Search
Search results
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2067 KP) rated A Killer Carol in Books
Sep 25, 2019
A Killing at Christmas is Anything but Heavenly for Claire
Christmas is approaching in Heavenly, Pennsylvania, and Claire Weatherly has her hands full. Not only does she have the normal tourists coming into her shop, Heavenly Treasures, but she is organizing the first annual One Heavenly Night event designed as a chance for residence and tourists to enjoy the town at Christmas. However, murder rears its ugly head once again one night. Annie, the Amish teen who works for Claire, is out Christmas caroling with some friends, and when they stop at the Esch’s farm, they find both of the them dead. Detective Jakob Fisher is quick to realize it was murder. Unfortunately, the last people to visit the victims were Claire’s Amish friend Ruth and her new husband Samuel. Even worse, the couple appear to have a motive for committing the crime. Claire doesn’t believe they could have done it, but Jakob has to follow the evidence wherever it leads, even if it ruins the unofficial inroads he has made in building relationships with the people who used to be his family before he left the Amish community. Can Claire help him solve the case before that happens?
This series works best when the characters are driving a strong mystery, and that’s definitely the case here. I’ve felt like I knew the series regulars from their first appearances in the series, so it was fantastic to spend time with them again. They are still just as strong as ever, and the new character are just as compelling. Since Heavenly sits on the edge of an Amish community, life is a bit slower, and that is reflected in the plot. This isn’t a twist a page type of book, but that faster pace wouldn’t feel right. Don’t get me wrong, we do have twists and surprises, but the impact on the characters is just as important, and the two combined keep me glued to the book. I had to fight to keep from peaking ahead and making sure everyone was going to be okay. Honestly, just reading about Heavenly refreshes my soul, so picking up this book was great. The Christmas setting was an added bonus since I love that season so much. There are a couple of niggles with the book, but they are minor. This is a fantastic addition to a favorite series.
This series works best when the characters are driving a strong mystery, and that’s definitely the case here. I’ve felt like I knew the series regulars from their first appearances in the series, so it was fantastic to spend time with them again. They are still just as strong as ever, and the new character are just as compelling. Since Heavenly sits on the edge of an Amish community, life is a bit slower, and that is reflected in the plot. This isn’t a twist a page type of book, but that faster pace wouldn’t feel right. Don’t get me wrong, we do have twists and surprises, but the impact on the characters is just as important, and the two combined keep me glued to the book. I had to fight to keep from peaking ahead and making sure everyone was going to be okay. Honestly, just reading about Heavenly refreshes my soul, so picking up this book was great. The Christmas setting was an added bonus since I love that season so much. There are a couple of niggles with the book, but they are minor. This is a fantastic addition to a favorite series.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Abby Finds Her Calling (Home at Cedar Creek, #1) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
This is only the second Amish book I have ever read, but I really like the setting for fiction literature. The romance is clean, the majority of the characters have conservative values and traditions, such as the importance of God and family, and the language is clean. I love the way that the Amish community supports one another in business endeavors, or is so willing to lend a hand when tragedy strikes. One of the characters, Zanna, actually makes a business out of rag rug making, which intrigued me enough to try my hand at the craft myself.
Zanna does something completely out of character for the typical Amish young woman, but manages to fight for what she wanted despite the consequences of her actions, finding support in her oldest sister, Abby. Abby is more of a side character to the main plot of what is happening to Zanna. Abby nurses unrequited love for another character throughout the entire book, which is never really answered to, though there were hints of this changing in the next book in the series. Many of the characters are memorable in their own unique way, such as James's skill with making carriages that earns him employment to make a princess carriage for Disneyland, of all things. One of the older married couples also struggles with dementia throughout the book, which makes for some interesting and poignant scenes.
I could not have predicted how Zanna's predicament would impact another family so much for the better, or even how the book would have gathered all the lose ends at its finality, but the book came together very well with a sweet ending. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Zanna does something completely out of character for the typical Amish young woman, but manages to fight for what she wanted despite the consequences of her actions, finding support in her oldest sister, Abby. Abby is more of a side character to the main plot of what is happening to Zanna. Abby nurses unrequited love for another character throughout the entire book, which is never really answered to, though there were hints of this changing in the next book in the series. Many of the characters are memorable in their own unique way, such as James's skill with making carriages that earns him employment to make a princess carriage for Disneyland, of all things. One of the older married couples also struggles with dementia throughout the book, which makes for some interesting and poignant scenes.
I could not have predicted how Zanna's predicament would impact another family so much for the better, or even how the book would have gathered all the lose ends at its finality, but the book came together very well with a sweet ending. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Hope Jar (The Prayer Jars #1) in Books
Feb 25, 2019
As you all know, I'm huge fan of Wanda Brunstetter. Not one of her books left me disappointed. So, to say I was excited about the start of this new series , is quite the understatement. The more I saw about it on Mrs. Brunstetter's pages, the more anxious for the release I became. Then when the book arrived, I couldn't wait to dive into it. And then......well, then I was in awe of Mrs. Brunstetter. Why? Because she has once again managed to take me to the heart of Amish country, to the world I wish I belonged in, and filled my heart with healing and hope.
I loved the characters within the book. They were all chiseled perfectly for their rolls. I loved watching Michelle grown in her relationships, especially her convictions with God after she found the jar. The messages she received, the feelings she felt, all of them quickly spoke to me and became my own feelings.
This book is beautifully written and will have the reader pulled to the center of the story instantly. From start to finish, I smiled, I laughed, I wondered what God would do in Michelle's life. The messages that Mrs. Brunstetter always manages to weave within the story speak loudly to the soul. I love that in Amish novels. So, if you are looking for a wonderful book to transport you to the heart of Amish country, then grab this book now. You'll be instantly addicted to the beautiful works of Wanda Brunstetter, if you aren't already. This 5 star book is definitely a keeper for me, and I can't wait to start my own hope jar!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
I loved the characters within the book. They were all chiseled perfectly for their rolls. I loved watching Michelle grown in her relationships, especially her convictions with God after she found the jar. The messages she received, the feelings she felt, all of them quickly spoke to me and became my own feelings.
This book is beautifully written and will have the reader pulled to the center of the story instantly. From start to finish, I smiled, I laughed, I wondered what God would do in Michelle's life. The messages that Mrs. Brunstetter always manages to weave within the story speak loudly to the soul. I love that in Amish novels. So, if you are looking for a wonderful book to transport you to the heart of Amish country, then grab this book now. You'll be instantly addicted to the beautiful works of Wanda Brunstetter, if you aren't already. This 5 star book is definitely a keeper for me, and I can't wait to start my own hope jar!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Starting From Scratch in Books
Feb 25, 2019
After reading A Letter From Lancaster County and loving it, I knew I had to get my hands on this book. I was so excited when I got that chance! Don't get me wrong, when it comes to Amish Fiction, I'm very picky. With favorites like Wanda Brunstetter, Beverly Lewis and Amy Clipston, I have high expectations when it comes to well written, inspiring simple lives of the Amish variety. Ms. Lloyd is right up there with them and I loved every second of this page-turning, scrumptiously written, novel.
The characters within this novel are chiseled flawfully and beautifully. Jake and Eva remind me a lot of my own husband and myself. We both had a rough go for many years, and after meeting each other, and seeking God, we got to start over with each other, start from scratch and create a beautiful life together. Eva and Jake are captivating both alone in their stories, and when they are together. Watching them come to terms with their need to seek God in all they do, and for their need to start over and move on from the past, really tugged at my emotions.
Ms. Lloyd is truly talented. This novel is so worthy of the 5 star praises I'm singing to people. This book will wrap you up, twist you inside out, and land you in a place that only God can prepare for you. The inspiration that Ms. Lloyd pieces into the pages is beyond amazing and before I knew it, I was done with this novel. I can't wait for another fantabulously done, awesometastic Amish story in this incredible series! Well done, and hats off to you, Ms. Lloyd! Bring on the next!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
The characters within this novel are chiseled flawfully and beautifully. Jake and Eva remind me a lot of my own husband and myself. We both had a rough go for many years, and after meeting each other, and seeking God, we got to start over with each other, start from scratch and create a beautiful life together. Eva and Jake are captivating both alone in their stories, and when they are together. Watching them come to terms with their need to seek God in all they do, and for their need to start over and move on from the past, really tugged at my emotions.
Ms. Lloyd is truly talented. This novel is so worthy of the 5 star praises I'm singing to people. This book will wrap you up, twist you inside out, and land you in a place that only God can prepare for you. The inspiration that Ms. Lloyd pieces into the pages is beyond amazing and before I knew it, I was done with this novel. I can't wait for another fantabulously done, awesometastic Amish story in this incredible series! Well done, and hats off to you, Ms. Lloyd! Bring on the next!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Room on the Porch Swing (Amish Homestead #2) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
I'm so excited to be back on the Homestead with another amazing hit from the incredibly talented hands of Amish author, Amy Clipston. She is one of my top authors when it comes to writing Amish novels and she has once again managed to completely capture my heart and my soul with these beautifully created characters and this page turning plot line.
Instantly, I'm drawn to Allen. Bless him, from the start, I had tears in my eyes and I wanted to wrap my arms around him and tell him God's in control and all will work out. He was wonderfully chiseled, wonderfully life-like and I fell in love with him instantly. Laura's character was wonderful, as well, and I was so happy she was there in a tragic time! She really made the story pop. And sweet Mollie......oh sweet Mollie. A little character that was a perfect addition (not that I think that because of our names, though spelled differently, being the same!). These characters, while suffering from tragic events, were characters that became a part of me, wholly, like family.
I highly recommend this 5 star addition to the Amish Homestead series. You'll be instantly captivated, turning page after page, long into the night. This book is emotional, yet full of God's grace, God's timing and characters that you'll want to invite to your own porch swing and sip tea and visit with until the sun sets on the horizon. Ms. Clipston, you've done it again and I can't sign praises high enough for another hit! Bring on the next!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Instantly, I'm drawn to Allen. Bless him, from the start, I had tears in my eyes and I wanted to wrap my arms around him and tell him God's in control and all will work out. He was wonderfully chiseled, wonderfully life-like and I fell in love with him instantly. Laura's character was wonderful, as well, and I was so happy she was there in a tragic time! She really made the story pop. And sweet Mollie......oh sweet Mollie. A little character that was a perfect addition (not that I think that because of our names, though spelled differently, being the same!). These characters, while suffering from tragic events, were characters that became a part of me, wholly, like family.
I highly recommend this 5 star addition to the Amish Homestead series. You'll be instantly captivated, turning page after page, long into the night. This book is emotional, yet full of God's grace, God's timing and characters that you'll want to invite to your own porch swing and sip tea and visit with until the sun sets on the horizon. Ms. Clipston, you've done it again and I can't sign praises high enough for another hit! Bring on the next!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Promise of a Letter (Amish Letter #2) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
After reading Written In Love, I couldn't wait to get my hands on book 2. I finally did and let me tell you what. I absolutely adored it! Book 2 is wonderfully written and instantly captivating, just like book 1. Ms. Fuller once again takes us to Birch Creek where her readers get to fall in love all over again with past, and new characters.
Roman and Leanna's characters really gripped me! I loved them both for different reasons. Roman's character really pulled at my heart, perhaps because I always felt like I couldn't please anyone know matter what I did. Watching him and seeing how he reacts to the letter from his grandmother, really tugged at my soul. I loved him! And sweet Leanna. Bless her. She's so different from your typical Amish women and I loved that about her! Ms. Fuller truly did a good thing with her character. Seeing Roman and Leanna together, following them through this story, was a wonderful time.
This book is so full of messages of God's understanding and forgiving grace. I loved that. I felt His presence while taking this journey with Leanna and Roman and I couldn't wait to get to the end of the book to see what God's plan was for them. I was not disappointed! Ms. Fuller made it into a 5 star worthy book for sure, and it leaves me wanting book 3! I need more Birch Creek Amish and God's grace in these books. Hats off to a wonderfully talented, truly fantabulous Amish novelist who knows how to throw a curve ball and hook her readers! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/13980-revision-v1/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Roman and Leanna's characters really gripped me! I loved them both for different reasons. Roman's character really pulled at my heart, perhaps because I always felt like I couldn't please anyone know matter what I did. Watching him and seeing how he reacts to the letter from his grandmother, really tugged at my soul. I loved him! And sweet Leanna. Bless her. She's so different from your typical Amish women and I loved that about her! Ms. Fuller truly did a good thing with her character. Seeing Roman and Leanna together, following them through this story, was a wonderful time.
This book is so full of messages of God's understanding and forgiving grace. I loved that. I felt His presence while taking this journey with Leanna and Roman and I couldn't wait to get to the end of the book to see what God's plan was for them. I was not disappointed! Ms. Fuller made it into a 5 star worthy book for sure, and it leaves me wanting book 3! I need more Birch Creek Amish and God's grace in these books. Hats off to a wonderfully talented, truly fantabulous Amish novelist who knows how to throw a curve ball and hook her readers! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/13980-revision-v1/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Lindsay (1693 KP) rated An Amish Family Christmas: Heart of Christmas\A Plain Holiday in Books
Feb 15, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
I enjoyed both stories in this book. They are quite sweet and it will put you in the holiday spirit. Can Susannah forgive her former love Toby Unger? Toby has two little children who are new students for Susannah. Susannah will need to help her new to students that needs some help with them being a little trouble but will it work? Will they find the love before Christmas? Toby two little children are having a little trouble adjusting to their new surrounding. The handsome Amish man needs desperately needs some help with his two children. Susannah had gotten a broken heart ten years ago when Toby left. Can Susannah find the forgiven him? Will they find they are a true match for each other before Christmas? You can find out by reading the book called "Heart of Christmas" by Marta Perry.
Sally Yoder left her community during her teen years. Her heart is back at home and she believes that her young man named Ben Lapp will not love a bold woman like her. There are some surprises in the book. Sally and her charges are to spend time with their grandmother. The children and Sally are going to experience what an Amish Christmas is. Sally and Ben and the children are going on a sleigh ride to pick out a tree and visit the children Great Grandmother. They get stranded in a snowstorm. Will Sally and Ben find Love? Will the children learn that they can have fun with a plain holiday with no modern electronics? You can read about this story in the book called "A Plain Holiday" by Patricia Davids. You could read both these stories in the book called "An Amish Family Christmas" by Martha Perry and Patricia Davids.
Sally Yoder left her community during her teen years. Her heart is back at home and she believes that her young man named Ben Lapp will not love a bold woman like her. There are some surprises in the book. Sally and her charges are to spend time with their grandmother. The children and Sally are going to experience what an Amish Christmas is. Sally and Ben and the children are going on a sleigh ride to pick out a tree and visit the children Great Grandmother. They get stranded in a snowstorm. Will Sally and Ben find Love? Will the children learn that they can have fun with a plain holiday with no modern electronics? You can read about this story in the book called "A Plain Holiday" by Patricia Davids. You could read both these stories in the book called "An Amish Family Christmas" by Martha Perry and Patricia Davids.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Forgotten Recipe (Amish Heirloom, #1) in Books
Feb 25, 2019
Amy Clipston has brought her fans yet another captivating, fun ride. I truly enjoyed reading this start to her Amish Heirloom series. Her words, her characters, her story line all combine to create a read you won't be able to put down! I know I couldn't, as I read it in a day!
I loved Veronica and Jason's characters. Both went through something emotional and tragic, and both had a fear in their heart. Watching them together, feeling like I was right there in the middle of Amish country with them, was so fun. Each page turn brought something to the book and kept me hooked the whole time.
I definitely recommend this book by the amazingly talented Amy Clipston. She knows just what her readers want and delivers. This story is filled with God's grace and love, and characters that will steal your heart. But, be warned! Ms. Clipston's 5 star worthy work is absolutely addictive and will leave you hungry for more. I can't wait to read book 2! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/?p=12646"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
I loved Veronica and Jason's characters. Both went through something emotional and tragic, and both had a fear in their heart. Watching them together, feeling like I was right there in the middle of Amish country with them, was so fun. Each page turn brought something to the book and kept me hooked the whole time.
I definitely recommend this book by the amazingly talented Amy Clipston. She knows just what her readers want and delivers. This story is filled with God's grace and love, and characters that will steal your heart. But, be warned! Ms. Clipston's 5 star worthy work is absolutely addictive and will leave you hungry for more. I can't wait to read book 2! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/?p=12646"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Lindsay (1693 KP) rated What the Bishop Saw (The Amish Bishop Mysteries #1) in Books
Aug 30, 2018
Review: What the Bishop Saw What the Bishops Saw is a really good mystery in itself. You are guessing from the time you open the book and the last page you turn. Who killed Veron Fry? Did someone murder Vernon Fry on purpose? Is it Amish and English.I am still surprised with the ending. The Englisher needs help as she does not get to bottom of the case or any closes. Will the bishop help save an innocent man and catch the culprit? What is Henry talent and is it good or is bad. To find out this you need to read the book.I am still wondering why this person did what he or she did towards the Amish when they did not do anything to have it happen. Vannetta Chapman gets you hooked and wanting more. You will not want to put this book down once you start to read it. It pages turner for you. Will Henry take a leap a faith and use these talents. Find out by reading What the Bishop Saw. It a compelling story and one I hope to follow more of Henry and this community in Colorado Valley.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Seeds of Hope (Harvest of Hope #1) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
It's been sometime since I read a Barbara Cameron novel and I was glad to get the chance to read this book. Ms. Cameron's writing style was a refreshing change in pace for me, and I was swept away in by Miriam and Mark and the Amish world.
Miriam and Mark are from two different worlds, but their friendship, and the sparks that fly between them, is powerful. The bustle of watching Mark come to terms with his feelings for not just Miriam, but the Amish way of life was fun and captivating. I was cheering him on throughout the story, and loved watching God work on his heart within the book. Miriam's feelings and thoughts were heart gripping and I loved watching her with Mark.
If you want a book that is 4 star worthy and filled with simplicity and characters that become real, then this start to a refreshing new series by a truly talented novelist, then this is for you. You'll be swept away to a place where planting the seeds of hope can leave you renewed in spirit and in life. Well done, Ms. Carmeron!
*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Blog Tours and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Miriam and Mark are from two different worlds, but their friendship, and the sparks that fly between them, is powerful. The bustle of watching Mark come to terms with his feelings for not just Miriam, but the Amish way of life was fun and captivating. I was cheering him on throughout the story, and loved watching God work on his heart within the book. Miriam's feelings and thoughts were heart gripping and I loved watching her with Mark.
If you want a book that is 4 star worthy and filled with simplicity and characters that become real, then this start to a refreshing new series by a truly talented novelist, then this is for you. You'll be swept away to a place where planting the seeds of hope can leave you renewed in spirit and in life. Well done, Ms. Carmeron!
*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Blog Tours and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*