HOPEFUL: Return to Sugarcreek By Shelley Shepard Gray | Win a copy!

 I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description: 

 

In the Amish town of Sugarcreek, love comes in many forms. But will it come at all for Miriam?
Miriam Zehr has worked at the Sugarcreek Inn longer than she cares to admit. The restaurant is a favorite of town residents as well as the many tourists who come to taste the famous Amish fare. Though she always tries to have a smile for every customer, deep down Miriam knows something's missing: a family of her own.
Miriam has never felt particularly beautiful, especially because she's always been a bit heavier than other girls her age. When Junior, the man she's pined for all her life, suddenly seeks her out, she's thrilled to be noticed . . . until she realizes he's only asking her to help get the attention of Mary Kathryn Hershberger, her pretty friend.
If Miriam helps Junior court Mary Kathryn, she'll get to spend a lot of time with him, but she might lose him in the process. Are these few stolen moments worth a lifetime of sacrifice? Is Miriam right to even hope for the life she dreams of?


My Thoughts: 

Hopeful is the first book in Shelley Shepard Gray's newest series Return to Sugarcreek. This is the first book by Shelley Shepard Gray I have had the joy of reading.  Miriam is always running late, everyone knows it. She works at Sugarcreek Inn and has for quite a while. She knows she wants more out of life than her job but just hasn't found it. Miriam has always felt less than the other girls in her district. Her family pushes her to find a man and get married. Miriam has really only had feelings for one man, Junior. They have known each other for many years but Junior and Miriam have never really spoken.  When Junior approaches Miriam to talk to her she thinks he has finally decided she is the one but finds out he is interested in her friend, Mary Kate. Miriam agrees to try to help Junior court her but Mary Kate wants nothing to do with him. Mary Kate recently moved to Sugarcreek and it looking to leave at the end of the school year. She moved to get away from a possessive boyfriend.  As Miriam hopes Junior will notice her, Mary Kate wishes he wouldn't notice her.

As my readers know, Amish Fiction is one of my favorite genres and thankfully I have had a few to read lately. Hopeful is the first book by Shelley Shepard Gray I have had read and I really enjoyed it. I haven't read any of the other novels based in Sugarcreek but I didn't feel like I was missing anything picking up this book.  Shelley Shepard Gray writes with authority on the Amish, Sugarcreek Ohio, other Amish cities, and teaching.  I really enjoyed all the characters but Miriam was my favorite. I could relate to her in many ways especially her feelings of inadequacy and her willingness to help anyone who needed her. She has a big heart and really put her heart and soul into everything she did. I found myself taken in with this book from the start and could not put it down.  I cannot wait to read the other books in this series! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction, you will not be disappointed.  I give this book 4.5 STARS.

Welcome to the blog tour for Hopeful, the first book in Shelley Shepard Gray's new series, Return to Sugarcreek. Critics have already given their thumbs up for Hopeful: “Lovable characters and a good story, full of romance and suspense . . . a must read." (Library Journal)

Enter to win one of FIVE copies of the book. 

Five winners will receive:

• Hopeful by Shelley Shepard Gray

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 23rd. All winners will be announced February 24th at Shelley's blog.

Enter today and be sure to visit Shelley's blog on the 24th to see if YOU won one of the books!

The Last Secret of Fatima: The Revelation of One of the Most Controversial Events in Catholic History By Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone

I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.



Book Description: 

With an introduction by Pope Benedict XVI and including information previously suppressed, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Bertone, definitively reveals and explains one of the most controversial events in twentieth-century Catholicism—the 1917 apparition of the Virgin Mary at Fatima.

During World War I, three Portuguese children received a vision in which Mary, the Mother of Jesus, foretold great global turmoil. The first part of their vision—warnings about World War II, communism, and the spread of atheism—were widely publicized, but Vatican officials were hesitant to reveal the vision’s concluding images, thus creating the "secret" of Fatima. Speculation about this secret gripped many Catholics, and the aura of intrigue surrounding Fatima grew when the Church hierarchy barred the last surviving visionary from speaking publicly.

In THE LAST SECRET OF FATIMA, Cardinal Bertone, the Vatican equivalent of prime minister and a top advisor to Pope Benedict, breaks the Vatican’s official silence on the last secret. Rather than Armageddon, he claims, the final prophecy envisaged the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II. Bertone argues the apparition at Fatima was a call to renewal for the Church, and he was assigned the task of promulgating this message by the Pope.



My Thoughts: 

The Last Secret of Fatima By Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone reveals and explains the apparition of the Virgin Mary at Fatima.  Three Portuguese children see the Virgin Mary and told of great global turmoil to come to our world.  They received predicitons of WW II, communism, and the growth of atheism which was made pubic at the time but officials of the Vatican were hesitant to reveal the last images of the predictions.  The Church eventually banned the last surviving visionary to speak of the experience publicly.  Cardinal Bertone breaks the silence of the last scene, which was highly speculated to be Armageddon but instead it the final prophecy was the 1981 assassination attempt of Pope John Paul II. 

I was raised Catholic and the story of Fatima was one that fascinated me from the start. The first time I heard it was in second grade and the story just stuck with me. When I saw that this book was available I HAD to read it.  Cardinal Bertone answers candidly and honestly the questions that have been posed for many, many years.  He talks about the three children of Fatima and their lives after they received these visions. Written in Question/Answer form, the book’s content comes from a series of interviews that  Giuseppe DeCarli conducted with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. Each of the three messages that  Mary entrusted  to Lucia to hold for the Pope are revealed in their entirety. Along with them, it gives insights into the apparitions themselves when Cardinal Bertone details his meetings with Sister Lucia. The book also discusses the way in which Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger — later Pope Benedict XVI — felt about these messages. The parts I found most interesting were the details surrounding the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II’s life and his subsequent Entrustment of Russia and the World to Mary’s protection.  Pope John Paul  II became known as “The Fatima Pope.” I really feel like I learned so much more about Fatima than I ever knew. This book is fantastic and I highly recommend this book to anyone who "knows" the story of Fatima, you will be amazed at the things you didn't know. I give this book 5 STARS.

Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales By Randy Singer

I received this book from Tyndale Blog Program for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:  

Landon Reed is an ex-quarterback convicted of organizing a points-shaving scheme. During his time in prison, he found forgiveness and faith and earned his law degree. Now he longs for an opportunity to prove his loyalty and worth. Be careful what you ask for.

Harry McNaughton is one of the founding partners of McNaughton & Clay—and the only lawyer willing to take a chance employing an ex-con-turned-lawyer. Though Landon initially questions Harry’s ethics and methods, it’s clear the crusty old lawyer has one of the most brilliant legal minds Landon has ever encountered. The two dive into preparing a defense for one of the highest-profile murder trials Virginia Beach has seen in decades when Harry is gunned down in what appears to be a random mugging. Then two more lawyers are killed when the firm’s private jet crashes. Authorities suspect someone has a vendetta against McNaughton & Clay, leaving Landon and the remaining partner as the final targets.

As Landon struggles to keep the firm together, he can’t help but wonder, is the plot related to a shady case from McNaughton & Clay’s past, or to the murder trial he’s neck-deep in now? And will he survive long enough to find out?


My Thoughts: 

Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales By Randy Singer is one of my top 10 favorites. Randy Singer writes Christian Legal Thrillers that are fantastic.  Landon Reed went to prison for points shaving as a quarterback. While in prison Landon learns forgiveness and faith. He also studies the law and continues once he gets out. Landon, with the support of his wife and daughter, find employment with McNaughton and Clay, the only place willing to hire him.  Harry and Landon take on a high profile murder case and Harry is murdered in what looks like a random mugging. The firms plane crashes, killing two more lawyers from the firm. The police believe someone is gunning for McNaughton and Clay.  Landon and the one remaining partner are believed to be the next targets.  Landon now has to work to keep the firm going while trying to keep himself and his family safe.

Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales is one of Randy Singer's best novels to date. I have read quite a few of them and loved each one. Each one more than the last. As a huge fan of John Grisham's books, Randy Singer's are definitely similar but with a message of faith.  Randy Singer writes with authority about all things legal and both sides of the law.  I could not put this book down from the start, the action started right away,kept going until the end and really ended with some great surprises.  I enjoyed Landon's story of finding forgiveness for his sins and working to make up for what he had done. Randy Singer is often compared to John Grisham, and his style is certainly similar. But Singer has a voice of his own, including a subtle faith message and cutting edge plots that do not suffer from obscenity or graphic adult scenes. Singer writes a  suspense filled novel that focuses on the ins and outs of the legal system, portrays characters realistically, and has many many twists and turns fans on their toes.  I truly enjoyed this book from start to finish and HIGHLY recommend this book anyone who enjoys Christian Legal Thrillers, or just Legal Thrillers, you will not be disappointed. I anxiously wait for Randy Singer's next book! I give this book 5 STARS. 

The Vicar's Wife By Katharine Swartz

I received this book from Kregel Publications for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description:

A powerful drama of domestic life following two memorable women who shared a house eighty years apart

A New Yorker all her life, Jane Hatton loved her job as the head of a charity championing women’s rights, but her fourteen year- old daughter, Natalie, had fallen in with the wrong crowd at her Manhattan school. So Jane and her British husband, Andrew, have decided to move their family to the English countryside.
The Hattons have bought the large old vicarage in a small village on the Cumbrian coast, near Andrew’s new job. The silence and solitude of a remote village is quite a change. Natalie hates her new school, and eleven-year-old Ben struggles academically. Only seven-year-old Merrie enjoys country life. Has Jane made a horrible mistake? What of her career? Her own identity?
Putting on a brave face for the family, Jane tackles renovating the rambling, drafty old house. When she finds a scrap of a very old shopping list, she grows curious about Alice, the vicar’s wife who lived there years before.
As the twin narratives unfold—of Jane in the present and Alice in the 1930s—we discover that both are on a journey to discover their true selves, and to address their deepest fears.



My Thoughts:

The Vicar's Wife is the first book by Katharine Swartz I have had the pleasure of reading. This book takes place in two different times, the present and the past.  Jane Hatton lives in the present, moved from New York to The Cumbrian coast into an old vicarage. As Jane cleans out her home she finds a scrap of paper with a grocery list on it from the past. She investigates and finds out it was written by Alice James, a Vicar's wife from the 1930's.  As Jane investigates even further by talking with some that knew Alice, Jane finds out they were not too different and are experienced so much of the same feelings and troubles. 

As I stated, this is the first book by Katharine Swartz that I have had the pleasure of reading. I love finding new to me authors, especially ones that I want to read more from.  The Vicar's Wife is told from both Jane and Alice's perspectives which I loved. It truly was like two book in one. Katharine Swartz writes with authority about England, New York, vicars,their lives,their studies, and the 1930's.  I could not put this book down once I started it. As I read, I felt like I was there watching the events from both time frames unfold. I loved all the characters especially the main characters, Jane and Alice. Both of these women lived real lives with real struggles and tried to do what they could for their husbands. This story shows these  two women coming to recognize who they are, how to adapt to difficulty and change, and what is important in their lives. I really enjoyed the style of Katharine Swartz's writing and how she put this story together. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction with an English setting. You will not be disappointed. I look forward to reading more books by Katharine Swartz. I give this book 4 STARS.

Seams Unlikely: The Inspiring True Life Story of Nancy Zieman By Nancy Zieman and Marjorie L. Russell

I received this book from Glass Road Media and Management for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book.  The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:

In an age when hard-working women don't know if we should lean in, lean out, or lean on someone, Nancy Zieman's voice of calm, experienced authority is welcome. The lessons she shares are ones every businesswoman should take to heart.

In Seams Unlikely, Nancy:

• Shares her life story for the first time
• Gives details of the onset of Bell's Palsy and how it played a part during school
• Reveals the intricate involvement of 4-H in her development
• Tells, step-by-step, how she grew Nancy's Notions from a basement in her home into a multi-million dollar business
• Includes behind-the-scenes information on the growth of Sewing with Nancy from filming in her living room to a long-term partnership with Wisconsin Public Television
• Shows pictures of the people, buildings, and places that played key roles along the path of her life 

Reading of the growth of Nancy's family (she is a married
mother of two, one son by birth, one by adoption) alongside the growth of her show and business is both familiar and instructive to working moms. Nancy created solutions in both the workplace and at home, to carve a niche uniquely suited to her situation and talents. It's a goal to which many of us aspire. And Nancy Zieman's story gives us key insight. 

My Thoughts: 

 Seams Unlikely is the story of Nancy Zieman's personal and professional life. Sewing With Nancy has been on since September 1982.  This book gives a very candid look into Nancy's life including her Bell's Palsy diagnosis, starting and growing her business Nancy's Notions, and how her show started in her living room to grow to what it has become. This book shows the ups and downs that Nancy went through to get her where she is. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Nancy Zieman's book, Seams Unlikely.  As a lifelong resident of Wisconsin, I have run into Nancy's show quite a few times over the years on public television and knew I needed to read it.  Nancy Zieman gives readers a very candid look at her life and how she got to where she is.  No part of her life was left out.  I enjoyed her matter of fact writing style and her willingness to be so open about how she got her business started and continued success of it.  Nancy has also written many,many books on sewing and quilting. Nancy Zieman is an inspiration to all women.  I found a connection because of my own disability and inability to "work" outside of my home.  Seeing what Nancy, with her family alongside of her, built really makes it seem possible.  I could not put this book down once I started reading it! I found myself laughing out loud in places, and crying in others.  This is truly a beautiful story.  I highly recommend this book to anyone woman, this book is for you!  I am so thankful for the opportunity to read this book.  I give this book 5 STARS.

THE CALLING | Six Chances to win an iPad, Kindle, or Nook from Suzanne Woods Fisher!

 I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:

Twenty-year-old Bethany Schrock is restless. Her love life has derailed, her faith hangs by a thread, and she is spending the incredibly hot summer days wading through a lifetime's accumulation of junk at the home of five ancient Amish sisters. About the only thing that holds her interest is the spirited and dangerously handsome Jimmy Fisher--and he seems bent on irritating her to no end.

When the sly old sisters and a guest at the Inn get Bethany involved in running the local soup kitchen and starting a community garden, she suddenly finds herself wondering, Shootfire! How did that happen? Despite her newfound purposefulness, a gnawing emptiness about a childhood mystery continues to plague her. Encouraged by Jimmy Fisher, she will seek out the answers she craves--and uncover a shocking secret that will break her heart, heal it, and point her to love.

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher delivers her trademark twists, turns, and tender romance in this delightful and exciting visit to the deceptively quiet community of Stoney Ridge.



My Thoughts:

 The Calling is the second book in Suzanne Woods Fisher's series, The Inn at Eagle Hill.  This books takes place in Stoney Ridge at The Inn at Eagle Hill, this time focusing on Bethany Shrock. Bethany Schrock isn't sure where life is taking her. She got her heart broken by Jake Hertzler, she is spending her days at The Sister's House going through their years of clutter, and helping her stepmother run The Inn at Eagle Hill. Bethany finds herself helping the Sister's at a local soup kitchen they started and being introduced to the other side of Stoney Ridge, the poor and downtrodden. She also finds herself face to face with the teenage girls that live in the group home next to soup kitchen.  As Bethany sees life through someone elses eyes she gets the idea to start a community garden with the help of their current guest at the inn and the rest of the community.  Bethany's brother, Tobe, comes home, he is being investigated by the SEC for Shrock Investments, a family business that fell apart due to Jake Hertzler's dishonesty. Tobe, Rose, and Mammi Vera travel to the city to try to clear up the investigation and clear Tobe's name.  Bethany finds herself subject of vandalism and other types of violence. 

As my readers now, my favorite genre is Amish Fiction, and Suzanne Woods Fisher is another of my favorite authors. I had the pleasure of reading her Stony Ridge Seasons series and The Letters, the first book in The Inn at Eagle Hill Series. I fell in love with Stony Ridge and was excited to visit again in first The Letters and now The Calling.  I enjoy meeting new characters (friends) and finding out about the lives of old friends from the other novels! I love the continuity in these novels. I was drawn in from the beginning and could not put it down!   Suzanne Woods Fisher writes with authority on all things Amish, youth ministry, group homes, mental illness, and love.  This book really touched my heart because one of the themes in this book is mental illness. As someone who grew up with family who have mental illness and myself suffering from panic attacks, I could relate to both sides of the story. I found it interesting to learn how things like this are  handled within the Amish and also how it was handled years ago. Not unlike how we here handled and handle mental illness.  I love the characters in this book but my favorite is Ella, one of the Sisters. She has such a good heart, so kind, and so observant. She also knew her reality and faced it head on.  The Calling is a well rounded story with a little bit of everything in it: romance, suspense, family, and faith.  This story showed how having faith in God and listening for His leading, you will know what you should do. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I give this book 5 STARS.

 Check out the giveaway!




Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher is celebrating her newest book, The Calling, by giving away TWO iPads, TWO Kindles, and TWO Nooks!
 

Two grand prize winners will receive:

• An iPad
• The Letters and The Calling by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Four second place winners will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX or a Nook HD—winner's choice!
• The Letters and The Calling by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 8th. All winners will be announced February 10th at Suzanne's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Suzanne's blog on the 10th to see if you won one of the great prizes! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

Ruth Reid’s A MIRACLE OF HOPE Kindle HDX Giveaway and Facebook Party!

 I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book.  The opinions expressed here are my own. 


Book Description:

She’s heard about forgiveness all her life, but how far does God’s mercy truly reach?
Lindie Wyse thinks an arranged marriage is the only way to preserve a future for herself and her unborn child. Josiah Plank is certain he’ll never love again, but he needs someone to care for his deaf eight-year-old daughter, Hannah. The two take on their arrangement tentatively at first but soon realize they are each in for more than they imagined. After a short time, Lindie experiences a breakthrough with Hannah when she recognizes the child’s special gifts, but a risky pregnancy and serious health issues threaten to demolish the foundation Josiah and Lindie are building—and the love that is growing between them. 


My Thoughts:


A Miracle of Hope is the first novel in Ruth Reid's latest series- The Amish Wonders. I have had the pleasure of reading Ruth Reid's other novels and truly enjoyed this latest one.  Lindie Wyse believes the only way to have a future for her and her unborn child is to go into an arranged marriage her brother has set up for her. Josiah Plank lost his wife in an accident and needs a woman to help raise his daughter, Hannah, a deaf eight year old. Josiah isn't looking for a full marriage so marrying Lindie, is a means to an end for both of them. They both go into this with their eyes wide open.  Lindie finds a way to connect with Hannah through a shared love of art and Lindie recognizes a very special gift Hannah has.  As Lindie's pregnancy progresses, Josiah is concerned about her and the child. Finally he takes her to see a doctor who determines she is in risk of serious issues without bed rest. As Josiah cares for Lindie they both find themselves falling in love but Lindie doesn't feel worthy because of circumstances that no one else knows. 

As my readers know, Amish Fiction is my favorite genre. I have had the privilege of reading all of Ruth Reid's novels thus far, and I have to say A Miracle of Hope is my favorite. Ruth Reid has written a beautiful book of tragedy, and out of tragedy comes comes a beautiful life of love and happiness. This book shows that life for the Amish is NOT perfect, but how they handle it is inspiring. Ruth Reid writes with authority on The Amish, the Amish settlements, sign language, art, and faith.  I found myself captivated from the first chapter in this story and could not put it down until the end.  This story truly touched me and showed how out of tragedy, God brings good things. I loved the characters in this story especially Josiah's Father in law, Simon. Simon saw things for what they were right from the start. He was hard on Lindie and in the end was willing to admit he was and how wrong he was. He is a very strong character in this story and I loved his interactions with Josiah, Lindie, and Hannah. I really felt connected to this story and look forward to the rest of the books in this series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I give this book 5 Stars.

Check out this awesome giveaway!


A Miracle of Hope is the first book in Ruth Reid's new series, Amish Wonders, and she is celebrating the release with a Kindle HDX Giveaway and an Author Chat Facebook Party!

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• A Miracle of Hope by Ruth Reid

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 11th. Winner will be announced at the A Miracle of Hope Facebook Party on February 11th. Connect with Ruth for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, prizes, and more!

So grab your copy of A Miracle of Hope and join Ruth and friends on the evening of February 11th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!