The Amish Matchmaker (Paradise Valley) by Amy Lillard

 What happens when an Amish writer is mistaken for a matchmaker?  

While most women her age are searching for husbands, Astrid Kauffman has chosen a different path—writing romance novels and donating her profits to her beloved Amish community. But when Astrid struggles with writer’s block, she agrees to play matchmaker for Imogene Yoder, a widowed mother of rambunctious twin boys. Perhaps the diversion—and the entrée it gives Astrid to the stories among the Widows’ Club—will spark her creativity . . .
 
Fortunately, Astrid has just the match for Imogene: a widower she believes is the finest, most handsome man in town. In fact, Astrid realizes he’s perfect . . . for herself! Soon, the plot thickens as Imogene questions what kind of marriage she really wants, and Astrid wonders what kind of matchmaker falls for someone else’s match. But by letting faith guide the way, all involved may discover true love has written a far better next chapter than any of them expected . . .

Astrid is in a writers slump and thinks that Imogene is the answer to her prayers. Bumbling through and pretending to be a matchmaker sets the scene for chaos, laughter, and the mischief of two adorable twins who have their own matchmaking agenda.   

Amy Lillard delivers another amazing book with likable characters and a fun, easy read.  

I found the book to be engaging and fun.  There were a few parts that were a little slow, but overall it was a great read.  Amy has a way of bringing characters to life and showing the Amish as real people with problems just like everyone else.  

So pick up your copy of the Amish Matchmaker and enjoy a lighthearted and fun story!  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.*

Dairy, Dairy, Quite Contrary by Amy Lillard

 It's summer time and I am ready to start the book kick off with a cozy mystery.  

This super cute cover alone got me excited but the story is really great as well.  From the back: Looking for a fresh start, advice columnist Sissy Yoder heads to small-town Yoder, Kansas, to help in her aunt’s café. But when a milkman is murdered, the newcomer becomes the prime suspect . 

After Sissy’s rodeo cowboy boyfriend turns out to be more of a rodeo clown, she packs a bag; picks up her Yorkshire terrier Duke; and leaves Tulsa, Oklahoma, bound for her parents’ former hometown. There are still plenty of Yoders in Yoder, Kansas, including Sissy’s aunt Bethel, who owns the Sunflower Café but recently broke her leg. It’s a homecoming of sorts as Sissy arrives to help in the café and reunite with her pregnant cousin Lizzie. Plus she can continue to secretly write her newspaper advice column as seventy-year-old “Aunt Bess.” But it’s Sissy who could use some advice when she finds the milk deliveryman out behind the café with a knife in his back. As the sheriff’s prime suspect, it’s up to Sissy to catch the backstabber herself—before someone else gets creamed . . .

Amy Lillard begins a new cozy mystery series with some great characters.  There was a good mix of Amish and English characters and a very adorable Yorkie.  Sissy was a great character as well and I enjoyed getting to know her through the story. 

The book did slow down a bit and felt drawn out at times but started to pull together and become more animated as the story progressed.  I enjoyed the twists and turns and surprises.  

Overall this was a good book and I enjoyed the quick cozy read.  So pick up a copy of Dairy, Dairy, Quite Contrary and enjoy a fun summer 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.*

Forever Boy by KT Swenson

 In the world I live in there are so many parents who sit in the shadows and never share what a diagnosis does to change the family dynamic.  KT Swenson took a bold step and changed that.  

In Forever Boy KT Swenson makes her debut with a moving memoir about how Autism changed a whole family dynamic.  

This is a not to miss read.  Ms. Swenson did not shy away from the hard topics that a child with dynamic needs can bring into a family.  From divorce, specialists blowing Cooper off, to a broken educational system you have a rare window into the lives of what thousands of families go through on a day to day basis.  

But the overarching theme of the book is the author's ability to choose joy.  She could have quit.  But she never stopped looking for resources, support, and people who walked alongside of the family cheering them on.  

So pick up a copy of Forever Boy and be prepared to laugh, cry, and learn about a very special little boy and an amazing mother who never took no for an answer.  

Happy Reading!

Her Amish Identity (Amish Amnesia Romance) by Jennifer Spredeman

 Her Amish Identity by Jennifer Spredman is her former book, Love Impossible-Amish Dreams renamed and relaunched.  

From the back cover: A troubled home. An altered identity. And a second chance at love.

Sarah isn't who she thinks she is...

When amnesiac Sarah discovers she was Amish in the life she no longer remembers, her life is turned upside down. She has an Englisch family now—a husband and two daughters. But what happens when she discovers she also has an Amish family, which includes an Amish husband and kinner?

When secrets are revealed and lies are unraveled, she can no longer trust those who should have protected her in her most vulnerable moments. As she pieces together her past life, she feels torn between two worlds. Can God use this impossible situation for His glory?

An Amish romance you won’t soon forget—no pun intended!

Warning some spoilers in this review: 

This book has a lot going for it.  I am an avid reader of Amish stories and you don't see amnesia in a lot of the story lines.  I was interested to see how the story would unfold when Sarah finds out she has two husbands and families.  

Sarah was a well thought out character and the author really invested a lot of time bringing her to life.  I was very drawn in and had a hard time putting the book down through the beginning and middle.  She was caught between two families and you could truly feel her pain and hurt trying to make the best decision. 

Then the book hit some bumps.  As the story progressed Sarah's current husband simply dumped her and sent her packing taking the kids with him. It was actually quite jarring and felt a bit out of step with how the story was unfolding.  It basically forced Sarah into going back to her first husband.  Which honestly, she may have done anyway.  It made the story line a bit bumpy and random for me. 

After that things smoothed out and the book found it's rhythm again and the story settled back down.  The story ended strong and loose ends in the middle were fixed.  

So pick up your copy of Her Amish Identity (releasing on Jan 21st).  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.*