The Amish Quiltmaker's Unruly In-Laws

 Title: The Amish Quiltmaker's Unruly In-Laws

Series: The Amish Quiltmaker #2

Author: Jennifer Beckstrand

Publisher: Zebra Books

Genre: Christian Fiction/Amish

My Review:

 While this is the second book in the series, it can also be read as a stand-alone. However, to understand a bit more about a few of the characters, it would be great to start with the first book.

Linda Eicher is not afraid to speak her mind and often comes across as rude and unfeeling. She is feisty, athletic, and does quite a few sports your typical Amish young lady would not do.

Top Ten Tuesday-Upcoming Releases 2021

Welcome back to another Top Ten Tuesday!!! Today's topic is what books that are releasing between now and the end of the year that you are really excited about? I am going to do my best to narrow this down to just 10, LOL, but it will not be easy!

In no particular order...

1. The Mistletoe Countess, release date September 1, 2021

  

Amish Country Threats

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Amish Country Threats by Dana R. Lynn, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Amish Country Threats
Series: Amish Country Justice #10
Author: Dana R. Lynn
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: June 29, 2021
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense 

Her brother was murdered. Will she be next? 

While searching for proof that her brother’s death was no accident, Lilah Schwartz is almost killed by a sniper in her Amish community. Hiding in Levi Burkholder’s barn is all that keeps her alive. The former soldier will do everything in his power to protect Lilah, but can he and Lilah uncover the evidence her brother hid before she’s the next to die? 

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith. 

MY REVIEW

Two Truths and a Lie

 Have you ever played the game two truths and a lie? It is a great ice-breaker game. The premise is easy, you list two truths and one lie and people are supposed to figure out which one is the lie. I decided to play that game, with a twist, on my blog today. I don't know about you but I just need a little fun. I am currently reading 6 or so books between different sites for reviews, or my own personal growth. I am going to put the cover of the 6 books here and I hope you will guess which one is the lie. Some will be easy if you have seen any of my posts recently or follow me on Goodreads. But, I am hoping to stump you. Can't wait to hear which one you think is the lie!

 

Along a Storied Trail

 Title: Along a Storied Trail

Author: Ann H. Gabhart

Publisher: Revell

Genre: Historical Fiction/Christian Fiction

My Review:

I would describe this as a slow-build, slow read book. The book is well-written, the plot flows seamlessly, the characters are developed well, especially since you are following several. I was worried this would be similar to other recently published books as the general idea (delivering books to mountain areas) is the same, but Ann Gabhart weaves an incredibly unique story. She interweaves faith seamlessly and balances the reality of the depression, with the reality of living life in the mountains. 

First line Friday #6 -Along a Storied Trail

 Happy Friday! And welcome to First Line Friday, hosted by Hoarding Books!! It’s time to grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line.This week I am sharing from Along a Storied Trail  by Ann H. Gabhart. 

A Lady in Attendance

Title: A Lady in Attendance

Author: Rachel Fordham

Publisher: Revell

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance

My Review:

This book starts with a bang, with Hazel in a reformatory! Immediately it draws the reader in as we want to know what a lady would do in 1893 to be put in a reformatory! All questions are eventually answered and the book is a very quick read.

"The coarse gray fabric of Hazel's newly donned uniform felt uncomfortable and foreign against her skin."

Top Ten Tuesday-Bookish Wishes

Welcome to this week's top ten Tuesday. Today's topic is you top ten book wish list. The topic was inspired by Jana, the host of our weekly top ten link-ups. Today is her birthday and she decided we should celebrate with her by granting some friend wishes! You can see all the details at That Artsy Reader Girl.  If nothing else, please stop by her blog and wish her a happy birthday🎂 You are under no obligation to grant any wishes, or wish Jana a happy birthday! However, it will be fun blog hopping to see other people's wish lists and maybe add some more books to my "want to read" list 😂

Blog Engagement Giveaway!!

 ****GIVEAWAY CLOSED****

And....the winner is......

RobbyeFaye-

Congratulations RobbyeFaye 🎉🎉🎉🎉🥳-Send me your physical mailing address AND the name of the book you want me to send you and I will get it out to you!

Thank you all for your support. 

 Hey Friends! I am so excited that you are here!!! Today I am hosting my FIRST giveaway on this blog. The giveaway is not affiliated with anyone or anything, it is completely hosted by ME 😀 Some of you do not know me very well at all, but one of my love languages is GIVING gifts. I love blessing others and I love helping others, (when I can). 

So, what do you have to do to be entered in the giveaway?

Gratitude the Missing Piece of the Puzzle

Title: Gratitude: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle

Author: Maddy Jones    

Publisher: Self Published

Genre: Poetry

My Review:

Gratitude: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle is written by Maddy Jones. Maddy spent years as a Reiki healer and teacher before venturing into the world of writing. Gratitude: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle is her first novel. Maddy is passionate about animal welfare and is the founder of the charity West Mercia Animal Refuge.

We Are Heroes

 Title: We Are Heroes

Author: Kyle Hart

Publisher: Sleepy Robot Books

Pages: 30

Genre: Children's Fiction

My Review:

The cover of We Are Heroes is what drew my attention to this work. I cannot recall another book off the top of my head with a father and his son represented on the front cover. We Are Heroes is a debut children’s book by aspiring writer, Kyle Hart. Kyle graduated from Marietta College with a degree in history and theatre.  He and his family reside in Marietta, Ohio.

First Line Friday #5-Serena's Song

 First Line Friday is hosted by Hoarding Books. 

This week I am sharing from Serena's Song by Livia Verrell. Serena's Song is a Christian romance that involves issues of a young woman's journey toward discovering what is and is not important in her life. Serena's has been raised as an atheist and I think her perspective gives a pretty accurate description of how atheists think Christian's view them.

 

An Unlikely Pair

Title: An Unlikely Pair

Series: Dream's Edge #1

Author: Traci Hunter Abramson

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Genre: Fiction/Clean Romance

My Review:

I was immediately drawn to this book by the beautiful cover. When I have had the opportunity to watch the Olympics, I always enjoyed watching pairs skating. It always amazed me what people could do on the ice, as in stuff I couldn't even do on dry land!  

Top Ten Tuesday: Books On My Summer 2021 TBR

 I am doing another link-up with top ten Tuesday. Today the topic is books on your summer 2021 reading list. I have a lot of books on my list to read, but I am going to start with the ones I am reading for reviews, followed by the four non-fiction books I hope to read (anyone else read nonfiction? Does it take you longer to read them than fiction, like it does me?) and end with some that I have been on my pile for a while. For more fun summer reading (and recommendations across all genres!), check out That Artsy Reader Girl.

Jewel of the Nile

Title: Jewel of the Nile

Author: Tessa Afshar

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Genre: Biblical Fiction/Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

Whispered secrets about her parents' past take on new urgency for Chariline as she pays one last visit to the land of her forefathers, the ancient kingdom of Cush.

Raised as an orphan by her aunt, Chariline has only been told a few pieces of her parents' tragic love story. Her beautiful dark skin is proof that her father was Cushite, but she knows nothing else. While visiting her grandfather before his retirement as the Roman official in the queen's court, Chariline overhears that her father is still alive, and discovering his identity becomes her obsession. Both her grandfather and the queen have reasons for keeping this secret, however, and forbid her quest. So when her only clues lead to Rome, Chariline sneaks on the ship of a merchant trusted by friends.

Sensing

 Title: Sensing

Author: Diana Haemer

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Genre: Poetry

Synopsis:

From prom & college acceptances to heartbreak and personal loss, Diana Haemer’s second book of poetry represents her life’s work. Sensing is an autobiographical journey that encapsulates the essences of nature, love, loss, and family exploring a variety of poetic styles (villanelles, sonnets, haikus, et al). Written over the span

First Line Friday #4-Jewel of the Nile

 First Line Friday is hosted by Hoarding Books. 

This week I am sharing from Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar. This is the second book that I have read by her and I enjoy her writing. There is just an easy flow to her words and descriptions.

Castle of Refuge

 Title: Castle of Refuge

Series: Dericott Tales #2

Author: Melanie Dickerson

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling/Christian Fiction/Romance 

My Review:

"Audrey hid behind a tree and watched a knight and his squire riding down the lane." From the first line to the last, Castle of Refuge captivated me. It is Gripping. Compelling. Powerful.  And faith is as natural as breathing.

"That was what Audrey wished for her life to be-a burst of light. An intense color."

Walk With Me

Title: Walk With Me: Simple Principles for Everyday Disciplemaking

Author: Bill Mowry

Publisher: Moody Publishers

Genre: Christian Nonfiction/Christian Living

My Review:

I loved this book. It immediately draws the reader in with "an invitation." The author discusses how the Bible frequently uses the word "walk" when describing our relationship with God. The premise behind the book is quite simple, start walking. Once you start walking you can invite others to join you on your walk. 

Homeschooling with Ease

Title: Homeschooling with Ease

Author: Robynn Honeychurch

Genre: Nonfiction/Education

My Review:

In the last year or so with everything going on more and more families are switching to homeschooling. Whether by being forced into it by the schools closing, or fear of the unknown, so they decided to keep their children home. That makes the timing of Homeschooling with Ease perfect. Homeschooling with Ease is written by Robynn Honeychurch. Robynn has taught children for over 25 years, through tutoring programs, community classes, and working as an online learning consultant. She has supported hundreds of homeschooling parents and students from the ages of 5 to 14. Robynn homeschools her daughter and lives on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada, with her family.

Top Ten Books that I loved that made me want more

I am eventually going to post regularly on this blog! I would love a post a day, but sometimes there are none, and other days there are two, but hey, I guess I get points for trying, right? Today I decided to join a link-up because it sounded fun and got me thinking! I love when I come across things like this 😀

Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. Today’s topic is Books I Loved that Made Me Want More Books Like Them. This topic especially appealed to me because I am constantly adding to my never-ending to-be-read pile...either in cyberspace on my Goodreads shelf, or on my Kindle (over 1,000 unlogged books, send help!!) or here, physically on one of my many bookshelves, but then it still gets added to Goodreads...

Plot Twist

Title: Plot Twist

Author: Bethany Turner

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Synopsis:

An aspiring screenwriter has a chance encounter with an actor who could be the man of her dreams. Over the next ten years, she’ll write the story . . . but will he end up being the star?

First Line Friday #3- All Arranged

This is my third post for First Line Fridays and I am excited to be participating again! First Line Friday is hosted by Hoarding Books.

This week I am sharing from All Arranged: Luella Linley: License to Meddle #3 by Meredith Resce. This book releases June 14, 2021. It is one you don't want to miss!

All Arranged

 Title: All Arranged

Series: Luella Linley: License to Meddle #3

Author: Meredith Resce

Publisher: Golden Grain Publishing

Genre: Fiction/Humor

My Review:

I loved this book! While it is the third in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. You will discover a little bit about characters from previous books, but no major spoilers. I have not read the first two books in the series, but I plan to ASAP.

The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to be Patient

Title: The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to be Patient 

Author: Argyro Graphy

Publisher: BHEC Prublishing

Genre: Children's Fiction 

Synopsis:

A loud knock at the front door has Bentley startled. Who could it be? Jaxon an excited monkey with ADHD, rambles on not making any sense. Racing ahead pointing in the distance, Bentley follows this silly monkey. A large crowd has gathered making it impossible for Jaxon to see what the fuss is all about.

Bridge of Gold

Title: Bridge of Gold

Series: Doors of the past

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse

Publisher: Barbour Books

Genre: Historical Fiction

My Review:

This was a very fascinating and original story. I am learning to appreciate dual-time period novels and what I can learn about the history that each novel portrays. In Bridge of Gold, the story is told around the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Discipline: The Glad Surrender

 Title: Discipline: The Glad Surrender

Author: Elisabeth Elliot

Publisher: Revell

Genre: Christian Nonfiction/Christian Living

Source: My personal library

My review:

 I put this book on my list to read for this year because my word of the year is "Surrender." I like reading books on the word that I feel the Lord has laid on my heart. I have heard a lot about Elisabeth Elliot and I was not disappointed. Mrs. Elliot has a lot of wisdom to share.

"God calls me. In a deeper sense than any other species of earthbound creature, I am called. And in a deeper sense I am free, for I can ignore the call."

Told in a conversation style of writing, Mrs. Elliot begins the book by stating that we are created, cared for, and called. She then goes on to answering God's call. In this way, she is setting the stage to talk about discipline, not just surrender, but the discipline of the body, mind, our work, feelings, and so much more. Each chapter builds on the previous chapter until the final chapter where Mrs. Elliot wraps everything up.

"Discipline is the believer's answer to God's call."

Mrs. Elliot weaves stories from her life into this narrative on surrender. She incorporates Bible verses and relevant stories from the Bible as well. Discipline is a very easy read, but do not let that fool you, this is a very deep and practical book-like the lady herself. There are so many great nuggets tucked into this small book (150 pages of text). Such a profound and straightforward book.

"When the will of man acts in accord with the will of God, that is faith. When the will of man acts in opposition to the will of God, that is unbelief."

Discipline: The Glad Surrender is an excellent book to read if you want to be challenged in your faith and grow in your walk with the Lord. If you are looking for an easy religion and easy tasks, look elsewhere. If you are not willing to grow and surrender, then this is not the book for you. While Mrs. Elliot has passed on, these words will live on, and her legacy will impact many generations to come.

 "There is always enough time to do the will of God." 

4/5 ★★★★

Synopsis: 

In our age of instant gratification and if-it-feels-good-do-it attitudes, self-discipline is hardly a popular notion. Former missionary and beloved author Elisabeth Elliot offers her understanding of discipline and its value for modern people.

Now repackaged for the next generation of Christians, Discipline: The Glad Surrender shows readers how to

-discipline the mind, body, possessions, time, and feelings
-overcome anxiety
-change poor habits and attitudes
-trust God in times of trial and hardship
-let Christ have control in all areas of life

Elliot masterfully and gently takes readers through Scripture, personal stories, and lovely observations of the world around her in order to help them discover the understanding that our fulfillment as human beings depends on our answer to God's call to obedience.

She Lost Her Muse

 Title: She Lost Her Muse

Series: The Maypole Artists #1

Author: June Rollins

Publisher: KDP

Genre: Women's Fiction

My Review:

The beautiful cover is what first drew me to this book. Once I read the synopsis, I was hooked and could not wait to start. 

I like Poppy; she is real, relatable, and has common struggles that most young ladies have. She has a rocky relationship with her parents and is trying to break out of the role of "preacher's daughter" and make something of herself.