Review: An Amish Heirloom by Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston
Local volunteer fire fighter Leon King agrees to repair his ex-girlfriend Susie Bontrager’s grandparents’ antique rocking chairs for her future home with her fiance and is forced to acknowledge that his feelings for her have not quite gone away. As Susie spends time with Leon, she begins to recognize she is marrying the wrong man for all the wrong reasons.

The Cedar Chest by Beth Wiseman
Decades after inheriting her great grandmother’s cedar chest, Emma Fisher decides to pry it open only to discover a beautiful love story in the form of letters between her great grandparents. But as Emma immerses herself in their story, family secrets are revealed, and she must decide whether to share them to preserve family history or honor her great grandparents’ decision to leave them hidden.

The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller
For the past two years, Shane Broyles has felt God leading him to join the Amish. He’s staying with his friends Noah and Ivy Schlabach in Birch Creek, OH, where he is reunited with Lucy Fisher, an old friend of Noah’s family. Shane and Lucy have never revealed their feelings for each other, but when they stumble upon an antique Bible at a flea market, they feel drawn to each other and to the mystery of the contents found within.

The Midwife’s Dream by Kelly Irvin
Iris Beachy serves as a midwife in her district where she longs for a family of her own. When her friend’s brother Mahon Kurtz seeks her help in delivering the baby of two young teenagers who have sought refuge in their town, they begin to see each other in a different light. Unprepared for parenthood, the young couple leave their baby girl behind in an antique crib quilt resembling the one destined for Iris when she becomes a mother. Mahon and Iris come together to take care of the baby as they try to find her parents, and they begin to see new possibilities for their future.

My Review

Another lovely collection of Amish themed stories from a group of my favorite authors in the genre! My favorite was The Midwife's Dream because it had such a sweet romance with a long-time unrequited love revealed and all the special feelings that come with realizing a friend can become something more. I also enjoyed The Treasured Book since I had read the series by the author set in Birch Creek and it was fun to see Aunt Cevilla playing matchmaker again. The Cedar Chest is bittersweet and I appreciated the wisdom of a mother gently helping her married daughter who is going through a rocky time in her marriage. A Legacy of Love is centered around a past relationship that is getting a second chance as Susie and Leon realize that their timing and communication was off before. I'd recommend this novella collection to fans of Amish fiction!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: Road to Rosewood by Ashtyn Newbold

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Lucy Abbot longs to return to the country estate where she spent the best days of her childhood with her cousins and their charming neighbor Nicholas. Her protective parents, however, have other plans for her. When she finally dares to escape, her carriage is besieged by highwaymen with a familiar man leading them. Could this mysterious outlaw be exactly the person Lucy has been searching for?

My Review

The book begins with scenes from Lucy's childhood and she is a happy eleven year old with a fun personality. As an adult, however, she is sullen and depressed, even though she has attempted to be content in a dreary climate on the north coast. Her desperation to return to her memories of the beautiful south and her cousin's estate of Rosewood drives her to defy her parents and embark on the journey on her own. Her new feelings of independence brought light back to her heart and personality, although I didn't understand some of the rather ridiculous choices she made. The plot takes twists and turns and I didn't know what to expect next as I read. Nicholas is a bit of an enigma and there are so many secrets that are alluded to, but everyone keeps Lucy in the dark. I was as frustrated as she until the layers of mystery began to be revealed. Lucy's personality is easily flustered, somewhat contradictory, and her thoughts seem to go a million miles a minute as she loses some of her naïveté and has her eyes opened to the reality of the what has changed in Rosewood and her family. Even though I didn't quite connect with the characters, the pace of the story is swift and kept me entertained.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Review: Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Abigail Brantley grew up in affluence and knows exactly how to behave in high society. But when she is cast from the social registers due to her father's illegal dealings, she finds herself forced into a role she never imagined: tutoring rough Kansas ranchers in the subjects of manners and morals so they can "marry up" with their mail-order brides. Mack Cleveland, whose father was swindled by a mail-order bride, wants no part of the scheme to bring Eastern women to Spiveyville, Kansas, and he's put off by the snooty airs and fastidious behavior of the "little city gal" in their midst. But as time goes by, his heart goes out to the teacher who tries so diligently to smooth the rough edges from the down-to-earth men. How can he teach her that perfection won't bring happiness?

My Review

This is a gentle story set in the Midwest, and despite its slower pace, I was intrigued by the premise of a mail-order bride matchmaker attempting to improve the manners of the rough and tumble bachelors of a small ranching town. The story is told from the third-person perspective of four main characters, which I think contributed to the slow pace. I actually enjoyed most of all the perspective of Mrs. Helena Bingham, the owner of the mail-order bride service. She had wisdom and humor that Abigail was lacking for most of the book, and I appreciated her patience in training Abigail while Abigail trained the men ;) Abigail's attitude definitely improved over time and it was nice to see her grow and stretch and meet the challenges before her, including learning to look beyond the surface and judging a person by their character. Mack was just such a gentleman, and even though he has a tender heart, he also has a backbone. It was fun to see how his interactions with Abigail change as time went by. They become loyal friends that support each other, and I would have liked to see their romance heat up a bit... but it remained as tepid as their manners are proper. The sheriff made up the fourth perspective, but I really didn't feel like it added much to the story to tell his point of view. Battling the elements and solving a mystery added conflict and tension to the plot, and overall it was an entertaining read.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: Until I Knew Myself by Tammy L. Gray

Book One in the Bentwood series

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

RITA Award-winning author Tammy L. Gray delivers an unforgettable new series following five struggling friends in search of the true meaning of family through secrets, betrayal and the unexpected influence of an outsider…

Tyler Mitchell grew up an orphan, taken in by his best friend’s family when he was only sixteen. Even though ten years have passed, and he’s been given everything he should ever want—a loving home, an adoring girlfriend, a successful career, and lifelong friendships—Tyler has always felt a foreigner in his own life.

When a surprising phone call reveals the death of his biological grandfather, Tyler’s seemingly perfect life starts to unravel. The people he loves most in world have kept from him the greatest secret of all—knowledge of his father’s family.

Now hunting for more information about his past, Tyler discovers nothing is quite as it seems. And the definition of family is far more complicated than choosing between blood and loyalty.

My Review

When I started this book I felt like I just jumped in the deep end of the angst-filled drama of fractured relationships. The author did a great job of making it easy to quickly get to know the various personalities in the once tight-knit group of friends, but it took me longer to feel connected to them and invested in their high-strung emotions. It did come, surprisingly with the inclusion of Caroline, a newcomer to the town and family business. She was my favorite character by far, probably because of the peace and rest her presence and friendship gives Tyler from the chaos of his thoughts. It also changed the dynamic of the tone of the book which was becoming a bit dark for me, and the upswing re-energized my interest and her new perspective was refreshing.

The connection between Tyler and Journey is palpable and even though they spend the majority of the book on rocky ground, I loved the concern they continually felt for each other and interest in each other's welfare. They each had growing to do that happened independently, and painful as it was, they come together stronger than ever because of it. There is a strong message of the importance of friendship and family loyalty, especially for the families we build ourselves. By the end I couldn't put the book down and I can't wait to see where the stories of the friends will lead in the rest of the series.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Check out the next book in the Bentwood series . . .

Book Two

(coming July 2018)

Synopsis

Nine years to win her. Three years to love her. And one decision that destroyed it all.

April Duncan was raised with three clear truths: the family name is absolute, ambition and success rule over every emotion, and love always comes with strings attached. Image was everything in her carefully crafted world... until the mirror cracked.

Sean Taylor was April's best friend, the one man who taught her it was okay to let her guard down and to rely on someone. She trusted him. She loved him. Which made his deception the darkest kind of cruelty.

Now, nearly a year later, she’s ready to leave her failed engagement in the past and get back her life and her estranged family, even if it means dating a man solely for his connections. She’ll never again choose love over loyalty.

Sean has spent his entire life breaking barriers, facing challenges, and never giving up. Until one impossible choice destroyed his future and left him no option but to flee from the woman who annihilated his heart.

Now he’s back in Bentwood and determined to make her hear the truth and rebuild the trust he shattered. But April has become a mere shell of the woman who claimed his heart long ago.

Winning her back is more than just seizing a victory, because if he fails… the girl he’s loved for a lifetime will disappear forever.

The Truth Between Us is the second book in the Bentwood series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but it is recommended that you begin with book one to get the full experience among this tight group of family and friends.

Review: Frontier Matchmaker Bride by Regina Scott

Book 8 in the Frontier Bachelors series

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

The Lawman Meets His Match 

Successful Seattle matchmaker Beth Wallin has her most challenging assignment yet--find Deputy Hart McCormick a bride. Beth's still smarting after the handsome lawman spurned her affections a year ago. But if she finds Hart a wife, Beth will gain favor with the city's most influential women...and perhaps free her own heart, as well.

Marriage is the last thing on the deputy's mind. After tragically losing his sweetheart, he vowed never to love again. But as sweet, spunky Beth introduces him to potential fiancees, Hart finally feels a spark...for her! The stubborn bachelor will be Beth's first matchmaking miss, unless they can both admit that she just might be his perfect match.

My Review

I was happy to finally read Beth's story! In the other books in the series there are little teasers that something happened between her and the deputy, and we finally learn what that was. As the only girl amid several brothers, Beth is the heart of the Wallin family, and has been sweet to her new sisters-in-law in the previous books. She really comes into her own in this story, and with her pursuit of a bride for Hart bringing her to town, she realizes how much she enjoys living there and having a little break from her brothers. The pace is slow but steady as she tries one tactic then another to get Hart interested in courtship, but even though he humors her attempts, his fears prevent him from moving forward. It was sweet to see them grow comfortable in each other's presence and harbor secret feelings they think are unrequited. The case Hart is trying to solve of newcomers being attacked by a gang brings some action and an element of mystery to the plot, especially when Beth insists on getting involved. There is also a subplot with Scout, the friend of one of the Wallin brothers, who returns to town wealthy from the gold fields and falling prey to the fortune-hunting of the local seamstress. I hope that one of the final books in this series will include Scout finding love. All the books in the Frontier Bachelors series can be read as stand-alones and in any order.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss the other books in the Frontier Bachelors series . . .

Book One

Synopsis

What was his brother's widow–his first love–doing on a ship full of prospective brides headed out West? Clay Howard had been tasked with escorting the Boston belle home, but he didn't anticipate Allegra being so strong-willed–or that he'd wind up traveling with her just to keep her from leaving without him!

Allegra Banks Howard isn't going to let Clay interfere with her plans for a new life with her daughter on the frontier. True, Allegra needs his wilderness savvy, but if Clay thinks he can rekindle what they once shared, he had better think again. Because risking her heart for a second chance at being his bride isn't something she'll undertake lightly...

Book Two

Read my 4 star review here

Synopsis

Drew Wallin's youngest brother is determined to see him married--so he kidnaps Drew a prospective bride. Not only is Catherine Stanway beautiful, but she's a nurse who can help their ailing mother. Drew doesn't have time for distractions--he's too busy watching over his fatherless siblings. Yet he's drawn to this woman who carries loss and pain equal to his own.

Catherine has traveled West to use her nursing skills to save lives, not to find a husband. She knows if she gives in to Drew's matchmaking family, she'll be risking her already bruised heart. But maybe it's time she takes the ultimate risk to win the groom she didn't know she wanted!

Book Three

Synopsis

James Wallin's family is depending on him to find a schoolteacher for their frontier town. Alexandrina Fosgrave seems to be exactly what he needs to help fulfill his father's dream of building a new community. If only James could convince her to accept the position.

Alexandrina has traveled west to seek a fresh start, not to find a groom. But after she's stranded in the wilderness with James, he offers her his hand in marriage to protect her reputation. Both are afraid to fall in love, but maybe an engagement of convenience could make them reconsider…  

Book Four

Synopsis

Maddie O'Rourke's orphaned half brother and half sister have arrived safely in Seattle—with a man they hope she'll wed! Though Michael Haggerty's not the escort she planned for, Maddie allows him to work off his passage by assisting in her bakery…and helping care for her siblings. But she'll never risk her newfound independence by marrying the strapping Irishman—or anyone else.

In New York, Michael ran afoul of a notorious gang. Traveling west was a necessity, not a choice. The longshoreman grew fond of his young charges, and now he's quickly becoming partial to their beautiful sister, too. So when danger follows him, threatening Maddie and the children, he'll do anything to protect them—and the future he hopes to build.

Book Five

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

Proposing a marriage of convenience to a rugged logger is the boldest move of Nora Underhill's sheltered life. In return for Simon Wallin's protection from her overbearing family, the unassuming seamstress offers prime frontier farmland. But their paper marriage changes when Nora's greedy brother tries to draw her back into a life of drudgery. Her only option: move to Simon's farm, and into the center of his loving, unruly family.

Years of shouldering responsibility have left Simon cynical and reserved. But little by little, Nora's warmth opens his shuttered heart to joy. With their marriage claim under threat, can this practical arrangement blossom over the holidays…and become a love for all seasons?

Book Six

Read my 4 star review here

Synopsis

Stunned that his sister ordered him a mail-order bride, John Wallin insists he's not the husband Dottie Tyrrell needs. The scholarly logger knows Dottie will make the perfect wife--for some other man. Yet he's compelled to invite the lovely widow and her infant son to stay with his family...but only until she can find her own way.

Dreams of true love are for other women. Betrayed by her baby's father, Dottie just wants a safe home for her precious child. But who could resist a man with John's quiet strength? When her secret past brings danger to their door, they may yet find this mail-order mix-up to be the perfect mistake...

Book Seven

Read my 4 star review here

Synopsis

After taking guardianship of his late friend’s siblings and baby daughter, minister Levi Wallin hopes to atone for his troubled past on the gold fields. But it won’t be easy to convince the children’s wary elder sister to trust him. The more he learns about her, though, the more he believes Callie Murphy’s prickly manner masks a vulnerable heart…one he’s starting to wish he was worthy of.

Every man in Callie’s life chose chasing gold over responsibilities. Levi—and the large, loving Wallin family—might just be different. But she can tell he’s hiding something from her, and she refuses to risk her heart with secrets between them. Even as they grow closer, will their pasts keep them from claiming this unexpected new beginning?