Book Review: A Mother's Secret

A Mother’s Secret

Book two in the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series.
Carolyn Lapp dreams of marrying for love. But will the errors of her past destroy this dream forever?

Carolyn Lapp longs to have a traditional Amish family. But she lives on her brother’s farm with her parents and her 15-year old son, Benjamin. Carolyn has never revealed the identity of Benjamin’s father and lives daily with the guilt and shame of her youthful indiscretion. Her brother simply will not forgive her.

His answer is to arrange a practical marriage for Carolyn to Saul, a widower with a little girl. But Carolyn isn’t convinced that Saul really loves her and believes he is simply looking for someone to help raise his daughter.

When Benjamin causes trouble at a local horse auction, horse breeder Joshua Glick decides that he must be taught a lesson. Carolyn and Joshua are unmistakably drawn to each other, but Joshua mistakenly assumes that Benjamin is Carolyn’s brother. Carolyn fears that if he discovers the truth, her past will destroy their budding romance.

After years of shame and loneliness, Carolyn suddenly has two men vying for her attention. But which of them will give her the family-and the unconditional love-she’s longed for?

Learn more and purchase a copy at Amy’s site.

My Thoughts
Carolyn Lapp holds a very large secret, a secret that she knows needs to be told, but fears the consequences.  I've you've ever held onto a life changing secret you'll understand how Carolyn feels.

Carolyn has been dished out a lot of pain in her life, and it doesn't end with her family.  Her brother, his children, and her own father tend to give her a very hard time, and it is a difficult situation for everyone.

This story is about faith, healing, love and most of all forgiveness.  I really enjoyed this book, it's not all serious, there are parts that will bring a big smile to your face, maybe even a chuckle or two, especially when Carolyn dishes it out right back at a few certain characters!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Publicity

CFBA: Rival Hearts

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Rival Hearts Abingdon Press (June 17, 2014) by Tara Randel

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn't come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. After finding Romantic Times magazine in a bookstore many years ago, she found information about writing organizations. Soon after, she joined Romance Writers of America. She located the local RWA chapter and immediately attended her first meeting. There was no stopping her after that!

Through Tampa Area Romance Authors, Tara learned all about the business of publishing, starting with the craft of writing to behind the scenes of publishing. She served as contest coordinator for four years and served as President for one year, enjoying the organization and the lasting friendships made there.

When not writing, Tara owns a business with her husband and stays busy with her two daughters. She lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery. Enjoy!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Molly Henderson and Ben Weaver have been rival magazine writers for the same publishing group for years. When both come up for the same promotion, they find themselves in an unexpected competition to win the spot. Molly, editor of Quilter’s Heart, and Ben, editor of Outdoor Adventures, must switch roles, each working for the other for one month, then submit an article at the end of their quests.

Can girly-girl Molly survive the outdoor adventures that Ben has planned? Can Ben navigate the perils of the social dynamics of quilting events without destroying a valuable quilt in one short month? More importantly, in this he-said, she-said situation, will Molly and Ben give in to their attraction and fall in love, no matter who wins?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Rival Hearts, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
This was a fun read....right from the beginning I couldn't help but cheer Molly on, and that little wicked side of me really wanted Ben to fail.  But, Ben grew on me.


The challenges Ben and Molly's boss choose for them are rather interesting, but designed to push them outside their comfort zone, how far will they go to win?  ...and there's an unexpected foe trying to sabotage Molly.


I really enjoyed how the book ended, it showed how big both Molly and Ben's hearts were, and the symbolism of the Rival Hearts was woven throughout the entire story, as well as the quilt.


A fun summer sit on the deck kind of a read!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA

Book Review: A Season of Change

Book One in the NEW Seasons of Pinecraft series | A Season of Change

An Amish widower finds love in unexpected places.

Amish widower Jacob Miller believes it was a mistake to visit the Amish village of Pinecraft for winter vacation, especially after his daughter is struck by a car. Stranded in Sarasota until his daughter recovers, Jacob grows increasingly wary of events that unfold in his unfamiliar surroundings—including the strange curiosity of Englischer Natalie Bennett.

Natalie never thought her circus career as an aerial silks artist would end with a blown-out knee at the age of 25. She also never knew her late mother had a secret—that she was once Amish.

When Natalie meets the Millers at the Sarasota hospital, she is attracted to their warm hospitality and simple ways—and soon wonders if they can help her find her mother’s family. As Jacob and Natalie fall in love, their worlds collide. Will their differences tear them apart? Or will their love be strong enough to blend their clashing cultures?



Learn more and purchase a copy at Lynette’s website.

MY THOUGHTS
This Amish read will make you feel as though you're on vacation!  I now want to visit Pinecraft, FL!

I loved that this book takes us away from the usual setting of OH, where so many Amish books are set.  This book has some sadness, but the healing will make you smile.

You can feel Jacob's heart break whenever others tell him he needs to move on, and he's being pursued by another.....and when they both extend their stay in Pinecraft you can't help but wonder what will happen.

Then...there's the mystery of Natalie's past....who is she connected to, will she ever find her past?

A refreshing read.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Publicity

Book Review: All My Belongings

A new life and a new identity can’t protect Becca from a past that refuses to go away.

After spending years running from the shame her father put on her family, Jayne is determined not to let him steal her future in the same way he stole her childhood. Changing her name to Becca Morrow, she moves to California and settles into a new life and new job caring for ailing mother of handsome young businessman, Isaac Hughes.

But just as she’s wondering if she and Isaac are headed for a relationship, Becca’s patient passes away under unusual circumstances. Suddenly, her past catches up with her and the unnerving details of her heritage threaten to destroy all sense of home and all hope for love.

Even if she could clear her name, a phone call wraps a suffocating shroud around her heart. Her estranged father needs her help. But can Becca open her new life to the man who ruined her past?

Purchase a copy and learn more at Cynthia’s website.

 

Cynthia Ruchti has more than three decades of radio broadcast experience with "Heartbeat of the Home" radio and currently serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers. Find Cynthia on the Web at www.cynthiaruchti.com




MY THOUGHTS
A very good read with a new plot.  It's always fun to read something when the plot is different from the usual.

Becca Morrow has a good heart, but sometimes doing good can lead to trouble...especially when doing what's right makes it so you feel as though you need to keep secrets....and we all know how secrets turn out...never quite like expected.

There are a few plot twists in this story that are unexpected, and thoroughly enjoyable....I'll definitely be watching for more from Cynthia Ruchti.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Publicity.

Book Review: A Stitch and a Prayer

A quilt becomes a labor of love for a lonely wife mysteriously separated from her young husband.


After her fiancé returns from the Klondike gold rush in 1897, Florence Harms sets about building a new life in her new marriage—even though the lingering effects of illness have left her weak and vulnerable. She and her young husband, Will, work tirelessly to clear the land around their Northwest cabin, content with their modest life.

But then a stranger comes knocking and Florence suddenly senses a restlessness in Will’s spirit that she had never seen before. When he leaves her with only a note that tells her he will return before their baby’s birth, she is devastated, and the illness that stiffened her joints returns. Counting the days until Will walks back through her door, Florence busies herself with a Tree of Life quilt displaying a map of the farm they call home. Doubts claw at her heart as Florence struggles to believe Will’s promise to return to her. Will her labor of love-and faith in God—sustain her as she waits to see her beloved once again?

Learn more and purchase a copy at the Quilts of Love website.


MY THOUGHTS
Another enjoyable Quilts of Love book!  This time you're taken back in time to a little cabin in the woods, in a tiny settlement.  When there are only a few families living in an area it's amazing how much they lend a hand to help, how much they count on each other.  In this case Florence has relatives close by, that are close to her heart as well.

I thought the marriages in the story were quite charming, and I was amazed at how well the women in the story were able to cope with living alone, especially Florence, newly married, expecting a child and ill. 

This story kept me interested throughout, an wonderful turn back in time read.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Publicity

Book Review: The Heart's Pursuit

The Heart’s Pursuit

A jilted bride desperate to save her family from ruin.
A bounty hunter seeking vengeance for a ravaged past.
An arduous trek toward justice–or redemption.

Silver Matlock and Jared Newman know traveling together is a bad idea. Bad for Silver’s already tarnished reputation in her small Colorado town. Bad for bounty hunter Jared’s secret, single-minded mission for revenge. But Silver is determined to track down the rogue who left her at the altar and stole the last remnant of her father’s fortune. And Jared’s in a hurry to hunt down the murderer who destroyed his family–even if Silver is too distractingly beautiful for comfort.

The pair takes off over mountain and desert, past bleak homesteads and raw mining towns, hot on the trail of the two villains who took what wasn’t theirs to take. Soon supplies dwindle, secrets emerge, and suspicion leave Silver and Jared at odds when they need each other most. To confront an enemy deadlier than desert rattlesnakes and rocky cliffs, Silver and Jared must learn to forgive and trust and face the question they haven’t dared voice: What happens next?

Learn more and purchase a copy at Robin’s website.

MY THOUGHTS
Pursuing villains...with someone you don't trust....sounds like a bad idea, but Silver has to do what she can.  This book is a fast read, a great read, one that I wished hadn't ended.

There is a lot of action, the romance is 'clean' and some of the happening are downright sad and awful, but as with all of Robin Lee Hatcher's stories, there is a moral to the story, and something to be learned.

Robin Lee Hatcher does not disappoint.  An excellent read.


*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Publicity

Don't miss the Gymboree Dress sale!

I used to buy so many cute little dresses and outfits for my kiddos at Gymboree....I loved their sales....today is the last day you can catch their $8 and up sale on dresses....time to stock up for summer!!!
 
Last chance! Up to 50% off all dresses at Gymboree!