Book Synopsis:

In this quaint mountain town, things aren't always what they seem.

World War II widow Alice Brighton returns to the safety of her home town to open a fabric shop. She decides to start a barn quilt tour to bring business to the shop and the town, but what she doesn't know is sinister forces are using the tour for their own nefarious reasons

Between her mysterious landlord, her German immigrant employee, her neighbors who are acting strange, and a dreamboat security expert who is trying to romance her, Alice doesn't know who she can trust.

Purchase Link:

http://amzn.to/2EZ0GTT

Oh how I like stories set during World War II. The author has vividly described what it was like during Hitlers reign. Alice is a wonderful character and I admired her determination to return home after losing her husband. She is a little bitter about the war and Germans in general. I can't imagine what it would be like to lose a loved one due to war. Returning to Burning Bush isn't exactly what she expected. What has happened to the town? Some of the townspeople are against her opening her quilt shop. They have the mind set that men should be opening businesses and not women. I sure am glad that idea is almost obsolete today.

I did not like the sheriff at all. I don't know what he has against Alice, but he is downright rude to her. Every chance he gets, he makes rude comments to her and is not respectful at all. I was shocked at how he handled the situation when someone very lose to Alice turns up missing. When the person is found it raises  a lot of questions about people in the town. 

Greta is a charming person but some don't trust her because she is German. I think she is a godsend for Alice and is a wonderful helper and cook. She wants to fit in, but will the town accept her? Alice seems to warm up to her and I liked how their friendship developed. It reminds me how we sometimes judge others because they are different from us. Greta yearned to be welcomed and with Alice as a friend she may find a reason to hope for more friendly people to like her. I liked when Greta said, " Prejudice is hard to control. It caused great harm in my country when powerful men were allowed to have their way."

The big talk in town is about the Quilt Tour being planned. Don't you hate it when you are in charge of something and suddenly someone else steps in and takes over? Alice has her hands full with Mrs. Toliver. She insists on planning everything and gives Alice almost no say. The bickering is in full force at the next meeting. Why is it so difficult for the ladies to agree on the quilting tour route? The author provides a good picture of women sitting in a group all a fluster trying to get their point across. I love the romance throughout the book with several characters. It is nicely written and adds depth to the characters. The historical facts in the story are intriguing.  I loved how the author brought a time in history to the story  and let readers explore the horrors of what the people went through. 

The story is full of surprises including double agents and danger surrounding the people of the town. What has Alice gotten herself into? She is determined to find out the truth behind rumors about certain people in the town. It is a wonderful story that keeps you guessing till the end. Who is the spy? Why does the quilt tour seem to bother people so much? What is hiding among the route that would cause danger ? This is one book you won't be able to put down. I was very surprised at who the spy's were and it made for a great ending. 

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

Author information:

Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2^nd place in the NOCW contest, 3^rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novels and novellas in print. She’s been married for 39 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and three grandchildren. 

Tamera has been a children’s pastor for over 20 years. She is the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire for Kids where she mentors other children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist and has written children’s church curriculum. She is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.

You can contact Tamera on her website at http://tameralynnkraft.net.

You can contact Tamera online at these sites.

Website: http://tameralynnkraft.net

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cdybpb

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7334438.Tamera_Lynn_Kraft

Word Sharpeners Blog: http://tameralynnkraft.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/tameralynnkraft

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tamerakraft

Tweets:

In a sleepy West Virginia town after World War 2, Alice finds more intrigue than she can handle. Alice’s Notions.

War widow Alice returns to her home town to feel safe, but nothing will ever be safe again. Alice’s Notions.

In this quaint mountain town, things aren't always what they seem. Alice’s Notions.

Book Review (and a Giveaway!): Primary Suspect by Laura Scott

Feel comforted and at peace when you read these uplifting romances of faith, forgiveness and hope from Love Inspired. There are 12 new books each month! 6 from Love Inspired for those who love contemporary romance and 6 from Love Inspired Suspense who like some danger with their romance stories.

SERIES: Callahan Confidential #5
GENRE: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
PUBLISHER: Love Inspired Suspense
RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2018
PAGES: 224

Wrongfully Accused

When fire investigator Mitch Callahan is attacked at a crime scene, he’s shocked to uncover the body of a slain ex-girlfriend—and realize someone’s framing him for murder. 

Widowed ER nurse Dana Petrie believes Mitch is innocent, and not just because he makes her feel alive again after tragedy marred her past. 

But is she willing to risk everything only to love and lose again?

Laura Scott is honored to write for the Love Inspired Suspense line, where a reader can find a heartwarming journey of faith amid the thrilling danger. She lives with her husband of twenty-five years and has two children, a daughter and a son, who are both in college. She works as a critical-care nurse during the day at a large level-one trauma center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and spends her spare time writing romance. 

website | Facebook | Twitter

 This book is action packed with intense drama and edge of your seat action. Mitch is the kind of character that oozes with confidence as he investigates a crime scene that will have him scrambling for his life. The opening pages draw readers in with a tense scene as Mitch has been called back to a crime scene . I could smell the smoke as he walked in the building that once stood so proud and tall. Why would he need to have a meeting here late at night? Oh my was I shaking as Mitch is soon in danger and lands in the ER. 

The author is right on target with intrigue and action that had me drawn to the story. I'm sure Mitch  didn't expect to find himself face to face with the widow of one of his co workers. It must be hard for Mitch to see her standing there as he remembers his buddy Kent who he tried to save in a fire. I liked how the author allowed Dana to thank Mitch for trying to save her husband. How long has Mitch carried the guilt of that fateful night when all efforts to save Kent were not enough?

I thought hospitals were safe and quiet places to heal. I was very wrong as bursting into the room comes a flash of danger wielding a knife. Holy smokes batman. Mitch and Dana barely escape  and this is where the real action picks up. Someone is definitely trying to kill Mitch and he better be on his toes or he will find himself breathing his last breath. I loved how the author brought Mitch and Dana together , even though at first Dana is not quite cooperative. I wouldn't want to be on the run with someone who has danger written all over them. 

What did Mitch see in the warehouse earlier that has put him on a hit list? He smells setup and must prove his innocence before he is caught. As Mitch and Dana start to draw close to each other, more danger comes their way. I rooted for this couple throughout the story because their chemistry was hot and subtle. Sometimes I thought Dana wasn't sure if she could trust Mitch, but as bodies start piling up she has no choice.

I love reading books that grab my attention right away and this book not only did that, but kept my attention till the very end. The intense and dangerous story is filled with great characters that jump off the pages. It's a race to the finish as Mitch and Dana must prove Mitch's innocence and stay alive. I absolutely loved the ending and thought the author did a great job of keeping readers in suspense till the end. 

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

Other Books On This Tour

The Wedding Quilt Bride by Marta Perry

Widowed single mom

Rebecca Mast returns to her Amish community hoping to open a quilt shop. She accepts carpenter Daniel King’s offer of assistance—but she isn’t prepared for the bond he forms with her son. Will getting closer expose her secret—or reveal the love she has in her heart for her long-ago friend?

The Rancher’s Secret Child by Brenda Minton

Marcus Palermo’s simple life gets complicated when he meets the son he never knew he had—and his beautiful guardian.

Lissa Hart thought she’d only stick around long enough to aid Marcus in becoming a dad—but could her happily-ever-after lie with the little boy and the rugged rancher?

Bound by Duty by Valerie Hansen

When Sgt. Linc Colson is assigned to monitor Zoe Sullivan and determine if she’s secretly aiding her fugitive serial killer brother, his instincts tell him she’s not in league with the criminal—she’s in danger.

It’s up to him and his K-9 partner, Star, to keep the pretty single mom alive.

This giveaway is hosted by Love Inspired/Harlequin, not RimSP
See their terms for details.

About the Book

Title: The Amish Teacher’s Gift, Book 1 of the Love & Promises Series

Author: Rachel J Good

Genre: Amish Romance

Release Date: April 24, 2018

Widower Josiah Yoder wants to be a good father. But it’s not easy with a deaf young son who doesn’t understand why his mamm isn’t coming home. At a loss, Josiah enrolls Nathan in a special-needs school and is relieved to see his son immediately comforted by his new teacher, a woman whose sweet charm and gentle smile just might be the balm they both need.

With seven siblings to care for, Ada Rupp wasn’t sure she wanted to take on teaching too. But the moment she holds Nathan in her arms, she realizes she’ll do all she can to help this lost little boy. Plus, it gives her a chance to spend more time with Josiah. Falling for a man in mourning may be against the rules, but his quiet strength is the support Ada never knew she needed. Yet with no time to court and a family secret holding her back, how can she allow herself to fall in love?

Click here to purchased your copy!

About the Author

Rachel J. Good grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events. Rachel loves to travel and visit many different Amish communities.

Rachel is the author of several Amish series in print or forthcoming – Sisters & Friendsseries, Love & Promises series, and two books in the Hearts of Amish Country series – as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Books and the contemporary novella, Angels Unaware, part of the Hope Chapel series. In addition, she has stories in the anthologies Springs of Love and Love’s Thankful Heart.

She’d love to have you visit her website, or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Bookbub. Rachel also enjoys meeting readers and will be doing talks and booksignings around the country this year. To find out more about Rachel and her books, you can sign up for her newsletter: http://bit.ly/1qwci4Q

Guest Post from Rachel J. Good

Heart-Tugging Research

Sometimes as an author, stories call to you and beg you to write them. This story first tugged at my heart after I spent time with an Amish friend’s special needs child. I thought about writing a book to show how the Amish treat each child as a gift from God. After meeting a hearing-impaired teen girl with Down’s syndrome and seeing how she was encouraged to live up to her potential, the idea grew stronger. This girl later became Martha in the book.

Then at an auction, I watched a young Down’s syndrome boy help the auctioneer by delivering the goods to the bidders. His straw hat tilted a little crookedly, but with a broad smile on his face, he carefully matched items with the correct bidder. He looked so proud of himself and proud to be able to do such an important job. I sat there at the auction and jotted notes for the novel.

Once I knew the topic of the novel, I began my research by visiting Amish schools for special needs, attending auctions to support them, and touring the Community Care Center, where Amish and Mennonite children and adults with special needs get amazing help. The young man in the wheelchair who showed us around was an awesome guide. We peeked into an exercise room, a therapy room, a craft room, several classrooms, a cafeteria, and my favorite—a multi-sensory environment. This room with dark walls lit only by a small row of twinkling Christmas lights had a ball pit (with the plastic balls like some fast food restaurants have in their play areas), a plush recliner, blankets, headphones, and a hammock. Autistic children at the center found this room a great calming atmosphere. I knew this room had to have a place in the book.

I visited a teacher who taught autistic children and learned a lot about programs, therapies, and teaching techniques. After learning the cutting edge techniques she used, I was surprised to realize that the Amish had adopted quite a few of them for their classrooms. I chose a hearing-impaired boy for the hero’s son because I had a nephew with hearing problems, so I could incorporate some of the struggles he had into the story.

I wanted this series to be about the healing power of love, so each book will deal with a different type of healing. When something touches my heart like this, I always pray it will touch the readers’ hearts too.

I love books that take on topics that are sometimes sensitive but important to write about. This book is one that not only shines the light about special needs children, but shows readers how each day can be filled with joy and accomplishments. The author has really done an excellent job of explaining how special each child is. I loved Ada because she has compassion, patience and unconditional love for the children. She doesn't see their handicap, but instead recognizes their need to be accepted and loved. Ada has her hands full with her students and I'm not sure I could be as patient as she is. It doesn't help that she is also raising her siblings since her mamm passed away. My heart went out to her and I wanted to tell her how much God loves her. Each child is special to Him and I know Ada feels the same way.

Widower Josiah is raising his six year old son Nathan and trying to deal with his hearing loss and tantrums. Nathan can be a handful at times, but Josiah is determined to show his son how much he loves him.  I wonder what Josiah thought as he met Nathan's teacher for the first time? Ada is only nineteen and it looks like she has her hands full with the other students. I'm glad Josiah trusted Ada enough to leave his son that first day of school. 

The author is very knowledgeable about Amish and the details make you feel as if you know them. It was very interesting to learn that the Amish men  don't wear any other hat except what their community allows. I mention this because as a roofer, Josiah is required to wear 

a hard hat. What happens when he tells the owner that he can't wear the hat because it is against his beliefs? 

As I read the story, I began to understand had difficult it can be to have special needs children. There is no time to rest and you always have to be ready for anything. The children in the story each have different disabilities but all need that extra time to show how much they are loved.I admired the characters who cared for these children and especially liked how the author gave us a glimpse into the lives of these special children. During my time as a children's pastor I have had two special needs children in the classroom. One was deaf and the other one was autistic. Reading this story reminded me of how much my heart went out to the parents of these children. I didn't feel sorry for them, but rather  admired them. Their interaction with their child was pure . Ada has that gift as a teacher and I began to like her more as the story continued.  

The story is a beautiful reminder of patience, love and how one person can make a difference in someone's life. There is a bit of romance in the story that I liked because it wasn't rushed. Ada and Josiah each have misgivings about being together and the author explores that in a touching way. There is so much to discover in this wonderful story and I was sad to see it end. I was curious throughout the story why Nathan seemed to be afraid of his dad. The answer is quite interesting and made me cry. The author has opened the door to a group of children that are often forgotten about by writing a story that captures their innocence. This is one story that you don't want to miss. Get ready for tears as Ada and her students capture your heart. 

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

Blog Stops

Carpe Diem, May 8

Texas Book-aholic, May 8

The Avid Reader, May 9

Among the Reads, May 9

Reading Is My SuperPower, May 10

The Fizzy Pop Collection, May 10

Lighthouse Academy, May 10

Ansel book blog, May 11

Because I said so – and other adventures in parenting. , May 12

Bibliophile Reviews, May 12

Splashes of Joy, May 12

books n baubles, May 13

A Baker’s Perspective, May 13

cherylbbookblog, May 14

Maureen’s Musings, May 14

Captive Dreams Window, May 14

Blossoms and Blessings, May 15

Mary Hake, May 15

Janices book reviews, May 15

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, May 16

SusanLovesBooks, May 16

A Simply Enchanted Life, May 17

proud to be an autism mom, May 17

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 18

Artistic Nobody, May 18 (Spotlight)

margaret kazmierczak, May 18 (Interview)

Quiet Quilter, May 19

Red Headed Book Lady, May 19

Bigreadersite, May 20

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, May 20

Simple Harvest Reads, May 20 (Spotlight)

Pink Granny’s Journey, May 21

Vicky Sluiter, May 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a grand prize package of a tote, an autographed copy of The Amish Teacher’s Gift, and an autographed copy of Hearts Reunited!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cee3/the-amish-teacher-s-gift-celebration-tour-giveaway