Reviews

One_Pan Wonders Amish Cookbook – Wanda Brunstetter

Keep It Simple. Put It All in One Pan.

New, from New York Times bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter, is a new cookbook that feature ways to simplify meal prep and cleanup.

When you are busy and don’t want the hassle of a multi-step, multi-dish meal, keep it simple and put it all in one pan. A brand-new compilation of recipes from Amish cooks will help you manage mealtime with ease.

Over 200 recipes include:

Breakfasts
Soups
Casseroles
Sheet pan meals
Skillet meals
Salad as main dish
and even some desserts.

Encased in a lay-flat binding and presented in full color, home cooks of all ages will find this cookbook to be a valuable addition to their collections.

Who doesn’t enjoy simple and less mess in the kitchen? Yet great flavors and variety. This book has it. Include a helpful layout with beautiful pictures and this book will have you going back to it for years to come.

Tracking the Tiny Target by Connie Queen

Catching a kidnapper takes teamwork

…and a K-9’s help.

When a three-year-old boy is kidnapped, deputy sheriff Chandler Murphy and his search-and-rescue K-9 partner are on the case. And when the child’s mother, Bristol Delaney, insists on helping, he can’t turn her away. But someone is dead set on stopping the investigation. Can Chandler guarantee Bristol’s safety and rescue the missing child before the trail goes cold?

Catching a kidnapper takes teamwork

…and a K-9’s help.

The Cowboy’s Little Secret by Jill Kemerer

To keep his child’s nanny….He’ll have to let down his guard

The last thing struggling cattle rancher Austin Watkins needs, or wants, is for his son’s nanny to quit. But Cassie Berber longs to follow her dreams. The solution seems simple: prove to Cassie she can have the life she’s always wanted right here in their small town. There’s just one problem—Austin has a secret. And the only way to get Cassie to stay is to tell the truth…

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Wyoming Ranchers

Book 1: The Prodigal’s Holiday Hope

Book 2: A Cowboy to Rely On

Book 3: The Mistletoe Favor

Book 4: Depending on the Cowboy

Book 5: The Cowboy’s Little Secret

Book five in the Wyoming Rancher’s series can be read as a stand alone. However the other stories are really good and characters cross over between books; you’ll want to read them all!

Author Jill Kemerer has given us a wonderful community of friends who care for and watch over each other. I’d love to join them! Realistic characters who struggle with the same issues many of us face made the story even more enjoyable. And add in a darling little boy who wants the nanny for a mama and you won’t be able to put it down.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Breaking McKinley’s Curse by Mindy Steele

A Woman Cursed

Plagued by a century-long family curse, Mammoth Cave Wildlife Conservationist, Josie McKinley has a reason to distrust strangers. But when a charming Warden arrives with a hundred-year-old photo and a dog, Josie must face the past chasing her to make room for the future she’s been waiting for.

A Man Searching

On leave from Virginia Fish and Wildlife, Reed Montgomery agrees to help his older brother with his biggest flip ever, converting an early eighteenth-century Baltimore church into apartments. Finding a mysterious secret room, an heirloom desk, and a hundred-year-old photo, compels Reed to travel deep into Kentucky cave country to seek out the family to which it belongs.

Uncovering the secrets surrounding Josie’s great-grandfather’s disappearance will prove impossible as a stranger from the north decides the past is better off hidden in this page-turning romantic suspense novel.

Book two in Steele’s Mountain Protector series, this can be read as a standalone. But you will want to read book one, Bones on the Mountain, simply because it’s really good.

In Breaking McKinley’s Curse, we meet Josie and Reed. Both are well written and both have issues; trust being one of them. And since this story is full of secrets, trust is a big deal.

The dual timelines worked well. It didn’t feel at all jerky or disruptive to my reading; very smoothly done. I appreciated all the details Steele wrote about the Kentucky countryside. I felt as if I were right there. I could see and smell it; time to head to the Mammoth Caves! And we can’t forget Janie, Reed’s dog. She was very important to the story. And though I’m not a dog person I came to love her.

If you enjoy mystery and suspense at a fast pace, great characters, and sweet romance then you need to read Breaking McKinley’s Curse.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

The Vanishing at Castle Moreau by Jaime Jo Wright

A haunting legend. An ominous curse. A search for a secret buried deep within the castle walls.

In 1870, orphaned Daisy François takes a position as housemaid at a Wisconsin castle to escape the horrors of her past life. There she finds a reclusive and eccentric Gothic authoress who hides tales more harrowing than the ones in her novels. As women disappear from the area and the eerie circumstances seem to parallel a local legend, Daisy is thrust into a web that could ultimately steal her sanity, if not her life.

In the present day, Cleo Clemmons is hired by the grandson of an American aristocratic family to help his grandmother face her hoarding in the dilapidated Castle Moreau. But when Cleo uncovers more than just the woman’s stash of collectibles, a century-old mystery and the dust of the old castle’s curse threaten to rise again . . . this time to leave no one alive to tell the sordid tale.

Award-winning author Jaime Jo Wright seamlessly weaves a dual-time tale of two women who must do all they can to seek the light amid the darkness shrouding Castle Moreau.

Author Jaime Jo Wright has become well known for her dual-time line Gothic stories for a good reason. She does it well. Both timelines are seamless and fit together in a way that makes sense.

I enjoyed reading about Castle Moreau. Its creakiness, hidden rooms, and general spookiness made for great reading. I appreciated Wright’s humor, and her references to pop culture. How fun is that?

The author wasn’t afraid to tackle some tough subjects honestly, including alcoholism and abuse. Strong characters who can’t seem to break free from the hold of the castle makes this a page turner. In typical Wright style, I didn’t see the ending coming but all along I knew it was, as Wright puts it, a Scooby-Doo type surprise. You really do have to read this book if you enjoy suspense full of unexpected twists and turns.

The Heart’s Choice by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

They must uncover the truth before it’s buried forever.

After witnessing a wrongful conviction as a young girl, Rebecca Whitman–the first female court reporter in Montana–is now determined to defend the innocent. During a murder trial, something doesn’t sit well with her about the case, but no one except the handsome new Carnegie librarian will listen to her.

Librarian Mark Andrews’s father sent him to college hoping he would take over the business side of the family ranch, but Mark would rather wrangle books than cows. When a patron seeks help with research in hopes of proving a man’s innocence, Mark is immediately drawn to her and her cause.

In a race against time, will Rebecca and Mark find the evidence they need–and open their hearts to love–before it’s too late?

Such a good book if you enjoy historical fiction. We learn a bit about a Carnegie library, the first female court reporter in Montana, and the first female lawyer, as well. I found it extremely interesting the way Petesron and Woodhouse wove facts into their story.

Strong, well developed characters and a great plot make this a page turner. Rebecca and Mark love books but want nothing to do with romance. Ever. Yet we see them constantly thrown together and things get stirred up by a quirky match making friend. Add a mystery to the mix and you have a book that keeps your attention.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Her Only Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray

Return to Pinecraft, Florida, for a Sweet Amish Romance

Sheltered yet adventurous, Betsy Detweiler is on a mission to get out of Kentucky and experience new things in life. She’s got a list–a life list. What better place to start than with her friends in beautiful Pinecraft, Florida?

From the moment Betsy walks into the Snow Bird Golf Course to sign up for lessons, August Troyer is mesmerized. Betsy is a mass of contradictions–beautiful yet awkward, outgoing yet unsure, joyful yet hesitant. She’s like no one he’s ever met before, and as the only child of missionary parents, he’s met a lot of people.

As Betsy and August embark on a month of enjoying life to the fullest, they’ll encounter several reasons to back off and play it safe. But playing it safe has its own consequences. This tender romance reminds us that life–and love–requires a fair amount of risk.

Book two in the A Season in Pinecraft series can be read as a standalone but there are a few things alluded to from book one, Her Heart’s Desire.

We meet Betsy, who is dealing with asthma and overprotective parents, and August, who’s parents are very self centered. With both of them having things to deal with it’s a wonder they can even be friends. But friendship happens on the golf course.

Hope and courage are big factors in this story. And of course there’s a sweet romance. Or two. Or three. If you enjoy Amish fiction then do read Her Only Wish, and learn what that title is about.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

The Swindler’s Daughter by Stephenia H. McGee

A surprise inheritance. A cache of family secrets. A choice that will change her life forever.

Lillian Doyle has lived her entire high-society life with her widowed mother, believing her father died long ago. But when news arrives that her estranged father only recently passed away–in jail–Lillian is startled to find that the man has left a business and all of his possessions to her, making her a rather unusual heiress.

When she goes to take possession of her father’s house in a backwoods Georgia town, the dilapidated structure is already occupied by another woman who claims it was promised to her son, Jonah. In her attempts to untangle the mess, Lillian will discover not only a family she never knew she had but a family business that is more than meets the eye–and has put a target on her back.

To discover the truth and take hold of the independence she’s always dreamed of, she’ll have to make friends with adversaries and strangers–especially Jonah, the dusty and unrefined cowboy who has secret aspirations of his own.

What if everything you thought to be true about your life….isn’t. Author Stephenia McGee takes us on a journey with Lillian who is soon to discover this. Is she strong enough to handle it?

Jonah has also had the rug pulled out from under him. But his mother continues to believe that God has a plan for all of them.

This book has a lot of twists and turns, moments of who’s the bad guy, and a sweet romance. I enjoyed every page and recommend it for those who enjoy historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Heart of Gold by Lacy Williams

They survived a harrowing near-death experience. Can a poignant family Christmas bring them together?

Ida needs a quiet Christmas at home to rest and find her footing again. But her boisterous family is anything but quiet and things only get worse when her U.S. Marshal brother brings home a prisoner for the holiday-the same outlaw that saved her life.

Tom Seymour discombobulates her. He’s arrogant and unrepentant. But when she’s forced to nurse his injuries, she realizes that his persona is all a facade. The man underneath is wounded and kind and in need of redemption.

But Tom must make a choice between his old life and the chance to make a new one with Ida. Can she trust the man he is becoming or will he betray her?

I’m always up for a story set at Christmas time, and this one didn’t disappoint. Author Lacy Williams continues her Wind River Hearts series with book 17. It can be a stand alone so don’t fret if you haven’t read 1 – 16.)

Hearts of Gold is a fairly quick read, but has some deep thoughts, forgiveness and redemption being primary (at least to me).

Well developed characters make this story enjoyable and I loved the children. I think they always add fun and lightness to a book.

If you enjoy historical fiction with clean romance please do give this one a read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Murmur in the Mudcaves by Kathleen Denley

He came to cook for ranch hands, not three single women.

Gideon Swift, a visually impaired Civil War Veteran, responds to an ad for a ranch cook in the Southern California desert mountains. He wants nothing more than to forget his past and stay in the kitchen where he can do no harm. But when he arrives to find his employer murdered, the ranch turned to ashes, and three young women struggling to survive in the unforgiving Borrego Desert, he must decide whether his presence protects them or places them in greater danger.

Bridget “Biddie” Davidson finally receives word from her older sister who disappeared with their brother and pa eighteen years prior, but the news is not good. Determined to help her family, Biddie sets out for a remote desert ranch with her adopted father and best friend. Nothing she finds there is as she expected, including the man who came to cook for the shambles of a ranch.

When tragedy strikes, the danger threatens not only her plans to help her sister, but her own dreams for the future—with the man who’s stolen her heart.

Do you enjoy historical fiction? If so, grab a copy of Murmur in the Mudcaves. Author Kathleen Denley does a wonderful job of putting the reader right in the story with her vivid descriptions. Have you ever heard of the mud caves? I haven’t, so it was interesting to learn about them. That always makes a story better, to me.

A story of healing and forgiveness, both Gideon and Biddie learn that God has a plan for their lives. The spiritual thread is well done in that it’s not preachy but organic.

Historical fiction with a sweet romance, I highly recommend reading it.

.I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Loving the Rancher’s Children by Mindy Obenhaus

A short-term solution

Could lead to long-term love

When Alli Krenek returns to her hometown, she’s surprised to find herself agreeing to become a nanny to Jake Walker’s children. Seventeen years ago, Jake betrayed Alli’s trust, and she’s avoided him ever since. But the more time she spends with Jake, the more his two little ones melt her heart and Alli begins to see the man Jake has become. Is this their chance to finally heal old wounds?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Hope Crossing

Book 1: The Cowgirl’s Redemption

Book 2: A Christmas Bargain

Book 3: Loving the Rancher’s Children

It’s always fun to return to Hope’s Crossing. I’ve enjoyed each story, and seeing what everyone is up to. But if you haven’t read them that’s okay, you could read this as a stand alone. However you’ll catch more of the nuances by reading all of them.

Author Mindy Obenhaus has written a story with all of the emotions. You’ll go from laughing to sighing, to even shedding a tear or two. Stories of hope and second chances are always heartwarming to read.

Strong, well developed characters make this book so enjoyable. Alli has been hurt and is afraid to trust again. Jake has been hurt as well, but has grown thanks to having two little ones to care for. Two adorable little ones, by the way. Can they have a chance at a second chance? Read Loving the Rancher’s Children to find out!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

The Secret to Happiness by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Fired from her dream job after making a huge mistake, Callie Dixon lands at her aunt’s Cape Cod ice cream shop, hoping that in time, she’ll bounce back. But she made that mistake for a reason that time won’t help. When her cousin drags her to a class on happiness, the instructor–curiously gloomy and demanding–has a way of turning her feelings upside down.

I really liked this book. The Cape Cod Creamery series has been enjoyable. I do recommend reading book one in the series, The Sweet Life, because we are visiting the same small town and meeting many of the same people here in book 2.

It’s been fun to learn about making ice cream for a business. I enjoy making it at home but Callie’s family definitely is working on a larger scale.

Quirky warm hearted people make this so enjoyable. And oh my goodness. Can any child get cuter than Cowboy Leo? He will melt your heart, if not your ice cream. A story of hurt and healing, Fisher throws in a twist you won’t see coming.

If you enjoy contemporary Christian fiction then I recommend this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Courage in the Storm by Laurel Blount

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.

I have enjoyed the entire John Mills Amish Romance series. But Courage in the Storm is the best of all. I read from beginning to end in one day. It was impossible to put down. Full of all the emotions it will leave you wanting more from author Laurel Blount.

What wonderfully well written characters. So human with all the things we deal with. Miriam is dealing with crippling fear. Reuben is an abuse survivor. Somehow those two connect over a broken horse named Breeze and healing begins.

Those who have suffered extreme trauma will find much to relate to in this story. And hopefully the freedom and healing that happens will be encouraging to you. Please give it a read. It’s a beautiful story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

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