A Refuge at Highland Hall: A Novel (Edwardian Brides) by Carrie Turansky

Book Description:  The Great War shakes the world of a spirited young woman and the brave British pilot she loves, taking her from London to her family’s magnificent country estate, and sending him into the war-torn skies over France. 

Penny Ramsey has always considered Highland Hall her home, but when Britain becomes involved in World War One she travels to London to assist her sister Kate with the eight orphan children she and her husband Jon have taken into their home. Doing her part for the war effort takes priority over Penny’s dreams of romance until she meets Alex Goodwin, a Royal Naval Air Service pilot in training.

Alex is determined to prove his worth and do his part to defend his country. Knowing he is heading off for the dangerous assignment of  chasing Zeppelins across the front line in France, he feels it’s unwise to form any romantic attachments. But he can’t help admiring the pretty, warmhearted Penny and wondering what it would be like to find her waiting when he returns home from the war. 

As Penny writes to Alex, their friendship blossoms, and she becomes his tie to home and normalcy as he faces the hardships war. But being an RNAS pilot means confronting the enemy, and the fallout form those experiences push Alex beyond Penny’s reach. Can God mend the brokenness left by the losses of war? Will faith and forgiveness bring them together again?

My Thoughts:  A Refuge at Highland Hall takes place during WWI.  I haven't read very many books about WWI so this book was a nice change of pace. 

Penny Ramsey loves her home Highland Hall but when Britain becomes involved in the war, Penny decides to go to London to help her sister, Kate, with the eight orphaned children that Kate and Jon have taken into their home. 

Penny believes that her dreams and goals will have to wait while she does her part in the war effort.  then she meets Alex Goodwin. 

Alex is a Royal Naval sErvice pilot in training and is determined to prove himself and defend his country in this war.

As life would have it...Penny promises to write Alex while he is on a mission.  Their friendship blossoms.  But so many things happen in war...such as confronting the enemy and war takes a toll on the spirit.

This the story of Penny and Alex.

Carrie Turansky has done a grand job of researching and writing about the Great War.

*This book was provided for review by Waterbrook/Multnomah*

About the Author: 

Bestselling Inspirational Romance Author Carrie Turansky has written more than a dozen historical and contemporary novels. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award; and been a finalist for the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the ACFW Genesis Award. Readers say: "Heartwarming and inspiring! I couldn't put it down!" . . . "Touching love story. It captured me from the first page!" . . . "Rich characters, beautifully written . . . my new favorite author."
*** Visit her blog and sign up for her email newsletter at www.Carrie Turansky.com
*** Follow Carrie on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/authorcarrieturansky 
*** Check out her Pinterest Boards: http://www.pinterest.com/carrieturansky/

• Series: Edwardian Brides
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah Books (October 20, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601425007
• ISBN-13: 978-1601425003

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

A lot of apples this fall!  And we love apples!  

Another great recipe found on Pinterest! So I'm making these . . . 

**Cherries or peaches can be substituted for apples.

1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling

6 (8 inch) flour tortillas

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup water

• Spoon about one heaping quarter cup of pie filling evenly down the center of each tortilla.
• Sprinkle with cinnamon; roll up, tucking in edges; and place seam side down in prepared dish.
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, white sugar, brown sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes.
• Pour sauce over enchiladas and let stand 45 minutes.
• Bake in preheated oven 20 minutes, or until golden.
• Serve with vanilla ice cream.

Whispers in the Reading Room (The Chicago World's Fair Mystery Series) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Book Description:  Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.

Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.

Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.

Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.

Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.

My Thoughts: It's been quite awhile since I've read a book by Shelley Shepard Gray.  So, I was excited to see this book, Whispers in the Reading Room, in the mail.  

I love the cover.  It brings to mind midnight trysts, undercover work and books!

Lydia loves her job at the library.  And one day she notices a mysterious, dark-haired stranger at the library.  Oddly enough he never speaks to one person but he seems to have a great love for books.

One day Lydia goes to the Hartman Hotel and after curious mishap the dark haired stranger rescues her.  She then learns that his name is Sebastian Marks and he lives at the top of the grand hotel.

Lydia and Sebastian form a "loose" friendship.  And then to her great dismay Lydia learns that Sebastian is not only greatly wealthy but he owns the infamous saloon and gambling club.  Lydia is in shock!

Lydia is not always wise and decides to visit the gambling house one night...and becomes a suspect in a murder!

Sebastian Marks is man that many fear!  But whom can Lydia trust?  

A great mystery and a wonderful plot!

Probably the best book, by far, that Shelley Shepard Gray has penned!

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: The Chicago World's Fair Mystery Series
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (November 10, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310338492
• ISBN-13: 978-0310338499

A Respectable Actress by Dorothy Love

Book Description: When India Hartley is accused of murder, she must uncover the deceptions of others to save herself.

India Hartley, a famous and beautiful actress, is now alone after her father’s death and embarks upon a tour of theaters across the South. Her first stop is Savannah’s Southern Palace. On the eve of the second night’s performance, something goes horribly wrong. Her co-star, Arthur Sterling, is shot dead on stage in front of a packed house, and India is arrested and accused of the crime.

A benefactor hires Philip Sinclair, the best—and handsomest—lawyer in Savannah to defend India. A widower, Philip is struggling to reinvent his worn-out plantation on St. Simons Island. He needs to increase his income from his law practice in order to restore Indigo Point, and hardly anything will bring him more new clients than successfully defending a famous actress on a murder charge.

Because India can’t go anywhere in town without being mobbed, Philip persuades the judge handling her case to let him take her to Indigo Point until her trial date. India is charmed by the beauty of the Georgia lowcountry and is increasingly drawn to Philip. But a locked room that appears to be a shrine to Philip’s dead wife and the unsolved disappearance of a former slave girl raise troubling questions. Piecing together clues in an abandoned boat and a burned-out chapel, India discovers a trail of dark secrets that lead back to Philip, secrets that ultimately may hold the key to her freedom. If only he will believe her.

My Thoughts:  What a mystery!  From the beginning of this read I became intrigued with India Hartley.  First of all, her name is so unusual. And secondly, she is an actress.  So is she always in a "pretend" mode? 

After her father's death she goes on tour to perform at theaters across the south.  But on the second night Arthur Sterling, her co-star, is shot dead on stage.  And India is accused of this crime.

Someone who wants to help India hires the most handsome lawyer in all of Savannah to defend India.

Phillip is a widower who needs more money from his law practice so that he can restore his plantation, Indigo Point.

Since India can't go anywhere without being mobbed.  The judge grants that she can reside at Indigo Point until her trail.

This is where the mystery evolves....a locked room, a slave girl's disappearance...an abandoned boat and a burned out chapel.  Secrets, secrets, with India on the trail.

This was quite an interesting read!  Actually, I couldn't put it down! Loved it!  

*This book was provided for review as part of the Thomas Nelson

Fiction Guild Team Challenge*

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 13, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401687598
• ISBN-13: 978-1401687595

Reading...

Happiness is . . .

 a cup of coffee and good book!

An Amish Christmas Gift by Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid, & Kelly Irvin

Book Description:
Naomi’s Gift by Amy Clipston

Naomi has started to think that she isn’t meant to find love, but she might receive more than she ever hoped for this Christmas.

Twenty-four-year-old Naomi King, who has been burned twice by love, has all but given up on marriage and children. As Christmas approaches—a time of family, faith, and hope for many others—Naomi is more certain than ever her life will be spent as an old maid, helping with the family’s quilting business and taking care of her eight siblings. Then she meets Caleb, a young widower with a 7-year-old daughter, and her world is once again turned upside-down.

An Unexpected Joy by Ruth Reid

Abigail has driven other suitors away, but can Micah find a way to show her he cares?

Abigail Kemp has managed to frighten off every bu who’s ever driven her home from a singing. Sure she will live to be an old maid, Abigail starts saving her money to buy a horse so she can at least have some independence.

Micah Zook is looking for a caregiver for his grandmother, and Abigail needs a new job. He never expected that Abigail would talk so much . . . or that his grandmother would keep finding ways to set the two of them up.

Despite Abigail’s constant chatter, she and Micah become friends—until Micah makes a decision that leaves Abigail feeling betrayed. With Christmas in their midst, can Micah find a way to reconcile with Abigail and to reveal what’s on his heart?

A Christmas Visitor by Kelly Irvin

Frannie Mast returns to Bee County for Christmas, but her heart stays back in Missouri with an Englisch farm boy.

Frannie knows her parents have the best of intentions when they send her back to Bee County, Texas, to live with her aunt Abigail and her husband Mordecai. After all, she knows nothing can come of a relationship with Rocky, the handsome but Englisch farmer boy back in Missouri. It’s best to put those feelings aside, no matter how hard it is. But all bets are off when Rocky follows Frannie to Texas to plead his case. Could he be the Christmas gift to end all gifts?

My Thoughts:  Yay!  It's that time of the year again when the Christmas reads begin making their appearance.

Not only is this book about the Amish it's three books, well novellas, in one book.  

Naomi's Gift by Amy Clipston is about Naomi King.  At 24 years of age she is already considered an old maid.  Naomi has given up on ever marrying or having a family.  But then, as life would have it, she meets Caleb, a widower with a young daughter.  This is a sweet just right for getting in the Christmas spirit story.

The next story is An Unexpected Joy by Ruth Reid. Abigail is quite an independent Amish young lady.  In fact, she's so intimidating that she's turned off more suitors.  She doesn't seem to want romance or marriage.  She seems to only want a horse of her own.  In order to get that horse she needs money so she takes a job taking care of Micah's grandmother.  Micah can't believe one young woman can talk so much.  Soon he and Abigail become friends.  But as Christmas approaches it seems that Micah has betrayed Abigail.  Will Micah be able to salvage their friendship?

Loved this story!

A Christmas Visitor by Kelly Irvin is the third and last novella in this book.  This story is about Texas!  Amish in Texas!  Frannie is sent to Bee County, Texas because her parents think she is more interested in an English young man.  Frannie is sent off to Texas and Rocky is still in Missouri.  But unknowing to Frannie Rocky misses her and follows her to Texas.  oops!  This is a cute romance.

These are all fun, short Christmas stories for the Amish book lover!

*This book was provided for review as part of the Thomas Nelson

Fiction Guild Team Challenge*

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 6, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718039653
• ISBN-13: 978-0718039653

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

It's getting cooler in our neck of the woods and time for soup.

Here's one of our favorites!

**Even though this is a crockpot soup, if I forget to put everything in the crockpot in the morning I just make it on the stove top using the same ingredients but I cook it for 45 minutes and then the last 30 minutes with cream cheese.  It's still great!

Paula Dean's crockpot potato soup recipe

Combine 1 bag frozen hash browns ( I use the small, diced hash browns)

2 (14oz) cans chicken broth, 1 can cream of chicken soup

1/2c chopped onion

 1/3tsp black pepper

Cook in crock pot on low for 5 hours. 

**Must be last **Stir in 8oz block of cream cheese, cook 30 minutes, stir occasionally.

Garnish with bacon bits, onions and/or shredded cheese.

OH!SO!GOOD!!

The Brontë Plot Paperback by Katherine Reay

Book Description:  When Lucy’s secret is unearthed, her world begins to crumble. But it may be the best thing that has ever happened to her.

Lucy Alling makes a living selling rare books, often taking suspicious liberties to reach her goals. When her unorthodox methods are discovered, Lucy’s secret ruins her relationship with her boss and her boyfriend, James—leaving Lucy in a heap of hurt and trouble. Something has to change; she has to change.

In a sudden turn of events, James’s wealthy grandmother, Helen, hires Lucy as a consultant for a London literary and antiques excursion. Lucy reluctantly agrees and soon discovers Helen holds secrets of her own. In fact, Helen understands Lucy’s predicament better than anyone else.

As the two travel across England, Lucy benefits from Helen’s wisdom as Helen confronts ghosts from her own past. Everything comes to a head at Haworth, home of the Brontë sisters, where Lucy is reminded of the sisters’ beloved heroines who, with tenacity and resolution, endured—even in the midst of impossible circumstances.

Now Lucy must face her past in order to move forward. And while it may hold mistakes and regrets, she will prevail—if only she can step into the life that’s been waiting for her all along.

My Thoughts:  Having thoroughly enjoyed reading Dear Mr. Knightley I was eager to read The Brontë Plot.

Lucy uses somewhat unorthodox means to buying and selling rare books.  After all, she has goals and dreams too!  But when her boss and her boyfriend, James, find out about Lucy's dealings....she loses both her boyfriend and her job.  Ouch!

But as life would have it, James' wealthy grandmother, Helen, decides to hire Lucy as a consultant for a London literary and antiques excursion.  

Since Lucy doesn't have anything better to do she takes the job with Helen.

Off Lucy and Helen go to England.  And Lucy begins to discover that Helen has secrets of her own.  In fact, Helen understands Lucy very well and then at Haworth, the home of the  Brontë sisters, Lucy discovers more than she set out to know.  

Lucy must make changes and she must face the past in order to go on with the present.  

This is probably the best book I've read by Katherine Reay.  I loved learning more about the Brontë sisters.  

This is a grand read!  Not to be missed by book lovers of the Brontë family/sisters!

*This book was provided by BookLook*

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 3, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401689752
• ISBN-13: 978-1401689759

COTT {Clash of the Titles} 2014 Olympia Winner Now Available for Purchase!

COTT's 2014 Olympia winner, Reclaimed, launched in September! Author Jennifer Rodewald is pleased to put this winning title in front of readers, especially the COTT judges who fell in love with her story.

About the book:

Suzanna Wilton has had a heavy share of heartache in her twenty-seven years. Left wounded by a marriage cut short, she leaves city life to take up residency in a tiny Nebraska town. Her introduction to her neighbor Paul Rustin is a disaster. Assuming he’s as underhanded as the other local cowboys she’s already met, Suzanna greets him with sharp hostility. 

Though Paul is offended by Suzanna’s unfriendliness, he can’t stop thinking about her, which unsettles his peaceful life. Intrigued by the woman who lives down the road and propelled by a sense that she carries a painful burden, he frequently drops by to offer help as she adjusts to rural living.

Just as Paul’s kindness begins to melt Suzanna’s frozen heart, a conflict regarding her land escalates in town. Even in the warmth of Paul’s love, resentment keeps a cold grip on her fragile heart. 

Will Suzanna ever find peace?

PURCHASE

Amazon

Q: Jennifer, what message or theme do you hope readers will take with them after reading Reclaimed?

A: I put up a promo meme the other day on my Facebook page. This one:

One of my friends posted this response: so thankful He does.

That’s it. Right there. 

I write women’s fiction with strong threads of romance, but my heart’s desire is always to point to the romance of heaven, to reflect back to the King’s heart toward his reclaimed bride. He knows every wound, small and festering or fresh and gaping, and He LOVES us. He holds out hope and healing, He waits for us to run into his arms with our heartaches. I think almost every woman’s heart longs for the love of a good man, but ultimately our thirst is for Love. Agape Love, the kind that pours out from heaven to satisfy our thirsty hearts.

About the author:

Jennifer Rodewald is passionate about the Word of God and the powerful vehicle of story. The draw to fiction has tugged hard on her heart since childhood, and when she began pursuing writing she set on stories that reveal the grace of God.

Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life. Four kids and her own personal superman make her home in southwestern Nebraska delightfully chaotic.

She would love to hear from you! Please visit her at authorjenrodewald.com or  www.facebook.com/authorjenrodewald.

The Life of a Reader:

Amish Christmas at North Star: Four Stories of Love and Family (Four Authors)

Book Description:  One night four lives entered the world by the hands of an Amish midwife, just outside North Star, Pennsylvania. 

Rebekah’s babies, as they are called, are now grown adults and in four heartwarming novellas each young person experiences a journey of discovery, love, and the wonder of Christmas.

Guiding Star by Katie Ganshert

Curiosity gets the best of Englisher Chase Wellington when he investigates the twenty-five-year-old disappearance of an Amish baby. When he finds adventurous Elle McAllister in Iowa will his discoveries upend her world? 

Mourning Star by Amanda Flower

Eden Hochstetler slips from her parents’ fudge shop to investigate the death of her friend Isaac Yoder.  Who is guilty? Isaac’s handsome great nephew Jacob, an angry Englisher, or someone else?

In the Stars by Cindy Woodsmall

Kore Detweiler has nursed his broken heart, avoiding North Star after Savilla Beiler suddenly rejected his love.  But when he is called to return home, he and Savilla must join forces to keep a family together.

Star of Grace by Mindy Starns Clark and Emily Clark

Andy Danner left North Star to work in construction in a new Amish settlement in Louisiana. His little brother devises a scheme to bring Andy home for Christmas, and unwittingly unleashes the power of forgiveness in an old widower’s life.

My Thoughts:  Amish Christmas at North Star features some of my favorite authors.  It was a happy day when this book came in the mail!  

North Star, Pennsylvania is a busy place with four babies being born.  These are the stories of Rebekah's Babies:

Guiding Star was the first story I had read by Katie Ganshert.  This short story is actually a mini mystery.  An Amish baby went missing twenty-five years ago and Englisher Chase Wellington decides to cure his curiosity and find out where this baby has "gone to".  An interesting little mystery.

The second mini mystery is by one of my favorite Amish mystery authors, Amanda Flower.  In Mourning Star, Eden decides she will investigate the death of her friend Issac.  I loved this mystery!

Cindy Woodsmall writes about Kore and Savilla In the Stars.  This was a nice short romance.  

Lastly, Mindy Starns Clark and Emily Clark penn a sweet story about love and forgiveness in Star of Grace.

Amish Christmas Star at North Star is a wonderful Christmas read for Amish fans!  A not.to.be.missed read!

*This book was provided for review by Waterbrook/Multnomah*

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (October 20, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601428146
• ISBN-13: 978-1601428141

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

October is Apple Month And here is a great recipe for that perfect apple.

This is a great dip for a get together and found this perfect dip on food.com

Directions

Ingredients

• 3 (8 ounce) boxes cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (12 ounce) bags mini chocolate chips
• 1 (8 ounce) bags toffee pieces
• 1 (20 ounce) bottles caramel ice cream topping

1. Cream together the cream cheese, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. In a casserole dish, spread the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of the pan.
3. Completely cover the cream cheese mixture with the chocolate chips and chocolate toffee bits.
4. Drizzle liberally with the caramel sauce.
5. Chill or serve immediately with apple slices. Enjoy.

Fire & Ice (Wild at Heart) by Mary Connealy

Book Description:  Bailey Wilde is one of the best new ranchers in the West. She's been living disguised as a man for a while, but when Gage Coulter comes to drive her off her homestead, he quickly realizes he's dealing with a woman--a very tough, very intriguing woman at that.

Gage is an honest man, but he didn't make his fortune being weak. He won't break the law, but he'll push as hard as he can within it. Five thousand acres of his best range land is lost to him because Bailey's homestead is located right across the only suitable entrance to a canyon full of lush grass. Gage has to regain access to his land--and he's got to go through Bailey to do it.

Spending a winter alone has a way of making a person crave some human contact. In a moment of weakness, Bailey agrees to a wild plan Gage concocts. Can these two independent, life-toughened homesteaders loosen up enough to earn each other's respect--and maybe find love in the process?

My Thoughts:  I love the cover of this book and knew that the content would be just as lovely...and I wasn't wrong.  

Fire and Ice by Mary Connealy is a fun read.  I love Bailey Wilde (and it's interesting that this is a Wild at Heart series and Bailey's last name is Wilde!)...hmmm.  

Bailey is/has been disguised as a man running a profitable ranch for sometime when Gage Coulter comes to drive her off of her own homestead, the homestead that Bailey she blood and tears for.  There is no way under heaven that Bailey is going to give up her hard earned living and her hard earned homestead.

Well, Gage soon figures out that he is up against a formidable rancher and lo and behold, the rancher is a WOMAN!

Gage has to reclaim some of the five thousand acres that Bailey has in her possession.  So, Gage comes with quite a plan and Bailey, in a moment of weakness, agrees to his plan. 

Once again Mary Connealy pens a fantastic and somewhat humorous western. 

A fun read for all western fans!  No "yuckiness" either. Mary Connealy includes faith and love of God in this great read!

*This book was provided for review by Bethany House*

• Series: Wild at Heart (Book 3)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (October 6, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764211803
• ISBN-13: 978-0764211805
• {Back of Book provided by Amazon.com}

COTT {Clash of the Titles} And the Winner Is . . . .

 Congratulations to...

Midnight on the Mississippi

by Mary Ellis

About the book:

What Lies Beneath the Black Water of the Bayou?

Hunter Galen, a New Orleans securities broker, suspects his business partner, James Nowak, of embezzling their clients’ money, but he’s reluctant to jeopardize their friendship. After James turns up dead, Hunter realizes his unwillingness to confront a problem may have cost James his life.

Nicki Price, a newly minted PI, intends to solve the stockbroker’s murder as she establishes herself in the career she adores. As she ferrets out fraud and deception at Galen-Nowak Investments, Hunter’s fiancée, Ashley Menard, rubs her the wrong way. Nicki doesn’t trust the ostentatious woman who seems to be hiding something, but is the PI’s growing attraction to Hunter—the police’s only suspect—her true reason for disliking Ashley?

As Hunter and Nicki encounter sophisticated shell games, blackmail, and death threats both subtle and overt, danger swirls around them like the mysterious dark water of the bayou. Only their reliance on faith and fearless determination give them hope they will live to see another day.

PURCHASE

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

What COTT voters had to say:

--I normally enjoy reading mostly Amish fiction. But, because Mary Ellis is such a wonderful writer, I would choose Midnight on the Mississippi.

--Mary Ellis, Looking forward to reading this.! Congratulations !

--Love to read books written by Mary Ellis. She writes great stories.

--Mary Ellis as with all your books i love this one too, you amaze me each time i read one of your books, they just get better and better

--Mary Ellis, wishing you much success with this one!

--Just love Mary Ellis writing style and always look forward to new releases !!

--Love your books, Mary! Best of luck with MIDNIGHT ON THE MISSISSIPPI!

--Go Mary Ellis! Your books are always wonderful

--Mary Ellis pulls you into the story in the first few pages!

--Mary Ellis, love her work. She writes a character so well, you can feel like you know them, and you can't wait to see what's on the next page.

About the author:

Mary has written twelve bestselling Amish fiction novel along with three historical romances. She is currently working on a romantic suspense series called Secret of the South mysteries for Harvest House Publishers. First of the series, Midnight on the Mississippi is set in New Orleans and was given 4 1/2 stars by RT Book Reviews. Book two, What Happened on Beale Street, is set in Memphis and will release in March. She is a former middle school teacher and lives in Ohio with her husband, dog and cat. She can be found on the Internet at her Website or on FaceBook.