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The Goodbye Bride (A Summer Harbor Novel, #2) by Denise Hunter

Book Description:  She only remembers loving him. But he can’t forget the way she left.

Lucy Lovett can’t remember the last seven months of her life. She doesn’t remember leaving her fiancé Zac Callahan weeks before their wedding or moving to Portland, Maine. And she sure doesn’t remember getting engaged to another man. All she remembers is loving Zac more than life itself

Zac was just beginning to get his life back on track after Lucy left him with no explanation. And now she’s back—vulnerable, homeless, and still in love with him. Has he been given a second chance with the only woman who stirs his passion and haunts his dreams?

Lucy knows she must unlock those missing months and discover why she threw everything away. And Zac knows that if he follows his heart he’ll win back the love of his life—but if Lucy’s memory returns, his would-be bride might say goodbye forever.

My Thoughts:  This is one of the "funniest" christian romances I've read this year.  I'm not sure it's suppose to be a humorous read but as I read it I kept seeing the scenarios in my head and would laugh out loud.

Lucy Lovett seems to have lost the last seven months of her life.  She doesn't remember leaving her fiancee, Zac, or moving to Portland.  

But when Lucy has to go back "home" with no memory of the last seven months and love in her heart for Zac....well, it makes a confusing world for Zac.  This is what I found humorous.  All the situations and poor Lucy still doesn't understand because she has no "back memory."

And, then, poor Zac he is SO confused but it is a romance story  and without letting out all the juicy details I will tell you it is a fun read.

Christian romance readers are sure to enjoy this lovely novel.

And here's bonus for you lovely readers you can go to Spotify music playlist and listen to the playlist for The Goodbye Bride as you read the novel:  SPOTIFY Music for The Goodbye Bride  Enjoy the music and the book!

• Series: A Summer Harbor Novel (Book 2)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718023730
• ISBN-13: 978-0718023737     

The Tattered Quilt by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Book Description:  Amish widow-turned-newlywed Emma Yoder Miller begins another quilting class with a new group of unlikely students, all with tattered pieces of their lives that need mending.

Selma is a belittling busybody. Terry is a rugged roofer who just wants a casual date with a pretty classmate. Blaine loses a bet and has to join the class, where he soon finds himself in friendly competition with Terry. Anna’s mother signs her up in a desperate attempt to keep Anna from leaving the Amish faith. Carmen holds tightly to bitterness while hiding her secret motives for taking the class. And Cheryl has a broken, mistrusting heart that needs just as much mending as the tattered quilt she brings.

Members of this new patchwork group find friendship, faith, healing, and restoration while gathered around their quilts, under the Father’s guiding hands — for only He can take what’s ragged and shabby from the lives of His children and turn it into beauty for His glory.

My Thoughts:  I read the first book in this Half Stitched Amish Quilting  Club and it was such a fun read.  

So when I received The Tattered Quilt I knew this would be another.not.to.be.missed.read!

And I was so right!

The first club was full of a mixed motley crew.  Again, poor Emma has quite a crew on her hands. I must admit that Selma got on my last nerve.        Terry  and Blaine have some kind of a guy fight going on.  Poor Emma (the only "real" Amish girl in the group) is way too stressed.  Carmen and Cheryl seem somewhat alike...both struggling with "issues."

This is a fantastic read!  There's not a suspense or mystery, just good people relationships and how people of all ages and backgrounds need/should get along in life.  And that's just what the Quilting Club does-it brings people together as they find out more about God and His mercies.

This is a stand alone read and it isn't just an "Amish" read.  Emma and her new husband are Amish but they just teach quilting. 

If you want a fun light read that is serious about God's mercies and lovingkindness then this is the read for you!

Loved, loved this read!  

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc. (August 6, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1616260866
• ISBN-13: 978-1616260866

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

Wonderland: A Coloring Book Inspired by Alice's Adventures by Amily Shen

Book Description:  Follow the White Rabbit into this imaginative coloring book inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, featuring intricate pen-and-ink drawings by acclaimed artist Amily Shen. Meet the Cheshire Cat, attend the Mad Hatter's tea party, and play croquet with the Queen of Hearts in this evocative tale that invites you into a strange and beautiful new world of coloring.

My Thoughts:  I love, absolutely love all the adult coloring books that are making their appearance on our book shelves.

There is just something about sitting down with a pack of colored pencils and a good coloring book that just makes the aches and pains of the day roll off one's shoulders.

Emily Shen is a wonderful artist and has made a coloring book with whimsical characters based on Lewis Carroll's Alice In Wonderland story.

There is a lot to color in this sweet book.  

My favorite is the Mad Hatter's tea party.  Love the tea "things" to color and all the details.

Even though this is an adult coloring book the older child (8 years and up) may enjoy coloring in this book, too.  Because not only are there coloring pages but in this 80 page book but there is a place to draw your own butterfly and color it, too.  And then there are a couple of mazes...just think of the mazes as part of the trail of the white rabbit. 

So, grab your own coloring book and follow the white rabbit down the trail to adventures in the Wonderland of colors!

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

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill; Clr Csm edition 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399578463
• ISBN-13: 978-0399578465
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 0.4 x 9.9 inches

Aaaargh!!! (TJ and the Time Stumblers) by Bill Myers

Book Description:  This six-book series centers around two 23rd century goofballs, Tuna and Herby, who travel back in time to study TJ Finkelstein for their history project. TJ will someday become a great leader who demonstrates honesty, integrity, thoughtfulness, self-sacrifice, respect for others—all traits she hones and grasps through her adventures in this series. Unfortunately, Tuna and Herby get stuck in TJ’s time (modern day), so she has to deal with their schemes while juggling the normal issues of a seventh grader who has moved to a new city, is trying to fit in, and is coping with her mother’s death and her family’s new life. 

In AAAARGH!!!, Tuna and Herby try to help TJ with a book report by getting the author to write it for her, but all three of them quickly see the consequences of cheating spiral out of control. Meanwhile, TJ’s cute neighbor and classmate Chad Steel is getting ready for a big surfing competition—and learning his own lesson about honesty.

My Thoughts:  Bill Myers is one my favorite children's authors.  He's funny and extremely talented in presenting a creative message to children through the written word.

TJ and the Time Stumblers are always  on the look out for a new adventure, sometimes just stumbling on one (hence the name Time Stumblers 😊

This is the second book in a six book series.  And is filled with some good issues that seventh graders (middle schoolers) might have to deal with). Bill Myers does a great job of bringing out the sadness of losing a parent without being sappy.

We're reading all the series this summer because it's such a fun and unique series.

Life lessons, faith filled fun and in this book truth/honesty.  

*Tyndale Publishing*

• Age Range: 8 and up 
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale Kids 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414334540
• ISBN-13: 978-1414334547

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

SoooGoood!  Pumpkin Pie French Toast!

I won this cook book from $5 meals

and love this recipe for a fun supper:

Ingredients

• 12 slices whole wheat sandwich bread 
• 3 eggs 
• 1/2 cup milk 
• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin 
• 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
• Butter and syrup for serving 
• Fresh fruit or smoothie as side 

Directions

• Set out the bread for dipping.
• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin and pie spice until smooth.
• Dip each side of the bread and cook on a hot, greased griddle or skillet. Flip after 1 – 2 minutes.
• Once all are cooked, serve with butter and maple. And a side of fresh fruit or bacon/sausage.  
• If freezing, let cool completely to reduce freezer burn.
• Enjoy this perfect fall “breakfast for dinner”!

{A "Gotta" Read} The Auschwitz Escape (a novel) by Joel C. 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

{Fiction Guild Blog Tour} With Winter's First Frost (An Every Amish Season Novel) by Kelly Irvin

Book Description:  At age seventy-three, Laura Kauffman knows she is closer to the end of life than the beginning. If God willed it, she would join her beloved late husband soon. Even so, Laura wonders what purpose God might have for her in this winter of her life—and why this season seems so lonely.

Widower Zechariah Stutzman is facing his own barren season, despite the great-grandchildren swirling around him. With his Parkinson’s worsening, he had no choice but to move in with his grandson’s family, though now he feels adrift and useless.

When Laura offers to help with Zechariah’s five great-grandchildren after their mother has a difficult childbirth, Zechariah is unsure how he will adjust to the warm but tart demeanor of this woman he has known since grade school. But soon Laura and Zechariah learn they are asking God the same questions about loss and hope. And they begin to wonder if He is providing answers after all.

My Thoughts:  This is the fourth book in the Every Amish Season series.  And I've been able to read each one.  Each book is a story in itself and oh.so.good!

What struck me most about this story was the winter month of life.  Laura Kauffman and Zechariah Stutzman are both in their seventies and both have lost their mates.

Laura wonders what her purpose in life is now that is old and alone, and at the same time Zechariah is struggling with the same questions only Zechariah is struggling with Parkinson's too.

The ironic thing is that Zechariah and Laura have known each other since primary school but, yet, they don't know each other.  So, when Zechariah's granddaughter has almost difficult child birth, Laura steps in to help care for the children.

This is a wonderful story of those "winter" years and how God is not finished with us yet.  Learning and adjusting even romance can come at any age. 

*This book was provided for review The Fiction Guild*

• Series: An Every Amish Season Novel (Book 4)
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (February 5, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031034817X
• ISBN-13: 978-0310348177

{The Fiction Guild} The Secrets of Paper and Ink by Lindsay Harrel

Book Description:  As a counselor, Sophia Barrett is trained to help people cope with their burdens. But when she meets a new patient whose troubles mirror her own, she realizes she hasn’t dealt with the pain of her recent past. After making a snap decision to get away for the summer, Sophia moves overseas to an apartment above a charming bookstore in Cornwall, England. She is hopeful she will find peace there surrounded by her favorite thing: great literature. 

Bookstore owner Ginny Rose is desperate to save her business without asking for help from a husband who’s decided to take a break from their marriage. Ginny never imagined she’d be solely responsible for keeping afloat her husband’s dream, but the unexpected friendship with her new renter has her feeling more optimistic. Between the two of them—and Ginny’s brother-in-law, William—the bookstore might stand a chance. 

Then Sophia finds a notebook in the bookstore that contains journal entries from Emily Fairfax, a governess who lived in Cornwall more than 150 years ago. Sophia learns that Emily harbored a secret passion for becoming an authoress—as well as a deep love for her childhood friend, Edward, whose station she dared not dream to touch. 

My Thoughts:  Three people, three stories and a bookstore.  

A new to me author and a wonderful read.

This novel is all about a charming bookstore in an English village.  The bookstore though is a catalyst for people who need each other and need "something" in their lives.

Sophia moves from the States to England to live  above the bookstore .  She is seeking peace and needs to make amends with her past.

Ginny owns the bookstore but due to unforeseen life changes...her husband needs break form their marriage....Ginny isn't sure she can handle everything.  But then her friendship with Sophia changes her outlook on life.

Then from the far past, when Sophia finds a journal in the bookstore, and reading begins reading it so many things come together and makes sense.

This is kind of like three books in one since three are three people involved in different years.  The author does a great job of keeping the stories flowing and relatable.

*This book was provided for review by The Fiction Guild*

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 26, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718075722
• ISBN-13: 978-0718075729

{Fiction Guild Blog Tour} Castle on the Rise (A Lost Castle Novel) by Kristy Cambron

Book Description:  When Laine Forrester travels overseas to attend her best friend’s vineyard wedding, she expects to find the bride on the brink of a fairy-tale life. But after a series of unforeseen setbacks, it seems the storybook lives they’d imagined are suddenly ripping apart.

With hopes of resurrecting a happy ending, Laine agrees to accompany the newlyweds to the groom’s home in Ireland—never expecting she’d be the one drawn in by its wide-open moors, backroads bordering the Irish Sea, and a mysterious castle that dares to keep its secrets hidden.

From the storied streets of Dublin to the shores of the Emerald Isle, Laine is drawn in to the land and its rich history. The castle ruins whisper stories of Issy—a photojournalist battling through the 1916 Easter Rising, and Maeve—the castle’s lady of legend, fighting for survival through the 1798 rebellion that started it all.

My Thoughts:  This book cover reminds me of The Secret Garden but it's a lost castle.  In Ireland!  

Three women.  Three timelines.  Three romances .  The three different story lines are slightly hard to keep straight.   But necessary for this story.

I truly liked Laine Forrester's story.  I was hoping it would all about her and lost castles.  😋 Laine is drawn to the land and finds that the land has a story to tell.

It's quite an interesting story.  

All about Ireland and romance.  Of course, having three different time lines isn't easy to write about.  Kristy Cambron does an excellent job with keeping it all straight and then describing the scenery and castle plus the romance makes for a great read.

This is quite a thought provoking read but one needs to read this story in one setting, in my opinion.  Reading it all at once helps the reader to keep the story line together.

*This book was provided for review by The Fiction Guild*

• Series: A Lost Castle Novel (Book 2)
• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 5, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718095499
• ISBN-13: 978-0718095499

The Brides of the Big Valley: 3 Romances from a Unique Pennsylvania Amish Community by Wanda E. Brunstetter (Author), Jean Brunstetter (Author), Richelle Brunstetter (

Book Description:  In an area of Pennsylvania called The Big Valley, a uniquely blended Amish community thrives in which 3 distinct groups of Amish identify themselves by the colors of their buggy’s top—white, black, or yellow. Join New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter in experiencing the stories of three young women who search for faith and love within this special place. Deanna is a widow who sees her second chance of love slipping away. Rose Mary is at a point in life where she must choose the path of her faith and the right man to walk with her on it. Leila is burdened with family responsibilities and wonders when she will ever start a family of her own.

My Thoughts:  Three books in one.  I love, love this Pennsylvania Amish book.

Three complete short stories all about the Amish and how they live life.  Also each short story is about a different group of Amish people.  

It was so interesting to read how the different groups-- group, black group and yellow group-- live and view life.  One group is quite strict and, yet, another group is fairly lenient in the way they view life.

The one thing that was constant among the three different groups was their love for God.  

The first story is about a widow who has a down syndrome son and an ailing father.  She has her hands full.  But there is also a man who has loved her for all his life and she doesn't know it.  A tragic story full of love.

The second story is about a sweet young lady who can't decide if she wants to go with an Amish guy who wants to be Englisch or an Englisch guy whom she really likes.  Choices, choices that will affect her life.

In the last short story two different people from the colored groups yellow and black meet at a singing but can two different colors o.so.different really get together?  Or will the couple have to stay in the group they live in?  

Such an interesting read.  

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

but was under no obligation to post a review*

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (June 1, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1683228863
• ISBN-13: 978-1683228868

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

Good and Simple: Recipes to Eat Well and Thrive by Jasmine Hemsley, Melissa Hemsley

Book Description:  Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley are revolutionizing how we eat. Experts on wholesome, nutritious cooking and living a healthy, fashionable lifestyle, the sisters teach people how to enjoy real food to feel happier and more energized. Their simple philosophy of eliminating gluten, grains, and refined sugars, while focusing on maximizing nutrition has revolutionized the way people think of “diet.” And, the best part is, preparing such meals is easy and fun.

My Thoughts:   A lot of days I think . . . What am I going to cook?  Have you ever been there?  Well, Hemsley Hemsley (siblings!) have written a cookbook filled with recipes that are for people to eat well and thrive.

Well, I admit I was a little skeptical that any cookbook could be easy and fun but hey, I like being wrong for a good cause.

I loved the Chocolate Avocado Frosting.  I'm trying VERY hard to eat healthy and yet, I miss some of the desserts.  However, with this recipe one can have dessert and eat healthy too.  A little secret:  When I made this frosting I didn't tell my family the ingredients.  My picky eaters loved it!   Maybe because it was so smooth, filling and chocolatey!  

And then there's this scrumptious Roasted Squash Soup.  We love soup and again, I didn't tell my eaters the ingredients in the soup.  We all had seconds.   Enough said.  

There are 140 recipes.  Tasty and somewhat easy....one still has to cook.  But I will have to say this, if you are wanting healthy recipes then this are the recipes for you!  Not necessarily low cal... but healthy!

I found this cookbook to be a great help to my new healthy way of eating!  

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

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Clarkson Potter 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1101905506
• ISBN-13: 978-1101905500

The Inheritance (Secrets of the Shetlands) by Michael Phillips

Book Description:  Dramatic New Series from Fan Favorite Michael Phillips

The death of the clan patriarch has thrown the tiny Shetland Islands community of Whale's Reef into turmoil. Everyone assumed MacGregor Tulloch's heir to be his grand-nephew David, a local favorite, but when it is discovered that MacGregor left no will, David's grasping cousin Hardy submits his own claim to the inheritance, an estate that controls most of the island's land. And while Hardy doesn't enjoy much popular support, he has the backing of a shadowy group of North Sea oil investors. The courts have frozen the estate's assets while the competing claims are investigated, leaving many of the residents in financial limbo. The future of the island--and its traditional way of life--hangs in the balance.

Loni Ford is enjoying her rising career in a large investment firm in Washington, DC. Yet in spite of her outward success, she is privately plagued by questions of identity. Orphaned as a young child, she was raised by her paternal grandparents, and while she loves them dearly, she feels completely detached from her roots. That is until a mysterious letter arrives from a Scottish solicitor...

My Thoughts:  When I was a young teen a remember my mom reading books by Michael Phillips and loving them.  I haven't seen any books authored by him for quite awhile and then this new book popped up...the Inheritance. . . Micheal Phillips' new series of Secrets in the Shetlands.  I was intrigued . . . 

The setting of the novel is in Scotland.  And from the descriptions this is a beautiful land!  The story is begins when David's great uncle passes away and there is no will, it seems that David may not inherit his uncles's land after all.  The courts freeze all the assets and then Loni Ford and up and  coming investor in America receives an intriguing letter from a Scottish firm.  And everything changes!

This is quite an interesting read with a lot of Scot culture as well as mystery in the "missing will." The mystery concerning the inheritance is well written. 

The biggest plus in this read, to me, is the wonderful journey of going to Scotland.  

This is a grand read!  One not to be missed!

• Series: Secrets of the Shetlands (Book 1)
• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764217488
• ISBN-13: 978-0764217487