Secrets of Willow Springs ( 2 ) by Tracy Fredrychowski

ABOUT THE BOOK

After spending sixteen years in prison, Marie Cooper is forced to return to Sugarcreek, deep in Amish Country. Forced to take the only job available to her, she finds herself working for wealthy Nathan Bouteright. As her late husband’s memory continues to follow her, who will hold the key to unlock so many unanswered questions about her past? Will she be able to help Emma and Daniel come to terms with who they are, and can they forgive the one person who played God with their lives?

When Marie struggles to get Nathan to trust her, will it be his four-year-old son Amos who shows them there is more to a person than what is on the outside? Or, will a letter from her deceased mother help her find her way back to her faith and the exact place she dropped her thread of obedience?

MY REVIEW

I was in love with this book the moment I first opened it. I am humbled by the sweet message that this book sends.

I can't imagine being in prison nor do I ever want to be.

Marie is a strong character. I love how the author has put her through the many events in her life and I cried with Emma and Marie.

I cried because of the gentle reminder that God doesn't leave or forsake us. We leave Him. We leave Him because of pride and sin.

The one I really felt sorry for was Nathan. It all seemed so overwhelming that everything was piling up on him. I understood where he was coming from. I've felt like him many many times. I loved how the Lord gently reminded him.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

I didn't like Emma's sister however; because of her snippy ways. The way I see it, she's the one who needed the gentle reminder from the Lord Jesus. I thought she was too judgmental towards Emma.

Emma couldn't help her life's event. I don't think really any of us can. It's why we need Jesus!! He is the truth the way and eternal life.

The Lord has a reason for everything He does.

I loved reading this book and watching it all play out.

I love the Amish ways. We Englishers can learn a lot especially from their family dinners. Too often families don't pray or talk about their day. Prayers are an important part of the day.

Another character I especially loved was Rose. Old and wise beyond her years and yes with many secrets of her own she shares with Emma in a round about way.

One piece of advice is when she tells Marie,

"Sometimes we want answers, but if we get them all at once there's no need for Faith. The only way we know something is in God's plan is compare it to His Word."

I highly recommend this book.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tracy Fredrychowski lives a life similar to the stories she writes about. Striving to simplify her life, she often shares her simple living tips and ideas on her website and blog at tracyfredrychowski.com.   

Growing up in rural northwestern Pennsylvania, country living was instilled in her from an early age. As a young woman, she was traumatized by the murder of a young Amish woman in her rural Pennsylvania community and she became dedicated to sharing stories of their simple existence. She inspires her readers to live a God-centered life through faith, family, and community. 

If you would like to enjoy more of the Amish of Lawrence County, she invites you to join her in her Private Facebook Group. There, she shares her friend, Jim Fisher's Amish photography, Amish recipes, short stories, and an inside look at her favorite Amish community nestled in Northwestern Pennsylvania, deep in Amish Country.  

Follow her at:
Instagram instagram.com/tracyfredrychowski/
Facebook facebook.com/theamishlifestyle/
Private Facebook Group facebook.com/groups/tracyfredrychowski/

To Die To Sleep by Stephanie Black

ABOUT THE BOOK

After surviving a difficult year, Natalie Marsh is heading for Ellsberg Keep, an exclusive mountain resort that promises to provide the tranquility she desperately needs. She’s eager to relax and to reconnect with her estranged cousin Lily, who works as the Keep’s nurse—a reunion that begins abruptly when an accident on the winding mountain roads lands Natalie in the infirmary in the care of her cousin. They have little time to bond over childhood memories, however. Everything is thrown into chaos when the owner of the Keep is rushed to the medical wing, wildly delusional and raving about a murder plot.

Despite Lily’s care, the owner dies. Is his death simply an accident, or are his frenzied suspicions true? Determined to help Lily cope with the loss of her patient—and the accusations that she’s to blame for his death—Natalie searches for answers and is swept into a mystery that grows more puzzling as frightening hallucinations torment the dead man’s son. When a staff member who asks too many questions disappears, it is clear that this idyllic resort harbors someone with deadly intent—and Natalie may not survive to uncover the truth. 

MY REVIEW

Sweet!! I love a good suspenseful book that keeps u guessing throughout the whole book!! Such dramatic scenes!!

When I first opened this book I was immediately caught up in visiting with cousins Lily and Natalie.

I enjoyed every minute of it and I think it would make a great Halloween tale although I don't celebrate Halloween anymore.

Just creepy all the way through.

Sort of reminded me of the Adams family lol!!

I think what I liked best about it was the way the author pulled off all of these scenes that kept the reader like me guessing at who's done it and you won't believe who it is!!

Y'all will just have to read and see! Unbelievable!!

I found myself shouting at them and shaking my head and at one point I think I was pointing my finger at the suspect only to fund it was the wrong one!! I was soooo embarrassed that I found myself apologizing lol!!

I had a great time with this book!!

The supporting characters were awesome in this book too!!

Let's see there was Gideon, Soren ( loved the name by the way. Very unique). Oh and we can't forget Trudy, Anthony and my mind just went blank lol!!

But anyway y'all get the picture!

If you want a great read then this is the book for you!!

You'll vet a lot of enjoyment out of it!!

My thanks to Covenant Communications for allowing me to read this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own!

MAGGIE'S PLACE BY ANNETTE HOWE

ABOUT THE BOOK

Years ago, Mary Margaret Sullivan changed her name, boxed up her previous life, moved into the Eagle Gate Apartments, and hid her painful memories in her chicken-wire storage unit in the basement. But secrets have an inconvenient way of surfacing when least expected.

Three weeks before Christmas, an elegant man in a penthouse, a young woman named Carly—homeless and ill with pneumonia—and two calculating thieves invade Maggie’s carefully reconstructed life, and in different ways, each is connected to Maggie’s difficult past. As Maggie and friends nurse Carly back to health, hearts begin to heal with a hope for the future. But all is not as it seems. When faced with the shocking truth, Maggie must rely on her wits, her friends, and her own strength as never before.

MY REVIEW

This is another new to me author and I can say I honestly enjoyed this book.

Annette Haws has done a wonderful job with the characters' feelings and I felt their pain, secrets, and love and yes sometimes anger coming through the book.

I think the thing I've found out is that you can never hide your pain, past or whatever the case may be because it just follows you through life.

You might be able to box up your personal items but not your feelings. Our past defines us in who we are and eventually secrets leak out. Sometimes even though we don't want to letting secrets out can be healing even though hurtful at times. But in the end it relieves us at the same time.

Friends are harder to trust. A true friend is harder to find but once you do, hang on to them. They are precious and sometimes when you just need someone to talk to they will keep your confidence no matter what.

I could feel Carlys pain.

I was an outcast at school.. Always being made fun of no matter what the case may be that day. Heck, I even had drumsticks thrown at me in marching band one afternoon. Did it hurt yes it hurt so I did the only thing that was instinct. I threw them back at the drummer and hit him right square in the nose. He never bothered me afterwards but I can't say that the others did.

I did have one good friend and he kept me insane. Always loyal no matter what. But as life tends to do we drifted apart after high school. I run into him from time to time.

I fell in love with these beautiful flawed people in this story. They had me intrigued. I was swept into the story before I knew what happened and was finished the same day.

Did I cry some? Yes, I did!

Maggie is a tremendous woman and a strong woman but even she needed her friends at times. I admired her very much and at times ( I know this is silly) but I felt like she was my grandmother on my moms side. I wanted to reach though the book and give her a big fat hug!!

I think it's sad that kids want to put their parents away and never having anything to do with them anymore because they get old and can't take care of themselves. I mean, It's wrong. After all, they raised us and gave us all they had and loved us unconditionally. Why can't we do the same for them? Makes me glad that my grandparents were spared that. They died peacefully at home.

This story isn't what I usually read but something or someone called me to read it and I'm sure glad I did!! I went on an adventure of a lifetime!!

This story has so so many interesting places in it that you'll want to discover them all. Therefore, you not want to put this book down until you finish it. I may reread it again in the near future.

I highly recommend this book. It's so good!!

My thanks to Covenant Communications for a copy of this beautiful book and NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Annette Haws’s literary strengths are based upon her experiences in the classroom. She began her teaching career as a junior high teacher in Richmond, Utah and ended it teaching Sophomore English at Murray High School in Salt Lake City. However, her favorite assignment was a five year period at Logan High School teaching English, coaching debate and mock trial, and watching the antics of her own three children who were also students in the same school.

The Major's Daughter by Regina Jennings

ABOUT THE BOOK

Caroline Adams returns to Indian Territory craving adventure after tiring of society life. When she comes across swaggering outlaw Frisco Smith, his dreams to obtain a piece of property on the Unassigned Lands are very persuasive. When the gun sounds, they find themselves battling over a claim--and both dig in their heels.

MY REVIEW

This book y'all!! Just wow!

Regina has done a fantabulous job on this one!

The characters are hilarious and fun loving which all of this authors are. I thoroughly enjoyable.

The subject was awesome! Not much written about the land run of 1889.

It was so exciting that I felt like I was running myself!! What an exciting time to live in!!!

Caroline my spunky gal returns in this fun loving adventure and she's all grown up!! But I still loved her anyway! I'm glad she finally got her own story!!

Our beloved Bradley returns as well cocky as ever!! I really wanted to slug him up side of his head but only to knock some sense into him! Ornery rat!

I especially enjoyed Frisco and how he gave Caroline a run for her money so to speak!! Just perfect for each other in my opinion!! I wanted to knock their heades together at times too!! But I really enjoyed their banter.

My only thing was Caroline's father. He got on my nerves sooooo bad!!! Too overprotective! I wish he'd lighten up a bit!! But I guess I can sort of understand that at the same time.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! Anything by Regina Jennings is awesome! I know I'm going to be swept away with lots of action and adventure!!

I finished this wonderful novel within a few hours I enjoyed it that much!!

I can't say enough about this book except you'll just have to pick up this book and read it!!

I highly recommend this book!

Oh and the cover is just beautiful!! The story fits perfectly! In fact, it even tells a whole lot about what might be inside. 

This book will also make you laugh too. My husband kept asking me what was so funny but I think he was just doing that to annoy me. He does that all the time!

I'm telling you this girl's got guts!! She's also very sneaky too!! 

My thanks to author and Netgalley for this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.

SYLVIA'S SECRET BY MARY VEE

ABOUT THE BOOK

Fifteen days before Christmas, the staff at Sylvia Duvet’s mansion discover she is missing. Her daughter arrives at Detective Carhill’s office in a panic, concerned the gossipers and media will create their own story, embarrassing the family name. After all, a wealthy widow only disappears if…she can’t bear to think of the possibilities. Detective Branson Carhill, a master of French, formal dance, dining, conversation, and all manners expected of one in the elite class, hides his true middle-class identity when on the job. His motto: Your case can be solved without notifying the media. So, Readers, it's up to you to solve the mystery before Detective Carhill does. You have until the end of Christmas. 

MY REVIEW

I really enjoyed this sweet book!
This is a new to me author and I really enjoyed her works.
This book has a little bit of everything from mystery to 2nd chances at love.
Branson Carhill is an unusual man. He loves his job and is good at what he does. Not too many people can say that. Even I didn't like what I did.
Sylvia is a mystery. I think she has done her roll well. She's also an interesting character. Sometimes I would love to do what she has done but I'm sure that I wouldn't get away with it.
I wish I could've gotten to know Sylvia a little better because I immediately liked her and admired her especially since she done what she did. She's my heroine!
The story was well written and the supporting characters were interesting too.
You see, I once upon a time could draw, paint, and whatever else there was to do. I took art classes. I especially loved to draw horses as they are my favorite animals. I lost that talent since I didn't keep up with it although I'm sure that if I practiced at it I can do it again. I don't know why I didn't keep up with it. Maybe music was my calling.
I love the way this author writes because her writing enabled me to" travel" to Paris. I was able to picture in my mind the people, art, the Effile tower in all of her glory and traffic sounds too.
She's describes these scenes beautifully so that I can "be" there.
There wasn't a thing that I didn't like about this book.
I highly recommend this book. It's short and sweet and to the point. Oh and lots of action filled in the middle.
My thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Vee - Rock climbing, white-water rafting, zip lining, and hiking top Mary's list of ways to enjoy a day. These activities require lots of traveling to exciting places. For some crazy reason, Mary’s mystery/suspense fiction characters don’t always appreciate the dangerous and often scary side of her favorite activities. Unbelievable.

So—

Mary also writes virtual travel books that take readers back to places they've visited while also inviting first timers to join in the fun.

She pens retellings of Bible stories on the blog, God Loves Kids, chats with readers on the blog, Let's Talk, and teaches the art of writing on the group blog, The Writer's Alley Blog. She has won and has been a finalist in several writing contests.

Sign up for her newsletter and takes a virtual adventures. Sail on a pirate ship, zip-line through Californian redwoods…there’s always something new to try.

Silent Night Suspect by Sharee Stover

ABOUT THE BOOK

All she wants for Christmas is to remember.

Blood on her blouse. A gun in her hand. A cartel leader’s dead body in front of her. Widow Asia Stratton can’t remember what happened—just that she’s been framed. The only way to prove her innocence is to work with her ex-sweetheart, Nebraska state trooper Slade Jackson. But can they clear her name before this Christmas turns even deadlier?

MY REVIEW

Loved loved this book!! So many pages with twists and turns that will leave your head spinning until you aren't sure who done what and let me tell you it isn't who you think it will be! Some of it will also make your hairs stand up on the back of your neck too!! Oh, and I can't forget that it is a heart pounding thriller too!! After I got well enough to finish reading this wonderful book it took me a couple of hours to read it. So many wonderful characters and supporting characters as well. The author sure knew what she was doing when she wrote this book!! I love guessing games! Asia Stratton is an amazing character with grit and determination to get out of the situation that she was put in. For that, I think that she was a very brave lady. Slade Jackson became my hero in the end. I didn't like him at first but after awhile I began to warm up to him. It was one of the other officers that I was suspicious of. But I won't tell you who it was because I don't want to give the story away. This book will keep you eagerly turning the pages from the time you open the book until the time you finish and let me tell you it will leave you thinking about it long after it is finished. The plot of the book was that wonderful!! Sharee Stover has made me a life long fan for this kind of reading! Perfect for a gift or stocking stuffer or however you want to do it I highly recommend it! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Colorado native Sharee Stover lives in Nebraska with her real-life-hero husband, three too-good-to-be-true children and two dogs. A self-proclaimed word nerd, she loves the power of words to transform, ignite and restore. She writes Christian romantic suspense combining heart-racing, nail-biting suspense and the delight of falling in love all in one. When she isn’t writing, Sharee enjoys reading, crocheting and walking with her obnoxiously lovable German Shepherd.

Hereafter by Jody Hedlund

ABOUT THE BOOK

Growing up deep in the forest as a poor charcoal burner’s daughter, Emmeline has always known her identity as a princess of Mercia, and she lives in fear of being caught and killed. When her adopted father returns from town with news regarding the imminence of war, Emmeline has no wish to join the rebellion against King Ethelwulf.

Prince Ethelrex, the strongest warrior in the land, has done everything he can to prove his loyalty to his father, including searching for the last lost princess. When Ethelrex finally captures Emmeline, the king commands his son to marry the princess in order to win the support of the people and undermine the rebellion.

Forced into marriage, Emmeline has one goal—to escape. But Ethelrex takes his marriage vows seriously, including his promise to love and cherish his wife, and has no intention of letting Emmeline get away. As the battle for the throne rages, will the prince be able to win the battle for Emmeline’s heart?

MY REVIEW

I really enjoyed this book a lot!! I sure wasn't disappointed! Jody really is a fabulous midevil storyteller!! Fans of Jody will not want to miss this one for sure!

Emmeline is the feistiest of them all and that is what I loved about her! I think she's my favorite sister even though I love them all. I can't imagine being a twin. I think that is a special gift from God.

Each sister has a special talent that they needed to discover about themselves and Emmeline was no exception.

I enjoyed the mystery, action and adventure that Emmeline was forced to discover.

This is definitely her best and I love it that she saves the best for last! I was sad to see this series go!

I didn't want to say goodbye because I wanted to savor the last book in the series.

I do hope she writes more because she's so talented where midevil is concerned.

God does indeed give us more than we deserve!! Too often we take for granted what others have less of.

Rex was an interesting character himself. While I didn't always agree with his ways, I felt sorry for him in other ways as he tried to please his father and his wife. It's like he's caught in the middle and I can certainly understand that one.

Rex reminds me of my husband in that regard. He's caught in the middle with his mom and me. This book has made me realize that it isn't easy pleasing the ones you love. Yes, it's hard very hard.

Some are just never satisfied. Others just don't care in how they treat you.

I also loved that Rex wanted to try and do what's right despite his background and how he was raised.

God made you for more.... This was the time for more.

I loved how Jody wove these faith filled themes like the two I mentioned above. I really think readers will enjoy this one because it's not too preachy like some can be. But really, I've never run across anything like that.

Can Rex and Emmeline find a way to learn to get along together or will they always be at each other's throats and will Emmeline try to keep running away?

Well, you'll just have to pick up a copy and read it for yourself. I guarantee that once you start reading this book you won't want to put it down!

This is the last book in the series and will answer any questions you might have! I know it did mine!

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.