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TH
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
When I read the synopsis of The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle, I knew I had to read this book!! I've always been intrigued by the Amish lifestyle. I ended up buying it as the urge to read it was much too strong. When I found out it was a book that featured vampires, I was a bit put off by it as I hate vampire books, but this one turned out to be alright.

Katie and her best friend Elijah only have a few more weeks to wait until they will be able to go on Rumpsringa. However, when the a helicopter crashes in an Amish field, and no one from the Outside comes to check it out, Katie begins to worry. Eventually, Katie discovers that vampires have taken over the Outside. How will she survive? How can she make sure her friends and family are safe?

The Hallowed Ones is a great description of the Amish, and I can see why the author chose this as the title of her book. It fits in with the plot of the story, so I think it was an excellent choice.

How foreboding does the cover look!?! It looks a bit creepy to me which also made me want to read the book even more. Yes, I know the saying "never judge a book by its cover" but this one definitely had me intrigued. The cover is good, but it's just a picture of an Amish girl and some ravens. Whilst ravens are mentioned in the book, I just wish the cover would've given more away about the book. It would've been much better had it featured a vampire on the cover!! Well, that's my personal opinion anyway.

The setting was great! It takes place all on Amish land. I don't know enough about the Amish to say how correct the author was when it came to recreating the world of the Amish, but from what I do know, everything seemed to fit.

(This review can also be found on my blog at <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.co.uk">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a>).

The pacing does start out a bit slow at the beginning, but it subtly speeds up. I did find myself bored for awhile whilst reading this book, but I was soon enthralled. I couldn't tell you when I actually started enjoying it as it just kind of creeped up on me.

A lot of the dialogue in this book is about Katie's inner turmoil about her religion. I hate when books seem to slag off God, but I tried to read this from an unbiased viewpoint. I just thought I'd throw that out there for those who might be put off because of that fact. Other than that, the dialogue is great! I enjoyed the Amish words that were used in it as well.

As for the characters, I thought Katie was great. I loved how she challenged everything and wasn't afraid to stand up for what she believed in. She's very outspoken which I very much admired. I started out liking Elijah, but after how he treats Katie, I started disliking him. I thought the character of Alex was great as well. I don't want to say too much about him due to spoilers. Overall, all the characters were very well-developed which I was happy about.

This book helped me learn a bit more about the Amish which I was thankful for. Even though it featured vampires, it wasn't overly focused on them like most books are.

I'd recommend this book to everyone over the age of 16. It's a good little read! I kind of just wish that I'd have borrowed it from the library than buying it.
  
This book is a great read. I enjoyed it. Though I would have loved to read book 1 to understand it better as how it started and they left off in book 1 and pick it up in book 2. Though book 2 does go though bit of how Debbie ends up in the Bailer house. This is about Debbie in this book. I want to keep reading after this book. It is that good. I enjoy this author book and would love to read the others. I hope things are better and I would like to pick up the book soon to read on and find out. If you enjoy this author then you may like others amish related authors. You may also like other amish books as well.
  
AG
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The start with several different issues are address in this first book in the series. Rebecca is first having trouble conceiving a child of her own. She get a letter or will after her older sister and brother in law are killed in as automobile accident. She is left to raise two teenage girls.

Jessica and Lindsay are force to move and live with their Aunt and Uncle in this Amish Community. Jessica has a hard time adjusting to live in this small community. Jessica is found guilty of doing just about everything wrong. Lindsay on the other hand is adjusting just fine and fitting in with where is living. Lindsay start wearing plain dresses and start doing things the Amish way. Lindsay goes to work with Rebecca at the bakery for she likes baking. Jessica is sent to work with her Uncle Daniel at the Furniture store as an accountant. Though Jessica does not understand that she and Lindsay are done school though the Amish way of live. Lindsay does not seem to mind. Lindsay by the way try to make new friends and meeting her cousins and other family members. Can it be possible that Lindsay and Jessica are complete opposite of each other and every simpler to Rebecca and Grace?
  
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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Jun 11, 2022  
Christian suspense lovers, check out an action packed deleted scene from AMONG THE INNOCENT by Mary Alford on my blog. Be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a paperback of the book and a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card - two winners!

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2022/06/book-blog-tour-and-giveaway-among.html

**BOOK SYNOPSIS**
When Leah Miller's entire Amish family was murdered ten years ago, the person believed responsible took his own life. Since then, Leah left the Amish and joined the police force. Now, after another Amish woman is found murdered with the same MO, it becomes clear that the wrong man may have been blamed for her family's deaths.

As Leah and the new police chief, Dalton Cooper, work long hours struggling to fit the pieces together in order to catch the killer, they can't help but grow closer. When secrets from both of their pasts begin to surface, an unexpected connection between them is revealed. But this is only the beginning. Could it be that the former police chief framed an innocent man to keep the biggest secret of all buried? And what will it mean for Leah--and Dalton--when the full truth comes to light?
     
RA
Runaway Amish Bride
Leigh Bale | 2018
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A lovely novella! I love the Love Inspired line and I adore Amish stories and this is the best of both worlds! This 4 star novella is filled with loving characters and beautifully written by a new to me author. If you are looking for a story filled with hope, love and understanding, look no further! Well done, Ms. Bale!
  
This was a quick, fun read and one that I am happy to have had the chance to read. Ms. Drexler’s work is fantastic and I loved the way the story flowed. She created a perfect combination of English and Amish worlds and blended them in a way that makes the reader feel like they are right there in the center of the plot.

Judith and Guy’s characters are chiseled perfectly. An outsider looking in on the Amish world, Guy’s character was one that really tugged at my heart. I loved Judith’s character, as well, and really felt her dreams become my own. That’s an awesome feeling when that happens! The way that Judith and Guy interacted, and the way that Guy tried to fit into the Amish community, really kept the story interesting!

This is a 4 star book and I highly recommend it. The characters and the faithful inspiration and the hope for belonging really jump within the pages. Ms. Drexler is superbly talented and the research she does shows on the pages of this new release. I can’t wait to read another amazing novella by this author! Well done, Ms. Drexler! Well done.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
AQ
Amish Quilts Coloring Book
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I had so much fun creating my own Amish "quilt" through coloring. I think this is as close to making a real quilt as I will ever get. Sewing and I don't get along so well. Which is why this book is perfect for me! The patterns and details satisfy my OCD side, while my imagination with color satisfies the creativity. Some of the spaces are quite tiny, but it worked well for me. I use colored pencils and have a great sharpener on hand at all times. Coloring is such a great outlet for relaxing. I like to put music on (usually Lindsey Stirling) and let my inner artist emerge and let my personality bleed onto the page. At the top of each page is an Amish Proverb. The one on the page I colored has been so good for me this week. We have had a rough week here, but miracles have been in the making nonetheless!
"Difficulty is the first stage of a miracle."
~Amish Proverb

Overall, this book is a great idea! A wonderful way to bring to life a piece of the culture that we love to read about.

I received two pages from this coloring book to color for free through Celebrate Lit for this Blog Tour in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.