Book Review: The Tinderbox

From the Back:

I've marveled at Dat's ability to accept the Old Ways so readily, considering his modern upbringing. Mamma says it's like he was born to be Amish. Maybe so, but all the same, I wished I knew something more about his past.With her parents' twentieth anniversary approaching, eighteen-year-old Sylvia Miller finds her father's cherished brass tinderbox left unlocked. Against her better judgment, Sylvia opens the heirloom, not realizing that what she is about to discover will splinter apart her happy life and alter everything for her close-knit Old Order Amish family. As the long-kept secret emerges into the light of day, can the Millers find a way forward through the turmoil to a place of forgiveness?

My Reflections:
Beverly Lewis is the queen of Amish fiction, the very author who introduced me to this simple way of life. Though I don't live this type of lifestyle I admire the dedication and community they forge. The People really do want what is best for the entirety of the people, however, the means can be quite harsh. 

When Sylvia Miller opens a long-held heirloom she never expects her actions to change everything she knows to be true. The shock waves ripple throughout the whole community and no one is immune to its destruction. At its core are Sylvia's faith, determination and steadfast love, even when shaken to the quick. She holds dear to the anchor of her life, God.

I adore how this book weaves my favourite elements together into a patchwork of synergy, Faith, community, uncertainty, hardship and a dash of suspense for good measure! These qualities mixed with Lewis's renowned talent make this book another success. Unfortunately, this book leaves off with a few unwoven threads, however, book two (The Timepiece) will be released in September of 2019. I can't wait to unravel the mystery, gah I hate cliffhangers! 

Another great Amish tale, if you love Beverly Lewis, well enough said, go out and pick up your copy today!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Beverly Lewis

Beverly Lewis (beverlylewis.com), born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 17 million books in print. Her stories have been published in 12 languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York...

Continue reading about Beverly Lewis

Book Review: Mending Fences

From The Back:

Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future.
Luke Schrock is a new and improved man after a stint in rehab, though everyone in Stoney Ridge only remembers the old Luke. They might have forgiven him, but nobody trusts him. He has been allowed to live at Windmill Farm under two conditions. First, he must make a sincere apology to each person he's hurt. Second, he must ask each victim of mischief to describe the damage he caused.

Simple, Luke thinks. Offering apologies is easy. But discovering the lasting effects his careless actions have caused isn't so simple. It's gut-wrenching.

And his list keeps growing. Izzy Miller, beautiful and frustratingly aloof, also boards at Windmill Farm, and Luke's clumsy efforts to befriend her only insult and annoy her. Eager to impress, Luke sets out to prove himself to her by locating her mother. When he does, her identity sends shock waves through Stoney Ridge. 

My Reflections:
This is book one in Susanne Woods Fisher's newest series titled, "The Deacon's Family." I am loving the turn these Amish tales have taken. They are not portrayed the same at all. I don't know why the change, but I sure hope that it actually reflects a more accurate representation of the Amish people in reality. 
Not to say that there are no set rules and faith guidelines to follow, but the characters in recent books have been more able to test the waters in their lives without such harsh retribution. This is a welcome surprise!

I loved everything about this novel from the characters to the plot twists. very well written, and so much fun to read! The healing in this story was a balm to my soul, how beautiful to watch a story of redemption unfurl before your eyes. 
How can you not cheer on Luke, he wants to change and wants the respect of his people, but earning proves to be a little more challenging than he anticipates. Throw in a few events that turn things upside down and you have a touching story, that not only keeps your attention but also throws a curveball into the normally predictable Amish storylines we have come to expect, 

Brilliantly done! Can't wait for book two. 
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than thirty books, including Mending Fences, as well as the Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop's Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, among other novels. She is also...

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Book Review: A Faithful Gathering

From The Back:

When Each Tomorrow Brings Unexpected Challenges,
Can She Keep Hoping for the Future She Envisions? 
Leisel Bachmann left her Amish roots and beloved sisters to pursue a career in nursing without a second thought. She and her English boyfriend, Nick Jordan, have big dreams for their future, but those dreams come crashing down when her sister Marie is diagnosed with cancer.

Soon nothing is going as she planned--not her state boards, not her first nursing job, and certainly not her relationship with Nick. As she becomes increasingly discouraged, her aunt shares the story of Leisel's grandfather during World War II and the struggle he faced between returning to Lancaster or being with the woman he loved.

Peace and direction for the future are difficult to find, and when Nick leaves Pennsylvania to pursue an unexpected career path without talking it through with Leisel, she is faced with impossible choices. Will she stay in Lancaster, close to her family and the traditions of her past? Or will her grandfather's story encourage her to embrace a life of love and service in an uncertain future?

My Reflections:

This is the third and final book in the series labelled "The Sisters Of Lancaster County" Leslie Gould is a fantastic authour she always pens her books with interesting facts and an array of complex characters. You never find yourself wandering through the pages of her novels. T

his book is taken on slightly different than her others, The main character, Liesel is at a crossroads in her life she is in a very vulnerable position and must choose how the rest of her life will play out (as much as anyone can.) I enjoyed the dual storyline Aenti Suz is wise and a fantastic storyteller! Many life lessons and tidbits of wisdom can be gleaned at the knee of a wise elder. I adored how relationships were a center point to this story though true to life they bore strain and conflict, such strife is the way of bonding, faith building and strength in may hard-won relationships.

I found many interesting facts along the pages of this story many centring on the Amish lifestyle and how they conducted themselves in war times. I attend a Mennonite church and have heard some stories, but it was nice to delve a little deeper into what the men did during the war.

Al in all this is a fantastic read, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good Amish novel!
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Leslie Gould is the coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 bestselling The Amish Midwife and The Amish Nanny. She is also the author of numerous novels including two Lancaster Amish series. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland...

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Book Review: The Proving

From The Back:

"Mandy, you are to inherit the farmhouse, including the business of the inn."

She could scarcely find her voice to respond. "Ach, this must be a mistake," she told him, shaking her head as she talked into the phone, feeling befuddled. "The house . . . and everything related to the inn . . . shouldn't that go to Arie Mae?"
After five years as an Englisher, Amanda Dienner is shocked to learn her mother has passed away and left her Lancaster County's most popular Amish bed-and-breakfast. What's more, the inn will only truly be hers if Mandy can successfully run it for twelve months. Reluctantly, Mandy accepts the challenge, no matter that it means facing the family she left behind--or that the inn's clientele expect an Amish hostess! Can Mandy fulfill the terms of her inheritance? Or will this prove a dreadful mistake?

My Reflections:
The proving is exactly what you would expect from a Beverly Lewis novel. Well written, engaging and easy, light reading. The characters possessed depth and personality in only a style that Lewis is famous for. 

I saw a new element in this novel, Lewis used an Inn as the setting, something she has not done in the past, perhaps this is a new trend as I am seeing it more and more in Amish books and movies. It worked very well in this story, and it highlighted the interactions between Englishers and the Amish.  

This book starts backwards, our main character Amanda Dienner has left Amish Country but the story centers upon her return and the reintegration to the ways of the plain people.
Amanda (Mandy) receives a letter from her elder brother informing her of her mother Saloma's passing. She learns that Butterfly Meadows B and B has been left to her, but there are strict stipulations, can she really pull this off?

Some of the parts of this novel made me want to scream for the decisions being made, but knowing Beverly Lewis well I knew the Happily ever after was around the corner. I am a happily ever after kinda girl so I ignored my ire and plugged through those parts, enjoying the witty plot and dramatic themes interwoven with truth, and grace. 

If you are looking for a novel that takes you to a place where time slows down and life is anything but simple, this just might be the book for you!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Beverly Lewis

Beverly Lewis (www.beverlylewis.com), born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 17 million books in print. Her stories have been published in twelve languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New...

Continue reading about Beverly Lewis

Book Review: The Wish

About

"You really think this is a gut idea, goin' clear out there, spendin' time with folk who've left the People?"

Leona wondered if she was getting the carriage before the horse. Even so, she was willing to do whatever she could to bring Gloria back home--where she belonged.

Leona Speicher got the "sister" she always dreamed of the day Gloria Gingerich and her family moved to Lancaster County. The Arkansas newcomers seem to be the answer to Leona's prayers--until Gloria's father is expelled from their Old Order Amish church for reasons no one will discuss. Much to Leona's dismay, the Gingeriches suddenly pack up and disappear. Then, after a silence of several years, Gloria unexpectedly contacts Leona, who makes up her mind to go after her friend. Yet Leona's fiancé--the deacon's son--is alarmed. Will Leona's dearest wish lead to her own undoing?

My Reflections:

I thought I was over my Amish fiction addiction, then I read this book. 
Beverly Lewis consistently draws me in straight off the first page, her sweet stories carry me to a world of simple bliss. This novel is sure to lift your spirits and brighten the dreary fall doldrums.
Though a uniquely Amish tale the thread of this story can be found in any life story. 
If we are honest from time to time we all yearn for the things we don't have. two characters two hearts desire to live the others life.

Leona personifies all things Amish, she is self-sacrificing, disciplined, dutiful and loyal, but what secrets lay await in her tender heart? As a wee girl Leona and her dear friend Gloria were as close as best friends of that age typically are, then one day she is gone. Three years pass without so much as a letter to explain, then Gloria gets in touch with Leona. Is it too late? Is Gloria too English to relate too?

Will Gloria rejoin the Amish life? Will the Amish community welcome her back? I'm not going to spoil the plot for this fabulous tale! 

With a captivating storyline, endearing characters, and strong 
faith themes this makes for an uplifting and nourishing read.
If you are a Beverly Lewis fan or need to feed your Amish fiction addiction this one is a sure bet. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

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THE AUTHOR

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   Photo courtesy of Aimee Christenson

   Beverly Lewis

   Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 17 million books in print. Her stories have been published in twelve languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times and...

   Continue reading about Beverly Lewis

Book Review: Hannah's Choice

From The Back:

When love and family conflict, will she listen to her head . . . or her heart?

Hannah Yoder loves her quiet life on the banks of Conestoga Creek. In 1842, this corner of Lancaster County is settled and peaceful--yet problems lurk beneath the placid façade. Hannah strives to be the one person who can bind the threads of her family together in spite of her father's worries, her mother's depression, and her sister's rebellious ways. But her world threatens to unravel.

When two young men seek her hand in marriage--one offering the home she craves and the other promising the adventure of following God's call west--Hannah must make a choice. Will she stay true to the faith of her family or defy her father and abandon her community?


"Jan Drexler's Amish family is so engaging that we're right there sitting down with them at their supper table, sharing their joys and sorrows as they embrace the adventure of life. A great read for anyone who enjoys a page-turning mix of appealing characters, exciting story action, sweet romance, and interesting history."--Ann H. Gabhart, bestselling author of The Innocent

Jan Drexler's ancestors were among the first Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren immigrants to Pennsylvania in the 1700s. Their experiences are the basis for her stories. Jan is the author of several Love Inspired novels and lives in South Dakota with her husband, their four adult children, two active dogs, and a cat.

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My Reflections:

Hannah'a Choice is book one in the Journey to Pleasant Prairie series.

This book is set in the 1840's, readers are transported back to the beautiful landscape of Lancaster Pennsylvania.  

The country is on the brink of the Civil War. Slave hunters prowl in the deep forests for escaped slaves. 

Hannah is at that place in her life where she is neither child nor a wife, the awkward age where she must decide where her life's decisions and paths will lead her. Having lived on the family farm that has been owned by the Yoder's for generations things seem to be ripe for change.

When company calls to visit they bring with them news of a new land, one with more Amish folk, and a new beginning. Hannah's dad Christian must decide if this is the change that his family needs to remove the veil of sadness that shrouds his family.

Hannah's best friend Adam has been a huge support to her, he understand her and listens like no one else.

That's what best friends are for right?

However now that they are older, Adam has made it clear that his feelings of friendship run much deeper, problem is he is a Mennonite... Hannah must decide where her heart lies, who she will tie her life to and which path she will follow. The stakes are high, should she choose a life steeped in tradition, or a life which offers adventure and possibly holds great risks as well.

It's no secret that I love Amish fiction and this book marries both of my favorite genres Historical Romance and Amish Fiction. 

I savoured the backdrop of this novel, the scenery it painted in my head made me want to jump into the book and go for a relaxing walk along the Conestoga River, (minus the slave hunters.)

The multiple storylines, and complex characters kept the interest level, though I did find the story line slow moving in places. This coupled with the maddening spoiled sister that I just wanted to tattle on, were two of the things that made me give this book a slightly lower star rating, that being said I did quite enjoy this novel.

I would recommend this book of you are looking for your new Amish fiction addiction.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

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The Author

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Book review: Becoming Bea

From the Back:

Can Bea and Ben Turn Rivalry Into Romance?

Beatrice Zook knows God wants her to learn patience toward others. When assisting a family overwhelmed by triplets proves surprisingly successful, her confidence in dealing with others, both young and old, grows.

One person she'll never be able to find peace with though is Ben Rupp. They've known each other forever, and Ben understands precisely how to antagonize her. What neither she nor Ben will admit is that beneath all their bickering, attraction awaits. When friends decide to try and bring the couple together, will the pair be able to find true love? Or will they damage their relationship beyond repair?

My Reflections:

Becoming Bea is a delightfully sweet story. This is book #4 in the Courtships of Lancaster Country series.

Having read Courting Cate, and loving it, I was especially thrilled to have the opportunity to read this new installment in the series. I will get around to reading the first book Adoring Addie sooner or later! So that being said I feel this book can be read as a stand alone, the author's writing style allows for enough information to encompass the gap.

Take an Amish girl who is slightly insecure and completely introverted and add an inspiring and humorous story line and you have Leslie Gould's newest release Becoming Bea.

Bea Zook takes a position as a nanny of sorts, to a neighbour who has just had triplets, she soon becomes indispensable, even though she starts off a little unsure and a lot self conscious. It was beautiful to watch this character blossom into a self assured individual.

When Bea happens upon Ben Rupp her high-school nemesis, she tries to do what she does best out spell him. The past has left some scars, but all the washing and caring for the three little ones has given her time and space to think good and hard about her true feelings concerning this certain handsome man.

Ben knows how to ignite Bea's ire, but can he learn how to communicate to her in a way that has a positive effect on her heart? Can two people who can't even agree on anything really have a future together?

Lestlie Gould has created a well rounded story, somewhat of a coming of age tale. I enjoyed how Gould was able to bring Bea's character from a introverted, insecure, and immature person into a  healthy and charming character. I think we can all relate to some of Bea's struggles, it is a rite of passage to grow and learn who we are in Christ, it truly is a beautiful progression.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group"

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About The Author

1. 

   Leslie Gould

   Leslie Gould is the coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 CBA bestseller The Amish Midwife, a 2012 Christy Award winner; ECPA bestseller Courting Cate, first in the Courtships of Lancaster County series; and Beyond the Blue, winner...
   

   Continue reading about Leslie Gould

Book Review: Amish Peace

From the Back:

In our instantly connected world, it’s surprisingly easy to lose our connection to God. This devotional taps Amish wisdom in order to help us draw closer to God and hear his voice.

In The One Year® Book of Amish Peace, you’ll get a daily taste of Amish values and wisdom. Tricia Goyer shares her fascination with the Amish in a way that will inspire and encourage believers to carve out more time in each day to listen to God and experience his presence.

This daily devotional contains interesting facts about the Amish, recipes, and information about the way the Amish handle money, rear their children, and center their lives on faith in God. You’ll be inspired to slow down and find ways to simplify so that you, too, can experience God in the ordinary.

My Reflections: 

This little devotional was just what I needed each morning with my hot tea, a great way to start my day. The devotions were just the right length for this busy homeschooling mom, yet were packed with nuggets of truth and thought provoking wisdom. I so look forward to my morning, readings I always feel so grounded and peaceful afterward.

What I enjoyed most about this book was that it is not merely fluff, it has some deep and convicting truths to it. I felt challenged in a good way on several occasions, and I know this is a healthy step toward maturity. This daily discipline has definitely proven to deepen my faith walk. One thing that stands out with this devotional is it's simple elegance, the pages are laid out in a fashion that draws the reader in, focuses attention and readies the reader to draw near to god in a very intentional fashion.

I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the Amish and their ways, the devotional even includes some Amish recipes and a prayer at the end of your daily reading.

This book is very refreshing and dynamic. I would recommend this book to any woman seeking not only to draw closer to God but also learn about the simplicity of the Amish people and customs.

I received this devotional from the Author Tricia Goyer, in return for my honest review, my opinions are my own. Thank you so much Tricia Goyer.

You can view the book here:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/171009821/The-One-Year%C2%AE-Book-of-Amish-Peace-Sampler

About the Author:  
 
Tricia Goyer has written more than thirty-five books, including both novels that delight and entertain readers and non- fiction titles that offer encouragement and hope. She has also published more than 500 articles in national publications such as Guideposts, Thriving Family, Proverbs 31, and HomeLife Magazine.
Goyer’s fiction and non-fiction books have won awards from the American Christian Fiction Writers and Mt. Hermon Writers’ Conference. She is also a two-time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee.
Tricia has authored several books on family and parenting, as well as co-written with Max Lucado and Robin Jones Gunn. She collaborated with Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges for Lead Your Family Like Jesus, published by Focus on the Family/Tyndale.
Tricia’s contemporary and historical novels feature strong women overcoming great challenges. She recreates historic wartime eras with precise detail through perseverant and comprehensive research. Tricia speaks to groups interested in these eras, with the intention of preserving and honoring the memory of the men and women who served.
She is a beloved author of Amish fiction, as well, writing the Big Sky and Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors Series. Tricia is currently working on The One Year Book of Amish Peace: Hearing God’s Voice in the Simple Things and a true Amish story co-written with Ora Jay and Irene Eash (contracted to release in 2013 and 2014 respectively).
Tricia is also the visionary force behind the new website, Not Quite Amish. Inspired by the writing process of her Amish releases, she wanted to create a community where Amish and simple living experts can become contributors. Launched in the fall of 2012, the Not Quite Amish lifestyle blog features daily posts about recipes, repurposing, simple style, beautifying your home, sewing Amish proverbs, and more. In addition to having more than fifteen regular contributors, readers are also encouraged to submit ideas, questions, and posts for topics they’d like to see written about.
In addition to Not Quite Amish, Tricia also posts regularly at her personal blog and is a contributor to other family and homeschooling blogs, such as The Home Educating Family, The Better Mom, Allume and MomLife Today. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com.
Throughout the past ten years, Tricia has been interviewed by numerous national TV and radio programs and magazines.