Monday, March 26, 2018

Liza's Second Chance by Molly Jebber - Review of the first book in the Amish Charm Bakery Series




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The sweet welcome of straight-from-the-oven sugar cookies and hot cocoa. The warm invitation of apple pie and fresh cold milk. In 1912 Ohio, the Amish charm Bakery is the heart of a close-knit, faith-nourished community, where people can find a refuge, a place to start again---and love that can make their lives new . . .

For Liza Schrock, the bakery her late husband bought was an unexpected haven from their unhappy arranged marriage. Now she's perfectly content to cook up mouth-watering delights for her hometown, give to those alone or in trouble---and remain happily unwed. And though she's willing to give handsome, newly-arrived widower Jacob Graber all the help he desperately needs, she is sure they can stay just friends . . .

But as Liza also tries to aid Jacob's troubled teenage daughter, she starts caring far too much for his gentle ways and steadfast hopes. And when a wrenching secret she must keep comes between them, can Liza find the faith to risk opening her heart again---and reach for one more chance at real love?


MY  REVIEW
A story dealing with grief, making mistakes, forgiveness and moving on. Will the loss of a mother keep a father from ever finding happiness or will it help to build a whole new family? Will moving to a new area help ease the pain or will the pain continue?

I've read several of Molly's books and enjoyed each one, as I did this one. I would recommend this as a great story.

Monday, March 19, 2018

Hidden by Vanetta Chapman - Review of the first book in the Jacobs Family series




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(copied from Amazon.com)

DANA JACOBS would rather forget the night of tragedy and violence that marred her childhood. She is now supervisor in charge of the Department of Homeland Security in Taos, New Mexico. Her team is prepared to handle any threat--biological, chemical, conventional, cyber, even nuclear. BENJAMIN MARSHALL is newly assigned to Dana's office. Straight from a six year military deployment, he is not what Dana wants or needs.

Ben knows God has a reason for putting him in this place at this time--to help Dana. When a local school is threatened, they open a case which leads them on a chase through the Enchanted Circle and Carson National Forest, pursuing a man filled with a bitterness Dana can understand. But her anger is different it's justified, it remains hidden inside, and it hurts no one.

Can Dana face her own mortality? And when she does, can she truly understand what it means to forgive and to be forgiven?


MY  REVIEW
This is the first non-Amish book of Vannetta's that I've read and I truly enjoyed it. An edge of the seat mystery that keeps you from wanting to put the book down. Grab a copy and enjoy!!!

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Keeping Secrets by Linda Byler - Review of the second book in Sadie's Montana series




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There's horse trouble in Montana again. Only this time, horses aren't being stolen, they're being shot. Snipers are driving a blue pickup and seem to be shooting selectively. No Hard-working ranch horse or Amish  horse and buggy is safe.

Still, Sadie rides, despite daily warnings from Dorothy down in the kitchen of Aspen East Ranch. But Sadie's getting used to ignoring Dorothy's advice. Sadie's heart is set on Mark even though Dorothy tells her to steer clear after he ditches her in the middle of their first real date.

Then Daniel appears---a visitor from Lancaster County. He's funny, well-mannered, and completely dedicated to his family.

Mark, on the other hand, finds it hard to tell Sadie the secrets of his past.

Why, Sadie wonders desperately, are there so man secrets? Will the snipers be found? Will the truth about Mark surface, or is it too hard to bear?


MY  REVIEW

This book is a tug at your heart story, it may be very emotional for some. I am enjoying this series, it's been a while since I've read the first book in the series and now I have to see about getting the last one in the series. This was an enjoyable read but I do think you should read the the series in order to get the full impact.

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

What the Bishop Saw by Vannetta Chapman - Review of the first book in the Amish Bishop Mystery series




BACK  OF  THE  BOOK  BLURB
(copied from Amazon.com)

Somewhere in the Embers Lies the Truth

A fire blazes out of control in the San Luis Valley of Colorado, leaving an elderly Amish bachelor dead. Bishop Henry Lapp rushes to the scene, and he learns the fire was no accident. Someone intended to kill Vernon Frey. But who would want to kill Vernon? Well, practically everyone--Amish and Englisch alike.

When the police point the finger at a suspect Henry knows is innocent, the bishop must decide whether or not to use his mysterious, God-given gift--one he's tried desperately to ignore all these years--to try and set the record straight. His close friend and neighbor, Emma, encourages Henry to follow God's leading.

Could the clue to solving the case be locked somewhere deep in his memory? Will Henry find the courage to move forward in faith and put the right person behind bars? Is his friendship with Emma becoming something more?

What the Bishop Saw is a story of extraordinary talents, the bonds of love and friendship, and the unfailing grace of God.



MY  REVIEW
What a twist for an Amish story, Vanetta never lets up, she just keeps pulling you along so you don't want to put the book down. The Amish and the Englisch have to work together, some of the Amish disagree, will it all work out, what happens when the 'youngee' try to take things into their own hands? I can recommend this book as a great read.