Kelly Marie Long's Novella - A Christmas On Ice Mountain

Kelly Marie Long's new release the novella "A Christmas on Ice Mountain" in  An Amish Christmas Quilt. This is part of a series set in Pennsylvania. The story line in the series revolves around the natural marvel/phenomenon of Ice Mountain.  Amish Mennonite live there and some of their customs are different from other American Amish.

This novella collection is published by Zebra, a Kensington imprint. All of Kelly's books have been published by Christian publishing houses up until now and this is her first foray into the secular market.

Here's the blurb:
A Christmas On Ice Mountain
By Kelly Long

Matthew Beider and Laurel Lapp's secret wish to marry is a gift their feuding fathers definitely won't accept. And trying to settle their dats' long-standing quarrel is making their holiday anything but merry. Can rediscovering the joys and friendships of Christmas past finally turn their families' futures bright?

FIVE STARS *****
I read only Kelly's story and haven't had a chance yet to read the other two novellas in the collection--one by Charlotte Hubbard and another by Jennifer Beckstrand.

An Amish Christmas Quilt was true to form Kelly Long, which I loved. A lovely romance with a little edginess in this story. And it interconnects with her Bride of Ice Mountain, which I am three quarters of the way through. So there's a nice overlap with some special characters from the series. Loved the siblings in this novella!

This novella was so cute and the plot so compelling that I had to keep reading it until I got to the end. This is one of the things that I like about novellas because I can often read them in an evening. This story had bibiliotherapy elements of forgiveness, long standing feuds, harboring resentment and listening to God's directives.  Lovely happy-ever-after at the end!  Highly recommend. I see this novella as a contender on my novellas list and on my bibliotherapy list for best of 2014.

Giveaway: This is Amish week on OWG blog and also our Pink Giveaway for breast cancer survivor awareness. We also have giveaway of ebook or paperback copy of this novella collection which includes Kelly's latest release!  Question--Have you ever met someone who was Amish?

Carrie's Best of 2012

Favorites of the Year

Veil of Pearls 
by MaryLu Tyndall

July 2012

Barbour Publishing

Must be made into a movie--simply stunning, like the cover!!!

Paperback and kindle
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The Maid of Fairbourne Hall
by Julie Klassen

January 2012

Bethany House

Fascinating!

I listened to audiobook. Available in multiple formats.

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A Love Surrendered 

by Julie Lessman

October 2012 

Revell

Fabulous!

I read on Kindle, is available in paperback and on CD.

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Short-Straw Bride 

by Karen Witemeyer

June 2012 

Bethany House


I listened to this on audiobook and it is available in multiple formats.

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Prize of My Heart 

by Lisa Norato

March 2012 

Bethany House

Memorable!

Kindle/paperback read for me.

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SPECIAL CATEGORY/AUDIOBOOKs

Author I have "discovered" and devoured her audiobooks like a fiend:

Tamera Alexander

I listened to six books and have downloaded three more!!!  And I have loved them all!

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Audiobook/Novella

A Marriage of the Heart

by Kelly Long

November 2012

Thomas Nelson

Amazing! Worth the wait to listen to this newest novella in the compilation by one of my favorite authors!!!


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Shipshewana Amish Mystery Series

by Vannetta Chapman

Fabulous series with a very satisfying third installment with "Material Witness."

audiobooks

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Not technically 2012 BUT 

Cascade went to audio in 2012 as did

Torrent 

by Lisa T. Bergren

David C. Cook/Oasis Audio

Exemplary audiobooks although more violent that I would normally listen to. But Lisa T. Bergren is so talented, she can get away with it.

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Novellas

A Wreath of Snow 

by Liz Curtis Higgs

December 2012 

Waterbrook Press

Wow!
Hardcover
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A Light in the Window 

by Julie Lessman

November 2012

Sigh-worthy prequel novella!!!

Ebook only

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Carving A Future

book 1 in Colonial Courtships

by Carla Olson Gade

October 2012

Barbour Publishing
Paperback and Ebook.

Beautiful!
(I did not make it through the other novellas in this collection--yet.)

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Highland Crossings
2012
Barbour Publishing


Jennifer Hudson Taylor, Gina Welborn and Pamela Griffin and Laurie Alice Eakes all have lovely novellas in this four novella collection.

Bibliotherapy Review of Kelly Long's A Marriage of the Heart

A Marriage of the Heart
by Kelly Long
(Thomas Nelson, 2012)

Five Stars *****

I have read and previously reviewed two of the novellas in this three Amish novella collection.  I purchased my book in CD format.  Excellent narrator.  The two novellas I already reviewed were my favorites in those books.  Following is my review of the last novella in the series--A Marriage of the Heart.

Abigail Kaufman, the most beautiful girl in her Amish community, is also a lonely girl whose mother died leaving the only child with an uncommunicative father.  Joseph Lambert has demons of his own and has only just returned to the community and has only just been received back as a member, staying with physician friends.

SPOILER ALERT
Desperate to leave the emotional neglect she receives at her father's hands, Abigail claims that the handsome bespectacled Joseph has compromised her. Hauled before the church elders, by her father, and confronting Joseph, she is shocked when he submits to marrying her despite him having done nothing wrong.  In fact, it was his deliberate attempt to ignore the beautiful girl that piqued her interest in him. Abi gets another surprise when Joseph offers to come help Mr. Kaufman with his farm.

The married couple now live in the same stifling household Abi has sought to escape.  But little by little, Joseph brings light and love to the farmhouse--from the tiny kitten to engaging his father-in-law through side-by-side work, help the man has solely needed. 

In her characteristic style, Kelly brings thrilling romance to the pages of the novella, too!  But just as Abi and Joseph are really falling in love with each other, his old flame shows up.  And she has something with her straight from the pits of hell.  You can smell the smoke on all this gal's scenes.  Only by submitting to God's will and with the love of his wife does Joseph resist the allure of dropping back into drug use--which almost killed him previously. Addiction is addiction, whether you are Amish or whatever, and Kelly does a great job of describing the pull that drug addiction can have.

Lovely job of weaving a redemptive thread of the relationship between father and daughter and Kelly drops in just enough information to help show how Abi never got to be a child because she took her mother's place around the farm. Many elements in this book that could be used for bibliotherapy. And it is a great read!  Highly recommended.

Kelly's books can be found on CBD, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other bookstores.

Question:  Have you had to deal with drug abuse in your extended family?  How have you coped?

Giveaway: Poor Teresa was sick with flu last week for her own party.  Answer the question and put T by your name if you left her an encouraging comment on her anniversary with OWG post or go leave her a message now and come back!  This book or any of Kelly's books, choice of format to the winner. (Ebook only outside of the U.S.)

Review of Kelly Long's Arms of Love

Arms of Love
By Kelly Long
(Thomas Nelson, 2012)

This is the first Amish colonial I have seen. I applaud Kelly for tackling this time frame, which is a favorite of mine as the Founder of the Colonial American Christian Writers group, of which Kelly is a member.

 

Bibliotherapy: This book is full of more bibliotherapy uses than any other book I have read so far this year. We have loss of spouse, loss of parent, war, depression, PTSD, murder, love thine enemy/ friendships among enemies, child abuse, and sibling rivalry. For those of us with mental health backgrounds, there is a character whose behavior is consistent with Asperger’s.  Whew, I had to take a break after writing all that!  So, as you can imagine this is not a typical Kelly Long book. These colonial Amish characters are quite angsty and the story fairly dark. This book feels as though Kelly poured herself into it during a difficult time. Thus, the emotion on the page is very real.

Kelly is an amazing romance writer and her characters well developed. I really enjoyed the mature couple romance and I appreciate that Kelly gave us a realistic courtship. I’ve heard too many criticisms of short courtships after the death of a spouse. For this time frame and setting it makes sense. The hero and heroine are perfect for each other.

There is a strong spiritual thread and great explanations of the early Amish society and life.

Caution: I am one of those people who do not want to read violence on the page. While much of the abuse, etc., is kept off the page, there was some.

I read this review as a download through NetGalley via Thomas Nelson Publishers.  I am not required to post a positive review.  My opinions are my own. 


GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a copy of this book or any of Kelly Long's books this week.  Leave a comment to have a chance to win one of her many wonderful Amish books! 

Co-review of Lilly's Wedding Quilt by Kelly Long by Carrie Fancett Pagels with Guest Joleen Hevner

Co-review of Lilly's Wedding Quilt by Carrie Fancett Pagels with Additional Comments by Guest Joleen Hevner



Lilly’s Wedding Quilt 
by Kelly Long
(Thomas Nelson, 2011)


I listened to this book as an audible.com download. This book was my first "read" of Kelly’s  work.  She knocked my socks off (well if it weren't summer when I listened, she would have!) 

Kelly has a beautiful author's narrative voice, gripping story line, great characterization, and the best romantic tension I have seen since Deanne Gist.  Not your average Amish novel! I highly recommend this book and this writer. 


Kelly Long's Lilly's Wedding Quilt is my favorite Amish read ever. But I do not read all the Amish books that come out, I am usually reading colonial or Early American books. However, her writing is in my top five author's writing who I prefer. I was blown away by that audiobook. 


I will likely "sneak" and relisten to it even though I have to keep listening to the comparables that are similar to my own books. Thomas Nelson Fiction is blessed to have her as an author and we are glad to have her in our Colonial American Christian Fiction writers group.


The narrator, Christine Williams, for the audiobook was excellent. 


 Bibliotherapy: Lilly’s mother had severe depression  and this was handled well in the story. She received medical treatment and therapy. With the depression. I got a little worried about whether she'd put something really dark in there like kill the mom off and I was SO glad that Kelly Long did not do that! 


I LOVED Kelly Long's dyslexic hero and Kelly really did a fantastic job of weaving that info into her storyline and as a psychologist and with dyslexia in the family I have to say she nailed it.


Joleen Hevner shares: I'm not always fond of jealousies and anger issues that are major plot enhancers, where we have to wade through their wretched personal issues forever. Kelly HAD the issues in her book but took care of them so lovingly and Godly. Would that all families were like that! 



Joleen and I agreed that the only problem with the book is you can't stop reading or listening to the story!!!




Kelly Long books are available on Amazon, CBD, and other book stores.


GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of Kelly Long’s books, choice of format.

Audiobook review of Kelly’s Long's Sarah’s Garden

Review of Kelly Long's Sarah’s Garden
A Patch of Heaven Novel 
(Thomas Nelson, 2010)

I listened to this book as a download through audible.com. 


This was a beautiful story, well-written, and a solid romance.  Sarah King loves her garden. She does not fit in well with the other women in the community in that she is not a quilter. While a neighbor has a romantic interest in her, she does not return his sentiments. When she finds herself falling in love with a physician, Grant Williams,  who is not Amish she questions what she should do. Grant's parents have passed away and he is seeking a new beginning.


This was my second listen for Kelly Long’s books and again I was impressed by the freshness in her writing and the passion in the romance.  This is the first book in the series. 

These characters are portrayed as real people with genuine emotions rather than the cookie cutter images seen in some of the Amish books.  Kelly's books are full of believable passion. We had a discussion at Colonial Quills this week comparing her Amish writing to that of Julie Lessman's. Edgy Amish was a term used.


Great set up in this book for the next in the series which I also loved! That review is up tomorrow.

Well done, Kelly!  


Almost all of Kelly's books are available in multiple formats. Kelly's books can be purchased on Amazon, CBD, and other book stores.


GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of Kelly Long’s books, choice of format.

Diana Flowers Reviews Arms of Love by Kelly Long

Arms of Love 

by Kelly Long

(Thomas Nelson, 2012)

Check out (click on the following hotlink) Diana's review on Colonial Quills this week!  Colonial Quills is giving away a copy of Arms of Love this week so leave a comment there!


We are giving away a copy of any of Kelly Long's books this week.  Come back and leave a comment if you want. Otherwise we'll see you tomorrow!

Interview Kelly Marie Long

Kelly Long is the author of the new Amish colonial release Arms of Love. I met Kelly through ACFW (She is a member of the MidAtlantic Zone of which I am Zone Director), Colonial American Christian Writers, and God brought us together!

Kelly, welcome to Overcoming Through Time.  Would you share either the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help, or the most tragic situation or circumstance one of your character’s has had to get past? 

My mother died on Feb. 22, 2011 at 2:30 AM. My fingers were on her pulse. It will always be the most dramatic loss of my life. But, God was and is glorified. Grief is the last gift of love. I miss her so much that only time will lessen the pain or shape the pain into something that I can handle, accept, and believe…But Got still be praised!


CFP: Kelly we at OTT-WGH are sorry for your loss.  Both Diana and I lost our mothers in the last two years. We pray God will bring you peace as you work through your grief.

What is your favorite bible verse and why? 


“I will lift up mine eyes to the hills from whence my Redeemer cometh.” It is a verse that sees beyond the immediate, the pressure, pain, and loss of the moment. And I know that it is absolutely true!

Disability friendliness:

I do believe that they are all available in alternative formats. My dad is traditionally illiterate…he needs the listening versions!


CFP: I have listened to Kelly's books on audio through audible.com

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?

Time is not linear for God. He can redeem and reshape a past that we cannot touch on our own. This is important because so many people think “they’re too bad for the Cross.” But the Cross is the greatest power of all time until Christ returns.

As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?


I learned how much the Amish truly suffered in Europe…they were literally burned in the streets for their faith. This is why the Amish respond to violence with compassion—because they have suffered so themselves. It is a brave stance.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation? 


Arms of Love is about breaking the cycle of generational violence and abuse, PTSD, and making difficult choices.

Thank you Kelly for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!


Kelly Long's books are available on Amazon, Christian Book Distritbutors , and other book stores.

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of Kelly Long’s books, choice of format.

Valentines Week Celebration - Five Special Authors

We have reviews and giveaways all week long in celebration of Valentine's Day!  


Our special valentine's day guest, Laura Frantz, just had her book "The Frontiersman's Daughter" translated into Dutch.  Laura is giving away CHOCOLATE on Valentine's Day! She didn't say if it was Dutch chocolate, though!!!  Her latest release, The Colonel's Lady is wonderful. Of course we'll be giving away a Laura Frantz book, too!

Julie Lessman will be up in three reviews this week.  Moi, my critique partner Kim D. Taylor, and reviewer Teresa Mathews have all given our unique perspectives.  I am saving mine for a bibliotherapy analysis next Saturday.  We are giving away a copy of ANY Julie Lessman book, but this one, "A Heart Revealed" is super-appropriate for Valentine's Day week! And sweet Julie is giving away TWO copies of AHR, also!!!  Thanks, Valentine!









All of us here at Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help, also love Julie Klassen.  We have a review of Julie's latest book up this week, too, on Friday.  With a giveaway - of course!






You only counted three sweeties?  We want to give a great big Valentine Shout out to:

Susan Craft


A copy of Susan's book "The Chamomile", one of my picks for 2011, will be a giveaway.  Susan's book is a treasure trove !


Susan Craft's book on Amazon

and
Kelly Long also in my top 2011 picks, 


whose work I love, especially her two audiobooks in the Patch of Heaven series!
Buy Kelly Long books on Amazon and on CBD and other book stores.


Giveaway of any of Kelly's releases, including her upcoming first book in her Amish colonial series Arm's of Love!

 Kelly will be up on Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help for Kelly Long week later this spring!




Giveaways will be done everyday, so come by and celebrate historical romance for our Valentine's Week Celebration!

Best of 2011 – Carrie’s Fiction List 2011 Releases

Laura Frantz’s The Colonel’s Lady, Revell (historical romance, colonial) Laura is a favorite of all four of us who contribute to this blog. Three of us have read TCL. We all wait with bated breath each year for her new release.  So I'll tag this one "To Sigh For"

MaryLu Tyndall’s Surrender the Dawn (historical romance)

and Surrender the Night  (I am counting these two as one). Diana and Marian and I all included MaryLu on our lists - officially a triple threat! Consistent excellence in writing.

Melanie Dickerson,The Merchant’s Daughter, Zondervan (YA, historical romance) I read this through in one day - she just grips your heart and won't let you go till you are done reading!!!

Now for my count! (Yes, I am cheating! I removed the ones that we all voted for already!)  Oh, and I am another Julie Lessman fan but did not get her 2011 release read yet.  

Laurie Alice Eakes' Lady in the Mist (Revell), a lovely historical romantic suspense read.  One of the best heroes of the year. 

CJ Chase, Redeeming the Rogue, Love Inspired Historical (Regency romantic suspense). Amazing!!! 

Roseanna White's Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland, Summerside. Roseanna is on Diana's list, too.

Serena Miller, The Legend of Katie Calloway. Best Heroine and we love Serena and Katie!!! She'd on Teresa's list, too!

The Treasure Trove historical book for me:

Susan Craft’s, The Chamomile, Ingalls (historical, colonial)

Top bibliotherapy pick:
Jennifer Hudson Taylor - Highland Sanctuary, Abingdon  (Scottish historical romance). Wow!  She's also on Teresa's list as is the book.

Available on Audio (My preference!)

In a class all her own – Liz Curtis Higgs’ Mine is the Night, audible.com download (historical)  It would not be fair to even count this audiobook in my top ten because it is in a class all by itself – a fantastic audiobook NARRATED by the author HERSELF!!!!  You cannot beat this for really getting the story, the characterization, and of course that FABULOUS voice of Liz Curtis Higgs!!! 

Julie Klassen’s Girl in the Gatehouse, Bethany (historical romance, Regency). LOVE Julie Klassen's writing.  She has it ALL - unique storylines, amazing characters, fantastic writing, and beautiful voice!  AND it is on audio!!!

Best romance!!!

Kelly Marie Long,  Lilly's Wedding Quilt Thomas Nelson (Amish, romance).  Hunkiest hero and he is Amish!  Great use of bibliotherapy in this book.  Lovely voice and taut storyline.  She is one of my new favorite authors. And on audio and you have me sighing in gratitude!  Thank you Thomas Nelson Publishers for making this wonderful book available in that format!

Released on audio in 2011 - Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist (originally published in pb in 2010 by Bethany House). Also on Teresa's list. 

Vannetta Chapman, Falling to Pieces (Amish suspense murder-mystery).  This is like inviting your BFF over to visit and she is sharing the story.  


Also on Marian Baay's list: Waterfall by Lisa Bergren (YA, speculative, romance) Only one of the trio available in audio at this point in time. This is one of those gripping listens - you pretty much have to stop what you are doing to listen to it.  She reaches many different types of readers.


Happy listening and reading in 2012!!!


GIVEAWAY: A Kindle copy of Melanie Dickerson's new release The Merchant's Daughter and a paperback copy of Julie Klassen's The Girl in the Gatehouse.  Winners announced on Marian's birthday (January 4th) and on my birthday (January 5th) so come back for the parties!