The Had-Stitched Amish Quilting Club by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Book Description:  Join the club of unlikely quilters who show up for Amish widow Emma Yoder’s quilting classes. A troubled young woman, a struggling couple, a widower, a rough and tough biker, and a preacher’s wife make up the mismatched lot. But as their problems begin to bind them together like the scraps of fabric stitched together in a quilt, they learn to open up and lend a helping hand. Is this what God had in mind to heal hurting hearts and create beauty from fragments?

My Review:  This probably the most unusual Amish story that I have ever read.  I began this story thinking it would be about the Amish and learning about quilts...well, half true.

At first the story begins with Emma Yoder an older, widow, who places an ad in the local paper that she will give quilting lessons. Six people of various walks of life, none Amish, sign up.  

When the group comes together...such a motley group! I gasped!  So true to life! 

Emma is a true blue kind.of.character and her life rings with the truth of an elderly woman with a kind and gentle spirit.  

Ruby Lee is a pastor's wife with a deep faith who seeks to be stronger in God's love.

Then there's the bickering couple quilting together to save their marriage.

The biker with many tattoos who seeks a creative outlet for his "bad" ways.

The young woman with the attitude!  But a genuine heart for seeking truth.

And the lonely young widower with a sweet abby daughter.

What a crew!  

I thought Mrs. Brunstetter wrote a remarkable story using so many different personalities and she incorporates so many different aspects of life into a group.  

This is not your "usual" sweet Amish story...this is about God's hand working in and through those we meet.  

I loved this read!

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books (April 3, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1602608113
• ISBN-13: 978-1602608115

The Heart of a Hero, #2 by Susan May Warren

Book Description:   In The Heart of a Hero, book 2 in the Global Search and Rescue series, Warren ramps up the action once again as former Navy SEAL Jake Silver and heart surgeon Dr. Aria Sinclair fight to survive a category 4 hurricane in Key West. Jake Silver battles traumatizing memories that resulted from his career as a former sniper and Navy SEAL. As part of the Jones, Inc., rescue team, Jake finds some element of redemption by utilizing his skills to rescue and save the lost and injured. One of his most rewarding moments was saving the life of pediatric heart surgeon Dr. Aria Sinclair—a woman he still can’t forget. Aria has dedicated her life to helping children born with defective hearts. After all, she was one of those children. Driven to succeed, she lives a lonely, stressful life. Although she finds Jake both exciting and handsome, he’s also dangerous, and she refuses to take the risk of loving again. When Jake hears that Aria is in the path of a deadly hurricane in Key West, he can’t help but jump on a plane to rescue her. As the hurricane turns paradise into peril, Aria realizes she needs Jake desperately. With their very survival in the balance, can they hope for a second chance at life . . . and love?

My Thoughts:  I realize that this is the second book in the Global Search & Rescue series but in my opinion it can be a stand alone read.

There is SO much going on in this story that the reader is never bored.  

I love the action and the romance.  Romance makes the story so much sweeter.

I find the title so fitting for this story.  The main character Navy Seal Jake Silver saves the life of pediatric heart surgeon, Dr. Aria Sinclair.  And he just can't forget her sweet smile.  However, Dr. Sinclair can't trust herself to love again.  

Then a terrible hurricane is headed towards the Key West where Aria Sinclair lives and Jake just can't help himself he gets on a plane to go rescue her.  

As the hurricane gets closer Aria realizes that she needs Jake.  But can she trust her heart?

I enjoyed this great story.  And I loved all the action with little turmoil.

*This book was provided for review by Revell*

WOW! {Warm Oven Wednesday}

Child of Mine by David and Beverly Lewis

Book Description: Jack Livingston has been raising his nine-year-old adopted niece, Natalie, since the accident that took her parents' lives. While he travels for work, Natalie is lovingly cared for by Laura, an Amish nanny who loves her as her own. 

Kelly Maines is nearing the end of her rope. Her baby was kidnapped, the apparent victim of a black market adoption ring, and for eight years, Kelly has tirelessly pursued every lead to its bitter end. Now, there's one last lead from a private investigator: Just a few miles away lives a girl who matches the profile. Could this, at long last, be her beloved child? 

Desperately, Kelly initiates a "chance" meeting with Jack Livingston. It goes really well. So well, in fact, that Jack asks her out. One date leads to another, and before she can come clean with her original motives, Kelly realizes Jack is falling for her--and she for him. 

Now how can she tell Jack why she's really here? And having gotten to know Natalie, what if she isn't her long-lost daughter, after all? This was all supposed to be so simple. 

But nothing in Natalie's world is simple.

My Thoughts:  Beverly Lewis has been a favorite author of mine for years.  And now, her husband, David, has co-authored Child Of Mine with her.

The story centers around a young girl who lives with her adopted uncle.  Natalie is a sweet child and Jack is a great and kind uncle but there just seems to be something missing in both of their lives.

The Amish Nanny, Laura, is a wonderful asset to both Jack and Nattie since they both lean on her for care...Jack so her can have help with Natalie and Natalie because she needs a mother figure. But what secrets does Laura hide?  What is hidden that needs to be brought to light for the good of each family?

And then there's Kelly who had a baby girl who was apparently sold on the black market but with her husband's death did the "secret" go to the grave with him? The question seems to be is Natalie one of those babies?

And did Kelly really have a baby that was kidnapped nine years ago?  How will Jack and Natalie find the truth?  Does Laura hold the answer?

This is an interesting read that includes the black market of selling kidnapped babies, DNA test, and faith.   

An intriguing story!

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (June 3, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764212540

Blessings for the Evening by Susie Larson

Book Description:  It happens to all of us---the moment you turn out the light, nighttime worries grab hold of you. Larson's soothing reflections provide much-needed relaxation at the end of your day! Tranquil color photos, comforting Scripture, and calming insights will fill your heart with peace and serenity as you surrender your fears to God. Rest well!

My Thoughts:  This is a beautiful book!  The pages are loaded with pictures of nature, people and animals.

The pictures are bright and colorful and then the words are printed "on top" of the pictures.

This is not a sit down and read it type of book.  It's more of a short.put.your.mind.to.rest type of book.  It's  a relaxing book.

There are prayers, scriptures and short/very short devotionals.  It's not a deep book and therefore, it makes for a great before I go to sleep read.

I love all the pictures but one of my faves is on page 111.  There is a beautiful picture of a sunset with a long walk out to a lake.  It is entitled, Purpose in Every Step. 

This is a great encouraging "read."

I'm going to give this book as a get well card to those who need encouragement when they are ill.

It would also make a great gift!  

Format: Hardcover Number of Pages: 208 Vendor: Bethany House Publication Date: 2013

Dimensions: 7.00 X 5.00 (inches) ISBN: 0764211633 ISBN-13: 9780764211638

Celebrate Freedom!

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} July 4th Edition

Easy, Pretty Snacks for the 4th . . . 
I love this for the 4th!  

So pretty and so easy from Party Printables on Pinterest:

*You'll need jars (like picture or use what you have).

*Red licorice

*Blue M&M's

*White pretzels

Add a Happy 4th July tag! {FREE printables for the 4th!} and there you have a cute and functional 4th snack!