Review: An Amish Harvest by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Vannetta Chapman

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Faith, hope, and love remain forever in season in this collection of four richly absorbing novellas set amidst the wonder of an Amish autumn.

Under the Harvest Moon by Beth Wiseman
When Naomi Dienner is suddenly widowed, she never expects to find love again . . . until she meets Brock Mulligan, an English family friend hired at harvest time. As a sinister presence begins to threaten Naomi, Brock seeks to prove himself trustworthy while struggling with growing feelings for Naomi and her children. Will God open Naomi’s heart—and give Brock his own second chance at love?

Love and Buggy Rides by Amy Clipston
Janie Lantz is a cashier at Lancaster Souvenirs and Buggy Rides, where Jonathan Stoltfuz is a buggy driver. A frightening accident brings Janie and Jonathan together in a blossoming friendship, yet daunting obstacles stand between them and something deeper. Can love kindle into flames that burn away fear and regret—and lead them to a life together?

A Quiet Love by Kathleen Fuller 

Dinah Hochstetler, quiet and bookish, longs for marriage but hides in her shyness. Amos Mullett, a simple farmer, knows he’s different but aches for a loving wife. As Dinah and Amos navigate a budding romance, will the power of love—and the blessing of God—be enough to overcome their doubters?

 

Mischief in the Autumn Air by Vannetta Chapman 

When items start going above market value at his auction house, Eli Wittmer is first thrilled, and then puzzled. But when the pieces are linked to an elderly couple in their district, Eli and his new bookkeeper, Martha Beiler track down a trail of clues. Will they solve the mystery before the fall festival ends—and discover an unexpected new love?

My Review

Under the Harvest Moon by Beth Wiseman- 4 stars

I was interested in seeing how a non-Amish man and Amish woman would strike up a friendship and be able to have a future together. Naomi suffered domestic abuse in silence, and Brock was a good contrast for her to experience after her husband died. Without expecting anything in return, he provides support and validation when she trusts him with her secret. I enjoyed how their relationship progressed in a natural manner.

 

Love and Buggy Rides by Amy Clipston- 2 stars

This author is hit and miss with me. I liked the characters at first, but then grew impatient with the cliché angst and drama. Skimmed until I could find out how the plot wrapped up.

A Quiet Love by Kathleen Fuller- 5 stars

My favorite of the collection! Dinah and Amos are so incredibly genuine and sweet together. I loved how the author made me care about them right away, and being in the head of Amos who has some degree of autism was eye-opening. Dinah is a true friend and has confidence in him, defending him against those in his family who have known him so much longer but not seeing how much he has grown. There is some lovely romantic tension as their attraction blossoms along with their friendship.

Mischief in the Autumn Air by Vannetta Chapman- 3 stars

The romance in this story took a backseat to the mystery of the furniture that auctioned at a much higher price than they were valued. Martha's relationship with her irritable aunt is also part of the story as she seeks to have more patience and love for her. Interesting plot, but would have been more compelling with greater chemistry between the leads.  

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: Love in Plain Sight by Kathleen Fuller

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

She has a secret she’s determined to keep. He’s just as determined to get to know her. These two strong wills clash in beautiful romantic sparks in this Amish rom-com.

Katherine Miller arrives in Birch Creek under the guise of looking for a husband, but really she is hiding a secret she can’t reveal. The small Amish town becomes the perfect place to wait until she can figure out her next move. But when Ezra Bontrager is hired as the Stoll Inn’s new handyman, she at first finds his interest in her annoying. The one time she needs men to ignore her, she can’t seem to shake this one—and try as she might, she eventually can’t help but find his persistence endearing.

Ezra has never been shy when it comes to making friends, and he’s determined to get to know the elusive Katherine a little better. What he doesn’t count on is falling for her or discovering the real reason she’s hiding in Birch Creek.

My Review

I love getting to know this author's characters- they come to life with personality and I'm always drawn into their story. I loved Ezra's steadfastness in befriending Katherine! She definitely needed someone who wouldn't give up when she put up walls, and she needed a true friend more than anyone. The town matchmakers add humor to the story with their antics as they "help" Ezra and Katherine's relationship. The emotion of the story is real as both Katherine and Rhoda are healing from abusive relationships, growing stronger and finding new perspective. Rhoda and Loren's situation has been a subplot through the series, and it was nice to see the unexpected resolution of their troubles. A wonderful story of healing with a good dose of sweet romance! 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 previous books in An Amish Mail-Order Bride series . . .

Blog + Review Blitz for Her Cowboy Wedding Date by Cari Lynn Webb

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for Her Cowboy Wedding Date by Cari Lynn Webb, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: Her Cowboy Wedding date 

Series: Three Springs Texas 

Author: Cari Lynn Webb

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming 

Release Date: June 2022 

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance   

Could this cowboy… Be her wedding date?

Maid of honor Tess Palmer has two weeks to plan her cousin’s wedding. She will do anything to make the ceremony perfect…even if it means wrangling best man Carter Sloan’s help. The cynical cowboy would rather focus on his business than wedded bliss, and widowed Tess isn’t looking for a second chance at love. But could planning a trip down the aisle bring the two of them together?   

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

EXCERPT

 
Carter made her the dangerous kind of curious. The kind that tempted her to take chances. To risk more than she should.

He touched one finger to the brim of his hat. “’Night, Tess.”

Her heart raced. She wanted to kiss him again. She wanted to push him away. “Careful, cowboy, or I’m going to think you’re running scared now.”

“Not scared.” His gaze softened. “Call it self-preservation.”

“What does that mean?” she asked.

“It means you make me consider breaking promises.” Carter spoke so casually and so clearly. As if that truth was as indisputable as the change of seasons every year. “And that, Tess Palmer, makes you a wildcard. And wildcards are game changers.”

With that, he tipped his hat and walked away.

And Tess folded her hand. After all, she’d vowed never to let her heart go all in ever again.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

 

Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers.

CONNECT WITH CARI: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $40 Amazon gift card and signed copies of the first two books in the Three Springs, Texas series!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 6, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 13, 2022. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. 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: The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Will the magic of Christmas bring these two newlyweds closer together, or will the ghosts of the past lead them into a destructive discovery from which not even a Dickens’s Christmas can save them?

Mistletoe is beautiful and dangerous, much like the woman from Lord Frederick’s Percy’s past, so when he turns over a new leaf and arranges to marry for his estate, instead of his heart, he never expects the wrong bride to be the right choice. Gracelynn Ferguson never expected to take her elder sister’s place as a Christmas bride, but when she’s thrust into the choice, she will trust in her faithful novels and overactive imagination to help her not only win Frederick’s heart but also to solve the murder mystery of Havensbrook Hall before the ghosts from Frederick’s past ruin her fairytale future.

My Review

Grace is absolutely delightful! Her personality is so vivid, and she really carried the story as she brought light into Frederick's life. I loved how he allowed himself to be vulnerable with her as he began to trust her, and she didn't let him down, providing support, encouragement, and validation. They have fabulous chemistry from the start- beginning with friendship and quickly developing into something more, especially as their circumstances shift in unexpected ways. Aside from their unusual relationship, there is a suspenseful mystery to be solved, which Grace takes to with enthusiasm. I admired her self-confidence and determination in the face of adversity which comes in a variety of ways. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet romance with elements of faith and adventure!

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: To Kiss a Wallflower by Jen Geigle Johnson, Heather B. Moore, Anneka R. Walker

 

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

To Kiss a Wallflower is the nineteenth book in the Timeless Regency Collection, a bestselling anthology series from Mirror Press. The book features three novellas from acclaimed historical romance authors whose stories reveal that eventually, all wallflowers will have their chance at love . . . This is where it begins.

The Wallflower’s Dance by Jen Geigle Johnson
Lottie Hughes likes people, as long as they aren't too close. Does it bother her that no one asks her to dance? Yes, but she's not sure how to drum up dance partners when she has almost no dowry, no title, and freezes up when anyone tries to talk to her. When she suddenly inherits a huge amount and is the new center of attention all over London, her secret dreams might come true but also her worst nightmares. Suddenly everyone wants to talk to her. Men ask her to dance. And she is inundated with interested suitors. She fights to stay close to the few friends she knows are true. One man saw her before her life changed forever. But does she want to accept his help when he, too, might be insincere?

Letters to a Wallflower by Heather B. Moore  

Ellen might be beautiful and considered a diamond of the first water by Society, but she is so very tired of the pressure to marry a titled gentleman so that her beauty won’t go to waste. When her cousin Dinah dares Ellen to attend a ball with no frills and to stand with the wallflowers, Ellen takes on the dare. What’s in the wager for her? The prize cuttings of her aunt’s extraordinary roses. But what Ellen isn’t expecting is Lord Ravenshire to engage her in the most interesting conversation. When she confesses to him of her opposition in marrying for a title, he confesses his distaste of the London scene. They strike a bargain together, one which will either push them apart or lead to a future sweeter than either of them could have imagined.

To Marry a Wallflower by Anneka R. Walker
Charlotte Winters is destined to spinsterhood until she turns down an unwanted proposal and everything changes. With gossip rampant, her father attempts to salvage her reputation by betrothing her to another. Soon she is sent off to her aunt’s to meet Lord Templeton, her intended. Anxiety-ridden, Charlotte begs her aunt to let her observe Lord Templeton from afar before their introduction. She never planned to pretend to be her fictional cousin to learn more about him, or to fall in love with Lord Templeton’s friend in the process. Lord Templeton dreads returning to the empty halls of Newcliff Manor. When his father’s old friend, Mr. Winters reaches out for assistance, Lord Templeton finds himself returning home engaged to a woman he has never met. Desperate to learn more about Miss Winters, he befriends her cousin. He wouldn’t have spoken to her, or lied about his identity, if he’d known the quiet woman would sneak into his heart.

ABOUT THE SERIES

Since 2015, Mirror Press has been presenting the Timeless Regency Collection, a curated anthology of novellas and short stories featuring bestselling authors from the contemporary and historical romance genres. The collection has hit the USA TODAY bestselling list and charted at #1 at Amazon.com. Learn more about the series and other anthologies published by Mirror Press at their website.

My Review

I'm always anticipating the next collection from Timeless Regency and this one did not disappoint! I loved the wallflower theme since I'm a bit shy myself (less so since marrying my extrovert husband) and it was easy to relate to these women. I enjoyed the three stories equally and it was a pleasure to read the unique situations of each wallflower. It's the little details and mannerisms that make them come to life with some humor and the sweet romance that leaves me with a smile on my face. The first story is the my younger self could identify with the most- freezing up with awkwardness, relying on close friends. I think friendship is the most wonderful foundation for a relationship! The second story was the most fun, with witty banter and some competition. Loved that the roses are the motivation for her to take the bet and disguise herself. The last story brought the most humor with the mistaken identities of the couple trying to learn more about each other surreptitiously, when they actually are interacting with each other unknowingly! A highly satisfying reading experience, recommend to fans of sweet Regency romance.

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.

ADVANCE PRAISE
 

“5 STARS - I loved the unique twists that each author used in their stories and how they tied them into the theme.”— Julie Carpenter, Goodreads
 

“What a great set of stories! If you have read any of these three authors you know you are in for a treat. If you aren’t familiar with them, prepare to add their names to your list of favorites.”— Shauna Jones, Goodreads
 

“I thoroughly enjoyed all three of these novellas. They were lighthearted, fun, and took me away from my worries for a while.”— A Bookish Romantic, Goodreads 

 

 

About the Authors

An award-winning author, including the GOLD in Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards and LDSPMA Praiseworthy's top award for Romance, Jen Geigle Johnson has more stories circulating in her brain than can possibly be told. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager. History is her main jam. Her literary heroes include the greats: Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. But she has modern sensibilities as well.

She loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestseller and award-winning author of more than seventy publications. She's lived on both the east and west coasts of the United States, including Hawaii, and attended school abroad including the Cairo American College in Egypt, and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. She loves to learn about anything in history and, as an author, is passionate about historical research.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Anneka Walker is an award-winning author raised by a librarian and an English teacher turned judge. After being fed a steady diet of books, she decided to learn about writing. The result was a bachelor's degree in English and history. When she isn't dreaming up a happy ending for a story, she is busy living her own with her husband and adorable children.

WEBSITE | PINTEREST | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Review: Love on the Range by Mary Connealy

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Wyatt Hunt is temporarily bedridden and completely miserable. Somehow Molly Garner's limited skills have made her the most qualified in their circle to care for Wyatt. But by the time he's healed, she's fed up with him and the whole ungrateful family. For even worse than his grumpiness were the few unguarded moments when he pulled at her heartstrings, and she has long determined to never marry.

Molly gets a job as the housekeeper at Oliver Hawkins's ranch. But really she's with the Pinkertons, spying to find out if Hawkins has abused women and if he's guilty of murder.

Wyatt refuses to let her risk it alone, convincing Hawkins that he's abandoning his own ranch, angered by his two brothers' coming to claim a big chunk of it.

But when another Pinkerton agent gets shot, they realize Hawkins isn't the only danger. The Hunt brothers will have to band together to face all the troubles of life and love that suddenly surround them.

My Review

This is the third book of the Brothers in Arms series, and I would definitely recommend reading them in order. Each book has its own wrap up and conclusion, but the overarching mystery doesn't get solved until this final book. The couples featured in the previous books play important roles in this story as well, so I liked having a good sense of their personalities and what they've been through. 

 

Molly has been in the background a bit- taking care of the house, meals, and doctoring while the others are working the ranch and fighting their enemies. I loved how the author showed her frustration and pent-up anger over her situation and how she dealt with it. Molly comes into her own by attempting to leave the family for an outside job, which provided a real wake-up call to the brothers to realize her needs. Wyatt grows closer to her while recovering and doesn't want her to leave either. I appreciated that their romance was more slow to build than the others, giving them time and space to develop a relationship that is less impulsive and more purposeful. All the while, Cheyenne and Falcon are learning the identities of their mysterious enemies with the help of the Pinkerton agent and Molly and Wyatt's dangerous undercover investigation.

 

The pace of the book is somewhat jerky as the action races forward then slows when the siblings and spouses converse about their discoveries and next plans. Because there is usually a group of them talking things out and disagreeing over some parts, the conversations get a bit tedious, but it also does a great job of showcasing the different personalities and motivations. Kevin's wife Win from the first book carries the spiritual thread as she explored what it means to follow the Biblical admonition to honor your parents when one of them is not making good choices and hurting those he should be showing love to. It's a lesson all the siblings need as they reconcile themselves to the destruction left behind by the man who brought them all together in the end.

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.

The Brothers in Arms series

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review: Material Witness by Vannetta Chapman

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Tragedy strikes on the opening night of the Fall Crafters Fair when a woman is killed in the parking lot of Daisy's Quilt Shop, and the only material witness is one of Melinda Byer's boys. The investigation takes a more bizarre turn when detective Shane Black becomes convinced the killer was actually after Callie.

This time it's a madman loose in the largest crowd of the year, and he's looking for something or someone. If they can't figure out what, one of Deborah and Callie's close circle of friends may be next.

Masked identities, antique quilts with hidden messages, an Amish boy whose handicap makes him stronger, one brave dog, and a possible hidden treasure ... this time it's nonstop action, danger, and a dash of romance.

My Review

I enjoyed the friendship of Deborah, Callie and the others as they handle the upheaval in their community and lives. This book has all the elements of a cozy mystery, with an Amish setting mingled with their Englisch neighbors. I had read the first book in the series quite a while ago, so it took me some time to sort out all the names and get a feeling for who's who again. It was overwhelming at first with everyone being introduced along with bits about their backstory while new plot threads are simultaneously beginning. Eventually all that settled down and the layers of the story unfolded along with a little romance, which I'm always a fan of!

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 Shipshewana Amish Mystery series . . .