I’ve always dreamed about going on a real sleigh ride, complete horses and flying over snow.  Ms. Schalachter’s  beautiful descriptiveness  gave me a taste of that but it was even better because it was in the 1800’s. 

Ruby Wakfield is not only dealing with the death of her beloved father, trying to continue his  dream he worked so hard to build but also dealing with the prejudice of her era against women being business owners.  A lot for a young woman alone to deal with.  It is no wonder her attitude is one of distrust of others. 

Her sheer determination, and just the physical stamina it took to operate a sleigh  touring business seems overwhelming to me.  Yet, Ruby wasn’t just any young woman, she had spunk and fortitude.  

After meeting Clarke Everly when he and his finance hired her for a tour, things change.  His spoilt wealthy “sweetheart” through a hissy fit when Ruby refuses to endanger them and breaks their engagement.   

Clarke, a detective with famous Pinkerton Detective Agency, decides to remain in a nearby town.  He is able to secure a job with Pinkertons there.  I have read so much and long been fascinated about this amazing sleuthing organization.  

He is attracted and concerned for Ruby’s well-being.  This unease increases as seemingly small but dangerous incidents begin to happen to her.  At first she is rejects his observations and desire to help. It isn’t long before the accidents grow increasingly dangerous and she relying on him.

The book is filled with so much suspense, unexpected surprises and excitement!  I was sad when it ended!  

I received this book free from the author through E-blast in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions stated are my own.

This book has a new twist to it, a mail order husband!!  The year is 1878 in Loveland, Colorado. Newly widowed Kinsella Jackson finds herself sole provider for her four children ages 15 to 6.  She is overwhelmed at the thought caring for them and keeping their ranch running. To add to her pain there is even speculation that her husband’s death was suicide, but Kinsella knows in her heart that is not true, She has no way of proving it. 

At the end of the funeral, Abe Jackson, the owner of the mercantile proposes marriage! I was offended for her and the description of him gave me a real ICK factor. He wasn’t going to give up.

Her two older children, being worried about Mom, decide to take it upon themselves to post a free advertisement in the paper seeking a man.    Poor Kinsella finds out AFTER she receives a letter that someone has accepted but accepted what? Husband, hired hand, to buy her land?

What she found even more disturbing was it was signed King Stan Marchmont, and he is sailing from Australia!  He would arrive in 4 months! She was beside herself at the idea of royalty, a king coming to see her! Why? This was one the first of many surprises in this wonderful book and it had me laughing.

What impressed me the most in the story with the strong faith in God Kinsella and her little brood had. They had some harrowing experiences, but prayer was always their first response. Even though it is a fictional story it was a blessing to see.

King’s arrival was a bit awkward to say the least, but he stepped into their lives in a big way.  Trials (as they do in life) came in fast a procession. King proves himself by rising to the occasion in each one, even though he is facing troubles of his own.

There is suspense, humor, mystery, and surprises throughout the book. A strong trust in God at the center of it all. You do not want to put it down. This is the first book by the author I have read. I was impressed; it is a wholesome satisfying read.

Unforgotten checks all the boxes and few more: romance, suspense, healing forgiveness and more.  The author beautifully addresses the issues and aftermath of assault and PTSD.

I like that the story gave the perceptions of an Amish (Bethanne) and English (Candance).  The descriptions of each girl’s thoughts and emotions were so vivid and real.  Though two totally different people with different backgrounds, the story showed fear, emotional and mental challenges from trauma have a common thread.

Bethanne’s courage to choose to move ahead and allow herself to heal showed great strength.  I admired her that in a very dangerous moment her loyalty and love for her cousin Candance overcame her own fears. 

I admit some of the moments were so intense I had to put the book down and take a break but it was an amazing read!

I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions stated are my own.

It was hard to put this book down!   The three main characters, Dok Stolzfus, Bee and Annie were very different women in different seasons of life, but they were all “stuck” and resistant to change.  God used some very unexpected ways to open their eyes and move them forward.

Dok was a dedicated doctor in the Amish community of Stoney Ridge.  Her medical practice was filled with compassion and commitment.  She viewed house calls as essential and was concerned not only with her patient’s health but also their spiritual, physical and emotional needs.  As you can imagine she had a hectic life.  Dok was “stuck” in this cycle of activity and busyness, but it had become her comfort zone, her norm. So much so she had let marriage and husband take a back seat.  When a newborn baby left on the steps of her office, she could never dream he would open her life up to blessings she could not imagine.  

Bee Bennett lost her husband 18 months ago and is reeling with this heartbreaking change. In the midst of this struggle, she is diagnosed with breast cancer and must go through treatment.  So caught up in her grief she stubbornly refuses the help she needs for her horse farm.  Unexpectedly a fellow equestrian jumping competitor from thirty years ago shows up and offers to help.  One she felt cost her a gold medal by sabotaging her horse before her ride.  He does not take no for an answer and comes each day to care for the horses and take her to appointments.  She is angry at his intrusion but knows cannot make it without him.  Bee is stuck in grief and unforgiveness.  She never dreamed him coming back into her life would free her to live a new life.

Annie was a young woman, and receptionist in Dok’s office.  She was so painfully shy she could hardly look at anyone or speak to them.  She didn’t want to be “stuck” in this way, and she did try to overcome it.  Annie memorized scriptures, gave herself peptalks, and was very aware of her hinderance.  Saving a friend who had fallen in the ice opened her eyes to her desire to be an EMT.  The same incident brought romance into her life.

All three women experienced God healing them in unforeseen and surprising ways. A inspiring and entertaining read!

I received this book from Revell publishing in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions stated are my own.

Audrey is a young woman chasing the American dream, have all, do all, be all. Her life is stressed emotionally, financially, she discontented, and not happy. She feels that her big break is extremely near, then she receives a desperate plea from her great-Aunt Audrey for help.

Great-Uncle Dean has Alzheimer’s and Audrey must move them to an assisted living. This means preparing their lifetime home for sale plus caring for Dean. This is a daunting task all in its own, but Daisy and Dean are in their eighties. Audrey is caught in the middle. How can she tell them no? She makes plans to go for a couple of weeks to get everything accomplished.

Her return to Charity Falls, Oregon, is quite the departure from her life in California.  She is pleasantly surprised at the hidden treasures and delights of the small town. This forces her to slow down and look deeply inward and do some real soul searching, about her past, her future and what really matters in life. The true value of relationships, meeting the needs of others and so much more.

I was so impressed with the way Ms. Tosello expressed the deep emotions and thoughts of Audrey and Daisy. They were brought to life for me in a way I have never had an author do. Audrey is young, in the prime of life with so many choices and the future before her. Daisy is in her twilight years where most of her choices are being made by life.

I loved all the characters, but Daisy was my favorite.  Her faith in God was beautiful.  She had difficulties and suffered emotionally and physically but faced each trial with acceptance and courage.  Daisy inspired me with her focus on gratitude for what she had. There was even a part of the book I shared with some friends that were suffering. A beautiful, thought-provoking book. It touched me in a special way.

I received this book from Revell in exchange for an honest review. All the opinions stated are my own.

I could not wait to read the third book in the Cape Cod Creamery series! Brynn is a super professional, totally put together organized woman. When she arrives at Cape Cod a total mess inside and out, her best friend Dawn is shocked. In all their years growing up and even as an adult she has never seen Brynn in this state!

Her job as an engineer takes her to a convention in Las Vegas where she meets a very handsome man. She has never felt like this about anyone in her life. Being totally swept off her feet, she marries him within 24 hours of meeting! Waking up the morning of her honeymoon she is terrified at her decision and leaves.

Ms. Fisher has such a talent for showing how interwoven the lives of each character with one another, but also their personal challenges.
While the plot was so entertaining, there were so many life lessons here.

At one time or another in life we can relate to Brynn’s impulsive decision; regretting and wondering how we will ever fix this mistake. Her relationship with Dawn revealed her lack of confidence in herself, no matter how successful she was in business. Dawns’ strong personality and decisiveness caused her to doubt the choices she knew were right.

Dawn meant well, but her controlling personality hindered her friend and even herself making the right decision. It was driven by fear and a lack of trust in God.

I love Marnie’s down to earth faith and being able to see past all the drama. Whenever she did not know how to proceed or feared what she was facing, she immediately went to prayer. She followed God’s guidance even when her feelings did not match.

Lincoln had overcome so many obstacles and changed his life to follow Christ. Yet with all of us there is always some unfinished consequences of our former choices that confronts us to deal with. I admired his desire to do whatever it took to heal his relationship with his son. He took responsibility for his past failures and tolerated Bear’s bitterness.

All the trials these characters faced it culminated into one point:  they each grew in faith to trust God. When they stepped out in that faith no matter how frightening it was God met them and healed them.

Add to all this some big surprises and a bit of mystery and you have a fantastic book!

I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

By Yvonne M. Morgan

Kathleen Johnson was comfortable with her years of being an accountant. Her life and routine were predictable and satisfying. At 65 she planned to retire. As with all of us, life can throw unpredictable and surprising curves. Through no fault of her own she loses her job at the age of fifty.

Gone is the life she has known for so many years, her purpose and her identity.  Now what? Nothing comes into our life that God has not approved and always for His purpose and our good. New opportunities await but we have trouble seeing them because we keep looking back and not forward. The Lord was putting into motion for her to serve Him in a totally new way she would have never dreamed of and definitely out of her comfort zone.  She becomes a travel agent, and she begins  traveling with her husband. This may not sound earth shattering but considering her anxiety of traveling it is a big step. She trusts the Lord with every new adventure and the fears that accompany it, and He gives her the courage and strength with each step.

Blessings abound. Her marriage is strengthened; she experiences cultures and people she had only read about but most of all God guides her into areas of service for Him she could have never dreamed of.

Kathleens emotional struggles were so realistic. I saw many of her questions and doubts were the same ones I had in life altering moments. I found it inspiring that no matter how confusing or intense her feelings she turned it all over to God, trusting Him for the answers.

I liked how real Kathleen’s relationship with her husband was. There were disagreements, moments of hurt, but they did not get stuck at those points. Their love, commitment and forgiveness carried them through.

I too have anxiety about traveling especially to other countries, so I could totally relate. Therefore, I enjoyed hearing her descriptions of all the cultures, people, food and surprises she experienced. A wonderful story!

I am not sure why but very young children seem to go through a phase of fascination about poo. So when I got this book I read it to my very own “poo-ologists” my two grandsons.  They were immediately interested.

It is tastefully done and the illustrations are comical.  I know that sounds strange given the subject material! 

A Daddy rat goes on an excursion to the zoo with his to young rat children.  Just like we have done with the boys he firmly warned that there would be no more poo talk.  Staying a bit behind and out of his hearing range they not only discuss it but allow their imaginations to soar.  They were hilariously creative. 

This was not limited to zoo animals but assigning imaginary entertaining poo to other creatures and even people of different occupations. The boy’s favorite was the shiny astronaut poo.  My two littles appropriately “ew-ed” and yucked at differently places in the book, But the smile on their faces and their intense interest showed they were duly impressed!  The boys thoroughly enjoyed the book! 

I received this book LibraryThing Early Reviewers Program and Tundra Books in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions stated are my own.

I have so looked forward to reading this 3^rd book in the “A Season in Pinecraft” Series.  Lilly has moved to Pinecraft to have a fresh start.  She has the support of her two friends that have made the transition there a few years ago and now have families.

Her past holds some painful secrets that she believes have held her back from being happy.  She is delighted to quickly be hired as a housekeeper at the Marigold Inn.  Life can’t be better. She is near her friends; she loves her job and feels accepted by the staff.  She has no desire to marry and hopes to buy her own home someday.

That is until Eddie Byler, an Amish farmer on vacation with his grandmother, November, checks into the inn. (Love her name!)  

Her new life seems too good to be true and the past is behind her, but that isn’t how life works, is it?   Challenges and problems develop testing her in ways she had never dreamed.

My heart ached for Lily. She came for a new start and may have left some things behind, but she brought with her lack of self-worth and insecurities.  She didn’t realize these were the root cause of her unhappiness from her past.  Always second guessing herself and failing to see her wonderful qualities kept her in a constant state of anxiety.  I could feel it!

I loved Eddie’s grandmother November!  She was fun and spunky.   No one was going to coddle her or tell what to do!  Her independent spirit and desire to enjoy every moment was a delight.  I liked her no nonsense wisdom she did not hesitate to share with those who she felt needed.

Both Eddie and Lilly lacked in communication skills, struggling to express themselves.  It was painful to watch them grow in this area, but rewarding to see the results.

The way the all characters not just the main ones, interacted gave so much depth to the story.  The unexpected turns and surprises kept me turning pages!  I truly enjoyed the book

I received this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers Program and Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions stated are my own.