I Am Back!

For those of you who may have wonder why I have not been posting I do have a excuse.

On October 12th, 2014 my darling husband John left me to be with Christ Our Lord.

I want to thank all my family, friends and facebook friends for helping me get through the past couple of years. This was a difficult time for me and John. It was hard on him knowing any day could be his last. He knew he was ready and said his only sadness was he would miss out on so much with us and all our kids and grandkids and family and friends.

For those who really knew John/Johnny/Dad/Pawpaw what is it you will really miss about him. Add a photo of yourself with your comment if you can.

I could not think clearly for the past few months but now I must enter this new year of 2015 with a renewed spirit and am looking forward to what the Good Lord has in store for me.

2015!!!!

I hope to be posting some reviews this next week so keep an eye out for some goods reads.

Check out my Goodreads to read list and let me know what you would like me to consider reading and doing a review on my blog.  Male sure I own the book. It shows if I own to the far right.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/5314062-patricia-kemp-blackmon?order=d&shelf=to-read&sort=date_added

Vow Unbroken, A Lone Star Novel by Caryl McAdoo

About Book

A spunky young widow hires a farmhand with a bad reputation to help her get her cotton to Jefferson to meet the wagon train, and sparks fly—but can she love a man who doesn’t love the Lord?

Susannah Abbot Baylor reluctantly hires Henry Buckmeyer to help her along the Jefferson Trace, the hard stretch of land between her Texas farm and the cotton market, where she is determined to get a fair price for her crop. It’s been a rough year, and she’s in danger of losing the land her husband left to her and the children, but she’ll need help getting both of her wagons to Jefferson safely. She knows Henry’s reputation as a layabout and is prepared for his insolence, but she is not expecting his irresistible good looks or his gentle manner. Soon they are entwined in a romantic relationship that only gets more complicated when Susannah learns that Henry doesn’t know God the way she does. Dangers arise on the road—but none as difficult as the trial her heart is going through.

Will Susannah and Henry’s love overcome their differences? And will she get her crop safely to the cotton market with enough money to save the farm? In this heartening and adventurous tale, a young woman’s fortitude, faith, and heart are put to the ultimate test.  

"For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name."

Psalm 61:5 NKJV

See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Vow-Unbroken/Caryl-McAdoo/9781476735511#sthash.yepD10Av.dpuf

Where to Purchase: aMAZON,  BARNES & nOBLE,

Howard Books |  368 pages | ISBN 9781476735511 | March 2014 

About Author

Caryl McAdoo lives in Red River County, Texas, where she brags the nearest soda pop or gasoline is almost ten miles from home. In the country setting of the Texas piney woods, she enjoys four wheeling over the 916-acre McAdoo Ranch, horseback riding, and caring for donkeys, dairy goats, chickens, and a plethora of dogs and cats. Caryl credits her relationship with the Lord for every good blessing in her life, including ten children (counting “in-loves”) and fourteen grandsugars. Her heart’s desire is to bring Him glory. - See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Caryl-McAdoo/411169289#sthash.fTTJCuAd.dpuf

My Thoughts

The young widow Susannah Baylor is angry and ready to make a long trip to catch up with friends set out on a wagon train to sell their bounty of cotton.  She had been glad to not be making the long trip but after the wagon train was several days out she finds herself cheated and mislead by a buyer that offered her a fair price but when she arrived with her cotton he insisted on paying her a much lower price.  She is discouraged by friends at home to not make the trip alone especially with her daughter and nephew since there are so many danger in such a trek. They recommend she hire Henry Buckmeyer to help her on the trip.  She had heard he was a slacker and a drunk but she knew she could not go alone.  

Susannah took their advise finding all the rumors about Henry were unfounded. He was a hard working attractive man and was very patient and kind. Her young daughter Becky falls in love with him and makes it know to him she wants him to be her daddy which must remain their secret until just the right time.  Susannah sees the attachment the children have for Henry but she has made a vow she can not break.  She must focus on getting the cotton sold while overcoming apparent dangers on the long trip.  

Susannah is like a mama bear ready to do what she must to protect her cubs.  Her character is strong , independent and determined.  The author writes of a woman wanting to prove to the world she can stand on her own two feet not needing a man to tell her how to do anything.  A character in charge no matter how badly she would love to have a partner to lean on for a change. 

An adventurous tale of romance, danger and trust. 

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books/ SimonSchuster for an honest review.

Home to Heather Creek by Kathleen Bauer ~ Litfuse Group Tour and Giveaway

When the world around you falls apart, could it be that God is giving you a second chance? This is just one of the questions on Charlotte Stevenson's mind as she brings her three grandchildren to live on the family farm in Guidepost Books' Home to Heather Creek series.

Before the Dawn begins just one week after the funeral of Charlotte's daughter, Denise. Denise's three children barely have time to process the death of their mother before they must move to the Heather Creek Farm they have never visited with grandparents they barely know. At age 16, Sam is fiercely protective of his younger siblings. Emily is 14 and desperately misses her friends. Young Christopher is only 8 and just wants to fit in. While Charlotte tries to help her grandchildren adjust to their new life, she also wrestles with her own grief and the enormous task of bringing her family together. Bob believes the fastest path to adjustment is a firm routine, with structure and chores, the same way they raised their own kids. However, that route led to Denise running away from home as a teenager and an estranged relationship with her family. Charlotte is worried about making the same mistakes she made with Denise. Is this her chance to make things right?

It is spring when the children arrive, and as Charlotte looks around the farm, she hopes the new life around them will signify hope and healing. The miracle of new life, along with God's healing touch, reminds all of them that it's always darkest just before the dawn.

Sweet September picks up at harvest time, as the children are settling into a new school year. While the harvest should be an exciting time, the children don't seem to be getting into the spirit. Emily is struggling with farm life, Christopher spends most of his time alone, and Sam is failing school. Trying to learn from what did and didn't work with her own kids, Charlotte is determined to get her grandchildren back on track.

As tenuous family bonds threaten to break apart, a mystery on the farm might be the one thing that can bond the family together. Charlotte sets out to uncover the truth, and as the kids unite to find answers, this cobbled-together family learns more about one another and the love that binds them together.

The lives of the Stevensons and their grandchildren unfold in this captivating story of the remarkable change that comes from the love of family, the kindness of others, sheer persistence and unshakable faith. As readers follow the Stevensons' inspiring stories, it's almost impossible not feel a part of this friendly, loving community, where God's grace can be seen in every circumstance.

Purchase the books here: http://ow.ly/oQGxr

Landing page and tour schedule:  http://litfusegroup.com/author/kbauer

About the Author: Kathleen Bauer is the pen name for a team of writers who have come together to create the Home to Heather Creek series.

Guideposts Books is thrilled to announce their brand new series, Home to Heather Creek, by Kathleen Bauer. The first two books, Before the Dawn and Sweet September, launch this month and Guideposts Books is celebrating with a Paperwhite Kindle Giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A Paperwhite Kindle
• Before the Dawn and Sweet September by Kathleen Bauer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th HERE.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 7th to see if you won! (Or better yet, subscribe to their blog [enter your email in the blog sidebar] and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

My Thoughts:

What can be more traumatic for a child than losing mother to a senseless accident? They have no other choice than to move in with their grandparent on a farm out in the middle of nowhere land.  For city kids, in their opinion, this is not a good move.  Since they have an absentee father what else could they do.  They do not really even know their grandparents since their mother had been estranged from her parents except for an occasional phone call.  Two moody and pouting teens, the oldest a man/boy whom keeps to himself and a girl that hates the world and everything in it.  Then there is a much young boy that looks to his older siblings as to how he is suppose to react to his new life on a farm.  

But they are not the only ones trying to cope with their grief, their grandparents and uncle are also grieving while trying not to let the kids see how difficult all of these changes are effecting their own daily lives. Routines are what the grandfather thinks will be best for them, though their grandmother would prefer to take it easy on the kids until they have been able to adjust to their new school and surroundings. She fears making the same mistake with her grandkids as she did with their mother.  Everyone in town has advice, prayers and condolences with good intentions for the kids and grandparents. Some are helpful, others just create more problems. 

In book two, as the family gets  into their daily routines something or someone starts destroying the garden they worked on so hard.  The kids and their uncle come up with some hair brain ideas solve the mystery of the missing vegetables.  All becomes clear when a perfect stranger visits the farm and turns out to be a true blessing to the whole family. Its seems God has some very special plans for this family as their hearts open and begin to heal.

This is a heart wrenching story that many of us can relate to through one or more of the characters.  I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.  I would definitely like to spend more time with this family as they grow together. I would recommend this book to anyone trying to blend family members.  I think it is a fun idea having authors come together to contribute their writing talents to this series

I highly recommend this series.

I rated both books 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of both books from Guideposts and Litfuse Publicity Group for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.

A Hopeful Heart by Amy Clipston ~ Booksneeze Review

About the Book:

In A Hopeful Heart, the first novel of the new Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series from best-selling author Amy Clipston, Hannah finds herself at a crossroads in her life. Her community offers her love and support after the untimely death of her husband, but an Englisher offers her the chance of a new life after her unexpected tragedy.

Wealthy businessman Trey Peterson is surprised by his attraction to the gentle Amish woman who works as a housekeeper in the Lancaster Grand Hotel. They share a common bond of loss and are able to offer each other comfort and support as they journey through their grief.

Joshua Glick wants nothing more than to offer his friendship and love to Hannah and her family. Not only is he her late husband’s brother and business partner, he has always been in love with Hannah.

A Hopeful Heart is filled with surprising twists as Hannah tries to balance her life in the Amish community and her growing love for an outsider.

Product Details

• ISBN-13: 9780310319986
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication date: 6/7/2013
• Series: Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel Series , #1
• Pages: 304

Where to Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD

About Amy: 

Amy Clipston holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan College and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, and two sons and four spoiled rotten cats.

Website: http://www.amyclipston.com/

My Thoughts:

Hannah Glick stays busy raising her children, working as housekeeper at Lancaster Grand Hotel and not to forget chores on the farm.  Her deceased husband and his brother, Josiah Glick had gone into business together leaving Josiah to run the business with Hannah.  There seems to never be enough hours in a day for Hannah.  Josiah tries to make her burdens lighter which is no burden to him for he has loved Hannah since before she even fell in love with his brother.  Hannah is somewhat aware of his feelings but does not feel the same type of love for Josiah.  To her he is a good friend and family.  

While working at the hotel she meets a guest, Trey Peterson  and finds herself becoming attracted to him.  It was very easy to talk with him since they both had lost a spouse.  He also has the same dream as she, which is to start a Bed and Breakfast in town. Hannah was warned to guard her heart because he was English. She even invites him to her home for a meal which makes Josiah jealous and her deceased husband's mother very angry with Hannah. Her children seem to be divided in their opinion of their mother's new friend.  This concerns her because she finally feels as if her heart is healing.

The author writes about the struggles of healing and starting anew after the loss of a spouse.  She shows how it touches the children and the loved one's parents and sibling.  Then she kicks it up a  by having the widow  befriend an Englisher. It's like she turned a fox loose in the hen house. This story keeps you guessing from one chapter to the next.  I for one did not want to put the book down.  I didn't know whether to be happy or sad with the ending.  Probably a little of both.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Zondervan/Booksneeze for review was in no way to compensate for this review.

EVENTIDE, The Days of Redemption, #3 by SHELLEY SHEPARD GRAY ~ Litfuse Publicity Group Tour

Excerpt From Eventide by Shelley Shepard Gray by WilliamMorrowBooks

About Book: 

A young Amish woman harbors a difficult secret. Does she dare share the truth with the man she hopes to marry?

Elsie Keim doesn’t want to be left behind. Her twin sister, Viola, and her older brother, Roman, have both found love and are building lives of their own. But Elsie? She’s still stuck at home, being treated like a child. No one seems to consider her a capable woman—all they see are the thick lenses of her glasses, constant reminders that Elsie suffers from keratoconus and is slowly going blind.

Elsie knows there’s much more to her than her disease. That’s why when a new neighbor, Landon Troyer, shows some interest in her, she doesn’t want anything to scare him away . . . even if it means keeping her condition a secret.

Landon is ready to start a new life and feels like Elsie may just be the right woman to start it with. But when Roman steps in and shares the truth about Elsie’s illness, Landon is floored. His job is demanding and takes him away from home, sometimes for days at a time. How could he keep up with his responsibilities and take care of Elsie?

Purchase a copy here.

Learn more at Shelley’s website.

Meet Shelley:

Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the "Sisters of the Heart", "Seasons of Sugarcreek", "Secrets of Crittenden County", and Families of Honor series. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

Shelley Shepard Gray is celebrating the release of the final book in The Days of Redemption series, Eventide, by giving away FIVE sets of the series. 

Five winners will receive:

• Daybreak, Ray of Light and Eventide by Shelley Shepard Gray

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 21st. All winners will be announced September 23rd at Shelley's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Shelley's blog on the 23rd to see if you won one of the book sets!

My Thoughts

At first glance you would never know, other than the thick glass she wears, that Elie Keim was near blind. She desires to be as independent as her twin sister and her brother.  They both have found their soul mates but if her family has anything to do with it she will become the blind alt madeal that will be forever dependent on her family.  What the family isn't aware of is Elsie prays for a life with her own home, husband and children.  She dares not discuss this with anyone.  Until Landon Troyer, a new neighbor, starts helping out around the family farm and making a point to seek out Elsie to strike up a conversation with her causing her family to become even more protective of Elsie.  She fears if Landon finds out about her eye disease he will turn his attention away from her,even if he was a kind and considerate man.

The author writes about a sensitive subject that most do not want to think about and that is a disability.  She also points out through the character of Elsie that a disability does not have to weight you down thinking you are a oddity or not normal.  What is not normal to someone may be normal for someone else.  God has made us in his image and our soul is what shines through to others.  Don't we all have some form of disability? I have to wear glasses and I suffer from migraines.  I could go on and on.   So look past ones disabilities and find out who the person really is don't be caught up with labels.it blinds ones judgement.  

I say kudos to Shelley for writing this beautiful character into this series!

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Harper Collins Publishers and Litfuse Pulicity Group Tour for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.

  

WINTER IN FULL BLOOM by ANITA HIGMAN ~ Litfuse Group Tour

About Winter in Full Bloom: 

Lily Winter's wings are folded so tightly around her daughter that when empty nest arrives, she feels she can no longer fly. But Lily's lonely, widowed life changes in a heartbeat when she goes to visit a woman who is almost a stranger to her---a woman who also happens to be her mother. During their fiery reunion, her mother reveals a dark family secret that she'd been hiding for decades---Lily has an identical twin sister who was put up for adoption when they were just babies.

Without looking back, Lily---with her fear of flying---boards a jumbo jet and embarks on a quest to find her sister which leads half way around the world to Melbourne, Australia. Befriended by imprudent Ausie, he might prove to be the key to finding her sister. But her journey becomes a circle that leads her back home to attempt a family reunion and to find the one dream she no longer imagined possible-the chance to fall in love again.

Purchase the Book: http://ow.ly/nIIcx

Meet Anita: 

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She's been a Barnes & Noble "Author of the Month" for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

Connect with Anita at: www.anitahigman.com 

Landing page: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/ahigman

Anita Higman's latest novel, Winter in Full Bloom, has just released. She's teamed up with her publisher, River North Fiction, for a fun giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party on August 29th.

 
  One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD
• Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 28th.Winner will be announced August 29th at the Winter in Full Bloom Author Chat Party on Facebook. During the party Anita will be hosting a book chat, talking about family, announcing the winner of the Kindle Fire, and giving away a ton of books, gift certificates, and more. Oh, and she'll also be giving party goers an exclusive look at her next book.

So grab your copy of Winter in Full Bloom and join Anita on the evening of August 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)

DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN; RSVP TODAY. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 29th!

My Thoughts

Lily is overwhelmed with the many changes in her life.  After having a confrontation with her estranged mother she decides to take an unexpected trip to Melbourne. She knew her relationship with her parents was not normal  and that she needed to find that missing link.  No sooner than she arrives in Australia she becomes depressed and not sure where to go or even what to do next.  As she sits crying on a park bench a man shows concern for her well being.  As their friendship grows throughout the day he offers to help her with her family mystery.  She begins to wonder if he would play an important role in restoring her relationship with her family.

It was really hard to put this book down.  The author created a tragic tale about Lily that appeared to be irreconcilable and writes of how God has a plan if only she has faith in Him.  People were put in Lily's path to help fulfill His plan.  I know people can't see God's plan when facing trials and tribulations but as time goes by he shows us his plan.  The author put her heart and soul in this story.  

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Group and River North/Moody Publishers  for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.

THE LETTERS by SUZANNE WOODS FISHER ~ A LITFUSE GROUP TOUR

About Book

Rose Schrock is a Plain woman with a simple plan. Determined to find a way to support her family and pay off her late husband’s debts, she sets to work to convert the basement of her Amish farmhouse into an inn. While her family, especially her cranky mother-in-law, is unhappy with Rose’s big idea, her friend and neighbor, Galen King, supports the decision and he helps with the conversion. As Rose finalizes preparations for visitors, she prays. She asks God to bless each guest who stays at the Inn at Eagle Hill. As the first guest arrives and settles in, Rose is surprised to discover that her entire family is the one who receives the blessings, in the most unexpected ways. And she’s even more surprised when that guest decides to play matchmaker for Galen King.

Click to purchase a copy.

Landing Page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/sfisher

Meet Suzanne

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Inn at Eagle Hill series, Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including "Amish Peace." She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. 

For more information, please visit suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher. 

Suzanne Woods Fisher is celebrating the release of the first book, The Letters, in her new series by giving away 2 iPads, 2 Kindle Fires and 2 Nook HDs! Wow!

Two grand prize winners will receive:

• An iPad
• The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Four second place winners will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD or a Nook HD - winner's choice!
• The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 17th. All winners will be announced August 19th at Suzanne's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Suzanne's blog on the 19th to see if you won one of the great prizes! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

My Thoughts

Rose Schrock carries the burdens left by her deceased husband.  She willingly takes on the responsible of his parents farm which includes the care of his mother.  Her mother-in-law had a stroke leaving her weak in body and mind.  Rose also her hands full with her four children especially the two youngest boys.  She feels it to be her responsibility to support the family and right the wrongs of her husband.  In order to accomplish this she has decided to turn the farm into a Bed and Breakfast. Surprisingly her neighbor, Galen King sees it to be a good idea and helps her to prepare the farm for her guest.

Her Bed and Breakfast becomes the means of not only financial needs but far more.  God had a plan for Rose Schrock and her family.  Rose put her faith in God to pull them through the trials and tribulations that came her way. 

This story kept me thinking about Job and how he always stayed faithful to God through his trials and tribulations.  The author writes a story that will tug at your heart.  She wrote of how events can cause stress on so many people.  It's like being in the path of a tornado.  Many can find blessings  in time such as these just as Rose Schrock found laughter with her children, tenderness and patience for her mother-in-law.  She even dared to hope for love with Galen King, her neighbor. 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Revell Publishing and Litfuse Publicity Group .  I was in  no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.

ROSEMARY COTTAGE, A HOPE BEACH NOVEL, BY COLLEEN COBLE

About Rosemary Cottage: 

Amy came to Rosemary Cottage to grieve, to heal, maybe even find love. But there's a deadly undertow of secrets around Hope Island . . .

The charming Rosemary Cottage on the beach offers Amy Lange respite she needs to mourn her brother, Ben. She's even thinking of moving her midwife practice to the Outer Banks community. It's always been a refuge for her and her family. She also wants to investigate Ben's disappearance at sea. Everyone blames a surfing accident, but Amy has reason to wonder.

Coast Guard officer Curtis Ireland has lost a sibling too. His sister, Gina, was run down by a boat, leaving him to raise her infant daughter. If anyone knew who little Raine's father was, Curtis could lose his beloved niece. Yet he can't help being drawn to Hope Beach's new midwife, Amy. He even agrees to help her investigate what happened to both Ben and Gina.

Can two grieving people with secrets find healing on beautiful Hope Island? Or will their quest for truth set them at odds with each other . . . and with those who will go to any length to keep hidden things hidden?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/mQ63a

Landing page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/ccoble

Meet Colleen:

Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA's RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

My Thoughts

Amy Lange has so many wonderful memories of her and her brother, Ben at Rosemary 
Cottage and their long hours playing on the beach.  But this year Ben isn't with her at Rosemary Cottage but his memory is here.  Ben lost his life in a surfing accident.  Amy was looking for closure in her brother's death.   She may even move her midwife practice to Hope Island.  

Amy can't help but wonder if his death was really caused by an accident.

Curtis Ireland has also lost a sibling, his sister, Gina was was killed in a boating accident. She left something very valuable to Curtis's care, Raine, Gina's daughter.  Curtis will do anything to protect his niece from intruders.  That is until he meets Amy Lange and then his world is turned upside down.  But is that a good thing  or a bad thing?

This is a nail biting, chills running up your spine, suspenseful story.  Your brain will be working overtime to find the secrets that will solve THE mystery.  Aside from all the suspense is an on and off romance between Amy and Ben, with littIe Raine in the middle. 

I get really into the books I'm reading and forget sometimes that the characters can't hear me giving them some well needed advice.  

This author never seems to let me down when I read one of her books and I have read several of them.  All winners, in my opinion.

I highly recommend not only this book but this series and especially this author.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson/Litfuse Publicity Group for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.

A BIG YEAR FOR LILY, THE ADVENTURES OF LILY LAPP SERIES, BOOK THREE BY MARY ANN KINSINGER & SUZANNE WOODS FISHER

 About A Big Year for Lily: 

Book Three in the Adventures of Lily Lapp series. Co-written with Mary Kinsinger.

Lily Lapp's family has settled into their new home in Pennsylvania, but life still holds big changes and big steps for Lily. Good changes, like once again living close to her beloved cousin and best friend, Hannah. Bad changes, like a mean girl who plays tricks on her. And no change at all where Lily would most want one--Aaron Yoder sits near her in school and relentlessly teases her. Surprises are in store for Lily as she learns, with Mama and Papa's help, to manage the ups and downs of growing up Amish.

The third of four charming novels that chronicle the gentle way of the Amish through the eyes of a young girl, A Big Year for Lily gives children ages 8-12 a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Amish---and lots of fun and laughter along the way. It combines Mary Ann Kinsinger's real-life stories of growing up Amish and the bestselling writing of Amish fiction and nonfiction author Suzanne Woods Fisher. With charming line drawings in each book, this series captures the hearts of readers young and old.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/mVlq1

• Age Range: 8 and up 
• Series: The Adventures of Lily Lapp (Book 3)
• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Revell (July 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800721349
• ISBN-13: 978-080072134

Meet Suzanne: 

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Lancaster County Secrets series and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. For more information, please visit suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher. Get Amish proverbs delivered right to your iPhone or iPad! Download the Free App! http://bit.ly/134r55G

Learn more about Lily at http://adventuresoflilylapp.com/

My Thoughts

Lily is approaching 10 yrs old, which is an important time for a young girl in the Amish community.  She still likes to play with dolls with her friends, but one girl in particular seems to rub her the wrong way.  No matter what Lily does this girl claims do it better if she can't she says it isn't lady like and should not be done. Dolls is one of the things this young girl thinks they are too old to play anymore.  This girl and a particular boy at school are always causing trouble for someone especially for Lily.

Do you have anyone like this in your life?  Someone that can ruin your whole day no matter how hard you try to avoid them.

I really enjoy reading this series, each book brings to light the normal everyday antics of Lily, like how she interacts with family and friends.  Sometimes she does not always use good judgement.  One of her bad traits is, "What my parents don't know won't hurt a thing."    Wrong!

I am sure children will learn many good lessons from the mistakes the children in this book create. There are a lot of good things that come from the children actions too!

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Group/Revell for review. I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.