Tag: Amish

A Convenient Amish Bride + Giveaway

Two girls need a mother…and she’s ready for the job.

After the loss of her perfect match, Amish waitress Ruby Kaufmann resigns herself to a solitary life—until she meets widower David Weiss and his young daughters. Ruby has always wanted a family, and David is desperate for help because his aging parents can no longer assist with the girls. Will a marriage of convenience be the perfect solution…or a second chance at love neither expects?

My Review:

Amish + Marriage of Convenience = Bookish Glee

I don’t often run across a contemporary Marriage of Convenience story so I get excited when I find one. It can be a hard sell for a 21st century timeline but Bayer makes it work in this heartwarming romance.

I especially loved David’s two little girls and the way he relates to them. Poor little Mindy is so lost and confused after losing her mam and David will do anything to make things better…even marry a woman he doesn’t love!

I liked the way their relationship developed, with plenty of bumps along the way as they hesitantly start to open their hearts and contemplate a ‘real’ future together. There’s also an unexpected plot twist that sets the scene for Bayer’s next book scheduled to release in 2024.

I did feel that there were some discrepancies in the Amish lifestyle and culture though. And I was surprised at the lack of any kind of faith thread. Not even a mention of God or prayer. I’ve read secular Amish fiction with more inspirational input, so that was disappointing — especially coming from the Love Inspired line. Otherwise, A Convenient Amish Bride is an enjoyable sweet, clean contemporary romance.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy — open to any reader, anywhere in the world so — yay — International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Convenient Amish Bride, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 26, 2023.

The Gift of Faith + Giveaway

The quietest of the three Kanagy boys, Daniel, would prefer to spend his time keeping his bees and selling the honey rather than tending his family’s gift shop. But with both his brothers breaking away from the family business, his parents need Daniel more than ever.

Contrary to town gossip, Faith Kemp didn’t jump the fence—she left to track down her twin sister, Mercy. When Faith returns home with a newborn baby, the rumors are tough to set right, and not everyone in the community is welcoming. To help support her family, Faith sells dried flower arrangements to the popular gift shop in town. Each visit, she looks forward to seeing Daniel Kanagy. He doesn’t say much, but his steady strength speaks to her just the same.

With girls buzzing around Daniel and trying to catch his eye, why would he turn his gaze to a quiet, plain girl who has a baby and too many rumors about her?

My Review:

Woohoo!!! New-to-me Amish Fiction author and I’m a fan! This is the third book in her Unexpected Gifts series, but I can attest to the fact that it reads wunderbaar as a standalone, though, I’m definitely going to backtrack and read the first two books. Love a series that features siblings — especially brothers — and there are three hero material Kanagy boys in this one. The only spoiler is that they all end up with a happily every after. 🙂

So, Daniel…he’s an unassuming leading man but that doesn’t mean he lacks appeal. He’s kind and sensitive, but somewhat shy…or maybe I should say contemplative. He has known Faith all their lives, crushed on her during their school days and the attraction deepened as they grew older. Only, in true Daniel fashion, he took his time deliberating and by the time he’d settled things in his mind, Faith had left their community in pursuit of her fence-jumping twin sister.

But now she’s back with Mercy’s baby in tow and Daniel is just as smitten…and still a wee bit clueless. I love how accepting he was of Faith’s return and baby Rose, when there are definitely some harsh critics in the community who aren’t as welcoming. The human nature to judge is alive and well even among the Amish.

Faith is devastated that her sister chose to remain in the Englisch world, but she’s determined to raise Mercy’s daughter up Amish. Even as she realizes the decision will drastically alter the expectations of her own future. There’s some clever plot twists that make the story fresh as well as some well-loved tropes that are just plain fun to experience. Like a man-hungry mean girl with Daniel in her sights. Not overdone — just enough to cause some eye-rolls and righteous indignation on behalf of my hero and heroine. 🙂

Skilled storytelling, a compelling plot, and the kind of characters it’s easy to love (or…dislike) made this a book to devour. Read it in a day.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Gift of Faith, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday July 22 , 2023.

Courage in the Storm + Giveaway

In this powerful Amish romance, an isolated woman and a compassionate man learn that love can build a bridge between their two worlds.

Since witnessing the murder of her beloved parents, Miriam Hochstedler suffers from paralyzing anxiety and a deep-seated fear of the Englisch . Unwilling to venture beyond her family’s Tennessee farm, she forms a close bond with a badly injured gelding. Like Miriam herself, the traumatized animal seems unlikely to recover—until skilled horse whisperer Reuben Brenneman arrives.

A survivor of an abusive childhood, Reuben understands fear better than most. He’ll do whatever it takes to help a terrified animal, but his compassion doesn’t extend to the church that turned a blind eye to his family’s suffering. Once he finishes this job, he’ll return to the Englisch world, putting his Amish heritage behind him forever.

As Miriam works alongside Reuben, battling the horse’s fear—and her own—an unexpected friendship blooms and deepens into romance. But the Amish faith that sustains her inspires only distrust in Reuben, and the Englisch world he’s chosen has already broken her heart once.

Falling in love was easy. But staying together will take all the courage they have.

My Review:

Such an emotional read! This is the third John Mills Amish Romance novel and, while I think it could be read as a standalone, it will definitely make more of an impact if you read the books in order.

It’s been a year and a half since the Hochstedler’s parents were brutally murdered and while the siblings are coming to grips with their new reality and moving on in different ways, Miriam, who witnessed the murder, is still paralyzed with fear and anxiety. A fragile bond with a traumatized horse that seems beyond rehabilitation seems destined to bring even more heartache into her life…until itinerant horse whisperer and (former Amish) Reuben Brenneman comes on the scene. Turns out Reuben is not only a horse whisperer but a Miriam whisperer as well.

Honestly, the way their tentative friendship develops in measured steps, and not without set backs, was torturously wonderful to read. The parallels between Blaze and Miriam learning to trust again was so profound and the way both ultimately achieved freedom from fear made for the kind of stand up and cheer ending I love in an emotional story.

Reuben has his own past trauma to deal with, which complicates any hope of a future between these two and adds an extra dimension of angst — because things really get messy before they get better. And can I just say that Laurel Blount is positively brilliant in the way she weaves all the intricate threads of this story together.

Now I’m anxiously anticipating the release of the fourth and final book in this series, Home From the Storm, which will be coming out at the end ot this year….and mercy, it sounds like it’s going to be the kind of blockbuster conclusion this series deserves.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Courage in the Storm, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday June 17, 2023.

The Forgiving Quilt + Giveaway

Running a historic inn on Pennsylvania’s beautiful Shadow Lake has blessed the Amish King sisters in work and family. Now they just need to add room for love…

Eliza King already has a broken heart, and thanks to a rickety ladder, she now has a broken leg too. She isn’t dealing with either very well. Ever since a brief romance ended when the boy who’d been courting her tried a little too hard to take things further, Eliza has sought refuge in reading books and tending to her beloved horses. Being incapacitated makes the latter impossible. But her Englisch doctor knows an Amish man looking for just such work…

Eliza is shocked to discover that the man is Levi Lapp, the very boy who humiliated her, now all grown up. Levi is embarrassed over his clumsy behaviour as a teen. He wants to earn Eliza’s forgiveness, even if he can’t win back her heart…And once Eliza reluctantly agrees to hire him, she finds herself enjoying the little gifts and encouraging notes Levi leaves for her. Encouraged by her older sister, she begins to fashion a quilt out of each item. Soon Eliza can see Levi’s caring spirit plainly before her — and the possibility that he might just be the best be the best thing for her horses — and for her.

My Review:

The second book in Lenora Worth’s Shadow Lake series is just as captivating as the first one. Love the fresh slant this author brings to Amish fiction. In case you’re wondering, The Forgiving Quilt can easily be read as a standalone novel. The King sisters and their family’s historic inn are the common link that unites each story. Three sisters, three romances, three quilts. And that’s the other unifying factor — each sister crafts a quilt that helps her work through a problem.

In Eliza’s case, her forgiving quilt it is literally the path forward through forgiveness. Because — eeeeppp — Second Chance Romance alert! Only Levi and Eliza were both too young and inexperienced and just not ready to take their courtship further back when they were teens. Eliza has been nursing a grudge in a very un-Amish like way ever since. And then Levi walks back into her world. Oy — but she can be snippety and stubborn and downright frustrating at times.

But Levi’s up for the challenge. He’s determined to make amends with the hopes of a renewed friendship…maybe something more. And, my oh my, the deliberate way he sets about mending fences is so romantical! And sometimes funny, if not downright daunting at times.

Love the way that family plays an important role in this love story. In fact it’s that kind of collective wisdom that helps move things along in the right direction. So many great heart-to-hearts, both touching, but also amusing. Like Levi lamenting about Eliza to her father:

“Levi had his doubts, not about Eliza being worth the trouble, but about his being able to pull this off. He nodded all the same. He was talking to Eliza’s father, after all. “I will do my best.”

Abe seemed please with that response. “Women are a constant mystery, Levi. That’s part of the fun.”

“I’m not really having fun,” Levi said as they walked toward the stable.” ( p 56)

Bwahahaha! No fears, Levi does prevail! (not a spoiler ’cause this is a romance, after all!)

Now that Eliza and Abigail have achieved their happily-ever-afters, I’m excited to read Colette’s story which will round out this great series — and it’s going to be a Christmas book as well! Yipee!!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Forgiving Quilt, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 29, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Portrait of a Sister + Giveaway

RANDOM RETRO READ

Katie Beiler was always the follower to her twin sister Hannah’s lead. That is until Hannah left their Amish upbringing for an English life — leaving Katie to find her own footing in a world that no longer looks as it once did…

Katie has always imagined her life being just like Mamm’s. It’s why she chose baptism and why she’ll soon marry Abram Zook. But ever since Hannah left, the only thing that truly makes Katie smile is the sketchpad in which she indulges her talent for drawing faces — a sin that, if discovered, could get her shunned by her family, her friends, and even Abram. Yet Katie sees her secret pastime as the only way to quiet a growing restlessness she’d just as soon ignore. That is until their Mamm’s untimely death brings Hannah back home to Pennsylvania, with a new outlook on life, a man she adores, and, soon, an invitation for Katie to visit her in New York City.

Suddenly, Katie is experiencing a freedom she’s never had, in a world she never imagined. She’s also spending time in the company of a fellow dreamer, someone who sees her as strong and brave and makes her laugh. But it’s when Hannah shows Katie’s drawings to a gallery owner that she truly finds herself at a crossroads between the only life she’s every known and the powerful lure of an unfamiliar future.

My Review:

published in 2018

The most heartbreaking opening scene I’ve ever read put my emotions on high alert and they stayed there all the way through to the end. Such a complex story that hurdles Katie toward the unexpected. I was torn in two trying figure out what she should do — because you gotta know, there’s heartbreak and loss no matter what she chooses. So be prepared to become so invested in this story that you’ll have to let real-life things slide until you help get Katie sorted out.

Love the Beiler family and their tight-knit community, which includes a wise elderly English neighbour who is often the voice of reason and faith in the midst of all the confusion. I was often frustrated by Hannah’s words and actions — the way she wanted to push her own agenda on Katie. It was like she couldn’t empathize with her twin at all. But Bradford does a great job of uncovering the complicated emotional layers in their unique sisterly bond.

I listened to the audio edition of Portrait of a Sister and enjoyed narrator Amy Melissa Bentley’s incredible performance.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Portrait of a Sister leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 22, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Pinecraft Refuge + Giveaway

Can an escape from her present become the future she always wanted?

When her doctor prescribes fresh air and sunshine, Eva Miller turns her Florida getaway into a chance to gain some independence. Only, working part-time for Amish shop owner Tanner Dawson is hardly a vacation. The over protective single father reminds Eva of her own strict upbringing. But as she begins to see beneath his gruff exterior, can she trust Tanner — and her heart — enough to stay?

Pinecraft Seasons

My Review:

I love books that feature Pinecraft, Florida and there aren’t that many of them out there so I was thrilled to discover this new series. And over the moon elated to discover it on audible of all places. Not many Love Inspired books make their way into an audio format and I grab up all the ones I can find. It’s usually the Suspense line’s continuity series, so I’m excited to see them branching out. Connie Shabshab’s narration increased my reading enjoyment tenfold.

And what a sweet, compelling love story this is! I could feel Eva’s hope and, honestly, raw courage, to go against her mam’s wishes and take an extended vacation in Florida. There’s such a heartbreaking history between mother and daughter, but, while Eva loves her only parent, she’s craving some independence. Worth captures her wonder and fear perfectly. Sometimes Eva’s spunky nature shines through (like when she’s speaking her mind to Tanner!) and sometimes she wavers with insecurity, ready to second guess all she’s been achieving. And then there’s the pesky attraction to her new boss that she doesn’t know what to do with.

Cue the broody, monosyllabic hero who has endured a world of hurt and doesn’t quite know how to leave it behind. No worries, Eva’s about to show him. 🙂 Love, love, lovvveee, this romance. From the stuttering start to the toe-curling conclusion and all the awkward, funny, infuriating and gasp-out-loud moments in between!

A strong cast of secondary characters, which includes Tanner’s precocious 8-year-old daughter, enhance the story that much more…and provide a solid background for future novels in this series. Lenora Worth can’t write them fast enough for me!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Pinecraft Refuge, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 15, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

The Promise of Easter + Giveaway

As the quaint Amish community of Promise Glen prepares for the Easter season, one woman discovers that forgiveness is freedom — and may lead to forever after.

Anna Stoltzfus lives a quiet but fulfilling life in Promise Glen. Though she lost her beloved brother James in a tragic accident, her family is supportive and close-knit, and her job as a cherished teacher at Orchard Hill School fills her heart with joy. She’s perfectly happy with the life she created. Anna’s comfort is quickly dashed, however, when the man she deems responsible for James’s death — Matthew King — returns to the Amish community.

Forgiveness is at the heart of being Amish, and Matthew’s pain over losing his dear friend is obvious. Still, no matter how hard she tries, Anna can’t let go of the reckless night that ended her brother’s life. The ache was more tolerable after Matthew left Promise Glen, but noe he’s returned and her father has accepted his offer to work on their farm.

As the preparations for Easter begin, Anna’s regular contact with Matthew introduces her to a man far different from the boy she knew before. Perhaps the season of solemn reflection and joyous remembrance might be exactly what they both need to final forgiveness for the past and hope for the future….

My Review:

I absolutely love the way Marta Perry tells a story and this Promise Glen series is one of her finest. The way she portrays multi-generational family dynamics makes me all kinds of happy and the Stoltzfus clan is certainly memorable. Chock full of humour and wisdom…and the kind of angst you’d expect in a large family. Anna is certainly blessed to have their love and support…even when she is harbouring a very misguided (and un-Amish) dose of blame towards Matthew.

So, kind of a frenemies to more romance. They were friends in their youth, up until the horrible accident that took Anna’s brother’s life. And then Anna projected all her heartache and fury onto Matthew. She was relieved when he left the community for the Englisch world and furious when he returns.

Easter time is the perfect setting for a redemption story — and both Anna and Matthew find forgiveness and grace through the course of this read. Learning to forgive — both ones self and others is a big part of the inspirational message. Love how Anna and Matthew are on a journey, but they are not alone. There are wonderful secondary characters who walk along side them, encouraging (and speaking plainly when needed…I’m looking at you Aunt Ella!) and helping them put the past and the present into perspective so they are finally free to look ahead to a future full of hope.

The Stoltzfus family puts me in mind of an Amish Waltons — same touch of heartwarming mixed with laughter while dealing with true-to-life issues that can happen to anyone. I wish there was an entire series dedicated to them! (Hint to the author…after all, there are a lot of children who will need matchmaking at some point in their futures!)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Promise of Easter, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 25, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Her Heart’s Desire + Giveaway

What happens when we allow our pasts to define our futures?

Mary Margaret Miller needs an escape from her small Amish community. She boards a bus, all alone, for a vacation in Pinecraft, Florida. Meeting Betsy and Lilly on the way, she’s amazed to find two kindred spirits. They become fast friends and determine to have the best two weeks of their lives. For Mary, it starts when she meets Jayson Raber, a handsome and charming carpenter.

Jayson is taken with Mary from the get go, but he’s responsibilities back home in Kentucky — including a girl he’s supposed to marry. And when someone from Mary’s past shows up in Minecraft, it seems like her perfect vacation is ruined. But that’s nothing compared to what’s coming when she realizes what Jayson has been hiding.

My Review:

I’m bewitched by the Pinecraft setting for starters. Shelley Shepard Gray introduced me to this Amish ‘hot spot’ in a previous series she wrote — Amish Brides of Pinecraft. and I’m thrilled she’s returned for this new series. There’s nothing like sun, sand and romance to warm a northerner on a cold, wintry day!

Told in what I’ve come to think of as ‘Classic Shelley Shepard Gray style’, she delivers a thought-provoking and engaging read. We have multiple points of view, each character struggling with some aspect of their past that has led them to this point and time: the much needed escape a carefree holiday can bring.

Relationships are at the forefront of this story. New friendships, old enemies, budding romances and all the complications that entails. And I love the way the author ties myriad plot threads together by the end. Very excited to continue on with this ‘A Season in Pinecraft’ series. And, woohoo, we won’t have long to wait because the second book, Her Only Wish, releases this coming June!

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Her Heart’s Desire, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you leave your email in a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter via email, please add the book title to the subject line so it’s easier to spot. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 11 2023. Offer open to International Readers.