Goodbye to Yesterday by Wanda Brunstetter-Review

Luke and Meredith are characters in Wanda Brunstetter's new 6 series of books that will come out each month. Like everyone they are having financial trouble and he gets the oportunity to learn a new work trade.

I found this to be a very easy read. There is a cliffhanger to this story when I can't wait to start the next book. I've never read a story that is drawn out in many different books. Such a difference concept.

This was given to me by NeGalley and Barbour Publishing in exchange for a fair review.

 

More about Wanda Brunstetter 

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of almost 50 books with more than 5 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too.  Wanda and her husband, Richard, live in Washington State but take every opportunity to visit Amish settlements throughout the States, where they have several Amish friends.   For more information, visit: Wanda's webiste.

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Whitemeyer-Review

Can you be happy if your life dreams take a turn?

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Whitemeyer is truly an Inspirational historical romance.  It starts out with Crockett Archer, on a train, going from Palestine, TX to Brenhem, TX in view of a pastoral position at a church there.  While on the train he is forced by gunpoint by outlaws to go with them.

All Joanna wants for her birthday is a preacher.  When her daddy brings Crockett home she is appalled that he kidnapped him.  But after a time she begins to lose her heart to him.  Holly Brewster is also out to catch a man.  For sure with tw women pining for him he wil definately loose his heart, but to which one?

As I was reading this I could imagine the antics that Silas got into.  I found myself smiling, laughing, and even crying in this wonderful book. 

You may remember the Archers from Karen Whitemeyer’s Short-Straw Bride.  If you loved them as much as I did you will want to read Crockett’s story.  I hope there will be a third book on the Archer family. 

I was given this as an ebook through NetGalley and Bethany House for allowing me to review it and to give my honest opinion.

More about Karen Witemeyer

CBA bestselling author, Karen Witemeyer, writes historical romance fiction for Bethany House, believing that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. In 2011, her debut novel, A Tailor-Made Bride, was a finalist in the Best First Book categories for both the prestigious RITA® award and the National Reader's Choice Award. Karen holds a master's degree in Psychology from Abilene Christian University and is a member of ACFW, RWA, and her local writers' guild. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children.  Find out more on Karen at her website.



Fire Storm by Mackenzie Dare-Review

Fire Storm was a great beginning story for a truly talented author. Jim and his wife, Jess finds adventure and intrigue throughout the book. This book had me on the edge of my seat from the very first page until the end. It is an easy read and it was so suspenseful I read it in one evening.  I felt that this book could be added to so I hope that there will be a sequel and I’ll be the first in line to get it. More about Mackenzie Dare This is her first book and she loves to read and to write. She also loves to listen to audio books while she is running or doing chores!  For her the perfect reading time it is sitting in front of a big picture window that’s propped slightly open, on a cool, rainy day, a gentle breeze whisking through and the soft pattering or water droplets hitting the pane.  You'll find her leaning her shoulder against the glass with a book in her lap and a cup of steamy coffee beside, and letting those little black words take the keys and transport her to any number of exciting adventures. She looks forward to interacting with her fans in the great exploration of the wonderful world of literature!

comment · see review

Wavelength by Jeff Petherick and Karl Nilsson

Don't let the static of your life let you miss the great opportunities of God!

Jeff Petherick along with Karl Nilsson has written Wavelength: Tuning In To God's Voice In A World of Static.   In each chapter Jeff shows you how God has been with him every step of the way.  This is a book that can show you how to learn to listen to what the maker of the universe has to say. Is it easy? No, not by a long shot.

Next time you are sitting down in your favorite chair, drinking a cup of tea just listen to what God has to say.

More about Jeff and Karl

Jeff Petherick is a portfolio manager and partner in a top ranked investment firm.  When he's not busy picking stocks, he teachers seminars and travels the wrold on mission trips.  He lives is a rural area north of Detroit with his wife and two children.

Karl Nilsson is the communication director for one of America's largest churches.  He makes his home in the suburb of Detroit with his wife and two children.

A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander-Review

This was a book that you dare not miss.  Fleeing an unfortunate past as a forger of art, Claire became Adelica Ackler personal helper but also a friend.  And Sutton, where are the men like him?  The storyline and also the interesting history will keep you turning each page until the very last page.  I can't wait to read the next Belmont book.

A Lasting Impression is the first of three books of The Belmont Mansion Novels.  The book is set in Nashville, Tennessee with the backdrop for the story of one of the oldest mansions, Belmont.   releases Spring 2014

The Belmont Mansion and The Belle Meade Plantation novels were written to be read together.  All of the Southern mansion books are "stand alone" novels, meaning...each novel is a complete story in itself.

Taken from Tamera's website

Tamera Alexander

To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander-Review

This is the first book that I read by Tamera Alexander and also the first historical book I've read.  I must say that I enjoyed the romance and also getting to know about the history of the Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville, Tennessee. I loved all of the characters. The love story was wonderful between Olivia and Ridley. Where are the men out there like him? The thing that really grabbed me was the respect that Ridley had for Uncle Bob. I can't wait for the sequel to come out. The next Belle Meade Plantation novel releases Fall 2014.

More about Tamara Alexander

Tamera Alexander is the bestselling author of numerous books. Her richly drawn characters and thought-provoking plots have earned her devoted readers worldwide, as well as multiple industry awards.
         
After living in Colorado for seventeen years, Tamera has returned to her Southern roots. She and her husband now make their home in Nashville where they enjoy life with their two adult children, and Jack, a precious—and precocious—silky terrier.

                   

A Joyful Break by Diane Craver-Review

I've found a new author to read. Thank you Diane Craver for this wonderful book. A Joyful Break is not just a love story, but a story of a young Amish women, Rachel, who has so much going on in her life that she feels overwhelmed with it all. Her mother passed away over a year ago, from when the story started, so she has been everything to her family, although since her father is in his own grief he is not aware of this. She is to be married to Samuel, which she has been courting for two years, but since she has not joined the Amish church she has decided to get away and reflect on her life. Her aunt and cousin has invited her to the beach, in the secular world, and she decides to go in hopes of having time to reflect on many things. In the secular world she does clear her head and really sees things in a different view.  But will it be what is best for Rachel?

Diane Craver shows us that whatever world that we are in, things do happen. Sometimes we have to just take a step back and learn from them. Hope to hear more from this author.

More about Diane Craver

As the youngest in the family, growing up on a farm in Findlay, Ohio, Diane often acted out characters from her own stories in the backyard. In high school she was the student sitting in class with a novel hidden in front of her propped up textbook. Before starting on her writing career, Diane was a schoolteacher and play director.

She met her husband while teaching at an orphanage, and they married three years later. While raising their six children in southwestern Ohio, Diane started writing non-fiction. Later, she decided it would be a nice escape to write fiction plus keep sane with a full and noisy household.  For more of this talented author visit her website at Diane Craver

Jennifer by Dee Henderson-Review

Jennifer is the youngest of the O'Malley siblings.  She is a very busy physician in a pediatrics practice in Dallas, Texas.  There she meets Tom Peterson who is also a very busy physician.  Their love for each other blossoms and they soon find out that life is very precious.  Can the trials that this special couple endure stand the test of time?

I loved getting to read the story behind Tom and Jennifer's romance.    Dee Henderson knows how to keep the readers interested.  Jennifer is the latest book by Dee Henderson but it could definately be read as a first book to introduce you to The O'Malleys.  This is a series of books about a  wonderful and unique family.

Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for allowing me to read this.

More about Dee Henderson

Dee Henderson is the author of 14 best-selling novels, including the acclaimed O'Malley series and the Uncommon Heroes series. As a leader in the inspirational romantic suspense category, her books have won or been nominated for several prestigious industry awards, including the RWA's RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, the Holt Medallion, the National Readers' Choice Award, and the Golden Quill. Dee is a lifelong resident of Illinois and is active online. Visit her at Dee Henderson.

Where God Finds You by Anita Higman-Review

Anita Higman wrote a wonderful devotional when she wrote Where God Finds You. The stories that I have heard for so long came alive for me by hearing the story of each character told as if they were sitting right here with me telling it. And then to reread it in scripture was very reflective. There are many devotional books that I have used but I have really enjoyed this one because of the unique layout of the material.  The personal questions really make you stop and think, what would you do?

This devotional book was given to me by bookfun.org, in exchange for a honest review.

More about Anita Higman

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.  She lives in Humble, Texas.

The Chance by Karen Kingsbury-Review

You need to have a tissue handy during this one.  But that isn't any different from any other of Karen Kingsbury's book. She is a writer that has passion for what she does.  And it is brought out in her books. 

The Chance is ultimately about second chances. This story begins with Ella and Nolan being the best of friends.  Circumstances soon break them apart, but will it be forever?  Ella and her father move  but before they go Ella and Nolan bury letters that they have written to  each other, to be opened eleven years later.  Life continues and has many bumps along the way.  Ella watches from afar as Nolan achieves his dream of being a basketball star while her dreams are put on hold.

You will have to read the book to see what happens.  But I will tell you that help from a wonderful couple from a prior book has a hug part in this story.

More about Karen Kingsbury

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America’s #1 inspirational novelist. There are more than 15 million copies of her award-winning books in print, including several million copies sold in the past year. Karen has written more than 40 novels, ten of which have hit #1 on national lists. 


Karen is also a public speaker, reaching more than 100,000 women annually through various national events. Karen and her husband, Don, live in the Pacific Northwest with their six children, three of whom are adopted from Haiti.  For more on this fabulos author go to her website at Karen Kingsbury  
 

Living in Harmony by Mary Ellis-Review

I chose to write my first review about the latest book that I am reading. Living in Harmony by Mary Ellis is a book that is full of love, second chances, and starting over.  This story is about John and his soon to be bride, Amy King.  Amy and her family have just lost both of her parents in a house fire so she and one her of her sisters, Nora travel to Maine to begin a new life.  Although they are Amish, in Maine they find a  different culture and set of "Amish rules" than they are used to.  They move in with his brother, Thomas and his wife and begin to meld their family together.  To follow the adventures of this couple you must read Living in Harmony.  This is the first book in Mary Ellis' new series The New Beginnings.

More about Mary Ellis

Mary Ellis grew up close to the eastern Ohio Amish community, Geauga County, where her parents often took her to farmer's markets and woodworking fairs. She loved their peaceful, agrarian lifestyle, their respect for the land, and their strong sense of Christian community.

She and her husband now live close to the largest population of Amish in the country--a four-county area in central Ohio. They often take weekend trips to purchase produce, meet Amish families, and enjoy a simpler way of life.

Mary enjoys reading, traveling, gardening, bicycling and swimming. But her favorite pasttime is snorkeling, which she seldom gets to do living in Ohio. She is a former middle school teacher and a former saleswoman for the world's best chocolate company. Now she writes full-time and wonders why her house is still dusty and her garden has so many weeds. She is currently working on the New Beginnings series. Book 1-Living in Harmony is set in Maine and released in August. Book 2-Love Comes to Paradise is set in Missouri and will release in Feb 2013. Book 3-A Little Bit of Paradise is set in Kentucky and will release in July of 2013.