Review: Anything But Plain Suzanne Woods Fisher

Synopsis

It's not easy being the bishop's daughter, especially for Lydie Stoltzfus. She's not like other Amish girls, as much as she wishes she were. The only thing she does well is disappoint others. Leaving her family and church seems unbearable, but staying might be worse.

Knowing Lydie is "between" jobs, the local doctor asks her to fill in at the front desk for a few months. To Lydie, this is a boon. It gives her time to figure out how she's going to say goodbye to her neighbor, Nathan Yoder--the main reason she needs to leave Stoney Ridge. Nathan claims he's in love with her, but she knows she's not good enough for him. If in doubt, Nathan's father reminds her frequently.

As Dok spends time with Lydie, she recognizes symptoms of a disorder rare among the Amish. She offers treatment for Lydie. But will it be enough to make her stay? Or has help come too late?

Bestselling and award-winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Stoney Ridge, a small town that feels like an old friend.

My Review

Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of my favorite authors of Amish fiction, but I really struggled with this one. I don't think I was in the best place emotionally to read it, because I felt the hidden hopelessness and despair of Lydie keenly, and the injustice of Nathan's father's cruelty was too much. Nathan has commendable goals to improve the farm, but Mick and their father are persuaded by the easier way with empty promises, and Nathan is not given enough regard to present his plan or enough time to actually execute it. I will have to finish this book when I'm able to wade though the hardships they are sure to endure.

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: The Cowboy's Perfect Match by Cathy McDavid

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

He may not be perfect... but he's perfect for her!

Ryan DeMeres is definitely enjoying the perks of being Sweetheart Ranch's new wrangler - the best is working with head chef Bridget O'Malley. He's fallen head over spurs for the talented and determined beauty. There's just one hiccup - Bridget is holding out for Mr Right, and Ryan doesn't quite meet her requirements. But he's determined to win Bridget over, because though he may not be perfect, maybe their love could be.

My Review

I sure do love a ranch setting, and this one featured a cowboy and the cook to boot! They are both charismatic and their chemistry is undeniable, but what to do when they have far different goals in life? Turns out they just need to work through their individual relationship issues in order to see that love is worth making some compromises and realize what the truly important things are. I felt like these characters were both genuine and had great personalities. It was fun to read their journey to a happily ever after.

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.

Check out the other books in The Sweetheart Ranch series . . .

Review: The Hero's Sweetheart by Cheryl Wyatt

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

His Perfect Match

Military commander Jack Sullenberger is used to saving the day. But when his father has a stroke in his beloved small-town diner, it's waitress and EMT student Olivia Abbott coming to the rescue. Jack rushes home to tend to his father and take over the business—running right into Olivia's very strong opinions. The steely military man and the waitress can't agree on what's best for the restaurant. When Jack sees something that shakes his growing trust in Olivia, their undeniable connection is put to the test. But if Jack's open to the truth, they'll have a chance at finding a future together.

My Review

I enjoyed this story with the close-knit diner crew stepping up when the beloved owner has a stroke and is hospitalized for weeks. Sully's son Jack is from a much different world being overseas with the military, but he takes over for his dad and discovers that things need to change in order to keep the diner open. Olivia is like a daughter to Sully, and the diner changes along with Sully's health scare, her dyslexia and learning comprehension disability while studying for her EMT courses, take their toll on her mental and physical health. Her interactions with Jack begin in a volatile manner, and the shift to attraction, friendship and romance was clumsy. It was more told in the character's heads than shown, and I didn't feel any chemistry between them. Jack was pretty hot and cold, and some things he did seemed out of character as we got to know him better. Olivia is described as being covered in tattoos and piercings, yet we are never told why she has this persona or how it is significant to her. It left me a bit confused and like I wasn't getting to know the layers of her character. Overall I liked the premise but would have appreciated more character development and emotional connection.

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: From the Fields of Porthlenn by Deborah M. Hathaway

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A Regency Romance—Cornwall, 1818

Poppy Honeysett wants to be seen as the woman she is—not as the naive young lady she was. She will no longer race across beaches or collect seashells like a child. And she will not, under any circumstances, pine after the lieutenant who broke his promise—and her heart—two years before. But such things are easier said than done, especially when that very lieutenant returns to St. Just with all his charismatic charm in tow.

When an old injury begins to act up, Lieutenant Edmund Harris is placed on reserve from the navy. Instead of returning home to the troubles that await him there, he travels to St. Just to visit with old acquaintances and, of course, to see his darling Poppy. Two years have passed since he saw her last, but Edmund is determined to pick up things where they left off. However, when Poppy seems interested in every man but him, he can’t make sense of it.

Desperate to recreate the past and bring back Poppy’s playful nature, Edmund determines to start their relationship anew, but Poppy resists, refusing to make the same mistakes again. When tragedy strikes, however, and the two of them must come together for the good of St. Just, Poppy must choose to trust again or lose the only man she ever truly loved.

This is the fifth and final book in the clean Regency Cornish Romance series by Deborah M. Hathaway. Although this romance is a stand-alone novel, the books are best enjoyed when read in order.

My Review

We see the early days of Poppy and Edmund's relationship in the previous books in the series, so I was so happy that we get their full story in this final book. Poppy has gone through different stages of love with the lieutenant- puppy love as a teenager, first love as a young adult, and unrequited love when he refuses to return to her small hamlet. They don't think they will ever see each other again, when he is summoned back by his friends running the lighthouse. There is much more animosity and resentment than the book description infers, and they have their issues to work through before they can reveal to themselves and each other that their love still burns beneath the surface. I would have liked to see more of the light-hearted sides of their personalities, but they had to wade through quite a bit of angst to get there. As always the setting is amazing and I loved the roles the other members of Poppy's family and community play in her life.

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 Cornish Romance series . . .

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: A Nanny for the Rancher's Twins by Heidi Main

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for A Nanny for the Rancher's Twins by Heidi Main, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: A Nanny for the Rancher's Twins 

Author: Heidi Main 

Publisher: Love Inspired 

Release Date: October 25, 2022 

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Returning to small-town Texas was her fresh start.

She never expected a ready-made family. 

What could be better than running a rustic wedding venue? Event planner Laney Taylor has it all laid out…except for the serious renovations her inherited property needs. Rancher Ethan McCaw will help—but only if she’ll nanny his toddler twins. Laney’s all about planning weddings for others and shielding her own heart, but Ethan, Zoe and Tori might be just the ones to change her mind…

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

 

 

 

EXCERPT

“I built my house, you know. I could help you. I mean, if you’d reconsider and watch Tori and Zoe for me.”

No way was Laney going to watch a pair of three-year-olds, even if they were adorable. “You’ve got to have other childcare options than me.”

Ethan shook his head. “You’re kind of my last hope.”

“But we barely know each other.”

“Yesterday you engaged with them like a pro. I think you’d do a fine job watching my girls. I was thinking you could nanny them until eleven. My mother will watch them later in the afternoons, so I can help you most days with the renovations, say from three to six? I’ll do whatever you tell me to do.” He moved to the porch and held open the door for her.

He needed help, she needed help. It was a simple exchange of services. Taking care of his sweet girls would not put her independence in peril.

Maybe she should consider his idea. “Okay, let’s give this a try.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heidi Main writes sweet inspirational romance novels set in small towns. Though she lives in central North Carolina’s suburbs, she dreams of acreage and horseback riding, which is why her novels include wide-open ranches and horses. Before starting her writing career, Heidi worked with computers and taught Jazzercise. A perfect Saturday is lounging on the deck with her husband and watching the many birds in their backyard.

Connect with Heidi by visiting heidimain.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and a print copy of A Nanny for the Rancher's Twins.

(1) additional winner will receive a $10 gift card and a print copy of the book.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 9, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 16, 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!

Blog Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway: Where Is God in This? by Landra Young Hughes and Holly Crawshaw

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Where Is God in This? by Landra Young Hughes and Holly Crawshaw, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Where Is God in This? 

Authors: Landra Young Hughes and Holly Crawshaw 

Publisher: Baker Books 

Release Date: October 18, 2022 

Genre: Christian Living

Life is unfair. Bad things happen to good people. Not all dreams come true. We lose people. We fail people. And when we encounter the inevitable struggles of life, we may be tempted to ask God Why me? as we try to reconcile our pain with God's promises. But a far more helpful and life-enriching question for us to ask God is What are you trying to teach me in this?

Tackling ten common struggles, such as isolation, fear, rejection, failure, insecurity, temptation, and more, Landra Young Hughes shows you how to have peace even when life doesn't make sense. Speaking with great empathy born from her own losses and years in ministry, Hughes doesn't suggest you "get over" your hard times. Instead, she helps you recognize that, while you will always live in a broken world this side of heaven, your pain has much to teach you about God and yourself. With her empathetic help, you'll discover how to grow through grief and thrive despite adversity.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Bookhouse | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

 

GUEST POST

On January 18, 2021, my precious sister, LeeBeth Young, died.

LeeBeth was sick. She had been sick for a long time, but not the kind of sick that means Get Well Soon balloons and all-you-can-eat ice cream. LeeBeth was an alcoholic—a binge-drinker. Now, if you’re not familiar with the disease of addiction, I’m sure it’s impossible to wrap your head around the idea that someone can’t stop doing the thing that makes them sicker. But that’s the nature of the mental insanity that seizes those of us with this particular thorn.

I say “us”, because as an anorexic/bulimic in recovery, I have a level of empathy for LeeBeth. By God’s miraculous grace, I walk in healing from my addition. And by the same miraculous grace, LeeBeth is in heaven with our Father, walking out her healing with a restored mind and body.

Yes, there’s glorious and life-giving hope of heaven. But here on earth, it still hurts. And it’s that hurt—among others—I want to start a meaningful conversation around. Not just so readers can find healing . . . but so they can also find clarity, reconciling a good God with the bad things that happen to us.

One of the most common arguments against Christianity is, “If God is good, why do bad things happen?” Where Is God in This? unpacks that question through Scripture, research, and my personal experience of losing my sister LeeBeth tragically.

In order to thoroughly respond to the question, “If God is good, why do bad things happen?”, Where Is God in This? studies these common struggles:

Grief

Loneliness

Loss of control (spoiler alert – we never had control in the first place!)

Self-isolation

Not getting what we want

Burn out

Sin and failure

Fear

Disappointment

Temptation

By looking at what God says around these and other seasons of challenge and sorrow, I hope for readers to be able to point out God’s goodness and His purpose during our times of greatest need.

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Landra Young Hughes is the daughter of prominent pastor Ed Young Jr. and Lisa Young of Fellowship Church. Because of her upbringing, Landra has developed a passion for seeing people maximize their God-given potential and embrace their God-defined self-worth. She and her husband, Brad, live in Dallas, Texas, where they serve on staff at Fellowship Church and raise their three children. Landra is coauthor with Holly Crawshaw of A Different Kind of Love Story.

Connect with Landra by visiting landrahughes.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Holly Crawshaw is a writer and editor who believes everyone has a meaningful story to tell. Holly is passionate about partnering with authors to leverage their experiences to further God's kingdom and help God's people. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her three daughters.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(10) winners will receive a paperback copy of the book and a $10 Amazon Gift Card.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 7, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 14, 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!

Review: Trusting the Cowboy by Carolyne Aarsen

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Falling for the Rancher 

When Lauren McCauley returns to the Circle M Ranch after her father's death, she's focused on selling the spread and getting a fresh start somewhere else. But she's unprepared for the jolt her heart feels when she meets Vic Moore. The handsome, broad-shouldered cowboy may have a legitimate claim to the Circle M, and he makes it clear he'd like to lasso Lauren, as well. Terrified of another heartbreak, Lauren vows to cash in and ship out. But the strong and steady rancher is not about to give up on his dreams of a home…and a family to go with it.

My Review

Lauren rolls into town with big plans to sell her estranged father's ranch, and the few things that should make her hesitate don't slow her down. I enjoyed her journey to reconcile with the home and community she grew up in when visiting her father, and how it shaped her. She has a lot of baggage to unpack, and Vic helped her see the ranch from a new perspective. The slower pace of life was healing for Lauren, and she and Vic ultimately learn what is truly important as they grow closer together and make sacrifices for each other.

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.

Check out the other books in the Big Sky Cowboys series . . .

Guest Post: Quest of Fire: Desperation

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Quest of Fire: Desperation by Brett Armstrong, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Quest of Fire: Desperation 

Series: Quest of Fire #4 

Author: Brett Armstrong 

Publisher: Expanse Books 

Release Date: September 13, 2022 

Genre: Christian, Epic Fantasy

Guarding his nation’s last hope, a teen must escape enemy lands.

While Anargen, Caeserus, and Bertinand are held captive in Stormridge, the war to restore Ecthelowall’s Commonwealth has been waged for months. Their friend Terrillian is on its frontline and hopes are high.

For Barons Fenwrest and Sornfold the fight is too close to their children, whose union represents the only viable challenge to the Monarchists claim to Ecthelowall’s ancient throne. Enter Thomas Fenwrest, an orphan and page to Sir Hurstwell, who is captain of Baron Fenwrest’s guard. The pair must escort the teens to Castle Yerst expecting boredom to be their only danger. Everything quickly spirals out of control when the Monarchists somehow deliver a devastating blow to the Restoration army and Thomas and Sir Hurstwell face the increasingly difficult task of keeping their charges alive. Ancient sorcery and bitter grudges combine to ensnare them. As desperation sets in for the Restoration and Thomas, to where will they turn for hope?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound

GUEST POST FROM AUTHOR BRETT ARMSTRONG

As a writer I try not to shy away from things that seem hard. A story sometimes needs to be written a certain way to fully convey the emotion, themes, action, and overall message of the book. Quest of Fire definitely has some elements to it that are a bit risky to try as an author. I'm going to share about the riskiestand most rewarding thing about Quest of Fire.

A huge source for potential confusion in Quest of Fire is its dual timeline. One era, the Middle Era is roughly analogous to our early 17th century. The other, the Modern Era, matches up with our turn of the 20th Century.  There is a primary protagonist for each Era--Anargen and Jason respectively--and distinct events in each. You might be wondering, why not write them as twodifferent books then? Well, the short of it is it makes Quest of Fire unique.

The long of it is that it creates a meta story. A story about stories and how they shape us. Anargen's stories are actively changing Jason's story as he works to complete the same Quest Anargen was on centuries earlier.

Transformation of characters who have been impacted by the testimony of other's trust in and perseverance for the glory of the High King. That's the common thread throughout the whole series. In each book the protagonist faces the choice of whether to follow the High King of All Realms or not. The material benefits of doing so are often in opposition to pledging fealty to him and each protagonist has their own unique set of baggage that hinders and helps in differing measures with that choice. 

For Desperation’s protagonist, Thomas, there are things he has lost and things he never had which make it hard for him to trust anyone. Nevermind the pervasive disdain his culture has for the stories about the High King and his Knights of Light. But two Knights enter his life and change that perspective. At its core, Desperation is a somewhat ironic title. The book is about discovering hope as the stories we tell and the lived-outtestimony of believers—especially when things are hard—shows how tremendous an impact can be made in someone's life. As the story progresses Thomas gets to play a similar role for other characters which furthers the cycle.

We don’t necessarily see immediate results or get to know who in future eras may learn of our oaths of loyalty to Christ and how we live them out. But whether we are the ones sowing, watering, or reaping the harvest; we’re all a part of the work of drawing others who need the healing we’ve found in Christ. We just need to remember God gives the increase and trust that every sincere act for His glory will be used as He intended, even if it’s only later that the tapestry our lives is woven into can be seen and understood.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brett Armstrong, author of the prize-winning novel, Destitutio Quod Remissio, started writing stories at age nine, penning a tale of revenge and ambition set in the last days of the Aztec Empire. Twenty years later, he still tells stories enriched by his Christian faith and a master’s degree in creative writing. His goal with every work is to be like a brush in the Master artist’s hand and his hope is the finished composition always reflects the design God had in mind. He writes to engage, immerse, and entertain with deep, thoughtful stories. Continually busy at work with one or more new novels to come, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and playing with his beautiful wife and son. Brett’s book The Gathering Dark is a 2020 Selah Awards Finalist in the Speculative Fiction category.

Connect with Brett by visiting brettarmstrong.net to follow him on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(2) winners will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, a copy of Quest of Fire: Desperation, a digital map of the western Lowlands, a digital copy of a limited-release short story about a character in Desperation, and Quest of Fire's theme music.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 8, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 15, 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!