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<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/his-guilt-shelley-shepard-gray"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://bit.ly/2uuHGUa"; alt="Shelley1" width="235" height="319" /></a>
<span style="color: #993300;"><strong>My Thoughts</strong></span>
<span style="color: #993300;"><strong> Ms. Gray is back with another hit in the Amish Of Hart County series! She never fails to grip me wholly and keep me in the center of the story. This book, just like <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/pict-review-her-secret-by-shelley-shepard-gray/">Her Secret</a>, was an instant gripper for me.</strong></span>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #993300;"><strong>Once again, the characters were captivating for me. I loved Mark and Waneta both. Mark's character really tugged at me the most. I can't imagine the pain that he endured through life. The things he dealt with in life, you don't imagine being a part of an Amish novel, but it was and it really made it that much more gripping. Oh to be there! I would go in mama mode on him and hug him big! Waneta's character, well, she was a little too judgy at times, but seeing God work on her, really made me love her that much more.</strong></span>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #993300;"><strong>This book is intriguing, emotional, and gripping. It is not a sweet Amish romance, but it is a wonderful Amish novel in a series that will steal your heart, just the same. You will go through the roller coaster ride of ups and downs as you fall in love with each character, as you feel each characters emotions,as they seek forgiveness,and the pain that they go through of letting go of the past. Anything less than a 4.5 star review will not do this book justice.</strong></span>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #993300;"><strong>I definitely recommend this book to all Amish fiction lovers, but be warned. It is not a light hearted read. And, I recommend reading book 1 first as it will make the experience of this series more fulfulling. I can't wait to read the next book Ms. Gray has for us!</strong></span>
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<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/his-guilt-shelley-shepard-gray"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://bit.ly/2tlxNcS"; alt="Shelley2" width="235" height="320" /></a><a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/litfuse-blog-tour-review-his-guilt-by-shelley-shepard-gray/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
  
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.
  
Starting From Scratch
Starting From Scratch
Kate Lloyd | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
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.*
  
Amish Cooking Class : The Celebration
Amish Cooking Class : The Celebration
Wanda E. Brunstetter | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Cooking Class is back! I'm so glad that Mrs. Brunstetter brought us back to the Troyers and Heidi's cooking class. This one was as addictive as the first two, and Mrs. Brunstetter's extremely captivating talent has shone once again!

I loved seeing the Troyers and Marsha and Randy again. They are wonderfully chiseled characters and really come to life with each story. The other characters that Mrs. Brunstetter created for this one really stole a piece of my heart, too! Being married to my own firefighter, I loved seeing Darren Keller's character worked in there. It was definitely an added bonus to an already amazing novel.

I loved the way Mrs. Brunstetter made this novel about the kids. It was such a refreshing change from the first two, though they were amazing, as well. The different familes that Mrs. Brunstetter created really made the story pop. Each family had a different circumstance, different struggles, and they all felt real to me. The inspiring ways that Heidi Troyer helps each family, really shines.

This is definitely a 5 star worthy addition to a fantastically created 5 star series by the Queen of Amish Fiction. Mrs. Brunstetter adds yummy sounding recipes to the book, making this a tasty treat for all Amish fiction lovers everywhere. While this could easily be read as a stand alone, I don't recommend that you read it as one. Grab this one, along with the first two, and take a trip to the Troyer's farm, to the fun of cooking and baking, and to where God is foremost the center of the story! You won't be sorry!
 
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
The Christmas Prayer
The Christmas Prayer
Wanda E. Brunstetter | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry, Romance
10
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
It's Fall. It's time for all things Fall-y, Halloween-y and best of all? Christmas-y! So, when I saw that Ms. Brunstetter was releasing The Christmas Prayer, I jumped on the chance! I love a good novella that's filled with snow, history and best of all? Wanda Brunstetter's addictive characters. This book had it all and so much more, for such a small, quick read.

Sitting down to read this, we are taken to history, during the 1850's, and introduced to some amazing, fun loving characters. Each character has something different for the story, each of their journeys for a different reason, but with God, prayer and unforgettable messages, these characters make being snowed in, a fun treat!

Ms. Brunstetter is the type of author who can write 5 star books across the genre grid. From Amish fiction to historical romance, she can bring the reader to the heart of the story instantly, and keep them their til the very last page is turned. Once you're finished, you want more. She's that good. Ms. Brunstetter is my top author when it comes to historical and Amish romances. If you are looking for a 5 star, winter-y read to set the mood for Christmas this year, look no further than this amazing, soul moving novella! Well done, Ms. Brunstetter! Well done!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
The Amish Marriage Bargain
The Amish Marriage Bargain
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book had a great storyline and I really enjoyed the marriage bargain explanation that the author gives us. I also liked the themes Marie E. Bast wove through the book. In Example, forgiveness is something we do have to work towards, it is not usually something automatic that happens. I thought Marie E. Bast did a good job conveying this theme throughout the book. The main characters were interesting and made you want to stick around and see what happens to them in the end. I did not really like the flow of the story though, there was to much disconnect between the characters’ feelings and their reactions to events that take place. However, if you enjoy reading Amish fiction then you would probably enjoy this book.

I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars for the interesting storyline, the cute characters, and for the theme of forgiveness.
  
Faith comes home after living in the English world. She has her daughter in tow with her. What happen to Faith Stutzman Andrews and her daughter. Faith is widowed but what happen to her husband and what makes her to come home.

Noah is enjoying with doing things in the kitchen rather then work in the fields. Noah seem to like help other out and make them feel better. Will Noah be able to help Faith? Their seem to be rules that Faith must follow when she returns back to her parents home.

Will Faith decide to stay or will she leave once again. Noah seem like he likes Faith and her daughter. The author does well with this story. It show that it okay to return back home. Will Faith and Noah find love with each other? It seem that Wanda does this. I remember bit and parts about this story when I read it about seven years ago. I would love to reread it in audio book if I ever get the chance.

This book is worth reading. If you are a fan of christian fiction or even Amish fiction. Wanda is a really good storyteller and this story is no different.
  
The Forgiving Jar
The Forgiving Jar
Wanda E. Brunstetter | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry, Romance
10
10.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Many of y'all know me, and know that one of my favorite genres to read is Amish fiction. Among that Amish fiction, there is this really amazingly talented author who never fails to hook me, keep me focused on the story, and make me feel as if I was a character within the pages as I follow the ups, downs, ins and outs of her beloved characters' lives. That author is Wanda Brunstetter. She is phenomenal. So, I looked forward to opening up the next book in her Prayer Jars series. Let me tell you this: She did not disappoint me. In fact, I was blown away with this story. 

Ms. Brunstetter has woven a tender story with this book. It's full of secrets and twists, but also full of hope, longing, forgiving and grace. Sara and Brad's characters are tenderly chiseled together to create a few sparks of romance blooming within the book, and Michelle's character.....well, let me say that at first, I wanted to hate her, for assuming a life that wasn't her own. But, through the words of Ms. Brunstetter, through the forgiving grace of God, I was able to see why she did it, and much like the story line suggests, and forgive her for it, the same as if she truly did it to me. 

The way Ms. Brunstetter makes me feel at the end of the book, like she wrote solely for me (which, of course, I know she did not but that's how good her writing is!), has once again left me ready for her next book in the series so I can feel this way again. The Forgiving Jar is a tender story, one that makes the reader sit and reflect about forgiving and letting go of the pain and the past, and focus on the here and now. Anything less than a 5 star praise for this book, would not be doing it justice. Well done, Ms. Brunstetter. Well done. 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Shiloh Run Press and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*