The Amish Ballerina Wanda E. Brunstetter & Richelle Brunstetter

 Book Description:  Eighteen-year-old Arie Kauffman loves to twirl and leap around the barn in her Amish bonnet and dress, practicing ballet moves her English friend taught her. Her parents would be upset to learn that this longtime interest has progressed to her secretly attending ballet classes. Arie even hides her dance skills from her boyfriend, Edwin Chupp, who often invites her to try new things, knowing she has an artistic heart. Her secrecy, however, is causing damage she may not be able to repair. When offered new opportunities to dance, will Arie break from Amish tradition or hold true to the bonds of her faith and family?

My Thoughts:  An interesting take on Amish life.

Who would ever think about an Amish girl wanting to be a ballerina? How did she even know about ballerinas being raised so strictly in an Amish household.

The Englisch friend, Lorrina, had taken Arie to see the ballet and Arie's heart is forever taken up with the dance. But the Amish don't believe in dancing of any kind and Arie must practice in secret...namely the barn.

Then there's Edwin Chupp, Arie's boyfriend.  It's difficult to hide her passion for ballet when Arie becomes quite good at ballet and must make a decision.  Will Arie choose to stay Amish or go for the Englisch world pf ballet?

A well written story with some timeless age related truths.  Whether you're Amish or an Englischer one must always face the decision of what to do in life and how will it glorify God.

No mystery or suspense in this read just good old fashioned reading of the Amish life and how decisions affect the whole family.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F36SS7KX
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Barbour Fiction
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 1, 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English

*I received a copy for review purposes and that all opinions are my own*

The Flower Quilter (Heart of the Amish) by Mindy Steele

 

Book Description:  Barbara Schwartz was born into a family of quilters, but she would rather eat dirt than partake in another quilting frolic or sew on another binding. When her parents send her to Indiana to help her grandmother in her quilting shop, she finds herself amongst a very different community. It’s only one summer and then she will be back in Kentucky where she belongs.

Melvin Bontrager’s world stopped six years ago when his parents died. Now when his only means of providing for his widowed sister and niece is threatened, Melvin finds his landscaping business disappearing too. When spring delivers a newcomer who is immune to his salty moods, Melvin does something he has never done before, accepts help. 

My thoughts:  Mindy Steele is a new to me author.  I was quite smitten with this story of a quilter, Barbara Swartz.  She not only quilts but she can grow the prettiest flowers.

Barbara is tired of her life.  She's tired of quilting frolics and sewing.  

Then she finds out that her grandmother needs her to help her in Indiana in her quilting shop.

In the Amish community one goes when one is needed.  Her parents seem to know that she needs a change and request that she go help her grandmother.

Barbara finds the community interesting and different.

The community accepts Barbara and she learns that sometimes change brings about a new love of old things.

Melvin Bontrager's world seems to be coming apart at the seams.  Nothing is going in the right direction until he meets Barbara.  She takes him as he is and that surprises him.  He decides to accept her help.

Together they find that the world is better with one person helping another. Somewhat like a quilt coming together one binding at a time.

A delightful read!

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Barbour Pub Inc (September 1, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 249 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1636096425
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1636096421

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

 

Another great recipe I found on Pinterest . . . 

OH!MY!  SOOOOO GOOOOD!

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
pinch salt, optional and to taste
1 cup coarsely chopped graham crackers and crumbs, about 4 full-size cracker sheets
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup butterscotch chips
3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut

DIRECTIONS:

1. To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, sugars, egg, vanilla, and beat on medium-high speed until well-creamed, light and fluffy, about 5 minutes (or use a hand mixer and beat for at least 7 minutes).
2. Stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, optional salt, and mix until just combined, about 1 minute.
3. Add the graham crackers (include the fine crumbs too, they act as flour here and are important), chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut and beat momentarily to incorporate, less than 1 minute, or fold in by hand.
4. Using a 2-inch cookie scoop, form heaping two-tablespoon mounds (I made 22). Place mounds on a large plate, flatten mounds slightly with your palm, cover with plasticwrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 5 days, before baking. Do not bake with warm dough because cookies will spread and bake thinner and flatter.
5. Preheat oven to 350F, line a baking sheet with a Silpat, or spray with cooking spray. Place mounds on baking sheet, spaced at least 2 inches apart (I bake 8 cookies per sheet). Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, or until edges have set and tops are just beginning to set, even if slightly undercooked, pale and glossy in the center. Do not bake longer than 9 minutes for soft cookies because they firm up as they cool (The cookies shown in the photos were baked with dough that had been chilled overnight, allowed to come to room temp for 15 minutes, and were baked for 8 minutes, with trays rotated at the 4-minute mark. They have chewy edges with soft, pillowy, gooey centers). Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before removing and transferring to a rack to finish cooling.
6. Store cookies airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Alternatively, unbaked cookie dough can be stored airtight in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, so consider baking only as many cookies as desired and save the remaining dough to be baked in the future when desired.

Gathering Shadows (Finding Sanctuary 1) by Nancy Mehl

 

Book Description:  Wynter Evans is a promising young reporter for a television station in St. Louis, but even a bright future doesn't take away her pain over the disappearance of her brother nine years ago. So when she stumbles across a photograph of a boy with an eerie resemblance to him, she can't pass up the chance to track him down. With research for work as her cover, she sets out with one of the station's photogs for the place where the picture was taken: the town of Sanctuary. 

Almost as soon as she arrives, she meets the town's handsome young mayor, Rueben King, and together they begin to uncover long held secrets that could tear the small town apart and change everything Wynter thought she knew about her life. As the truth of her family's past hides in the shadows, it's clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the answers she's searching for hidden forever--even if the cost is Wynter's very life.

My Thoughts: I absolutely love to read novels/stories by Nancy Mehl!

The Gathering Shadows (the first book in the Finding Sanctuary series) is classified as romantic suspense but, yet, Mrs. Mehl puts so much more into this story.

I love Wynter Evans . . .just love the way her name is spelled.  Wynter is strong and courageous but yet gentle and kind hearted.  Wynter struggles with her past.  And there is Rueben King {sigh!} the young mayor . . . here is the romantic part. 

Wynter's brother disappeared over nine years ago.  then Wynter comes across a picture of a big that resembles her lost brother.  She is drawn to and must go after the clues to see if this is really her brother.  

She travels to the town of Sanctuary.  Sanctuary is the town where Rueben King is mayor. 

There seems to be shadows everywhere Wynter looks.  It seems that the truth may never "show up."

This is quite a read!  The ending, the I.didn't.see.that.coming! and the suspense make for zone fantastic read!

But don't take my word for it....go read it for yourself! 

• Series: Finding Sanctuary (Book 1)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764211579
• ISBN-13: 978-0764211577

The Amish Christmas Matchmaker (Indiana Amish Brides) by Vannetta Chapman

 Book Description:  With her wedding business thriving, Annie Kauffmann could never leave her beloved Amish community. So when handsome Amish cowboy Levi Lapp tries to convince her father to move the family to Texas, she must put a stop to it. If Annie finds Levi a wife, he might forget his dream of moving…but can she keep from falling for him herself?

My Thoughts:  In my "book" there is nothing better than a Love Inspired romance especially when it's about Christmas and is authored by Vannetta Chapman.  A win-win!

This fantastic story is almost an oxymoron...An Amish matchmaker?!?  But then again no matter what, we all need love in our lives.  

Annie Kaufman actually has a wedding business so it's not all love and games.  However, she doesn't seem to have any romance in her own life.  And it seems that Annie is quite happy with her life so when Levi Lapp begins to talk her father into moving-to Texas of all places!  Annie decides she'll have none of that nonsense.  But love can get in the way of most well laid plans.

In a fun loving sort of way, Vannetta Chapman captures the romance between two young Amish people and somehow gets their families involved too.

This is a great story to begin your holiday season!

• Series: Indiana Amish Brides
• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Love Inspired; Original edition 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1335479430
• ISBN-13: 978-1335479433

First Line Friday from Mary Alford's Shatterd Amish Identity

 

Little House, Big Family, Great Faith by Pete Lundmark

 

 My Thoughts:  I was pleasantly surprised that this story grabbed my attention and kept me reading until the end. Pete Lundmark inspires people through his own childhood stories of faith and a big family.

If you enjoy nonfiction with faith as the main factor then you'll love this book!

Buy HERE

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

                            THIS!

Life Behind the Wall: Candy Bombers, Beetle Bunker, and Smuggler's Treasure Paperback by Robert Elmer

 

Book Description:  Cut off by the Iron Curtain This epic tale extends across generations and unfolds against the backdrop of a dangerous Cold War Berlin. This historically accurate, action-packed, three-books-in-one edition features three generations of resourceful teens living in the shadow of the Berlin Wall. Titles include: Candy Bombers: In spring 1948, teenage cousins Erich and Katarina are simply trying to survive in war-ravaged Berlin when the Soviets blockade the east side of the city, isolating its citizens---and starving them---behind the Iron Curtain. Beetle Bunker: In August 1961, Sabine discovers a forgotten underground bunker. Though she first uses it to escape her crowded home, she soon realizes her hideout could possibly take her family under the wall to West Berlin and freedom! Smuggler's Treasure: In spring 1989, life is good in West Germany, and even the Cold War seems to be thawing in the warmer weather. But as Liesl works on a class project about the history of the wall, she stumbles onto a startling secret no one will talk about.

My Thoughts:  Oh! Be.Still.My.Heart!  I could not believe my eyes when I saw this book . . . I was so excited. . . . like a kid on Christmas morning!  This is THREE books in one volume!  All three of the Life Behind the Wall books by Robert Elmer!  
I first read Candy Bombers about 10 years ago.  But I never got the next two books Beetle Bunker and Smuggler's Treasure.
I must tell you, that even though I am an adult, these are the best books ever!  
In Candy Bombers the reader is introduced to Erich and Katarina living in the city of Berlin after the Soviets blockade the east side of the city.
Then in Beetle Bunker, the reader meets Sabine who discovers an underground bunker.
And then in, Smuggler's Treasure the reader meets Liesl who lives in West Germany during the Cold War.
Sorry my book descriptions are short but I hope they are teasers for you (no spoilers) so that you will read this wonderful trilogy!
Yes, these books must be read in order because there are overlaps in each book from the previous.  And what a better way to read them in order than to have a 3-n-1 book!  
I love this trilogy!

• Age Range: 8 - 12 years
• Paperback: 528 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz; Revised edition 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031074265X
• ISBN-13: 978-0310742654

Light from Distant Stars: A Novel by Shawn Smucker

  

Book Description:  When Cohen Marah steps over his father's body in the basement embalming room of the family's funeral home, he has no idea that he is stepping into a labyrinth of memory. As the last one to see his father, Cohen is the primary suspect.

Over the next week, Cohen's childhood memories come back in living color. The dramatic events that led to his father being asked to leave his pastoral position. The game of baseball that somehow kept them together. And the two children in the forest who became his friends--and enlisted him in a dark and dangerous undertaking. As the lines blur between what was real and what was imaginary, Cohen is faced with the question he's been avoiding: Did he kill his father?

My Thoughts:  There are times when I begin reading a book and wonder, "What am I missing?"  This is such book.

I just could not understand what the author was saying in this story.  I was lost from page one.

Now if you're the type of reader who enjoys dystopia or "christian" science fiction, well, you may enjoy this read.

The story centers around the father of Cohen Marah.  Actually the story seems to be about the father...but, then again, I'm clueless about the story.  Just didn't get what was going on.

The author knows how to write, it is the story itself that I had trouble with.  Yes, I get that there was child abuse and the man wanted to let go of the ugly things.  However, the story part just never got to me.

Paperback: 400 pages

Publisher: Revell

ISBN-10: 0800728513

Fun Friday

 

Pre Order available for Mary Alford's new book!

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Snowbound Escape (Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit, 8) by Dana Mentink

 

Book Description:  To rescue a witness…

this K-9 team must face a killer and a storm.

After months tracking a colleague falsely accused of a double homicide, officer Tanner Ford and his K-9 partner finally locate crime tech Mara Gilmore—but the real murderer is closing in. Now they must run into a frozen wilderness to survive. Evading the killer is the only way for Mara to clear her name. But will the harsh winter conditions cover their tracks…or bury them forever?

My Thoughts:  I was so excited to get this book.  Dana Mentink is one of my favorite authors.  I read the whole book the same day I received it.  I was just going to read one chapter but the story grabbed me and pulled me in and I just couldn't let go.  

This is a true large print Love inspired Suspense read.  I love this size.  I like the way it holds well in my hands.

I love rescue missions.  So when Officer Tanner Ford and his sweet K-9 partner need to track and locate Mara Gilmore the witness to the crime, it becomes a clock ticking rescue. 

As the real murderer closes in on Mara Tanner and Britta rescue Mara but now they're all on the run trying to outwit a fearless bad person.

All of this running and keeping ahead of a criminal mind takes place in the Pacific Northwest.  It was interesting to read about snow and survival.

Excitement at its best!  Such a wonderful read.  Don't miss it! 

Buy it HERE  Two sizes to pick from plus Kindle

 

A Royal Christmas {A Christmas Novella} by Melody Carlson

 

Book Description:  Adelaide Smith is too busy for fairy tales. She's been working hard to put herself through law school and now that the end is in sight, she's determined to stay focused on her goals. Then she receives a letter notifying her that she has been found through a DNA registry to be a direct descendant of King Maximillian V, the ruler of a small Eastern European principality called Montovia. She's understandably skeptical. This is the stuff of cheesy made-for-TV movies, not real life.

Although the pieces of this surprising family puzzle seem too good to be true, curiosity gets the best of her. At the king's invitation, Adelaide embarks on a Christmas break trip that is chock-full of surprises, including a charming village, an opulent palace, family mysteries, royal jealousies, a handsome young member of Parliament--and the chance at a real fairy tale romance with a happily-ever-after ending.

My Thoughts:  The Christmas reads are beginning to make their way on the shelves and it's so nice! And this book is a beautiful hard back book.  It's a keeper!

Melody Carlson always pens an interesting story. She's one of my favorite authors.  

A Royal Christmas has all the feels and the love that comes with a Christmas story.

As much as I enjoy a good mystery or suspense read I like a great story that has love and imagination in it too.  This story makes for a nice break from all the suspense.

I like Adelaide. She's not only smart but beautiful as well.  She's down to earth but would like meeting her Prince Charming.  

When Adelaide receives the letter telling her she's a direct descendant from a King of a small area in Europe not only is she skeptical but she just doesn't believe it.

Then she receives an invitation from the king and lo and behold, she's on her way to royalty.

I loved this story!  Such a great start to the holiday reading!

New book by Mary Alford

 

Fun Friday

 

If Jesus Came to My School by April Graney (Author), Yana Kozak (Illustrator)

 Book Description:  In this whimsical tale, a young girl imagines what it would be like if Jesus visited her school as a boy. She would show Jesus around her classroom, introduce her friends and teachers, listen to story time, and eat lunch together! But Jesus wouldn't stop at learning and sitting in class. He'd invite the lonely to join in on games and find a way to love and get along with everyone. Soon the young girl realizes that even though Jesus doesn’t attend her school, he can live through her.  

My Thoughts:  I was so happy to receive this children's book.   Our littles love books about Jesus.

This story is a rhyming verse story about a little girl who loves Jesus and her fellow students at school.  The illustrations are wonderful and vibrant so that little ones can relate to what is going on in the story.

We loved the book and the story.  The only thing is that the little girl in the story doesn't have a name.  So we named her Angelina. Names are important to our littles.  You and your littles can name her what you choose.

It's a great book for young readers or pre readers.  It's hardback and makes a great present.

A New READ! Shattered Amish Identity by Mary Alford

I’m thrilled to share that Mary Alford has a brand-new Love Inspired Suspense on the way! Shattered Amish Identity releases soon, and you can secure your copy today. Preorder here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWN2NSQ7/

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

We did this wonderful fish Charcuterie board with fish, tortillas, 

onions, fresh veggies...it was wonderful!

Happy Book Birthday and Giveaway at bottom of post

 

 Book Description:  What will happen when a tropical escape from holiday blues turns into a snowy wonderland filled with joy and cheer? 

Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, with a birthday on December 25 and too many dashed childhood expectations, she would rather avoid the holiday season. And working in the design industry where she manages seasonal decor for wealthy, entitled clients certainly hasn't helped!    

So, this year her goal is to flee to the Bahamas--by herself--bah humbug! But bad weather and God's radically different plan redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt's farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas--one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit. 

My Thoughts:  I love this hardback novella. It fits into the reader's hand so well but best of all is the story of Carol and Christmas. 

Carol Langstrom was born on Christmas Day (notice her name, Christmas Carol perhaps).  

Carol has always felt that her birthday was upset by Christmas. Of course, living in a dysfunctional home probably didn't help either.

This novella is full of fun and quirks. But best of all this story brings out the true meaning of Christmas and how we all can find joy in the season even if our birthday is in Christmas Day.

And sometimes the very thing that we try to run away from is the very place that God wants us.  As Carol finds out trying to run to the Bahamas actuallyy sends her to her aunt's home in  snowy Michigan.

So many little tidbits of faith and truth are sprinkled throughout the story.

Don't miss this lovely novella!  And check out the giveaway from Goodreads:

Go to:  Goodreads Giveaway:

READ!

 Enjoy your Labor Day and READ more!