The Brides of the Big Valley Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, Richelle Brunstetter

Description:

3 Short Stories of Love in a Unique Amish Community
 
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 on the book:

Deanna Determination:

   In this story Deanna is raising her son and just trying to make life work after her husband passed. I found this story started off with a lot of detail some a little to much. As it went further on it did draw you in. Elmer, Abner and Deanna each had trials they faced some better the others, but it seem a little surfaced based instead of faith based over all. I would rate this story a 2 I just over all had a hard time getting into and staying in it. 

Rosemary’s Resolve

   As I started reading the further I got I found the characters to be a bit immature, when I went back and verified the ages, it all seem to make more sense that they were young. The actions and choices they were making were those that we all make when we are young and still learning. I was not a fan at all of Tom at all I found him a complete jerk throughout the book. Kevin’s mom was super kind and had a way of trying to keep the peace in the family, I thought for sure the author was going to have her reveal she use to be Amish (don’t worry I didn’t give anything away). This story seem to flow a little better the the first one, slow at some parts but over all a really cute story. 

Leila’s Longing 

   I really liked this story a lot. Out of the three this was one my favorite. I think on a way we can all relate some way or another with Leila and the insecurity that she felt. The trials she faced also where heart breaking but with Mollie reminding her gently that relying on God first and foremost was just as important as breathing. I felt like Aden faced his own struggles and they just felt well together. All three story are good clean reads and suitable for all ages 

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion

Where you can buy the book:
Amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com
www.christianbook.com

Where you can connect with the author:
Wanda Brunstetter
Richelle Brunstetter
Jean Brunstetter


While at your favorite bookstore/website check out these ladies other books. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

Sweet on the Cowboy Sasha Summers The Draegers of Last Stand, Texas # 1

Description:

If you can't stand the heat...

Lam Draeger’s deep wounds from the death of his young son and his subsequent divorce were still healing when he was saddled with his running his family’s cattle and rodeo stock ranch and the responsibility of raising his siblings and keeping them out of trouble. His every moment is devoted to running the ranch and business smoothly. He’s had no time to mourn his many losses or try to rebuild his personal life. And romance? Out of the question, no matter how sweet the temptation.

...don't fall in love in the kitchen

Single mom Gwen Hobbs is right back where she swore she’d never be – cooking in the kitchen at the Draeger ranch just like her mom before her. But since her fiance and the father of her daughters walked out on her, taking all their savings with him, she’s forced to be practical. So she vows to ignore the attraction that hums between her and Lam and to stop dreaming of becoming a chef. But when Lam suggests she audition for a cooking competition, Gwen realizes that not all her dreams are out of reach, and her growing hopes extend far beyond a professionally tricked-out kitchen.

My thoughts on the book:

This was a really quick read and a super fun read. I really had fun with reading about Gwen's little girls in this book. Even though they are twins they have such huge personalities and very different. I feel kids have a way of making or breaking a book and in this case they really made the this book by adding so much fun. I really enjoyed the relationships between Lam and his siblings. my heart broke for Lam and all his loss but I like how the author made him in a place a healing for almost the whole book. This book was a fun read, it does have adult language and situations in it. I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion

Where you can buy the book:
www.barnesandnoble.com
www.amazon.com

Where you can connect with the author:
sashasummers.com
While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Sasha Summers' other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

The Amish Cookie Club Sarah Price

Description:

Every other Friday, Edna Esh and three of her childhood friends meet to bake sugar cookies for their respective church districts on worship Sunday. It’s a time to give to the Plain community—and give support to each other as they share their joys and fears . . .

Edna’s friend, Verna Bontrager, has a problem. Her outspoken twenty-year-old daughter, Myrna, has been fired from her job. Again. Myrna’s family really needs her to chip in, but she’s clearly unsuited to customer service—not to mention that her sharp tongue scares away any boy who might come courting. But Edna has an idea—and his name is Ezekiel Riehl.

A widower with four young children, Ezekiel needs help. His house and his brood are a mess; his demeanor is gruff. It’s no surprise Myrna takes an immediate dislike to him. Yet she has no choice but to take on the challenge—and soon she starts to create order out of chaos. In fact, the kids begin to depend on Myrna—and so does Ezekiel. The truth is, she’s fallen in love with him. But if he’s to prove he’s not looking for a marriage of convenience, he’ll have to convince her of what’s in his heart . . .
Includes Cookie recipes!

My thoughts on the book:

This author did not disappoint with this fun read. I mean when you take four women and put them in a kitchen what else are they going to do but bake up some fun things. I really like Myrna she was sassy and you know we all want to speak what’s on our minds, we just don’t. I think we may all need a little Myrna in our selves. I really liked Ezekiel’s truly was a man of God just seeking help for his small family. I also liked how the author had away of being out the children’s personality in such a way that they too were super fun to read about as well as the four friends in the cookie club. I liked that this is a good clean read and suitable for all ages. I also like that the author had a gentle way of reminding the reader of how the words that come out of our mouths are just as powerful and hurtful to others, with this author there always seems to be a lesson to learn in her books. I can’t wait to read more from these friends and see what they cook up next.  I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion.

Where you can buy the book:

www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com
www.christianbook.com

Where you can connect with the author:
sarahpriceauthor.com


While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Sarah Price's other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

Cowboy Rebel Carolyn Brown -(Longhorn Canyon #4)

Description:

A wild Texas cowboy is about to meet his match in an ER nurse in this heartwarming romance from a USA Today bestseller, which includes a bonus novella from Annie Rains.

Ever since losing his best friend in a motorcycle accident, Taggart Baker wants to make every moment count. No dare is too dangerous, no adventure too crazy for this cowboy. But after one bad brush with the law, he realizes it's time to ditch his hooligan friends and grow up. Now he's running his own ranch next to the Longhorn Canyon spread in Texas. Still, no one would ever call him tame.

Nikki Grady has worked too hard for her RN license just to throw it away for some reckless cowboy who shows up in her emergency room after a barroom brawl. But she can't help being drawn to Tag's sense of humor and those crystal blue eyes. The more time they spend together, the more she sees his good heart. But just as Tag seems ready to settle down for good, his troubled past comes calling-and this time he won't be able to walk away so easily.

Includes the bonus novella A Wedding on Lavender Hill by Annie Rains: When an event planner is asked to create the perfect wedding in just three days, she must turn to the last person she wants to ask for help -- the infuriating owner of the house on the hilltop.

My thoughts on the book:

I really liked this book it was a fun read for sure. My heart broke for Nikki I felt so bad for her because of all the things she faced with her mom and how she seemed to crave this "mother/daughter" relationship that just didn't seem to work because of who her mom is. I really enjoyed how the relationship with Tag and Nikki was a gradual thing and not all about how strong the chemistry was an how to make it work after, it just felt natural. Tag was this bad boy in training but looking for a reason to see more in life and the struggle was so evident with him. I really enjoyed the relationship that Tag has with his siblings and how important they are to him and he is to them even though he choose to "live like he is dying." Oh my goodness and how can you not love the fab 5 and the fun they add they were such a hoot. I loved how the author used a ton of country song reference in the book which was fun. This book has some a adult language and situations. This book was fun read and I can't wait to read more from these fun characters I really can't wait to see what happens with Hud and the Irish Brothers soon.I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion

Where you can buy the book:
www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com

Where you can connect with the author:
www.carolynbrownbooks.com


While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Carolyn Brown's other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

The Amish Widow's Rescue Rachel J. Good -The Love & Promises #3

Description:

The perfect family awaits...if only he'll risk his heart.


Pregnant and recently widowed, Grace Fisher is determined to provide for her family on her own. Thankfully, her jam business is popular in her Amish community. But it's difficult keeping up with her work, her farm chores, and her two mischievous children. Especially now that they've taken to idolizing their neighbor Elijah. While the handsome farmer is kind and generous, he seems intent on holding Grace and her little ones at a distance...


Elijah Beiler has always admired his neighbor Grace. So standing by while she struggles to support her family isn't an option. Offering to take over her farm duties, Elijah is determined to help while remaining detached. He knows all too well that love only leads to heartbreak. Yet the more time he spends with Grace and her children, the harder he finds it to leave each day. But can Elijah overcome past hurts and open his heart to this ready-made family?


"A beautiful story of forgiveness and second chances." -Shelley Shepard Gray, New York Timesbestselling author, on The Amish Teacher's Gift

My thoughts on the book:
This book was a fun read, I seem to fly through it the craziness and the fun in the book was easy read an quickly draws you in. I felt with Elijah the more he helps Grace the more he seems to be finding who he is and allowing his heart to heal from past hurts. Miriam from The Amish Midwife's Secret made her appearance in this book, I felt like she was more of a sister to Grace then Grace's niece. I loved the relationship they have. Grace truly loves those close to her and has a way of making them feel loved and wanted in her life no matter what they have done or faced. I really liked how no matter what happened in any of the characters lives the first and foremost was to turn to God for answers.
This book is a good clean read and I really liked that its suitable for all ages. 
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion

Where you can buy the book:

www.christianbook.com
www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com

Where you can connect with the author:

racheljgood.strikingly.com


The Love & Promises series:The Amish Teacher's Gift
The Amish Midwife's Secret
The Amish Widow's Rescue


While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Rachel J. Good's other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

Smitten by the Brit Melonie Johnson- Sometimes in love #2

Description:

DEFINITELY, MAYBE...OR LOVE, ACTUALLY?

English professor Bonnie Blythe expects her life to play out like her favorite novels, especially now that her long-term boyfriend has finally proposed. So when a shocking discovery leads Bonnie to end her engagement, she decides to close the book on love. But the plot thickens when a brand-new character enters the scene—and quickens Bonnie's heart.

With his brilliant blue eyes, sexy accent, and irresistible charm, Theo Wharton is like a romantic hero straight out of a Jane Austen novel. When fate places Bonnie in England for a summer—conveniently close to Theo—she realizes a hot friends-with-benefits fling is exactly what she needs to start a fresh chapter. Just as Bonnie begins to believe she's falling in love, an eye-opening revelation into Theo's life makes Bonnie feel like she's wandered into one of her favorite books. Will Bonnie have the courage to risk her heart and turn the page with the dashing Brit to find her true happy ending after all?

My thoughts on the book:

I will admit I was leery of this book as I was not a fan of the first book in this series, but this book seems very different. The relationship between Bonnie and Theo just seems so natural. The chemistry is exploding off the pages. They seem to work and fit with each other without much effort given on either of there parts. Yet they seem to both be faced with a choice that takes a lot of time and effort to make them work. There were some times I really wanted to reach and choke Theo, but he was one of the characters you have a really hard time disliking. I loved Theo's sister Tabby oh my gosh she was so fun and I so want to read her story and what's she's up to. I can only imagine the guy who gets who what fun that will be. I also really liked how Bonnie handled the situations with her ex she just seem to handle it with grace, This book does have strong language and sex in it so it may not be suitable for all. Over all I really did enjoy this book and glad I gave it a chance it was well worth the read. I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion

Where you can buy the book:
www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com

Where you can connect with the author:
meloniejohnson.com


While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Melonie Johnson's other books, You will may not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

Vow of Silence Melyinda Price

Description:

A killer is hiding in plain sight…

The last thing Homicide Detective Josiah Troyer wants is to return to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and his Amish roots. But a madman is killing young girls and Josiah's expertise with the tight-knit community is very much needed by the FBI. Unfortunately, going home means dealing with his past and the woman he left behind.

Hannah is desperately trying to rebuild her life after the death of her Amish husband, and now, the murder of her sister. Protecting her young son from the violence is her only goal––and then she runs into the last man she expected to see, her ex Josiah. He left her eight years ago to work with the Englishers and forgiving him hasn't been easy.

But the killer has Hannah in his crosshairs, and she and Josiah will have to work together if she's going to survive.

My thoughts on the book:

This is the first book I have ever read from this author, due to this I am not familiar with this authors writings or other books. I did assume because this was an amish book this was a christian book, so that being said that was my fault for assuming, so this is my review for this book.
 This is NOT a Christian book. It’s starts off very sick and twisted. There is a lot of cursing through out. There is a lot of sex, so if you are looking for a good wholesome story this is not for you. That being said this story will have you guessing throughout the author keeps taking you down “rabbit” holes making you think one thing only to throw another in there and have you thinking another way. She literally has you guessing until almost the end. My heart broke for Eli and the loss he faced and the struggles he faced at such a young age, but I loved how Hannah and Joe had away of making him feel loved and wanted not with words but with actions in times when he was scared. Without giving anything away, Mills is a big part in the story but I seriously felt like I wanted to find him in real life and punch him he was so annoying. This book definitely has a ton suspense and leaves you on the edge of your seat if that’s what you are looking for, then this book won’t disappoint you there.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion

Where you can buy the book:
www.barnesandnoble.com
www.amazon.com

Where you can connect with the author:
www.melyndaprice.com



While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Melynda Price's other books. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

Homecoming for the Cowboy Nicole Helm (Bad Boys of Last Stand #1)

Description:

Will he break a promise or break her heart?
Colt Vance owes everything he is to the Martin family, which is why he’s stayed far, far away for years. But now that Fritz Martin has asked him a favor, he’s back in Last Stand facing the one temptation he can’t ever give into: his mentor’s middle daughter.

Sadie Martin doesn’t like Colt Vance, or so she’s told herself for years. He’s far too charming and has her father wrapped around his finger. But Sadie doesn’t have a choice except to work with Colt to save her beloved goat farm.

Working together tests Colt’s resolve when it comes to his attraction to Sadie, and Sadie comes to realize she doesn’t just enjoy Colt’s company, she craves it. But Colt can’t break the promise he made to Fritz years ago. Can one tenacious farm girl convince this stubborn cowboy love is always the answer to any problem?

My thoughts on the book:

This story is a love story with a lot of sass. The author has a way of pulling on your heart strings for sure in the book. Colt being so strong and pigheaded yet also very open and vulnerable. Sadie can we talk about what a hard head she is, yet she too had this soft side to her. I loved the little girls and even though it was small the author had a way of letting their little personality shine through. I can’t wait to read more about this family what what they are up to next. There is a sex scene not very graphic and like one curse word, other then that this book was a very sweet love story . It was also a quick read and I found myself not wanting to put it down.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion.

Where you can buy the book:

www.barnesandnoble.com
www.amazon.com

Where you can connect with the author:
www.nicolehelm.com


While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Nicole Helm's other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.