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Thursday, July 12, 2018

Firestorm FB Banner copy

About the Book

Title: FirestormFires Storm
Author: Laura Hilton
Genre: Christian Amish
Release Date: July, 2018
Bridget Behr and her family migrate from the bustling Amish community where she grew up in Ohio to the mostly unpopulated Upper Peninsula of Michigan after a stalker breaks into their home. While her father and brother try to find work in the area, the family is forced to reside in a borrowed RV until the house and barn are rebuilt. While Bridget is hoping for a fresh start, she’s afraid to trust anyone—even Gabriel, the overly-friendly Amish man who lives nearby. Bridget thinks he’s a flirt who serial dates and doesn’t even remember the girls’ names.
Due to not enough construction work in his Florida community to keep him out of trouble, Gabriel Lapp has been sent to Michigan to work. His father is desperate for his son to settle down. When the family walks into Gabe’s home in the middle of a thunderstorm and he discovers their circumstances, he offers to help with construction. For Gabe, the beautiful girl he teasingly calls “the recluse” once he discovers she doesn’t attend youth events, confuses him like none other.
As Gabriel and Bridget grow closer, they realize there is more to a person than meets the eye. Just as Bridget is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding love, tragedy strikes. Now Bridget and her family must decide if they should move to another Amish community, or dare to fight for the future they’d hoped for in Mackinac County.


About the Author

Laura pictureLaura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with over twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write.
Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.
When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.

Guest Post from Laura Hilton

I read a series of books a year or so ago by another Amish author who had set her books in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. As a Michigan native, I was curious, and I researched, but found nothing about Upper Peninsula Amish except a notation that one had tried and failed. So I contacted the author. She told me that she’d never been there, and her research had all been hearsay, so with that lack of firsthand knowledge and no trip to the Upper Peninsula planned, no trip to see for myself would be possible. At least at that time.
Then God intervened. My son who is in the United States Coast Guard was stationed in the Upper Peninsula this past summer (2017.) He saw the Amish driving around in their buggies. And he felt like a stalker as he followed one to see where he went and drove through the area. He even sent pictures. (Shhhh.)
Yes, there are Amish in the Upper Peninsula – at least at the time this book was written.
Okay, as a Michigan native, I used some terms that may not be familiar to non-Michiganders. A Yooper is someone who lives in the Upper Peninsula. A Troll is someone from the Lower Peninsula. A pastie is kind of like a Hot Pocket, except it’s a meat pie made with root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and rutabagas. They are so good. And the straits are the area of the Great Lakes connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
As for the wildfire, the earliest wildfire I could find any documentation on in the Upper Peninsula was in April. It is generally a snowy area — trust me. I lived near the Muskegon area and saw snow drifts in May. We sometimes had over six feet of snow on the ground at one time. So, to get the wildfire when I wanted/needed the wildfire I used artistic license. Yes, fires really happened in Michigan’s history. Just not in the month mentioned in the book.
firestorm 1
I am attaching a meme about Michigan seasons. We’ll call the fire set in “fool’s spring.” My son got married during the “third winter” this year. April 21 and there’s snow on the ground. He and his beautiful bride got married at a water fall (Tahquomenon Falls) very near where the story is set.
Firestorm 2

Thanks for reading Firestorm!!


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I never liked moving when I was young. It was nice to stay in one place and feel secure. I can't imagine how Bridget must have felt when her family moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It seemed almost deserted and oh my it was freezing cold there. The author does a great job of describing the terrain and the snow that fell constantly. It was going to be a new start for the family, but who buys a house unseen? To say that the house her father bought was scary is an understatement. I could picture the house falling down at any minute. It sure isn't a welcome start for the family.

Gabe is a very good character. He tries so hard to help Bridget and her family, but her father doesn't seem to like him or trust him. I loved the part where a tradition was fulfilled in the area. All I can say is brrrr. Unfortunately for Gabe, he makes a huge mistake with Bridget that causes friction between Gabe and her father. The relationship between Gabe and Bridget's father Hosea is very entertaining. It is so hard to convince someone you are a good person, when rumors have been  spread about you that are untrue.

One of the subjects in the book is about pride. It can turn a person into one who is bitter. They become suspicious of others and can ruin relationships. I loved how the author handled the subject and showed us how people deal with it. It is so hard to say you are sorry sometimes, but walking around with a prideful spirit pushes people away.  The relationship between Gabe and Bridget is complex and I loved reading how they each struggled with their feelings for each other.

The author talks about acceptance. I have always wanted the approval and acceptance from my parents. I never received it but this passage in the story really helps. "You need Him more than you need anyone else. Gott spreads around forgiveness and grace like you used to spread jelly on toast." We are free to spread as much jelly as we want on our toast, just like God covers us with His grace and forgiveness for as long as we need it. I really enjoyed the story and reading about Bridget's family as they try to overcome loss. It is a powerful book that reminds us to forgive quickly, be quick to lend a hand, and not to judge others.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion."

Blog Stops

Carpe Diem, July 10
The Avid Reader, July 12
Among the Reads, July 14
Pause for Tales, July 20
amandainpa, July 21
Bigreadersite, July 21

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Laura is giving away
Grand prize: Firefighter Puppet 9 (Melissa & Doug), Copies of Amish Firefighter and Firestorm by Laura Hilton.
First place prize of “I Love You to the Cross & Back” Mug (Gardenfire) & Firestorm by Laura Hilton!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cf87/firestorm-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, July 9, 2018

AMISH CELEBRATIONS by BETH WISEMAN

The Gift of Sisters

I loved the story which featured two sisters. They were different in personalities but have fallen for the same young man. Jealousy is an ugly thing that can lead to bitterness and hurt. Rachel is so envious of her sister Hannah, that I'm not sure their relationship will recover . I'm not sure that Abraham is right for either sister when he tries to force Hannah to do something she isn't comfortable with. The story is so good and shows how lies can cause a friend or family member to question a person's reputation. I loved how the author took a subject that all young women face and handled it with grace.

A New Beginning

I knew from the beginning pages that Noah was going to cause lots of problems. When he gets a taste of the English world, he forgets about his fiancee Rebecca and soon trouble follows . I was heartbroken when Noah does something to devastate Rebecca. Is he making the right choice? Has the outside world influenced him to not follow through with his commitment? I liked reading how Noah struggled with his faith . I think we all do at some point in our life. The story is a nice look at forgiveness, temptation and guilt. I liked a very special character named McKenna. She is such a loving person who so desperately wants to be loved and accepted. I cheered for her as well as Rebecca and Noah. Will Rebecca forgive Noah? Can McKenna find happiness? I loved the ending and thought the characters were easy to relate to.

A Perfect Plan

Every bride wants to have the perfect wedding. They plan everything and picture the perfect day. Priscilla is excited for her big day but things start to go wrong as the big day approaches.  It's hard for Priscilla to relax and her anxiousness overwhelms her. I liked how the author shows us how worry and doubt can cause us to lose faith in God. He has a plan for us, but sometimes it not exactly what we had envisioned. I loved finding out new traditions the Amish have. I didn't know that the newlyweds stayed with the brides parents for about two months after they marry. During that time they would visit friends and family and collect wedding presents. Priscilla and Chester will need that extra time at the brides parents' house as it seems their new house is having building problems. I could sense how hard it was on Priscilla as she continued to worry about everything. Have you wanted something so bad, you worries yourself sick?  Will Priscilla and Chester have the perfect wedding? Can Priscilla let go of her worry and trust God?

A Christmas Miracle

As a mother it can be very trying as you change diapers, do laundry, clean house and cook. Mary has five children with one of them with a heart condition. Mary and her husband are doing the best they can, but some days it is too much for them. I remember when my boys were younger. I worked full time , then came home tired knowing that I needed to give the kids baths, do laundry and make sure everyone was fed. There were days I wanted to run away and wasn't sure I could do it all. My husband was a big help, but I prayed for just one day for myself. Mary feels like she can't keep up and is starting to doubt herself. The story is filled with joy and I loved how a special couple came into Mary's life. It's hard to decide which couple made the most impact on the other, but I know they were blessed and the ending is truly an inspiration.

I received a copy of this book from the author . The review is my own opinion.




PlainHeroes FB cover

About the Book

Title: Plain Everyday Heroes
Author: Laura V. Hilton, Rachel J. Good, Thomas Nye
Genre: Christian Amish
Release Date: July 4, 2018
PPlain everyday heroes finallaying with Fire
Arie Zimmerman has been in love with Noah Behr from almost the moment they met, but after a devastating wildfire destroys the community, everything changes. Noah questions how a loving Gott could allow such things to happen. As Arie and her family struggle to rebuild their home and lives, Noah escapes to California to fight another off-season wildfire—and maybe find Gott in the process.
When Noah returns, he promises Arie the prize money if she will help him with a chili cook-off to fund the fire department. Of course, in order to spend more time with the girl he loves, he’s also willing to pitch in unloading the new furniture and animals her daed bought at an auction. He’ll even help Arie slice and dice vegetables if he can taste test the recipes.
More than just the kitchen heats up as they spend time together. But will Noah find a still missing Gott in the process and discover there’s more to life than what he initially believed?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An Unlikely Hero
Mysteries intrigue secondhand shop owner Benuel Miller. Although strangers may think a blind man would be easy to cheat, those who know Benuel realize he’s honed his other senses to pick up clues his eyes don’t see, making him a savvy business owner. When a stranger enters Benuel’s secondhand shop, the man is shocked by Benuel’s accurate assessment and unsolicited advice. Wary, he hopes Benuel won’t find out his true intentions, but the shopkeeper is already on the case.
Later, Mari and her twin sister, Frannie, stop in Benuel’s shop with Frannie’s three-year-old son, and Benuel senses trouble. His hunches have never led him astray, but is he misreading something here? He can’t help being drawn to Mari, yet is she as sweet and loving as she seems? Or is she hiding a deep, dark secret?
One explosive night when tragedy strikes, Benuel risks his life to find out the truth. Can he unmask the stranger from his shop to foil a sinister plot? And will what he discovers destroy his only chance for love?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Racing the Slow Girls
A recipe for fast-paced, comical, Amish adventure— Ingredients: Three fun-loving teenage boys on bicycles. Mix in an adorable little girl on a pony, a few spunky teenage girls, and a hint of romance. Directions: Place the characters in a beautiful setting, such as Holmes Co. Ohio. Roll in the boys on bikes. Stir up a few harsh words spoken carelessly. Add plenty of retaliation by the girls. Place in the heat of a family emergency until everyone is completely undone. Sit back and enjoy an Amish adventure with a cup of coffee.

About the Authors

Laura pictureLaura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with almost twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write and Putting on the New.
Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.
When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.
rachel goodRachel J. Good is the author of several Amish series in print or forthcoming—Sisters & FriendsLove & Promises, and two books in theHearts of Amish Country series—as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Books and the contemporary novella, Angels Unaware, part of the Hope Chapel series. Visit Rachel at her website: www.racheljgood.com.


IMG_0731xThomas Nye writes novels about horses and Amish life, with a touch of romance, and a foundation of faith in Christ. He and his wife, Shari, live on her family farm where they raised five children. Their six grandchildren love to visit Karma and Karla, a team of draft horses which Thomas purchased from an Amish friend.







Review.jpg

I love books that have stories from different authors compiled into one book. Readers get to experience the different writing styles and get to know the author's better. This collection is a wonderful book filled with wonderful characters and stories that warm your heart. A hero can be anyone who helps someone without hesitation. They are everyday heroes that put others before themselves.

Playing With Fire by Laura V. Hilton

It's hard to believe in the midst of destruction and loss, that it would be God's will for it to happen.  I loved the way the author described the fire as, "Demon-like faces in the flames mocked their efforts, dancing in glee, with a loud crackling that sounded like laughter in the forest."  Her attention to detail is superb and her gift of writing  shines through in the characters.  I sometimes have a hard time when something bad happens. 

I really enjoyed following Noah as he tried to reestablish a relationship with Arie and God. Is he wanting a relationship with God for the wrong reasons? I loved the scripture the author used to remind us to seek God with all our heart. How many of us seek Him only when we are in trouble? Do we ask for His help when we are in trouble then forget about Him when everything is good? The story is good and I loved reading about Noah and Arie's relationship. Will Noah find his way back to God?

An Unlikely Hero by Rachel J. Good

Benuel is a very interesting character. His blindness has not stopped him from living a good life. I loved that his other senses were used and was able to read people. What would you think if a blind person could tell you things about yourself even though they have never met you? Each character that comes to Benuel's store has an issue with trust. I loved how Benuel was not afraid of them and didn't mind when they tested his ability to discern things.

I loved the intrigue in the story and it kept me on my toes trying to figure the outcome of the people in the story. Frannie is scared of someone but won't tell her sister anything. Benuel is definitely someone I would want to know. He senses trouble for Frannie and doesn't hesitate to try to help. I loved when Benuel said, " How hard it must be to go through life always anticipating others would hurt you." I know that feeling so well. It is hard to feel safe and trust God when he doesn't seem to be around to protect you. The author really has done a great job of keeping readers guessing as they discover the truth behind Frannie's need to run from her home taking her the little boy  with her. The ending is very good and it took me by surprise. 

Racing the Slow Girls by Thomas Nye

This was such a fun story to read. Daniel is a great character and I liked how he took the time to help Libby with her horse. The girl is young and sweet but seems to be a bit lonely. Her older sister has troubles of her own. What would it be like to be a group that was made fun of and felt insecure about yourself? Miriam is one of the girls in the group others call the "Slow Girls."  I know how she feels wearing glasses that make you feel unattractive. Can you remember when cat glasses were all the rage? That was what my mom made me wear and I hated them so much.  Like Miriam, I felt self conscious and wanted to somehow misplace them. 

The story is filled with lessons about judging others and taking time to help those in need. It's not important to be popular, but to be kind and compassionate to everyone. When Libby is in danger will all the kids join together to help her? I loved the reference to the story in the bible about the missing sheep and how God goes after that one and leaves the ninety-nine behind.  It's a good reminder that God will not leave you nor forsake you.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.









Arie’s habanero chili

1 lb stew meat: venison, or beef
1/4 cup bacon bits
1/2 Onion, diced
Green pepper, diced
2 cans of habanero Rotel
1 can tomato sauce
1 can kidney beans
1 can pinto beans
1/2 cup sliced jalapenos
1 TSP cayenne pepper
3 TB chili powder
2 TB beef bouillon
1 TSP paprika
1 TSP pepper
2 TB garlic
salt to taste
Saute onion and pepper, set aside. Sear stew meat in hot pan until brown. Do not over cook. Add meat and other ingredients to pot and simmer until done. Add water if necessary. Serve with cornbread. Approximately 7 servings
Recipe compliments of Michael Hilton (Laura’s son)

Blog Stops

Mary Hake, July 11
Quiet Quilter, July 13
Carpe Diem, July 16
Splashes of Joy, July 18
Bigreadersite , July 19

Giveaway

cf732d7b-f5e7-47a9-9775-916b64534d18
To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit is giving away
Grand prize: a $25 Amazon gift card
1st – 4th place: eBook copy of Plain Everyday Heroes!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/d19d/plain-everyday-heroes-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, July 8, 2018

Minding the Light FB Banner copy

About the Book

Book Title: Minding the Light
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Genre: Historical Romance
Release date: July 3, 2018
FIsher_MindingtheLight(2)Six long years ago, Captain Reynolds Macy sailed away from his bride, looking forward to the day when he would return to Nantucket Island with a ship’s hold full of whale oil. But when that momentous day finally arrives, Ren soon discovers that everything has changed in his absence. Everything. “Is nothing on this island as it appears to be?” he whispers in despair.
Unlike most islanders, bold and spirited Daphne Coffin doesn’t defer to Ren as an authoritative whalemaster, but sees through his aloofness to the aching heart beneath. She encourages him to return to his Quaker roots and “mind the Light,” finding solace in God and community. As Ren becomes the man she believes him to be–honorable, wise, faithful–she finds herself falling in love with him.
But how can she, when her heart is spoken for? Tristram Macy is Ren’s business partner, cousin, and best friend–and Daphne’s fiancé. Love always comes at a cost, but when is the price too high?
Suzanne Woods Fisher welcomes readers back to the Quaker community on Nantucket Island for this riveting love story, full of unexpected moments.


About the Author

suzanne woods fisherCarol-award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes untold stories about inspiring people. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction, ranging from Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World to the historical novel Anna’s Crossing.

Guest Post from Suzanne

8 Curious Facts you Probably Didn’t Know about Nantucket Island

This beautiful island, thirty miles off Cape Cod, is steeped in history. Here are just a few interesting reasons to add a visit to Nantucket to your bucket list.
1) During the first half of the nineteenth century, Nantucket was considered to be the wealthiest port in the world…all because of whale oil.
2) Petticoat Row is a 19th century nickname for a portion of Centre Street between Main Street and Broad Street. Many shops on Nantucket were run by women while the men were off to sea in whaling ships for years at a time. Quakerism, with its emphasis on equality, provided working women with community respect, value and esteem. The next time you’re visiting Nantucket, be sure to stop by the Petticoat Row Bakery for a morning glory muffin.
3) The use of laudanum (opium) was described by a visiting French as prevalent among the women of Nantucket. Loyal Nantucketers vehemently denied his claim. However, in the 1980s, construction workers digging to Nantucket’s sewer lines found heaps of opium bottles buried in the ground.
For centuries, laudanum was considered to be not only harmless but beneficial. Its very name in Latin is landare, which means to praise. Other names for it: Mother’s Helper (to sedate children), Sea Calm (for seasickness). It was used for all kinds of ailments, from sleeplessness to menstrual cramps to treatment of chronic pain, and available without prescription up until the twentieth century, when it was found to be highly addictive.
4) Nantucket Cent Schools were a carryover from England and the cost was exactly what the name implied. In New England they were kept by refined, thrifty women who often taught their own or their neighbors’ children until they were old enough to enter schools of a higher grade. I came across a story of a boy whose mother stuck a penny in his mouth each day so that he would remember to pay the teacher.
5) Moby Dick, written by Herman Melville in 1851, was based on a true-life event that occurred in 1820 to the Nantucket whaleship Essex and her crew. You can find out more about this ill-fated voyage if you visit Nantucket’s awesome whaling museum.
6) Speaking of…the whaling museum on Nantucket Island is called the Peter Foulger Whaling Museum. Peter Foulger was one of the early settlers to the island, and could be considered a Renaissance Man: inventor, surveyor, teacher, missionary to the Wampanoag Indians. And his grandson was none other than Benjamin Franklin.
7) Nantucketers were, for the most part, related to each other in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. The prosperous island was settled by a small group of families, with less than a dozen surnames: Coffin, Macy, Starbuck, Bunker, Hussey, Gardner, Mayhew, Swain, Barnard, Coleman, Worth, Mitchell. Those names are still common on the island.
8) There’s a good reason those surnames sound familiar to you—many of those early settlers had descendants who started business empires. Recognize these? Macy (retailer) and Folger (coffee).


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There is nothing better than being transported back in time by an author's talented writing skills. I love how the author has included historical facts about Nantucket and placed it in the story with realism. I have never been to Nantucket, but after reading the book, I feel like I know about its history better. It's interesting to read about the Quakers and their lifestyle during the early 19th century. It must have been very hard to live during this time period as the characters seemed to struggle with finances. To say that whale hunting intrigued me would be an understatement. The men were brave to fight the waves and live at sea for long periods of time.

I was saddened by the abruptness of the demise of a beloved character at the beginning of the story. What I did like was how the author once again uses her historical knowledge to introduce readers to laudanum.  Many people during this time period used it for different ailments, but as we find out it can be harmful as well.  I liked Daphne a lot and loved her fierce protection of her niece and nephew. It surprised me that their father, Ren  returns after six years to think his children would welcome him with open arms. He sure has a lot to learn about children and one of them should be to put their needs first. 

Being a captain does have its responsibilities but being gone for so long, would put a real strain on any relationship. I wonder if he will step up and care for his children ? Maybe he can take a lesson from his friend Abraham who tells him, "There is no secret , sir. Children require time."  The story is quite a journey into the workings of a ship and what a sacrifice it can be on families that are left behind while their family members are at sea. Daphne is not quite sure where Ren stands when it is discovered that a new ship has been  bought that was not approved by him. 

I appreciate how the author shows us the different ways that people lived and how slavery was a way of life for some. I could feel the pain as Patience shared about her past. She is very loyal to the family but doesn't share much of her past. It leads me to believe her life has not been easy but she is very humble. She reminds me to be thankful for what I have and not be envious of others.

There is so much to like in this story from the intrigue of a possible poisoning, peace, revenge, hate, prejudice, the high seas and lessons that will stay with you long after the last page has been turned.   I learned a lot about the Quakers and their traditions thanks to the brilliant writing of the author. The story flows with ease and I kept wondering who Daphne would end up with. I absolutely loved the surprise ending and can't wait for the next book in the series. Thank you for reminding us to see through the darkness and be set free in the light.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and Baker Publishing Group. The review is my own opinion.




Blog Stops

Carpe Diem, July 3
Livin Lit, July 3
Mary Hake, July 7
Simple Harvest Reads, July 8 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Book by Book, July 9
Splashes of Joy, July 10
Vicky Sluiter, July 11
Among the Reads, July 12
Bigreadersite, July 15
Pause for Tales, July 16

Giveaway

cc86deda-3163-43d9-9dd1-41c6c31fdaf7
To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a $10 Starbucks gift card to five winners!!
Be sure to leave a comment on one of the blog stops for 9 extra entries into the giveaway. Click link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d1c4/minding-the-light-celebration-tour-giveaway