Book Review: Seasons Of Tomorrow (Book 4 of the Amish Vines and Orchards series)

 

SEASONS OF TOMORROW

by Cindy Woodsmall

Book Description: As love restores Rhoda, a sudden tragedy is the test of faith she never saw coming.
More settled in her heart than ever before, Rhoda Byler feels a newfound confidence living in the Old Order Amish settlement she helped establish in Orchard Bend, Maine. Time has helped to heal the wounds of Rhoda’s recent severed relationship, and she finds that even her unusual gift of profound intuition is less of a burden as she continues to seek God’s wisdom for her future. She is happy to be working alongside the King family and the love of her life as they tend and nurture the settlement’s orchard.
Yet when Leah King’s involvement with Englischer Landon Olson becomes known outside of the Maine community, her disregard of the Ordnung could threaten all the Orchard Bend Amish are building. In the midst of addressing the discord, a shocking tragedy challenges the young settlement like never before, threatening to uproot Rhoda’s peace and the future of everything she holds dear.
When several members of Orchard Bend Farms are displaced, the estranged King brother is called upon to return. Can those who founded the new Amish community in Maine unite Or will the lingering pain of past hurts and present struggles result in the end of their dreams?
Find Cindy Woodsmall:

• on Facebook: Cindy Woodsmall
• Website: http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/

My Thoughts: This series is truly my favorite Amish Fiction series. I have waited (im)patiently for each new installment of the story about The Byler’s And King’s. Cindy is an amazing author. We left off with a few hearts broken and a family divided. Cindy opens book four with the characters hearts on the mend and as they strive to find a new normal tragedy strikes. There is so much going on in this book but its not busy as some stories get when they try to wrap up a series. We find love along side the people of Kings orchard. Without giving too much away I loved getting to know new characters and seeing our old friends struggle to follow the Amish ways and yet still find themselves. We get to see how deeply Phoebe and Steven love each other even in the midst of trouble. Leah finally makes the choice to follow the path God has set her on, even if that means she might have to give up being Amish. Jacob faces that he was never the one for Rhoda and that opens his heart for someone else. I will say that I’m happy that Jacob and Samuel are not at odds anymore and that even despite the consequences the love of family prevails.
If you only ever pick up one Amish fiction series make it Cindy Woodsmall’s Amish Vines and Orchards series. I cannot sing its praises more.

What you missed in book one, A Season for Tending:

In a community where conformity flourishes, seeds of Rhoda’s odd behavior were planted long ago. Can she cultivate her relationships with the same care and tenderness that she gives her beloved garden?

Old Order Amish Rhoda Byler’s unusual gift and her remarkable abilities to grow herbs and berries have caused many to think her odd. As rumors mount that Rhoda’s “gift” is a detriment to the community, she chooses isolation, spending her time in her fruit garden and on her thriving canning business.

Miles away in Harvest Mills, Samuel King struggles to keep his family’s apple orchard profitable. As the eldest son, Samuel farms with his brothers, the irrepressible Jacob and brash Eli, while his longtime girlfriend Catherine remains hopeful that Samuel will marry her when he feels financially stable,

Meanwhile, Samuel’s younger sister Leah is testing all the boundaries during her rumschpringe, and finds herself far from home in Rhoda’s garden after a night of partying gone badly. But Leah’s poor choices serve as a bridge between Rhoda and the King family when a tragic mistake in the orchard leaves Samuel searching for solutions.

Rhoda’s expertise in canning could be the answer, but she struggles with guilt over the tragic death of her sister and doesn’t trust herself outside her garden walls. As the lines between business, love, and family begin to blur, can Rhoda finally open up to a new life? And what effect will this odd, amazing woman have on the entire King family?

My Review of book one: http://kryssiruss.blogspot.com/2012/09/book-review-season-for-tending.html
What you Missed in Book two, The Winnowing Season:

The tornado that devastated Kings’ Orchard pushed Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob to make a new start in Maine. Are they strong enough to withstand the challenges of establishing an Amish community—and brave enough to face the secrets that move with them?

On the eve of their departure to begin a new Old Order Amish community outside of Unity, Maine, Rhoda Byler is shocked to discover that choices made by her business partner and friend, Samuel King, have placed her and her unusual gifts directly into the path of her district’s bishop and preachers. She is furious with Samuel and is fearful that the Kings will be influenced by the way her leaders see her, and not what they know to be true—that Rhoda’s intuition is a gift from God.
Jacob King won’t be swayed by community speculation. He loves Rhoda, believes in her, and wants to build a future with her in Maine. But when the ghosts of his past come calling and require him to fulfill a great debt, can he shake their hold before it destroys what he has with Rhoda? Samuel has a secret of his own—one he’ll go to great lengths to keep hidden, even if it means alienating those closest to him. Throwing himself into rehabilitating the once-abandoned orchard, Samuel turns to a surprising new ally.
Book 2 of the Amish Vines and Orchards series asks: can the three faithfully follow God’s leading and build a new home and orchard in Maine? Or will this new beginning lead to more ruin and heartbreak?

My Review of book two: http://kryssiruss.blogspot.com/2013/05/book-review-winnowing-season-book-2-of.html

What you Missed in Book three, For Every Season:

Working hard to develop a new Amish community outside of Unity, Maine, Rhoda Byler is fully committed to rehabilitating an orchard with business partner Samuel King. But an impulsive decision has created an unexpected strain in her relationship with her beau, Samuel’s brother, Jacob, threatening plans for the orchard. Amidst mounting tension in matters of the heart and business, Rhoda finds that this fledging settlement feels like the home she has always longed for, and she begins to embrace the God-given, heightened intuition that has always felt like a burden to her. She longs for Jacob to fully be free of his past, so they can work towards the future together.

But as Rhoda uses her gift to unpack an old secret with her Englisch neighbors, it is not her beau but an unlikely ally that cheers her on. With the orchard on shaky ground and Jacob’s plans in question, Rhoda is determined to see things through to harvest. But can she trust her insight to direct her path in matters of the heart?

My Review of book three: http://kryssiruss.blogspot.com/2013/10/book-reviewfor-every-season-book-3-of.html


*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the booklookbloggers®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Blissful Surrender Blog Tour

Book Description: This is a story of Sean Miller, a dom that will have your panties diving for cover with an eyebrow quirk. That will have even the strongest woman dropping to their knees in submission with a piercing stare, and Samantha Richards, a female cop who’s tough, seemingly impenetrable shell is strong enough to resist everyone except the one man it was build up to protect her against.

**Disclaimer – If you thought the first two Bliss books were hot, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Creative use of handcuffs, batons, a club scene you have to read to believe, and a tough as nails dominant who is blindsided when the one woman strong enough to disarm him threatens his resolve not to let his past dictate his future.**

Like the other books in the Bliss series, this book can be read as a stand alone. There are common characters in the books but it is not necessary to read the first two books in the series to read this one.

BUY IT:
Blissful Surrender

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My Thoughts: Ten years have past and they both cant move on from the one that got away.…. I don’t like to give the story away so you wont get any spoilers here. I will say that BJ Harvey develops these characters in a way where your heart bleeds for the couple who let someone get in-between and now years later they still cant let each other go. Samantha has been raised to believe letting any control go means your weak. Sean wants to show her how surrendering, at least in bed, isn't relinquishing control in fact it’s the opposite. She controls his heart and doesn’t even know it…
This book was a fun and fast read. Great for reading between errands or while waiting in a doctors office. If you are familiar with BJ Harvey’s Bliss series you will love reading about Samantha and Sean. And if you haven't read them like that’s ok too, as it says in the description they read like stand alone novels. I have a love/hate relationship with shorter novels. I love that I can breeze through then but I also hate how it leaves you wanting more! BJ Harvey definitely leaves you wanting to know more. If you pick up this book come back here and let me know what you thought of it!
I personally cant wait to read the other two books in this series and both are on sale now…

Temporary Bliss

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True Bliss

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• Amazon UK
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About the Author:  BJ Harvey is the Amazon Bestselling Author of The Bliss Romantic Comedy Series and The Lost Romantic Suspense Series. An avid music fan, you will always find her with headphones when writing, and the speakers blaring the rest of the time. She's a wife, a mom to two beautiful children, and a full-time university student. BJ resides with her family in what she considers the best country in the world--New Zealand.

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I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for this post. All views expressed are my own.

Book Review: The Dawn of Christmas

The Dawn of Christmas
by Cindy Woodsmall
Description: The Amish community of Apple Ridge is a place to discover anew that even though life doesn’t always look the way you might expect and pain can’t help but color our actions…love may just be around the corner, just in time for Christmas!
Sadie Yoder enjoys her freedom away from home but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it’s time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan—but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together?
- See more at: http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/books/novellas/the-dawn-of-christmas/#sthash.qcMeHu5U.dpuf
My Thoughts: I first reviewed this book last year when it was one of the three stories in the ‘Christmas at Apple Ridge’ book. You can read my thoughts about it here. But I would like to go more in-depth about what I thought about the story of Sadie and Levi. I love that Cindy writes about characters that are REAL. They struggle, they love, they fight fiercely for what they believe in. Levi has watched other men in his life be burned by women and that has led him to not trust women. Sadie had her heart broken the night before her wedding when she catches her betrothed embracing her cousin. Both are being pressured by family to marry, and soon. They hatch a plan to ‘date’ so they can go their own ways. I loved the friendship that blooms between the two. And I want to kick that lying Daniel from the beginning. Cindy does a great job making you love her characters flaws and all. I absolutely enjoyed not only Sadie and Levi’s story but following up on the other couples of Apple Ridge.

Disclosure: "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Book Review: Truce (Neighbor from Hell)

 

Truce (Neighbor from Hell)

by R.L. Mathewson

Book description: Elizabeth knows what’s expected of her, perfection. She’s the daughter of an Earl and expected to marry well, say and do the right things with a smile on her face when inside she’s dying for a chance to escape. Thanks to an inheritance her godmother left her years ago, her chance will come with her next birthday. Her hopes of escape abruptly end when Robert, her childhood nemesis that she hasn’t seen in over fourteen years, comes back into her life and does everything he can to drive her out of her mind even as he steals her heart.
He hated her.
At least, he tried to hate her, but it was so damn difficult to hate someone that he couldn’t live without. He tried to ignore her, tried to focus on anything but her, but nothing worked. Somehow she made her way into his heart and started to make him want things that he never thought possible, made him smile and laugh even while she drove him out of his mind and started a legacy by turning him into…..
A Bradford.
Author's Note: This is first and foremost a historical novel. This novel is written differently than the other Neighbor from Hell books. Truce is about a man who takes everything too damn seriously and can’t let go of the past until the woman that he would love to hate comes back into his life and brings out the Bradford within.

My Thoughts: I absolutely love R.L. Mathewson’s Neighbor from Hell series. The Bradford men are flawed but real and most importantly loyal and loveable. So when I had the chance to read Truce, the beginning of the Bradford’s I jumped at the chance to read how it all began. Even though this is a historical novel R. L. still manages to draw her loyal readers of the series in to the story and makes you laugh right along with the characters and most importantly fall in love with another Bradford man. If you take anything away from my fan girl ramblings is stop what you are doing right now and buy this series. Go now. I will wait. Trust me you wont regret it!

Neighbor from Hell books in reading order:

1. Playing for Keeps: A Neighbor From Hell Novel
2. Perfection: A Neighbor From Hell Novel
3. Checkmate: A Neighbor From Hell Novel
4. Truce: The Historic Neighbor From Hell Novel

Read more about R.L. Mathewson and her books (because her other series’ are just as good) visit her website: http://www.rlmathewson.com/

Book Review–For Every Season (Book 3 of the Amish Vines and Orchards series)

 

For Every Season

by Cindy Woodsmall

Book Description: Working hard to develop a new Amish community outside of Unity, Maine, Rhoda Byler is fully committed to rehabilitating an orchard with business partner Samuel King. But an impulsive decision has created an unexpected strain in her relationship with her beau, Samuel’s brother, Jacob, threatening plans for the orchard. Amidst mounting tension in matters of the heart and business, Rhoda finds that this fledging settlement feels like the home she has always longed for, and she begins to embrace the God-given, heightened intuition that has always felt like a burden to her. She longs for Jacob to fully be free of his past, so they can work towards the future together.

But as Rhoda uses her gift to unpack an old secret with her Englisch neighbors, it is not her beau but an unlikely ally that cheers her on. With the orchard on shaky ground and Jacob’s plans in question, Rhoda is determined to see things through to harvest. But can she trust her insight to direct her path in matters of the heart?

- See more at: http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/books/amish-vines-and-orchards-series/for-every-season/#sthash.KmePWQO4.dpuf

My Thoughts: Since this is book three in the series I’m already familiar with the characters and their struggles. I have followed along with all the characters up to this point and can feel the struggles they have faced – Moving, question of faith, fear, shame, confusion and most of all love. I loved finally seeing Rhodes embrace her gift instead of trying to hide and ignore it. I wont give away the ending but I will say the love triangle between Rhoda, Jacob and Samuel finds its end. I loved the first two books in this series and the third book didn’t disappoint either. I highly recommend this series.

 

What you missed in book one, A Season for Tending:

In a community where conformity flourishes, seeds of Rhoda’s odd behavior were planted long ago. Can she cultivate her relationships with the same care and tenderness that she gives her beloved garden?

Old Order Amish Rhoda Byler’s unusual gift and her remarkable abilities to grow herbs and berries have caused many to think her odd. As rumors mount that Rhoda’s “gift” is a detriment to the community, she chooses isolation, spending her time in her fruit garden and on her thriving canning business.

Miles away in Harvest Mills, Samuel King struggles to keep his family’s apple orchard profitable. As the eldest son, Samuel farms with his brothers, the irrepressible Jacob and brash Eli, while his longtime girlfriend Catherine remains hopeful that Samuel will marry her when he feels financially stable,

Meanwhile, Samuel’s younger sister Leah is testing all the boundaries during her rumschpringe, and finds herself far from home in Rhoda’s garden after a night of partying gone badly. But Leah’s poor choices serve as a bridge between Rhoda and the King family when a tragic mistake in the orchard leaves Samuel searching for solutions.

Rhoda’s expertise in canning could be the answer, but she struggles with guilt over the tragic death of her sister and doesn’t trust herself outside her garden walls. As the lines between business, love, and family begin to blur, can Rhoda finally open up to a new life? And what effect will this odd, amazing woman have on the entire King family?

My Review of book one: http://kryssiruss.blogspot.com/2012/09/book-review-season-for-tending.html

What you Missed in Book two, The Winnowing Season:

The tornado that devastated Kings’ Orchard pushed Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob to make a new start in Maine. Are they strong enough to withstand the challenges of establishing an Amish community—and brave enough to face the secrets that move with them?

On the eve of their departure to begin a new Old Order Amish community outside of Unity, Maine, Rhoda Byler is shocked to discover that choices made by her business partner and friend, Samuel King, have placed her and her unusual gifts directly into the path of her district’s bishop and preachers. She is furious with Samuel and is fearful that the Kings will be influenced by the way her leaders see her, and not what they know to be true—that Rhoda’s intuition is a gift from God.
Jacob King won’t be swayed by community speculation. He loves Rhoda, believes in her, and wants to build a future with her in Maine. But when the ghosts of his past come calling and require him to fulfill a great debt, can he shake their hold before it destroys what he has with Rhoda? Samuel has a secret of his own—one he’ll go to great lengths to keep hidden, even if it means alienating those closest to him. Throwing himself into rehabilitating the once-abandoned orchard, Samuel turns to a surprising new ally.
Book 2 of the Amish Vines and Orchards series asks: can the three faithfully follow God’s leading and build a new home and orchard in Maine? Or will this new beginning lead to more ruin and heartbreak?

My Review of book two: http://kryssiruss.blogspot.com/2013/05/book-review-winnowing-season-book-2-of.html

Book Review: Once Upon a Prince

Once Upon a Prince, Book #1 in the Royal Wedding series

By Rachel Hauck

Book Description: Once Upon a Prince, the first novel in the Royal Wedding series by bestselling author Rachel Hauck, treats you to a modern-day fairy tale.

Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess---just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn’t going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.
The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon’s Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family’s tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna’s aid under the fabled Lover’s Oak, he is blindsided by love.
Their lives are worlds apart. He’s a royal prince. She’s an ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel’s coronation.
My Thoughts: I adored this book. I'm a sucker for a great love story but after a while they all become pretty predictable. About 1/2 through this book I got to the point where I was like OK I *KNOW* what the ending will be. I sat there and told my husband I'm going to be really disappointed if the story ends like xyz ....... BUT it didn't and I LOVED it.

I don't know about you, but every girl I know has dreamed about being swept off her feet by a handsome price. I'm pretty sure it all started with Princess Diana but that was just a few years before I was born so I cant be 100% sure. Either way I know I dreamed of marring prince William and my little girl dreams of finding her prince to be the match to her princess complex. This story is a great love story but more than that you really feel the love not only between Nate and Susanna but between them and God. I genuinely felt Susanna giving it all to God and letting go of her plan to follow his.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Faking Grace

Faking Grace by Tamara Leigh

Book Description: All she wants is a job. All she needs is religion. How hard can it be?

Maizy Grace Stewart dreams of a career as an investigative journalist, but her last job ended in disaster when her compassion cost her employer a juicy headline. A part-time gig at a Nashville newspaper might be her big break.

A second job at Steeple Side Christian Resources could help pay the bills, but Steeple Side only hires committed Christians. Maizy is sure she can fake it with her Five-Step Program to Authentic Christian Faith–a plan of action that includes changing her first name to Grace, buying Jesus-themed accessories, and learning “Christian Speak.” If only Jack Prentiss, Steeple Side’s managing editor and two-day-stubbled, blue-jean-wearing British hottie wasn’t determined to prove her a fraud.

When Maizy’s boss at the newspaper decides that she should investigate–and expose–any skeletons in Steeple Side’s closet, she must decide whether to deliver the dirt and secure her career or lean on her newfound faith, change the direction of her life, and pray that her Steeple Side colleagues–and Jack–will show her grace.

Author Bio:Tamara Leigh is the best-selling author of eleven novels, including Perfecting Kate, Splitting Harriet, and Stealing Adda. She began writing romance novels to “get the stories out her head.” Over the course of one providential year, she gave birth to her first child, committed her life to Christ, gave up a career in speech pathology, and released her first novel. Tamara and her husband, David, live with their two sons in Tennessee.

My Thoughts: I have never read anything by Tamara Leigh before but I defiantly will again. I loved that her characters are real they have flaws and we love them for it. Tamara writes with a funny and witty style that is a joy to read!

I loved how Tamara writes in a way that shows how non-Christians ‘think’ Christians act as well as in a way that makes Christians question if they are just ‘faking it’? And she does it all while getting us to laugh and enjoy the story. You learn right along with Maizy as to what being a Christian really is even if she was just faking it and you are at the edge of your seat waiting to see what will happen when the truth comes out. If your looking for a light story you cant go wrong with Faking Grace. I loved it and cant wait to pick up another book by Tamara Leigh.
A copy of this book was given to me by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The House that Love Built

The House that Love Built

By Beth Wiseman

Book Description: Brooke has only loved one man, her late husband. Owen’s rebuilding after a painful divorce. Can a mysterious house bring them together for a second chance at love?

In the charming town of Smithville, Texas, Brooke Holloway is raising two young children on her own, supporting them by running the family hardware store. The last thing on her mind is falling in love. But she’s intrigued when a stranger moves to town and buys the old Hadley mansion. She’s always heard that house holds a secret—maybe even a treasure—and she can’t wait to see inside. When she meets the new owner and they spend time together, she can’t deny the attraction. Could God be giving her another chance at happiness? Or is she betraying her late husband’s memory by even thinking that way?
Owen Saunders bought the Hadley place to spite his cheating ex-wife. She’d always wanted to restore an old house in Smithville. Now he’s going to do it without her. But if anything needs restoration, it is Owen’s heart. Then he meets Brooke and her kids and finds himself tempted by love. Can he bring himself to trust a woman again?
Throw an eccentric uncle into the mix, along with the town’s teenage troublemaker, and even a finicky cat—and one thing becomes clear: God is bringing them all together for a reason.
My Thoughts: Beth Wiseman is such a great romance writer. I've read almost all of Beth Wiseman's Amish novels, and I have loved each one. The House That Love Built is the first of her contemporary novels that I've read and I was not disappointed. I love this new book and wasn’t at all disappointed by the fact that it steers away from her previous books. As always Beth draws you in and makes you feel like you are part of the story. She makes you feel as if your walking right along side the characters as you follow their journey.
I love that this story isn't just about the main characters, Brooke and Owen, but about everyone who comes to the old house.It seems it is not only the house that needs fixed up, but also every character needs some hope, healing or forgiveness. Although some other reviewers find that it takes away from the story some and makes the book to muddled but I found it to be refreshing and loved getting to know other other characters.
I truly enjoyed this story and cant wait to see what Beth writes next.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: The Winnowing Season (Book 2 of the Amish Vines and Orchards series)

 

THE WINNOWING SEASON by Cindy Woodsmall

Book Description: The tornado that devastated Kings’ Orchard pushed Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob to make a new start in Maine. Are they strong enough to withstand the challenges of establishing an Amish community—and brave enough to face the secrets that move with them?

On the eve of their departure to begin a new Old Order Amish community outside of Unity, Maine, Rhoda Byler is shocked to discover that choices made by her business partner and friend, Samuel King, have placed her and her unusual gifts directly into the path of her district’s bishop and preachers. She is furious with Samuel and is fearful that the Kings will be influenced by the way her leaders see her, and not what they know to be true—that Rhoda’s intuition is a gift from God.

Jacob King won’t be swayed by community speculation. He loves Rhoda, believes in her, and wants to build a future with her in Maine. But when the ghosts of his past come calling and require him to fulfill a great debt, can he shake their hold before it destroys what he has with Rhoda? Samuel has a secret of his own—one he’ll go to great lengths to keep hidden, even if it means alienating those closest to him. Throwing himself into rehabilitating the once-abandoned orchard, Samuel turns to a surprising new ally.

Book 2 of the Amish Vines and Orchards series asks: can the three faithfully follow God’s leading and build a new home and orchard in Maine? Or will this new beginning lead to more ruin and heartbreak?

My Thoughts: I love anything By Cindy Woodsmall so I’m a bit biased, but how can I not love her writing! She draws you in and has you hooked from page one! I really enjoyed book one of this series and anxiously awaited book two and it didn't disappoint me. It was great to read more about Jacob’s past and how it affects his relationship with Rhoda, as well as his family. I felt the confusion and heartbreak of the main characters as they dealt with the obstacles God placed in their way. I cant wait for book 3! What is in store for the King’s and Rhonda? What will Leah eventually chose? I want to know more.

Below are a few things that might interest you about the book above, the Amish Vines and Orchards series, as well as the Author herself -



Read an excerpt: http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/books/amish-vines-and-orchards-series/the-winnowing-season/excerpt/

What you missed in book one, A Season for Tending:

In a community where conformity flourishes, seeds of Rhoda’s odd behavior were planted long ago. Can she cultivate her relationships with the same care and tenderness that she gives her beloved garden? 

Old Order Amish Rhoda Byler’s unusual gift and her remarkable abilities to grow herbs and berries have caused many to think her odd. As rumors mount that Rhoda’s “gift” is a detriment to the community, she chooses isolation, spending her time in her fruit garden and on her thriving canning business. 

Miles away in Harvest Mills, Samuel King struggles to keep his family’s apple orchard profitable. As the eldest son, Samuel farms with his brothers, the irrepressible Jacob and brash Eli, while his longtime girlfriend Catherine remains hopeful that Samuel will marry her when he feels financially stable, 

Meanwhile, Samuel’s younger sister Leah is testing all the boundaries during her rumschpringe, and finds herself far from home in Rhoda’s garden after a night of partying gone badly. But Leah’s poor choices serve as a bridge between Rhoda and the King family when a tragic mistake in the orchard leaves Samuel searching for solutions. 

Rhoda’s expertise in canning could be the answer, but she struggles with guilt over the tragic death of her sister and doesn’t trust herself outside her garden walls. As the lines between business, love, and family begin to blur, can Rhoda finally open up to a new life? And what effect will this odd, amazing woman have on the entire King family?

My Review of book one: http://kryssiruss.blogspot.com/2012/09/book-review-season-for-tending.html

Book three, For Every Season Releasing September 17, 2013.
Find Cindy Woodsmall:

• on Facebook: Cindy Woodsmall
• Website: http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/

Disclosure: "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Book Review: The Captain's Bride (Northern Lights)

The Captain's Bride (Northern Lights), By Lisa T. Bergren

Book Description: Elsa Anders's dream of marrying Peder Ramstad is about to come true. But as this independent, strong-willed woman discovers her own creative gifts—a love for travel, painting, and the sea—can she find happiness with a captain who insists upon leaving her safely on shore?
Leaving their home in Norway behind, Elsa and Peder embark on a new life in  with their closest friends, including: Kaatje Jansen, a woman seeking a new beginning for the sake of her marriage and for the child growing within her; Elsa's sister Tora, a sly young vixen who knows exactly what she wants—and exactly how to get it; and Karl Martensen, a man torn between his friendship for Peder and a forbidden, secret love for Elsa, a man tormented by emotions that threaten to ruin them all.
From the gentle hills of Bergen, Norway, to the rocky coast of Camden, Maine, and across the crashing, danger-filled waves of the open sea—experience an epic saga of perseverance and passion, faith and fidelity, in the Northern Lights series: the new historical series by Lisa Tawn Bergren.
My Thoughts: This is a really well-written romance novel. Lisa Bergren has really mastered the craft of writing historical romance with just the right touch of Christian undertone. The story draws you into the lives of each character and makes you want for more! Do yourself a favor and read all three books in the series you wont regret it - The Captain's Bride, Deep Harbor, and Midnight Sun!
“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

Book Review: A Marriage of the Heart

A Marriage of the Heart, By Kelly Long

Book Description: Three Stories That Share the Adventures of First Love and Second Chances.

A Perfect Secret—Rose Bender’s betrothed, Luke Lantz, is safe and dependable, maybe a little too much so. Or so she thinks until she sees him in the woods one night and discovers a secret he’s been keeping. Now his secret haunts her. She wasn’t sure about marrying a man she knew too well. But should she marry a man she doesn’t understand at all?
Christmas Cradles—When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local midwife, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers’ quilts, and unexpected help from the handsome and brooding Asa Lapp.
A Marriage of the Heart—Since her mother’s death, Abigail Kauffman has lived alone with her father. She longs to escape the emptiness of the farmhouse that has never felt like home. Joseph Lambert is a newcomer in their close-knit community. Only after suddenly marrying do they begin to understand the tender truths of life-long love.
My Thoughts: This was a great book for someone who loves Amish romance but doesn’t have a lot of time to read. With three short novellas you get to enjoy a good story that fits in your busy schedule. I personally love a good long book with a well developed plot and characters. I’m not saying this book doesn’t have that I just hate the rushed feeling all novellas have. Overall I give all three stories a thumbs up! One thing I enjoyed was that each story was unique and engaging it wasn’t just the same cookie cutter romance novel written three times with different names. I cant wait to read more books by Kelly Long. Hopefully a full length novel next time.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: His Love Endures Forever

His Love Endures Forever; By Beth Wiseman
Book Description: An unplanned pregnancy. An absent father. Can love really endure all things?
Danielle Kent is anything but Amish. But as destiny would have it, she has fallen in love with an Amish man.
Now she’s 18, pregnant, and hopeful that the child’s Amish father—Matthew Lapp—will do the right thing and marry her. She knows Matthew plans to leave his Colorado settlement for a life in the English world. But that plan never included a baby.
When Matthew walks away from her and their unborn child, she has nowhere to turn. Her unlikely friendship with Levi offers some comfort—yet they have so little in common. This wasn’t the plan she had for her life, and she has never felt so alone. She doesn’t want to be pregnant. Doesn’t want to be Amish. Doesn’t want to trust God.
And yet.
God has plans beyond what her mind can imagine . . . loving plans to show a lost young woman that His love never fails but endures forever.
About the Author: Beth Wiseman's previous releases have held spots on the CBA and the ECPA bestseller lists. In 2010, she received the INSPY Award for Amish Fiction. In 2011, she received the American Christian Fiction Writer's Carol Award and was the Inspirational Readers Choice winner for her book Plain Paradise. Her novel Seek Me with All Your Heart was the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. In addition, Wiseman has been a Retailers Choice Finalist, a Booksellers Best Finalist and a National Readers Choice Finalist. Today, she and her husband are empty nest parents of two grown sons, enjoying the country lifestyle and living happily with and assorted menagerie of domestic and farm animals including dogs, cats, pot-bellied pigs, chickens, goats, and a miniature donkey in a small community in South Central Texas. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.
My Thoughts: I’m a sucker for Amish Fiction (as you can tell from my other reviews), but this is far from your normal Amish love story.  Beth Wiseman gives us a glimpse in to how the Amish and English worlds interact with each other and what can happen when the two intertwine. I found this book to be a  wonderful love story with a powerful message. Sometimes one has to make huge sacrifices for those they love. I cant wait for the next installment in this series and I hope to read more of Beth’s books in the future!
Disclosure: I was provided with a review sample/copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation.

Book Review: Christmas at Apple Ridge

Christmas in Apple Ridge: Three-in-One Collection: The Sound of Sleigh Bells, The Christmas Singing, and The Dawn of Christmas

By Cindy Woodsmall

Book Description: Experience the holidays with the Plain folk of Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania, in these touching novellas centered around love, romance, heartache, and restoration from best-selling author Cindy Woodsmall. Christmas in Apple Ridge is a three-in-one collection that includes The Sound of Sleigh Bells, The Christmas Singing, and an all-new story, The Dawn of Christmas.

The Sound of Sleigh Bells: Beth Hertzler is unable to let go of a past tragedy, but when she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds. Determined that her niece meet the gifted artist, her aunt tracks him down, but it’s not that simple – will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love?

The Christmas Singing: Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve. Brokenhearted, Mattie moves away and pursues her longtime dream of becoming a cake decorator, and even finds a new beau. But when Mattie is forced to return home three years later, will learning the truth behind Gideon’s rejection restore her Christmas joy – or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?

The Dawn of Christmas: Sadie enjoys her freedom away from home and her mission trips to Peru, but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it’s time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan—but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together?

My Thoughts: Again I have nothing but praise for Cindy Woodsmall. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors and I anxiously await her new releases. I read the first two individually when they first came out and fell in love with both stories. As always Cindy delivers heartwarming stories and this book has not one but three novella’s to curl up with and enjoy this holiday season! Even if you have read the first two stories the third one is worth picking this book up for! So sit back and explore an Amish Christmas with Beth, Mattie and Sadie!

Disclosure: I was provided with a review sample/copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation.

Book Review: Be Still My Heart

by, Joanne Bischof
Description: Night’s chill tickled her skin. Lonnie pressed her hands together and glanced up. He was even more handsome up close. Having grown up the shy, awkward daughter of Joel Sawyer, she’d hardly spoken to any boy, let alone the one who had mothers whispering warnings in their daughter’s ears and fathers loading shotguns.Pretty Lonnie Sawyer is shy and innocent, used to fading into the background within her family, and among the creeks and hollows of the Appalachian hills. Though her family is poor and her father abusive, she clings to a quiet faith. But when handsome ladies’ man and bluegrass musician Gideon O’Riley steals a kiss, that one action seals her fate.
Her father forces her into a hasty marriage with Gideon—a man she barely knows and does not love. Equally frustrated and confused by his new responsibilities, Gideon yearns for a fresh start, forcing Lonnie on an arduous journey away from her home in Rocky Knob.
Her distant groom can’t seem to surrender his rage at the injustice of the forced matrimony or give Lonnie any claim in his life. What will it take for Gideon to give up his past, embrace Lonnie’s God, and discover a hope that can heal their two fractured hearts?
Gideon only ever cared about himself. Now that Lonnie is his wife, will he ever be worthy of her heart?

My Thoughts: I read a lot romance, most of them being Christian or Amish fiction, but this book was definitely different, In a good way! I really enjoyed reading a different kind of Christian historical novel, because it wasn't as predictable as some of the others I've read. Be Still My Soul is truly a story of forgiveness and redemption. I was impressed at how well this book was written, as well as how well the author captures and hold the readers attention. By far my favorite thing about this book and author is how she develops all her characters not just Lonnie and Gideon, but you come to love Elsie and Jebediah, and may of the other character in the book.
Be Still My Soul is the first book in Bischof's The Cadence of Grace Series. I for one can not wait for the second installment coming this spring.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: Bible Stories for Preschoolers

 

Book Description: Bible Stories for Preschoolers, written by a team of preschool church education experts, makes the Bible come alive for young children. The dynamic, high-energy, vibrant illustrations featured on every spread will capture children’s imaginations while giving them a lifelong love for God’s Word. In addition to the retellings, each story includes fun, easy activities that parents and kids can do together. The activities help kids remember and relate to the stories!

My Thoughts:  I love that it was written in a way that engages kids. In every story it has an element that asks the children questions within the story or to interact with the pages (like point to the star, or donkey). I also enjoyed the fact that at the end of every story there are a few questions that you can ask your child in order to help them understand the scripture better. The Best part - The Bible memorization verse uses language that children understand. That’s a big one for us!! (even though we don’t use this bible anymore, I still use these verses with my children!)
Things I didn’t like, the craft element at the end of each story, its good for some but we do our bible reading at night before bed. So the crafts were not so important, also I personally think that some children would focus more on the craft and not so much the learning of scripture. My biggest issues with the bible is that some of the stories have details that are not accurate with Scripture details. I’d rather have my children learn the scriptures right the first time than have to relearn it later. My kids could give or take this bible and we have reverted back to our favorite bible for bed time stories/scriptures.

Disclosure: I was provided with a review sample/copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation.

Book Review: A Season for Tending (Book 1 of the Amish Vines and Orchards series)

By, Cindy Woodsmall
Book description: In a community where conformity flourishes, seeds of Rhoda’s odd behavior were planted long ago. Can she cultivate her relationships with the same care and tenderness that she gives her beloved garden?

Old Order Amish Rhoda Byler’s unusual gift and her remarkable abilities to grow herbs and berries have caused many to think her odd. As rumors mount that Rhoda’s “gift” is a detriment to the community, she chooses isolation, spending her time in her fruit garden and on her thriving canning business. 
Miles away in Harvest Mills, Samuel King struggles to keep his family’s apple orchard profitable. As the eldest son, Samuel farms with his brothers, the irrepressible Jacob and brash Eli, while his longtime girlfriend Catherine remains hopeful that Samuel will marry her when he feels financially stable. 
Meanwhile, Samuel’s younger sister Leah is testing all the boundaries during her rumschpringe, and finds herself far from home in Rhoda’s garden after a night of partying gone badly. But Leah’s poor choices serve as a bridge between Rhoda and the King family when a tragic mistake in the orchard leaves Samuel searching for solutions.
Rhoda’s expertise in canning could be the answer, but she struggles with guilt over the tragic death of her sister and doesn’t trust herself outside her garden walls. As the lines between business, love, and family begin to blur, can Rhoda finally open up to a new life? And what effect will this odd, amazing woman have on the entire King family?
My Thoughts: I am a huge fan of Cindy Woodsmall’s books. I’ve had the pleasure of reading them all. I anxiously awaited the release of this book, and I wasn’t disappointed! Now this book had a different feel to it than the authors other series but I liked it. I think this book showed that no follower of Christ is perfect no matter which path towards grace you walk. I loved the banter between Jacob and Rhoda, as well as the struggles they each had to overcome to find the path God wants them to follow.
I don’t know if its just me but I sometimes seem to gravitate towards a secondary character in books or movies. Don’t get me wrong I love the main characters but something just drew me to the struggle Catherine goes through purely by her own actions. I loved that Cindy Woodsmall doesn’t gloss over Catherine’s flaws and sins. We all sin and I feel like Catherine’s troubles are something that many of us can relate to. All in all I loved the book and cant wait to read what’s in store for us in book two. So many characters stories are left unfinished and Cindy leaves us wanting more.
Disclosure: "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Unstoppable–an inspiring story.

 

In two short weeks WaterBrook Multnomah books will be  releasing a brand new book by Nick Vujicic called Unstoppable. It’s an incredibly powerful and inspiring message and we don’t want you to miss it!

Want to learn more about nick and Unstoppable check out this video

and read first chapter

Unstoppable by Nick Vujicic (Chapter 1 Excerpt)

I for one cant wait to read this inspiring story. What do you think about it?

Has nick inspired you? follow him on Facebook and Twitter -

@NickVujicic

Nick on Facebook

Book Review: A Path Toward Love

 

By Cara James

Book Description: Katherine came home to forget her past.

The last thing she expected is a hopeful future.

Young widow Katherine Osborne returns to her family’s rustic camp on Raquette Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. She’s determined to live a quiet life, but her socialite mother is equally determined to push her into a new marriage while she’s still young.

Andrew Townsend has known Katherine since they were children. An attorney who is successful, but not wealthy, he knows she is socially out of his reach. But he’s curious what changed the free-spirited girl he once knew into this private, somber young woman.

Katherine has kept hidden the details of her unsuccessful marriage. When past sins come to light, she must turn to God for the courage to be honest. But how can she trust the God she feels has let her down? When she confides in Andrew, their relationship takes a dramatic turn into uncharted territory.

Amid impossible obstacles, two young people must learn to trust enough to walk the path that God has cleared for them. A path that leads to healing and restoration. A path toward love.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed reading about Katherine’s struggle to go beyond what her parents want for her and towards what god wants for her. In this story we find a young woman who made a mistake in marring someone her parents didn’t approve of and living with her mistake despite it. Years after she leaves home to follow her husband to Florida we find she hasn’t had the happily every after she thought she would have. He father and long time friend, Andrew visit her and find her struggling to keep her orchard afloat. In return for a loan her agrees to return to her home town and follow her mothers lead in what society wants from a young woman. But is that what God wants for her? Her mother believes she needs a rich husband and at any cost, even her own happiness. Enter Randy the young cad who her mother has wanted Katherine to wed since childhood. He is everything her mother wants, but we discover that all along Katherine's heart has belonged to Andrew - Randy's cousin but in a society where status is everything. Will Katherine go along with her mother and marry Randy or will she discover that with God on her side, status isn't everything and that a marriage filled with love is more joyful and happier than a marriage filled with plain riches. Not a huge fan of historical stories, I have to say I really loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who likes lite romances and Christian fiction.

 

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Angel Eyes

 

By Shannon Dittemore

Description: Once you’ve seen, you can’t unsee.

Brielle went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy instead. She’s come home to shabby little Stratus, Oregon, to live with her grief and her guilt . . . and an incredible, numbing cold she can’t seem to shake.

Jake’s the new guy at school. The boy next door with burning hands and an unbelievable gift that targets him for corruption.

Something more than fate has brought them together. An evil bigger than both of them lurks in the shadows nearby, hiding in plain sight. Two angels stand guard, unsure what’s going to happen. And a beauty brighter than either Brielle or Jake has ever seen is calling them to join the battle in a realm where all human choices begin.

A realm that only angels and demons—and Brielle—can perceive.

My Thoughts: “Angel Eyes” is the first novel in a new series Shannon Dittermore and I can already tell you I will to read the next installment.This book balances both romance and the battle of good verse evil. I personally enjoyed how the author took the fight between angels and demons to the human level, however the Christian themes may have gone a bit overboard. There's a lot of talk about fate and predetermined choices and non-believers. (think 5 pages of being preached at)  I don't mind it in a story, I read tons of Christian fiction,  but I wish the author took the time to weave it into the story more seamlessly. I'd rather be entertained than preached at.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: The Widow of Saunders Creek

 

by Tracey Bateman

Description:

A grief that knows no boundary.
A love without any limit.
A need that doesn’t end at death.

Corrie Saunders grew up in a life of privilege. But she gave it all up for Jarrod, her Army husband, a man she knew was a hero when she vowed to spend her life with him. She just didn’t expect her hero to sacrifice his life taking on an Iraqi suicide bomber. 
Six months after Jarrod’s death, Corrie retreats to the family home her husband inherited deep in the Missouri Ozarks. She doesn’t know how to live without Jarrod—she doesn’t want to. By moving to Saunders Creek and living in a house beloved by him, she hopes that somehow her Jarrod will come back to her.
Something about the house suggests maybe he has. Corrie begins to wonder if she can feel Jarrod’s presence.
Jarrod’s cousin Eli is helping Corrie with the house’s restoration and he knows that his dead cousin is not what Corrie senses. Eli, as a believing man and at odds with his mystically-oriented family members, thinks friendly visits from beyond are hogwash.  But he takes spirits with dark intentions seriously. Can he convince Corrie that letting go of Jarrod will lead to finding her footing again— and to the One she can truly put her faith into?

My Thoughts:  Tracey Bateman is a new author to me, so I was both hesitant and egger to read her book. I have to say that this book is unlike any other Christian fiction book that you will read.This book explores every aspect of human emotion love, forgiveness, grief, fear, and finally healing all rolled in to one very good story. If you read other reviews about this book you will find that many Christian's hate the book based on the “witchcraft” aspects of it (ghosts, séances, etc.) , but honestly I went into the book not looking for a conformation of faith but looking for a good book to read and I found the book as a whole a fantastic read.

Disclosure: "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."