Diana's Review Of 'Finding Margo' By Jen Turano

Finding Margo By Jen Turano

Finding Margo By Jen Turano
Gilead Publishing, November 2016

Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~4.5 stars~
(No Spoilers!)

From Guccis To Amish?

Jen Turano pens a rollicking, but suspenseful tale of a pop star's journey from the glitz and glamour of California, Gucci handbags, Dolce & Gabbana jeans, and bodyguards—to the quaint, but secretive Amish town of Millersburg, with its pretty flower boxes in the windows, gleaming white farmhouses with wraparound porches, red barns, and ducks?...yes, ducks! 😏

International pop star, Margo Hartman, has had it. She needs a break from grueling tours, paparazzi, her controlling mother, and literally runs away. A nasty encounter with a duck (yes, you read correctly) necessitates a trip to the vet in the Amish town of Millersburg, where she meets Dr. Ian St. James and his brother-in-law—the hunky Sheriff's deputy, Brock Moore. Brock is working undercover on a case for Ian and realizes that Margo is not who she appears to be either...as she continues to try to hide her superstar identity. She bears an uncanny resemblance to a local Amish woman and her crazy periods of deja vu raises all kinds of questions, as sights and scents make her feel as though she has been to this small town before. But why does this make her a target for a killer? As Margo and Brock begin to draw closer, he is determined to find answers—for both their sakes.

I have heard that Jen Turano is known for her quirky characters and unusual storylines and now I have the facts. It's all true! 😛 What a delightfully unique tale with Gabby, the waddling duck, a feisty heroine who frequently shares witty quips with the hero, and a wacky mother who would drive me bonkers...interweaved with a heartrending Amish theme. However, the story lacked the romantic tension that I so love, and the only real attraction I saw towards Brock from Margo was a little bit of heart-racing, comforting hand holding, and the way his muscles rippled when he moved. I liked them, too, but...😉 Nevertheless, the conclusion was satisfactorily passionate and I especially loved that mysterious last sentence leading me to excitedly believe there's a sequel coming—hopefully Ian St. James's story! A delightful, amusing, mysterious, tender, heartbreaking must read!

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in the hopes that I might write a review, but was not required to do so. I received no monetary compensation for this review.

This book may be purchased from Amazon, CBD, BAM, B&N, and your local Christian bookstore.

GIVEAWAY: Jen Turano has generously offered to give away an autographed copy of Finding Margo to one blessed commenter! (US entrants only.) For contact purposes be sure to leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

Diana's Review Of Secret Sister - An Amish Christmas Tale By Sarah Price

Secret Sister: An Amish Christmas Tale By Sarah Price

Realms, Oct. 2015

Reviewed By Diana Flowers

~5 stars~

(No spoilers!)

        It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

In Secret Sister, author Sarah Price has written a heartwarming Amish yuletide tale of bewildering secrets and love lost—set amongst the fragrant scent of pine, the soft glow of candles, and crystalline snowflakes ushering in the Christmas season.

Feeling so very alone and heartbroken from recently losing Menno – the love of her life – not to mention her children growing up and moving into different communities, Grace Beiler is truly suffering in silence. It is the Amish way to accept God's will in all things and not to question or complain about one's lot in life. Although her Amish community is kind to her, Grace feels like a fifth wheel when they offer to give her rides or invite her places with their families. Soon strange events begin to take place when Grace starts receiving notes and gifts that cause her to reflect on meaningful incidents in her past—when she and Menno were young and courting, and their subsequent life with their children. Apparently Grace has a "secret sister" who is seeking to encourage her, but who is she?...and how is she aware of these things that are only significant to Grace? As she attends her favorite event of the year which happens to be the Christmas program, Grace receives another gift—one that will change the course of her life forever.

In Secret Sister masterful storyteller, Sarah Price, has written an exquisite novel destined to become a Christmas classic! What an intricate, unpredictable plot! In one evening I literally read half of this book trying to figure out who the "secret sister" was and I never did. Being an empty nester myself, I could truly identify with Grace's inability to know just where she belonged after devoting her whole life to raising her children. I didn't just have tears in my eyes at the wonderful conclusion—they were literally streaming down my cheeks—I was that moved. For those of you who don't want to read a story about a more "mature" woman (lol)...have no fear. The book goes back and forth between past and present and there is plenty of blushing romance and drama, too! Highly recommended read for any time of the year!
 

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This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstore.
 

GIVEAWAY: Sarah Price has generously offered a copy of Secret Sister to one blessed commenter. To be eligible, please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to prevent yourself from spammers.