A Place in His Heart (The Southold Chronicles #1) by Rebecca DeMarino

About Book

Anglican Mary Langton longs to marry for love. Puritan Barnabas Horton is still in love with his deceased wife and needs only a mother for his two young sons. And yet these two very different people with very different expectations will take a leap of faith, wed, and then embark on a life-changing journey across the ocean to the Colonies. Along the way, each must learn to live in harmony, to wait on God, and to recognize true love where they least expect to find it.This heartfelt tale of love and devotion is based on debut author Rebecca DeMarino’s own ancestors, who came to Long Island in the mid-1600s to establish a life–and a legacy–in the New World.

Where to buy

Baker Retail

Amazon

About Author

When Rebecca DeMarino traveled to Horton Point, Long Island, with her mother, Helen Jean Horton Worley, in 1999, passions collided: her love of faith, family, travel, history, and writing. Rebecca's debut novel, A PLACE IN HIS HEART, is a historical romance based on Mary and Barnabas Horton, Rebecca’s ninth great-grandparents. Set in 1600’s Southold, Long Island, book one of The Southold Chronicles will be released by Revell in June, 2014. She lives in the Pacific Northwest and when not writing, she enjoys family and genealogy, travel, reading, running, baking and gardening. Rebecca is represented by Greg Johnson of WordServe Literary Agency.

Learn more at www.rebeccademarino.com.

I RATED THIS BOOk 5 OUT OF 5

Tide and Tempest, Edge of Freedom #3 by Elizabeth Ludwig

About Book

Two years ago, her fiancee perished during their voyage to America.

Now she discovers it may have been murder...

Dreaming of a better life, Tillie McGrath leaves Ireland behind andi would , with her beloved fiance by her side, sets sail for America. But when illness robs her of theThey  man she holds dear, she's left alone with only a handful of tattered memories. While forging on proves difficult, Tillie soon finds some new friends at her New York boardinghouse, and begins pursuing a new dream--to open a home for orphaned children.

Despite two years passing, Captain Keondric Morgan has never forgotten the lass who left his ship so heartbroken. When a crewman's deathbed confession reveals her fiance's demise was the result of murder, the captain knows he must try to contact her. But his attention draws the notice of others as well--dangerous men who believe Tillie has in her possession something that could expose their crimes. And to their way of thinking, the best way to prevent such an outcome is to seize the evidence and then hand Tillie the same fate as her naïve fiance.

Where to Purchase

• Baker Retail

• Amazon.com
• Barnes & Noble
• Christianbook.com

Resources

Author Q & A
Download PDF

Excerpt Download PDF

About Author

Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author and an accomplished speaker and teacher. Her historical novel Love Finds You in Calico,California earned four stars from RT Book Reviews. She is the owner and editor of the popular literary blog The Borrowed Book. Along with her husband and two children, Elizabeth makes her home in Orange, Texas. 

Learn more at www.elizabethludwig.com.


My Thoughts

Since the death of Tillie's fiancée two years ago she is determined to move on with her life. She has been saving money to purchase a house in order to open an orphanage.  Will she ever see her dream come true?

Captain Moran has come to visit Tillie giving her news that one of his crew has confessed that Tillie's fiancee was murderered instead  dying from an illness. Tillie and Captain Morgan set out to find who it was that ordered the murder.  Unfortuntely this puts them in danger but also reveals there is a strong connection between the two. This connection is one that neither of them wanted to acknowledge.

In an interview the author stated...
"I never imagined when I set out to write the Edge of Freedom series for Bethany House that I would be writing about grief. Or loss. Or seperation."

In her saying that, it is exactly what she did.  She touched on so many emotions on my end as I read this book/series. She writes how our vision for our life is not always what God has planned. 

While reading the book I kept wanting to shake both Tillie and Captain Morgan, telling them to go with their true feelings not assuming the feelings of the other.

When one or the other two chracters were put in harms way the other would go above and beyond any measure to protect the other.  In the beginning their plans were not very well thought out which most definitely put them and others in danger.

I enjoyed catching up on the lives of the characters from books one and two of this series.

I highly recommed this book/series.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I recievied a free copy of this book from Netgalley/Bethany House for an honest review.

Truth Be Told by Carol Cox, A Bethany House Publication

About Book

Sometimes the truth can be dangerous...

Wagner takes over her father's newspaper in 1893 Granite Springs, Arizona, she vows to carry on the paper's commitment to reporting only the truth. But Amelia soon learns that even the truth can have serious consequences. Her father's revealing articles about the Great Western Investment Company have caught the attention of the wrong people, and pressure mounts for Amelia to retract her father's statements.

Determined to find out the real story, Amelia begins her own investigation. She's joined by Benjamin Stone, a Great Western employee who's been assigned to keep tabs on her for the good of the company, a man Amelia finds both perplexing and intriguing.

What they uncover stuns them both--and has far-reaching implications for not only Ben and Amelia but all of Granite Springs. Can they reveal the truth before the enemy finds a way to silence them for good?

Read Excerpt 

Where to Purchase

• Baker Retail
• Amazon.com
• Barnes & Noble
• Christianbook.com

About Author

Native Arizonan Carol Cox has an abiding love for history, mystery, and romance. The author of more than 25 books, she believes in the power of story to convey spiritual truths. Carol lives with her husband and daughter in northern Arizona, where deer and antelope really do play--within view of the family's front porch. Visit her website at www.authorcarolcox.com.

Bethany House  
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH CAROL COX

Q. Tell us about your latest book, Truth Be Told. 

A. Set in 1893 Arizona, Truth Be Told is the story of Amelia Wagner, who takes over running her father’s weekly newspaper in the frontier town of Granite Springs. Vowing to carry on the paper’s commitment to reporting only the truth, she soon learns that even the truth can carry unwanted—and sometimes dangerous— consequences. 

Q. Truth Be Told is a work of historical fiction. Why will it resonate with today’s readers?

A. Times and fashions may change, but human problems remain the same. While Truth Be Told is a mystery set in the Old West, it deals with issues many people face today. Themes of addiction, forgiveness, believing the best against all appearances, and the costs of fighting for the truth run throughout the book. 

Q. Your books often feature quirky characters in addition to the hero and heroine. Is there a reason for that?

A. I love using characters who are a bit (and sometimes more than a bit!) eccentric. I’ve learned some amazing truths along the way from people who didn’t fit the world’s idea of the “norm.” But just because someone may be a bit quirky, they may still have surprising depth beneath the surface. I’ve learned never to write anyone off. God sees all of us as unique, and every person has worth and a purpose in His sight. 

Q. Are any of the places and characters in Truth Be Told based on fact? 

A. Most of the book is based purely on my imagination, but I enjoyed slipping in a few actual sites and people from Arizona history. The Eleventh Infantry Band, which performs for the citizens of Granite Springs, was stationed at nearby Fort Whipple, and was directed by Achille LaGuardia, just as we see in the story. If the name LaGuardia sounds familiar, you may be thinking of Achille’s son, Fiorello, who spent some of his childhood years at Fort Whipple before growing up to become the well-known mayor of New York City. 

The Hotel Burke, where Ben Stone stays during his visit to Prescott, was the original name of the present-day Hotel St. Michael, which stands on the corner of Gurley and Montezuma, across the street from the Courthouse Plaza. I’ve enjoyed a number of meals in the hotel’s dining room, which offers a marvelous view of downtown Prescott.



My Thoughts 

Amelia Wagner looked forward to spending the summer working with her father on his newspaper in Granite Springs, Arizona.  Her mood soon changes when she finds her dad is critically ill. His death bed wish is for her to seek the truth about Great Western Investment Company.  

Benjamin Stone doubts the honesty of his employer and decides too join with Amelia to investigate the goings on at Great Western Investment Company. 

They we very cautious of each other in the beginning only to realize there is something special between them.

The author has a real page turner in this story.  My emotions were very confused at times trying to figure out who could be trusted . There was plenty of action, intrigue, mystery and romance to keep me turning pages. The mistrust of family members  and friends was chilling.  In  this story the author has put all control in God's hands as the characters struggle with trust in finding the truth.

I  highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a five out of five. 

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House for an honest review. 

The Last Bride, Home to Hickory Hollow Series, Book 5, by Beverly Lewis

About Book

Of her Old Order parents' five daughters, Tessie Miller is the last to marry. She has her heart set on Amishman Marcus King, but Tessie's father opposes the match.

Impetuously, Tessie and Marcus elope to the English world, then return to Hickory Hollow to live as singles, trusting they'll convince the Millers to give their love a chance over time. But when the unthinkable happens, Tessie faces the almost-certain censure of the People. Will she find a reason for hope in spite of her desperate plight?

Where to Purchase

• Baker Retail
• Amazon.com
• Barnes & Noble
• Christianbook.com

Resources

• Discussion QuestionsDownload PDF
• Press ReleaseDownload PDF
• Author Q & ADownload PDF
• ExcerptDownload PDF

About Author

Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is the New York Times bestselling author of more than ninety books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Beverly to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with The Shunning, which has sold more than one million copies and was recently made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie. In 2007 The Brethren was honored with a Christy Award. She has been interviewed by both national and international media, including Time magazine, the Associated Press, and the BBC. Beverly lives with her husband, David, in Colorado. Visit her website at

www.beverlylewis.com for more information.

My Thoughts

Tessie Miller is the last of the Miller daughters to marry. The young man she favors is not of her father's choice.  She has loved Marcus King for as long as she can remember, there is none other for her. Every time Marcus goes to her father to ask for her hand in marriage he is turned down without any reason as to why his request is denied. So the young couple decide to sneak away to the court house and have an English ceremony even though they both wanted desperately to marry in Amish tradition. They have chosen not to tell anyone of their marriage hoping Tessie's father will give them his blessing.  But before Marcus could approach her father with his request a tragic accident changes everything the young couple had planned for a happy future together.

Since no one knows of their marriage circumstances this put Tessie in critical scrutiny of not only of her Amish community but that of the Bishop and his wife.

This story was so tragic.  I was so angry with Tessie's father. Then when the her father's reasoning was revealed I was totally shocked.  The author touched on a topic that is a hidden secret among the Amish. She writes of how God's plan will be revealed if only we have faith and trust in God.

I must say as I have said so many times that Beverly Lewis never fails to amaze me with her talent for entertaining me with her writing.  This book is very much right up there with all her other books I have read. I had a hard time putting the book down.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

The Rescue, The Inn at Eagle Hill Series, A Novella by Suzanne Woods Fisher

About Book

He's taking a chance on love . . . and there's no plan B.

Will Stoltz has returned to Stoney Ridge with a clear plan. He's opening a wild bird rescue center and is determined to rekindle his fizzled romance with Jackie Colombo, the veterinarian who stole his heart. But nothing is working out as Will planned. The leased building for the rescue center is a disaster, his funding is rapidly dwindling, and Jackie Colombo has disappeared without a trace.

When an injured eagle is found in a pasture near the Inn at Eagle Hill, Will is desperate to prove to himself, to his skeptical father, and to everyone else that his mission has not been in vain. But as his best-laid plans begin to fail, Will discovers something more valuable.

Travel back to the Inn at Eagle Hill for the untold story of one of your favorite characters and experience the miracle of love.

• File Size: 6775 KB
• Print Length: 55 pages
• Publisher: Revell (May 6, 2014)
• ASIN: B00IARZY10
• 
  

Where to Purchase

• Baker Retail
• Amazon.com
• Barnes & Noble
• Christianbook.com

About Author  

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Inn at Eagle Hill series, 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 an Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting. She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. 

Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

My Short Review for a Short Novella 

Short but sweet. I am a bird lover and backyard bird watcher so this story touched a soft spot in my heart. It was also nice to get an update on Will Stoltz, one of the characters from book one in this series. 

I was disappointed it was so very short in fact a total of 55 pages, 6775 KB.  Needed to be longer. 

Don't get me wrong I am not sorry I purchased this novella, I was very aware of how many pages I was buying.  Love the series. Looking forward to reading more in this series.

I rated this novella 5 out of 5. 

But I must give it a 3 out of 5 for the price.

Disclosure: I purchased this ebook on Amazon for my own reading pleasure.

The Shining Light, Home to Amana Series, Book #3 by Judith Miller

About Book

The kind people of Amana have been her guiding light, but her greatest trial is yet to come...
West Amana, Iowa, 1890

After Andrea Wilson receives the devastating news that her husband has been lost at sea, she returns home to Iowa with her young son, Lukas. But what she finds there causes more heartache: The family farm has burned and her father has died, leaving Andrea with nothing.

Andrea must rely on the kindness of the people from the nearby Amana village who invite her to stay with them for a time. She discovers much generosity and contentment among the Amanans--especially from the tinsmith, Dirk Knefler, who takes her son under his wing. But is the simple, cloistered life in Amana what Andrea wants for Lukas's future? Is she willing to give up the comforts and freedom of the outside world? And when yet another round of shocking news comes her way, will Andrea ever be able to find the serenity and hope that have eluded her for so long?

Where to Purchase

• Baker Retail
• Amazon.com
• Barnes & Noble
• Christianbook.com

About Author

Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. When time permits, Judy enjoys traveling, visiting historical settings, and scrapbooking the photographs from her travel expeditions. She makes her home in Topeka, Kansas. Visit her website at www.judithmccoymiller.com.

Resources

• Book AnnouncementDownload PDF
• Author Q & ADownload PDF

My Thoughts 

Andrea Wilson is anxious to return to her father's home after receiving news of the death of her husband at sea.  She can now ask her father's forgiveness for marrying without his blessings or permission.  Andrea and her son Lukas's lives have been nothing short of starvation. poverty and abuse at the hands of her husband.  Now she can give her son a better life living with her father in Iowa.  But when she arrives at her father's farm her hopes for a better life seem out of her reach.  

She is offered help by the elders of a local village of Amanans.  She finds herself at their mercy. They give her and Lucas much more than food and shelter, they find peace and an abundance of love.  

Lucas finds a mentor in Dirk Knefler as he learns the values and ways of the Amanans. This is does not go unnoticed by Andrea as she finds many good qualities in this kind man. 

The village receives a surprise visitor that could end any hope or happiness for Andrea and Lukas's future in Amana.

I found this story heart wrenching.  This woman felt that for lack of better judgement in men she had caused her and her son to suffer.  Women did not have many if any rights back in the day. The life offered to her in Amana was God send bringing them into the fold of his loving and faithful people of Amana.  I love the character of Dirk with his patience and tender love for the boy and his mother. Also Dirk's trust in God's plan for his life. 

The author has captured me with this series.  Looking forward to reading more from this author.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Baker Publishers/Bethany House for an honest review.

Minding Molly, The Courtships of Lancaster County #3 by Leslie Gould

About Book

Molly Zook Has Everything Planned Just Right.
Or So She Thinks!
Molly Zook's always liked being in control, so she's struggling with her mother's wish that, to save the family farm, she marry Mervin Mosier. Especially after Molly meets Leon Fisher. He's from Montana but is now training horses at a nearby ranch. He's tall and muscular and confident--Molly has never met anyone like him and she's sure he feels the same about her.

Determined to let nothing get between them, Molly tries to coax Mervin into falling back in love with Molly's best friend, Hannah. A weekend camping trip in the Poconos could be just the place...but things quickly go awry, and it seems Leon and Hannah might be falling for each other instead! Will Molly keep struggling to control everyone and everything around her? Or will she learn to let God handle the twists and turns of her life?

Resources

• Excerpt Download PDF

• Where to Purchase

  • Baker Retail
  • Amazon.com
  • Barnes & Noble
  • Christianbook.com

About Author

Leslie Gould is the coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 CBA bestseller The Amish Midwife, a 2012 Christy Award winner; ECPA bestseller Courting Cate, first in the Courtships of Lancaster County series; and Beyond the Blue, winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She and her husband and four children live in Portland, Oregon.

Where to find Leslie:

Twitter

@lesliejeangould

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/lesliegouldauthor

Website

http://www.lesliegould.com

My Thoughts

Molly Zook is an Amish woman confident in herself and the family business she helped build alongside her father. It all seems precarious since her father's recent death.  How was her father keep the financial problems from her and her mother.  Her mother's solution to all their problems seems to be Mervin Mosier neighbor and employee and is adamant that Molly must marry Mervin. At first Molly thought this might be a good idea since she has known and liked Mervin since they were children and he loved the business. But could she marry him without love.  This all changed when she met Leon Fisher.  Now Molly must convince her mother and Mervin that Leon is the man she loves and wishes to spend her life with.  But at all cost she must find a way to save the farm and business. 

The author wrote of the trials and tribulations that can tear a person's life to pieces. Death brought a family together but also uncovered hidden problems such as financial, health, emotional along with mistrust. All things that can destroy the unity of any family. With God as the center along with hope and faith in His will for their lives they come together ready to face their future. 

I loved the sweet patience and understanding Leon Fisher had for Molly and her family.  Then there is Molly so dedicated to her families needs. The character of Molly is a wonderful role model for her feisty younger sister Beatrice. 

I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading BECOMING BEA, book 4 in this series.

I rated this review a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for an honest review.

A BRIDE FOR KEEPS by MELISSA JAGEARS

About Book

Everett Cline will never humiliate himself by seeking a mail-order bride. Not again. He's already been jilted by three mail-order brides and figures a wife just isn't in his future. However, a well-meaning neighbor hasn't given up on seeing him settled, so she goes behind his back to bring yet another woman to town for him.

Julia Lockwood has never been anything more than a pretty pawn for her father or a business acquisition for her former fiance. A mail-order marriage in faraway Kansas is a last resort, but she'll do anything to leave her life in Massachusetts and the heartbreak she's experienced there.

Although Everett doesn't see how a beautiful, cultured woman like Julia could be happy sharing his simple life, he could really use a helpmate on his homestead. Determined to prove she's more than just a pretty face, Julia agrees to a marriage in name only. Faced with the harsh realities of life on the prairie and hesitant to explore the tentative feelings growing between them, can Everett and Julia ever let each other in long enough to fall in love?

PDF Download here

• Where to purchase:  
• Baker Retail
• Amazon.com
• Barnes & Noble
• Christianbook.com
• 
  

Meet Melissa Jagears

Melissa Jagears, an ESL teacher by trade, is a stay-at-home mother on a tiny Kansas farm with a fixer-upper house. She's a member of ACFW and CROWN fiction marketing, and her passion is to help Christian believers mature in their faith and judge rightly. A Bride for Keeps is her first novel. 

Find her online at www.melissajagears.com.

My Thoughts

Everett Cline has been tricked by his close friend and neighbor.   His friend has sent for a mail order bride but his neighbor is married.  The bride evidently is for Everett.  This is not Everett's first attempt to marry a mail order bride and had no desire to try again.  But his friend thought otherwise and arranged for a mail order bride for Everett.  

Julia Lockwood had no idea her groom to be knew nothing about her or her arrival.  But when all comes to the surface Julia is determined to prove to Everett she was more than a pretty face. She would work hard and show him what a good, if not perfect, helpmate she could be for him. 

I enjoyed this story immensely and it's characters.  Everett and his lack of faith in actually claiming a bride. Julia was so determined and learned things she never believed she would ever have done in life.  Oh, how special it was to have such loyal and caring friends as their neighbors.
  
This was a  journey leading to a beautiful romance which grew in faith with God and his path for their future together. They learned to not only trust in each other but in God.  

The cover image caught my attention. Especially the expression on Julia's face.  I could not wait to read the book.  I was not disappointed. .

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House/Baker Publishing for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my honest opinion.