The Englisch Daughter Review

 

About the Book

A marriage is tested in this Old Order Amish novel of longing for renewed love and a path for forgiveness from the best-selling author of Gathering the Threads .

Old Order Amish wife and mother Jemima has put her marriage and family ahead of herself for years. She's set herself aside. Raising four children, she's followed all the rules and has been patient in looking forward to her time to chase a dream of her own.

But when she finds out that her life savings for pursuing that dream is gone--and her husband, Roy, has been hiding a child with another woman--her entire world is shattered. Will she be able to listen to God and love Roy's child? With so much at stake, how can she and Roy fix their relationship before their lives come crashing down? (Goodreads)

Pre-Order Here

My Thoughts

I am a fan of Cindy Woodsmall. Amish fiction is not my "go to" genre but Cindy has a way of creating unique Amish stories. I will be honest and say this simply was not the book for me. I know many others have loved it so this is just my personal opinion. I was expecting something a lot different and while this story holds a lot of difficult real life topics, I cringed most of my way through the book. Not necessarily because of the tough situation but because of how it was written into the story line. There were a few times I wasn't sure if I was reading Amish fiction or not. There were times I was really surprised that the story kept going. BUT the key thing that I think is important is that forgiveness matters. Not just to those you need to forgive but also for yourself in order to move on. I think that part of the issue is that the healing process in this book happens way too fast and I found that to be incredibly unrealistic for the situation. Yes, you can forgive but trust and healing take a lot of time. 

I am sure some folks will love this book and relate to it. It was not for me but I am eager to read Cindy's next book. 

Three Stars.

"I received this book from WaterBrook for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Mama Kisses, Papa Hugs

 

 About the Book

From the creator of the best-selling God Gave Us You comes a warm exploration of the ways parents show affection--and how it mirrors God's affection for his followers.

Parents are always looking out for the perfect bedtime book to create a sense of well-being before a night of rest. Mama Kisses, Papa Hugs explores a child's curiosity about how love is shown between parent and child, with the reassurance that Mama and Papa will always love their little one. And like Lisa Tawn Bergren's young protagonist asks his mother, this question is pressing on the minds of many children:

"Mama, how does God kiss us?"

Mama smiled. "He kisses us a hundred times a day; although if you don't pay attention, you might miss it."

"At night he kisses us with a shooting star. In the morning, he kisses us with sunlight, crawling across the fields and into our windows. On a hot summer afternoon, he kisses us with a gentle breeze. But most of all, he kisses us through our family. That's how God made us. That's why I give you Mama kisses." (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

This is such a great book! The illustrations are lovely and the story is a fun read along for kiddos. It goes through and talks about all the fun ways that animals "hug" or "kiss". So for example lions and tigers give their cubs "slurpy licks" to take care of them and pigs snuggle in the mud etc. It is fun and the wording makes it a perfect story. The only thing is I wish that it was a board book but it is still a fun book for littles. 

 

Five Stars. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

One Little Lie Review with Celebrate Lit Tours

About the Book

Book:  One Little Lie
Author: Colleen Coble
Genre:  Romantic Suspense
Release Date: March 3, 2020

It started with one little lie. But Jane Hardy will do everything in her power to uncover the truth in this gripping new romantic suspense.

Jane Hardy is appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor, Alabama, after her father retires, but there’s no time for an adjustment period. When her father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a recent murder, Jane quickly realizes she’s facing someone out to destroy the only family she has.

After escaping with her father from a cult fifteen years ago, Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother—who refused to leave—ever since. Could someone from that horrible past have found them?

Reid Bechtol is well-known for his documentaries, and his latest project involves covering Jane’s career. Jane has little interest in the attention, but the committee who appointed her loves the idea of the publicity.

Jane finds herself depending on Reid’s calm manner as he follows her around filming, and they begin working together to clear her father. But Reid has his own secrets from the past, and the gulf between them may be impossible to cross—especially once her father’s lie catches up with him.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. You can visit her website at http://colleencoble.com.

Blog Stops

Back Porch Reads, March 10

Life of Literature, March 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 10

Texas Book-aholic, March 10

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 11

The Avid Reader, March 11

Lighthouse Academy, March 11

By The Book, March 12

Older & Smarter?, March 12

Through the Fire Blogs, March 12

Remembrancy, March 12

Betti Mace, March 13

April Hayman, Author, March 13

Emily Yager, March 13

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 14

Bigreadersite, March 14

deb’s Book Review, March 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 15

Inklings and notions, March 15

CarpeDiem, March 15

Christian Bookaholic, March 15

Just the Write Escape, March 16

For Him and My Family, March 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 16

Robin’s Nest, March 17

All-of-a-kind Mom, March 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 17

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, March 17

Stories By Gina, March 18

Janicesbookreviews, March 18

Mary Hake, March 18

Empowermoms, March 18

For the Love of Literature, March 19

Blossoms and Blessings, March 19

Because I said so – and other adventures in Parenting, March 19

Hallie Reads, March 19

A Baker’s Perspective, March 20

Quiet Quilter, March 20

Simple Harvest Reads, March 20 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Splashes of Joy, March 21

Moments, March 21

amandainpa, March 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 21

Pause for Tales, March 22

Britt Reads Fiction, March 22

Spoken from the Heart, March 22

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 22

To Everything There is a Season, March 23

Life love writing, March 23

Daysong Reflections, March 23

Lights in a Dark World, March 23

My Thoughts 

I try to get my hands on any Colleen Coble suspense book. I am super excited about this new series. I really liked the backstory on the characters in this book. There is a lot about cults and that lifestyle which I found to be fascinating. I liked the story line but to be honest I did struggle a bit with it not being very suspenseful. In my opinion most of the story was predictable. I didn't feel like I was on the edge of my seat at all, which I have come to expect from a Coble novel. That isn't to say the book wasn't a good read it just wasn't what I was expecting. I do think that book two might have some awesome twists and this story seems to be leading up to an even bigger plot. The book will leave you with a bit of a cliff hanger so be ready! 

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from Thomas Nelson for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Killer Harvest Review With Celebrate Lit Tours

About the Book

Book:  Killer Harvest

Author: Tanya Stowe

Genre:  Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release Date: March, 2020

 

Can she stop a deadly crop virus from ending up in the wrong hands? Biologist and single mom Sassa Nilsson just witnessed her mentor’s brutal murder by environmental extremists. Now she’s the last link to a deadly pathogen they plan unleashing—and their number one target! But can handsome border patrol agent Jared De Luca shield Sassa and her baby long enough to find a cure…before the entire world faces the unthinkable consequences?

Click here for your copy.

About the Author

 

Tanya Stowe is a Christian Fiction author with an unexpected edge. She is married to the love of her life, her high school sweetheart. They have four children and twenty-one grandchildren, a true adventure. She fills her books with the unusual…mysteries and exotic travel, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey packed with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary.

More from Tanya

As a teenager, I spent my summers water-skiing on the King’s River in Central California. Even though we lived on the coast and the ocean, we traveled inland to the smooth river waters every other weekend for our sport. We camped on a sandy beach, skimmed over the water all day long and at night sat under a sky full of brilliant stars and listened to the sound of the water rippling past. Since we lived on the coast with a heavy marine layer, the amazing sky always fascinated me. Surrounded by massive cottonwood trees, with the smell of ripe fruit drifting toward us, my river experiences were different from home and more than memorable. On some nights we’d hear the splash and laughter as teenagers, somewhere across the river, came down to swim. I always wondered what it would be like to live in the nearby small, neat-as-a-pin town, to know the same people all of my life and to be able to drive down to the river with my friends on any given night. I envied those teenagers and always knew I’d someday write a story about central California. I didn’t know it would involve biological warfare and crazed killers…but that transition is another story all its own! I’ll stop here and hope you enjoy Killer Harvest!

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, March 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 7

deb’s Book Review, March 7

Texas Book-aholic, March 8

Simple Harvest Reads, March 8 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 9

Among the Reads, March 9

Genesis 5020, March 9

For Him and My Family, March 10

Kat’s Corner Books, March 10

April Hayman, Author, March 10

Inklings and notions, March 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 11

Betti Mace, March 12

Reading Is My SuperPower, March 12

Bigreadersite, March 12

Through the Fire Blogs, March 13

Maureen’s Musings, March 13

Older & Smarter?, March 14

She Lives To Read, March 14

Remembrancy, March 15

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, March 15

Blogging With Carol, March 15

Emily Yager, March 16

Blossoms and Blessings, March 16

janicesbookreviews, March 17

Daysong Reflections, March 17

Mary Hake, March 17

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 18

Pause for Tales, March 18

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 19

SPLASHES of Joy, March 19

Hallie Reads, March 19

Artistic Nobody, March 20 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 20

To Everything There Is A Season, March 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tanya is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

 GIVEAWAY

My Thoughts

 This book started out great! There is a lot of action and excitement and I was curious to find out what in the world was going on. I liked the characters and the overall idea for the story line. The middle of the book slowed a little for me and I struggled to be totally invested in the rest of the book. While I think it was a decent suspense novel it just wasn't my favorite. I will be interested in other books that Tanya writes in the future though! 

If you enjoy suspense this could be a great read for you. 

Three Stars. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

 

Spring 2020 Top Books To Read

Today's Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Books on my TBR list for this spring. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Wingfeather Saga: North! Or Be Eaten

 

 About the Book

Now in hardcover for the first time, featuring all-new illustrations! First they found themselves On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. Now they must make their way North! Or Be Eaten . . .

Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby thought they were normal children with normal lives and a normal past. But now they know they're really the Lost Jewels of Anniera, heirs to a legendary kingdom across the sea, and suddenly everyone wants to kill them.

In order to survive, the Igibys must flee to the safety of the Ice Prairies, where the lizardlike Fangs of Dang cannot follow. First, however, they have to escape the monsters of Glipwood Forest, the thieving Stranders of the East Ben, and the dreaded Fork Factory.

But even more dangerous are the jealousies and bitterness that threaten to tear them apart. Janner and his siblings must learn the hard way that the love of a family is more important than anything else.

Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, North! Or Be Eaten is a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can read aloud, and readers' groups are sure to enjoy discussing for its many layers of meaning. Extra features include new interior illustrations from Joe Sutphin, funny footnotes, a map of the fantastical world, inventive appendices, and fanciful line art in the tradition of the original Frank L. Baum Wizard of Oz storybooks. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I had never heard of these books until now. This genre is not my go to but I thought I would give it a try and see if I would enjoy North! Or Be Eaten. I love how imaginative the author is and the world that is created. The many quirky characters make this book what it is and I think a broad age group will enjoy it! The storyline for me got a little muddled in the middle. I liked the illustrations though that added a lot. I am going to share this book with others that I know will love it! 


Three stars.

"I received this book for free from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review." 

 

The Runaway Bride Review

 

About the Book

Wealthy Arabella Lawrence flees to British Columbia on a bride ship still wearing the scars of past mistakes. One of the few single women in the boomtown, she immediately has suitors, but she is determined not to find herself trapped again by a poor choice.

Vying for her hand are two very different men. Lieutenant Richard Drummond is a gentleman in the Navy and is held in high esteem. Peter Kelly is the town's baker and has worked hard to build a thriving business. He and Drummond not only compete for Arabella's affections, but clash over their views of how the natives should be treated in the midst of a smallpox outbreak.

As Arabella begins to overcome her fears, she discovers someone in dire need—a starving girl abandoned by her tribe. Intent on helping the girl, Arabella leans on Peter's advice and guidance. Will she have the wisdom to make the right decision or will seeking what's right cost both her and Peter everything? Goodreads

 BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I really enjoy Jody's books and this cover is simply stunning! The first part of this story moved pretty slowly for me. I had a difficult time getting into the plot but I so loved Peter! He has the best personality and really made this book worthwhile in my opinion. I enjoy the history of the bride ships and also British Columbia. I feel like Jody does a great job making history come alive in all of her books. While this wasn't my favorite of hers, this series has been unique and if you haven't read one of her books you must! 

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Top Ten Tuesday: Books With Single-Word Titles

Today's Top Ten Tuesday features books with single-word titles! Here are the first ones that came to mind and some of my favorites. 

 

Cold Case Connection Review + Giveaway

About the Book

Book:  Cold Case Connection
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre:  Romantic Suspense
Release Date: February 1, 2020

Convinced his sister’s death wasn’t an accident, private investigator Sergio Ross is determined to catch her killer. But with all the clues hinting at a connection to another unsolved murder, he has to join forces with Helen Pike—a woman linked to both deaths—to find the truth. Can they follow the cold evidence trail to get justice…before they become the next victims?

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the  nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

More from Dana

Cold Case Connection was really fun to write because it’s Helen’s story. She’s an intelligent, sensitive woman who is the sister to the men living on the Roughwater Ranch. Liam is her biological brother, but she’s just as close to Chad and Mitch who might as well be blood relatives. In this novel, Helen has to relive the worst moment of her teenage life, the night when a mysterious murder occurred during a teen prank. Helen is going to have to face the past in order to preserve her future. Cowboys, a case gone cold, a coastal ranch and a whole lot of danger…I hope you will enjoy the ride!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 14

Among the Reads, February 14

Through the Fire Blogs, February 14

The Avid Reader, February 15

Texas Book-aholic, February 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 16

Inklings and notions, February 16

janicesbookreviews, February 16

Betti Mace, February 17

She Lives to Read, February 17

Genesis 5020, February 17

For the Love of Literature, February 18

For Him and My Family, February 18

My Devotional Thoughts, February 19

Reading Is My SuperPower, February 19

Just Your Average reviews, February 19

Remembrancy, February 20

Older & Smarter?, February 20

Blogging With Carol, February 20

deb’s Book Review, February 21

Bigreadersite, February 21

EmpowerMoms, February 21

Blossoms and Blessings, February 22

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 22

Christian Bookaholic, February 23

KarenSueHadley, February 23

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 23

Emily Yager, February 24

Christian Bookshelf Reviews, February 24

Pause for Tales, February 24

Simple Harvest Reads, February 25 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 25

Maureen’s Musings, February 26

Hallie Reads, February 26

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 26

Livin’ Lit, February 27

To Everything There Is A Season, February 27

Daysong Reflections, February 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a Mentink giveaway bundle, including a bag, a copy of the book, and an Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

 GIVEAWAY!

My Thoughts

I just love Dana's stories and this book is one of my favorites! I loved the characters and the suspense kept me flipping the pages. This book takes you into a murder from the past and digs up old memories and people who might have been the killer. It was really fun to "investigate" along side Helen and Sergio. The romance is sweet and for such a short book it is very well written. This series has been great so I highly recommend that you read all the books! 

Five Stars. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

The Fifth Avenue Story Society Review with Celebrate Lit Tours

About the Book

Book:  The Fifth Avenue Story Society
Author: Rachel Hauck
Genre:  Contemporary Romance/ Women’s Fiction
Release Date: February 4, 2020

 

An invitation to join The Fifth Avenue Story Society gives five New York strangers a chance to rewrite their own stories.

Executive assistant Lexa is eager for a much-deserved promotion, but her boss is determined to keep her underemployed.

Literature professor Jett is dealing with a broken heart, as well as a nagging suspicion his literary idol, Gordon Phipps Roth, might be a fraud.

Uber driver Chuck just wants a second chance with his kids.

Aging widower Ed is eager to write the true story of his incredible marriage.

Coral, queen of the cosmetics industry, has broken her engagement and is on the verge of losing her great grandmother’s multimillion-dollar empire.

When all five New Yorkers receive an anonymous, mysterious invitation to the Fifth Avenue Story Society, they suspect they’re victims of a practical joke. No one knows who sent the invitations or why. No one has heard of the literary society. And no one is prepared to bear their deepest secrets to a roomful of strangers.

 Yet curiosity and loneliness bring them back week after week to the old library. And it’s there they discover the stories of their hearts, and the kind of friendship and love that heals their souls.

Get your copy of the book here.

About the Author

 

Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at RachelHauck.com; Facebook: RachelHauck; Twitter: @RachelHauck; Instagram: @rachelhauck.

Read an Excerpt

Read an excerpt here.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 10
The Avid Reader, February 10
Livin’ Lit, February 10
Genesis 5020, February 10
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 10
The Power of Words, February 11
A Baker’s Perspective, February 11
Rebecca Tews, February 11
All-of-a-kind Mom, February 11
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 11
Older & Smarter?, February 12
Seasons of Opportunities, February 12
Texas Book-aholic, February 12
Inklings and notions, February 12
deb’s Book Review, February 12
My Devotional Thoughts, February 13
Just the Write Escape, February 13
For Him and My Family, February 13
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, February 13
CarpeDiem, February 13
Remembrancy, February 14
Christian Bookaholic, February 14
Connect in Fiction, February 14
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14
April Hayman, Author, February 14
Robin’s Nest, February 15
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 15
Britt Reads Fiction, February 15
Just Your Average reviews, February 15
Blogging With Carol, February 15
Batya’s Bits, February 16
Bigreadersite, February 16
A Reader’s Brain, February 16
Worthy2Read, February 16
Stories By Gina, February 16
Back Porch Reads, February 17
janicesbookreviews, February 17
Literary Reflections Book Blog, February 17
Inside the Wong Mind, February 17
Mary Hake, February 17
Through the fire blogs, February 18
Mia Reads, February 18
Baker Kella, February 18
EmpowerMoms, February 18
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 18
Maureen’s Musings, February 19
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 19
Coast and Anchor, February 19
Spoken from the Heart, February 19
SPLASHES of Joy, February 19
She Lives to Read, February 20
By The Book, February 20
Wishful Endings, February 20
Moments, February 20
Simple Harvest Reads, February 20 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Andrea Christenson, February 21
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 21
Pause for Tales, February 21
For The Love of Books, February 21
Lis Loves Reading, February 21
Reader’s Cozy Corner, February 22
Hallie Reads, February 22
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 22
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 22
To Everything There Is A Season, February 22
Godly Book Reviews, February 23
Daysong Reflections, February 23
SusanLovesBooks, February 23
Lights in a Dark World, February 23



My Thoughts

 
I never know what to expect when I pick up a Rachel Hauck book. Every single one is totally different and unexpected. I do love this cover! This story has A LOT of characters but surprisingly it is fairly easy to keep up with them all. I really enjoyed the story society aspect and how it pulled all of the characters and pieces of the book together. Coral and Jett are my favorites simply because of their personalities and perspectives. While I was expecting a little stronger faith aspect some details at the end surprised me and so I encourage you to read until the end. While this story isn't terribly fast paced I really enjoyed looking into the lives of the many people involved. I liked seeing how the characters grew over the course of the pages. While this wasn't my favorite book by Rachel I still found it enjoyable! 

Four Stars.

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."