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.

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!!!

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.

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

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(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.

The Cat, The Quilt and the Corpse by Leann Sweeney - Review of the first book in the Cats In Trouble Mystery series

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Recently widowed Jillian Hart is rebuilding a life for herself and her three beloved cats---Chablis, Syrah, and Merlot---as a quilter in a small South Carolina town. The quilts she makes are for cats as smart, special, and sweet as her own, and business is thriving.

But when she returns from an overnight quilting show, she discovers Chablis sneezing---and since Chablis is allergic to humans, that can mean only one thing: Someone has broken into her house. When she realizes her Abyssinian Syrah is missing, Jillian suspects catnapping.

Spurred by Chablis's and Merlot's mournful meowing, she investigates---and discovers more missing cats and a murder. Now she's got to save more than one cat in trouble---not to mention herself.

MY  REVIEW

Very entertaining and I found it hard to put the book down. I'm not an animal 'lover', I like animals but not a fan of having pets, although I have had both cats and dogs that I've become attached to.
I think this is the first one of Leann's books that I've read and she is now on my list to follow. I will have to get the rest of the books in this series.

Hidden in Plain Site by Karen Ann Hopkins - Review of the fourth book in the Serenity's Plain Secrets series

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(copied from Amazon.com)

Some Amish communities aren't so cozy.

When a cold case heats up, Serenity won't stop until she discovers the truth.

In this installment of the bestselling Serenity's Plain Secrets' series. Serenity must work with US marshals to uncover the truth behind a shockingly brutal fifteen-year-cold murder.

Desperate for answers, Serenity finds herself in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where she unravels secrets that threaten to tear her and Daniel apart. But digging up the past is dangerous and the quaint Amish settlement isn't as safe as it seems.

If Serenity chooses to trust the man she's come to love, it could mean a happily ever after...or her final act.

MY  REVIEW

This story didn't seem quite as good to me as the previous three, but still worth the read. This cold case may affect Serenity's personal life, just after she decided she could be happy spending the rest of it with Daniel. I have been enjoying this series for the most part, not crazy about some of the language and some sexual scenes.

Frontier Matchmaker Bride by Regina Scott - Review of the eighth book in the Frontier Bachelors series

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The Lawman Meets His Match

Successful Seattle matchmaker Beth Wallin has her most challenging assignment yet---find Deputy Hart McCormick a bride. Beth's still smarting after the handsome lawman spurned her affections a year ago. But if she finds Hart a wife, Beth will gain favor with the city's most influential women...and perhaps free her own heart, as well.

Marriage is the last thing on the deputy's mind. After tragically losing his sweetheart, he vowed never to love again. But as sweet, spunky Beth introduces him to potential fiancees, Hart finally feels a spark...for her! The stubborn bachelor will be Beth's first matchmaking miss, unless they can both admit that she just might be his perfect match.

MY  REVIEW

I am writing this review with a tear in my eye! This is the last book in the series, as far as I know anyway, since the Harlequin is phasing out five mass market original series and the Love Inspired Historical is one of them!

I have really enjoyed this series and am so sad to see it end. The Wallin family has so much love and faith for each other as well as other people. I can highly recommend this book but you really should read it in order to totally fall in love yourself and not ruin any spoilers by reading out of order.

I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review. This review are my true feelings and opinions.