Love Finds You in Sugar Creek, Ohio by Serena Miller

Overview: A mysterious outsider casts a long shadow on Ohio's Amish country. Policewoman Rachel Troyer has always looked after her three elderly Amish aunts, proprietors of a farmhouse inn near Sugarcreek, Ohio. The idyllic town is popular with tourists, who come to sample its famous Amish goods. But one thing is clear to Rachel - Joe Matthews is no tourist. When the bearded stranger lands on her aunts' doorstep, begging shelter for himself and his young son, Rachel is suspicious. Will she be able to uncover Joe's secrets despite her aunts' - and her own - growing affection for him?

ISBN-13: 9781609360023
Publisher: Ideals Publications
Publication date: 8/1/2010
Series:Love Finds You Series
Pages: 320

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My Review: This is the first book I've ready by Serena Miller and it won't be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It's a unique story, in and of itself, because it is written around the Amish community, but the main characters are not Amish. This put a unique perspective on the Amish faith and lifestyle and kept the story interesting.

Rachel Troyer is a fantastic woman. I absolutely love her from the moment I meet her. She is strong and courageous with just enough doubt in herself to make her more human. She is beautiful without realizing it, loyal, kind, and strong in her faith. Joe Matthews - Micah Mattais - is haunted by recent events in his life. He is trying to be strong for his son, and his humility and dedication to do what is best for his son is endearing. Rachel's aunts make for a phenomenal cast of secondary characters that add a great amount of depth to the story.

The message of the story, clearly written at the beginning of the book, is expertly written into the story. We, as Christians, are to treat each other with respect, be helpful, not judgmental, and love one another as Christ loves the church."Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Hebrews 13:2

Overall, this was a fantastic story and I will certainly keep Serena Miller on my "to-read" author list!

I also can't wait to see the movie that was inspired by this book!

About the Author:  I live only a few miles from a flourishing Amish community and am blessed to count many Old Order Amish as friends. Love Finds You In Sugarcreek, Ohio is a natural outgrowth of my on-going fascination with these valiant, flawed people who struggle to live their lives according to their interpretation of the Bible. Once, when I apologized for asking so many questions while researching this book, an Amish father told me that I could ask anything I wanted. “Nothing is forbidden,” he said. He told me that he wanted my book to be accurate. I was thrilled when his family read it and gave me their enthusiastic nod of approval.

Our family, however, also lived for many years in Michigan. My father, a sawyer, told me stories he had heard from old timber men who had cut the fabled giant pine in the Saginaw Valley. Visiting museums and reading about the years directly after the Civil War, when Michigan became the lumber capitol of the world, became a hobby. I was delighted when Revell Publishing allowed me to revisit that era by writing The Measure Of Katie Calloway.

There are many other books on their way—both Amish and historical. Please know that each one is a labor of love from me to you.

 To God be all the glory, forever.
Serena

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Courting Cate by Leslie Gould

Overview: When This Couple Gets to Courting, Sparks Will Fly!

In Paradise, Pennsylvania, Cate Miller is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Her sweet and flirty sister, Betsy, on the other hand, seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!

But the sisters' wealthy father has made one hard-and-fast rule: older Cate must marry first, before younger Betsy can even start courting. Unfortunately, untamable Cate has driven away every suitor—until Pete Treger comes to town, that is.

Prodded by the men of the area, Pete turns his attention to winning Cate's hand. But is his interest true or is there a scheme at play?

ISBN-13: 9780764210310
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Publication date: 11/1/2012
Series:Courtships of Lancaster County Series , #1
Pages: 352

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My Review: Courting Cate was my first experience with Leslie Gould and it won't be my last. This was a unique Amish novel, written in first perspective. To date, I have not come across another Amish novel written the same.  The story line was interesting because it was written only from Cate's perspective. The plot also puts a neat spin on the "marriage of convenience" tale that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Cate is also an anomaly to most Amish stories I've read. She's strong willed, independent, and business savvy. She is also determined to remain single because of events that happened in her past, so she pushes people away with her surly attitude and prickly demeanor. Pete is the perfect suitor for Cate, she just doesn't realize it yet. His persistent attitude toward life and his circumstances endeared him to me immediately. While I would have liked a little more romantic interaction between Cate and Pete, their story was sweet and still very enjoyable.

The message of the story well written. I like to think that the illustration of Cate and Pete's romance was similar to that of Christ's relationship with his followers. Pete pursued Cate, even when she pushed him away, even when she didn't trust him, even when she was cold and callous toward him because he loved her and felt she was worth it. Isn't that like God? Doesn't God pursue a relationship with those who call him "Father"? Doesn't He want you even when you push Him away, even when you find it hard to trust Him, even when you turn your back on Him? Learning to trust God with your live, love, and everything is hard. But that's what he wants.

Mistrust turns to trust, Cold and Callous turns to warm and joyful in Christ, and love conquers all in this sweet Amish romance.

About the Author: Leslie Gould is the award-winning author of fifteen novels, including the #1 bestseller The Amish Midwife (CBA and ECPA), co-written with Mindy Starns Clark. The novel, the first in The Women of Lancaster County series, was a 2012 Christy Award winner. The Amish Nanny and The Amish Bride, the second and third novels in the series, also hit the bestseller list.

 

One of Leslie’s stand-alone novels, Beyond the Blue, won of the Romantic Times Book Club Magazine’s Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Inspirational Novel in 2006.

Leslie received her master of fine arts in creative writing from Portland State University in 2009 and has taught fiction as an adjunct professor at Multnomah University. She also teaches workshops at public and private schools and at writers’ conferences.

A varied work history, from curating a historical museum to editing a bridal magazine, preceded her fiction-writing career. She is also an Army Reserve wife who has supported her husband, Peter, through many years of service, including a deployment to Afghanistan as the commander of a field hospital. Leslie and her husband live in Oregon with their four children.

Connect with Leslie: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

Sarah's Garden by Kelly Long

I received this book as part of the Christian Fiction Book Swap and Sell Group on Facebook, as part of a Sisterhood of the Traveling Books! It's fun to look at the names of the people who already read it before me.  Check out the group on Facebook. We have lots of members who are trying to sell or swap their Christian books and I've gotten some real deals on books!!

Overview: Quite by accident, Sarah King has fallen in love. But this love is forbidden, and could cost her everything she holds dear.

Tucked into the majesty of Pennsylvania's Allegheny Mountains is a garden Sarah King has been nurturing for years. She never feels more alive than when she is alone with her thoughts and her Creator among the delicate rows of plants. But then duty calls her away from her beloved garden and into a world she knows little about.

Grant Williams, a handsome young veterinarian, has left the city to open a rural practice among the Amish. Within minutes of meeting shy but feisty Sarah King, he is captivated by her.

As their feelings grow for one another, Sarah insists they can never be together. Marrying Grant would mean being uprooted from her home, her family, and her community. Throughout the cold Pennsylvania winter, with her garden tucked away until spring, Sarah begins crafting a quilt that illustrates her pain. Can anything lasting blossom from a love that's forbidden?

ISBN-13: 9781595548702
Publisher: Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date: 7/13/2010
Series:Patch of Heaven Series , #1
Pages: 304

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD 

 

My Review:  The first Amish book I read, I didn't enjoy at all. I struggled to get through the book and decided the Amish genre was not for me. Recently, though, like taste buds for food, my reading tastes have changed. I've read a few Amish books and actually enjoyed them. This book is no exception. Kelly Long has mastered story telling. While there was no action or adventure in the story, it flowed smoothly and was written in a way that had me eagerly turning pages until the very satisfying end.

I've come to appreciate the simplicity of the Amish faith. Sarah King is a great example of that. I loved her internal struggles that made her seem so human, yet her strong faith in the Lord who loves us all shined through her life, no matter what turmoil she was feeling inside. I think that's what drew Grant to her. Grant Williams is a good man. He is a Christian, whose faith is not so different from the Amish, but his way of life is. He has a great appreciate for the Amish community, instilled in him by his parents, and works hard to become accepted by the community. They form a friendship and their romance is a sweet, sweet story.

The message of the story, in my opinion, is simple: have faith in the God who created you and knows what is going to become of your life before it happens. As the Bishop reminds Grant, "You're tired because it's normal. Don't give in to despair. Have faith in what Der Herr (the Lord) can do, even if you feel that you have done all you can. That's where He gets His space to work, when it's at the end of what you are."

Overall, Kelly Long has mastered the art of Amish Fiction. I highly recommend this book for Amish and non-Amish fans alike!

About the Author: Kelly Long is the author of the Patch of Heaven series and the historical Amish Arms of Love. She was born and raised in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania. She’s been married for twenty-six years and enjoys life with her husband, children, and Bichon.

Christmas in Apple Ridge by Cindy Woodsmall

Happy New Year everyone! What better way to start off the new year than with a book review?! I was very excited to read this book and wanted to badly to read it over Christmas, but that wasn't to be. However, I'm so glad I read this fantastic collection. Christmas in Apple Ridge is a collection of three books in one: The Sound of Sleigh Bells, The Christmas Singing, and The Dawn of Christmas. 

Overview: 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.

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 Review: All I can say is this collection was such a blessing to read! I have never read an Amish book that was so captivating and enthralling from beginning to end. I wasn't sure what to expect since I don't read a lot of books in the Amish category, but I was pleasantly surprised!

The Sound of Sleigh Bells features Beth and Jonah. Beth is a very no-nonsense, business-like woman who was deeply wounded in the past and determined not to let it happen again. Jonah is a damaged soul who learned that God is good no matter what. Can he teach Beth that despite her past, she can open up to love? I loved the message of the book. If you don't let go of your past, you aren't letting in all that God has for you.

The Christmas Singing features Mattie and Gideon.  Mattie was heartbroken when Gideon broke up with her on Christmas Eve and has worked hard to hide her heart from anyone who tries to take it. Gideon has lived with a secret illness and brokenness since his break-up with Mattie. Can they get along enough to figure out they still love each other? The message in this book was to trust God with everything. You can't protect everyone, only God can do that.

The Dawn of Christmas was my favorite! Sadie and Levi suffer from the same affliction - aversion to marraige and the other sex.  They have both seen or been hurt by someone and are determined never to let it happen again. So, when Sadie finds Levi injured in a field, neither expects anything to happen. Reading their story was amusing. I figured out long before the characters did that they were meant for each other. Can they open their hearts to let in what God has planned for them, or will they turn away out of fear? The message in this story is to not let fear rule your lives.

Overall, this was the most enjoyable Christmas book I've ever read. I would recommend it to anyone who loves reading about the magic of Christmas and the blessings it can bring.

**I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.**

More fun! with links:

• Connect with Cindy Woodsmall 
• Follow Cindy: Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads 
• Buy the book: Barnes and Noble - Amazon - CBD  

Anathema by Colleen Coble

Good morning all! It's started out to be a dreary day here at Topsail Island Beach. We are hoping it clears up so we can get some good beach time in, but it doesn't look promising. In the meantime, I would love to tell you about the fabulous book I just finished: Anathema by Colleen Coble. This was chosen as a TBR (To-Be-Read) Pairs challenge on the Christian Book Lover's Hideaway group on Goodreads.com.

From Barnes and Noble:
Overview: Welcome to Parke County, Indiana-land of peaceful farms and covered bridges, Amish quilts and horse drawn buggies, romance and murder.

After years of running, Hannah Schwartz has finally built a life for herself-far from the close-knit Amish community who raised her, then shunned her. Still haunted by nightmare memories of her parents' murder and the guilty secret that made her anathema-a true outcast-from her friends and family.

Only love can bring her home again. Love for a child she had feared was lost forever. And love for the peaceful people who shaped her life. But can love heal old wounds . . . or keep the community safe from a deadly danger?

My Review: This is not your typical Amish book. I have always admired Colleen Coble's way with words and storytelling. She is a masterful writer and this book doesn't disappoint. I'll admit, I'm not normally a big fan of the Amish genre, but this one is definitely an exception. Throughout this whole book, Hannah is running away from God. She is a strong, intelligent woman who has been belittled by her husband since her parent's death. She struggles with her self-assurance and coming back to God throughout the story, and her struggles are real and something everyone can relate to. Matt, oh Matt. He seems like the dream guy. Strong, handsome, and a great father. He has his struggles too, like learning to trust God for all situations in his life. Again, this is something every single person can relate to in their Christian walk. 

The plot is wonderful. There is enough mystery and romance in the book to keep anyone from getting bored with it. I also liked how each chapter started out with a tid-bit of knowledge from the Amish faith and their quilts. Those were particularly interesting to me. I also learned a lot about the Amish way of life and their belief system. The story line, told from multiple points of view, is interesting and intriguing. I didn't figure everything out until Hannah and Matt did. 

Mystery, a little bit of love, and a lot of God's grace make this book a perfect 5 out of 5 in my mind. Check it out today!!

**You can learn more about the author by clicking on her name in the first chapter, and a link to the Barnes and Noble website by clicking on the title.**