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.*

Marry Me, Millie (Book 1 in The Paradise Valley Series) by Amy Lillard

 I was so excited to see a brand new series from one of my favorite writers!! 

Amy Lillard is taking us to Paradise Valley and introducing us to some unforgettable characters.  From the back:    Award-winning, USA Today bestselling author Amy Lillard’s uplifting new series unites a “Widows Club” of women who share solace, friendship, and faith in the Amish community of Paradise Valley, Missouri. In this series starter, a young pregnant widow running a B&B meets a handsome outsider who begins to make her believe in love again.

Amy Lillard’s uplifting new series unites a “Widows Club” of women who share solace, friendship, and faith in the Amish community of Paradise Valley, Missouri . . .

When her young husband died unexpectedly, Millie Bauman thought her life was over too—until she learned she was carrying his child. Now, as she awaits the baby’s arrival, Millie’s sure her future will revolve around motherhood, the B&B she runs with her Aunt Sylvie, and the beloved Whoopie Pies her Widows Club whips up each week. But when a handsome newcomer arrives in town, Millie is intrigued, and the club wonders if Millie might find a second chance at love . . .

 

Henry King plans to stay in Paradise Valley long enough to take care of some family business, and hopefully mend the heartache of his own lost love. As Henry and Millie cross paths, it’s clear their neighbors are gently trying to play matchmaker. Not wanting to disappoint, the two pretend to play along—but life gets complicated when a true and tender affection grows. As Millie gets ready to welcome her baby, they must rely on faith and fate to decide if they should risk their hearts on love again . . .

Millie plans on living her life helping her Aunt run a B&B and raising her child alone.  But her Aunt, The Whoopie Pie Widow's Club and Vern King think differently.  

Millie and Henry try to play along, but when they really start to care about each other Millie finds herself confronted with devastating news.  She has to decide to trust God and His plans or to bolt.  

Filled with lots of laughs, whoopie pies, and a surprise romance, Mary Me, Millie is an entertaining read and hard to put down. 

So pick up your copy and head to Paradise Valley for a great new 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.*

A New Love For Charlotte (The Wells Landing Series) by Amy Lillard

 It's been a wild ride here lately and I have been rather quiet in the review department.  My youngest has now been in the hospital for two months but there is now light at the end of the tunnel and we are adjusting to our new normals. 

The good news is that I had plenty of time to read and burned through my stack of TBR.  

The even better news is I got to visit my favorite fictional place, Wells Landing.  

From the back: Renewed faith and happiness await three generations of women in this heartwarming series from Amy Lillard, set in the Oklahoma Amish community of Wells Landing...

With her daughter newly married, widow Charlotte Burkhart should have been content to find a companion for her later years in Amish widower Glenn Esh. Yet, Charlotte longs for more than life has offered her thus far. When she discovers a baby on her doorstep, the child seems like the miracle Charlotte's been praying for. Unfortunately, Glenn doesn't feel the same way. What's a single woman aching to experience motherhood once more to do?

From the moment Paul Brenneman sees Charlotte Burkhart with a new baby, he senses his lovely neighbor and the sweet child are meant to be. Which is why he offers to marry Charlotte and make her adoption dreams come true. No stranger to heartache himself, the stalwart widower knows second chances don't happen every day--especially not with a woman like Charlotte, the first woman in a long time who has him taking a leap of faith that happily-ever-after is still possible...

I just love Wells Landing.  Amy Lillard writes Amish romance, but she also writes about real situations and problems.  Charlotte's struggles as a parent with a special needs child and fear of being alone really touched me.  Charlotte tries desperately to command control over her life instead of handing it over to God. 

What's a strong willed Amish woman to do?  

With iron determination Charlotte is a force to be reckoned with, but will she loose her chance at happiness?  

This is another must read in the Wells Landing series.  You will visit old friends and learn what happens to a very special baby, a strong willed Amish woman, and the two men who vie for her attention. So pick up your copy of A New Love For Charlotte and enjoy visiting Wells Landing.  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.*

Romancing Nadine by Amy Lillard (Wells Landing 10)

I am so excited!!  I get to go back to my favorite fictional town, Wells Landing.  

In the next installment of the Wells Landing Series we get to know Nadine better.  From the description: In this heartwarming series from Amy Lillard, three generations of women find the Oklahoma Amish community of Wells Landing a heaven-sent opportunity to take new leaps of faith . . .

Wife, widow, mother, and grandmother—sixty-something Nadine Burkhart is everything a sensible Amish woman is supposed to be. She’s moved to Wells Landing to give her daughter and granddaughter a fresh start—not herself. So as far as she’s concerned, good-hearted farmer Amos Fisher should find something better to do than try to draw her out, be there when she needs help—and make her believe in love for the first time . . .

 A friendly but solitary man, Amos is realizing there’s more to life than work. Although he hasn’t courted in years, Nadine’s honesty makes him long to know her better—and understand her standoffishness. But when everything he tries fails to soften her stubbornness, he’ll just have to trust his heart that real, true, and utterly impractical love will prevail—for a lifetime…

This series just gets better and better.  Wells Landing really is my happy place.  I really liked the fact that this romance was between seniors.  Amos sees Nadine and is smitten by the love bug for the first time.  Nadine has already been a widow and thinks Amos is off his rocker.  

What ensues is a sweet, funny, and entertaining love chase.  With lifelike characters and realistic situations the story will draw you in and keep you wondering if poor Amos will ever win Nadine's heart.  

So take a trip back to Wells Landing and pick up Romancing Nadine.  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.*

Heart of a Warrior by Angela K. Couch

All Christina Astle wants is to reach Oregon before her baby is born, but the wagon train is attacked, and her husband killed, stranding her in a mountain labyrinth. Raised in the East, within civilization’s embrace, survival is not a skill she’s learned. Neither is evading the lone warrior dogging her trail.

Disgusted by the greed and cruelty of men like his white father, Towan has turned to the simpler existence of his mother’s tribal people. He is not prepared for the fiery woman who threatens to upturn his entire life … and his heart. 

Heart of a Warrior is Angela Couch's new book and I once again find myself spellbound by her writing.  She brings history to life in her books and adds her own beautiful story to it. 

Two very different people from very different walks of life, Christina and Towan, are thrown together in a journey of faith and trust.  Can they find a way to connect their two very different worlds?  

With a rich historical backdrop, a beautiful love story, and lots of action, Heart of a Warrior will keep you engaged.   If you are a historical fiction fan this is a must read!   So pick up your copy on August 14th here.  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.*