Who I Am with You (A Legacy of Faith Novel) by Robin Lee Hatcher

Book Description:  Jessica Mason isn’t looking for love when she meets Ridley Chesterfield. Instead she is still reeling from the tragic, unexpected loss of her husband and daughter—and awaiting the arrival of her unborn child. Harboring the secret of her husband’s betrayal, her pain is deeper than anyone knows.

Ridley Chesterfield is hiding out in Hope Springs, Idaho, avoiding a political scandal and the barrage of false media headlines that have tarnished his good name. The last thing Ridley wants is a relationship—but when fate leads Ridley to form a friendship with his reclusive and pregnant neighbor, he wonders if this small-town hideout might be more of a long-term destination. 

When Jessica begins to read her great-grandfather’s Bible, she finds a connection with a man she never knew. Somehow the verses he marked and the words he wrote in the margins open her heart to healing. And as Ridley and Jessica help each other forgive the people who have wronged them, they must decide if the past will define them or if they will choose to love again. 

My Thoughts:  When I began reading this book I didn't realize that it was modern day about Jessica Morgan to past day of her grandfather from the 1930's so at first I was slightly confused.  But once I realized the "time gap"  the story fell into place and made sense.

This story is a real tear jerker.  I cried and cried and I have a wonderful marriage so I didn't relate to Jessica I was just so sad for her.  And, maybe, because I know women who have been or are in her place.

Now Ridley Chesterfield has issues of his own but somehow he and Jessica meet.  This is their story.

One thing I noticed in this story is that it takes place in Idaho, the same state that the author lives in. And having read a bit of the author's testimony I see where the Bible was a great influence in her life.  So, it seems to me that the author wrote this story from her own experiences.  And, maybe just maybe, that is what the reader feels as she reads of love, betrayal, heartache and real love.  

Now this is a story with all the feels but shows that true can only come from God the Father. . . a legacy of faith!

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: A Legacy of Faith Novel
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (December 11, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785219269
• ISBN-13: 978-0785219262

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

{Barbour Blog Tour} Woman of Courage by Wanda Brunstetter

Book Description:  Take a three-thousand mile journey with Amanda Pearson as she leaves the disgrace of a broken engagement and enters the work of a Quaker mission in the western wilds. The trip is fraught with danger, and Amanda is near death before reaching her destination. Among those she meets are an Indian woman who becomes her first convert and a half-Indian trapper who seems to be her biggest critic. But love follows her into the wilderness and will determine the course of her future. 

My Thoughts:  Wanda Brunstetter has become another favorite author of mine.  In this book, Woman of Courage, we meet a young lady Amanda who feels that her broken engagement is a disgrace upon her and her family.  Not having many job choices Amanda decides to go work at a Quaker mission in the West...the Wild West.  What a journey!  And what courage! Three thousand miles of mountains, traveling through unknown territory, Indians, and sleeping under the stars. (BC~Before Cellphones)   Almost near death before she gets to her destination she begins a friendship with an Indian woman. Mary "Yellow Bird" and leads her to Christ.  But then there's a pesky half-Indian trapper who just doesn't believe in what Amanda is preaching.  Red Hawk is quite a guy too.  

This is an interesting read . . . about the Quaker faith,  and how we find determination within ourselves and trusting God when everything seems to be going downhill.  Of course, there's romance too!  Loved this read!

And this book is the Collector's Edition so included is Little Fawn's story.  What fun!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review"

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press; GLD edition
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1616260831
• ISBN-13: 978-1616260835

The Teacher's Bride (An Amish Brides of Birch Creek Novel) by Kathleen Fuller

Book Description:  Christian Ropp moves to Birch Creek to accept a teaching position in the rapidly growing Amish community. He’s determined to put the rambunctious school in order as well as check another task off his list: finding a wife. Of course, that would be much easier if women were like textbooks, straightforward and logical.

When an accident puts Christian out of commission, a new community member named Ruby Glick takes over his classroom. But Ruby’s exuberant teaching style clashes with Christian's careful methods and he worries his students will never be the same.

My Thoughts:  I was so excited to see that Kathleen Fuller has a new novel out.  She's a master story teller in my book!  😊

Christian Ropp is like a lot of teachers he not only wants to help the students but he won't allow chaos to rule the classroom either.  Well, when an accident causes Christian to be out of school for awhile Ruby Glick who is new to the community substitutes for Christian.  

Ruby's teaching techniques are not quite like Christian's procedures.  Ruby is rambunctious and happy to put it lightly.  Ruby doesn't seem to have a serious thought or a constructive idea.  However, the kids do love her and do seem to be learning.

Poor Christian he doesn't know what to think!  Will he ever have control over his class again.

Such a fun and humorous read!  Lots of laugh out loud moments and trying to guess what will happen next.

Sometimes we learn to take ourselves less seriously and have faith for the moment.

Loved, loved this read!

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: An Amish Brides of Birch Creek Novel (Book 1)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (December 4, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310355079
• ISBN-13: 978-0310355076

Happy

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

Let's Get Ready for Bed (Nurturing Steps) by Michael W.Smith

Book Description:  From Grammy Award-winning artist Michael W Smith and the co-creator of Veggietales Mike Nawrocki comes Let's Get Ready for Bed, the second in a series of bedtime books in the Nurturing Steps line. This sweet and sleepy picture book will lull your little one to sleep with their favorite stuffed animal characters the Nighty Nights.

My Thoughts:  I've always enjoyed Michael W.Smith's music so when I saw this book I thought it would be great for the littles at our house.

This is the second book in the Nurturing Steps "series."  We didn't read the first book but it didn't matter because these are stand alone reads.

This is a smallish hardback book that's just right for little ones to hold.  And because it's hardback it's quite easy to clean off with a wipe.

The story is cute and the illustrations are by Mike Nawrocki co-creator of Veggietales.

Our two years olds loved the book.  Of course we didn't read it word for word because we had to talk about the pictures and getting ready for bed.  So this does open up "talk time" for you and the kiddos.

This would make a great gift too for that little one on your list.

*This book was provided by BookLook*

• Series: Nurturing Steps
• Hardcover: 24 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz (November 6, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310767482
• ISBN-13: 978-0310767480

When Death Draws Near (A Gwen Marcey Novel) by Carrie Parks

Book Description:  Gwen Marcey takes death in stride. Until she’s faced with her own mortality.

Forensic artist Gwen Marcey is between jobs when she accepts temporary work in Pikeville, Kentucky—a small town facing big-city crime. But before Gwen can finish her first drawing of the serial rapist who is on the loose, the latest witness vanishes. Just like all the others.

Gwen suspects a connection between the rapist and the “accidental” deaths that are happening around town, but the local sheriff has little interest in her theories. When her digitally-obsessed teenage daughter joins her, Gwen turns her attention to a second assignment: going undercover in a serpent-handling church. She could get a handsome reward for uncovering illegal activity—a reward she desperately needs, as it seems her breast cancer has returned. But snakes aren’t the only ones ready to kill. Can Gwen uncover the truth—and convince anyone to believe her—before she becomes a victim herself?

My Thoughts:  Gwen Marcey is quite a gal with quite a few obstacles in her path but she doesn't let that stop her from living or trying to catch a killer.

Not only is Gwen a forensic artist but she brings "dust" to life with her drawings, sculptures and intricate details.  Gwen also has a teen daughter who is now being sent to live with her, she is divorced and tries to balance her life with some sanity like talking to her ex-husband in her head.  

In this particular case the police need help finding a serial rapist.  Terrible, haunting crimes but it gets better with an underground religion and trying to understand why she is getting such a cold shoulder from the local police . . . after she was sent to this department to help solve the crimes.  Gwen gets the feeling that the police chief is involved....dangerous, surprising results!

Quite a read!  Definitely not  read for the faint of heart and definitely not read for those late summer nights!  

Love her or leave her Gwen is quite a gal!

But a surprising ending....

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: A Gwen Marcey Novel
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401690475
• ISBN-13: 978-1401690472

The Liberty Bride: Daughters of the Mayflower by MaryLu Tyndall

Book Description:  A trip home from England to Maryland in 1812 finds Emeline Baratt a captive on a British warship and forced to declare her allegiance between the British and Americans. Remaining somewhat politically neutral on a ship where her nursing skills are desperately needed is fairly easy—until she starts to have feelings for the first lieutenant who becomes her protector. However, when the captain sends her and Lieutenant Owen Masters on land to spy, she must choose between her love for him and her love for her country.

My Thoughts: Daughters of the Mayflower have been interesting and romantic reads but this cover is probably the most exquisite.  I know, don't judge a book by it's cover.  But my.o.my.  This just makes the reader ready for a beautiful and magical trip.

Emeline Baratt is a captive on a British warship.  Can you imagine!  

Well as the story continues we find out that Emeline must declare her allegiance to either the Americans or to the British. But she has one thing going for her~she has nursing skills.  

And the ship's crew desperately need her nursing skills.  So, this buys her time and she can remain neutral.  

Then she meets the first Lieutenant, Owen Masters.  Ahh!  Love!

But the captain needs for her and Lieutenant Masters to go on land and spy.

Emeline loves her country but she also loves a man.  

A historical romance with spies and ships fighting for freedom.

This is the sixth and last book in the Daughters of the Mayflower.

Enjoy!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing 

and was under no obligation to post a review*

• Series: Daughters of the Mayflower (Book 6)
• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books; Gld edition (December 1, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1683226178
• ISBN-13: 978-1683226178

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

The Auschwitz Escape by Joel Rosenberg

Book Description:  A terrible darkness has fallen upon Jacob Weisz's beloved Germany. The Nazi regime, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, has surged to power and now hold Germany by the throat. All non-Aryans -- especially Jews like Jacob and his family -- are treated like dogs.

When tragedy strikes during one terrible night of violence, Jacob flees and joins rebel forces working to undermine the regime. But after a raid goes horribly wrong, Jacob finds himself in a living nightmare -- trapped in a crowded, stinking car on the train to the Auschwitz death camp.

As World War II rages and Hitler begins implementing his "final solution" to systematically and ruthlessly exterminate the Jewish people, Jacob must rely on his wits and a God he's not sure he believes in to somehow escape from Auschwitz and alert the world to the Nazi's atrocities before Fascism overtakes all of Europe. The fate of millions hangs in the balance.

My Thoughts:  Joel C. Rosenberg writes with a death defying description that left this reader gasping for breath and a rapidly beating heart.  

The scenes, the senselessness of it.all, the hope, the courage and the escape!  Oh!what!a!read!  

Reading about WWII is a passion of mine but when an author like Mr. Rosenberg writes a novel that feels so real, that feels like it took place yesterday, and when the events seem as if they could be happening right now, in this very country....well, the reader may, just as I did, gently close the book, take a deep breath and timidly open the pages again to read about Jacob.  

Ah!  This was not an "easy" read for me.  Breath taking, heart pounding, mind boggling...how could people...how could one man {Hitler} be so cruel!??!  Why would people follow a mad man?!?! How do these atrocities come to pass?!?!?  

At times it was hard to read but yet, hard not to read!  Wanting to know what was going to happen but barely daring to breathe...now that's a book that begs to be read by all!

What a read!

• Hardcover: 480 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414336241
• ISBN-13: 978-1414336244

{Kregel Blog Tour} Noah: A Wordless Picture Book Hardcover by Mark Ludy

Book Description:  Mark Ludy s latest book will appeal to adults and children alike. Digging deeper than the Sunday school tale of cuddly animals on Noah s ark, the story follows the biblical text and illumines Noah s relationship with God, his wife, family, nature, and humanity. Ludy s world-class artwork lets people see, as though for the first time, the beauty within this story - revealing a clearer picture of the nature and character of God and his relationship to humankind. It s immersive and epic in scale and scope. The wordless format invites conversation and storytelling, key building blocks of literacy. And as with his previous books, Ludy's signature mouse Squeakers appears hidden on every page.

My Thoughts:  We all seem to know the story of Noah and the Ark but have you ever tried to tell the story to a youngster with out words?  This incredible book and I do mean incredible has no words...it is a wordless picture book.  I've never seen such a beautifully illustrated book in all my life.

There isn't a need a for words...the pictures really do tell a story all their own and may inspire a conversation between you and your child about the Bible!  As much as words are descriptive and we need words, words aren't needed to "read" this story AND there are no words to describe the illustrations in this book!  

This book is such a joy "read" through.  The pictures are bold and bright but more than that they are {almost} jumping off the page in 3D illustrations!  Don't forget to look for Squeakers the mouse .... on ever page.  So much fun!

I love this book!  

This book makes a GREAT gift for a child {actually an adult would love it, too}!

This picture is from the book to show you an example of the                       greatness of these illustrations:

*This book was provided for review by Kregel Publications*

• Age Range: 2 - 18 years
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Plough Publishing House; Sew edition 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874866391
• ISBN-13: 978-0874866391

Chosen People by Robert Whitlow

Book Description:  During a terrorist attack near the Western Wall in Jerusalem, a courageous mother sacrifices her life to save her four-year-old daughter, leaving behind a grieving husband and a motherless child.

Hana Abboud, a Christian Arab Israeli lawyer trained at Hebrew University, typically uses her language skills to represent international clients for an Atlanta law firm. When her boss is contacted by Jakob Brodsky, a young Jewish lawyer pursuing a lawsuit on behalf of the woman’s family under the US Anti-Terrorism laws, he calls on Hana’s expertise to take point on the case. After careful prayer, she joins forces with Jakob, and they quickly realize the need to bring in a third member for their team, an Arab investigator named Daud Hasan, based in Israel.

To unravel the case, this team of investigators travels from the streets of Atlanta to the alleys of Jerusalem, a world where hidden motives thrive, the risk of death is real, and the search for truth has many faces. What they uncover will forever change their understanding of justice, heritage, and what it means to be chosen for a greater purpose.

My Thoughts:  Robert Whitlow has become a favorite author of mine.  He pens about out.of.the.healine stories with a legal and suspenseful twist.

This story takes place in Israel.  And o,my!  this could be on our news headline.

It seems like a "regular" attack that takes place at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.  When the attack takes place a mom sacrifices her own life to save the life of her four year old daughter.

Hanna Abboud is a christian and works with the Atlanta law firm when her language skills are needed.  So when her boss is contacted about the Israeli woman's case. her boss asks Hana to join the legal forces on behalf of the family.  Hana is not sure so she takes time to pray about it and then agrees to help.  Before long Hana and Jakob realize they need more help in this matter and seek the help of an Arab investigate, Daud Hasan.

Soon the three are in the alleys of Jerusalem seeking motive and knowledge about the case. 

What a story!  Robert Whitlow takes us beyond a legal matter into a heart matter.  What people do for love, justice and county!

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 6, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718083040
• ISBN-13: 978-0718083045

Delayed Justice by Cara Putnam

Book Description:  Jaime Nichols went to law school to find the voice she never had as a child, and her determination to protect girls and women in the path of harm drives her in ways both spoken and unspoken. As Jaime, now a criminal defense attorney, prepares to press charges against someone who wronged her long ago, she must face not only her demons but also the unimaginable forces that protect the powerful man who tore her childhood apart.

Chandler Bolton, a retired veteran, is tasked with helping a young victim who must testify in court—and along with his therapy dog, Aslan, he’s up for the task. When he first meets Jaime, all brains, beauty, and brashness, he can’t help but be intrigued. As Chandler works to break through the wall Jaime has built around herself, the two of them discover that they may have more to offer one another than they ever could have guessed—and that together, they may be able to help this endangered child.

My Thoughts:  Having read the first two books in this Hidden Justice series I was excited to get the third book.  

In this novel Jaime Nichols is lawyer who is determined to protect women and girls from being victims of crime.

When Jaime was a young girl a horrible man with wealth made her a victim.  Jaime is determined to take him to court.  But since the horrible man has so much wealth and power it seems an impossible task.  

And then Jaime meets Chandler.

Together Jaime and Chandler need to work together bring delayed justice.
Okay, this story unraveled me a tad bit even though I have never been a victim.  I cried for Jaime.  So horrible and made me s little mad at her mother for not listening.

A great legal thriller with just enough romance and a whole lotta criminal activity and action to keep the reader on the edge of her seat.

It's the kind of read that makes one want to defend the young and all women.

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 16, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785217916
• ISBN-13: 978-0785217916

A Seat by the Hearth (An Amish Homestead Novel, Book 3) by Amy Clipston

Book Description:  Priscilla Allgyer left the community in hopes of escaping the expectations of Amish life. Now, years later, she is forced to return to the place she thought she’d left behind forever—along with her six-year-old son. Though once estranged from her family, Priscilla is welcomed by her mother, but her father is cold and strict. He allows Priscilla to stay with them provided she dresses plainly, confesses her sins, and agrees to marry within the community. Once again, she feels suffocated, trapped, and alone.

As Priscilla reluctantly completes her shunning, she catches the eye of Mark Riehl, a farmer with a playboy reputation. Wary of Mark, Priscilla barely gives him the time of day—while Mark, unused to being ignored by the women of Bird-in-Hand, won’t give up the pursuit of her friendship. Priscilla desperately needs a friend in Mark, even if she doesn’t realize it—and after Priscilla’s father and the bishop catch her and Mark in a compromising situation, the two are compelled to enter an awkward, unexpected engagement.

My Thoughts:  Amy Clipston is one of my favorite authors and I've enjoyed all three of the Amish Homestead novels.

I love the ease of reading this story of Priscilla Allyger and how she so desperately wants to leave/escape from the Amish community.

She leaves the community but as life would have it...she's back.  But now she has a six-year-old son.  

Her mother greets her with open arms but her father keeps the letter of the law.  Priscilla is welcome as long as she follows all the rules, again.  Priscilla feels trapped.

Then she meets Mark Riehl.  And he is a playboy.  Priscilla gives him a wide berth but he has his sights set one her.

She tires to keep Mark at arm's length but he keeps pursuing her and she does need a friend, desperately.  

And then the unthinkable happens, she and Mark are caught in a compromising situation.  Well, compromising to her dad and the bishop and so her dad and the bishop insist on Mark and Priscilla getting married. 

So, they enter an unexpected engagement.

This is not a typical Amish story.  It's a little more about not being so Amish.  

I was enthralled with Priscilla's story.  

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: An Amish Homestead Novel (Book 3)
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (November 13, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310349087
• ISBN-13: 978-0310349082

{Fiction Guild Blog Tour} Freedom's Light by Colleen Coble

Book Description:  Hannah Thomas believes she’s escaped Galen Wright’s evil intentions by marrying an older lighthouse keeper. Seemingly safe in faraway Massachusetts, her world is upended when John is killed in one of the first battles of the Revolutionary War. Hannah is allowed to continue the difficult task of tending the twin lighthouses in John’s place, though she faces daily disapproval from John’s family. She thinks her loneliness will subside when her younger sister arrives, but she finds Lydia’s obsession with Galen only escalates the dangerous tides swirling around her.

A stormy night brings a shipwrecked sea captain to Hannah’s door, and though he is a Tory, her heart is as traitorous as the dark-eyed captain. Even though she discovers Birch Meredith isn’t the enemy he seemed at first, Hannah isn’t sure their love will ever see the light of freedom.

My Thoughts: Historical romance is not my go to read but in this case because Colleen Coble wrote this story and because I am interested in the lighthouse I picked up this novel.  And because I read that Mrs. Coble had this script on her desk for years because she thought it wasn't a good book. 

Hannah Thomas married John to escape Galen's evil clutches.  Hannah feels that she will be safe tending to the lighthouse but then John dies in one of the first battles of the Revolutionary War Hannah wonders if she can mange the town lighthouses on her own.

But then her younger sister arrives and Hannah feels that he loneliness may subside....only her sister seems enthralled with Galen.  

Then one dark stormy night a shipwreck takes place near the lighthouse.

Is this ship wreck a godsend?  
This is quite a read!  So glad Mrs. Coble dusted of the manuscript and printed this story.

Some mystery, a little romance and a bit of history in this novel, Freedom's Light.

*This book was provided by The Fiction Guild*

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Gld edition (September 11, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785219382
• ISBN-13: 978-0785219385
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.9 x 8.3 inches

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

Caramel Apple Pie Quesadillas

Caramel Apple Pie Quesadillas are the quick and easy way to get that apple pie flavor any time you want! It is an amazing fast dessert perfect for fall!

 Servings 4

 Author Parrish

Ingredients

• 8 Mission® Super Soft Flour Tortillas
• 8 tbsp tbsp caramel
• 2 cups apple pie filling
• cinnamon sugar for topping

Instructions

1. Start with Mission® Super Soft Flour Tortillas and place it in a greased pan over medium heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of caramel.
3. Next add 1/2 cup of the pie filling.
4. Top with another tablespoon of caramel.
5. Top with another tortilla and spray the top of that one with cooking spray or melted butter.
6. Flip the quesadilla over when first side is brown.
7. While second side is cooking sprinkle top side with cinnamon and sugar.
8. When second side is done cooking place onto plate that has a layer of cinnamon sugar on it.
9. Slice in 4ths and serve!

Recipe Notes

Servings: 4

My Heart Belongs in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: Clarissa's Conflict by Murray Pura

Book Description:  Journey into Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, of 1863 where Clarissa Avery Ross lives a full life. By day she is the daughter of a respectable shoemaker being courted by seminary student Kyle Forrester. But by night she is a conductor on the Underground Railroad, working with a mysterious man called Liberty. She would like to share her work with Kyle, but he refuses to enlist when the war breaks out. How can she remain true to a man being labeled a coward? When the war comes to her back door in an epic battle, the greatest challenges to her faith and love are yet to come.

My Thoughts:  I love the smooth way that Murray Pura writes.

I've had the pleasure of reading most of the My Heart Belongs ... books.  Each book/story is a stand alone read.  And various authors write the stories.

I love to read about the Underground Railroad and this story fit the bill.

Clarissa Ross doesn't seem like your typical "conductor."  He dad is a respectable shoemaker and she's dating a seminary student.  

When the war breaks out she knows that her boyfriend, Kyle Forrester, doesn't want to get involved with saving people.  But she truly desires to share her work with the Underground Railroad with him.  

Then she feels that she is falling for the mysterious man she helps.  All she knows is that his name is Liberty.

I loved this story!  And even though there is some romance it's quite a historical story.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing 

and was under NO obligation to post a review*

• Series: My Heart Belongs
• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books (November 1, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1683227409
• ISBN-13: 978-1683227403