The Atonement by Beverly Lewis - my review

The Atonement by Beverly Lewis is about an Amish girl, Lucy Flaud who does volunteer work trying to atone for mistakes that she has made in her past. Her Daed, Christian, is also grieving over the same thing, only for different reasons.

 Tobe Glick is Lucy's lifelong friend who is in love with her and wants to court her. Lucy doesn't feel worthy of his love, will she ever overcome this feeling of quilt that weighs her down?

I'm a HUGE fan fan of Amish books and Beverly Lewis is an awesome author of such.
This is a heart-warming story about love and forgiveness. And being able to forgive one's self.

 I did enjoy this book, just not as well, as some others by the same author.
I received a FREE copy of this from Bethany House and NetGallery in exchange for my honest review.

Forgiven by Terri Roberts - my review

Forgiven: The Amish School Shooting, A Mother's Love, And a Story of Remarkable Grace by Terri Roberts is an awesome TRUE story of forgiveness.
I remember where I was at when I heard of the shootings at Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, and how I stopped to pray for all the families involved. I couldn't imagine being the mother of either, one of the girls shot on that day, or the mother of the shooter. My heart and prayers went out to both on that sad day, and still does.

Terri Roberts is the mother of Charles Roberts, who the world knows as the man that walked into an Amish school in 2006 and shot 10 little girls, killing 5, and then himself. She remembers the loving, caring son she raised, how could he have done such a thing? How can SHE forgive her son?

The Amish, show the family and the world what forgiveness is. As God says in his word, we MUST forgive to be forgiven. This is such a heart-warming book written by a broken-hearted mother as she tells how the broken-hearted families helped her. I cried as I read her story, of what forgiveness can do.

I highly recommend this book to everyone, as it an awesome story of the miracle of forgiveness!  Look for it on the shelves October 6, 2015

I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) from Bethany House Publishing and LibraryThing in exchange for my honest review.

The Photograph by Beverly Lewis - my review

The Photograph by Beverly Lewis is an awesome read full of twists and turns.

Three young sisters, whose parents are recently deceased, must make decisions about their futures. Their four older brothers are all married with families of their own.  The youngest, Menno, has inherited the family farm, and lets the three sisters know he plans to move his family into the home. There isn't enough room for everyone so they will have to make plans for their futures.

Frona the oldest sister, is a worrier, always trying to look out for for her younger sisters. A position that an oldest often takes (speaking from experience).

The youngest sister Lily, decides to leave and become fancy. Which shakes everyone in her family as well as the community up, as they try to find her.

And the middle sister, Eva Esch, who dreams of being in love with whoever her future husband might be.  Eva has a candy store that her father built for her, scared it will no longer be in her future as her brother takes over the family farm.

Jed Stutzman, a buggy maker from Ohio, who shows up in Eden Valley, finds a photo of a beautiful young Amish woman stuck in a book, along with personal notes. Eva feels drawn to this handsome young stranger.

An enjoyable read as you visit Eden Valley, meet the Esch sisters and follow along with the troubles of their lives.  I enjoyed this book as much I do all of Beverly Lewis's books. Look for it on September 8, 2015

I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) from LibraryThing in exchange for my honest review.

The Gift by Wanda F. Brunstetter - my review

The Gift by Wanda F. Brunstetter is the second book in the Prairie State Friend series, (The Decision is #1) , but is also a great stand-alone book. I didn't read the first book in the series and had no problem with following along in this one. Although now I want to go back and read The Decision.

I learned a few things about Leah's passions, hummingbirds and reflexology. Was interesting to read and learn about. Leah decides to take Adam up on his proposal of marriage to help him raise his 3 nieces, even though it will be a marriage in name only or will it?


The Gift is an awesome story with love, forgiveness,acceptance, and tolerance for others. The end of the book left me wanting more! Will Adam forgive Cora? Or will Cora and Jared move back to Chicago? Will Adam and Leah have a baby of their own to add to their family? I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series to see how these characters stories play out.

I received an ARC from Barbour Publishing and NetGallery in exchange for my honest review

The Love Letters by Beverly Lewis - my review

I enjoyed reading The Love Letters by Beverly Lewis. Marlena Wenger is staying with her grandmother to help her out after the passing of her grandfather, when her sister is hospitalized and her niece Angel Rose also comes to stay. Marlena quickly becomes connected to the baby, which her beau Nat is not happy about.
 The neighbor boy Jacob finds a homeless man, who is having problems with his memory, living in the old mill.

I found myself quickly involved in their stories, disliking Nat and his parents for there judgemental ways, and absolutely loving 'Small Jay'. I love reading books about the Amish and Beverly Lewis has created another wonderful story with characters to love and dislike.

I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) from Bethany House and NetGallery in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

 

The Authentic Amish Cookbook by Norman and Marlena Miller - my review

I can't wait to try some of these YUMMY recipes in the The Authentic Amish Cookbook by Norman and Marlena Miller. It is full of family favorites of the Amish in Evart, Michigan.

With recipes for Caramel Pie, Pear Pie, Pineapple Pie, Shoo-Fly Pie, and Apple Cake, along with so many more wonderful sounding desserts to fill your sweet tooth.  A Cheese Soup that sounds so goo-ood for these cold days! Recipes to make your own bologna even (my husband's favorite). There are recipes for canning and freezing, a section for cooking for crowds, one for weight watchers. Collections of lots of helpful tips which will come in handy.

With popular hymns, scripture, and inspirational thoughts throughout this book it has everything you need to bless you and your family as you fix your meals or plan a get-together. The recipes for friendship and life, along with the garden for a mother were actually some of my favorites.

I have so many of these recipes highlighted to go back and try out, just don't know which I want to try first, they all sound so good!


I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) from Harvest House Publishers and NetGallery in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

Huckleberry Christmas by Jennifer Beckstrand - my review

Huckleberry Christmas by Jennifer Beckstrand

What a joyful book, as Mammi Anna sets in for her latest matchmaking schemes. Beth a widow, who was married to an emotionally abusive man, is now determined to make a life for herself and her little redheaded cutie son Toby on her own. She doesn't want to take a chance on love again.  Tyler is in love with her, he makes bacon pancakes for her and purposes, but she turns him down but offers to help him find a good wife. I laughed my way through this book as Beth learns to trust God and to love again. Mammi Anna and Dawdi Felty are grandparents that everyone would love to have. I could almost hear Felty singing as I turned the pages of this book and had the feeling that I was also there on Huckleberry Hill.

I received a free copy of this book from Kensington Books and Net Gallery in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

Look for this on October 7 2014

The River by Beverly Lewis - my review

I am a huge fan of Beverly Lewis and her Amish books. Was very excited to get an ARC of The River by Beverly Lewis. Two sisters Tilly and Ruth have left their Amish roots behind to live fancy as their Amish family calls it. They have also left bad memories behind as well. Then they recieve a call from their brother inviting them to come home for their parents anniversary celebration and they decide to go. Tilly leaves her twin daughters with her English husband while she takes this trip with her sister, not sure how her family will react to them or her English husband - none of which they have yet met.   There seems to be a lot of unresolved issues for both sisters as they go home and the past meets the present.  Secrets have been kept hidden over the years can they be forgiven?  One of my favorite bible verses that is quoted in this book has to do with forgiveness.

 “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15 KJV

I read this in one day , as I found it to be a page-turner that I couldn't lay down. I highly recommend this book if you like reading a feel-good book.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

Look for this book on September 2, 2014

Child of Mine - My Review

I loved Child of Mine by Beverly Lewis and David Lewis! I have been a fan of Beverly Lewis for quite sometime. This is the first I have read anything by David Lewis but look forward to more by both authors.

This was not the usual Amish type book that I am used to by Beverly Lewis. Although we do see a bit of the Amish in this story through the nanny, Laura.  
A heart wrenching story of love and loss. A true test of forgiveness, when Kelly's baby is stolen and sold on the black market.  I fell in love with the characters, especially nine year old Nattie. I laughed and cried as I read this story, it really made me feel what was happening. 

This took several unexpected twists and turns to keep me guessing on the outcome. I did like the ending but won't talk to much here about it. 

I highly recommend this book, it is a very interesting story. 

I received an advanced copy of this from the publisher in exchange for my review rather it be good or bad. 

My Review of - The Last Bride by Beverly Lewis

I enjoyed The Last Bride by Beverly Lewis. It is book # 5 in the Hickory Hollow Series, but also a stand alone book. It had me hooked from page one until the end, as all of her books on the Amish do.

Tessie Miller & Marcus King elope when her father is against them getting married. Her Father has someone else in mind for her to marry.  They come back and live as singles thinking they can change his mind. Then when a tragedy happens, she is left to face her parents and the Amish Church who all think she needs to confess her sins before the entire Church.

Tessie's sister - Mandy (and husband Sylvan) longs for a baby, as so many of her family and friends have.

Beverly Lewis does an awesome job in writing about the Amish/Mennonites. I have learned a lot about their traditions and believes through her books. The Amish put the will of God in everything they do. Because of the independence I have always had some of their traditions are hard for me to relate too, but I can understand why they believe that way.

I highly recommend this book if you like books about Amish.

I received an advanced copy of this in exchange for my review rather it be good or bad.

A Simple Faith - A Simply Beautiful Story

I love reading Amish books but had never read one by Rosalind Lauer, after reading A Simple Faith I will have to say this won't be the last time I read her books.

Have the kleenex ready, as there are both sad and happy times in a Simple Faith. And how we use the strength of God to get through these times.

A tragic car accident brings the Amish and English together in the start of this story.

I love the way Rosalind Lauer shows that faith, hope, forgiveness, and love bring people closer together.

She does a great job of telling the love story of both an Amish (Elsie/Ruben) and an English couple (Haley/Dylan). I enjoyed all of these characters, not sure if I have a favorite of the characters, they are all great.

I learned about Ellis-Van Creveld Syndrome (EVC) which Elsie has, and Ruben shows a very tender side and big heart when it comes to Elsie.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, rather it be good or bad.