a sequal to this wonderful book! I can't wait to see what you will do next!

9.  MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY BY KAREN WHITEMEYER

Fans of Karen Whitemeyer will definitely want to add this one to their collection.

I loved this one so very much!! I enjoyed the humor in it and she certainly knows how to write that in!! This story truly comes from the heart!

This book will definitely make you laugh out loud and if there are any family members around they will probably ask you what you're laughing at. 

I think this book could be made into an awesome movie it's that good!! 

Karen, I can't wait to see what you write about next!! 

10. THE MEDALLION BY CATHY GOHLKE

This book is about the German blitzkrieg of Warsaw in 1939. What a sad sad story but what this author offers in this story is hope and a light at the end of the war. I loved each and every character especially Charlotte. I won't say a whole lot more but here's another book that will make you want to have a box of tissues. 

Cathy Gohlke is a wonderful writer and it shows through her stories that she writes.

I first fell in love with Cathy when I read William Henry is a fine name and then later I have seen Him in the Watchfires. Both great stories! I wanted more.

I devoured this in two sittings by the way it was that good!! 

I also love each and every book cover that comes with her stories!! I can't wait to see what you write next Cathy!! 

Desolate Shores by Daryl Wood Gerber

ABOUT THE BOOK

Desolate Shores (An Aspen Adams Novel of Suspense Book 1)

by 

Daryl Wood Gerber (Goodreads Author)

 4.50  ·   Rating details ·  34 ratings  ·  31 reviews

A chilling murder, an elusive killer, and a family mystery that hits too close to home . . .

After finding the body of her best friend on the icy shores of Lake Tahoe, Aspen Adams refuses to stand by and watch as the local sheriff’s department begins their search for the killer. Launching her own investigation, she’s soon confronted with a growing array of secrets—both about the friend she thought she knew and about many of the people in her own life. As fragmentary clues and escalating dangers threaten to derail her, she must also cope with the disturbing behavior of her deadbeat sister and troubled teenage niece.

Determined to overcome her personal demons over past failures, Aspen is driven to unravel the conflicting evidence and a shifting range of suspects to bring the killer to justice, even as a family trauma unfolds that threatens to upend her life. And as her investigation inexorably leads her to a shocking discovery and taunts her with a solution that is just out of reach, Aspen realizes that the killer wants nothing more than to see her and her niece dead . 

MY REVIEW

Family isn't always a direct relation

How true this is. You can choose your friends but not family. Family almost always betrays their own.

I enjoyed this novel and it helped to pass my Sunday afternoon because this book has some awesome twists and turns and it certainly left me guessing. Let me say it isn't the person you think it is.

The characters are quite wonderful and she touches nicely on alcohol, Bulimia and gambling are all mixed in.

Might I say the cover of this book is gorgeous, mysterious and intriguing at the same time!

This is the 1st book of this series and I think I would like to read more from this author! Her storytelling makes a reader immediately hooked from page one!! You won't be disappointed!! It's like watching one of the crime shows on tv only with more depth. 

If you like suspense, mystery then this for you

I strongly recommend it. 

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Agatha Award-winning Daryl Wood Gerber writes the brand new French Bistro Mysteries as well as the nationally bestselling Cookbook Nook Mysteries. 

As Avery Aames, she pens the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries. A DEADLY ÊCLAIR, the first French Bistro Mystery, comes out November 2017. 

Daryl also writes stand-alone suspense: DAY OF SECRETS and GIRL ON THE RUN. 

Fun tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in “Murder, She Wrote.” She loves to cook, and she has a frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky who keeps her in line!

Visit Daryl at www.darylwoodgerber.com.

 

In the Court of King Herod by Angela Hunt

ABOUT THE BOOK

King's Shadow: A Novel of King Herod's Court

(The Silent Years #4)

by 

Angela Elwell Hunt (Goodreads Author)

 4.52  ·   Rating details ·  25 ratings  ·  18 reviews

Two women occupy a place in Herod's court. The first, Salome, is the king's only sister, a resentful woman who has been told she is from an inferior race, a people God will never accept or approve. 

The second woman, Zara, is a lowly handmaid who serves Salome, but where Salome spies conspiracies and treachery, Zara sees hurting people in need of understanding and compassion. 

Powerful and powerless, Idumean and Jew, selfish and selfless--both women struggle to reach their goals and survive in Herod the Great's tumultuous court, where no one is trustworthy and no one is safe.

MY REVIEW

This author has pulled off another great read!! 

A must for Biblical fiction readers!! I'm sad that it ended.

This book will leave readers thinking about it and what it entailes long after you've finished it.

I love Angleas style of writing. I love how she puts a lot of thought and research into her novels to make them what they are!!

I enjoyed that it was told in 1st person by Salome and Zara by flipping back and forth between the two women. 

I learned a lot in this novel about how Herod came to power. How terrible it must be to want love and never received it. Poor Herod. A sad and jealous man if there ever was one and so very empty.

I enjoyed that it was told in 1st person by Salome and Zara by flipping back and forth between the two women. 

I don't think I would want to be the court of anybody. It's too dangerous!! My one true king is Jesus Christ! How blessed it is to be a child of God.

My thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House for a copy of this book. No compensations were received and all opinions are my own!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With over three million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 100 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.

Now that her two children have reached their thirties, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.

Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.

Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.

Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.

In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course. (less)

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

The Silent Years (4 books)

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BOOKS BY ANGELA ELWELL HUNT

 

 

 

 

Always by Jody Hedund

ABOUT THE BOOK

Always

(The Lost Princesses 0.5)

by 

Jody Hedlund (Goodreads Author)

 4.80  ·   Rating details ·  30 ratings  ·  24 reviews

A fierce elite guard. A loyal lady in waiting. They must work together to save three princesses from certain death.

On the verge of dying after giving birth to twins, the queen of Mercia pleads with Lady Felicia to save her infant daughters. With the castle overrun by King Ethelwulf’s invading army, Lady Felicia vows to do whatever she can to take the newborn princesses and their three-year old sister to safety, even though it means sacrificing everything she holds dear, possibly her own life.

Gravely wounded in battle and knowing all is lost to his enemy, the king of Mercia tasks Lance, one of his fiercest elite guards, to protect his family along with keys to an ancient treasure. As Lance makes plans to sneak the princesses out of the capital city, he doesn’t need or want Lady Felicia’s help.

With the dark enemy in pursuit, Lance and Felicia must put aside their differences to outrun King Ethelwulf and prevent him from killing the princesses. In a desperate attempt to hide the young girls, Lance and Felicia agree to a marriage of convenience, a decision that will change their lives—and hearts—forever.

MY REVIEW

Loved this book so much!! I stayed up all night even though I was still tired from my trip to Michigan!

The story was delightful and so many adventures!! I was kept on the edge of my seat and holding my breath to see what happens next!! Jody does have that effect on us.

That's what I love about her writings.

With God all things are possible. All we need to do is ask!!

Trouble is, a lot of people myself included think they can do it all on their own. At some point and time we're all going to need devine intervention from the Lord to help us out.

I'm thinking that Lance finally figures this one out. I had a feeling it was going to take something drastic to make him see.

I think my favorite is Felicity. She's brave, strong, caring and can adjust to certain situations if need be. That's my kind of lady.

I love being kept up late into the evening and then cry bc my adventure is over!!

Well done Jody Hedlund!!!

I strongly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No compensations were received and all opinions are my own!! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty 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.

Evermore by Jody Hedlund

ABOUT THE BOOK

Evermore

(The Lost Princesses #1)

by 

Jody Hedlund (Goodreads Author)

 4.78  ·   Rating details ·  18 ratings  ·  9 reviews

An ancient key. A secret treasure. And a princess destined to use them both to fight evil and restore peace.

Raised by a noble family, Lady Adelaide has always known she’s an orphan. Little does she realize she’s one of the lost princesses and the true heir to Mercia’s throne…until a visitor arrives at her family estate, reveals her birthright as queen, and thrusts her into a quest for the throne whether she’s ready or not.

Unable to tolerate King Ethelwulf’s cruelty and lawlessness, Christopher Langley left Mercia years earlier, training a group of rebels in neighboring Norland. When he returns home after his mother’s death, he discovers that not only is Adelaide all grown up, but she’s also the rightful queen of Mercia.

When King Ethelwulf discovers Adelaide’s location, he’ll stop at nothing to capture her and the key she holds to the ancient treasure. Christopher is just as determined to protect Adelaide so she can lead the growing rebellion. When feelings ignite between the two old friends, forces threaten to destroy their love and rip them apart forever

MY REVIEW

Another wow for Jody Hedlund! She delivers yet another exciting medevil tale and doesn't disappoint!!

Adelaide certainly has her work cut out for her that's for sure!!

She's quite a handful and is hardheaded at times but at the same time I love her generosity towards the poor folk of the kingdom.

I think she would make a fine queen that ppl would come to admire and love her for who she truly is.

This story is full of action everytime you turn around and that is what I like in a book.

I was rooting for Adelaide and Christopher the whole entire time!!

Jody does a find job of showing good vs evil. Evil never wins! In so glad aren't you?

I also love the forgiveness theme in this book as well. It is very true that if you can't forgive then it eats away at you and u will never find peace.

It is more for you than for the other person.

I strongly recommend reading these novellas first!! You'll be glad you did!!

I received a complimentary copy and no compensations were received. All opinions are my own!!

Be sure to read Always first! It is the first in this series! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty 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.