Amish Front Porch Stories by Wanda, Jean, and Richelle Brunstetter

We have been socked with snow here in Minnesota!  So it's a perfect time to get caught up on my reading.  

I was so excited to start reading this book.  From the back: Come and sit awhile as you enjoy 18 fictional short stories of love, joy, and the peace found in Amish country.

Amish Country is known for an atmosphere of peace and quiet, perfect for front-porch sitting with a good book. Join New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, as they share 18 heartwarming stories from Amish Country. These fictional short stories include journeys we can all relate to as we seek how to live led by love, joy, peace, patience, and other Fruits of the Spirit. Meet Anna, who struggles to show love to a cantankerous neighbor; Laura, who endures infertility; Nora, whose pride threatens to consume her life; and other women who walk in their faith each day. 

I just really love when family comes together and makes something spectacular.  This book and the stories in it are really special.  These stories are uplifting and based on the fruits of the spirit.  You can curl up and read these one by one or all in one sitting. 

The story that touched me the most was Laura's Choice.  After years of struggling with my own infertility I really felt Laura's heartache and how hard it is to wait and be patient.  It is hard to wait on the Lord when we want things now!  Reading this story took me back many years ago and through many emotions.  Thankfully Laura and I both had happy endings!

This was just such a good book.  Pair it with scripture and you can use this book for daily devotions.  When I get to pick at our bookclub this is the book I will be choosing!  So pick up your copy today and enjoy the beautiful stories celebrating community, faith, and love.  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.*

Can't Judge A Book by it's Murder by Amy Lillard

There is something about a mystery book, especially when you mention it's a cozy mystery that gets everyone excited.  

Most people who know me know that I normally avoid mysteries but I am starting to come around to cozy ones.  Amy Lillard delivers and fun and entertaining read in the first of a new series: Not every murder is by the book…

As Sugar Springs gears up for its all-class high school reunion, Mississippi bookstore owner Arlo Stanley prepares to launch her largest event: a book-signing with the town’s legendary alum and bestselling author, Wally Harrison. That’s when Wally is discovered dead outside of Arlo’s front door and her best friend is questioned for the crime.

When the elderly ladies of Arlo’s Friday Night Book Club start to investigate, Arlo has no choice but to follow behind to keep them out of trouble. Yet with Wally’s reputation, the suspect list only grows longer—his betrayed wife, his disgruntled assistant, even the local man who holds a grudge from a long-ago accident.

Between running interference with the book club and otherwise keeping it all together, Arlo anxiously works to get Chloe out of jail. And amidst it all, her one-time boyfriend-turned-private-eye returns to town, just another distraction while she digs to uncover the truth around Wally’s death and just what Sugar Springs secret could have led to his murder.

This was a well written and had great flowing dialogue.  I loved the small town feel and the set of characters, there will be plenty pf chances for more books in the series. Arlo is quirky and I enjoyed her a lot more as the story went on.  

Now there were a few parts that didn't flow together as well as I would have liked, and I did figure out who did it.  But overall it was still a fun story and a good fast paced read.  I will be interested in seeing this series evolve!  

So pick up your copy of Amy Lillard's new book (releasing on the 29th this month) and enjoy a fun new read!  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.*

Love At Pebble Creek (Hope Chest of Dreams #5) by Lisa Jones Baker

I truly love when I can go back and visit a favorite fictional place and the people who make up that world.  

So when I had a chance to review Lisa Baker's book and peek in on the people of Pebble Creek I jumped at the chance.  From the back: 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?

Anna and Jessie are great characters and well written.  Being adopted (and having adopted) I can identify with Anna's feelings of not fitting in and struggling to find what world she belongs in.  With a secret laying heavy on her heart can she figure out what she needs to do? Jessie is confident and admires Anna.  But can he convince her to stay?  

With some unexpected twists and turns this enjoyable story brings us back to Pebble Creek and well written with truly enjoyable characters you will want to pick up your copy of Love at Pebble Creek to enjoy.  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 Healing Jar (The Prayer Jars #3) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

When you find a good series it's hard to have it come to an end.  

The final installment of the Prayer Jar Series was one I looked forward to and was not disappointed!  From the back:  What if you have waited to find love only to be rejected when it finally comes?

Lenore Lapp is an Amish schoolteacher in her late twenties still living at home with her parents and grandparents. She thought love had passed her by until she meets Jesse Smucker, a widower with a baby daughter. She quickly falls in love with them both and accepts Jesse's proposal of marriage, but Jesse breaks off their engagement when he realizes he can't marry only for convenience.

Resigned to living single, Lenore throws herself into caring for her elders. While working in her grandmother's garden, she digs up an old jar. Will Lenore find healing for her broken heart and solve long-buried family secrets by reading the note contained inside?

This was such a good ending to a beautifully written series.  I would not recommend reading this as a stand alone since you miss story and character development as the series unfolds.  Also it ties up several other story lines neatly. 

Lenore does not have an easy path.  In a complex and compelling plot will Lenore find the love she is longing for?  Will a special jar help?  

This was truly a wonderful wrap up to the series.  From like-able realistic characters and situations to overarching themes of love, faith, and trust, this has been a great series to be immersed in.  

So pick up your copy of The Healing Jar and enjoy another great story by a great story teller!

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 Return of the King's Ranger (Hearts at War #4) by Angela K. Couch

It has been super busy here.  I've moved from my home in Virginia all the way to Minnesota.  I'm missing my front porch swing and good sweet tea, but I'm thankful to have good books to keep me company!

Angela Couch has done a wonderful job with the next book in the Hearts at War series.  I have really enjoyed them all and hate to see it end!  From the back:  The war for American freedom is over, and the British have gone back to England. Not knowing what has become of his family since he was forced into the Continental Army nine years earlier, Myles Cunningham wants to go home as well. He returns to the Mohawk Valley with the understanding that he is believed to have been shot for deserting—fiction that might be made real if anyone recognizes him as the son of a Tory and a King's Ranger.

Everything is wonderful in the growing community along the Mohawk River, except Nora Reid is still alone. With her brother happily settled and both her younger sisters starting families of their own, Nora feels the weight of her twenty-four years. A long walk leads her to the overgrown rubble of the Cunningham homestead where a bearded stranger begins to awaken feelings she'd lost hope of ever experiencing.

With secrets abounding—including whether Myles even cares for her—Nora must determine what she is ready to give up and how far she will go to secure his affections. She begins to break through his defenses, but Myles can't risk staying. Not if he loves her.

I really enjoy a good historical series, especially one so well researched and written.  Her grasp of the time period enriches the story so wonderfully. Everything is so real and vivid in the way she paints her words. 

Myles and Nora were wonderfully written.  Myles was complex and you feel the romantic tension between the two.  There were so many obstacles that it keeps you turning pages to see if they will ever get together.  

If you are looking for a great historical story with lots of surprises, themes of forgiveness and redemption, and a beautiful love story then you definitely want to check out The Return of the King's Ranger! 

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 Family for Gracie by Amy Lillard

It's been 110 degrees in the shade here so it's a perfect time to hide inside with the AC and see what the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi are up to.  

In A Family for Gracie we are taken back to Pontotoc.  From the back:
For the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi, faith and family are everything--even when they pose the greatest challenge . . . 

Gracie Glick is known for being the helpful one, always available for a relative in need. But now that she's longing for a home and family of her own, it's time to help herself. With few eligible men in Pontotoc, Gracie's choices, and her time, are limited. So she takes a bold leap of faith: she proposes to Matthew Byler, a handsome, recently widowed, father of five. It's not until after they're married that Gracie learns Matthew doesn't want more children . . .

With his grief still fresh, and his children needing care while he tends to his farm, Gracie is the answer to Matthew's prayers. But a marriage in name only suits him fine. And when he finally tells Gracie the dismaying reason why, they must decide whether to continue 
together--or apart. It's a choice that will force them both to look deeper into their hearts than ever before . . .

First, this series gets better and better with every book.  You can read this as a stand alone but to get some references and back story and to better appreciate the book you should read the first two. 

Gracie was super sweet, I was a little worried that her bonnet was on a bit tight in the beginning but when her personality started showing through and I saw flashes of spirit and temper she really grew on me.  On the other hand I did want to yell at Matthew on quite a few occasions in the book, which is the mark of a good storyteller.  If a fictional character gets you that riled up they are doing a good job! I also was a huge fan of little Henry.  

Another reason I have enjoyed this series is real life issues are explored.  The Amish don't just farm and ride around happy in buggies.  Real life tragedies touch them as well.  

So can two people thrown together for the sake of the children find common ground?  Will they find peace and love or disaster.  What will Henry break next?  Pick up your copy of A Family For Gracie and find 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 Brides of Big Valley by Wanda, Jean, and Richelle Brunstetter

I really enjoy books that family write together.  It's really neat to see how the stories interweave, yet stand apart with the writer's unique style.  

In the Bride's of Big Valley we see three generations come together for stories from unique Amish communities.  From the description: In an area of Pennsylvania called The Big Valley, a uniquely blended Amish community thrives in which 3 distinct groups of Amish identify themselves by the colors of their buggy’s top—white, black, or yellow. Join New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter in experiencing the stories of three young women who search for faith and love within this special place. Deanna is a widow who sees her second chance of love slipping away. Rose Mary is at a point in life where she must choose the path of her faith and the right man to walk with her on it. Leila is burdened with family responsibilities and wonders when she will ever start a family of her own.

I really enjoyed the stories, they could stand alone but work well together as characters overlap.  There is a little explanation of the different Amish groups highlighted, but I like having more background on unique cultures so I did a bit of my own research and that really was helpful in understanding more about the groups and made the reading much better. 

In Deanna's Determination Deanna is left widowed with a special needs child.  Elmer has loved Deanna but an accident leaves him bitter and unable to see a future with her.  The story had sad parts, but just like real life, things aren't always rosy.  I enjoyed how the characters were portrayed and how they worked through their challenges.  

In Rose Mary's Resolve Rose Mary meets a pilot who crashes and the family nurses him to health.  He is drawn to their simple way of life and family bond.  Kevin's father is, well, he's kind of a jerk and pushy.  I really liked how Kevin grew in faith and matured as the story went along.  The story had a nice flow and pace. 

Leila's Longing was probably my favorite in the book.  You really felt for Leila and wanted her to find her place in the community and love.  How many times do we feel that we are never enough?  Leila was the character who changed the most in my opinion in the stories.  I found myself caring for her and invested in her being happy.  This was a great story to end the book with!

All in all I enjoyed this book.  It's going to be a great addition to my shelf.  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 Lady and the Wish (Faraway Castle book 4) by J.M. Stengl

Once upon a time there was a little girl who loved fairy tales.  She grew up into an adult who still loves fairy tales and is passing the love on to her children.  

I do love fairy tales and retellings.  This past week I was able to read the next installment of the Faraway series, The Lady and the Wish.

Isn't this cover GORGEOUS!  From the description: Gillian set her heart on marrying a prince.

Lady Gillian Montmorency is determined to win Prince Fidelio’s heart, but her plans are crashing around her ears. First, Fidelio’s older cousin with a beard like a bird’s nest proposes to her. Next, intimidating Prince Max insists she will be his next trophy.

But the worst of all, her parents reveal a financial scandal. To pay off her father’s debt, Gillian must agree to work one year as companion to an old lady at some remote and ramshackle villa.

Fine. She’ll go. But she doesn’t have to like it.

Something strange is going on at Lady Beneventi’s villa. Ghostly people appear, doors vanish, statues come to life . . . and the old lady herself despises Gillian. With the help of a handsome but hostile construction worker, can Gillian solve the mystery of the wishes and return to her proper place in high society? Can she finally snare a prince to marry?

Or might love play a part in changing her plans?

A King Thrushbeard Romance 

I don't see too many retellings of Thrushbeard which makes this a unique story to begin with.  Gillian (who has made previous appearance) is spoiled and self centered.  At least on the surface.  But like all tales looks can be deceiving.  Despite the "mean girl" reputation Stengl's characters have multiple layers and depth to them.  

From hundreds of poodles to a flirting statue the story moves quickly and keeps the reader engaged.  With wishes that often led to mass chaos my son and I couldn't get enough.  Honestly to me the series just keeps getting better and better.  My son's only complaint was not enough cinder sprites, but the poodles made up for it.  With a beautiful romance interwoven in this story was pure magic. 

So if you are looking for some misfiring magic, romance, and a strong female character, this is your book.  So pick up your copy and enjoy another trip to Faraway Castle where magic lies inside.  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.*

Mending Fences by Suzanne Woods Fisher

All aboard!   I'm on tour again with Celebrate Lit.   So hop on and enjoy the ride.  

About the Book:

Book: Mending Fences

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Christian fiction, Amish, Mennonite

Release Date: February 5, 2019

Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future.

Luke Schrock is a new and improved man after a stint in rehab, though everyone in Stoney Ridge only remembers the old Luke. They might have forgiven him, but nobody trusts him. He has been allowed to live at Windmill Farm under two conditions. First, he must make a sincere apology to each person he’s hurt. Second, he must ask each victim of mischief to describe the damage he caused.

Simple, Luke thinks. Offering apologies is easy. But discovering the lasting effects his careless actions have caused isn’t so simple. It’s gut-wrenching.

And his list keeps growing. Izzy Miller, beautiful and frustratingly aloof, also boards at Windmill Farm, and Luke’s clumsy efforts to befriend her only insult and annoy her. Eager to impress, Luke sets out to prove himself to her by locating her mother. When he does, her identity sends shock waves through Stoney Ridge.

“A funny, heartwarming story of friendship, love, and the possibility of happily ever after.”—Amy Clipston, bestselling author of Seat by the Hearth


“Suzanne Woods Fisher has written a sweet and poignant story you won’t want put down. Definitely a must read!”—Kathleen Fuller, bestselling author of the Amish of Birch Creek series

Honestly, I just love Ms. Fisher's books.  She challenges me with complex characters, intense plots and complex layers.  I love the plot twists in this one and it was nice for once to have a friendship built and focusing more on redemption versus romance.  This is why I keep coming back for more of these stories.  

Hope, forgiveness and facing your past are strong interwoven themes in this book.  Overall I just can't find the words to do justice to how much I enjoyed this story.  I can only give it a five star rating and those are few and far between with me.  

So pick up your copy here and enjoy another fantastic book by a master story teller.  Also, enter to win the giveaway and follow the tour!  Happy Reading!  

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including the Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter @suzannewfisher.

More from Suzanne

A Friend in Need

“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” –Walter Winchell

Luke Schrock was nearly friendless. He returned to Stoney Ridge in Mending Fences after a stint in rehab only because his bishop, David Stoltzfus, strongly encouraged him. And everybody knows you didn’t say no to your bishop.

But nobody else in town wanted anything to do with Luke. They forgave him for the trouble he’d caused in his last downward spiral, the one that went too far. The one that even scared Luke. Forgiving him was the easy part. The Amish of Stoney Ridge were intentional forgivers. It was their trust—that’s what he would have to earn. Trust was a fragile thing. Once broken, it wasn’t easily mended.

Somehow, David was still able to look past the behavior to see the best of Luke Schrock. He didn’t stop there. He found a family who was willing to take Luke in, and he spent hours with him—at times as a mentor, at times as a father figure, but mostly as a friend.

A loyal friend can have a powerful impact. Consider those friends in the town of Capernaum, who carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus for healing—so determined to get to Him that they dragged his stretcher up onto a roof, broke through the roof tiles, and lowered him down. Can you imagine being in the crowd, listening to Jesus, as straw and tile pieces and branches and bugs started to drop down from the ceiling? A shocking display…of devoted friendship. And what a miraculous outcome for that paralyzed man!*

I won’t tell you how Luke’s story ends—only that he works hard to find ways to make amends to those he hurt, to regain trust. Especially the hard-to-earn trust of a brown-eyed beauty named Izzy.

Do you have a real friend like David Stoltzfus, who walks in when the rest of the world has walked out? Or maybe the better question, for you, for me, is to ask ourselves if we are friends to others like David Stoltzfus was to Luke Schrock. I know I want to be.


*This miracle is reported in three gospels: Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:1-8, Luke 5:17-26.

Giveaway

Enter to win this Kindle here!

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Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 12

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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 Forgiving Jar (The Prayer Jars book 2) by Wanda Brunstetter

I am so far behind in my reviews.  This has been a truly busy season here.  I managed to slice my hand with a knife and then a few weeks later went in for an emergency surgery (not hand related).  

It's been great for reading but not so good for typing up reviews!  I'm finally on the mend so I can start catching up.  

I was excited to read book two in the Prayer Jar Series

From the back: What would happen if you found out someone has been impersonating you?

Sara Murray had never met her mother’s parents and was surprised to learn after her death that they were Amish living in Pennsylvania. When she is finally able to make the trip to meet them, she is shocked to learn someone else has been living with them and pretending to be Sara. Sara can’t understand how quickly her grandparents are willing to forgive the imposter.

Secrets and deceit seem to follow Sara, and she is so tired of it. Though soon she meets Brad Fuller who is visiting her grandparents for during Christmas. She likes him a lot, but even he seems to pull away from her, not being totally honest.

Struggling, Sara finds an old canning jar hidden in the barn that is full of encouraging prayers. Can Sara find a way to forgive the past and move on to building new relationships?

This book once again delivers what we expect of Wanda Brunstetter.  Full of twists, turns, surprises and grace this story blew me away.  Sometimes it's hard to outdo such a great first book in a series but Ms. Brunstetter managed to do so. 

Michelle continues to grow and develop and I found myself drawn to her more in this book.  Sara was a bit of a struggle as I felt that she was super harsh.  It was good seeing other characters from the first book.  Although this book could stand alone, it's better to read the first book in the series.  

So pick up your copy of The Forgiving Jar and enjoy a fresh twist on the Amish genre!  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.*