Book Review: "Troubled Waters" by Susan May Warren

"Troubled Waters" is the 4th book in the Montana Rescue series. In it we finally get Ian and Sierra's story. Their story has been carried along from the very first book (and the prequel), so it is nice to finally have their story and to find out what actually happened that day that Esme disappeared. The secondary story in this book is once again Pete Brooks and Jess Tagg. It brings things to a head for them and sets it up for their story coming in book 6 of the series. Ian and Seirra are thrown into situations where they only have God to rely on and they do some deep soul searching and changing along the way. There were twists and surprises I didn't see coming and I had a hard time putting the book down. After binge reading Books 2, 3, and 4, plus the prequel in a week, I'm going to be having withdrawals until "Storm Front" comes out in May! There is "Crossover" that is a Montana Rescue novella which would fit before this book, though, so...

"Troubled Waters" is available in paperback:

• Series: Montana Rescue (Book 4)
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Revell (January 2, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800727460
• ISBN-13: 978-0800727468
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.4 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 9396 KB
• Print Length: 352 pages
• Publisher: Revell (January 2, 2018)
• Publication Date: January 2, 2018
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0741FGCW9

I got a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.

Book Review: "Rescue Me" by Susan May Warren

"Rescue Me" is the 2nd book in the Montana Rescue series. The characters and stories are very intertwined between the stories, so it is best to read the books in order. Like Susan May Warren's other books, this one had a main plot with Sam Brooks and Willow Rose, but also a secondary plot with Pete Brooks and Jess Tagg (albeit not brought to a conclusion). The book was real and open and gripping. I picked up the book and everything else was put on hold. All I wanted to do was read. And then when it was done, to read more. Thankfully there are two more books in the series, with more to come. Faith was woven easily throughout the story. I think the reader as well as the characters in the book learn a great deal from the truths shared.

"Rescue Me" is available in paperback:

• Series: Montana Rescue (Book 2)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Revell (January 31, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800727444
• ISBN-13: 978-0800727444
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.8 x 8.4 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 4508 KB
• Print Length: 338 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0800727444
• Publisher: Revell (January 31, 2017)
• Publication Date: January 31, 2017
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B01LZ80SI4

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.

Book Review: "Blue Ribbon Trail Ride" by Miralee Ferrell

Kate wants her autistic brother to be able to go to a special camp, so she and her friends come up with a way to raise money-a horse scavenger hunt. When the antique box containing the entry fees goes missing, they need to solve the mystery of who took it otherwise Pete and the other kids can't go to camp after all.

"Blue Ribbon Trail Ride" is the 4th book in the 'Horse and Friends' series of middle grade books. You could read this book alone, but you get so much more out of it if you read the series in order. Kate and her friends don't always do things the way they maybe should, but they learn from their mistakes. I liked how they prayed for the person who stole the box and realized that God was in control and not them. The mystery of who took the antique box was well done and not one easily solved. I am glad that there is another book in the series to continue the story of Kate and her friends.

"Blue Ribbon Trail Ride" is available in paperback:

• Age Range: 8 - 12 years
• Grade Level: 3 - 7
• Series: Horses and Friends (Book 4)
• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: David C. Cook (January 1, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1434707369
• ISBN-13: 978-1434707369
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.7 x 7.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 5661 KB
• Print Length: 210 pages
• Publisher: David C. Cook (January 1, 2016)
• Publication Date: January 1, 2016
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0143VT5MA

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and no compensation was received.

Book Review: "Mystery Rider" by Miralee Ferrell

"Mystery Rider" by Miralee Ferrell is the third book in the Horse and Friends series and starts up immediately after where the second book, "Silver Spurs", ends. Kate Ferris still is a little leary of whether Melissa Tolbert is hanging out with them because she's bored, planning to play a trick on them, or if she's truly their friend now. On top of her concerns about Melissa, a mysterious rider on a black horse appears in front of their house. Can she and her friends solve the mystery?

Like the other two books in the series, "Mystery Rider" was a fun and enjoyable book to read. It is geared for kids about 8-12 years old, but adults would like it also. I like how Miralee works in life lessons through the things that Kate and her friends learn (not getting revenge, thinking of how another person would feel, etc.). The gospel message is also presented in the book in a smooth and seamless way. It would be best to read this book only after having first read the other two books. They flow from one book to the next and you would miss out on learning the characters' stories if you don't.


"Mystery Rider" is available in paperback:

• Age Range: 8 - 12 years
• Series: Horses and Friends
• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: David C. Cook (September 1, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1434707377
• ISBN-13: 978-1434707376
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 7.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 2784 KB
• Print Length: 226 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1434707377
• Publisher: David C. Cook (September 1, 2015)
• Publication Date: September 1, 2015
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B011JT3CC8

I received a free copy of this book through netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I did not receive any other compensation.

Book Review: "An Amish Cradle" by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Vannetta Chapman

"An Amish Cradle" is a collection of four novellas. They each deal with an Amish couple and their struggles they face when their baby is born. They are not connected to each other in any other way.

This is what the "back" of the book says:

In His Father’s Arms by Beth Wiseman

Ruth Anne has been dreaming about motherhood her entire life. Now she is doubly excited that she and her best friend are due with their children the same week. But when Ruth Anne’s baby is born with Down’s syndrome, she and her husband struggle to understand God’s plan.

A Son for Always by Amy Clipston

Carolyn and Joshua are thrilled to be pregnant with their first child together. Carolyn was just a teenager when she had her son, Benjamin, and she still feels solely responsible to secure his future. As Joshua watches Carolyn struggle to accept his support, he knows he has to find some way to convince her that she—and Ben—will always be taken care of.

A Heart Full of Love by Kathleen Fuller

Ellie’s mother hasn’t stopped meddling in her personal life since Ellie lost her sight—and she’s taken it up a notch now that Ellie’s pregnant. When Ellie gives birth to twins, her mother insists on moving in to care for them. But when her mother’s behavior becomes unbearable, Ellie is forced to take a stand . . . and finally find out why Mamm can’t let go.

An Unexpected Blessing by Vannetta Chapman

At 42, Etta thought she was finished having children, but she’s pregnant again. After a frightening labor, Etta finally gives birth, but her constant worry over her estranged grown son, David, haunts her still. As a new mother again, Etta must hold tightly to the promise that God will watch over her children—and that one day David will return.

Normally, I really like novellas as they are short and quick to read. So, I like Amish stories, so I figured I'd like this book. It wasn't that I hated the book, I just had a hard time reading it. It didn't engage me the way that other books do. I think a lot of that is due to the subject/theme. I didn't relate to the women in their struggles with Down's Syndrome, or having a child before being married, or  being blind. My favorite story was "An Unexpected Blessing" and I could relate to that story the most since she is the same age as me and I've worried about financial issues before.  I found the stories to be well written and good. 

"An Amish Cradle" is available for Kindle:

• File Size: 1690 KB
• Print Length: 383 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 10, 2015)
• Sold by: HarperCollins Christian Publishing
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00KQ2G20Y

Paperback:

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 17, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052911867X
• ISBN-13: 978-0529118677
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.4 inches

and in hardcover:

Series: Thorndike Press Large Print Christian Fiction

• Hardcover: 537 pages
• Publisher: Thorndike Press Large Print; Lrg edition (June 24, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1410479390
• ISBN-13: 978-1410479396

I received a digital advance reader copy of "An Amish Cradle" from netgalley for me to do an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Book Review: "A Lady at Willowgrove Hall" by Sarah E. Ladd

Cecily Faire is starting a new position as a lady's companion to the mistress of Willowgrove Hall. She has been carrying a secret with her for the past 5 years and fears it being exposed.

Nathaniel Stanton is the steward of Willowgrove Hall and carries his own secret. His secret could cause ruin to more than himself. As he gets to know Cecily, he is drawn to her, but to fall in love would be to share his secret and he isn't sure he can trust Cecily since she has her own secret.

I was drawn into this story and didn't want to put it down. I really liked the characters and felt for them. I had a few suspicions about how things might turn out, but I was wrong! So she was able to keep me entertained to the very end of the book. I was glad that they made peace with their pasts and with God.

"A Lady at Willowgrove Hall" is the 3rd in the whispers on the Moors series by Sarah Ladd.  Since I realized it was the 3rd of a series, I checked the first 2 books out of the library so I could read them in order. They are tied together, but not in a such a large way that you couldn't read them independently of each other. It is  mostly just a passing mention of a character from the previous book, without them making much of an appearance (if at all). I am still glad to have read the first 2 books, as I enjoyed Sarah Ladd's writing.

This book is available for Kindle:

• File Size: 1343 KB
• Print Length: 344 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 14, 2014)
• Publication Date: October 14, 2014
• Sold by: HarperCollins Christian Publishing
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00JQOTMSM

in paperback:

• Series: Whispers On The Moors (Book 3)
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishing (October 7, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401688373
• ISBN-13: 978-1401688370
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.4 inches

I received a free digital Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Book Review: "Silver Spurs" by Miralee Ferrell

"Silver Spurs" by Miralee Ferrell is the 2nd in the Horses and Friends series. While it would be possible to start with Silver Spurs, I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series with "A Horse for Kate" so you can get to know the characters better.

Kate Ferris has gotten her greatest wish, to have her own horse. But she wants to be able to take in boarders to raise more money to be able to get a lesson horse for her best friend Tori to learn on. When Melissa Tolbert brings her horse to board at their barn, Tori and Kate are upset because Melissa is mean to them at school. How will they be able to enjoy hanging out at the barn if Melissa is there, too?

I read "Silver Spurs" with my daughter (her review is below). She is in the "target age" of the book, but I still enjoyed reading the book. I liked how Kate is a realistic kid with fears and frustrations that she has to deal with. Miralee does a good job of incorporating life lessons into the story in a way that is not heavy or overpowering.

This is a great book for girls, horse lovers, and mothers of girls/horse lovers ☺

My 9 year old daughter's review (Spoilers)

Silver Spurs is a very detailed book. For example, the book is called and talks about silver spurs, I mean, they could have just said spurs. My favorite part of the book is when Melissa won the silver spurs. I think that it was very generous of Kate to offer Capri to Melissa. If I were Kate, I would have begged Mrs. Jamison to let me take lessons on jumping so that I could compete for the silver spurs. I would be thrilled if I won the silver spurs!

      -Emily Dempsey, Becky Dempsey's daughter


"Silver Spurs" is available for Kindle:

• File Size: 2534 KB
• Print Length: 240 pages
• Publisher: David C. Cook (June 1, 2015)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00U0RA92M

and in paperback:

• Age Range: 8 - 12 years
• Series: Horses and Friends
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: David C. Cook (June 1, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0781411130
• ISBN-13: 978-0781411134
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches

I received a digital ARC through Netgalley in order for me to give my honest review. I did not receive any other form of compensation and all opinions are my own (except for those of my daughter ☺)

Book Review: "The Last Heiress" by Mary Ellis

Amanda Dunn is sent from England to North Carolina by her father to act as his emissary to renew shipments of cotton, held up by the American Civil War, to their textile mill. Her father agrees to let her go with only her lady's maid if she promises to conduct her business and return to England without any romantic interludes. When Amanda wanders into Nathaniel Cooper's greengrocery, she is drawn to him in ways she doesn't expect.  Although they both share the same opinion about slavery, how can they find a common ground when their backgrounds are so different?

 This is the second book I've read by Mary Ellis.  Both of them have main characters who are opposed to slavery living with relatives in the American South during the Civil War. This makes for an interesting twist to the story as you see both perspectives on the issue of slavery at the same time.  I found "The Last Heiress" to be well written with fleshed out and believable characters.  The characters changed and developed from the beginning of the book to the end.  There were a few formatting issues like missing spaces and small spelling issues (like 'while' instead of 'white' or 'Mrs.' instead of 'Mr.') but I assume those will have been fixed before the final edition was released.  One thing that did seem out of place was about half way through the book, an event takes place and then the story continues until a few days later and then suddenly, it was back to right after the event took place again.  It seems that part of the story was misplaced and should be with the rest of the part that covered the same event. 

I would recommend this book to those who like Inspirational Historical Romance.

"The Last Heiress" is available for Kindle:

• File Size: 628 KB
• Print Length: 354 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0736950524
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2015)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00RYB9NHY

and in paperback:

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0736950524
• ISBN-13: 978-0736950527
• Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 5.5 x 8.5 inches

I received a free digital advance reader copy of "The Last Heiress" through netgalley in order for me to review it.  A positive review is not required and all opinions are my own.

Book Review: "Miriam's Secret" by Jerry S. Eicher

"Miriam's Secret" had an interesting principle to it.  Miriam has been the caretaker for Englisha man, Mr. Brand.  When he dies, he leaves his farm to Miriam in his will--free and clear.  Her family has always scrapped by financially and her daett warns about the hold money has over you.  What will Miriam do when it appears the guy he has liked for  long time suddenly seems interested.  How will she trust he isn't only after  the farm?

"Miriam's Secret" didn't flow very smoothly when I read it.  It made me think of riding on a dirt road on a summer day after the rain.  I'm not 100% sure exactly why it felt jerky.  The way it was written was like older books used to be.  It used a lot of "tags" over "beats"    .  So it had quite a few sentences like this:  "Thank you," Miriam said nervously.  or "I've also written this down so you can refer to it if you need to," he said.  Maybe being a writer myself and reading up on the subject has "tainted" my view of the book.  They encourage authors to use "beats" which show who is doing the speaking by showing the actions they are doing instead of just saying "so and so said".   Another thing that is a big deal for writers is "Show don't tell".  Show the emotions instead of just telling the emotion.  This book had some "telling" as in this sentence:  Rose bowed her head for a short prayer, and Miriam felt relief.  The book also seemed to rehash the same things over.  The topics of Miriam keeping her money a secret and her doubts about if men were interested in the money or her, Shirley pinning over Jonas Beachy, and how evil money was, were repeated multiple times.

There were some formatting issues that I'm assuming will be fixed in the book once it is published as I had an advance reader copy.  There were a few other errors of small words like "or" and "was" being left out and Jonas was called Jason one time.  In another spot, it said, "Betty...she's Mahlon's brother."  The story wasn't horrid, but it wasn't spectacular, either.  The book seems to abruptly end.  Miriam gets engaged and then the book ends.  It doesn't resolve what Shirley is going to do about Jonas or what Miriam is going to do about the money.  I know that there are two more books coming in this series, but I'm not used to books in a series leaving things unfinished.  The series I've read before wrap up that book's storyline and subplots and sometimes give a little glimpse into what the next book is going to be right at the end.

I feel neutral about a recommendation.  I wouldn't push it, or say not to read it if you wanted.

"Miriam's Secret" is available for Kindle (on Feb 1, 2015):

• ile Size: 616 KB
• Print Length: 352 pages
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2015)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00RYB9NQU

and in paperback:

• Series: Land of Promise
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0736958797
• ISBN-13: 978-0736958790
• Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 5.5 x 8.5 inches

I received a free digital advance reader copy through netgalley in order for me to review this book.  All opinions are my own.

Book Review: "Huckleberry Spring" by Jennifer Beckstrand

Anna Helmuth is up to her matchmaking ways again in "Huckleberry Spring".  This time, she lures their grandson Ben Helmuth back from Florida so he can help on Huckleberry Hill while Felty has surgery.  She talks Emma Nelson into helping her to grow a giant pumpkin in the hopes that Ben and Emma will rekindle their romance.  Ben had abruptly called off their engagement 8 months ago and moved away.  Emma is sure that her propensity for accidents is what drove Ben away, but Ben doesn't want to burden Emma with his secret, so they suffer heartache in silence.  Can they realize God's plan for their lives isn't always pretty, but to trust Him anyway?

"Huckleberry Spring" is the fourth in the "Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill" series.  I have read all but the very first in the series, as well as a novella ("Huckleberry Christmas").  Like the other books that I've read by Jennifer Beckstrand, I enjoyed reading this book as well.  It was a mystery to me why Ben kept saying he wasn't deserving of Emma's love until the pieces fell into place.  And even then, I guessed wrong!  I loved Emma and Ben and Mahlon and Lizzie and of course Anna and Felty.  I enjoyed the subplot story as well (which I did guess correctly)  I am glad that Ben grew in his walk with God and accepted His will for his life even if it wasn't easy.  I am glad that Emma realized she was strong and not just prone to accidents.

I would recommend this book to those who like Inspirational Amish Romances.

"Huckleberry Spring" is available in paperback:

• Series: Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill
• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Zebra (January 27, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1420136496
• ISBN-13: 978-1420136494
• Product Dimensions: 4.3 x 1 x 6.8 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 1128 KB
• Print Length: 352 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1420136496
• Publisher: Zebra Books (January 27, 2015)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00M4ASPLA

I received a free eBook Advance Readers Copy from Kensington Books through netgalley in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Book Review: "The Lady and the Officer" by Mary Ellis

I received a free digital advance reader copy of "The Lady and the Officer" by Mary Ellis from netgalley in order for me to give my honest review.

I had requested "The Lady and the Officer" because I thought it sounded like I'd enjoy reading it, but it sat languishing on my tablet waiting for me to read it as other books came and went.  I'm not sure why I didn't read it sooner.  Once I did finally start to read it, I didn't want to put it down!

Madeline Howard lives outside Gettysburg trying to keep her late husband's horse breeding farm going when the War Between the States lands in her backyard, literally.  She has already lost her husband to the cause, so when she looses everything else, she goes to stay with the only family she has left.  The problem with that is that they live in Richmond, Virginia, the very heart of the Confederacy.  Her uncle even works for President Davis.

Madeline wasn't in Richmond long before she catches the eye of Confederate Colonel Elliot Hayward.  Madeline likes Elliot, but a couple of chance encounters in Pennsylvania have left her heart belonging to Union General James Downing.  When Madeline overhears some information about the Confederate Army's plans, what will she do with her new knowledge?

Mary Ellis has written characters that are true to life and believable.  There are twists and turns in the story to keep you in suspense as to what is going to happen next.  I do Civil War reenacting, so the Civil War history involved in the book was very interesting.  The characters weren't just static throughout the story, but grew and matured.   I wasn't sure if Madeline and James would get their happily ever after and I felt sorry for Colonel Hayward and wished that Ms. Ellis would have shared what came of him after the war.

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy historical romances with suspense thrown in.

It is available for Kindle:

• File Size: 833 KB
• Print Length: 352 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0736950540
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (August 1, 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00LFWFC6O

and paperback:

• Series: Civil War Heroines Series
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (August 1, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0736950540
• ISBN-13: 978-0736950541
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches

Book Review: "Courting Emily" by Amy Lillard

Emily Ebersol has always been in love with Luke Lambright and they have always planned that they would get married, have children, and live in Wells Landing among the Amish community they'd grown up in.  But Luke has decided he wants to race cars in the Englisch world.  Emily can't go and Luke can't stay. Being the daughter of the bishop isn't always easy, especially when you love a wayward boy.  Her dat sends her to help the Riehl family who has been struggling after their father's tragic accident.  She knows that he has ulterior motives in sending her--that she'll forget Luke and start noticing Elam Riehl.  Elam, who always seems to have a scowl and a gruff word.

Elam Riehl has taken on the weight of caring for the farm and the family since his father had his accident.  It doesn't leave time for anything else like courting the girl he's loved since he was 14, Emily Ebersol.  Not like it would matter anyway since she has always loved Luke.  But now that she's been helping out at his house and Luke is gone, does he have a chance to show her he is the kind of man she needs?

"Courting Emily" by Amy Lillard is the second book in the Wells Landing series.  I didn't read the first book, but this book is a stand alone and it isn't necessary to have read the first book first.  "Courting Emily" mentions details about what happened in "Caroline's Secret" so you know what happened (so if you want to read it, read it first!) and aren't left out.  I loved the characters in "Courting Emily" and struggled along with Emily in knowing what she should do and who she should choose.  I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more in the series.

I received a free digital Advance Reader Copy of "Courting Emily" from Kensington Books through netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

"Courting Emily" is available for Kindle:

• File Size: 943 KB
• Print Length: 368 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1420134558
• Publisher: Zebra Books (January 6, 2015)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00LEU4RJK

and paperback:

• Series: A Wells Landing Romance
• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Zebra (January 6, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1420134558
• ISBN-13: 978-1420134551
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.9 x 6.8 inches

Book Review: "Huckleberry Christmas" by Jennifer Beckstrand

Anna Helmuth is at her matchmaking again in "Huckleberry Christmas" by Jennifer Beckstrand.  This time, she sets out to match up her Great-granddaughter, Beth Hostetler with Tyler Yoder.  But after a miserable marriage, Beth isn't planning on ever getting married again.  Tyler suffered a broken engagement and doesn't believe in romance anymore.  He finds himself wanting to rescue Beth and he likes her spunk.  Beth doesn't like to be rescued because it means she can't do for herself and she wants to be able to care for her son Toby without help.  She decides she will help Tyler find the right girl to be his wife.  Will they realize that they are meant to be together?

This is the third "Huckleberry Hill" book I've read, so I knew that Anna always makes her match.  That meant I knew that  Beth and Tyler were going to end up together, but I didn't know how the path to get them to that point would look like.  It was fun to go on the journey with them and find out how they fall in love.  I look forward to reading more of Anna's matchmaking adventures in the future.

Huckleberry Christmas" is available in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 1092 KB
• Print Length: 353 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1420133608
• Publisher: Zebra Books (October 7, 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00J7W1F3S

and paperback edition:

• Series: The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill
• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Zebra (October 7, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1420133608
• ISBN-13: 978-1420133608
• Product Dimensions: 4.3 x 1 x 6.8 inches

I received an digital Advance Reader Copy from Kensington Publishers through netgalley in order for me to do a review.  The opinions are my own.

Book Review: "An Amish Christmas Quilt" by Charlotte Hubbard, Kelly Long, and Jennifer Beckstrand

Netgalley gave me an eBook Advance Reader Copy of "An Amish Quilt" in order for me to be able to review it.

"An Amish Christmas Quilt" is made up of three novellas all set in Amish communities at Christmas time with each having a quilt worked into the story.

Novella #1: "A Willow Ridge Christmas Pageant" by Charlotte Hubbard.  Mary Kauffman comes to Willow Ridge to spend time with her Aunt Miriam and Uncle Ben after the death of her husband.   When she passes out along side the road in front of Seth Brenneman's woodworking shop, he rushes to help.  Afterwards, he plans on getting back to life as it was, but finds himself drawn to the young mother, her newborn son, and two step children.  Will they find the light while performing in a live Nativity?

I really liked "A Willow Ridge Christmas Pageant" and wanted Seth and Mary to get together as much as the people in Willow Ridge did.  I liked the pacing of the story and it flowed together nicely.

Novella #2: "A Christmas on Ice Mountain" by Kelly Long.  Laurel Lapp and Matthew Beider have been secretly courting and wish to be married, but their fathers have a long standing grudge and aren't talking to each other.  How can they bring their families together so that they can finally be together?

"A Christmas on Ice Mountain" shows how a small misunderstanding can grow into a big chasm that is nearly impossible to repair and how God can do the impossible.  This story has some "fade to black" type scenes like on their wedding night.  It shows the lead up and then it "fades to black" and doesn't describe what they are doing, but you know.

Novella #3: "A Perfect Amish Christmas" by Jennifer Beckstrand.  Anna Helmuth decides that Dottie Schrock would be the perfect match for their grandson Gideon Stutzman and writes a letter to get him to spend Christmas in Bonduel near them instead of in Mexico with his parents.   Dottie Schrock is trying to make this Christmas perfect for her Mamm who missed Christmas due to being diagnosed with cancer starting with a party.  She feels the only one able to pull it off is herself, so when Gid shows up the day of the party, she sees him as the cocky, adventuresome teen from the last time she saw him.  Can she learn to rely on others for the perfect Christmas?

I have also read "Huckleberry Summer" by Jennifer Beckstrand and enjoyed that one as well.  I have "Huckleberry Christmas" to read and "A Perfect Amish Christmas" takes place during the same time as it does.  "A Perfect Amish Christmas" mentions the couple Anna is trying to match in "Huckleberry Christmas" and the outcome.  It doesn't tell how they got to the outcome, but it isn't really much of a spoiler, because Anna always makes her match!

• File Size: 905 KB
• Print Length: 288 pages
• Publisher: Kensington Books (October 28, 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00JVW6H5U

Book Review: Smitten Book Club by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter

I received an eBook Advance Reader Copy of "Smitten Book Club" through Netgalley in order to review it. 

 "Smitten Book Club" is comprised of four novellas that follow best friends Heather, Abby, Lia, and Molly.  They are all members of the Smitten Book Club that meets on Fridays at the Lookaway Book Store.  Each novella focuses on one of the four friends' journey to find love but with the underlying story line of trying to find the gold using the "Gentlewoman's Guide to Love and Courtship" written by Molly's late husband's great-grandmother throughout the whole book.  

Novella #1: "Love by the Book" by Colleen Coble is Heather DeMeritt's story.  Heather hasn't ever totally recovered from being rejected by Paul Mansfield.  Now that he's back in town, can she get past the hurt to work with him?  Will she be able to solve the clues hidden in the Gentlewoman's guide and find the gold to help Molly?

Novella #2: "Shelved Under Romance" by Kristen Billerbeck is the story about librarian Abby Gray.  Since her father's death, her life has consisted of work and caring for her mother, with the exception of her weekly meetings with the book club.  With her friends thinking she needs a makeover and Wyatt Tanner seeming to take an interest in her, will she let her hair down and be open for a little adventure?

Novella #3: "A New Chapter" by Diann Hunt follows Elliana Burton (Lia to most people).  When she has a dental emergency, she is surprised to see Joey Oliver, the only man she has ever loved.  Will Joey realize that she is more than just a good friend?  Can Elliana help Joey find a new chapter in his life?

Novella #4: "Happily Ever After" by Denise Hunter is the final novella in the book.  Molly Moore is still reeling from the death of her husband and finding out that he took out a loan with the house as collateral.  The business that he started is struggling and she is out of her element.   When Gage Turner offers to help, she is suspicious since he is her competitor in the adventure business.  Will she be able to let go of the past and learn to trust again?   Will they decode the clues in The Gentlewoman's Guide in time?

This is the third book set in Smitten, Vermont, (the 2nd I've read) so you get to see some of the characters from the previous "Smitten" books, but you don't have to have read the others to get anything out of the book as they have minor roles and backstory is adequately supplied, in my opinion. 

"Shelved Under Romance" had a couple story continuity issues that bugged me.  First, in chapter 4, it says that Abby "doesn't even drink coffee" when she was meeting Wyatt for coffee, and then in chapter 8, it says "Abby skipped her morning coffee".  So does she drink it or not?  Also, when Heather brings the Gentlewoman's Guide for Abby to try and decipher the clues, Abby doesn't seem to have a clue what it is, but in the first novella, the four friends all go gold-hunting together trying to find the gold referenced in the Guide.  Also, in "Happily Ever After", Molly needs to find a new adventure guide since her's quit, but there is no mention of Wyatt and I thought that he worked for her in "Shelved Under Romance".  

I liked "Happily Ever After" the best of the four novellas, but there weren't any of them that I didn't like.  The Epilogue wraps up the book and "ties up the loose ends". 

I found the first two stories a bit rushed at the ends.  There is the usual build up of the relationship and then once the woman trusts the man and acknowledges her feelings for him, there is another conflict that causes her to doubt again.  After this final conflict, it seems that the woman flips a switch to trusting him again and, boom, the novella was done.

There was some issues with formatting, spacing, and paragraphing, but I'm assuming that is because it was an ARC.  It did make it more difficult to read.  
There seems there will be a "Reading Group Guide" at the end of the book.

• File Size: 1400 KB
• Print Length: 373 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 14, 2014)
• Sold by: HarperCollins Christian Publishing
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00DNBEH6Q

Book Review: "The Spinner's Book of Fleece" by Beth Smith

I was given a temporary digital advance reader copy of "The Spinner's Book of Fleece" by Beth Smith through netgalley to review.

"The Spinner's Book of Fleece" is a treasure trove of information for the spinner!  It describes wool working tools, how to pick the right fleece, how to deal with pests, how to know how much twist to add, and how to finish yarns.  It even mentioned making thread for tatting!  (As a tatter, I appreciated that!).  The book also gives the characteristics of types of wool, how to work with them, and some of the breeds in that category.   In the back of the book there are a glossary of terms, metric conversions, frequently used measurements, USDA Wool Specifications, Reading List, and Resources.

This is definitely a book that spinners should have on their shelves!

"The Spinner's Book of Fleece" is available in hardcover:

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC (August 12, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1612120393
• ISBN-13: 978-1612120393
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 8.4 x 0.9 inches

or for Kindle:

• File Size: 56552 KB
• Print Length: 256 pages
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC (August 23, 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00GU2RLF4