Review: The Farm Stand by Amy Clipston

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Salina Petersheim runs her own booth at the Amish market, where she’s known for having the freshest and most delicious produce in the area. Her father is the bishop of her church district, and her brother is a deacon. They are a very close family, yet sometimes she tires of being compared to her older brother, Neil, who is married and has two children. She also feels the pressure of having to be the perfect daughter for her parents. 

Salina has been dating Josiah for almost a year now, but he feels more like a friend than a boyfriend. Her parents approve of Josiah, who is a hardworking roofer. He’s handsome and easy to talk to, but he just doesn’t warm her heart the way she feels a boyfriend and future husband should. She secretly longs for more. 

Along comes William “Will” Zimmerman, a Mennonite chef who runs a restaurant located next door to the Amish market. He wants Salina to supply the produce for his restaurant, and as they forge a business relationship, they both feel themselves falling in love. Salina especially tries to deny her feelings for Will since her father wants her to marry within the community. 

Both Salina and Will feel stuck in their current relationships, but they cannot deny what they feel for each other. Will they follow their hearts or bow to the pressure of family? Or will God provide a surprising new road for them?

My Review

My favorite part of this book was the environment of the Amish Market. Aren't the covers of this series so vibrant? A group of young women forge friendships as they work alongside each other at different stands, and they each have a unique personality. Will and Salina have fantastic chemistry, but struggle to leave their current relationships behind in order to pursue something beyond friendship. Their relationship naturally develops into a romance, but family dynamics cause conflict and drama. I felt frustrated with repetitive thoughts and stalled progress, and hoped for more depth and connection to the emotions of the characters. I was glad to be able to get to the resolution and happy ending.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Amish Marketplace series . . .

Review: An Amish Baby for Christmas by Vannetta Chapman

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

With a baby on the way...
can this struggling widow save her home?

In danger of losing her farm after her husband's death, Abigail Yutzy needs help--even if she can't afford it. At her bishop's insistence, property manager Thomas Albrecht pitches in to aid the pregnant widow. With his troubled past and her shattered heart, their arrangement must stay business only. But their uneasy holiday alliance might just heal both their hearts...

My Review

I'm really enjoying the Indiana Amish Brides series! The author has a way of bringing emotion to her characters, and I quickly become invested in their story. Abigail is grieving, overwhelmed, and at her wits end. Thomas excels at finding solutions, and as they work together to find options for Abigail's future, a friendship blossoms and sweetens into something more. I loved how Thomas gave her the support and empowerment she missed in her marriage, and she became stronger with each step forward she took. The wisdom of the bishop is the quiet, encouraging type, and I appreciated his style of leadership and service. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: For the Record by Regina Jennings

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Betsy Huckabee might be a small-town girl, but she has big-city dreams. Writing for her uncle's newspaper will never lead to independence, and the bigger newspapers don't seem interested in the Hart County news. Trying a new approach, Betsy pens a romanticized serial for the ladies' pages, and the new deputy provides the perfect inspiration for her submissions. She'd be horrified if he read her breathless descriptions of him, but these articles are for a newspaper far away. No one in Pine Gap will ever know.

Deputy Joel Puckett didn't want to leave Texas, but this job in tiny Pine Gap is his only shot at keeping his badge. With masked marauders riding every night, his skills and patience are tested, but even more challenging is the sassy journalist lady chasing him.

My Review

I love the stories of Regina Jennings for the vibrant characters, sweet romance, and depth of emotion. For the Record adds in a hefty dose of humor to the mix with mishaps, pranks, some underhanded dealings, and best of all, Betsy's dramatized stories written as fiction inspired by Joel. Betsy is a bit of a firecracker, yet also trying to find her place in the world. Joel sure has his hands full with this new job in a community that's practically foreign to him. It was quite a ride as they work together and sometimes against each other as they get to the bottom of the violence threatening Pine Gap. I would have liked more development in their relationship and romance, and felt the plot overshadowed that.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the previous books in the Ozark Mountain Romance series . . .

Review: An Amish Quilting Bee by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Shelley Shepard Gray

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Three charming stories of cozy quilting circles and budding romance
 

Patchwork Promises  by Amy Clipston 
When Colin Zook and his beloved grandmother lose everything in a fire, their greatest loss is a beloved family heirloom quilt that helped keep her dementia at bay. When Joanne Lapp hears about the loss, she decides to re-create the quilt. Colin soon feels himself developing feelings for her, but he’s held back by the knowledge that a future with him would involve care of his grandmother and his farm. Will Joanne look past his list of responsibilities and see him for who he truly is?

A Common Thread  by Kathleen Fuller 
Susie Glick returns from a shopping trip laden with beautiful fabric for her quilting group. On the bus ride, Alex Lehman—her crush from three years ago—sits next to her. Alex left Middlefield to explore the country, and now he’s back and ready to join the church. Susie was just a kid when he left, but now she’s a woman—and she definitely has his interest. The women in her quilting circle aren’t as excited about Alex’s return, assuming that he’ll leave again in search of adventure. Susie is convinced they’re wrong, but just as they start dating, Alex tells Susie he has to leave. He says he’ll return, but Susie must decide whether or not she can trust the man she fears has captured her heart.

Stitched Together by Shelley Shepard Gray 
Rosie’s joy is her yearly project for the Pinecraft Mennonite Quilt Sale, and she dreams of being the top earner. But she’s worried that she’s bitten off more than she can chew with her latest entry. To make things even more confusing, after coming to terms with her single state, she’s recently formed a friendship with Tim Christner. He’s only in town for a month, but he has Rosie wondering if she’s found love at last. Now all she has to do is figure out how to get the quilt done so she can concentrate on him. But with her once very organized life in total disarray, everything comes to a head just before the sale. Rosie is forced to reexamine her priorities before she loses not only her place in the quilt show but everything else she’s ever wanted.

My Review

I love these Amish novella collections! They are perfect for the end of a busy day, when I'd like to read and finish a story quickly before falling asleep. I grew up tying quilts with my grandma, and I've loved admiring Amish quilts when visiting Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. 

 

In the first story Patchwork Promises, Joanne helps Colin by recreating his grandmothers beloved quilt, a sweet gesture of service. It took her a long time to do by herself, and I didn't understand why she didn't enlist the help of others during a quilting bee (especially since it's the theme of the collection) in order to get it done as soon as possible so the grandmother didn't have to suffer anguished nights any longer. It seemed like she wanted all the credit, and it didn't even occur to her to allow others the opportunity to serve with her.

 

The second story by Kathleen Fuller was my favorite. She excels at bringing depth and emotion to her stories and characters. Susie and Alex are sweet together, with an immediate attraction when they are reunited, yet both uncertain of the others' feelings. The conflict comes from Susie's mother, who has abandonment issues from when her husband left their family, and she tries to influence Susie against Alex because of his past as a wandering traveler. An unforeseen separation, letters back and forth, an intervention from the quilting ladies, and a providential reunion bring Susie and Alex together as well as heal the relationship between Susie and her mother.

 

The final story tests the patience of Rosie as she takes pride in her quilt entry and the admiration of others, yet learns humility through several experiences and mishaps out of her control. It was nice to see her able to let go of her expectations of perfection of herself, and learn to find joy in her relationships.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: You and Me by Becky Wade

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Easy-going, artistic Connor Bryant fell hard for his friend Shay Seaver when they were both in the seventh grade. Now, sixteen years later, he's returned to Misty River. She's finally between boyfriends. And his crush on her hasn't wavered. Now's his chance.

He tells Shay that he's found someone he wants to date and is in need of a makeover when it comes to his appearance and dating strategies. He asks if she'll serve as his consultant -- in hopes that he'll learn how he can become her ideal man. What he doesn't tell her? That she's the one he wants to date.

Sporty stationery shop owner Shay immediately agrees to Connor's request because he's one of the best guys she knows. However, she quickly realizes she's in over her head. She's pledged to help him win the affection of another woman -- even though she dearly wants to claim his heart.

It's Christmas in the mountain town of Misty River! This sweet contemporary romance novella, penned by Christy-winning author Becky Wade, can be read alone or paired with the other books in the series.

My Review

What a perfect novella! It's full of longing, romantic tension, anticipation, and a special ending! Even though it's part of a series, it can be enjoyed without having read the other books- although I'm sure it will make you want to read the rest of them immediately! I felt like I quickly got to know Connor and Shay, understood their vibe and the dynamic of their relationship, and loved every minute of their path to Shay recognizing her feelings and Connor revealing his. Love, love, loved it!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Misty River Romance series . . .

Book 3 coming in May 2022!

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Good Morning, Little One by Amy Kavelaris

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Good Morning, Little One by Amy Kavelaris, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: Good Morning, Little One 

Author: Amy Kavelaris 

Publisher: Tommy Nelson 

Release Date: February 8, 2022 

Genre: Children's Devotionals/Prayers, Christian 

Reassure kids that God is carrying them throughout the day with these morning affirmations and whimsical illustrations from beloved author Amy Kavelaris. Adorable animals with gorgeous floral art and words of hope remind little ones of God's love, security, and peace for the day ahead. 

Through a child’s eyes, the world can be beautiful, wonder-filled, and a bit fear-filled all at the same time. Remind your little one that God is always near with this unique book of blessings. A beautiful companion to Amy Kavelaris’s popular Good Night, My Darling Dear, this inspirational picture book 

• reassures children ages 4 to 8 that God carries them through good days, hard days, and anxious days 

• shares biblical promises of God's love, purpose, and protection 

• features the whimsical imagery of nature and animals that has made Kavelaris’s art beloved 

• encourages kids to discover God each day and joyfully live out who He created them to be 

• gives children confidence to be brave in scary and unexpected situations 

This unique book of blessings and prayers will remind your little one of God’s loving promises revealed in nature: that He protects us from the rain, He covers us with His wings, He shines His light into the darkness, and most of all, He’ll always be with us. Good Morning, Little One by artist Amy Kavelaris 

• includes a stunning cover with a jacket over hardcover 

• makes a touching keepsake gift book for a child's Easter basket, baby showers, and other new beginnings such as adoption, a new sibling, or the first day of school 

• is an enchanting piece of art for a botanical nursery or child's bedroom 

• is ideal for any parent, grandparent, or family who wants to establish a tradition of blessing their child in the morning 

There's no better way to start the day than praying over your children with this sweet, Scripture-based book about trusting God to carry each of you in His gentle arms. 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | ChristianBook | BookBub

 

EXCERPT

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy (Kavs) Kavelaris' work can be spotted in Target, Anthropologie, Bebe au Lait, and Better Homes & Gardens, as well as in homes around the globe. She has collaborated with countless brands, including Skechers Shoes and Pampers Diapers, and served as a judge for the Miss America Foundation. Her impressionistic, bohemian style merges with her painterly whimsy. Amy and her husband live in the Midwest with their three small girls. See her art at bloomprintsstudio.com and @amykavs on Instagram.

CONNECT WITH AMY: Website | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Good Morning, Little One!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 21, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 28, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Review: Choices of the Heart by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

The paths of life that brought them together are destined to tear them apart.

Burke Jones began his life as a nameless orphan, dreaming of one day being a renowned doctor with a home and family to call his own. Sophie Kingston, daughter of an influential East Coast family, was destined to be an important and beloved part of Baltimore Society.

Life has not gone quite as either planned.

Now living in the home of a family friend, Sophie joins the lady on a journey to the tiny town of Hope Springs in Wyoming Territory. It is unlike any place she’s ever known. And the resident doctor is a mystery as well. Burke knows he isn’t the success he’d always imagined he would be, and seeing it through the eyes of this newly arrived Society lady only drives that home.

As Hope Springs begins to weave its magic, Sophie discovers more than she’d ever imagined, in both the town and its doctor. And Burke, who has always guarded his heart, begins to wonder if there might be more to life than he has previously imagined.

Their futures, however, do not lie along the same path or in the same destinations. Fate has once again proven unkind.

Can Hope Springs work yet another miracle?

My Review

Hope Springs is full of wonderful characters that are added with each book in the series. Although there are plenty of scenes with the O'Connor and Archer family members, this addition also focuses on two newcomers to the town, paths crossing but each with a future that continues on in different directions. Burke and Sophie have a rocky beginning, but the special qualities of Hope Springs begin to transform their perspective and they let down their guard, leading to a lovely friendship. I missed the strength of romantic chemistry that I usually find in this author's stories, and I wonder if the large cast of community members and the focus on some subplots distracted me from connecting with the emotions of Burke and Sophie. I'm definitely looking forward to a continuation of Finbar O'Connnor and Emma Archer's story. 

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the previous books in the Hope Springs series . . .

Review: Her Unsuitable Match by Sally Britton

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Lady Philippa must wed to gain her fortune and freedom. A former soldier wants only peace and seclusion. Marriage to each other is their best solution.

Lady Philippa Gillensford is three and twenty, an heiress, and sister to a penny-pinching earl. After rejecting every bachelor her mother approves of, Philippa is ready to take her future into her own hands. Though she doubts she’ll marry for love, she is more than willing to marry for freedom from her family’s influence.

Myles Cobbett has withdrawn from Society, content to remain alone after surviving the horrors of the Napoleonic wars. When a friend convinces Myles to attend a ball benefiting wounded veterans like himself, Myles meets the lively Lady Philippa. Shortly thereafter, to help Philippa avoid scandal, Myles rescues her from a complete cad.

Sensing a chance to escape her family’s control, Philippa convinces Myles he must marry her to save her reputation. In exchange for this favor, Philippa promises him the very thing he thought he always wanted: a quiet life, alone in the country.

While the two put on a show of marital happiness for their neighbors, both realize they want much more from this arrangement. Can they take a marriage of convenience and turn it into a love match?

Her Unsuitable Match is a sweet Regency romance and can be read as a stand-alone or as the sequel to Sally Britton's previous novel, His Unexpected Heiress.

It is also part of the Supposed Scandal series.

My Review

Myles and Philippa are both in difficult circumstances, but I loved how they showed determination to stay true to themselves and persevere through their trials. They are intrigued by each other, and even though it is unexpected, the solution of a marriage of convenience frees them both and opens their options for the future. Some couples from the authors other books are woven into the local society and I enjoyed revisiting them and the way they exemplified genuine love for Pippa and Myles. There's just something about the way they allow themselves to reach for more in their relationship that brings romantic tension and a sweetness to their special moments. 

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the previous book, His Unexpected Heiress . . .

Check out the other books in the Supposed Scandal series . . .