An Amish Picnic by Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, Kathleen Fuller and Vannetta Chapman

This book is a collection of four stories by the above authors.  The first one, Baskets of Sunshine,  by Amy Clipston, made me want to pack a picnic immediately and take it outside.  It's a very simple sweet romance between Phoebe and Kevin which was full of misunderstandings, teaching us to be up front and truthful with those we love. It  was a quick read but really did make me have thoughts of summer and happier days.  

The second one, Candlelight Sweethearts by Kelly Irvin, was set in a grocery store, which I thought was a very original setting.  It's about Esther who struggles with a problem she thinks is impossible to overcome.  She finds solace in working the in the family owned grocery store where she feels useful.  She also has to step in and help the store's owner's son, Jasper from time to time and they do NOT see eye to eye.  Can they work together when a medical issue affects the store's owner?  

I got excited when I saw the third story, Reeling in Love, by Kathleen Fuller because it was about Nina and Ira, who we have seen in her last book,  The Innkeeper's Bride.  Nina and Ira are best friends, but recently, Nina is seeing Ira in a different light.  This is a classic case of when one person wants more in a relationship but is afraid to disturb the status quo.  Also, when a young Amish woman, Margaret, shows up on the scene, Nina really thinks her chances are shot.  Find out if things work out for the best buddies. 

Finally, in Picnics and Prospects,  Faith and David find a box of mysterious, old letters hidden beneath some kudzu on an outing.  They set off trying to figure out who the letters belong to and along the way, they learn things about each other that surprise both of them.  But, it's going to take a lot for Faith to get past what she sees as huge obstacles.  As we all know, though, love can conquer a lot IF we let it. 

This was a nice little collection of stories that I enjoyed.  In this time of uncertainty,  I always find it refreshing to read simple stories to keep what's important in perspective.  I really recommend getting this book! 

Thank you to Netgalley, Kathleen and Zac.  All opinions are my own!

The Girls With No Names by Serena Burdick

I was so happy to get a chance to read this book!  Now that being said, this is not  a very happy tale.  It involves a story of two sisters, Luella and Effie who are very close.  The girls have adventures in the woods near their home and enjoy their life, depending on each other as sisters and friends. 

However, near their home is  a "home for girls" called the House of Mercy. Well, if you've read my blogs before, I just love historical fiction that inspires me to look up more information about a topic.   I just really enjoy finding out something is true and then learning something new.  Unfortunately, this was a true place along with others like it that claimed to be a place to "reform" girls who had strayed from the right path. 

Without giving too much  away,  Luella yearns to leave home and make her own way, especially after finding out something regarding their father that she can't seem to move past.  She becomes rebellious enraging her father and then one day she isn't at home, gone to somewhere she feels her parents aren't telling the truth about. 

Effie is terrified that her father made good on  threat he made and sent Luella to the House of Mercy.  She feels like can't go on without her sister and makes plans to get to her.  What follows is a story of heartbreak, betrayal and redemption.  It's a story about family and the things we do to hold dear to what and who we love.  

I was fascinated to read about these characters and about the practice of these homes that I really didn't know anything about.  The author did a great job of making these characters, especially Effie, seem very real to me.  I almost missed my chance to read this, but I am glad I didn't.  

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley. I look forward to seeing more from this author.  All opinions are my own. 

The Innkeeper's Bride by Kathleen Fuller

The Innkeeper's Bride by Kathleen Fuller is now on sale!  Released on January 14, 2020, it is the third book in the Amish Brides of Birch Creek series.  Now, you don't have to read them in order, but I recommend it because you get to know the other characters in the book better. 

In this installment, we again meet Selah who currently lives with her brother Christian and his wife, Ruby.  Selah recently came back to Birch Creek after staying with her parents for awhile.  Selah is going through some difficult times.  This is an interesting aspect of the story because we usually don't see this type of issue in an Amish story.  Without giving too much away, Selah struggles with some problems she has and a past she can't seem to forgive herself for. 

Levi Stoll and his family have settled into Birch Creek to start an inn.  It's hard work but the family is excited about their new venture, They just need guests and a chance to get it off the ground.  However, there's a modern hotel nearby also opening and there's going to be competition.  There's room for everyone but not if someone is working underhandedly to try and ruin things for the Stolls.  

Also in the story is the continuing story of  Richard and Cevilla who are in the later years in life and trying to overcome their own issues, mainly Cevilla being Amish where Richard is not.  However, they are in love and they don't know how they will overcome their barriers to be together.  

I enjoyed this series and I really enjoyed the fact that Ms. Fuller addressed the issues in Selah's life.  I also liked that there are several different story lines in the book.   I think a lot of people will enjoy this.  It's part romance, part drama and part just good old family life within the Amish.  It's also about friendships and faith, all the good things in life. 

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher and to Ms. Fuller for the ARC.  Make sure you get yours today. 

Ten Days Gone by Beverly Long

This book is about two detectives, A.L. and Rena who are desperately trying to track down a serial killer in their town. They not only have to solve several murders, but also have to stop the next one from happening. The killer is killing a woman every ten days and they still can't find a pattern. I won't go too much into plot since half the fun is finding out what is going on yourself. I will say that I liked how not only did we get a police procedural/mystery, we also got a glimpse into A.L.'s and Rena's personal lives. Sometimes that is overlooked in a story.

However, be forewarned,this is also put out by Harlequin so there is some romance. No, there is nothing graphic. I thought that part of the story was a little far fetched but for those who like the romance genre, it shouldn't be any issue.

I liked the police/mystery part. At first, when all was revealed, I had to think about how I felt the whole thing wrapped up. I realized that this was actually a creative reason behind the killings. I wasn't too surprised at who it was but was more surprised at the why. I thought the author gave a creative spin to what could have been a typical run of the mill mystery.

I see that this is first in a series and even though I am usually not into the romance genre, the author kept me engrossed enough in the story and the characters to make me want to see what becomes of A.L. and Rena.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this opportunity. I enjoyed it!

The Other People

C.J. Tudor has become one of my favorite authors.  She really manages to give me the creeps when reading her stories.  Just so you all don't think that's an insult, I believe that is her point so it's all good fun!

In this one, Gabe is driving home when he sees a car in front of him with a lot of bumper stickers on it.  It sure is standing out because of all the stickers and because Gabe is stuck in traffic, he is compelled to stare at it.  All of a sudden, he sees his daughter pop in front of the back window of this car!  What is going on?  Why would his daughter be in a strange vehicle and not home where she should be at that time of day? He immediately starts honking his horn and flashing his lights. The car takes off and Gabe gives chase, losing the car.  He pulls over in a panic to call home only to find more heartbreak is happening at his house. What ensues after is a years long quest to find out what happened to his daughter.  Gabe is not buying what he is told by police or family.

 Meanwhile, we are introduced to Fran and Alice.  Alice has disturbing visions that lead her to lapse into a unconscious state.  Fran and Alice are on the run but we don't know why yet.  
We are also introduced to Katie and her sister, Lou.  Lou is barely scraping by and Katie questions her life decisions.  However, Katie relies on Lou to help with childcare. Katie meets Gabe in the diner where she works and while we don't know why or how all these people and their stories are going to intersect, it's a fun time reading and heading to the place where we find out. 

I really wanted to see how all of the characters would intersect and what the deal was with Alice's "spells".  Of course I also wanted to know what was going on with Gabe's daughter. 

C.J. Tudor takes you on a wild, twisty, ride as usual with a splash of other worldly goodness.   It was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it.   Releases January 2020. 

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.  All opinions are my own. 

A Christmas Haven by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall

I was so happy to receive a copy of this from Waterbrook! I absolutely loved the first book about these characters, The Christmas Remedy.  Read my blog about The Christmas Remedy here: Christmas Remedy Blog.

In this story, we see that Holly is still working for Greene's Pharmacy. Holly is granted special permission by her bishop to continue working and pursuing extra education while planning her wedding.  She worries that after she's married, her new husband's bishop (in another district) will forbid her from working because Amish women don't usually work outside the home. 

Meanwhile, her sister, Ivy, is planning to leave her Amish roots to start a party planning business.  She feels that she wants more out of life than milking cows on her family farm and being held to the restrictions of her Amish world.  However, she struggles with the heartbreak she knows will bring her mom and sister. 

Also, we meet brother and sister Arlan and Magda.  Magda is in a very difficult situation and has absolutely no support from her family.  Arlan has always had a special bond with Magda and he is determined to help her.  They meet up with Holly and Ivy's family when an accident happens in front of Greene's pharmacy.  But was it an accident?  Maybe it was the work of God?  I say that because Holly and Ivy and their mom provide compassion and help when that didn't seem to be in the cards for Arlan and Magda. Could divine intervention have put the brother and sister right where they belong? 

This book, at least to me, has taught the importance of trusting and having faith in God ESPECIALLY when things don't seem to be going your way and in times of trouble.  Also in my two cents, these characters seem so real to me and I would LOVE to be able to visit Greene's.  The pharmacy and atmosphere are described so well that I could just really envision it. Oh, and that cover!!! I just think it's beautiful.   I enjoyed spending time with the characters and visiting their little town.   In fact, I wouldn't mind seeing them in a third book.  Hint, hint?  

So, get this book and get in the Christmas spirit early!  You'll really enjoy it!  Thank you to Waterbrook for the copy.  No review was required and all opinions are my own. 

Amish Christmas Bakery by Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Irvin

Merry Christmas, everyone!  Okay, I might be a little early, but I guarantee if you read these stories, you will feel like celebrating early! 

This book contains four stories: Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston,  Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman, Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller and Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin.  

In Cookies and Cheer, Alyssa is looking forward to Christmas.  Working in a bakery with her sister is very enjoyable for Alyssa and she's excited to be planning another festive window display for the bake shop.  Everyone else is looking forward to Alyssa's Christmas display.  She did such a good job on the Thanksgiving one so people are excited to see what design she comes up with.

Meanwhile, the very handsome Kyle Smoker is showing interest in Alyssa and she couldn't be happier.  She can't believe her good fortune and is looking forward to the Christmas season.  With Kyle's help, a beautiful window for the bakery is designed. However, will it bring more that Alyssa can handle?  Will the holiday be ruined? Find out in Cookies and Cheer. 
****************************************************************************************************
In Loaves of Love, Katie and Henry have been friends all their lives.  They have a special bond and even share the same birthday. Katie has hoped for years that Henry will ask her out and take their friendship to the next level.  But, Henry has been too nervous to ever ask her out.  When he finally gets up the nerve, will he be too late?  Katie seems to be getting involved with David. David lives in a more modern Amish community and attempts to get Katie to see that his way of life is easier. 

Katie IS busy running her family's bakery during the holiday and has more on her plate than usual, so maybe David's ways DO make things simpler.  Is David right for her?  Henry's sister seems to think Henry be able to find love with the lovely Clara. Will this help him push his feelings for Katie away?  Read Loaves of Love to cheer for your favorite couples!
****************************************************************************************************
Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller is all about Mattie who travels to another town to help her Aunt Carolyn with her bakery during the Christmas rush.  However, her uncle is building an extension onto the bakery and asks Peter to help.  Mattie harbors bad feelings to Peter because he used to date her friend Lizzy and "broke her heart." Maybe the whole truth hasn't been told and Mattie and Peter can uncover a way to work side by side by side.
****************************************************************************************************
Cakes and Kisses is by Kelly Irvin and features a man named Ambrose who has some difficulties. But Martha doesn't see him that way.  She sees a kind, loving, helpful man and despises the way some treat him.  Ambrose is actually more loved than he realizes, by Martha and his close friends and family.  He needs to find a way to overcome his insecurities and look around before he misses out. On top of that, a cousin comes to take over half the farm where Ambrose lives and works with his aunt. Will Ambrose overcome his challenges and find Christmas joy? Take a relaxing break with Cakes and Kisses and discover for yourself. 

I thoroughly enjoyed these four short stories in this collection.  All the authors really make their characters become real and pop off the page.  The only thing for was that all four stories involved bakeries and a LOT of talk of Christmas treats and that just made me hungry!  I am just joking but I think they did such a wonderful job with describing the bakeries, the treats, the Christmas season and the real reason for the holiday. If you love Christmas like me, you'll love diving into these stories early to get ready for Christmas!