Book Review and Giveaway: An Amish Kitchen Anthology

This is a lovely collection of sweet romances served up with inspiration and yummy recipes too!
An Amish Kitchen Anthology/Collection
by Beth Wiseman (Author), Amy Clipston (Author), Kelly Long (Author)

• File Size: 666 KB
• Print Length: 337 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1401685676
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (December 18, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008GVZ1YU

Genre: Amish Inspirational
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: December 18, 2012

The Amish Kitchen is the Heart of the Home – and the Ideal Setting for Stories of Love and Hope.

Fall in Paradise, Pennsylvania always brings a brisk change in the weather. This time also provides unexpected visitors, new love, and renewed hope for three women.

Fern has a green thumb for healing herbs and flowers, but longs for love to bloom in her life. The next-door neighbor’s oldest son Abram comes running into Fern’s kitchen seeking help for his little sister. The crisis soon leads to a promise of romance—until an incident threatens to end their growing attraction.

Nearby, Hannah runs her parents’ bed and breakfast, Paradise Inn—but her life feels nothing like Paradise. She longs for a man of integrity to enter her life, but never expected him to knock on the front door looking for a room. Will she be able trust Stephen with her future once she discovers his mysterious past?

When a storm blows a tree onto Eve’s farmhouse, she has little choice but to temporarily move her family into her parents’ home. Outside of cooking together in the kitchen, Eve and her mother can’t agree on anything. But this may be just the recipe for hope in healing old wounds.

Three Amish stories—each celebrating love, family, and faith—all taking place in a tight-knit community where the kitchen truly is the heart of the home.

Review:
This collection consists of three lovely stories that could be read separately but tie together beautifully. The themes of the first two stories, faith and forgiveness, are extended and wrapped into the final with a remarkable flow. I would be pleased to read more from each of these talented authors.

A Taste of Faith by Kelly Long
Fern is a bit on the plump side but thinks there must be a man who would appreciate her special talents. She has been taught by her beloved grandmother how to grow and use herbs for healing. She admires her next-door neighbor’s quiet son, Abram, but he seems to be a resolute bachelor.

Abram has been left in charge of the farm and his younger siblings, four mischievous boys and a sweet little sister. Abram is soon visiting Fern’s house repeatedly for one child crisis and injury after another. He slowly begins to see the special healing and loving touch that Fern shares with others.  Just as Abram decides he wants to court Fern, she sees him at the home of a widow in the community. She jumps to the wrong conclusion and thinks he has been making fun of her.

The characters are warm and the story flows easily with love and caring. It was beautiful how Fern recognized that God likes ‘to garden our souls.’ While working together in the kitchen, her grandmother encourages her to have  ‘a taste of faith’ and trust for a relationship that is God’s plan for her.

A Spoonful of Love by Amy Clipston
Hannah wishes her mother would recognize her abilities as she takes over managing the Paradise Inn, the bed and breakfast her parents established in their Amish community. Her father has suffered a stroke and her mother needs to be there to take care of him. Hannah feels her mother still looks over her shoulder and tries to control the lives around her.

Stephen is an Amish man who has come into town looking for room and work. He is unable to find a job among the local business but starts to pitch in on odd jobs at the Inn. Hannah’s brother agrees to hire him as a handy man since he has been unable to get by to help with the chores as he is busy with his own new family. 

Hannah’s mother is alarmed to have a single man living in the B&B. Hannah recognizes that Stephen is hiding pain from his past as they slowly build a friendship and discover they have a lot in common. But will  Stephen’s past turn Hannah against him or can she convince him that ‘a spoonful of love’ and forgiveness can help him move on to a sweeter future?

Ms. Clipston shares a strong message of God’s forgiveness, community forgiveness and the need to forgive oneself. The story is rich in “Deutsche” words which I enjoyed particularly since I grew up near Pennsylvania Dutch communities.

A Recipe for Hope by Beth Wiseman
Eve’s home is damaged by a storm and may take several months to rebuild.  Eve, her husband and three sons move in with her parents.  Although she has warm memories of times cooking in the kitchen, Eve has always had a strained relationship with her mother, Rosemary. Now Rosemary is suffering from Parkinson’s disease and is reluctant to seek modern help, relying only on herbal remedies.

Eve’s father is quiet, easy going and accepts the actions of the teenage twins, one of whom is sneaking out at night to visit a local girl. Rosemary doesn’t agree with the modern technologies that are allowed in many Amish homes and particularly doesn’t agree with how Eve is raising her sons.  The women clash with Eve feeling she can do nothing to win her mother’s love.

A crisis arises between the twins putting the whole family on edge. Can the boy's relationship be restored and can Eve and Rosemary come to a better understanding of each other?

There are several messages flowing through this story. Mother and daughter clash over tradition and more modern thinking, while the twins discover that first love doesn’t always run smooth. I felt sorry for the young girl whose behavior led to trouble, confusion and sorrow and hurt for her as well as the boys. I loved the Recipe of Hope that is shared at the end of the story - it brought tears to my eyes.

There is a wonderful Reading Group Guide shared at the back and many delicious recipes that are an extra treat. If you enjoy the rich history and inspiration of Amish stories I encourage you to pick up this collection.

I received this title through NetGalley for an honest review and giveaway opportunity from Thomas Nelson.

This story is set in Pennsylvania for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR PRINT COPY FROM PUBLISHER - US ONLY.

USE ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit one of the authors' links and tell me something you find of interest.
Kelly Long
Amy Clipston
Beth Wiseman
* This contest is open US Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 15, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on February 16, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway: Every Perfect Gift by Dorothy Love

I found this story quite delightful.

Every Perfect Gift (A Hickory Ridge Romance)

by Dorothy Love

• File Size: 613 KB
• Print Length: 312 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (December 4, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• ASIN: B008GVYWC2

Genre: Historical Romance, Inspirational
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: December 4, 2012

Series: A Hickory Ridge Romance (Book 3)

Ethan and Sophie long to share a future together. But the secrets they’re not sharing could tear them apart.

Sophie Caldwell has returned to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, after years away. Despite the heartaches of her childhood, Sophie is determined to make a home, and a name, for herself in the growing town. A gifted writer, she plans to resurrect the local newspaper that so enchanted her as a girl.

Ethan Heyward’s idyllic childhood was shattered by a tragedy he has spent years trying to forget. An accomplished businessman and architect, he has built a majestic resort in the mountains above Hickory Ridge, drawing wealthy tourists from all over the country.

When Sophie interviews Ethan for the paper, he is impressed with her intelligence and astounded by her beauty. She’s equally intrigued but fears he will reject her if he learns about her shadowed past. Just as she summons the courage to tell him, Ethan’s own past unexpectedly and violently catches up with him, threatening not only his life but their budding romance.

“Pure Southern delight! Dorothy Love weaves a stirring romance . . . that uplifts and inspires the heart.” —Tamera Alexander, best-selling author of The Inheritance and A Lasting Impression

Review:
Sophie was dropped at the orphanage at four with unknown, therefore questionable, parents. She was 10 when  a local couple took her in and taught her the ropes of the local newspaper. The ‘family’ moved to Texas but after college Sophie decided she wanted to re-open the newspaper in her home town of Hickory Ridge. She knew it would be lot of work, especially facing the past and being a female in business in 1886.

Hickory Ridge is a small, dying town but it is being revitalized by the luxury resort being built in the mountains above the town. Sophie sets up an interview with the resort manager, Ethan. They are immediately attracted to each other, but Sophie is afraid that Ethan will reject her if he learns of her unknown parentage. Ethan has secrets and bitterness from his own past that return for him to face.

Sophie isn’t afraid to speak out and support her friends. Gillie is determined to get the town to help her open a medical clinic in town to serve those who can’t wait for the doctor to visit or can’t afford treatment. By supporting Gillie, Sophie angers the owner of the resort. He puts pressure on the town folk to ban their patronage of the newspaper making her struggles even harder.

The story has a good combination of romance, drama and a little action, to keep it interesting. There are conflicts that make it hard for Sophie to be honest and feel free to love Ethan. Ethan is unsettled with his bitter past creating a stumbling block for his future. I enjoyed the building of their sweet romance and the heart changes needed to overcome their conflicts.

I liked how the author presented historical issues involving racial prejudices and treatment of the laborers. The story also shows the difficulties resulting from one powerful businessman lording over a community. I greatly like the theme of gifts, emotional and tangible, that runs through the story. It encourages the reader to focus on blessings, not hardships.

The pacing was a bit slow in the middle and a few times I felt there were unnecessary details and scenes. Yet overall I really enjoyed the historical aspects, the surprises and the warmth and charm of the sweet romance.  There is inspiration shared in soft messages and there is a nice Group Reader Guide at the end. I will seek to read more from Ms. Love in the future.  If you like warm, feel-good, historical romance I recommend this book.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sophie has to face the voices of her past:

...shivering in the sharp wind that seemed to whisper long-past taunts. Mutt, Muddlebones. Mongrel. And worse.  Location 54.

Sophie worries over her unknown heritage:

But how was it possible to be truly at peace inside when there was so much she didn’t know, might never know, about who she was and where she came from? Location 607.

Her childhood friend, Robbie, has the answers:

“Maybe what you really need is the courage to believe that you are a perfect creation, just as you are. That our Creator knew what he was doing when he made you.”  Location 1418.

I received this book, through NetGalley, from Thomas Nelson.

This is set in Tennessee for my 2013 Where are You Reading list. This is also a New Author for me.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR PRINT COPY FROM PUBLISHER - US ONLY.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 1, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on February 2, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway: His Love Endures Forever by Beth Wiseman

I loved this engaging story!

His Love Endures Forever (A Land of Canaan Novel)

by Beth Wiseman

File Size: 692 KB
Print Length: 317 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1595548882
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 2, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English

Genre: Inspirational Romance

My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2, 2012

An unplanned pregnancy. An absent father. Can love really endure all things?

Danielle Kent is anything but Amish. But as destiny would have it, she has fallen in love with an Amish man.

Now she’s 18, pregnant, and hopeful that the child’s Amish father—Matthew Lapp—will do the right thing and marry her. She knows Matthew plans to leave his Colorado settlement for a life in the Englisch world. But that plan never included a baby.

When Matthew walks away from her and their unborn child, she has nowhere to turn. Her unlikely friendship with Levi offers some comfort—yet they have so little in common. This wasn’t the plan she had for her life, and she has never felt so alone. She doesn’t want to be pregnant. Doesn’t want to be Amish. Doesn’t want to trust God.

And yet.

God has plans beyond what her mind can imagine . . . loving plans to show a lost young woman that His love never fails but endures forever.

“Wiseman is among the best at writing moving Amish fiction.” —Booklist review of The Wonder of His Love

Review:
Danielle Kent had a difficult childhood. Her father died when she was young and her mother beat her. Danielle ended up at age seventeen moving in with an older, and old-fashioned couple who live near, although are not part of, an Amish community. Her ‘guardians’ Martha and Arnold have treated Danielle as their own daughter. Although they dress conservatively they do have electricity, cell phones and use cars, unlike the Amish families. Martha attends the Amish Sunday services on a regular basis and takes Danielle along whenever she will go.

Danielle is comfortable with the Amish and has been dating Matthew, an Amish young man of her age from a neighboring community. Matthew’s family are not happy that he is dating an Englisch girl but he is in the period of “rumschpringe”, the ‘running-round time, when a teenager has not yet committed into the Amish faith. In fact, Matthew does not want to remain with his Amish family.  He wants to go away to college and he clearly doesn’t want to marry and start a family with Danielle even though their union has resulted in pregnancy.

Danielle is found weeping by her best friend, Levi, another Amish young man who has not yet been baptized into the community but whose faith is very strong. Levi has been trying to encourage Danielle to trust God.
Levi always planned to be baptized Amish and raise a family in the Amish faith. But Levi has dreams that lead him to propose to marry Danielle and raise the boppli (baby) as his own. Danielle initially rejects this arrangement but then agrees. Levi’s mother is horrified that her son might marry an Englisch girl and live outside the Amish community. She consults with Sarah, the Amish girl Levi has dated a few times, to find ways to convince Levi not to marry Danielle. Troubles and misunderstandings arise.

I particularly loved the character of Levi whose faith is so strong as he prays and tries to follow God’s calling. Danielle is an injured soul and although she does not plan to live in the Amish community, she is willing to remain nearby.  She is determined to raise her child in a loving environment.  It is interesting, and wonderful, to read how this couple overcomes obstacles and how matters unfold for them as they grow in their relationships.

The story is very well written in plot, character and themes. Ms. Wiseman deals with the prejudices and snobbery of the Amish against the Englisch as well as exploring deeper issues of forgiveness and trust. There is a revelation by Levi’s mother that opens her heart and changes her attitude. I was delighted with the story and plan to encourage my ladies’ book club to read this or another Wiseman title.

Word notes while reading: Sweet, warm, faith issues, prejudices, beautiful message!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Levi shares excitement in his faith with Danielle:

“Because when you feel the Holy Spirit, or when God answers a prayer, it’s an amazing feeling, and you know you’re part of something so much bigger than just yourself.”  Location 2075.

Levi’s Mother shares her faith with Danielle:

“He is the only way. That’s what I’m saying. If you’re feeling alone or longing for peace, He is the way.”  Location 2673.

I received this title from Thomas Nelson for an honest Review.

This story is set in Monte Vista, near the Sangre de Cristo mountain range in Colorado for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my New Author Challenge list.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the Print Copy:

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on December 14, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on December 15, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Trouble with Cowboys by Denise Hunter

This is an enjoyable romance with several inspirational messages.

The Trouble with Cowboys
by Denise Hunter
File Size: 783 KB
Print Length: 302 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1595548033
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 2, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
Also available at: Thomas Nelson CBD B&N
Genre:  Christian Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 2, 2012
Only one pair of boots—and the cowboy wearing them—can get Annie out of the mess she’s in.

Annie Wilkerson is Moose Creek’s premiere horse trainer and equine columnist for Montana Living. Money is tight as she tries to put her kid-sister through college and provide for her young nephew. When Annie’s column is cancelled, she’s given first shot at a new lovelorn column—and she can’t afford to turn it down. Only problem is . . . Annie’s never been in love.

Always resourceful, she reluctantly strikes a deal with the town’s smooth-talking ladies’ man Dylan Taylor: She’ll work with his ailing horse, Braveheart, if he’ll help her answer the reader letters.

Working closely with Dylan is harder than Annie imagined, and she quickly realizes she may have misjudged him. But her unwavering conviction that cowboys are nothing but trouble has kept her heart safe for years. And she can’t risk getting hurt now.

The more Annie tries to control things, the more they fall apart. Her feelings are spinning out of control, and her sister’s antics are making life increasingly more difficult. Annie knows she needs to turn the reins over to God, but surrender has never come easily.

When Dylan reveals his feelings for her, Annie doesn’t know what to trust—her head or her heart. The trouble with this cowboy is that he might just be exactly what she needs.

“. . . a story filled with romantic tension . . . Hunter’s well-developed characters and plot twists make for a delightful and inspirational journey.” —Publishers Weekly

Review: 
Annie has a lot of responsibility on her young shoulders. Her father, a cowboy, left when she was young and her mother had been through several more husbands who also left. Annie works two jobs to make ends meet for herself and her younger sister, Sierra, and Ryan, Sierra’s  young son. Annie is intent on putting Sierra through college and is frustrated that Sierra can’t hold a job long and isn’t as dedicated to college as Annie feels she should be. She understands that Sierra is still young at 20 but Annie feels she shouldn’t be out partying when she has a young son at home and needs to prepare for her future.  It is clear that Sierra is beginning to resent being “mothered” by Annie.

Annie is attracted to Dylan who is a handsome, flirty cowboy. But there is no way that she is going to get involved with a cowboy. Her mother’s history says that cowboys are trouble and they can’t be trusted. Instead Annie is dating a nice, stable banker, John, even though there may not be the zing with him that she feels with Dylan.

Dylan appears to be a flirt but he had a painful experience that has left him sour on commitment. He finds Annie attractive and more stable than a lot of women he knows. Yet he knows that she isn’t the type of woman to treat lightly. Dylan really needs Annie’s expertise as a  horse trainer to help with Braveheart, an older horse who is going blind.

Although reluctant, Annie agrees to work with the horse if Dylan will help her with her new column - advise to the lovelorn. She figures he has had plenty of experience to share in the love arena. They strike a bargain even though it is clear they won’t always agree on recommendations for the column. Annie also finds it hard to decide if her answers should be consistent with God’s advise or man’s less forgiving nature.

I enjoyed the relationship between these nice characters and their pull and resistance made for good conflict and nice sensual tension.  The situation with Sierra was definitely frustrating and created a major obstacle for Annie. I like how it worked out with a few surprises. 

Annie and Dylan are both Christians so it would seem that they might have come together sooner with a bit more openness and that was annoying ... but then there wouldn’t have been the story. There are nice messages on issues of being judgmental, relinquishing fear, trusting God and allowing Him control to accomplish the impossible. The Christian issues are handled well through life style examples rather than preachiness.

The writing has a nice easy flow and the romance is sweet with enough heat to make it interesting and enjoyable. If you like Christian and sweet romances you should enjoy this read.
  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dylan's effect on Annie:

“...Have a seat. Warm enough? I can get a fire going.”
He already had–he just didn’t know it. And if she were smart, she’d stick to the porch. Location 683.

What Annie seeks: 

She wanted security and love. Commitment and chemistry. Was that too much to ask? Location 2001

I received this title through NetGalley for  Review for Thomas Nelson.

This story is set near Bozeman, Montana for my Where Are You Reading challenge. I will also add it to my ARC and New Author challenges.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for a PRINT COPY provided by the Publisher:

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit  the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open to US only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 16, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on November 17, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement. 

Giveaways: Three Inspirational Titles - Sponsored by Thomas Nelson

This month I was blessed to read three Inspirational titles from Thomas Nelson.  Ms. Ruth offered to allow me to host a Giveaway for each book title!
There will be one winner per book: US or Canadian winner(s) gets choice of Print or eBook; International winner(s) would get an eBook.

Tidewater Inn (The Hope Beach Series)
by Colleen Coble

This story shares a solid mystery and a sweet romance.
My review was posted here.

Author Website: http://www.colleencoble.com/

FORM LINK TO ENTER FOR TIDEWATER INN

I liked the up beat tone of this story 
even with the troubles present in the opening pages.

The Scent of Rain

by Kristin Billerbeck

My review for this title is here

Author Website: http://www.kristinbillerbeck.com/


ENTRY FORM FOR THE SCENT OF RAIN

Faithful to Laura (A Middlefield Family Novel) 

by Kathleen Fuller 

This is an engaging story set in an Amish community 
that explores issues of life-style choices and forgiveness.  
Here is my review.

Author Website:  http://kathleenfuller.com/



ENTRY FORM FOR FAITHFUL TO LAURA

ENTER USING THE FORM LINKS

ENTER ANY OR ALL

For 3 Extra Bonus visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on September 7, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on September 8, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.   

Book Review: Faithful to Laura (A Middlefield Family Novel) by Kathleen Fuller

This is an engaging story set in an Amish community that explores issues of life-style choices and forgiveness.

Faithful to Laura (A Middlefield Family Novel) 
by Kathleen Fuller 

• File Size: 699 KB
• Print Length: 303 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1595547762
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 7, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008JOPLJE

Genre: Inspirational, Amish

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: August 7, 2012 |
Series: A Middlefield Family Novel

Laura’s Amish faith requires her to forgive, but she can only think of revenge.

Laura Stutzman leaves her Kentucky community for Middlefield, Ohio, with one purpose: to find Mark King, the man who pledged his love to her, then left. She can’t move on with her life until he explains why.

Sawyer Thompson wasn't born Amish, but has lived in their community for years. Now he must commit to the Amish church or return to the Yankee world. Having suffered loss at a young age, he understands Laura’s anger, but is determined to follow God’s will and forgive. As their friendship grows, Laura begins to let her guard down.

But new information surfaces about Sawyer’s past and threatens the couple’s budding relationship. Both Laura and Sawyer will need to release the anger in their hearts and forgive the people who’ve harmed them. As Laura struggles to trust God, can Sawyer remain faithful to Laura?

Review:
Laura Stutzman thought she had found the man who would be her husband and help mate in her family’s bakery. Instead the young man, Mark King, had deceived her, stolen her family’s life savings and even tried to kill her. He set a fire and glass that blew from a window has scarred her face. Those scars are healing but the scar to her soul and confidence has not healed. She moves to the Middlefield, Ohio Amish community seeking to find Mark and have revenge against him.

Sawyer Thompson is a young man who was adopted by an Amish family when he was 14. After the loss of his parents he suffered abuse in the foster care system. He loves his adoptive parents and is trying to decide if he is ready to leave the Yankee world behind and commit himself to the Amish lifestyle.

Laura takes a reception, clerical job at the woodcrafting store owned by Sawyer’s father. Sawyer sees the beauty behind her pain but she has built a wall to keep others out.

Sawyer’s extremely wealthy grandmother locates him and arrives to take him back to New York to become her heir. Sawyer is angry that she thinks she can walk in and that her money will lure him away from the parents who have taken him and sheltered him for the past six years.

Can Laura release her anger and find a way to forgive Mark? Can she open up to allow Sawyer’s interest or should she return home to her own parents?  Will Sawyer stay with the Amish community or will he be drawn away by his grandmother’s money?

I really enjoyed the warm story as it developed around Laura and Sawyer. Ms. Fuller created strong characters in the Amish people and in the ‘Yankee’ grandmother. I was a little less enthralled with a side drama of betrayal in another family that required confession and forgiveness. It is a situation that acknowledges that we are human and sinners - all needing grace.

The writing flows well with clear descriptions. It was particularly interesting to me to see how the author portrayed the grandmother’s reactions to the simpleness of the Amish community. Since I was raised in 'Pennsylvania Dutch' country near an Amish community, it was strange to think there are people who have no idea of the Amish culture.

The faith based messages are expressed through the life choices of the characters as well as sometimes being shared outright. Anyone who enjoys inspirational themes set in the Amish world and developed around 'real people' should enjoy this story.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There are inner scars that are harder to treat than surface ones:

...the daily applications of Vitamin E oil were helping the scars fade. But there were deeper scars, invisible ones. No cosmetic treatments could heal a soul. Location 93.

I liked this message of sovereignty:

Once we accept that God is in control of our lives, then we can work on understanding his will. Location 1511.

Wise words on mercy:

“I don’t deserve it.”
Leona shook her head. “None of us do....  If we deserved it, it wouldn’t be mercy....” Location 1553.

Thank you to Ruthie at Thomas Nelson for providing this title through NetGalley.  Please watch for a Giveaway with ALL THREE of the Thomas Nelson titles I reviewed this month. The Giveaway will post tonight or Tuesday depending on when I can complete the post (as I am still preparing for our trip). :-)

This story was set in Ohio for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also list this on my ARC and New Author lists.

Book Review: The Scent of Rain by Kristin Billerbeck

I liked the up beat tone of this story even with the troubles present in the opening pages.

The Scent of Rain

by Kristin Billerbeck

• File Size: 600 KB
• Print Length: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 7, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0078FABW2

Genre: Inspirational Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: August 7, 2012

When deprived of her most prized sense, Daphne discovers a life she never expected, right under her nose. 

Daphne Sweeten has left Paris - and a career she loves - in order to marry a man she loves even more. But when he stands her up on their wedding day, Daphne's left reeling. Trained as a professional "nose" or perfume creator, Daphne soon realizes that her sense of smell has somehow disappeared too.

In the days following she moves to Dayton, Ohio, to take on a job creating fragrances for household products. Without her sense of smell, she must rely on her chemistry skills, and hope her handsome new boss, Jesse Lightner, doesn't notice before she can figure out how to get it back.

Despite her desire to return to Paris, she can't deny the way Jesse makes her feel. But when Daphne approaches former contacts, she learns her missing ex-fiance has somehow snagged her old job. 

As Daphne and Jesse work on a signature scent for their new line, she feels God at work in her life as never before. And the promise of what is possible is as fresh as the scent of rain.

Review:  
Daphne is a ‘professional nose.’ She has always been able to distinguish scents and she had a prestigious job with one of the most important perfumers in Paris. But she was willing to give up her position to marry for love. To her dismay her fiancé doesn’t show up for the big society wedding.

Daphne doesn’t know why Mark didn’t show but she admits that she had some niggling at the rehearsal dinner that all was not right. Rather than beg her old boss for her job back, or stay in San Francisco to suffer the whispers of society, she decides to travel on to Dayton, Ohio where she and Mark had arranged jobs and a home waiting. Granted the job she is going to is for formulation at a household products company and they think she will rescue the company by her special ‘nose’ ability.  Now she faces a whole new problem... after leaving the wedding she lost her sense of smell. She hopes it is temporary - a cold or stress - and that she can start her job using her chemistry skills to create.

Daphne’s new boss, Jesse, isn’t thrilled to have his boss, Dave, force the budget expense of a ‘nose’ on him instead of using other ideas that Jesse has suggested to turn around his division. Jesse isn’t prepared for the impact Daphne has on him as a man who still grieves the loss of his wife.  Jesse’s main goal has been to spend more time raising his three year old son but he finds himself caught up in the struggles and stresses of succeeding at work.

I really loved Daphne’s positive attitude toward life even during her disappointments with a groom that doesn’t show, moving alone to a new town, discovering her new home is a horrible fix-er upper and then learning her ex-fiancé got her old job in Paris. And she is facing her new challenges with the loss of what she might have thought as her most valuable asset, her ‘nose.’ I enjoyed how Daphne was able to use emotional definitions in creating smells and ideas for products.  Jesse is a nice character too: dedicated to his son, struggling with balancing his business and personal needs and conflicted by the stresses of having a boss overwhelm his own suggestions and better judgment.

The story read very smoothly with an up beat tone even in the midst of the struggles and conflicts. In addition to the troubles, there are fun experiences in the story.  The romance is light and developed almost reluctantly. There is a bit of mystery and a surprising twist in the resolution of the story. The spiritual aspects are nicely portrayed in the characters’ actions and attitudes.  The source of the title is a nice connection too. I recommend this book as a light romance and upbeat story. I hope to read more stories by this author.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Daphne's positive outlook:

"It’s the same job. Less romance, as you pointed out. But as the Bible says, there’s a time for everything under the sun. A time for sensual pleasures and a time for washing the dishes. This is my time to wash the dishes and make that job a more pleasurable experience."  Location 475.

No one probably saw her situation as dire as she did. Resilience was required. Life was meant to be lived triumphantly, not passed in the dark corners of one’s worst moments.  Location 967.

Thank you to Ruthie at Thomas Nelson who provided this book through NetGalley.

This story is set in Dayton, Ohio for my Where Are You Reading Challenge.I will also add it to my ARC list.

Book Review: Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble

This story shares a solid mystery and a sweet romance.

Tidewater Inn (The Hope Beach Series)
by Colleen Coble

• File Size: 834 KB
• Print Length: 341 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1611734975
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (July 17, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007D1TNYS

Genre:  Mystery, Christian Suspense
My Rating:  4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: July 17, 2012 | Series: The Hope Beach Series (Book 1)

Welcome to Hope Beach. A place of intoxicating beauty . . . where trouble hits with the force of a hurricane.

Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the Outer Banks could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer's talent and love of history. She's delighted to learn of the family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she's met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.

But Libby soon realizes that the only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brother and sister are convinced she's there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, and Libby's under suspicion for the crime.

Libby's dream come true is becoming a nightmare. Her only option is to find her friend and prove her innocence, or lose everything on the shores of Hope Island.

Review:

Libby has a love of history and has put that to use in her restoration business.  Libby is working on one project when she ‘witnesses’ her partner, Nicole, being kidnapped through a live stream cam video. Libby heads to the Island of Hope Beach to help find her friend but she becomes the main suspect when she fails to disclose that she accidentally may have erased the video when she hacked the line to try to save it.

Libby also discovers that she has inherited the beautiful old Tidewater Inn on the island from her father - a man her mother told her was dead.  Her half brother and half sister are very unhappy about the inheritance. Would either of them kidnap her friend, or worse, to try to drive her away? And how can Libby afford to keep the Inn without funds to restore and manage it? Would the developers who are pressing Libby to sell the Inn use kidnapping as a pressure tactic?

Local Coast Guard lieutenant, Alec, is attracted to Libby but he and his best friend, the town sheriff, are suspicious of her because of her initial untruths.  Is he helping Libby because he is falling for her or in order to stay close to her so he can report back to the sheriff?

The mystery takes twists and turns while Libby feels like she is alone trying to locate her best friend.  Add to that worry, Libby is trying to cope with decisions regarding her new inheritance, having a family she longs for but who don’t welcome her, and developing feelings for a man who may not trust her. The characters, including Libby’s siblings, an Aunt and Alec’s best friend, have distinct quirks that add depth and a "real life" feel to the story.

I was very impressed with the suspense that kicks off early and keeps up till the end. There are extra surprises beyond the kidnapping. I also enjoyed Ms. Coble’s inclusion of a search dog as an added feature. The sweet romance is filled with obstruction and conflict to give it interest. There is a redemption message shared in a subtle way. If you enjoy a good suspense and sweet romance I highly recommend this story.

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Libby’s initial reaction on learning of her inheritance:

How much of her reluctance was rooted in the thought of facing a future that was about to change radically?  Location 79.

Alec sharing wisdom with Libby:

“One thing I’ve discovered in my own walk with the Lord is this: when something is really hard but we do it anyway, the rewards are equally great....” Location 2250

I recieved this eBook from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley.

This story is set in the Outer Banks for My Where Are You Reading Challenge.

Book Review: Smitten Anthology

Delightful reading! "Smitten" is a perfect way to describe how you feel when you read these heartwarming stories of love, friendship and faith.

Smitten Anthology 

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (December 20, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401684947
• ISBN-13: 978-1401684945

     Genre: Contemporary Romance

     My Rating: 4.25+ of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: December 20, 2011
Welcome to Smitten, Vermont.
With the help of four friends, it's about to become the most romantic town in America.

The proposed closing of the lumber mill comes as unwelcome news for the citizens of Smitten. How will the town survive without its main employer? A close-knit group of women think they've got just the plan to save Smitten. They'll capitalize on its name and turn it into a tourist destination for lovers-complete with sweet shops, a high-end spa, romantic music on the square, and cabins outfitted with fireplaces and hot tubs.

But is this manly town ready for an influx of romantically-minded guests?

Country music sensation Sawyer Smitten, the town's hometown hero, wants to help by holding his own wedding there on Valentine's Day. And little Mia's lavender wreaths hang all over town as a reminder that faith can work miracles. Along the way, four women spearheading the town's transformation-energetic Natalie, sophisticated Julia, graceful Shelby, and athletic Reese-get in the spirit by reviving their own love lives.

Join best-selling inspirational romance authors (and real-life BFFs) Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter for an inspiring stay at the (soon-to-be) most romantic town on the eastern seaboard.

One visit . . . and you'll be smitten too.

Review:

This really is adorable! The four friends are like close sisters and they have the grit and determination to initiate changes to save their town. The mill is closing so the four decide to turn the town into a romantic getaway. After all, the name Smitten fits the desired new image. Of course the men in town resist what they think will turn their town into a frilly girl place that is going to fade around them.

The four stories have different voices but fit together beautifully. They each have varying faith issues of forgiveness, trust, independence and pride that they have to overcome. The Biblical references are well placed and appropriate in the lives of the Christian characters. They are shared in the natural circumstances so they aren’t really preachy but are rather a reminder of God’s safe control and desire for the best in our lives.

There is a fun forward and a Reading Group Guide as well as "Conversation over Coffee with the Authors" describing how the authors got together to work up the anthology. There is a brief blog post here:  http://girlswriteout.blogspot.com/2010_11_01_archive.html

I would recommend reading any of these authors for warm characters and engaging plots. I look forward to reading more by each of them. I rate each story as 4.25 and the whole package gets extra bonus for working so well together!

Natalie: Birthday Wishes by Colleen Coble
Natalie’s father left when she was young and she doesn't trust men or relationships. Carson is a dependable businessman in town but Natalie’s sister, Lisa, has named him as the father of her daughter, Mia.  Natalie is raising the adorable Mia who is making lavender wreaths for the doors. The wreaths are to give the townspeople hope during the difficult times.

When Carson’s country star brother agrees to be married in Smitten, Natalie is able to talk Carson into updating the old fishing cabins he owns. He can’t see it until she begins to describe the changes and becomes his assistant to remodel. As they work closely together they are drawn to notice each other as more than just friends.  Natalie has to find forgiveness and learn to trust if she wants to allow love to remodel her own life. 


Julia: Small Town, Big Dreams by Kristin Billerbeck
Julia has returned from New York to take care of her injured mother. Her friends encourage her to set up a spa like the one she ran in the city. A big city fellow comes to town to give her advice and to consider investing in her plans. He recommends that she rent space that is owned by rugged Zak who has the local rustic grill. It is a beautiful setting but Julia has always had a crush on her older brother’s best friend, Zak. She claims that she can’t envision a spa next to the smells of a rustic grill even though Zak is remodeling his restaurant. 

Zak has always liked Julia but promised her brother that he would look after Julia and never try to seduce her. But he’ll chase away that city slicker and remodel the space for her spa because he knows she can make it work even if she doesn’t think so.  Can Julia find enough faith to risk telling Zak how she really feels or will she run back to New York?


Shelby: You’ve Got a Friend by Diann Hunt
Shelby tends to be a little accident prone but her friend Nick is always there coaching her on safety and rescuing her. Shelby isn’t really a socialite, she just appreciates fashion and teaches Social Graces to young girls so they will have nice manners and deportment. Nick is a strong lumberman and doesn’t see himself as someone Shelby could fall for. Besides, Nick has an ex-wife who left because she wanted the society things that Smitten and Nick couldn’t offer. But when Nick’s ex-wife dies and his preteen daughter comes to live with him its Shelby’s turn to rescue him by helping with this sweet lost young girl.  Meanwhile Shelby’s long absent father moves in and they begin to rebuild their relationship. 

When Shelby and Nick grow closer Shelby knows she has to tell him of her secret. She has had to learn to put aside the guilt and forgive herself but will she be able to forgive Nick when he judges her for her past?


Reese: All Along by Denise Hunter
Reese and Griffen were best buddies in high school. When Reese was preparing to marry Sawyer Smitten Griffen left town to hide his broken heart. He is back in town now to help with all of the renovations and to see if he can’t show Reese how he really feels. Too bad that Reese seems to be struggling with her old feelings for her ex-fiancé who is coming back to town to marry someone else. 

Reese is working hard on setting up her outfitters shop and she is really glad to have her good friend Griffen there for support. But suddenly she sees him as more than a good friend. She decides to take plans into her own hands, even if it means a little deception. But her plans to make Griffen jealous backfire when he thinks she is trying to make Sawyer jealous.

Reese realizes how God must feel loving us so much when we don’t always love him back. Can she get out of her own tangled web before Griffen leaves town again?

 I received this book for review from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley.
This book will be linked to Vermont in my Where are you reading map; it will also go towards my ARC challenge.