The Amish Twins Next Door: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Indiana Amish Brides, 9) by Vannetta Chapman

 Book Description:  Amish single mom Deborah Mast is determined to raise her seven-year-old twin sons her way. But when neighbor Nicholas Stoltzfus takes the rambunctious boys on as apprentices on his farm, she’ll learn the value of his help with more than just the children. And when the two little matchmakers hatch a plan of their own, Deborah could also discover how to reopen her heart…

My Thoughts:  I love short stories that are uplifting and inspirational with a touch of romance.  And Love Inspired Inspirational Romance fits the bill.

I loved this story because it was about twins.  Ever since my sister had twins five years ago I love reading about these little people.

Next, this is an Amish story.  A bit of sadness because Deborah's husband has passed on and she has to raise their twin boys on her own.

But Nicolas Stolfus comes to the rescue and helps her with the high energy boys letting them help him on his farm.  The two boys decide that the adults in their lives need help in the romance department.  This is where the fun begins.

Don't miss this last book in the Indiana Brides series.  All the books can be read as stand alone reads but just in case you want to read them in order or missed one check the list below:

Book 1:  A Widow's Hope 

Book 2: Amish Christmas Memories

Book 3: A Perfect Christmas Match

Book 4:  The Amish Christmas Matchmaker

Book 5:  An Unlikely Christmas Match 

Book 6:  The Amish Christmas Secret

Book 7:  The Baby Next Door

Book 8:  An Amish Baby for Christmas

Book 9:  The Amish Twins Next Door

*This book was provided by the author*

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

The Happy Camper by Melody Carlson

 

Book Description:  Home is the place to heal, right? At least, that's what Dillon Michaels is hoping as she leaves her disappointing career and nonstarter love life behind to help her grieving and aging grandfather on his small Oregon farm. The only problem? Her eccentric mother beat her there and has taken over Dillon's old room. After a few nights sleeping on a sagging sofa, Dillon is ready to give up, until she receives an unlikely gift--her grandfather's run-down vintage camp trailer, which she quickly resolves to restore with the help of Jordan Atwood, the handsome owner of the local hardware store.

My Thoughts:  Every once in awhile I like a story that is off the beaten path.  Not the same ole, same ole, type of story.  And that's why I like to read stories penned by Melody Carlson.

This book cover reached and literally grabbed me.  I absolutely love the cover!

Now Dillon Michaels is at a disappointing place in her life.  So what does one do when one feels at a lost?  One goes to grandpa's house.  But unbeknownst to Dillon her mother beats her to grandpa's and takes Dillon's old room and the only guest room.  Who can sleep on a couch all the time?  No one.   So Dillon sees her grandfather's vintage, which means old, camper and decides to make it her own.

One problem...she needs help.  Jordan Atwood gladly jumps in to help Dillon and then Dillon's noncommittal boyfriend pops in with a ring and a promise....ooopsie!

Such a fun, light hearted read with tidbits of wisdom thrown in for the reader to digest.

This is one of those great for the beach or spring break reads.

*This book was provided for review by Revell Reads*

Mama Kisses, Papa Hugs by Lisa Bergen

 

Book Description:  Parents are always looking out for the perfect bedtime book to create a sense of well-being before a night of rest. Mama Kisses, Papa Hugs explores a child's curiosity about how love is shown between parent and child, with the reassurance that Mama and Papa will always love their little one.

My Thoughts:  When I saw this book I thought of our twins.  They love a goodnight story. And when I read this story to them they loved it.  

This is quite a colorful book.  Illustarted by Alelsander Zolotie the colors and pictures practically jump off the page.  

The story is cute. A little boy has before bedtime short adventures as his mom tells him a story and his dad later comes in to give him a goodnight hug.

We liked it because it included both the mom and dad.  

A sweet story for little ones. 

• Age Range: 3 - 7 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 2
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook (March 24, 2020)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525654097
• ISBN-13: 978-0525654094

Fun Friday

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

When God Says Go: A Devotional Thought Journal By: Elizabeth Laing Thompson

 

Book Description:  Go.

One small word. . .so much power.

When God says, "Go," faith says yes, but fear says no.

But Lord, I’m too weak. . .too sinful. . .too afraid. . .

But the truth? . . .

 When God says, "Go," it’s not about you—it’s about Him. 

When God says, "Go," you face a choice: Sit back and stay safe, or swallow hard and step up?

When God says, "Go," your time has come. 

Maybe it’s time to go somewhere new, someplace you've never been. Maybe it’s time to go deeper—in Bible study or relationships. Time to go higher—in prayer or dreams. Time to go and give in new ways, to use God-gifted talents and opportunities. Or time to go and grow, right where you are. 

My Thoughts:  I love journals, especially devotional journals.  Why?  Because I have something to read and think on and then I can jot down my thoughts.

So many things happening in this world of ours.  Famine, wars and rumors of war.  Who would have thought?!?

Well, not me!  So this devotional showed up in my mailbox at the right time.

I hope through all of this virus I can become a better person.

More kind, more thoughtful, and more God-like.

This devotional has small devotionals and then a lot of space to write one's thoughts and feelings.  This is something that is therapeutic for me, right now.

The "go" in this devotional is not a verb to actually stand up and move...it's more of a "linking verb."  We are told to go and become, go and do something for others.  Such and interesting thought.

What a wonderful devotional/journal!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under not obligation to post a review*

Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 224
Vendor: Shiloh Run Press
Publication Date: 2020

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WOW Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Hope Between the Pages (Doors to the Past) By Pepper Basham

 

 Book Description:  Clara Blackwell helps her mother manage a struggling one-hundred-year old family bookshop in Asheville, North Carolina, but the discovery of a forgotten letter opens a mystery of a long-lost romance and undiscovered inheritance which could save its future. Forced to step outside of her predictable world, Clara embarks on an adventure with only the name Oliver as a hint of the man’s identity in her great-great-grandmother’s letter. From the nearby grand estate of the Vanderbilts, to a hamlet in Derbyshire, England, Clara seeks to uncover truth about family and love that may lead to her own unexpected romance.

My Thoughts:  This story intrigued me because I have visited the places that are written in this story.  So I can envision all the the author is writing about.

Pepper Basham is a new author for me. I do enjoy new authors and getting out of my reading comfort zone.

Clara Blackwell has one of the most interesting jobs in my book.  {See what I did there.😆}  I love the way Clara finds some old, forgotten love letters that lead to an inheritance.  An inheritance that is deeply needed by the heirs.

This is a somewhat rags to riches story.  The feel good kind.

But Clara has to step out of her comfort zone to find this Oliver.  Sometimes when one goes on chance adventure to seek truths more than one can ever imagine happens.  In Clara's case this is true.

Finding a person is not easy but, oh, the fun of the adventure and finding new friends in the most unexpected places.

A lovely story!

*This book was provided for review by Barbour Publishing*

The Robin's Greeting by Wanda Brunstetter

 Book Description:  For the past two years Belinda King, along with her two grown daughters and teenage son, has been struggling to keep the family greenhouse running. Despite disconcerting events that have threatened to put them out of business, they have survived two growing seasons. And now Belinda can focus on the two suitors vying for her attention. Herschel Fisher, a new acquaintance, makes her feel relaxed, and Monroe Esh, an admirer from her past, reminds her of her youth.

My Thoughts:  Oh my!  This is the last book in the wonderful Amish Greenhouse Mystery...Book 3. 

I was so sad for this book to end because it was like being a part of this family.  But, oh! what an ending.  I loved this book.

Okay, it may be my favorite book of all the Amish Greenhouse mysteries.  Why?  It's a happy book and there's so much in it.

Belinda King and her family are like the best family.  they all work together and have survived two growing seasons, as well as, growth in their own lives.

Belinda may be a mom and a widow but now that her kids are more mature it seems that she has two suitors.  Two great suitors who are vying foe her attention.

This romance was like icing on a great cupcake.  Too good not to finish!

And, yes, if you haven't read the previous two books in this trilogy you need too.  All the stories build on each other.

Don't miss this story!

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

• Publisher : Barbour Espanol (March 1, 2021)
• Language : English
• Paperback : 320 pages
• ISBN-10 : 1643524798
• ISBN-13 : 978-1643524795

Fun Friday

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday

 

Malcious Intent (Book 2/Defend & Protect) by Lynn H. Blackburn

Book Description:  Dr. Ivy Collins, founder and CEO of Hedera, Inc., is ready to begin clinical trials of her company's cutting-edge prosthetic. Her work has been heralded by government, medical, and advocacy groups and everyone hopes the device will be a success. Well, almost everyone. Someone is trying to sabotage Hedera and the launch, but to what purpose--and how far will they go to get what they want? 

Meanwhile, U.S. Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon can't believe he's finally been reunited with Ivy, his childhood best friend. Now that he's found her again, Gil intends to spend the rest of his life with her. But it will take all his skill to uncover the truth in time to save Ivy's life's work, her own life, and the innocent lives caught in the crossfire.

My Thoughts:  This is book 2 in the Defend and Protect series by Lynn H. Blackburn.

I love this series!  If you haven't read book 1 then you need to grab it to get all the deets.

Dr. Ivy Collins is one tough lady and as she works to bring prosthetics to the people she must first see who is trying to sabotage her work.  

Then Agent Gil Dixon comes on the scene and he's so happy to be back with  Ivy.

But before anything romantic can happen between Gil and Ivy Gil must first try to find out who is sabotaging Ivy and making her life miserable.

What a mystery!  What suspense!

If you've never heard of or read about prosthetics then you'll love this quite different read.

Not only is there suspense but there's romance.  Of course it's good clean romance with a twist in the mystery.

*This book was provided for review by Revell*

 

Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sudin

 

Book Description:  As the Nazis march toward Paris in 1940, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. Lucie struggles to run Green Leaf Books due to oppressive German laws and harsh conditions, but she finds a way to aid the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books.
Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. After they meet in the bookstore, Paul and Lucie are drawn to each other, but she rejects him when she discovers he sells to the Germans. And for Paul to win her trust would mean betraying his mission.

My Thoughts:   I love stories about WWII and how in the face of evil goodness prevailed but usually with a price.  

Lucie Girard is an American ballerina but as the war rages on she decides to help the Jewish owners of her favorite bookstore.  The owners needed to sell the bookstore to leave as all Jews are being round up.

Now that Lucie owns the bookstore she is approached by the resistance to help.  Since she is American it seems that she may be a good choice for helping Jews get to safety.  And since a bookstore seems so "normal" no one would think that plans would be coming out of the store.  Yes, Lucie hides secret messages inside the books for the resistance to pick up.

Then there is Paul Aubrey a widower with a young daughter who longs to return to the states.  To play it safe. To keep his daughter safe. But he is asked to keep the factory going so he stays.  

When Paul and Lucie meet at he bookstore there is instant chemistry but when Lucie finds out he helps the Germans she is so over him.

Secrets. Secrets. Secrets.

Such a great book about WWII and love and defeating inner emotions as well as deceiving the enemy.

*This book was provided for review by Revell*

Present Danger (Rocky Mountain Courage) by Elizabeth Godddard

 

 Book Description:  Former FBI Special Agent Jack Tanner is working as a detective in Montana when he comes across a body in the national forest during a search and rescue mission. He's committed to finding the killer, even if it means working alongside his old flame, US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors.             When Terra discovers that the murder victim had ties to a powerful and dangerous trafficker of archaeological artifacts, the investigation takes a deadly turn--one that hits too close to home. As Terra fears she lacks the courage to face what comes next, Jack is more determined than ever to protect her. But he's failed her before. And if he fails this time, it will cost them far more than just their hearts.

 My Thoughts: What a read!  What a story!  What a cover!  Oh, yeah it's a murder investigation at its best.

This is the first book I've read by Elizabeth Goddard and it won't be the last.  

I love the thrill of the investigation, the clean romance and the way Mrs. Goddard uses descriptive words, not just adjectives, to describe all that is transpiring in this mystery.

Of course, I love mystery/suspense novels and this book is one of the best.

Jack Tanner is great detective and all around great guy.  He discovers a body in the national forest.  The national forest of all places!

But he needs help on this murder investigation so he ends up working with Tara Conners, a long lost love.

But what he and Terra don't know until they begin to uncover the facts about the murder only to discover that the murder must be tied in to the stolen artifacts.

And, poor Jack, he's failed the gorgeous Terra before.  

It's a great story!

*This book was provided for review by Revell*

• Publisher : Revell 
• Language : English
• Paperback : 384 pages
• ISBN-10 : 0800737989
• ISBN-13 : 978-0800737986
• Item Weight : 13.6 ounces
• Dimensions : 5.5 x 1 x 8.4 inches

Fun Friday

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

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Love's Fortress (Doors to the Past) by Jennifer Uhlarik

Book Description:  Upon receiving word that her long-estranged father has passed away, Dani Sango inherits the former art forger’s entire estate. Among his many pieces of artwork are a series of obviously Native American drawings and paintings, which lead her to research St. Augustine of 1875. White Elk is transported to Florida to join other Cheyenne braves already being held in Fort Marion. Sally Jo Harris is at the fort teaching the Indians. When a friendship develops between them and false accusations fly, it could cost them their lives. Can Dani discover how their story ends and how it shaped her own father’s life?

My Thoughts:  What an interesting story!  Dani has been estranged from her father who has been an art forger for most  of his life.  And since the story is told in a dual time line the reader can see how the modern day and the "older" days go together.

The story is about forgiveness, redemption and learning about God's love.

Native Americans were taken to Fort Marion to be rehabilitated. This was difficult to read because so many Indians were mistreated.  And then we learn that the Native American art is in a ledger.  This is so interesting and requires further delving into since ledger art is not widely known.

The story keeps the reader's interest because there is so much drama and well, it's interesting.  So many things that we never heard of, so many people's lives on the line.  What a read!

*This book was provided for review from Barbour Publishing*