Cinder Ellie (A Prequel to the Faraway Castle Series) by J.M. Stengl

I'm a sucker for a good fairy tale and happily ever afters.  I've never outgrown my love for them.  

Cinder Ellie is a Prequel story to the Faraway Castle Series and a new to me author. 

Bestselling romance novelist J.M. Stengl steps into the realm of fairy tales with this sparkling new series of love, laughter, light, and—of course—magic.

Trained by an enchantress but obliged to work summers for her living, fifteen-year-old Ellie Calmer serves as a maid at a world-famous mountain resort. Her lowly rank keeps her always at a distance from the powerful, beautiful guests who spend their summers at Faraway Castle, yet Ellie dares to dream of one day exchanging even just a few words with shy Prince Omar of Khenifra.

But when rare magical creatures show up in Faraway Castle’s gardens, Ellie’s life is suddenly complicated. Cinder sprites are causing fires and potentially endangering the beautiful resort. The resort director has sent for an exterminator to deal with these so-called pests. Can Ellie find a way to use her humble magic to save the cinder sprites and Faraway Castle before disaster strikes?

CINDER ELLIE is a prequel novella to J.M. Stengl’s FARAWAY CASTLE series. Recommended for fans of Marissa Meyer, Melanie Dickerson, K.M. Shea, and Chanda Hahn.

I'm guessing I don't have to tell you what tale this is a remake of.  But if you are expecting a damsel in distress waiting to be rescued, this isn't the book for you.  

Ellie is a strong female character who has magical abilities.  She is surrounded by Brownies, Sprites, Pixies, and other magical creatures.  Despite being in a "lower rank" she shows quite a bit of talent.  Independent, resourceful, and smart Ellie shows that she doesn't need someone to rescue her.  

Omar, Ellie's crush is introduced in the book as well.  I didn't get as strong of a connection with him as I did Ellie, or many magical creatures in the story, but I think I'll get to know him better in their book.  

My son, who also read the book, wanted me to note that Cinder Sprites are radical and if they were real you would totally want one for a pet. 

All in all this was a nice easy read.  The only downer is we have to wait for the novel to delve into the rest of the story.  

So pick up your copy in February and enjoy a charming tale!  Happy Reading!  

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

A Plain Leaving by Leslie Gould (The Sister's of Lancaster County Book 1)

I know you can't judge a book by the cover, but honestly, that is what can draw me into a book and get me excited to pick it up!  

I was really drawn to this book, isn't it pretty!  I've read quite a few books from Leslie Gould and this is the start of her new series The Sister's of Lancaster County.  From the back: Leaving Was the Hardest Thing She'd Ever Done . . . Until She Had to Return
  
Three years ago, Jessica Bachmann walked away from everything: her family, their beloved farm, her Amish community, and Silas Kemp. After clashing with the new bishop and her brother about her role in her family and the future of the family farm, anger and restlessness wouldn't allow her to stay. 

When she is forced to return home because of her beloved father's death, her arrival stirs up all kinds of emotions--sorrow, grief, and yearning alike. Jessica knows things can't return to the way they were, but, especially upon seeing Silas again, she can't help wonder what might have been--and what still could be. The stakes grow higher when she learns that her brother, Arden, is still pursuing potentially hazardous fracking on the family's land.

As Jessica wrestles with her next step, she learns the cautionary tale of Ruby Bachmann, a Revolutionary War-era ancestor who faced similar struggles. Will Ruby's decisions motivate Jessica to leave her family, the land, and her community forever? Or is there healing, love, and belonging yet to come for her in Lancaster County?  

The things I liked about this book, is like in her previous books she weaves a nice storyline.  Two stories are placed together and Ruby's story and Jessica's.  It's sometimes difficult to jump between two stories and time periods but Gould was able to do that with ease.  The overall story line was enjoyable. 

There are a few things that weren't as great as I had hoped.  There was a bit of a heavy hand with explanations.  Fracking was one example.  There was also a song, How Great Thou Art, that I don't think the Amish would have used.  The story ended to quickly after a nice steady pace as well.  

Overall, the book was OK.  I'll be picking up the second book in the series to see what happens next and I'm hopeful that the bumps will even out.  Happy Reading!  

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Quilting Circle by Amy Lillard

I've had to give up my beloved porch swing because it's freezing here.  But my husband bought a ton of firewood and I've managed to find a cozy spot by the fire with some hot tea.  

I also get to go back to one of my favorite places, Wells Landing.  Amy Lillard brings together all three of her novellas into one book.  From the back:

MORE THAN FRIENDSHIP
Youngest quilter Clara Rose Yutzy is planning her wedding to her longtime beau—which is why she resolutely ignores newly warm feelings for her best friend, Obidiah. But Obie is certain God intends them to be together. With the Lord’s help, he’ll prove to Clara Rose how much he loves her . . .

MORE THAN A PROMISE
Mariana Miller prayed for a child throughout fifteen years of marriage. But now, newly widowed, Mariana discovers she’s pregnant—with twins! She’s more grateful than ever for her caring community—especially Reuben Weisel, her late husband’s business partner and best friend. Reuben’s quiet strength comforts her—until he proposes marriage . . .

MORE THAN A MARRIAGE
Tess Smiley is new to Wells Landing and newly married. But her marriage isn’t the harmonious union she envisioned. Tess loves Jacob with all her heart, but her heart tells her she must take a stand—and ask for support. Only then does Jacob see how he has hurt her. But is he too late? . . 

In More Than a Friendship we see what happens when we rush and not think about what we really need in our lives.  Clara Rose has two people vying for her heart.  Will she be able to trust and not second guess her emotions?  Will Obie be able to win her heart?  

I really liked Obie in this story and his persistence in this story.  Amy Lillard has a way of really bringing her characters to life.  

In More Than a Promise Mariana is pregnant, with twins!  Newly widowed and needing space to grieve she faints and needs to go on bedrest.  I loved the way the community rallied around her while she was going through this difficult time.  

Rueben, another great character, was so thoughtful and kind.  His generous nature and kind acts tugged at my heart.  

In More Than a Marriage Tess finds herself trying to compete for her husband Jacob's affection with a smartphone!  She feels ignored and unhappy.  Jacob is frustrated that his wife wants to keep pesky goats and he can't provide for her in the way he feels that an Amish man should.  This story delves into the heart of a marriage and you find yourself wondering if Tess and Jacob can ever find common ground.  

Amy Lillard gives us a glimpse into a world that isn't all buggy rides and picnics.  She draws you in with characters that have beautiful real life flaws and you find yourself rooting for them.  With the help of caring neighbors will Tess and Jacob find their way back to each other?  Or will they hang on to their pride and keep comparing what others have to what they have?  

This was a really great series and I'm so glad that they all are in one place for you to enjoy.  So come home to one of my favorite places and pick up your copy today. Welcome to Wells Landing, where there is a story on every corner and a place you will enjoy visiting every time.  Happy Reading. 

Love Held Captive (A Lone Star Hero's Love Story) by Shelley Shepard Gray

I'm always excited when a new book in a series I enjoy has come out . 

Love Held Captive is well worth the wait!  From the back:  After the War Between the States, a Confederate officer longs to heal the heart of a beautiful woman—but first he’ll have to right the wrongs that were done to her.

Major Ethan Kelly has never been able to absolve himself of the guilt he feels for raiding a woman’s home shortly before he was taken prisoner during the Civil War. He is struggling to get through each day until he once again crosses paths with Lizbeth Barclay—the very woman he is trying to forget.

Life after the war is not much different for former Captain Devin Monroe until he meets Julianne VanFleet. He knows she is the woman he’s been waiting for, but he struggles to come to terms with the sacrifices she made to survive the war.

When Ethan and Devin discover that their former colonel, Adam Bushnell, is responsible for both Lizbeth’s and Julianne’s pain, they call on their former fellow soldiers to hunt him down. As the men band together to earn the trust of the women they love, Lizbeth and Julianne seek the justice they deserve in a country longing to heal.

In the third installment of this wonderful series we are transported back in time.  With masterful story telling, twists and turns, strong characters and emotions this is a powerful read.  I was drawn in very quickly to the story and had a hard time putting the book down.  

There are some adult situations in the story and Shelly Shepard Gray weaves in forgiveness and recovery.  We get a good look into the time period and what people's lives were like.  The romance was compelling and this book was a great addition to the series.  I will say that you need to read the other two first so you get a better understanding of the story line. 

If you are a civil war fan, historical fiction fan, or a Shelley Shepard Gray fan this is the book for you.  So pick up your copy today!  Happy Reading!

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Promise of Dawn (Under Northern Skies Book 1) by Lauraine Snelling

Sometimes I see a new book that catches my eye by a new to me author and I'm really excited to pick it up and read it.  

Lauraine Snelling begins a new series in The Promise of Dawn.  From the back: In a Compelling New Saga, One Family Strives to Make Their Own Future

Opportunities are scarce in Norway, so when Rune and Signe Carlson receive a letter from Rune's uncle, Einar Strand, offering to loan them money for passage to America, Rune accepts. Signe is reluctant to leave her home, especially as she is pregnant with her fourth child, but Einar promises to give them land of their own, something they could never afford in Norway.

But life in Minnesota is more difficult than Signe imagined. Uncle Einar and Aunt Gerd are hard, demanding people, and Signe and her family soon find themselves worked nearly to the bone to pay off their debt. Afraid they will never have the life they dreamed of, she begins to lose her trust in God. When the dangers of the North Woods strike close to home, will she find the strength she needs to lead her family into the promise of a new dawn?

This book was a mixed bag for me.  I loved the historical aspects of it.  The author did her work and understood the time period and how hard it was to be an immigrant.  The Carlson family find themselves reduced to little more than live in help when they come to America.  Despite the hardships they went through they let their Christ like attitude shine through.  

On the flip side, the book was often repetitive and the plot was slow so I didn't find myself drawn in the way I had hoped to be.   Also there were mentions of characters from another series of hers in the beginning and since I hadn't read any of her other books I was a little lost. These made the book a little harder for me to loose myself in the author's world.  I may go back and try her other series to see if I can connect some dots in this book.  

All in all this book left me feeling conflicted.  I really wanted to connect with it.  It has so many good points going for it.  If you want to explore and decide if this book is a good fit for you you can look here.  

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Gift (The Amish of Hart County) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Welcome back to Hart County where there's a mystery around every corner. 

In the third installment of The Amish of Hart County we are treated to another great book in the series.  From the back:  New York Times Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard Gray gifts us with a special Christmas story about love and blessings in this next book in her Amish of Hart County series.

The Schwartz family is happy to be spending Christmas on their new farm in Hart County. But when Susanna Schwartz hears gunshots that causes her buggy to overturn, and then her little sister falls through a wooden bridge into the icy creek, it becomes clear from these dangerous “accidents” that someone wants them gone.

Neil Vance has been heartbroken ever since his parents lost their family farm. He knows it’s not the Schwartz family’s fault, but he can’t help but be resentful. Until he meets Susanna. She is kind-hearted and bold, and Neil can’t stop thinking about her pretty green eyes.

Neil thinks the accidents are just that, but Susanna’s father is convinced the Vance family is responsible. Susanna refuses to believe Neil would do anything to harm her. She’s fallen in love with him and knows he is a good man. But her family is ready to pack up and move, and time is running out to uncover the truth before someone gets hurt…or worse.

This series gets better and better with every story.  Set in the Christmas season we meet the Schwartz family.  They are exited to be apart of the new community and have a farm but are given nothing but an ice cold snub!  

The characters are well done and enjoyable.  I loved Amanda, she reminds me of a dear friend who happens to have the same name. Neil and Susanna are made for each other.  Will they be able to move past everything?  Who is causing all the accidents?  The story will leave you guessing!

With forgiveness and trust as the themes in the book and a fantastic story line this book is a must read.  So pick up your copy and see if you can solve the mystery.  Happy Reading! 

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*