Windswept Way by Irene Hannon

 

Book Description:  Buying a supposedly haunted house wasn't in Ashley Scott's plans, but when an intriguing opportunity drops into her lap, she's ready to launch a new life. But she can't do it alone, and her reclusive new neighbor Jonathan Gray may be just the person to help--if only there were room in his life for romance.

My Thoughts: Ashley Scott finds a great deal on a haunted house.  or so she thinks.  The house needs some repairs and those noises. Then there's that neighbor, Jonathan Gray.

The more Ashley sees of the house the more she knows she needs help fixing it up.  

She finds that Jonathan Gray is more reclusive than elusive.  Not such a bad guy after all.  He's more than willing to help a neighbor but he seems reluctant at the same time.

Then one day Ashley follows the noise in the house and she comes up on a great surprise.

This is a bit different than most of Irene Hannon's other books.  More of a mystery and not so much spellbinding suspense.

There's a nice romantic tone between Ashley and Jonathan.

All in all a great story that keeps the reader turning the pages for more.

*This book was provided for review by Revell*

An Amish Widow's New Love by Vannetta Chapman

 Book Description:  When newly widowed Hope Lambright moves to Indiana with her three sons, the last thing on her mind is romance. And much like his new neighbor, widower Amos Yoder thought love was part of his past. But when Hope boldly asks Amos for a job at his Amish outdoor market, he finds he can’t say no, and soon their professional relationship blossoms into something more. They’ve both loved and lost once. Will they be brave enough to risk their hearts for a second time? 

My Thoughts:  Sometimes I need a break from reading mystery/suspense so I'm happy to read something on the lighter side of life. And this book fits the bill.

Another favorite author of mine is Vannetta Chapman.  I enjoy the  style of her writing as well as the interaction between the characters she writes about.

I also love this new size of paperback from Love inspired it's not small nor is it big...it's just right.  Even the print is wonderful.

In this story Hope has three sons at that teen age.  Then there's Amos.  

Hope needs a job and she boldly asks Amos if she can work at his outdoor market...he simply can't say no.  Remember that Amos is a widower and love seems in the past for him.

Hope and Amos have a wonderful employee/employer relationship and then Amos begins to see Hope in a whole new way.  

This is a grand read.  Don't miss it!

A New Read

 

NEW BOOK by Vannetta Chapman

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday)

 

When Tomorrow Came by Hannah Linder

 

 Book Description:  Nan and Heath Duncan, siblings abandoned by their papa and abused by their guardian, have no choice but to survive on the London streets. When a kind gentleman rescues Nan from such a life, the siblings are separated and raised in two vastly different social worlds. Just when both are beginning to flourish and years have healed some of their wounds, their long-awaited papa returns and reunites them―bringing demands with him. Nan is expected to marry a rich suitor she's never liked, and Heath is expected to forsake his gentle spirit and become the hardened man his father always was.

My Thoughts:  A new to me author.  And a grand story!

This story reminds me of a gothic romance.  It's set in the streets of London in days gone by.  

Poor Nan and Heath have been abandoned by their father and their guardian was nothing short of an abuser to both.  Trying to survive on the streets where Nan is rescued by a kind gentleman rescues Nan and Heath is left on the streets.  Raised in two different social worlds the siblings seem to have little in common.  

Then their father decides to "rescue" them.   Only it's not a good things.

Nan does not want to marry some old rich man and poor Heath is trying very hard not to be the hardened man his father has become.

The characters were portrayed so well.  Almost like reading about a family member.  

An enlightening story about staying true to what you believe.  

*This book was provided for review by Barbour*

Under Fire (Defend and Protect)by Lynn H. Blackburn

 

Book Description:  USSS Special Agent Zane Thacker has landed his dream assignment protecting the president of the United States. When the president plans a fundraiser at the exclusive estate of a political supporter in Raleigh, Zane is thrilled to be working again with Special Agent Tessa Reed, his best friend--and the woman he desperately wishes could be more.

Though Tessa almost lost everything, she battled her demons and came out on the other side healthy and healed. But when her role as the liaison between the Raleigh office and the president's protective detail wrenches her past back into the present, her greatest failure threatens to come to light. 

Zane refuses to let Tessa go through this alone. But can he stand by the woman he loves and protect the president from a mounting threat at the same time?

My Thoughts:  An action packed story full of faith and love.

Special Agent Tessa Reed is quite a gal!  Full of life but, yet, soft as slightly melted ice cream.

As a special agent she is chosen to be to work with Special agent Zane Thacker to protect the president at a fund raiser.

Only Zane knows what Tessa has been through and how she has struggled to overcome.

As Zane and Tessa try do to their job many old things/memories seem to rear their ugly heads.

Guessing who the "hater" is and what he wants is a bit challenging.  It seems that the "hater" wanted revenge but really wants recognition.  Such an interesting thought in a story plot.

The romance between Zane and Tessa is sweet and not overdone.  

The "hater" wants revenge from Tessa.  Tessa has a difficult time understanding what the "hater" is after.  Such a conundrum.  

This is quite a story with a few twists and turns.

A great ending to a great story.

*This book was provided for review by Revell*

A Plain Scandal by Amanda Flower

 

About the Book:  The people of Appleseed Creek in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country are under attack. Soon after the dust has settled on a buggy accident that turned out to be murder, an unknown assailant begins cutting off the long hair of Amish women and the beards of Amish men.

New to the area, computer specialist Chloe Humphrey may not share their customs, but she is certainly alarmed over these crimes against the Amish and worries how such events will impact her growing number of friends who are more connected to that way of life.

In this small community, when Chloe discovers the body of an Amish businessman who was stabbed in the back and whose beard was cut off, she knows that finding the murderer and restoring peace to Appleseed Creek is as much her responsibility as anyone else’s.

My Thoughts:  I "found" Amanda when I read A Plain Death. When book 2, A Plain Scandal came out, I grabbed it up.  Amanda flower writes about an English young woman, Chloe, and her close relationship to two Amish young people-a brother, Timothy, and sister, Becky.

In fact, when Becky decides to leave her Amish roots (in book 1), she comes to Chloe almost begging to be her roommate.  Chloe takes her in and is ever so glad because Becky is one fab cook!  And Timothy is not so bad either!  A great carpenter and easy on the eyes.

This read, A Plain Scandal, has it all.  With a combination of humor, faith, romance and mystery this is one fantastic read!  

This fiction read is based on real life accounts of hair cutting of the Amish women and beard cutting of the Amish men.  If you know the Amish hair cutting is a sin.  Something that just isn't done!  But there seems to be two more mysteries going on, too.  A murder and the house that Chloe and Becky reside in.  Just when I thought I knew whodunit, another twist was added.  

This is a most serious mystery but Amanda is able to put great humor and wit into her writing.  

I would suggest that one read A Plain Death first simply because there is quite a bit about the Amish and the family that is mentioned in book 2.

Even though I really liked book 1, book 2 is absolutely great!  

Book 1

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

at Peace in the Storm {Experiencing the Savior's Presence When You Need Him Most} by Ken Gire

 

Book Description:  When you need a Savior who stills the wind.

"Here's the rub about faith. Sure, prayer often changes outward things, but the only guaranteed miracle God offers us is inner peace, the peace of Christ. A peace so crazy deep that it cannot be analyzed or understood. It descends on us even when everything else is falling apart, while the drug-addicted child does not come to his senses, or the job offer doesn't pan out, or the cancer rages and the marriage is a hollow mess. But I'll let you in on a secret. This miracle of the 'inner variety,' this inexplicable and supernatural calm in the storm, is the greatest miracle you'll ever experience."

My Thoughts: All of us are human and so, all of us will go through a "storm" of some kind in our lives.  The storms are life are not always easily handled by humans, therefore, we need a Savior who will calm the storm and help us through this storm.

On page 57, Mr. Gire gently reminds us that, "As we weather storms, trying to navigate through the darkness, our temptation is to turn our eyes not toward God's Word, but toward the raging skies."  This statement was the whole pivotal point of this read for me.  I must keep my eyes on Jesus. . . just like Peter when he saw Jesus on the water . . . when I take my eyes off Jesus I will fall.  Thankfully Jesus will be there to catch me (if I let Him).  Oh!the!love!He!has!for!me!

This isn't a point by point, do this kind of read.  This is a walk by faith, keep your eyes on the One who loves you most.  An encouraging read for when we are faint of heart.

I love the way Mr. Gire makes life with Jesus so very real.  At the end of this wonderful book we see Jesus having merriment with His friends and disciples.  Yes, sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to have fun.  The storm will not always last, Jesus will be by our side.  "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."Jeremiah 31:25  (end of book, p. 159)

This encouraging book would make a wonderful "card" for that special person who may be going through a storm in life.  It's also a a great read just for you to know Jesus is there for you!

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764208845
• ISBN-13: 978-0764208843

Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson

 

Book Description:  When the fun-loving and spontaneous artist Willow West meets buttoned-up, retired English teacher George Emerson, it's not exactly love at first sight. Though she does find the obsessive-compulsive man intriguing. Making it her mission to get him to loosen up and embrace life, she embarks on what seems like a lost cause--and finds herself falling for him in the process.

A confirmed bachelor, George vacillates between irritation and attraction whenever Willow is around--which to him seems like all too often. He's not interested in expanding his horizons or making new friends; it just hurts too much when you lose them.

But as the summer progresses, George feels his defenses crumbling. The question is, will his change of heart be too late for Willow?

My Thoughts:  An eccentric read or a romance?  What about both!

This is a fun, if not, romance at it's best type of read.

A story of tea unlikely people-a confirmed bachelor and a fun-loving, free floating sort of gal.

It's not love at first sight but there's something about George Emerson, aka Mr. Emerson that stirs Willow West's heart.  And it's not a heart throbbing, won't quit beating sort of interest.  Willow thinks that Mr. Emerson needs to loosen up, enjoy life.

On the other hand, George Emerson thinks his life is just fine and he thinks that Willow is a bit of an irritation at times, even though, he likes to be around her.  But why does he ned to expand his horizons and make new friends?  His life is pretty good the way it is.

This is a fun, light hearted read and is written in a voice that only Melody Carlson can write in.

I truly enjoyed this book.

• Publisher: Revell
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800735277
• ISBN-13: 978-0800735272

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

 

 SOOO GOOOD!

Mistaken Mountain Abduction by Shannon Redmon

 

 My Thoughts:  Oh, my!  This is such an exciting and nail biting story.  I love a good mystery/suspense read and this one has it all.  From the abduction to the romance to the heart racing finale.

If you enjoy a good heart racing story grab yours. You'll thank me later.

Enjoy this on your spring break or summer beach read.

Know Your Bible Journal for Women

 Book Description:  You want the most from your time alone with scripture. . .

this Know Your Bible Journal for Women provides both simple guidance and ample space for you to jot down your reflections.

My Thoughts:  This is a beautiful a beautiful Bible journal.  There are six pages per book of the Bible.  First, there is a Ten words or less page.  With a sentence starter for the journalists to write about that book.THe second page is Details, Please.  A short paragraph is given to help the writer think about this book of the Bible.  The third page is Author and Date.  Again, a starter with verses is given to help the journalists.  Then the next page is a Quotable page.  Four mail quotes from that particular book are given then the journalists can write about her favorite passage.  The next page is titled Unique and Unusual.  This is a page to write about what unusual or unique things popped out to the journalists.  The last page is So What?  So what really popped out to you in this book of the Bible?

This soft cover Bible journal is a great asset to any journalists who wants to study the Bible.

Author:

Compiled by Barbour Staff

ISBN:

9781643527871

BISAC Category:

RELIGION / Biblical Studies/General

Page Count:

288

Binding:

Flexible Casebound / 6 x 8

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 Slap your tongue happy!

The Hawaiian Quilt by Wanda E. Brunstetter & Jean Brunstetter

  My Thoughts: I love books authored by Wanda Brunstetter! And now her daughter-in-law, Jean, co-authors this wonderful novel, the Hawaiian Quilt.

This is not your "regular" Amish story.  In this lovely story about four Amish friends  who take a cruise to the Hawaiian Islands.  

The cruise is nice but the beds not.so.much to the four friends disappointment.  Love the real descriptions of the ship and the "funny.to.me" reason Mandy and her three friends decide to take a cruise because their Amish parents wouldn't approve of flying in an airplane.  

When Mandy and her friends decide to split up in to two groups of two to see more Hawaii and then share their experiences later at supper, Mandy loses her phone and this incident causes she and Ellen to miss the ship.

I love the Hawaiian Christian couple, Luana and Mikaio,  who take them in at the bed and breakfast and whose Hawaiian quilts fascinate Mandy.  

This is not your "regular" Amish read!  It's about stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing life and God's people.

Loved, loved this fantabulous read!  

         

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1634092244
• ISBN-13: 978-1634092241

Convergence by Ginny Yttrup

 

Book Description:  Psychology professor Dr. Denilyn Rossi contends that the past is either a shadow that haunts us or a force that propels us. The choice is ours, she tells her students. What she doesn’t tell them is that her own past is a shadow she can’t seem to shake. Fear has immobilized her and is taking a costly toll.

Adelia Sanchez, however, has embraced Dr. Rossi’s teaching. She is ready to confront fear and render it powerless—using the trauma of her past to propel her to entrap the man who stalked and brutally attacked her.

As Denilyn’s past and Adelia’s present converge at the Kaweah River, a dangerous man bent on destruction threatens them both. Will he uncover the secret Deni and Adelia have fought so hard to protect?

My Thoughts:  I was SO excited to see that another book was written by Ginny Yttrup.

I love her stories!  

And this story did not disappoint.

There are two women with pasts that include alot of fear.  Two women trying to get over their past.  And both women have a secret.

Oh.my!  The twists and turns in this suspenseful read had me at chapter three.  It took two chapters for me to get into the story and "see" what was going on.  But I know how Mrs. Yttrup writes so I was willing to wade into the story.

Once the reader gets into the story there is no going back.  Kind of like the two women in the story...once they were in ..... in for a penny, in for a pound.

The reader is taken on a trip of sorts.  It's a thrill of suspense and a pondering of mystery.  

Loved, loved this read so much so that I read it all cover to cover in one afternoon.

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1683227883

Amish Country Killer (Love Inspired Suspense) by Mary Alford

 My Thoughts:  First of all, I love the new format of the Love Inspired books.  It's not a small book but it's not as big as a large print.  It's just right.

And Mary Alford is one of my favorite christian suspense writers.

THIS book!  is WOW!  Of course, Mary Alford is a high octane suspense author but the twists in this read had me guessing until the end.  I was TOTALLY surprised!

This book is not as scary as her others but it does keep you on your toes.  I read this story in an hour!  

I really liked Diana and detective Micah.  They both have a lot of baggage to work through while working through the missing Amish girls/young ladies cases.  

Such a surprise ending!