Review: An Amish Family Christmas by Marta Perry and Patricia Davids

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Heart of Christmas by Marta Perry

Amish teacher Susannah Miller suddenly has two new students: the children of her former love. Widowed father Toby Unger broke Susannah's heart ten years ago, but now the handsome Amish man desperately needs help with his troubled little ones. Can the joy of the season reunite two lonely hearts in time for Christmas?

A Plain Holiday by Patricia Davids

Outspoken nanny Sally Yoder left her Amish community for her rumspringa. Though her heart is back home, the Amish man she loves, Ben Lapp, will never love a bold woman like her. But when a snowstorm strands her, her young charges and Ben on a remote farm at Christmastime, they both might discover that love is the true holiday spirit.

My Review

These two stories are perfect for a quick winter read. In "Heart of Christmas" by Marta Perry, Susannah is strong and compassionate, making her new students a priority over her own comfort as she advises their father Toby with thoughtful insight as to how he can connect with his grieving children. I loved the sweet moment between Toby and his son when they are finally able to communicate.

The main character Sally in "A Plain Holiday" by Patricia Davids was confusing at first since some important aspects of her thoughts and situation are revealed later and I had to reassess my assumptions about her. However, once they are stranded in the snowstorm the story picks up and she and Ben are finally able to sort through their conflicts and figure out what they really want.

(Thank you to Harlequin and Love Inspired for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: The Cowboy's Forever Family by Deb Kastner

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Widowed and pregnant, Laney Beckett wants nothing to do with stubborn rodeo cowboy Slade McKenna. But avoiding her late husband's best friend is nearly impossible now that Slade thinks Laney and her baby need his protection. Though Slade figures he's too rough a man to settle down, his thrill-seeking ways have already cost him his childhood pal. Looking out for the man's wife and child is the least he can do, especially when headstrong Laney doesn't know the first thing about running the family's ranch. For the sake of baby Beckett, Laney and Slade give friendship a chance... but could they become a true family?

My Review

I enjoyed reading this sweet book about forgiveness and second chances. Although the grudges Laney and Slade had for each other dissolved rather quickly and their new-found friendship moved rapidly to romance after that, the strength of the characters in the aftermath of grief and mourning is admirable. I especially enjoyed the setting of the ranch.

(Thank you to Harlequin and Love Inspired Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Free e-book! A Hopeful Heart by Amy Clipston

Download A Hopeful Heart by Amy Clipston for free! I have read the second book in this series and really liked it- read my review here.

(Be sure to check the price before ordering since e-book sales are for a limited time)

Synopsis

In A Hopeful Heart, the first novel of the new Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series from best-selling author Amy Clipston, Hannah finds herself at a crossroads in her life. Her community offers her love and support after the untimely death of her husband, but an Englisher offers her the chance of a new life after her unexpected tragedy. Wealthy businessman Trey Peterson is surprised by his attraction to the gentle Amish woman who works as a housekeeper in the Lancaster Grand Hotel. They share a common bond of loss and are able to offer each other comfort and support as they journey through their grief. Joshua Glick wants nothing more than to offer his friendship and love to Hannah and her family. Not only is he her late husband's brother and business partner, he has always been in love with Hannah. A Hopeful Heart is filled with surprising twists as Hannah tries to balance her life in the Amish community and her growing love for an outsider.

Review and Giveaway! Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Anna O'Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across a baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. She is thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, but her determination outweighs her shyness and she turns to a dashing congressman for help.
 
Luke Callahan was one of the nation's most powerful congressmen until his promising career became shadowed in scandal. Eager to share in a new cause and intrigued by the winsome librarian, he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship.
 
Opposites in every way, Anna and Luke are unexpectedly drawn to each other despite the strict rules forbidding Anna from any romantic entanglement with a member of Congress. From the gilded halls of the Capitol, where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation's finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for themselves?

My Review

There is just so much to enjoy about this novel! It was fascinating to learn about how the movers and shakers in Washington DC worked together and against each other during the turn of the century. All the characters, even minor ones, are portrayed in a way that I could visualize them vividly. Anna's position as one of the first of a small handful of females to work as librarians for the Library of Congress is inspiring since she does not take her job for granted and reveres the work she does. Her first interactions with Luke are hilarious, and as she works more closely with him she learns to stretch beyond her comfort zone professionally and personally as well. There are a variety of political dynamics at play that impede Anna's search for the truth, and the story just keeps growing more intense as loyalty and trust is threatened and priorities are tested in the face of an impending war.

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

Extras 

The Story Behind 'Beyond All Dreams'

Author Elizabeth Camden and the Writing Life 

Check out the author's Pinterest board for Beyond All Dreams!

 

Travel back in time to the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress in Elizabeth Camden's newest release, Beyond All Dreams. From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation's finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for their futures?

Elizabeth is celebrating the release of Beyond All Dreams with a Kindle giveaway and Facebook party on February 17.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• One copy of Beyond All Dreams

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/17. Winner will be announced at Elizabeth's 2/17 Beyond All Dreams Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Elizabeth and historical fiction fans, as well as for the opportunity to win some great prizes!
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 17th!