Showing posts with label Beth Wiseman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beth Wiseman. Show all posts

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Giveaway! Enter to win The Promise by Beth Wiseman in the Spring Cleaning Giveaway Hop



http://www.iamareader.com/

I love spring cleaning! It's so hard to let go of books, but it's time for this one to get passed along to a new home :) You can read my review of The Promise by Beth Wiseman here. Be sure to check out more book giveaways along the hop below!



Saturday, December 27, 2014

Review: A July Bride by Beth Wiseman


A July Bride by Beth Wiseman

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Can she forgive the man who left her at the altar?

Alyssa Pennington dated Brendan Myers for three years before she accepted his proposal. For almost a year, Alyssa's friends and family helped her plan a lovely wedding to take place in the church she'd grown up in. It was the happiest day of her life when she walked down the aisle to be united with the man of her dreams. But when Brendan left her at the altar, Alyssa was consumed by humiliation, embarrassment, and a broken heart that wouldn't allow her to trust anyone. Especially Brendan.
 

Brendan Myers knows he will spend the rest of his life regretting what he did to Alyssa, the only woman he's ever loved. Without her, his life is empty. In one fateful moment, he'd panicked, destroyed their future, and ruined everything. Now he plans to win her back.
But winning back his bride might prove much more difficult than he can imagine. And even if he does get her to the altar again, will she think turnabout is fair play?


My Review

This novella is well-written, but since the story takes place during the aftermath of the ruined wedding and recovery of Alyssa's heartbreak, there is a lot of angst and not much romance. We do eventually learn why Brendan panicked, but since Alyssa refuses to hear him out for so long I was left wondering for much of the time what his deal was. I would have been happier with more happiness in the story :)

(Thank you to Zondervan Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Review: The Promise by Beth Wiseman


The Promise by Beth Wiseman

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Mallory Hammond is determined not to let her boyfriend, parents, or anyone else get in the way of her #1 goal—to save a life. She had that chance when she was a teenager, and the opportunity slipped away, leaving a void she’s desperate to fill. Then a new friend she met online offers her the chance she’s dreamed of. But she’ll have to leave behind everyone she loves to take it.
Tate Webber has loved Mallory for years. He understands that Mallory’s free spirit has to fly, and when he gives her the space she needs, he hopes that when she lands, the two of them will be in the same place and can marry at last.
In a bold move—and with lots of resistance from Tate and those closest to her—Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfill her dream. Tate begs her not to go, but Mallory embarks on the dangerous journey to Pakistan anyway, only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. Her new friend isn’t who he says he is. And Mallory can only pray she’ll make it out alive.
Inspired by actual events, this riveting story will take you on a wild journey and have you asking yourself: How far would I go for love?

My Review

Intense. Frustrating. Eye-opening. The author Beth Wiseman personally knows the young woman whose experience this story is based on and does an amazing job bringing the realities of the other side of the world to the page. Told from multiple points of view, the reader is able to sense that not all is what it seems. Mallory's compassionate and emotional nature overrides her common sense and she is focused solely on having an amazing "life experience" despite the warnings and red flags that she chooses to disregard. As I was reading I felt a combination of pity for her circumstances and  what-did-you-expect?!?! I appreciated that there was a subplot with Tate's side of the story of a piano student abandoned to his care which showed more dimension to his character besides the constant worrying for his relationship with Mallory and her safety. The book starts out relatively slow but momentum builds with the suspense and climaxes with an intense ending.

(Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing and Litfuse Publicity for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

The Promise Beth Wiseman

Monday, October 20, 2014

THE PROMISE Kindle HDX Giveaway from @BethWiseman!



In a daring new novel, Beth Wiseman jumps way outside the box. The Promise will take readers far away from Amish country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by actual events, this is the book Beth has been working toward for a long time.

promise-400

Curious? Click here to read the reviews, and be sure to enter Beth's Kindle HDX giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HDX
  • The Promise by Beth Wiseman
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 9th. Winner will be announced November 10th here.

promise-enterbanner

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Review: An Amish Garden by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Tricia Goyer, Vannetta Chapman


An Amish Garden by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Tricia Goyer, Vannetta Chapman

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

“A Place of Healing” by Vannetta Chapman
Emma discovers a run-away teen in her barn, and the bishop asks her to provide a haven for a woman and her two children. Then her mother-in-law reveals a secret about her garden. Will Emma choose loneliness or learn to accept God’s gifts?


“Flowers for Rachael” by Kathleen Fuller

Rachael’s garden is beautiful, but she is lonely. Gideon is in love with Rachael, but when Rachael finds her garden in shambles after a crisis, she rejects his help. Will she realize she doesn’t have to do everything on her own?


“Seeds of Love” by Tricia Goyer
When a corporation shows interest in buying Sadie’s heirloom seeds, she panics. They are all she has left of her Dat and Mem. Eli believes he can help Sadie, but a misunderstanding leaves her heartbroken. Will she trust him again, and will the seeds of a new relationship take root?


“Planting a Future” by Beth Wiseman
Rosemary is doing her best to run her family’s household. She excels at all her tasks except one: gardening. Saul has been interested in her for years, but Rosemary has turned him down repeatedly. Saul begins helping with her family’s garden, but someone is sabotaging his efforts—and keeping a secret that could change their lives.


My Review

I completely enjoyed relaxing with this collection of Amish novellas! Gardening is something I've always enjoyed and it was a lovely theme throughout these stories. It seemed there was more focus on family relationships rather than romance, but there was still enough for me to feel satisfied and all the stories wrapped up nicely.

(Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishers for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

E-book sale TODAY ONLY: $1.99 for An Amish Garden novella collection

An Amish Garden

I adore reading these Amish novella collections! Each of the authors are excellent and it is a perfect way to relax at the end of a long day, without committing to a whole novel. Download An Amish Garden for $1.99 today only!




http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com


Synopsis


Where Healing Blooms” Vannetta Chapman – Emma discovers a run-away teen in her barn, and the bishop asks her to provide a haven for a woman and her two children. Then her mother-in-law reveals a secret about her garden. Will Emma choose loneliness or learn to accept God’s gifts?

Flowers for Rachael” Kathleen Fuller – Rachael’s garden is beautiful, but she is lonely. Gideon is in love with Rachael, but when Rachael finds her garden in shambles after a crisis, she rejects his help. Will she realize she doesn’t have to do everything on her own?

Seeds of Love” Tricia Goyer – When a corporation shows interest in buying Sadie’s heirloom seeds, she panics. They are all she has left of her Dat and Mem. Eli believes he can help Sadie, but a misunderstanding leaves her heartbroken. Will she trust him again, and will the seeds of a new relationship take root?

Rooted in Love” Beth Wiseman – Rosemary is doing her best to run her family’s household. She excels at all her tasks except one: gardening. Saul has been interested in her for years, but Rosemary has turned him down repeatedly. Saul begins helping with her family’s garden, but someone is sabotaging his efforts—and keeping a secret that could change their lives.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Review: Plain Peace by Beth Wiseman

Heidi Reads... Plain Peace by Beth Wiseman
My rating: 5 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

Anna Byler should be enjoying her Rumspringa as allowed by her faith. But because of the strict rules enforced by her grandfather—the bishop—the available suitors in town are afraid to court her. Even Anna’s grandmother is keeping a big secret from Anna’s grandfather in an effort to keep the peace. Under her grandfather’s oppressive watch, Anna begins to feel her faith slipping and wonders if God has forsaken her.
 

Jacob Hostetler and his family have relocated to Lancaster County following a family tragedy in Ohio. As his family struggles to rebuild their lives, Jacob is forced to act as head of the household when his father is unable to cope with recent events. It’s been a long time since Jacob has felt any joy. Until he meets Anna Byler. But will Anna’s grandfather succeed at keeping them apart? And can Jacob put the past behind him and open his heart?

My Review

This book was a pleasure to read. Although it is the sixth in the Daughters of the Promise series, it can be read as a stand-alone easily. Anna and Jacob each have their own set of worries and struggles, yet as they share their burdens with each other they provide strength and support. I love the unique details and insights we see in their relationship and how it sustains them. There is a whole set of strong supporting characters and the book alternates between points of view. The trials of each are so different, but their relationships with each other tie the subplots together seamlessly. And I just have to say, Anna's grandmother is hilarious.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

Sunday, February 23, 2014

$1.99 e-book sale for An Amish Kitchen

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008GVZ1YU/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=mmkli-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008GVZ1YU

An Amish Kitchen e-book is on sale for $1.99! I enjoyed this compilation of three novellas- you can read my review here. Grab it on Amazon before the price changes!

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Review: An Amish Kitchen by Beth Wiseman, Kelly Long, and Amy Clipston

My Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

Fern has a green thumb for healing herbs and flowers, but longs for love to bloom in her life. The next-door neighbor's oldest son Abram comes running into Fern's kitchen seeking help for his little sister. The crisis soon leads to a promise of romance until an incident threatens to end their growing attraction.

Nearby, Hannah runs her parents bed and breakfast, Paradise Inn but her life feels nothing like Paradise. She longs for a man of integrity to enter her life, but never expected him to knock on the front door looking for a room. Will she be able trust Stephen with her future once she discovers his mysterious past?

When a storm blows a tree onto Eve's farmhouse, she has little choice but to temporarily move her family into her parents home. Outside of cooking together in the kitchen, Eve and her mother can't agree on anything. But this may be just the recipe for hope in healing old wounds.


My Review

I so enjoyed reading these novellas. They were all so sweet, fun, and entertaining. My favorite was the first story by Kelly Long since the romance was wonderful.

(ARC was provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Review: An Amish Miracle by Beth Wiseman, Ruth Reid, and Mary Ellis

My Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

Always Beautiful by Beth Wiseman
Becky Byler is eighteen and overweight. She is overwhelmed by the embarrassment she feels when comparing herself to other girls her age. Having lost all hope, she considers taking her own life. As she stands before rushing water, unable to swim, Becky begs God for a miracle. In just several months, Becky sees her prayers answered as food and temptation lose their hold over her. She s finally pleased with how she looks, but does she like the person she has become? And has the man she has dreamed of been right beside her all along, loving her exactly as she is?

Always His Providence by Ruth Reid
Widow Rosa Hostetler has one month to pay her delinquent taxes before the county auctions her farm. She s prepared to sell whatever is necessary to pay the lien, but she isn't willing to request money from the community s widow fund. She s embarrassed and refuses to admit she needs help. Rosa depends on income from selling eggs, but when that income is threatened, only a miracle can help Rosa accept the kindness of a neighbor.

Always in My Heart by Mary Ellis
Hope Bowman believes God is punishing her for giving up her firstborn son when she was a teenager. She s hidden this secret from her husband, who is thankful for their daughters but longs for a son. Hope prays desperately, but the son God sends her isn't a new baby but the fifteen-year-old boy she gave up years ago.


My Review

The stories are well-written and compelling. The main characters each have a flawed but understandable perspective on the trial/issue they are struggling with, but experience a miracle in the way their individual situations and attitudes resolve. I felt that the romance took more of a backseat in this collection which I really missed.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)