My Thoughts on A Small Town Kind of Love by
Darlene Franklin

I love stories that are clean, have wonderful characters and share God's word in a way that isn't preachy. This collection is just that kind of book. The stories are sweet, and filled with examples of how God brings people together.

Plainsong:

I thought the author did a great job of developing the characters in a way that made them seem like everyday people you know. Michelle was a little hard on herself at times . It was refreshing to read how much trust she put in God as she makes hard decisions about her life. I loved Joe instantly. He has a charismatic personality that draws people to him. The sparks fly as Michele and Joe run into each other one day. Will they give their relationship a chance to grow? Don't miss this love at first sight kinda story that made me smile . I loved the way the author took them through struggles as they each kept God first in their lives.

Hidden Dreams :

This story is so fun to read. It is set in early 1900s. We meet Mary Anne who is trying to escape to Canada. I loved her strength most of all. The author writes with a sense of survival as Mary Anne finds herself in an accident that changes her travel plans. I absolutely loved the description about Vermont. The author made me so hungry as she described maple cured bacon. The farm that Mary Anne is taken to after her accident is filled with warmth and hospitality. Wallace is like a breath of fresh air. He is kind, thoughtful and very artistic. One of my favorite parts of the story is when Mary Anne participates in the Easter egg hunt on the farm. She explains the meaning of Easter to the children in such a passionate way. I loved reading why Easter eggs are dyed red to represent the blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross.

The story is quite intriguing with someone looking to harm Mary Anne. Can Wallace keep her safe? The story has wonderful historical facts that allow readers to know Vermont better. I loved learning about different birds that Wallace was so occupied with  at times as he desired to put his knowledge of them into a book. This is a great story of trust , faith and acceptance.

To Riches Again

One of my favorite things about this author is she knows how to make a story come to life. I really enjoyed learning about the Orphan Trains. I can't imagine the sadness on the trains as the children grieved for their families. Elyssa  knows very well what it feels like to an orphan. She has such a tender heart and her love for the children is precious. She travels to Kansas to deliver the last of the orphans. I loved when she arrived at the station. The excitement as new moms and dads met their new children were a sight to see.

Elyssa has had a little doubt about one particular parent. It is most unusual for a single man to want to adopt. I chuckled as Elyssa  realizes that he is late and she starts to fret. Today of all days, Bill has an emergency on the farm  and is late  getting to the station. I don't think he made a very good impression on Elyssa. The ride out to the ranch must have been a bit strained as Elyssa is quite upset with Bill. Is Elyssa having second thoughts about Bill as the father of the two children she has for him?

The children, Ian and Bridgett are a delight. They finally feel like they belong somewhere. The story is well written with budding  romance that is guided by God. Will Elyssa take Bill's offer to stay and help with the kids? Can Elyssa learn to trust Bill? . Grab a copy if this great story and find out what happens when Elyssa and Bill listen to God for direction.

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

The book is a very timely book  and could easily be front page news today. In recent months we have seen groups start to become more vocal in their stance against the government. The author explodes with a heart pounding standoff right in our backyard. I found Erica to be a very strong character. I love her gutsy attitude and fierce determination to bring news in an honest and direct way. Erica has her work cut out for her in this story that draws a line between the government and a small group that is willing to go up against a power that has the backing of the president of the United States. Has Erica found more going on with this group that could be a threat to the safety of American citizens?

I wasn't that thrilled to read about Erica's daughter and her rebellious attitude. Erica's husband sounded a bit jealous of his wife's raising stardom and tension can be felt between them. With Erica focused on her new tv program, her marriage starts to suffer. I think Erica has ruffled some feathers with her new program and her investigation into a woman who wants to take the senate seat away from someone up for re-election. Can this woman win? Does she have a secret agenda? With all this going on, Erica starts to feel the pressure as bodies start piling up. I loved the intense drama in the story and the twists that the author throws at readers unexpectedly. Overall a good book with enough action to keep readers interested.

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.

Don't miss this book releasing October 3, 2017

Here are my thought about the book:

I have just finished this book and I'm trying to keep my emotions in check. No I'm not going to be able to write without crying. I loved the way the author tells the story through letters between characters. You get to know each character and it is easy to fall in love with them. The details of the war were vivid and I could feel the pain and suffering as the letters were sent back  and forth. It is hard to imagine the war raging in 1914 and the trials people went through. So many lives lost and  deep sorrow overwhelming for families. 

Evie is definitely my favorite character. Her heart is so sincere and I love how the author shows her determination to help in someway during the war. Women were mostly used to nurse the injured, supply socks for  the troops and keep the home running. Evie has other plans. Her spunk is very refreshing and I loved how her letters to Tom were filled with encouragement and dare I say , infatuation? Evie I applaud you for your love for mankind and your sense of duty to help during the war. 

Tom is Evie's brother's best friend. As both her brother and Tom are shipped out to serve in the war, a correspondence starts between Evie and Tom. I loved his fierceness and protectiveness  Tom had towards Evie. As I read the letters between them I wanted so much for them to reunite and live happily ever after. But as the war rages on, it seems impossible for them to meet up. I love how they share very intimate thoughts and open up to each other. 

The story takes readers to a war that was hard fought and the lives that were changed by it. I loved the surprises in the story. It is filled with some  emotional moments that grab your heart and squeeze as you feel tears stream down your face. Don't miss this wonderful book and share in the lives between Evie , Tom and others. Will there be a wedding between anyone? Can they all survive the war? Thank you for writing a book that takes us from 1914 to the late 1960s as we follow characters that fill the pages with strength, love and dedication.

I received a copy of this book from The Goodreads Giveaway program. The review is my own opinion.

A Mother for Leah BLOG TOUR

WELCOME!

Will Leah Fisher find love because of a buggy accident? Don’t miss this Sweet Amish Romance about loss, life and new love!

Enter to WIN a Favorite Reads Prize pack!

Giveaway will run August 15th – 30th. One winner will be chosen! Click the image below to enter. The winners will be announced August 31st on the author’s BLOG!

 

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  https://gleam.io/y0kKe/a-mother-for-leah-favorite-reads-giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Will Leah Fisher find love because of a buggy accident?

Could love soften her heart so that she is able to see her answered prayers in Naomi Yoder or will she drive a wedge between her father and the only woman he has shown interest in since Elisabeth Fisher’s death?

Leah Fisher lost her mother ten years ago. She is rapidly approaching womanhood and the lack is becoming more difficult every day.

Will she be able to recognize love when it’s right in front of her?

Could love be the key to Leah opening her heart, making room for the woman her father intends to marry… or will she stubbornly cling to the memory of her own mother?

Will Leah be able to let go of her own ideas and realize that God truly does know best for her or will she allow love to slip through her fingers, destroying Samuel Fisher and Naomi Yoder’s happiness at the same time?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel L Miller writes sweet Amish romance with a focus on faith, family and friendship.

She feels very strongly that God has led her to live a simpler lifestyle – thus her deep kinship with the plain people. She enjoys spending time with her family and doing fun, simple things like swimming, making sun tea, sitting outside watching the sunrise or listening to rain fall on the tin roof.

Rachel enjoys writing Amish fiction and hopes that the purity of her stories will allow God’s message to shine through more clearly. She also writes Contemporary Inspirational Romance – and with all of her stories she focuses on presenting romance the way God intended it to be.

Readers can connect with Rachel on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads and her website: rlmauthor.com 

What an emotional story the author brings to readers in this new series called, Windy Gap Wishes. I couldn't help but fall in love with the characters as they came alive as the author brought charm and warmth to each one. Leah was such a great character and I felt a connection to her instantly. She is going through a tough time dealing with the loss of her mother even though it has been ten years. Leah has grown into a sweet and caring young woman. The house is filled with love as her siblings pitch in to help with chores.

Leah has seemed to withdrawal from any social activities and her dad has become concerned. It's hard when you lose your mother and feel lonely without her guidance . Who can she ask about dating or just share her thoughts of growing into a young woman since her mom has passed? I lost my mom and know the pain and loss I felt. The author really grabs at the depth of grieve and I cried as Leah slowly begins to come out of her shell. Will she allow God to show her His plans? Can she open her heart and allow someone to show her affection? Her dad  has been worried about Leah and I loved how much he wanted his daughter to find happiness.  When Jacob shows an interest in Leah, I loved how the author guided his character with grace and compassion . He wants Leah to trust him, but will she let her guard down?

When Samuel introduces Naomi to the family, I could feel the uneasiness growing among his children. . It is always difficult when a parent finds a new mate. Will Samuel's children welcome Naomi with open arms? What I liked the most about Naomi was her gentle heart and trust in God. I don't want to say anything about the plot, because you must read this book to truly understand how gifted the author is. Her characters make you feel like they are your neighbors as you share meals, laugh with each other and give a helping hand when needed. As I finished the book, I had so many feelings rushing through me. The story really shows how important family is as they each look for happiness and love . The author does an amazing job of showing how the characters trust that God has a plan for their lives. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I want to find out about a few characters and see where God takes them.

I received a copy of this book from The Cozy Mystery Review Crew and  S & G Publishing. The review is my own opinion.

Be sure not to miss any of the great stops on this tour.

August 15: S&G Publishing (sgpublish.com/blog)
August 15: Antrim Cycle (antrimcycle.com)
August 16: Cafinated Reads (http://cafinatedreads.com)
August 16: Marilyn Ridgeway (https://www.facebook.com/marilyn.ridgway)
August 18: Naomi Miller, Author (https://naomimillerauthor.com/blog)
August 19: Cherylbookblog (https://cherylbbookblog.wordpress.com)
August 21: Texas Book-aholic (http://deana0326blogspot.com)
August 22: JC’s Bookshelf (http://jcsbookshelf.wordpress.com)
August 23:Donna’s Bookshelf (https://donnasbookshelf.wordpress.com)
August 24: Becky the Reader (beckythereader.blogspot.com)
August 25: Vicky Sluiter.com (www.vickysluiter.com)

  

THANK YOU for your participation!

GOD bless!

©S&G Publishing 2014 – 2017

From the cover of the book to the wonderful stories between the pages, you will find adventure, Gods truth and women who are fierce. I loved each story and how the author brought them to life as I read the words of these amazing women. I am glad I was able to read a book like this one that captures the bravery and desire to share God's word through the eyes of women who fought for what was right and just.

I cried as I read Mary Ann Ambroselli's account of her upbringing. She shared her pain and hurt as she had to make a very heart wrenching decision. I love the way her story will speak to many women who have or will go through the same thing. The struggles she faced to survive each day was so powerful. I have often asked if God really cared many times. When I saw those words in her story , I immediately felt an overwhelming sense of peace. I now know that I'm not the only one that questions where God is sometimes. I appreciate her sharing about a subject that for many is hard to talk about. Everything she felt was real and emotional. Anytime we do something that is against God, we feel shame, regret, guilt and a sense of worthlessness. This story is one I will  hold close to my heart. She gave me insight that I lacked and a way to overcome my past.

Each story in this book is about women who are making a difference in others and sharing their testimony with strength and hope. I could share about each woman, but I want the readers to feel the impact I felt as I sat and soaked in their words. I am so thankful that we have people who are not afraid  to boldly go into the world and share God's love. In this book, I believe some will find healing and peace. For others it may encourage them to do what God has called them to do.

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network. The review is my own opinion.

In the third installment in the series called An Amish Beginning the author takes us back to the late 1700s. I was so fascinated by the history in this  book that I couldn't put it down. It is obvious that  the author has done great in -depth research about this time period. I learned about the Amish during this time. They were God fearing people who believed that a woman should  be seen and not heard. I was astounded at that. In those days the women' s duties were to cook , clean and take care of the family. The men were the only ones to have any significant place as leader in the church.  In contrast the women are revered in Native American culture. I didn't know that and was quite surprised to learn how important they were to the tribe.

Each character was written with clarity and I loved how the author gave us details about their daily life's. It was interesting to read about Benjamin Franklin and other well known men that became a big part of our history.  I was captivated by the Native Americans and how they survived off the land. When a young woman is captured by a tribe I found their compassion for the girl to be genuine. Betsy at first was frightened but as the days and weeks came and went, the author showed us how Betsy had matured and  began to love the people she was with.

There was lots of danger surrounding the towns as rumors of vicious attacks were imminent. The times were heard for the town and I loved how they protected each other. I was completely engrossed in this book because it was so well written with historical events and how people survived during  attacks on their families. There is so much to this story that had me on pins and needles.

I have to mention Caleb because he was my favorite character. He was called a half breed and not really accepted anywhere. His heart was full of God and he never forget his mother bringing him up as a Christian. He will be a very important part of the story but I won't give it away. One thing that someone  said in the book really stuck with me. One of the characters said," The worst thing to do is to assume all people belong under a defining label."   That one statement really sums up the story for me. There was much prejudice in the story as people assumed since you were a Native American you were a savage. It struck me as what we do today. We label people because we think because of their color, religion or their ancestors make them something that is perceived and not always true. In the story people would say that all Native Americans were savage and needed to be killed. There were some bloody scenes but I thought the author did an amazing job of describing them in a delicate way.
I found this story to be very powerful and true to the time period. I look forward to the next book in the series. It promises to be just as powerful and filled with historical facts that define our nation.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing Group. The review is my own opinion.