It is a difficult Christmas for Adelaide.  She has no family since the passing of her mother.  Struggling to get by working at a coffee shop and finish law school she hopes for a better future. Scrimping and doing without is nothing new, being the daughter of a single mom.  She never knew who her dad was, a seemly closely guarded secret of her mother’s.

Then one day a very official letter arrives in the mail from the country of Montovia telling her that through a DNA match, she is the daughter of King Maximillian Konig V, and heir to his throne.  She would have tossed it in the trash had it not being for her friend Maya.  After investigating she decides the letter is legitimate.  What does she have to lose?  She decides to accept the invite and meet the father she never knew.   

Upon arriving she finds her father is on his deathbed.  Anton the courier assigned to take care of her was a real blessing.  He helped her in every possible way to make her visit as easy as possible.  He even protects her from those who are not happy the heir to the throne has been found.

The story beautifully unfolds making the reader a part of all the glamour and excitement of discovering her country and heritage.  I found myself saddened that she found her so near to the end of his life.  In reading about her experiences seeing the shops, traditions, and festivities delighted an overwhelmed my senses and emotions as I cannot imagine how it did hers.  The splendor the royal life that lavished upon her was surreal to Adelaide after living such a simple life. 

I love that in all opportunity and honor, she did not lose sight of her values and what was truly important.  Doing what was right was more important to her than any amount of wealth or position of importance.

Not everything was glamour and glitz,. She was faced with mysteries and even danger.  A true Christmas Cinderella story!  Delightful and entertaining! 

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.

I have been looking forward to this new book in the Sweetwater Crossing Series and I was not disappointed.   Louisa, the baby of the Vaughn sisters, has returned to her home town for the funeral of Doc Sheridan accompanying His widow.  She had left the town in quite a hissy fit vowing never to return again.  I was pleasantly surprised that her time away studying under a doctor in Cimarron Creek smoothed the rough edges.  Gone was the angry, fit-throwing girl and it her place was a mature gracious woman.  She hadn’t lost her spunk and determination however.  Though in a better attitude, she still did not plan to stay any longer than the widow needed.

Things didn’t quite work out that way though.  Almost to their destination she comes upon Josh Porter, unconscious and with a broken leg from his horse throwing him.  She brings him into town to care for him . . .taking longer than she had planned. 

Doc’s widow surprises Louisa by turning his office over to take his medical practice. This would be great as it is her dream, but in the 1800’s women doctors were ostracized and rejected.  In a small western town like Sweetwater Crossing, the opposition was even greater.  Though not a doctor, she was a highly trained healer and midwife. The population was so prejudice they didn’t even care that they didn’t have a doctor now! I was so moved by Louisa’s humble spirit toward those that were unkind toward her.  Plus her Christian grace to provide her skills for them in spite of their mistreatment of her.

Joshua’s plans were smitten derailed too.  He was from a wealthy family and heir to their expensive, aristocratic store in New York.  He intended to prove to his grandfather that was capable of running it.  He had been traveling across the country collecting local recipes that would put their elegant tearoom on the map; surely this would impress his grandfather.

The couple is forced to put their dreams on hold and work with the hand they have been dealt. They begin to see their lives and priorities from a different perspective, questioning what they truly wanted

Sweetwater definitely part of the Old West; lawlessness and danger are always brewing. The suspense and mystery will keep you turning the page! Anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!

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

Cora Matthews’s childhood was difficult to say the least.  She never knew her father, her mother and she been alienated from her for many years.  Her happiest childhood memories were her grandparents and living at their lake lodge.  Then without warning when she was 7 years old her mother took her away and severed all ties with them. The rest of her youth was spent drifting from town to town with her mother, never staying in one place, never putting down roots. A lifestyle she had continued as a young woman.

The book opens with her standing at her mother’s grave unable to experience grief.  Cora didn’t even know her mother was ill.   The funeral and burial are at Moonberry Lake, where her grandparents had lived till their deaths. She wants answers to her decades old questions.  As if all this was not enough, she also is told that her mother has left her the lodge but she must live in it for a year if she did not she lost everything with no compensation. 

The lodge has not been lived in for years and was in sad condition, needing many costly repairs. Plus it would require her to stay in one place longer than she ever had.  Another challenge was being a loner; she now had to be a part of a small close-knit community.  She decides to take the challenge, finding there is way more involved than repairing the building.

I could totally envision the lodge. It reminded me of the ones we stayed at for family reunions.  I am sure I released some audible “sighs” thinking of those happy memories. I was relieved she wasn’t alone, as, Sam close friend of her grandparents was there to support and help navigate through this major adjustment.

All the characters were eccentric to say the least, but cared for each other and lived in harmony. I found it so fulfilling as I watched Cora being pushed out of her solitary life and opening herself up to others.  I laughed as her wonderfully peculiar neighbors gave her a crash course in embracing the differences of others.

With all the wonderful people my favorite is Widgy the handy woman.  She hilarious!!   Her uninhibited, unique way of thinking and expressing herself kept me in stiches.  In just a few pages I was totally immersed in the story and the characters! There is even a very surprise ending! I loved this book and can’t wait to read the next one in the series!  

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

Beckett Walsh is dealing with the loss of her Dad, her rock.  After her Mom’s disappearance when she was young he provided a secure and home for her.   Yet, she has never fully recovered.  The memories of their happy times together cling to her mind, continually creating more questions than answers.  They were a family.  Not only reeling from grief, she is now alone for the first time in her life.  She is determined to keep his bee farm running and his beloved bees alive. How can she make living and keep the farm going with no job and a paralyzing of leaving her farm that has kept her prisoner there for years.

Callie Pearson has faced a different loss her entire life: a stable and a loving home. Her mother’s alcoholism kept them constantly moving and in need of the basics of life. She is thrust into the role of adult and caregiver as a young child.   Each time she tries to make something of her life her mother appears in her life needing help in some way. She is trying to start a new business making naturally scented candles and soap.  If she helps her mother she will lose everything she has accomplished to date.  Yet how can she refuse her mother the help that might be a breakthrough to a normal life?

Each one is hurting and trying to heal from their traumatic past; both fragile and delicate in different ways.  Suddenly their lives are thrown together in the most unexpected way and they are forced to face their past and present pain and suffering, unable to avoid it any longer.

Beckett and Callie captured my heart and mind.  I felt their strong emotions and struggles, and even called to remembrance some of my own.  I was amazed at what they had in common but also their different strengths and coping mechanisms.  

My favorite character was the quirky, spunky little girl that shows up one day on the farm and introduces herself Katya Amadeus Cimmaron. from the planet Zirthwyth.  She was such fun.

The key thing I took away from this book is healing. Healing when you don’t know how, you don’t feel you have the strength, but you have no choice.  Beautifully written!

I received this book from Library Thing Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions stated are my own.

After twenty-three years of overprotective parents, critical health problems, and a secluded Amish upbringing, Betsy Detweiler has decided to step out of her comfort zone and truly live.  She has created a “Life List”, all the things she has missed out on doing growing up.  Many of these might seem odd to someone who has had a normal childhood: learning to play golf, riding a bike, learning to swim, but to Betsy they are new experiences.  She heads to Pinecraft, Florida to fulfill her ambitions.   Her indomitable spirit did more than just complete her list! She became an inspiration to those whose lives she touched.

I loved being a part of her vacation and journey of self-discovery!  Betsy’s courage and determination was a surprise to me.  She clearly saw her weaknesses and faced them head on.  She still harbored doubts and fears to the point of considering giving up, but she didn’t! 

Each of the other characters were facing fears they had not overcome in their lives.  August Troyer, her golf instructor, had struggled with his parent’s pressure to follow in their footsteps as a missionary.  He love his parents but this was not the direction he felt led. Could he honor his parents and not give into their wishes?

Anna and Danielle, Betsy’s swim instructors held back creating new lives because of painful failed marriages.  They were afraid to move ahead and even have healthy relationships with each other and their families. Could they overcome their pasts?

As with any positive effort to change, many more doors of opportunity open; ones that would have otherwise remained shut.  Betsy never dreamed of all the beautiful things that would happen by simply following her simple dreams.

I can’t wait for the third book in this series!

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

How long would you keep a secret you promised to keep?  Minerva Jane Jenkins had kept one for 30 years.  She vowed as she held her dying husband in her arms, never to reveal what was in the box he had so carefully guarded all his life.  She had no clue what was in the box, but she kept her word.

It is 1902; Minerva is now 94 years old and knows she is nearing the end of her time here on earth.  She has lived a lonely life of survival in the Appalachian Mountains. All she has known his heartache and hardship yet it has not dulled her wit and determination to carry on.  Her constant prayer is that the Lord will not let her die alone. 

Del Rankin a reporter hears of her husband, Stately’s, story and want’s to find the truth.  He is a kind, caring young man and likes Minerva’s spunkiness and amazing spirit of independence when clearly even the smallest things are difficult in her advanced age. Minerva is suspicious of him of course but his honestly and persistence to help her wins her over. For the first time in a long time she trusts someone.  Little did she realize even at 94 he would change her life in ways she never imagined.

As with all of Cindy Sproles’ books they touch you very deeply emotionally.  I felt every one of Minerva’s aches and pains, her physical challenges to accomplish daily tasks, and her feelings.  The author’s detail to Minerva’s emotions and perceptions were so in-depth that she became alive to me. I loved her sense of humor, how she talked so easily with the Lord, and the wisdom she shares throughout the story.

There are many unexpected surprises and turns along the way.  Be prepared and have a box of tissues on hand, you will not read this book without some tears.  This is a deep book on many levels and beautifully written.  I always look forward to reading more books by Cindy Sproles.

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

I so enjoyed the first book in the Cape Cod Creamery Series that I was excited to read this second one!  The characters so endeared themselves to me I couldn’t wait to visit them again, the Creamery and the beaches of Cape Cod.

Marnie’s niece Callie has lost her job as the executive chef at a prestigious hotel in Boston due to a food safety mistake.  Well not just a little mistake.  The entire Food Safety Conference got food poisoning! After a chance meeting with her Aunt Marnie she invites herself for a visit.  She has no place else to go.   Dawn is not very happy about this as their upstairs apartment is already extremely cramped with the two of them.  Not to mention Callie has always been a thorn in Dawn’s side; super annoying, bossy, and competitive.

The Callie that shows up is not the one she grew up with.  This one is depressed, quiet, lethargic and insecure.  Dawn starts planning on how she will “fix her”, pull her out of slump and get her on her way. 

I enjoyed seeing how Marnie and Dawn’s lives were blooming and all the new developments in their relationships.  One of my favorite characters in this book was Leo. He was such quirky, delightful, little boy bursting with enthusiasm. Of course the new ice cream flavors and Callie’s baking made me wish I could try it all!

The author did an incredible job of addressing problems we all face at one time or another, fear, depression, loved ones who don’t understand what we are facing, and finding ourselves stuck this cycle. 

I was very impressed with how the book gave solid answers and ways on how to overcome these mental and emotional challenges.  Changing your thinking and disciplining your thoughts is key in helping yourself. This is also biblical.  I found so many “aha” moments in the book concerning this that I have a lot of pages marked to copy in my journal! This book was not only a pleasure to read but also an encouragement. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

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

This is one of the most unusual historical novels I have read with a combination of mystery and history.  The story switches from 2014, U.S.A to Germany in the 1930’s during World War 2.  I like comparing the present and the past in the character’s lives.

Ivy, in her twenties, is trying to sort out what she wants do to with her life. She has conflict with her parent’s religious expectations.  They were raised Amish to became Mennonites when they married.  A sudden car accident takes their lives and leaves Ivy and her family reeling.  Her sister who was driving has a memory loss and severe emotional trauma.  The facts don’t add up and she suspects her parent’s death was not accidental.

She is urged by her maternal grandmother that lives with them to go with her sisters to her paternal grandparents in Pennsylvania for a time to heal.  They have had practically no contact with their son her granddaughters their entire life.  Not to mention they are very strict Amish. 

On the way she visits with her Great Great Aunt Rosene and learns about a young woman in their family named Clare that traveled to Germany in the 1930’s. Her stay turns from a visit to an extended stay as she helps care for her young twin cousins who have health problems.

The story is told on and off as Rosene takes turns riding with Ivy to Pennsylvania. 

It was fascinating!   I did not know anything about the German Anabaptists during that time.    I have read and heard about Dr. Josef Mengele’s cruel and inhumane genetic experimentation on twins.  All this was brought home even more so by the personal story of Clare’s cousins and the family.  This book has some very surprising endings!  I love history and this book is packed with it!  I cannot wait for the next in the series! 

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

To say this is a riveting story is to put it mildly!  It grabs your attention from the very first page and moves you along just like the flowing river.  An act of unprovoked violence changes 5 year old Jacci Reed’s life forever.  As a child she is grieving and overwhelmed by the death of her mother.  Her father comes and goes out of her life unpredictably so he cannot take her.  She is left in the care of her grandfather, Duke, who had rarely been involved in her life. He was an actor on the Kingston Floating Palace showboat. 

The story fast forwards to 15 years later where she has grown into a young woman and the star of the Palace. Jacci is as sweet and innocent as she is beautiful.  Her life is content and happy.  She has wondered about her past but no one will tell her the truth. Circumstances come about and the secrets of her past can no longer be kept. Her life is even in danger.

This was a fantastic story in many ways.  Learning about life on a showboat in the 1800’s was so interesting.  The day in and day out commitment of performers living out their lives on a floating home intrigued me.  I assumed there would be a great deal of boredom but I learned about their peace and contentment. I was touched by the closeness of the performers and crew members. They every bit family although most were not blood related.   Their warmth and devotion to one another made me feel a sense of belonging.

One of my favorite characters was Aunt Tildy, the elderly black cook on the boat.  She kept everyone in line and was no nonsense but very loving and tender hearted.  I enjoyed the many nuggets of wisdom she shared and her strong faith in God.  The special treats she fixed for everyone after a show created such a family atmosphere.

I loved the suspense and mystery and especially the surprise ending! This story is filled with faith, forgiveness, loyalty and finding unexpected love.  As I write this review I can picture myself standing on the deck of the boat, watching the river flow by and even going to sleep the rocking of the boat.

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