Book List for 2015

Here is the list of books that I read in 2015:

January:
"An Amish Second Christmas" by Beth Wiseman, Ruth Reid, Kathleen Fuller, and Tricia Goyer
"The Lady and the Officer" by Mary Ellis
"Heart of a Soldier" by Belle Calhoune
"A Woodland Miracle" by Ruth Reid
"A Brush With Love" by Rachel Hauck
"Huckleberry Spring" by Jennifer Beckstrand
"Secretly Yours" by Valerie Comer
"Miriam's Secret" by Jerry S. Eicher

February:
"The Last Heiress" by Mary Ellis
"My Candy Valentine" by Darlene Franklin
"A Woman After God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George
"How to Catch a Prince" by Rachel Hauck

March:
"Serving Up a Sweetheart" by Cheryl Wyatt
"The Fruitcake Challenge" by Carrie Fancett Pagels
"Bethany's Calendar" by Elaine Marie Cooper
"By Your Side" by Candace Calvert
"All Dressed Up in Love" by Ruth Logan Herne
"An Uncertain Choice" by Jody Hedlund

April:
"A Stranger's Secret" by Laurie Alice Eakes
"Stepping Heavenward" by Elizabeth Prentiss
"Living Without Worry" by Timothy Lane

May:
"Chance of Loving You"  by Terri Blackstock, Candace Calvert, and Susan May Warren
"As Love Blooms" by Lorna Seistad
"The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest" by Melanie Dickerson
"In Tune With Love" by Amy Matayo
"Never a Bridesmaid" by Janice Thompson
"Heiress of Winterwood" by Sarah Ladd
"In Firefly Valley" by Amanda Cabot
"Maggie Bright" by Tracy Groot
"The Headmistress of Rosemere" by Sarah E. Ladd
"Hidden Identity" by Carol J. Post

June:
"The Nesting Place" by Myquillin Smith
"Rori's Healing" by Dori Hiers
"A Lady at Willowgrove Hall" by Sarah E. Ladd
"Island Dreams" by Kimberly Rose Johnson
"An Amish Cradle" by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston,  Kathleen Fuller, & Vanetta Chapman
"You CAN Write 50,000 Words in 30 Days" by D.J. Mynant

July:
"The Innocent" by Ann H. Gabhart
"The Wonder of You" by Susan May Warren
"To Capture Her Heart" by Rebecca DiMarino
"A Simple Prayer" by Amy Clipston
"Never Broken" by Kathleen Fuller
"Prison" by Toni V. Lee
"I Hope You Dance" by Robin Lee Hatcher

August:
"Hope Harbor" by Irene Hannon
"A Cowboy for a Lifetime" by Suzanne D. Williams
"Eight Twenty Eight" by Ian and Larissa Murphy

September:
"The Isaac Project" by Sarah Monson
"Stealing Jake" by Pam Hillman
"Through Waters Deep" by Sarah Sundin
"Where Can I Flee" by A.M. Heath
"Hand-Me-Down Princess" by Carol Moncado
"The Mistress of Tall Acre" by Laura Frantz
"The Memory Weaver" by Jane Kirkpatrick

October:
"Murder at the Courthouse" by A.H. Gabhart
"The Bishop's Son" by Kelly Irvin
"The Horse of my Heart" collected by Callie Smith Grant
"Winning the Queen's Heart" by Carol Moncado
"Island Christmas" by Kimberly Rose Johnson
"The Tethered World" by Heather Fitzgerald

November:
"In the Shadow of Thy Wings" by A.M. Heath
"Simply Tuesday" by Emily P. Freeman
"The Girl from the Train" by Irma Joubert
"The Imposter" by Suzanne Woods Fisher
"The Christmas Joy Ride" by Melody Carlson
"All is Calm All is Bright" by Colleen Coble
"Every Girl Gets Confused" by Janice Thompson
"The Golden Braid" by Melanie Dickerson
"The Perfect Arrangement" by Katie Ganshert
"Love in the Details" by Becky Wade

December:
"An Amish Christmas Gift" by Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid, and Kelly Irvin
"Mistletoe Justice" by Carol Post
"A Respectable Actress" by Dorothy Love

Book Review: "A Respectable Actress" by Dorothy Love

India Hartley has embarked on an acting tour of the South. She is barely into her 2nd evening's performance at the Southern Palace Theater in Savannah, Georgia when things go terribly wrong. She finds herself in jail accused of killing her co-star. A benefactor hires Philip Sinclair, the best lawyer in town, to defend her. To keep India from being mobbed in town, Philip convinces the judge to let him take her to Indigo Point until her trial date. India is delighted with the island and finds herself drawn to Philip, but a mysterious room that appears to be a shrine of some sort and troubling clues seem to point to Philip's past and may be the key to India's freedom.

I would recommend NOT reading the back info on the book as I think it gives too much of the story away before you get to it in the book.

I found it interesting (and somewhat frustrating) how the legal system worked in the 1870's. I liked the main characters and felt pulled into their lives. The book was well written and I enjoyed reading it. It has elements of suspense and romance. Although it is listed as "Religious & Inspirational", there really isn't any Christian element to it. There is a mention of "Fate" and another of ""Providence" and India goes to church once, but the characters don't look to God for guidance or direction.

"A Respectable Actress" is available in paperback:

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 13, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401687598
• ISBN-13: 978-1401687595
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.4 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 2252 KB
• Print Length: 383 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 13, 2015)
• Publication Date: October 13, 2015
• Sold by: HarperCollins Christian Publishing
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00WDJT06Q

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in order to give my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I received no other compensation.

Book Review: "In the Shadow of Thy Wings" by A.M. Heath

"In the Shadow of Thy Wings" by A.M. Heath is the second book in the Ancient Words Series. It picks up where "Where Can I Flee" ends and should be read in order or it won't really make sense. This book follows Frank Harper, Sally Chandler, Claire Harper, Olen Harper, and Ralph Williams. There are some letters between the characters, but not as many as are included in the first book. The romance that I wished for in the first book was finally brought out in this book. I enjoyed watching the romance blossom and grow. The Harpers and Chandlers feel like friends, so I wept with them and rejoiced with them in turn. There were several unexpected twists that were quite surprising to me.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series to find out how Frank Harper, George Chandler, and Ralph Williams fare after the war is ended.

"In the Shadow of Thy Wings" is available in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 1386 KB
• Print Length: 458 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publication Date: November 29, 2015
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B018RERANK

A.M. Heath is participating in several giveaways and Facebook parties in conjunction with the release of "In the Shadow of Thy Wings".

***A Rafflecopter giveaway running from Dec 3-18:



***Facebook Party running from Dec 8-10:



***Another Facebook party running Dec 15- 17 (A.M. Heath is the 16th at 12 Central)


I received a free copy of this book in order to review it. I got no other compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: "Mistletoe Justice" by Carol Post

Darci Tucker was just going back to her office to get the cell phone she'd forgotten when her life started spiraling out of control. Her only hope to get it back under control is co-worker Conner Stevenson who is trying to find answers about his sister's sudden disappearance. Neither of them is in a position for a relationship, so why do they want so much more as Christmas approaches?

"Mistletoe Justice" by Carol Post brings you back to Cedar Key. I was happy to read Darci's and little Jayden's story. It is best to read the books in order to get to know the characters better, but you could read this story alone. It was fun to see the characters we got to know and love from the other Cedar Key books. I'm also happy to see that there will be two more books to come. There were many twists and turns in the story that kept you guessing throughout the book as to what was going to happen. I devoured the book wanting to know exactly was going to happen. I enjoyed Conner's personal development through the book. So many things are happening in the book and it moves at a fast pace as the danger and suspense pulls you in.

"Mistletoe Justice" is available in paperback:

• Series: Love Inspired Suspense
• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Love Inspired (December 1, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373447124
• ISBN-13: 978-0373447121
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.6 x 6.6 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 571 KB
• Print Length: 224 pages
• Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (December 1, 2015)
• Publication Date: December 1, 2015
• Sold by: Harlequin Digital Sales Corp.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00YN207E0
• 
  

I received a free copy of this book from the author in order for me to give an honest review. A positive review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: "An Amish Christmas Gift" by Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid, and Kelly Irvin

"Naomi's Gift" by Amy Clipston: Caleb Schmucker has been a widower for two years. His eight year old daughter Susie hopes for a Christmas miracle-for her dat to be happy and truly smile. Naomi King has had more than her share of heartbreak and is resigned that she'll never find true love. Can God work a miracle in their lives?

I enjoyed reading "Naomi's Gift" and liked Caleb and Naomi and little Susie. I wanted to tell off Sadie for trying to run Caleb's life, though! I found a few places that seemed to be errors. When Caleb and Susie first arrived in Bird-in-Hand, Susie's cousins go to take a bath before bedtime. This is what the book says:

     Caleb turned to Susie. "Let's find your gown. You can take a bath too." He placed her bag on the bed and rummaged through it. 
    He tried to suppress his smile. "Ya, but you were also cooped up on a smelly train overnight, and we have services tomorrow. Do you want the other kinner in the district to call you the stinky girl from Ohio?"

It seems to be missing some sort of remark from Susie about not wanting or needing to take a bath between the two pieces of dialog by Caleb.

In another spot, Caleb, Naomi, Susie and some other kids go shopping:

   "Are we heading home now?" Susie asked. "I think I have to help my mamm start supper."
   "Ya," Caleb said, placing his hand on Susie's shoulder. "I believe your dat may send out a search party if we don't head home soon."

Obviously, it can't be Susie who really said that as her mother is dead and her father is the one who said that her dat may send out a search party.

Other than the editing errors, I liked the story and the characters.

"An Unexpected Joy" by Ruth Reid: Abigail Kemp hasn't had a problem getting rides home from singings, its getting asked a second time that's the problem. She scares them off with her "gift of gab".  She's resigned herself to the fact that she'll never marry and is saving to buy herself a horse.  When Micah Zook is in need of a caregiver for his grandmother, she is eager to take the job.  She wouldn't have been his first choice, but he doesn't have any other options.  The more time he spends with her, the more he finds himself caring for her.  Can they find an unexpected joy this Christmas?

I enjoyed reading this story and liked how Ruth Reid did the dialogue so you got the feel of Abigail's talkativeness.  I liked watching Abby and Micah's relationship grow.  One thing that jumped out at me was the fact that on the first page of the story, Abigail was 22.  Eight pages later, it says she is 23.

"A Christmas Visitor" by Kelly Irvin: Frannie Mast's parents think she was getting to close to the Englisch man, Rocky Sanders, so she has been sent from Missouri to stay with her aunt and uncle in Bee County, Texas. When he shows up at her uncle's front door, Frannie is conflicted. She has feelings for him, but knows that she could never leave the faith. Can God turn her Christmas visitor into the best gift ever?

This story is best read after reading the novels in the "The Amish of Bee County Novels" series as it has the same characters and a lot of how they act is influenced by the events from the novels. It does give a bit of the story from those novels, so it isn't impossible to read alone, but you'd get more out of it reading it in order. I liked Rocky and his growth through the story. For as much as happens in this novella, I didn't feel like it felt rushed which was nice.

"An Amish Christmas Gift" is available in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 2097 KB
• Print Length: 401 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 6, 2015)
• Publication Date: October 6, 2015
• Sold by: HarperCollins Christian Publishing
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00WDJSWMY

and in paperback:

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 6, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718039653
• ISBN-13: 978-0718039653
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.1 x 8.4 inches

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in order for me to review it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: "Love in the Details" by Becky Wade

Holly Morgan broke up with Josh Bowen eight years ago.  She thought she had dealt with the heartache of losing him , but when he comes to town to help plan his best friend's wedding, she isn't prepared for the old feelings to come flooding back.  Josh has had eight months to prepare himself for seeing Holly again and he only has to make it through a month without telling Holly how he feels. Will he make it?

I enjoyed reading "Love in the Details"  I felt like I was holding my breath waiting for Holly and Josh to get back together, even though I knew they were going to (since they were the main characters!).  The characters grew through the book and spoke of following God.  Novellas are fast paced, but nice for reading in a short amount of time.

"Love in the Details" is available in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 1942 KB
• Print Length: 93 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Up to 5 simultaneous devices, per publisher limits
• Publisher: Zondervan (October 27, 2015)
• Publication Date: October 27, 2015
• Sold by: HarperCollins Publishing
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00UF72DSK

I received a free ecopy of this book from booklookbloggers in exchange for an honest review.  A positive review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: "The Perfect Arrangement" by Katie Ganshert

"The Perfect Arrangement" by Katie Ganshert is a novella in the 2nd "A Year of Weddings Novella" series. Amelia Woods runs a small town florist, which she loves. She's only had one boyfriend and they broke up four years ago. She decides to drive by the church on the day of his wedding to spy on the proceedings. Being distracted, she rear ends another car, owned by handsome wedding guest Nate Gallagher. When Amelia sees something that upsets her about her brother's girlfriend, she sends a frantic email to her best friend, only to accidentally send it to Nate instead.

"The Perfect Arrangement" has a definite "You've Got Mail" feel to it with the hero and heroine writing emails to each other (other than the fact that Amelia and Nate had meet, albeit briefly, before they started emailing). The story was cute and fun and quick to read. There wasn't really any spiritual content, but the story was clean with no physical contact other than holding hands and kissing. I haven't read many of the novellas in this year's series, but I'm glad that I was able to read this one.

"The Perfect Arrangement" is available on Kindle:

• File Size: 1669 KB
• Print Length: 84 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Up to 5 simultaneous devices, per publisher limits
• Publisher: Zondervan (September 29, 2015)
• Publication Date: September 29, 2015
• Sold by: HarperCollins Publishing
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00OFMBDTG

I received a free eBook from booklookbloggers in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received and a positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: "The Golden Braid" by Melanie Dickerson

"The Golden Braid" by Melanie Dickerson is a re-telling of the Rapunzel story. It is set in Hagenheim like many of her other stories. "The Golden Braid" actually overlaps her book "The Princess Spy" and you can see some of the action from a different perspective. I love Melanie Dickerson's books and "The Golden Braid" lived up to my expectations. There were some classic elements from the Rapunzel story, with new twists to make this story unique. I enjoyed the characters and stayed up way too late to finish the book. The conflict wasn't just the hero and heroine running through the forest to escape the bad guys, which was also nice.

"The Golden Braid" is available in hardcover:

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 17, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718026268
• ISBN-13: 978-0718026264
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 1.1 x 8.7 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 2254 KB
• Print Length: 318 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 17, 2015)
• Publication Date: November 17, 2015
• Sold by: HarperCollins Christian Publishing
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00XPV60U0

I received a free copy of this book from booklookbloggers in order for me to review it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: "Every Girl Gets Confused" by Janice Thompson

"Every Girl Gets Confused" by Janice Thompson is the second book in the "A Brides with Style Novel" series. I did not read the first book, but it would be a good idea to read it first as "Every Girl Gets Confused" continues on from the story in the first book.

I had a hard time reading this book. It just didn't flow for me. It was told in the first person, which is different than most books, but I've read first person perspective that flowed easier for me. I understand that not everyone likes the same books and this book just wasn't my style. The book is supposedly about Katie Fisher being confused about whether she should stick with her current boyfriend, Brady James, or go back to her ex-boyfriend Casey Lawson. I didn't really get a sense that Katie was really that confused. She sort of wonders about Casey seeming to want to spend time with her, but she always sticks with Brady. The quotes about or by Doris Day at the beginning of the chapters were fun, but along with the titles, didn't seem to go with the chapter's content. Everyone seemed to be arguing about something all the time and there was constant bickering about what denomination church the people went to. It was also strange to me that Katie's family was so tied in with the people from her work with her brothers both dating coworkers.

"Every Girl Gets Confused" is available in paperback:

• Series: Brides with Style (Book 2)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Revell (October 20, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800724003
• ISBN-13: 978-0800724009
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches

in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 4706 KB
• Print Length: 338 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0800724003
• Publisher: Revell (October 13, 2015)
• Publication Date: October 13, 2015
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00XNJGMLQ

and large print hardcover:

• Series: Brides With Style
• Hardcover: 500 pages
• Publisher: Center Point Pub; Lrg edition (December 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1628997958
• ISBN-13: 978-1628997958

I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher in order for me to review it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: "All is Calm All is Bright" by Colleen Coble

"All is Calm All is Bright" by Colleen Coble contains two Christmas novellas.

All is Calm  Lauren Everman remembers her time at Bluebird Ranch when she was a foster kid as a haven, so when she needs somewhere to hide, that's where she heads. Brendan Waddell is immediately drawn to her, but can also tell she's hiding something. Will they be able to sort things out before her past catches up with her?

All is Bright  Delilah Carter manages the Tidewater Inn and is planning the wedding for her friend, but when her car is forced off the road, she wonders if someone from her past is trying to harm her. Sheriff Tom Bourne doesn't feel like he's in the same league as Delilah and has kept his feelings for her to himself. He realizes that he needs to do what he can to keep her safe or whomever is trying to hurt her may succeed.

"All is Calm All is Bright" has romance, suspense, and mystery all wrapped up within the Christmas setting. Things happen quickly in the stories which is expected in a novella. I liked the characters in both stories and rooted for them to be able to solve the case and get the bad guys. In "All is Calm",
the mystery kept me guessing up until the end, but I had guessed what was going on in "All is Bright". I still didn't know all the details of what was going to happen, so the story wasn't totally predictable. It was fun to have a quick and enjoyable book to fill a day.

Thomas Nelson and Zondervan are having a contest right now on their Facebook page that you can win a copy of "All is Calm All is Bright" along with Colleen's other Christmas novella book "Silent Night Holy Night"

"All is Calm All is Bright" is available in paperback:

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 6, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718037820
• ISBN-13: 978-0718037826
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.4 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 1958 KB
• Print Length: 199 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0718037820
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 6, 2015)
• Publication Date: October 6, 2015
• Sold by: HarperCollins Christian Publishing
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00WDJSWJW

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in order for me to review it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: "The Christmas Joy Ride" by Melody Carlson

Miranda Fortner is not feeling very into the Christmas spirit having lost her job and her husband and about to loose her house as well. When her 85 year old neighbor asks her to go on a cross country trek to spread Christmas Joy, she figures she doesn't have anything else better to do and this way she can make sure Joy gets their safely.

"The Christmas Joy Ride" was a very quick read that puts you in the mood for Christmas. As Joy and Miranda make stops along Route 66 delivering Christmas Joy surprises to 6 contest winners, Miranda finds her joy returning. I got teary eyed as they described the situations of the winners and why Joy wanted to help them out. The ending did seem a bit rushed, but with it being a novella, it isn't always possible to elaborate. In all, I thought it was a fun book.

"The Christmas Joy Ride" is available in hardcover:

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800719670
• ISBN-13: 978-0800719678
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 5218 KB
• Print Length: 176 pages
• Publisher: Revell (August 25, 2015)
• Publication Date: August 25, 2015
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00XNPCHUA

I received a free copy of this book by the publisher in order for me to review it. All thoughts and opinions are my own and a positive review was not required.

Book Review: "The Girl from the Train" by Irma Joubert

Gretl Schmidt escapes from a train headed to Auschwitz, but at only 6 years old, she is left destitute. Jakob Kowalski brings him to his house, but she isn't able to stay there forever. There are already too many people living there. He brings her to a German orphanage and prays he is doing the right thing for her. With her connections to Poland, the Catholic Church, and her Jewish ancestry, she has a lot to hide. There is little hope that Gretl will see Jakob again, but they both can see the moon at night and she takes comfort in that.

"The Girl from the Train" starts in April 1944 and spans the next 16 years. It is told from both Gretl's and Jakob's experiences. I found it easy to read and stayed up too late on more than one occasion because I didn't want to stop reading. The characters were realistic and fleshed out. It was interesting to learn about the events that were taking place in Poland during and after World War II. I also was not aware of the German orphans that had been relocated to South Africa.

"The Girl From the Train" is available in paperback:

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 3, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0529102374
• ISBN-13: 978-0529102379
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.9 x 8.4 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 1630 KB
• Print Length: 379 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 3, 2015)
• Publication Date: November 3, 2015
• Sold by: HarperCollins Christian Publishing
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00PWOGZAI

I received a free copy of this book for me to review. No other compensation was received and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: "Winning the Queen's Heart" by Carol Moncado

"Winning the Queen's Heart" by Carol Moncado is the second book in the "Brides of Belles Montagnes" series and I would recommend reading the books in order (It would be best to start with the Montevaro Monarchy books as those characters are also carried over into the Brides series, too).

Christiana has been the queen of Ravenzario since her parents died when she was five. Her uncle, who rule as her regent, was shown to have less than honest intentions for the country and was put in prison. Now, about 18 months later, she learns that her fiance was not who he claimed to be either. She is left with no groom for her wedding. How will her people survive another blow to their country?

Alexander Bayfield has been a part of Queen Christiana's inner circle after bringing her uncle's duplicity to light. When she has no one left to turn to, he steps up to be her protector. Can he win her heart or will events from the past tear them apart?

When I loaded this book on my Kindle, I opened it to make sure it had loaded properly. I started reading and didn't want to put it down! It sucked me right in. I loved how protective Alexander was of Christiana and all the things he did for her. Christiana is sweet and loves her people. This book has romance, suspense, and twists I didn't see coming.

There are many threads woven through the book and not all of them are finalized, but will carry over through the other books in the series. I can't wait to read the next one and find out what is going to happen next.

"Winning the Queen's Heart" is available for Kindle:

• ile Size: 1366 KB
• Print Length: 317 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: CANDID Publications; 1 edition (October 31, 2015)
• Publication Date: October 31, 2015
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B016CB3UR0

I was given a copy of this book by the author in order for me to review it. No other compensation was received and a positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: "The Imposter" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

"The Imposter" by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the first book in the "The Bishop's Family" series. It is Katrina Stoltzfus' story, but also that of her father David, her brother Jesse, and of Birdy Glick. Katrina thinks she knows how her life will play out, but when her plans crumble, she needs to find her place in the world. She is baffled by her interest in the new farmhand, Andy Miller. Is he too good to be true? Meanwhile, David Stoltzfus is trying to lead the church according to God's will and the Bible. When the bishop of the church seems out to get him, what will he do?  Birdy Glick has never been the ideal specimen of a lady. She's much to large and clumsy for that. What is she to do when her heart longs for David Stoltzfus and her brother seems out to get him? Jesse is a restless soul. Always on the lookout for some action. Will he be able to put his old ways behind him and take on the responsibilities that are laid at his feet?

There is a lot going on in this book with all the people it follows. I felt immersed in the story and the community of Stoney Ridge. I wanted the good to prevail and for them to get their happily ever afters. The storylines don't seem completely wrapped up, but it isn't really a cliffhanger ending, either. I really enjoyed reading "The Imposter" and found it quick to read.

"The Imposter" is available in paperback:

• Series: The Bishop's Family (Book 1)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Revell (October 6, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800723201
• ISBN-13: 978-0800723200
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches

Kindle edition:

• File Size: 5041 KB
• Print Length: 321 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0800723201
• Publisher: Revell (September 29, 2015)
• Publication Date: September 29, 2015
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00XNJGMNO

and in large print hardcover:

• Series: The Bishop's Family (Book 1)
• Hardcover: 399 pages
• Publisher: Thorndike Press Large Print; Lrg edition (October 7, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1410483193
• ISBN-13: 978-1410483195
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in order for me to review it. No other compensation was received and a positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Book Review: "The Horse of my Heart" collected by Callie Smith Grant

"The Horse of my Heart" is a collection of 32 true short stories about how horses have impacted the authors' lives. I mostly got this book because my daughter loves horses. Her dream horse is all black except for one white front leg and a star. She adored this book. Her favorite stories were "The Pasture Bully", "A Horse Named Gentle Breeze", "Rocky", "Dynamite", and "Swimming with Cheetah". She found that many of the stories could teach lessons.

I found the stories to be quick and fun to read. There were a variety of types of stories and, like my daughter, thought that many would be good object lessons. In between the stories there are little factoids about horses in general and about specific "famous" horses. I thought the book to be fun and delightful. It was nice to be able to pick up when I only had a few minutes and read another of the stories.

"The Horse of my Heart" is available in paperback:

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Revell (October 6, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800723341
• ISBN-13: 978-0800723347
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 5667 KB
• Print Length: 226 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0800723341
• Publisher: Revell (October 6, 2015)
• Publication Date: October 6, 2015
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00XNJGMH0

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own.