Review: Happily Ever After on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Sensible and cautious, Naomi Coblenz lives to help everyone else be happy—particularly when it comes to her twin sister, Ruth. So Omi certainly can’t admit she’s always loved handsome Bo Helmuth, since he and Ruth have begun courting. To look out for her sometimes-thoughtless sister, Omi even poses as Ruth on a ride home alone with Bo. But it doesn’t take Bo long to see the truth—and really notice Omi for the first surprising, hopelessly-wonderful time . . . 
 
Bo thought he was in love with the vivacious Ruth. But he can’t stop thinking about Omi’s kindness and understanding, especially since she refuses to hurt her sister. And he can’t figure out a way to tell Ruth they aren’t really suited for each other. His only hope is that his ever-resourceful Dawdi and Mammi can help faith guide the way—and at last claim a happy ending for all.

My Review

I can always count on Jennifer Beckstrand's Amish romances for a few laugh out loud moments as well as low-key drama and angst. Naturally a story with twins will have an identity swap, but I admired that Omi didn't want to do it and felt bad about deceiving Bo. She has loyalty to her sister, although it was frustrating that she didn't recognize that Ruth didn't have the same devotion to her. It felt easy as a reader to think what she should have done instead, but Omi has a strong desire to keep a good relationship with her twin. Forbidden romance blended with family dynamics brought the conflict, and only Bo's meddling grandparents Anna and Felty had hope for straightening it all out. I just love those two!


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 amazing books in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series . . . 

 

Takeover Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: The New Loneliness by Cindi McMenamin

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The New Loneliness by Cindi McMenamin hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: The New Loneliness
Author: Cindi McMenamin
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

Release Date: January 7, 2025 

Genre: Christian Personal Growth 

You Can Overcome Your Feelings of Aloneness 

In our age of increased social isolation and growing reliance on technology, genuine connection can feel more difficult than ever. But what if community and closeness are nearer than you thought? 

The New Loneliness is about experiencing the authentic relationships God created you for by identifying and overcoming today’s biggest relational obstacles. Cindi McMenamin explores how our current cultural environment and dependence on electronic devices have hindered our ability to connect, and she offers uplifting guidance, biblical insights, and encouraging action steps to help you

• release feelings of inadequacy and shame by realigning with how the Lord sees you and understanding His purpose for you
• take confident steps toward nourishing healthy, in-person relationships by learning to slow down and operate from a secure attachment to God
• thrive within new friendships and community with practical guidance for making life more meaningful and preferring faces over screens

God did not create us to live in isolation. Journey with the Lord from aloneness to abundance, and flourish as you deepen your relationships with God and others.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

 

Excerpt

Are you feeling lonelier these days than you used to? Experiencing that unexplainable ache you can’t seem to get rid of? Perhaps you’re spending more time with your phone than with people and you don’t want to think about how that might’ve happened. Maybe you used to feel closer to God and some of your friends and family than you do today, and you don’t know how to reverse that. You could be feeling on the outside of popular opinion or wondering if you have a place or voice in today’s culture or even in your own family. Or, perhaps you wish you had a church or were more connected at the one you attend.

You’re not the only one feeling lonelier than ever. Loneliness has always been a struggle for many of us and continues to be. But in recent decades, the causes of loneliness have multiplied. A lot has shifted in the world around us, and there is a new loneliness afloat, making the problem more pervasive than ever. In addition to living in an increasingly high-tech and screen-focused society, we’ve been impacted by the forced isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns that persisted for nearly two years all around us. The lock- downs pushed our culture’s reliance on tech and screens even more. Video conferencing alone has forever changed the way many of us operate — at work, in schools, at church, and in our homes.

While the pandemic is now behind us, our increased reliance upon AI, high tech, and screens isn’t. And the habits formulated over an extended time of isolation and caution have led us into a new and different normal. Without necessarily intending to do so, we’ve all become more acclimated to new habits and new ways of going about life. We’ve adapted, but the results of our new normal have had a profound impact on us and aren’t all positive.

Both technology and the consequences of the pandemic have taken us to a place where the traditional kinds of loneliness we’ve struggled with — loneliness caused by anxiety, shame, suffering, feelings of inadequacy, betrayal, and more — have become increasingly pronounced. The kinds of loneliness that have always plagued humanity since the Garden of Eden are still with us. But now we have new obstacles and complications that have contributed to isolating us from others. And these have made loneliness more a part of our lives. In mid-2023, the US Surgeon General issued a health alert that confirmed there is an “epidemic of loneliness” — a health risk of iso- lation (which includes spending more time with screens than people), and a failure to connect deeply with others through friendships and risk of intimacy — that is now increasing your chance of dementia by 50 percent and your chance of premature death by more than 60 percent. It is actually unhealthy to be lonely today — mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and now physically, regardless of your age. According to the Surgeon General, the long-term health risks of loneliness are equivalent to the danger of smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day! As I mentioned earlier, people have always suffered from loneliness. We have all felt it now and then. But now it’s more persistent. And these more intense feelings of loneliness didn’t happen overnight.


Excerpted from: The New Loneliness. Copyright © 2024 Cindi McMenamin. Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408. www.harvesthousepublishers.com

 

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About the Author

Cindi McMenamin is an award-winning writer and national speaker who has ministered to women for nearly 40 years. She is the author of 17 books, including When Women Walk Alone (more than 160,000 copies sold) and When a Woman Overcomes Life’s Hurts. As a Bible teacher, her passion is to help women strengthen their walk with God and their relationships.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a copy of The New Loneliness, Beholding and Becoming by Ruth Chou Simons, Well Lived by Sally Clarkson, and a $50 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 8, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on January 15, 2025. 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

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

Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: Joseph, Where Are You? by Sandra Meaders

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Discover early Church history with prominent members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints like Joseph Smith, Jane Elizabeth Manning, and Brigham Young. This inspiring book will help children develop a love for Church history.

My Review

With the church-wide study of the Doctrine and Covenants this year for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I think this is a wonderful book to help young readers visualize some of the historical figures we will learn about. Not only leaders of the restoration of Christ's church, but regular members who made an impact through their faith and example. The illustrations are colorful and delightful, and the information shared is perfect for both junior and senior Primary-aged children. Even as an adult I learned some new things about our church history!

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.

Giveaway

 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Christmas With a Crank by Courtney Walsh

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

A second chance with your first crush.

Doesn’t happen often.

For Liam Fisher, that first crush was his next door neighbor, Olive Witherby.

Childhood was lazy summers, treehouse stargazing, and endless games of hide and seek at Pine Creek, the Christmas tree farm that’s been in Liam’s family for generations.

When Liam’s family moves away, Liam and Olive say goodbye the only way they know how— with a fumbling first kiss neither of them will ever forget.

Even though twelve-year olds’ promises of keeping in touch feel eternal, time and distance eventually make Olive and Liam practically strangers.

Twenty years later, Liam’s parents announce they’re retiring and selling the tree farm.

Twenty years later, Pine Creek is the last place grown-up Liam wants to be. Inherit this legacy? Not on your life.

And twenty years later, grown-up Olive is stuck.

Her work life is a lot like her love life—floundering. After a humiliating business failure, loads of debt, and one too many laughable first dates, she’s in no hurry to put herself out there again, in business or in romance.

When Olive is hired by Liam’s parents to rekindle the lost magic of the farm one final time before it’s sold, she sets out to make this the last, best Pine Creek Christmas, for the town and for a very cranky, not-so-talkative, surprisingly hot Liam.

Part of her mission? Convince the crank to fall in love with Christmas.

The other part? Not fall head over heels in the process.

Christmas With a Crank is a grumpy/sunshine, childhood crush, opposites attract romance with plenty of sizzle but none of the steam.

My Review

This author's books never disappoint! I love the natural and deep way we get to know Liam and Olive and connect with their emotions. Their charmed childhood relationship developed complications as they became older, families grew apart, and romantic rivals interfered. It was alternately fun and frustrating as Olive helps Liam break out of his grumpy self, misunderstandings and regrets are revealed, and their simmering attraction blossoms into a lovely romance with a sweet childhood friendship as a foundation. It was all too easy to fall in love with the tree farm and Olive's creative ideas to give it one last glory season. This is a story I'll be reading again in the future!

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 Christmas-themed books by Courtney Walsh!

 

 

 

Review: The Christmas Gathering by Shelley Shepard Gray, Rachel J. Good, Lenora Worth

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

About the Book

Christmas miracles abound in this trio of stories that celebrate holiday blessings with three Amish families who discover the season’s sweetest gifts . . .

A CHRISTMAS REUNION by Shelley Shepard Gray
Tricia Troyer is thrilled when Brandt Holden, her cousin’s English friend, joins the Troyers’ holiday gathering for the second year in a row. The sparks between them are clear to everyone. When Brandt asks Tricia to be his girlfriend, they both know she’ll have important choices to make about her future. But the two aren’t as different as some believe—and with open hearts and understanding, their very own Christmas miracle just might be possible . . . 

WE GATHER TOGETHER by Lenora Worth
When Lucas Myer meets Kayla Hollinger on the shores of Lake Erie, he’s smitten. Their families are even staying at the same inn, for different gatherings. The two plan to meet again—but soon enough they discover a problem: their relatives are locked in a longtime feud and forbid them to socialize. Fortunately, Lucas and Kayla are old enough to make their own decisions—and they decide to create a Christmas miracle of forgiveness and love . . . 

HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES by Rachel J. Good
Years ago, Mark was banished by his Amish family when he chose a career in music. It still hurts, especially during the holidays. And now, just before Christmas, he and his band find themselves stranded after their manager absconds with their money. Desperate, Mark is offered a job teaching piano—but that’s just the first miracle. His work will not only bless others in need, but a longtime fan might just capture his heart—and even lead him home . . .

My Review

This is a sweet collection of heartwarming stories perfect for any time of the year! My favorite of the three was the last one by Rachel J. Good. I was intrigued by Mark's past as an Amish rock and roll star in the region, and his current situation busking with a handicapped man. He's reunited with an elusive admirer Joline, who had been on her own journey of rebellion and faith-seeking. After reading this novella I found the original story of the Amish rock band and the community center Joline's family established with the help of a wealthy local patron. I really enjoy this author's writing style and her characters.

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.

Book Tour & Review: Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Trust no one in the shadows of the piney woods . . .

Letty Hood has spent the last fifteen years of her life hidden away with her grandmother in the backwoods of east Texas to escape the deadly schemes of an uncle who wants her dead. Now, with her twenty-first birthday on the horizon, she is forced to accept the escort of a stranger and return to Houston in secret so she can claim a birthright that will make her one of the wealthiest women in Texas. If she lives long enough to inherit.

Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael has one duty: get the Radcliffe heiress home alive. Expecting a spoiled girl, Philip is surprised to encounter a woman of rare strength with a kind soul and keen wit. As they journey together, Letty's resilience wins his admiration, breaking through his hardened cynicism. Yet the threat to her survival grows more menacing with every mile, and Philip fears that keeping Letty out of harm's way may be just as impossible as keeping her out of his heart.

 

"Little Red Riding Hood" and "Sleeping Beauty" entwine for a romantic fairy tale retelling that explores the power of true love conquering even the darkest of nights.

My Review

I was curious to see how a blend of two different fairy tales would work, and the author totally pulled it off! For me it was because she took elements from each story and worked them into the new setting, and didn't try to closely retell either story. That way it is fun when you notice a subtle nod to the fairy tales or see how a plot line relates to one or both stories. Letty has been isolated with her grandmother and "pet" wolf, but it has strengthened her and prepared her for the fight to reunite with her mother. Philip admires her from their first meeting, and his regard grows as they get to know one another in tension-filled circumstances. I enjoyed the pace of the suspenseful story as they journey towards Letty's future but also the danger that threatens her, with various roadblocks that must be overcome with their combined skills and faith.

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 Texas Ever After series

 

 

About the Author

 

 

Voted #1 Reader's Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She and her husband make their home in Abilene, Texas. Learn more about Karen and her books at KarenWitemeyer.com.