Murder, Plainly Written by Mindy Steele // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Sadie Lynch is excited to start fresh after inheriting her Amish aunt's candle store in Amish country. But business is slow and the locals are not keen to frequent the shop of an Englisher. 

A little bit of a slower start as Sadie gets settled in her new home, and we meet many community members. I liked that there were a variety of people from different plain communities, and it was fun to meet the many different characters as Sadie learns more about her heritage, and finds new friends. I liked her friendship with Wanda and how they bond over writing. Wanda is a lovely woman, and I admired her for being honest about her disappointments, but not letting them hold her down.

A fun read that sets up the series well for future books, with a full cast of characters and secrets are revealed as Sadie gets to know her new community. I liked her growing friendship with August. 

Overall, an enjoyable read that builds as the story goes along. I liked that Sadie connected with people even though they lived their lives differently and bonded over their faith. A very enjoyable read with great characters and lovely community. I'm excited to read more in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Heart's Shelter by Amy Clipston // Review

My Review: 

Kira is in Pennsylvania helping her sister after the birth of their newest addition, still healing from a broken engagement she is isn't looking for love. But when she and Jayden Bontager strike up a friendship, she feels her heart torn between a future with Jayden or back home with her family. 

A sweet, uplifting romance with likable characters in a close knit Amish community. I liked how Kira and Jayden are quick to enlist their friends to help others in the community, making new friends and working together. Kira loves her family dearly, and doesn't like being apart from them. Jayden has a big heart, and I liked how he was thinking about building things for others. 

Overall, a quick read and sweet romance, heartwarming with a full cast of characters. I loved their friendship with Fern and how they get her out of her comfort zone, to make new friends as well. A thoroughly enjoyable read. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unlikely Match by Jennifer Beckstrand // Review

My Review: When a drunken athlete crashes quite literally into Mary Yoder's life, she never expected to fall in love.

A quick and enjoyable read with likable characters, and an upbeat plot. Clay is running from his bad boy past, when he meets the kind and honest-hearted Mary Yoder. Clay is a charming man, with a sincerity about him despite his demons. I liked his and Mary's friendship, and how he is always brightening the days of others. Mary is a very kind and honest woman, and she brings out the best in Clay. They have a sweet chemistry, and I loved how Mary encourages Clay to turn to God for answers. 

This was a fun read, with the added tension of a doomed attraction. Engaging story with familiar faces from previous books, and a sweet romance. It was the perfect lighter read to recover from a little reading slump. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Happily Ever After on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand // Review

My Review: 

A sweet Amish rom-com full of faith, humor, and romance!

An engaging novel, with a full cast of characters. Omi is a likable protagonist, I like how she is always thinking of others, even when they don't think about her. I liked that Beau was willing to stand up for what he wanted, and how he was supportive of Omi. Mammi and Dawdi were super helpful, and I laughed at Mammi's antics and strong belief in the power of raisins. 

A quick read, with great interaction, faith, and growth. Though I didn't care much at all for Ruth, who crossed the line with her manipulative antics more than once. 

Overall, an enjoyable read with great characters, great themes of love, family, and forgiveness. Another delightful addition to the Huckleberry Hill series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

 Buy it here: https://amzn.to/42tE4lB *As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases

The Teacher's Christmas Secret by Emma Miller // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A heartwarming Christmas romance, with a full cast of wonderful characters. 

Cora has dreamed of being a teacher for as long as she can remember, but the job is given to Tobit Lapp who is new to the community instead. But when he sustains an injury, she agrees to take over his teaching duties, but he is unwilling to let her take full control and insists on overseeing her work.

A enjoyable story with wonderful characters, great interaction and a believable plot. I really liked getting to know the other members of Cora's family, as well as seeing her big heart for others as she helps Tobit. 

Well written and engaging, the perfect quick read for Christmastime!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

 Buy it here: https://amzn.to/41B6YQj   *As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases

Courting His Amish Wife by Emma Miller // Review

My Review: 

 Levi Miller offers to marry Eve Summy to save from being forced to marry her attacker. Now in a marriage of convenience can they find a way to forge a future together? 

A heartwarming romance, full of faith, family and new beginnings. Levi is a kind man, though even he got frustrated at times by their situation, I admired him for his integrity in honoring his promises even when it wasn't easy, and his own reputation was on the line. I loved seeing Eve come out of her shell while spending time with Levi's family, especially how Rosemary welcomed her with understanding and open arms. I also liked Levi's sisters and how they welcomed Eve as well. 

Overall, this was a highly enjoyable, heartwarming Amish romance, wonderfully crafted characters, and a strong message of faith, as well as great interaction and relationship building.  Definitely recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Breaking New Ground by Amy Clipston // Review

My Review: 

A charming fake-relationship romance set in the heart of Amish country. 

Korey Bontrager returns home knowing what he is coming home to and hoping to mend bridges between himself and his family. His family welcomes him with open arms, but it doesn't mean that returning home isn't a little awkward seeing his brother and former girlfriend married. 

Savannah doesn't want to jump into a relationship just because her friends are dating now, but their nagging is getting hard to ignore. So she and Korey decide to fake a relationship to get everyone to leave their love lives alone. 

Korey and Savannah are both likable characters from the start and I could easily see how they brought out the best in each other. Korey has come a long way in accepting how things are now, and I liked seeing his more mature side as well as his friendship with Toby. Savannah is a caring sister, and a supportive friend. 

This was a fun fast paced read with compelling characters and a sweet romance. A very enjoyable read with compelling characters, strong faith, and good character growth. Definitely recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Hopefully Ever After by Beth Wiseman // Review

My Review: 

An unlikely friendship forms between Samuel Byler and Eden Hale when she comes to stay with her cousin Yvonne for a few months in the summer. 

A charming romance that brings back familiar faces and new friends as well. My heart went out to Eden, who has had a rough upbringing. She surprises her hosts, but many in the community judge her to be a bad influence. I liked how she encourages Samuel to be thankful for his family. 

A charming read by one of my favorite Amish fiction authors. I loved the friendship and familiar faces. I especially liked how it continued to follow Yvonne and Abraham. 

Overall, this was a well written and engaging read with great character development, and filled with heart.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Baby Next Door by Vannetta Chapman // Review

Review: 

A sweet romance with an unlikely couple, a charming tale of second chances and starting over.

Grace Troyer and her young daughter have moved back to her hometown and are staying with her parents. Adrian Schrock is a young man with an unusual passion for exotic animals, and he wants to turn his passion into a business so he asks the Troyers to join with him to put together an Amish tour.  I loved how he is great with little Nicole, and the care that he takes with his animals. I liked that he is patient with Grace, and he takes things in stride, working with her even when she makes it difficult. 

This is a sweet Amish romance, I liked the themes of forgiveness and that Grace wanted everyone to know the truth. A fun quick read.

 
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Courtship Plan by Kathleen Fuller // Review

My Review: 

Charity Raber is excited for a fresh start in a new community, who doesn't know about her past desperate ways. Jesse Bontrager is the last person she expected to see again, will they be able to put their past behind them and give love a chance? 

A charming and humorous opposites attract romance, I loved Shirley and how she genuinely cares for her friend Charity, and doesn't want her to be hurt. She is probably my favorite person in the story. I liked how Charity and Jesse get to see a different side of each other and that Jesse wants to be kind to Charity. It was also really cute how the dog helped bring them together along with Shirley. 

This was a quick read, with a sweet plot, filled with humor, faith, and romance. I liked how Charity grew since the first time we met her in a previous book, and how she continues to mature in this story as well.

Overall, a wonderful story from probably my favorite author in Amish fiction. A wonderful start to what is sure to be a great series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece by Jennifer Beckstrand // Review

My Review: 

A delightful read from beginning to end, I loved how Mattie sees a problem and jumps right in to try an solve it, even if her methods are frowned upon. This was an enjoyable book, that brought a smile to my face, and more than few good laughs. 

I loved how Mattie found support from the Amish and Englishers alike, even winning Freeman to her side as their differences shrink in light of working together. I liked how she was patient with Caleb, while convincing him to join her campaign.  

Lighthearted and engaging, this was a fun read with a unique spin to it. Cathy is such a wonderful supporter, with a passion for the town and plenty of good ideas, with a knack for drawing others in. A fun read, filled with humor, romance, and wonderful characters, you wont want to miss this unconventional adventure!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Story of Love by Beth Wiseman // Review

My Review:

Yvonne Wilson moves to Montgomery to help out Jake and Eva with their bookstore while Eva is on bedrest and Jakes juggles the store with farming. Yvonne is excited for a new start, working alongside her new friends. Abraham can't deny the spark between himself and Yvonne, but he is already in a relationship. 

An engaging read, I loved getting to know Yvonne and Abraham more as well as seeing familiar faces from previous books. I admired Abraham for staying true to his faith, and his morals. Yvonne is a kind woman adjusting to her new life in Montgomery, it was fun seeing Yvonne come to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas among her new friends. 

An engaging sweet romance, though if it were a movie it might border on PG-13 for some suggestive scenes though framed in a negative light. A quick entertaining read, I look forward to seeing what is next for the families of Montgomery, Indiana!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Amish Baker's Rival by Marie E. Bast // Review

My Review: 

A sweet Amish romance, rival business owners find themselves competing against each other in a highly publicized competition.

A fun, quick read, with enemies-to-lovers, in a small Iowa community. This was a nice quick read, though a bit more on the predictable side. I liked how Mary and Noah were able to find common ground through their love of family and baking. 

Overall, this was a quick read, with good themes of reconnecting with family, as well as friendship and forgiveness. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Building a Future by Amy Clipston // Review

My Review: 

Michelle has been dating Kory for over a year and it is getting harder to see all of her friends getting married and beginning their families. Kory seems distant and uninterested in taking the next step in their relationship, while his brother, Tyler, is a surprising source of friendship. 

An engaging Amish romance with likable characters, and sweet relationship building throughout. I liked how Tyler is a good listener, and he encourages Michelle in her hobbies. He is hardworking and a guy who is trying to do the right thing. Michelle is a kind young woman, she dreams of a husband and children. I liked that she kept trying to think the best of Kory and encourage her best friend.

Overall, a delightful read. Well written and engaging, with characters that you can root for to overcome their complicated situation. A satisfying and enjoyable read. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Yesterday's Gone by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall // Review

My Review: 

Amish time travel. That was all I had to hear to be intrigued. 

After the loss of their third child, Eliza begins to wonder if the whispers about a family curse that she and Jesse ignored when they wed have some truth to them. In a moment of weakness, she takes the opportunity to change the past and must live with the consequences. 

An engrossing genre bending read that follows two sisters as they fight for their futures after a changed choice in the past has more impact than they anticipated. My favorite character was Ruth, she is a fighter determined and a good friend to her sister, and Andrew. I liked that she takes the initiative to make things right and is a problem solver. 

Overall, an engaging read with a riveting plot, about enduring love through the ups and downs of marriage. Strong themes of faith and family run throughout, definitely a very unique read and not my typical read, but still enjoyable!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Bookseller's Promise by Beth Wiseman // Review

My Review: 

A charming new series from best-selling author Beth Wiseman. 

Yvonne travels to Jake's bookstore in Montgomery, Indiana to try and purchase an incredibly rare book for her client, but the more time she spends with Jake and Eva, the more she finds herself questioning everything that she thought she knew. 

A sweet romance, set in an Amish bookstore that happens to be in the same community as previous novels by Beth Wiseman, it was a wonderful surprise to have familiar faces pop up here and there. Eva had to be my favorite character, kind and outgoing, befriending Yvonne despite their differences. I liked that Eva listened to and encouraged Yvonne through tough times. 

Overall, a quick read with wonderful characters and a charming setting. It will be fun to see where the series goes!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

An Amish Quilting Bee by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Shelley Shepherd Gray // Review

My Review: 

Three Amish couples find love in this heartwarming novella collection. 

Patchwork Promises by Amy Clipston 

When Joanne learns that Colin's grandmother who lost everything in a recent fire has been having trouble sleeping without her heirloom quilt, she offers to replicate it. A charming novella, Joanne has a big heart for others, and I liked that she was patient with Colin and didn't pass judgment on him too quickly. 

A Common Thread by Kathleen Fuller

Alex returns to his hometown and Amish community after years of fulfilling his dreams of travel. He and Susie quickly hit it off, but the rest of the community aren't so sure about him and his intentions. A cute story, I liked the moments of humor woven in, as well as their growing relationship. 

Stitched Together by Shelley Shepherd Gray

Rosie has been working hard on her submission for the annual quilt competition and charity, but so many things seem to be working against her, from impromptu babysitting to the handsome missionary who has come to visit. A sweet story about love in the midst of chaos. Tim is a patient and understanding man, I liked how he and Rosie got to know each other, working to keep 4 yo twins out of trouble!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Her Amish Springtime Miracle by Winnie Griggs // Review

Review: 

Finding baby Grace is an answer to Hannah's prayers. Hannah has always longed to be a mother, but a devastating diagnosis leaves her unable to ever have children of her own and crushing any romantic prospects as well. 

A heartwarming romance, filled with faith. I instantly liked Hannah from the start, she is a warm outgoing woman, with a big heart for others. I liked how she was constantly supporting and caring for those close to her, as well as how how she reaches out to Mike. I loved seeing familiar faces from Hope's Haven as well, though this book can definitely be read as a stand alone. 

A enjoyable read, with wonderful characters, and strong faith. I especially liked how the topic of conversion was taken very seriously, with pros and cons on both sides. Highly recommend this heartwarming read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Love in Plain Sight by Kathleen Fuller // Review

Review: New love and healing in Birch Creek. 

Katherine Miller is a kind-hearted young woman who came to Birch Creek for sanctuary away from her painful secrets; not looking for a husband she has slowly made friends in the community. I loved that she had many supportive people in her life that she could call her friends, as well as her budding relationship with Ezra. My heart instantly went out to Katherine, and she is the kind of heroine that you can cheer for all the way through. 

The book also picks up some of the story threads from the previous books in the series, like with Rhoda and Loren as they wonder about the future of their relationship. Ezra is a kind and thoughtful young man, and I liked how he always was making sure that Katherine was comfortable and doing alright. 

Overall this was a quick, emotional, heartwarming read with strong themes of trusting God, forgiveness, courage and second chances. I loved revisiting familiar faces and meeting new ones, as well as finally solving some mysteries that had been going on in the background for quite some time. An excellent addition to the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Foundation of Love by Amy Clipston // Review

My Review: 

A wholly enjoyable romance of second chances, new beginnings and fighting for love. 

I was cheering for Crystal from the very beginning, she is hardworking and selfless to a fault. I adored that she and Duane are slightly older than your typical fictional couple, and have their own unique set of challenges to face together.

Engaging from the start, my heart went out to Crystal who longs for a family of her own, but things just didn't work out for her in the past. She has a heart for children, and selflessly helps her brother and sister-in-law. Duane is a kind-hearted man, he is wise and has done his best to raise his boys, I loved how the young children trusted him right away.

Overall, this was a wonderful read that I didn't want to put down. I related a lot to Crystal, and loved that she and Duane both stood up for their relationship. A well written read, with a heartwarming romance, adorable children, I loved how they both brought their relationship before God in prayer throughout the story. Highly recommend this well written, feel-good Amish romance. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.