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.*

Woman of Courage: Collector's Edition Continues the Story of Little Fawn by Wanda E. Brunstetter

I am a huge Wanda fan and was excited when I found out that she was releasing a continuation to Woman of Courage!  

From the back: A Woman of Courage Makes an Epic Journey

Take a three-thousand mile journey with Amanda Pearson as she leaves the disgrace of a broken engagement and joins the work at a Quaker mission in the western wilds. The trip is fraught with danger, and Amanda is near death before reaching her destination. Among those she meets are an Indian woman who becomes her first convert and a half-Indian trapper who seems to be her biggest critic. But love follows her into the wilderness and will determine the course of her future. You are sure to enjoy this historical romance adventure from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

Included is the newly-written sequel, Woman of Hope, with Little Fawn’s story.

Raised as an orphan by a loving white couple, Little Fawn always felt something was missing from her life. She longs to take the news of Jesus to the Nez Perce Indians, but despite being a missionary herself, Little Fawn’s mother forbids it. Will White Wolf, her intended, support Little Fawn’s decision when she abruptly follows the tribe’s migration onto the Plains?

To read my first review of Woman of Courage click here. 

I really loved the addition of Little Fawn's story.  Now a grown young woman Little Fawn chafes under her mother's rules and longs to be a missionary to her people.  Little Fawn runs away but what follows is not what she hopes for.  

Kidnapped, beaten and starved will Little Fawn be trapped by an enemy tribe or will White Wolf, the man she loves be able to save her?  

The story keeps moving forward and there are many twists and turns in the plot.  Faith, courage, and love are interwoven in this beautiful continuation.  

Pick up your copy today and enjoy another great story from a master 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 Amish Midwife's Secret (Love and Promises #2) by Rachel J. Good

I'm working with a vengeance here to get everything caught up.  The good news, is that there is light at the end of my tunnel!  

Between multiple Dr. dashes I was able to grab a quick and very enjoyable read by Rachel J. Good.  

From the back:  An Amish midwife and an Englisch doctor must embrace their differences to rescue a baby in need in this uplifting romance that will "capture your heart and leave you smiling" (Amy Lillard). 


Kyle Miller never planned on becoming a country doctor. But when he's offered a medical practice in his sleepy hometown, Kyle knows he must return... and face the painful past he left behind. Except the Amish community isn't quite ready for Kyle. Especially the pretty midwife who refuses to compromise her traditions with his modern medicine...


The more Leah Stoltzfus works with the handsome Englisch doctor, the more she finds herself caught between the expectations of her family and her own hopes for the future. It will take one surprising revelation and one helpless baby in need of love to show Leah and Kyle that their bond may be greater than their differences... if Leah can find the courage to follow her heart.

I really enjoyed the first book in the series, The Amish Teacher's Gift.  I was excited to see where this book took me.  I loved the reintroduction to Kyle and bringing him back from a previous book.  You can totally read this as a stand alone though.  

This sequel was a real joy to dive into. Combining several good story telling elements: mystery, drama, romance, and faith. You step in and enjoy the world from the author's perspective.  

The characters shine and the plot is immersive and moves at a great pace.  It's a great faith based romance.  For those who love Amish books this is a must read.  

So pick up your copy of The Amish Midwife's Secret and enjoy a great 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.*

The Tory's Daughter by Angela K. Couch

It's been pretty hectic around here and I've gotten more behind than I care to admit but, thankfully I have some much need catch up time these next few days so I am getting up some reviews!

I've gotten to read the next book in a fantastic series.  From the back: 
Burying his wife is the hardest thing Joseph Garnet has ever done—until he's called to leave his young son and baby daughter to fight Iroquois raiders. When one of the marauders tries to steal his horse, the last thing he expects is to end up tussling with a female. The girl is wounded, leaving Joseph little choice but to haul her home to heal—an act that seems all too familiar. Though Joseph doesn’t appear to remember her, Hannah Cunningham could never forget him. He rode with the mob that forced her two brothers into the Continental Army and drove her family from their home—all because of her father’s loyalties to the crown. After five years with her mother’s tribe, the rebels and starvation have left her nothing but the driving need to find her brothers. Compelled by a secret he’s held for far too long, Joseph agrees to help Hannah find what remains of her family. Though she begins to steal into his aching heart, he knows the truth will forever stand between them. Some things cannot be forgiven. 

This has just been a fantastic series and I've really enjoyed each and every book.  The historic aspects of this series have been such a big draw for me.  Angela Couch did a fantastic job with the time period.  

The book kept me pretty well sucked in and my husband often found me stirring dinner with the book, luckily he's used to me burning food!  

The characters were well written and every time I though they were going to get a break another bend in the story happened.  The series truly keeps getting better and better and I enjoy reading about previous characters from the past books.  

If you are a history lover, adventure reader who likes a dash of romance thrown in this is a great series.  So pick up your copy and 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 Christmas Prayer by Wanda Brunstetter

I love a good Christmas story any time of the year.  It's my favorite season and transports me away from all the Virginia heat! 

This was such a nice read and a step away from the Amish fiction that Wanda fans know.  From the back: Beloved, bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter takes readers on a journey in 1850 along the California Trail.

Only the brave—or foolhardy—would attempt a cross-country journey late in the season. Three wagons meet up in Independence, Missouri, in April 1850, and their owners decide to keep forging ahead despite many setbacks and delays. December finds them in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when a sudden snowstorm traps them, obscuring the trail.

Cynthia Cooper is traveling with her mother and the man she has promised to marry. But as Christmas is upon them and they are hunkered down in a small cabin, she is forced to reevaluate her reasons for planning to marry fellow-traveler Walter Prentice. When a widowed father heading to a California ranch and a gold prospector both show an interest in Cynthia, she weighs her dreams for marriage alongside her responsibility to care for her mother. Can love win over her timid heart?

Cynthia is a richly drawn character and comes to life through the pages of the story.  Walter was a well written, but not really endearing character!  I like him a lot less as the story moved on.  

There is a real eye to detail and historical perspective in the book that I greatly appreciated.  You felt like you were along in the journey.  I enjoy this time period in American History. 

With twists and turns, faith, hope, and Christmas magic this is such a fun and satisfying novella.  So pick up your copy today and enjoy a great Christmas 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.*

The Rose and the Briar (Faraway Castle #3) by J.M. Stengl

Once upon a time there was a little girl who loved fairy tales.  She grew up but her love of the stories never ended.  She has passed her love onto her children.  Her youngest lives off the original stories in the Blue Fairy Book.  

Her oldest loves retellings and has been reading every night with mama

The Rose and the Briar is book 3 in the Faraway Castle Series.  From the back:  Power-hungry princes are Rosa's greatest dread.

Deep within the gardens of Faraway Castle sleeps a secret Rosa the gardener has sworn to protect with her life--the legendary princess Zafira. For three years she has hidden the princess almost in plain sight. But two nosy princes threaten to undo the work of a century.

When asked to take his sister's old job as Faraway Castle's Magical-Creature Controller, Prince Briar leaps at the chance to disguise himself as a commoner, earn a place in the magical world, and be trained by the mysterious Gamekeeper. Nothing works out the way he'd expected, and he is far too busy working to gain Rosa's trust to bother about uncovering her secrets. 

Until dashing Prince Javier of Evora pursues Rosa . . . and Briar suspects the rival prince of dark motives. Can Rosa and Briar learn to trust each other soon enough to prevent a magical disaster? 

Will the kiss of a prince really awaken true love? 

These have truly been great stories.  Not only are they just the right amount of the things I love (princes, magic, romance), they also keep an 11 year old boy involved (magical creatures, mayhem, bad guys).  There is an art and balance in doing that and these books deliver.  From Pookahs to Princes there was something that we both loved in the book.  

Rosa is a complex woman and Zafira is, in the words of my son "a creep".  She really oozes evil even in her coma like state.  Rosa hates caring for her and feels inferior to her.  Rosa has great magic and brings gardens to life.  

When Prince Briar shows up to train under the Gamekeeper Rosa tries to avoid him like a bad case of poison ivy.  Their playful banter was fun to read and they kept you guessing what would happen next. 

Add in a few villains, plot twists, and a giant bear topiary who reminded us of Pooh both my son and I enjoyed our visit to Faraway Castle.  The book comes out this month.  So pick up your copy of The Rose and the Briar and get ready to discover the next chapter in this enchanted destination.  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 Wells Landing Christmas by Amy Lillard

Sometimes everything lines up and you get the best of both worlds.  I had a chance to get to visit my favorite fictional town, Wells Landing AND it's written during my favorite time of year Christmas!!!  YAY!!!!  

So come with me and let's take a visit to a place where there is a story on every corner and a community of faith and fun.  

From the back:   As the most joyous of seasons comes to the Amish community of Wells Landing, Oklahoma, one young woman gets a chance to start again--and rediscover the gift of true love . . . 

Families rejoicing together, caroling parties full of cheer, and church get-togethers brimming with delicious cooking and warm fellowship. Ivy Weaver would give anything to be a part of Christmas in Wells Landing. But one reckless mistake made her an outsider, and it's all she can do now to tend to her ailing grandfather and make a living. She sure doesn't need Zeb Brenneman returning to help after he abandoned her for no reason. He's working hard to make amends, but Ivy isn't sure there's enough faith--or still-sparking love between them--to stir her forgiveness...

Zeb knows leaving Ivy was the biggest mistake he's ever made. Even though she won't hear him out, he's determined to prove he's become the trustworthy, steadfast man she truly deserves. But bright new chances and surprising revelations will give him and Ivy choices they never imagined. And finding their way back to each other will be the most 
challenging--and precious--Christmas gift of all . . .

Every book in this series gets better and better.  I come back to this series over and over again because I really love it.  Lillard brings the characters of this community to life.  Ivy is someone who I can see myself spending time with.  I feel for her as she goes through so much. 

Zeb and Ivy both have to go through the path to forgiveness and finding each other again.  Can they see that the unique people in their lives as pointing them in the right direction or will they continue to hurt?  Will they be drawn together or torn apart? 

A beautiful story of faith, forgiveness, family and Christmas this is one story you don't want to miss.  So take a trip to Wells Landing and enjoy another great book in this series.  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.*