Review of Suzanne Woods Fisher's "The Keeper" and Audiobook Giveaway!

Paul Fisher is not the guy for Julia Lapp, even if they are promised to one another. She's finally woken up and realized his cold feet might mean something. But she's angry. And she targets  Roman Troyer, the Bee Man, as the instigator (with a little prompting from others!)

Roman is far from home, a man who roams from place to place with his bees. He has a streak of white hair announcing the trauma he's experienced because if one looks closely they'll see a handsome young man. He's not as old as some might think. Only his past has caught up with him in the form of an irascible woman who is not going to let him keep running, if she can help it. I love that Suzanne gave this bossy woman a chance to redeem herself!

Julia's winsome character and strength make her a strong heroine and her sister is a lot of fun, too. Julia has a nice character arc.

Stoney Ridge is a lovely place but so many changes have happened that the inhabitants of the Lapp farm aren't feeling too secure.  

God's will is at play.  And it may not be what Julia and Roman think it is. Lovely story, great characterization, and that fabulous Suzanne voice--what more could you ask for?

Bibliotherapy elements: Running from your past will never work--it will catch up with you. Repressed grief will come out in some way. Trying to force one's will doesn't work, either.  

Giveaway: Audible.com is having a great special right now on this audiobook by Suzanne Woods Fisher! Giving away a copy for someone to listen to. I love this particular narrator, especially for Suzanne's books.

Marian's review of The Face of Heaven by Murray Pura

The Face of Heaven

The Face of Heaven by Murray Pura
Snapshots in History Series #2
Harvest House Publishers, 2012

Reviewed by Marian Baay
5 stars~*****

Truly A Masterpiece!

During the Civil War

The main characters Lyndel Keim and Nathaniel King are Amish. After they witnessed the brutal treatment of runaway slaves, their lives are changed forever. They are just starting to fall in love when Nathaniel joins the Army. Some time later Lyndel follows him as an Army nurse. After about a year they finally see each other again.

Now that both have become a part of the war effort, they are banished from their Amish community.
Despite of the war their love grows. And despite of they're being banished they still live up to their faith.

Nathaniel fights in several well known battles. It's nice to read about the camaraderie among Nathaniel's platoon. I almost felt a part of them and could imagine the bullets whistling around my head.

Lyndel cares for the many wounded soldiers. It's not always pleasant to read about the battle injuries, but it was reality back then.
When loved ones get seriously injured, will Lyndel be able to nurse them back to health?

This book truly is a page turner and a masterpiece! Awesome job, Murray!

*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy. I was not required to write a positive review.*

Murray's books can be purchased through Amazon, CBD and other bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week's contest. Drawing will be late Saturday. Your choice of Murray's books and choice of format *. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners will only receive the book in ebook format not as a paperback.

Diana's Corner - Review of The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall

The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall

5 stars~ *****

(Doubleday, Random House Audio 2011)

  

Bittersweet Christmas Romance!

Bestselling author, Cindy Woodsmall has crafted another heartwarming, yuletide treasure; replete with Amish buggy rides and knee-deep snow, Christmas singings and weddings, and, of course, unrequited love! Mattie Eash, a young Amish woman and Gideon Beiler have loved one another their whole lives, and it is no surprise to everyone when they announce their engagement. But, on Christmas Eve, Gideon cruelly ends their engagement, after Mattie finds a lovely Englisch woman in his arms. Heartbroken, Mattie flees to Ohio, and pursues her dream of opening a cake decorating shop. She finds a new beau; one that is comfortable for her to be with, and a man who Mattie can trust.

Three years have passed and Mattie is forced to return to Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania, and is determined to avoid Gideon at any cost. When Mattie is forced into a confrontation with Gideon, will he realize the suffering that his deceitfulness and dishonesty has caused? What secret is Gideon harboring, and will Mattie ever be able to forgive him from the heart, even though forgiveness is the Amish way? Why DID he break Mattie's heart on that fateful Christmas Eve and turn to the arms of another?

This was a truly wonderful read guaranteed to keep the reader turning those pages until the conclusion. Cindy Woodsmall is one of the best authors of Amish fiction today, and her realistic plots and characters make for a "can't put down" read! This book dealt with some of the harsh realities of life, and you will read it with eyes filled with unshed tears and a box of tissues; albeit there are plenty of scenes to curve your lips up into a smile as well! So grab a cup of hot chocolate, snuggle up near the fire, and get lost in an Amish winter wonderland!


Formats: Hard cover, ebook, CDs and audio download. (click to purchase)


GIVEAWAY:  We are almost there to our celebration of our Lord's birthday.  Leave a comment on this book review for a giveaway of a Christian fiction Christmas book. 

Diana's Corner - Review of Naomi's Gift by Amy Clipston

Naomi's Gift by Amy Clipston

~4 stars ****


A Wunderbaar Christmas Novella!

In Naomi's Gift, Amy Clipston invites us on a delightful Amish vacation, to Bird-In-Hand, Pennsylvania; resplendent with buggy rides in the snow, children's Christmas programs, lighted Christmas candles in the windows, and romance in the air! Caleb Schmucker arrives in Pennsylvania with his little daughter, Susie, to visit his sister, Sadie, for Christmas. Caleb has a successful business in Ohio, but ever since the death of his wife, the only joy that life holds for him is his precious daughter, Susie. He feels a heavy burden of guilt that his wife was taken and he was left behind, and refuses to enjoy life. Then he meets the lovely, dimpled Naomi King!

Naomi King has had her heart broken by two ex-boyfriends, and feels that God's plans are for her to remain single and help her maam take care of her siblings. Caleb's sister, Sadie, feels that her brother is too good for Naomi, gossiping about her past relationships with the two other young men, and tries to hook him up with her friend, Irene. Will Caleb and Naomi let go of their broken hearts and fear of  another relationship, and find love again? Or will Irene make a better mother to Susie?

I have read almost all of Amy Clipston's books and they truly are charming! Although her love for the Amish shines through her novels, she paints a realistic picture of them; an imperfect people with flaws just as any other. This was a novella, so of course it was shorter with less substance than her other novels, but truly a delightful, romantic page turner to snuggle up close to the fire with!


Note by CFP:  Available in multiple formats through Amazon, including audio.


Giveaway:  We are giving away surprise books every day, mostly Christmas books.  Leave a comment for a chance to win.