Review: The Courtship Basket by Amy Clipston

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Years ago, a picnic basket brought two hearts together. For Rachel and Mike, history may be about to repeat itself.

Rachel Fisher is devastated when the young man she’s loved for years leaves her to date her best friend. Her heart is broken, and she has all but given up on love. Determined to keep her mind off the pain, she starts teaching at an Amish school for children with learning disabilities.

Since his father became ill, Mike Lantz has been overwhelmed with the responsibility of providing for his family and caring for his six-year-old brother, John. When John joins Rachel’s class and she learns that his mother is deceased and his father sick, she desperately wants to help the family, even with something as simple as a meal.

With her parents’ old picnic basket, Rachel begins sending food to the Lantz family. As the weeks go by, John’s grades start to improve, and the attraction grows between Rachel and Mike. They can’t deny that their friendship is growing toward something more, but both of them are hesitant to risk a more serious relationship.

The last thing Rachel wants is another heartbreak, and Mike is worried about providing for his loved ones. Will the two be able to reconcile their past hurts with new hope for the future?

My Review

I read this book after visiting Amish Country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, so the setting was fresh and vibrant in my head as I read about Rachel and Mike's struggles, and I think it enhanced my experience. The most touching thing in this book to me was the way Mike was the caregiver for his dying father. Such a heart-wrenching time of life, full of exhaustion, grief, worry, hope, and prayers. He needs all the support he can get, and his first meeting with outspoken Rachel did not start them off on the right foot. Over time Rachel's compassion shines through her dedication to his little brother John's education and the meals she sends in the large picnic basket to help his family. I thought Rachel's initial ambivalence about teaching was interesting, but as she learns some humbling lessons and increases her skills, she sees the value that helping others has in her life. She and Mike are definitely attracted to each other but misconceptions and fears create a bumpy road in their developing relationship. I loved the strong sense of community and family in both households and the bond they shared with their family members, which created a memorable cast of characters.

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

Book Blitz: A Chaotic Courtship by Bethany Swafford

For as long as she can remember, Bethany Swafford has loved reading books. That love of words extended to writing as she grew older and when it became more difficult to find a ‘clean’ book, she determined to write her own. Among her favorite authors is Jane Austen, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Georgette Heyer.

When she doesn’t have pen to paper (or fingertips to laptop keyboard), she can generally be found with a book in hand. In her spare time, Bethany reviews books for a book site called More Than A Review.

Connect with the Author here: 

~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Instagram ~

Twenty year old Diana Forester, a country bred young woman fears that her inexperience and uncertainties has driven Mr. John Richfield away. On arriving back home from London, she learns that he is already there, ready to continue their acquaintance. If Diana thought that it was difficult in London, courting takes on a whole new aspect when Diana's younger siblings become involved. She finds herself dealing with her own feelings, her sister, her younger brother, jealous members of a house party, a jilted suitor, and a highwayman as she falls in love with the charming Mr. Richfield.

Find all of the Authors books on:

~ Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon UK ~ 

Snippet:

“You recall I met a Mr. Richfield in London, shortly after I first arrived?”

“Yes, you mentioned him several times in your letters.”

Her tone was matter of fact, giving absolutely nothing away.

“Well...” I hesitated as I sought the right words. I rubbed my palms against my skirt. “At Aunt Forester’s last dinner party, Mr. Richfield asked for my permission to come speak to Father.”

For a moment, there was silence. “What was your answer?” Mother asked, as calm as ever.

I bit my lip and found I could no longer meet her gaze. “I fear I may have spoken without thinking.” Back when I had said the words, I had been surprised. Now though, I realized just how mistaken I had been. “I said it’s always pleasant to have someone new visit.”

“I see. Do you like him?”

Ah, there was the question. “I think so.” I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “He is respectable, at least as far as Uncle Forester could discover. No one ever had a word to say against him. I think he is a good man.”

“And yet, you don’t seem enthusiastic about marrying him.”

“I have only known him for a few weeks.” It felt good to be able to talk this out with my mother, now that the awkwardness of saying the words had passed. If anyone could help me untangle my feelings, it was her. “Is that enough time to know a person? You knew Papa your whole life before he proposed.”

Mother’s hand came over mine. “Diana, look at me.” I lifted my eyes to hers. “You are the only one who can make this decision. It is your right to refuse an offer you find distasteful. However, you need to understand it is not likely you will have the opportunity to travel again and meet other people.”

“I don’t find the offer distasteful. I just don’t think I know him well enough to accept his hand in marriage.” I sighed. “I wish I had had the time to know more of him.”

“Perhaps you will.”

I shook my head. That seemed an impossibility. “Mama, you didn’t see the look on his face when I pretended I didn’t understand. He was so disappointed. I acted as if I were a senseless, empty-headed child! What kind of man would pursue me in the face of that?”

“A man who would be understanding. Someone who would realize your shy nature.”

As soon as I pulled my hand away, I reached to pour myself some much-needed tea. “There are other, much prettier girls with better dowries than I,” I remarked, adding just the right amount of cream and sugar. “I doubt I will ever see him again.”

Of that I was quite certain. I’d had hours to consider the whole mess. I sipped my tea as I watched my mother’s face. Her smile was one I couldn’t quite understand. Why did she look so amused?

“Mr. Richfield is already here.”

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Review & Giveaway: The Moses Chronicles: Exodus by H.B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Let my people go...

A plea has been made in behalf of the children of Israel. Now comes the epic climax years in the making—the final showdown between two of the most powerful men in history—one fueled by pride, the other guided by the world of God. Moses has received an extraordinary call from the Lord: he is to lead the exodus of the Hebrew people out of Egypt, ending generations of bondage. And he must return to the land of his birth to boldly petition a man he does not want to challenge ... or lose to: Ramses—pharaoh of Egypt. Ramses, harboring years of feeling betrayed by his best friend, is determined to stop Moses no matter the cost. He will not yield, even as a dark veil of plaques and pestilence descends over the land of Egypt.

What follows is a powerful chronicle of the struggles of the children of Israel as they traverse uncharted territory, both physically and spiritually. Amid the horrific catastrophes devastating their land and through the dramatic evens that follow, the Hebrews must face their fears and their faltering faith. For even in the darkest of times, there are manifestations of the Lord's constant care to inspire their hope for a bright future.

My Review

Once again, I was captivated by the way Heather B. Moore entwines the personal emotions of Moses and his family members with the intense, epic nature of the well-known Biblical account. Exodus definitely reads as a sequel to me- the majority of the character development is in the first two books, and this third book is the ultimate climax of all that has been building up. While the author subtly catches us up with where things stand with the main characters, I think the overall reading experience is richer for knowing the details of Moses' relationship with Ramses and his adoptive mother, Miriam and Aaron's struggles as slaves, the exile of Moses, and his romance with Zipporah.

Exodus is a successful example of a story told from multiple perspectives; the author avoided repetition and the various points of view deepened my understanding of how both Egyptians and Hebrews were affected by the politics, plagues, and the Hebrews' exodus from Egypt, the only home they have ever known, into a dangerous wilderness. It was interesting to see Moses portrayed as an outsider and not initially perceived by the people of Israel as their leader, but as time progresses they accept his stewardship over them. Aaron's role as his brother and spokesperson is significant, and I didn't realize the hand he had in executing some of the miracles (time for a visit to my Old Testament...). I appreciated the continuing story of Moses' Egyptian mother Bithiah and Mered, one of the Hebrew scribes in the palace and the one who told her about the Lord, the God of Israel. The action doesn't stop after they leave Egypt, and it was a nice wrap-up to include some of the early experiences in the desert. I HIGHLY recommend this entire series!!! It is definitely one I will be reading again and keeping in my personal library.

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

I highly recommend the first two books in The Moses Chronicles, Bondage and Deliverance!

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Aug. 15th

Mel's Shelves

Rockin' Book Reviews

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LDS Writer Mom

Aug. 16th

Empower Moms

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Aug. 17th

Joy in the Moments

My Book a Day

Literary Time Out

Aug. 18th

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Guest Post & Giveaway! Amber Lynn Perry and her latest book, So Rare a Gift!

A special welcome to Amber Lynn Perry, author of the Daughters of His Kingdom series (one of my favorite series!) Since her books have such a great historical setting, I asked her to share with us about the location she chose as the haven for her characters... 

Don't miss the giveaway at the bottom of the post for a digital copy of her newest book, So Rare a Gift! (Read my 5 star review here)

Heidi!! What an honor to be able to do a guest post, on Heidi Reads!! I’ve been a huge fan for a very long time, as you know. ;)  Thank you so much for having me, and for allowing me to share a little bit about my books…

Today, I’m talking about my favorite place in the world—Sandwich, MA!! (Do I see some raised eyebrows out there? *giggle* ) There is in fact a town, on Cape Cod, called Sandwich—named after the Earl of Sandwich, as you could probably surmise. I tell you, it is heaven on earth. For me, anyway. It’s beautiful and quaint and so full of wonderful history I get giddy just thinking about it.  

Allow me to elaborate.

Founded only seventeen years after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, Sandwich is the oldest town on Cape Cod. When I first visited there nearly twenty years ago, I was struck by the beauty of it—the shingle-sided homes (many with historical plaques by their doors); the thick trees that lined the roads and the quaint, perfectly picturesque shops and restaurants that dotted the town’s little main street.  

Upon starting my Daughters of His Kingdom series, I knew I wanted to set my story in New England, but didn’t want to focus on the already-so-well-known Boston—even though I *love* that place as well. Immediately, the memories of that little coastal town sparked in my memory and I knew it was the perfect setting for my characters to come to life. 

Sixty miles south of Boston, Sandwich is located right on the water, but being it is much smaller than Boston, it doesn’t have the large port and shipping industry that its big brother to the north has always attracted. 

Mainly agrarian, Sandwich residents were of the middling to poorer classes, and though it was far removed from the heated debates of upper Massachusetts, it was a hot-bed of political fervor—Whigs and Tories living side by side, both fighting (or not fighting) for what they believed in. It’s incredible to think that a quiet vacation town was once a vital part of the fight for America’s independence.

Many of the places and landmarks mentioned in my stories actually exist. Newcomb Tavern was once in fact a tavern owned by a Tory. (If you have read SO TRUE A LOVE than you will know more about that!) Today you can find it on VRBO.com and stay there on your next vacation! I so badly want to do that someday.  Shawme Pond and the Gristmill are actual places as well. The gristmill, operating since 1652, STILL grinds corn to this day, though you can only buy the cornmeal during certain times of the year. Bummer. (They weren’t selling it when I was there, or I’d have bought the lot! LOL) 

Have you ever been to Cape Cod? What did you think of it? I’d love to know!

Thank you again for having me, Heidi!!!

Thanks Amber! I'm totally planning a trip to the East Coast sooner rather than later now! The history is fascinating and the scenery looks amazing!

Amber is giving away a digital copy So Rare a Gift, the third book in the Daughters in His Kingdom series! 

It can definitely be read as a stand alone so don't worry if you haven't had a chance to read So Fair a Lady or So True a Love (both are excellent and have great e-book prices! The print books are on my wishlist for my personal library... check out those beautiful covers!)

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