Book Review - Anything But Plain by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 

Lydie Stoltzfus doesn't have it easy being the bishop's daughter. Unfortunately, she isn't like other Amish girls as much as she tries to be. The only thing Lydie is known for is disappointing others and causing trouble. She feels the only way to make things better is to leave the church and her family.

When Lydie gets let go from her last job, her aunt asks her to fill in at the front desk as a receptionist for a few months for her. Lydie feels that taking the job would give her enough time to say goodbye to her friends and family, especially her neighbor, Nathan Yoder. Nathan claims that he's in love with her but, Lydie is afraid that she isn't good enough for him. And if she ever forgets, Nathan's father constantly reminds her.

I thought the book was an interesting read. This was my first time reading an Amish story where a person had a neurodevelopmental disorder. The characters were believable and relatable. I liked reading about Lydie's drawings and how she manages different relationships. I didn't like the ending though, I felt like it ended abruptly. I am not sure if the author plans on writing more books to continue the story but, I wish the story ended better.

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Softly Blows the Bugle by Jan Drexler

 

 In 1863, Elizabeth Kaufman's husband perishes in the Battle of Vicksburg. Instead of feeling sad over his death, she is relieved. She is determined to never let a man control her life again, even if it means she will never have a family of her own.

Aaron Zook joins Elizabeth's brother, Jonas in his journey home. He wants to move the West and restart his life because his past is too painful. He never imagined that the Amish way of life would be appealing as his grandfather left the faith years ago. However, as Aaron spends more time with Elizabeth and Jonas, he finds the Amish ways enticing.  Aaron is stuck between moving to the West and starting a new life with the Amish.

The book was a quick and easy read. I thought Elizabeth to be an annoying character. She claims that she doesn't want to settle down and is content by herself. However, when Solomon throws a bit of interest at her she fawns over him. She feels uncertain about him and her gut is telling her that he is a bad guy. And several people are telling her the same thing but, she still refuses to believe them. When she meets a guy who does care for her and put her interest first, she gives him harsh words even when he was looking out for her. She claims that she doesn't want to beholden to any man who is cruel or mean but, she does the exact opposite. Except for Elizabeth, I thought the rest of the book was an interesting read.

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Return (Amish Beginnings #3) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Photo Credit - Amazon

Besty Zook never questioned her family's strict rules or the affections of her beau, Hans. She never had a reason to question her life until she is taken captive during an Indian raid.  During her captivity, Besty endures brutality and hardship but, she also experiences unexpected kindness and kinship. She befriends a native named Caleb, who encourages her to find God during her time of need.  Betsy finds herself torn between her loyalty to her family and Caleb.

Hans is distraught that the love of his life, Besty has been captured. He turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort and friendship. Tessa has been in love with Hans for many years and eagerly accepts his companionship as a sign of love. Tessa is over the moon with her feelings for Hans that she ignores the warning signs that Hans's might be out for revenge. 

The novel is inspired by true events and it was an emotional read. It gave readers a glimpse of the hardships faced during the early years. At first, I was torn between Tessa as a character. I felt like she was a very complex character and different from other characters I normally read in Amish novels. She seemed naive but, also had a streak of maliciousness that isn't normally shown in Amish literature (at least the ones I have read). I felt like the author did a good job of showing things are not always black and white. I have not read the other books in the series but, I didn't feel like I was missing anything. I was, however, a bit dismayed by the ending. I felt like it was left off on a cliffhanger and this was the final book in the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - His Risk (The Amish of Hart County #4) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Photo Credit - Amazon

Calvin Fisher left his Amish community at the tender age of fourteen after having a problematic relationship with his family. Calvin only returned to Hart County because his beloved brother, Mark has fallen ill. As Calvin works to make amends for his troubled past and questionable job, he crosses path with a sheltered local nursery school teacher, Alice Yoder. Alice is wary of Calvin because of his questionable past, but she can't help feeling an attraction to him. Although Calvin assures Alice that he is worthy of her friendship, she can't help to feel conflicted. Will Calvin be able to tell his family why he is working in a gang? Will Alice be able to trust Calvin only has her best interest at heart?

I have read a few of Gray's books and loved each novel because each one had a surprise element. However, I felt like this novel fell short and lacked excitement. The person who causing all of the trouble was very obvious even though there were two people of interest. I did like how Gray humanized and showed each characters' struggling between doing what is right and following their hearts. Fans of Gray's work would be happy to know this novel has recurring characters.

**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Love by the Numbers by Laura V. Hilton + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

A tragic accident claims the life of Lydia's fiancee and with a secret threatening her home life, Lydia flees to Jamesport, Missouri to help manage her aunt's gift store.  However, Lydia receives math induced headaches, so she is excited to learn that her aunt hired an accountant to help her with the daily accounting. When Caleb Bontrager enters the shop to help with the bookkeeping, both parties are shocked by each other's presence. Caleb is smitten by Lydia's charm and her personality, but he is afraid that her bright personality would lead down the path of temptation. Lydia is attracted to Caleb, but when Caleb asks another girl to become his girl, will Lydia be able to put her feelings for Caleb aside?

I have read a few Amish romances and I felt this one definitely had a bit more sauce to it. In this novel some of the characters live with their Mennonite relatives or have not joined the church so they use cell phones or electricity.  While this book is clean by my standards, there is mention of premarital sex, unwanted sexual advances and talks of temptation. Personally, I enjoyed the book and was emotionally involved with each character having a happy ending.  It was a delightful and refreshing read and I can't wait to read more works by the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion** 

About the Author

Laura 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.

Giveaway

In honor of the tour, Whitaker House is giving away

Grand Prize Package: Love By the Numbers, Healing Love (Amish of Webster County #1), and The Snow Globe (The Amish of Jamesport #1) by Laura Hilton; “The Angels Cry Holy” scented candle in tin with lid from Abba Jerusalem

1st Place Package: Love By the Numbers, The Snow Globe (The Amish of Jamesport #1) by Laura Hilton, and Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils

2nd Place Package: Love By the Number by Laura Hilton and Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils!!!

Click the link to enter! https://promosimple.com/ps/c6ca

Book Review - Words from the Heart by Kathleen Fuller

Photo Credit - Amazon

Ivy Yoder is the oldest daughter in her family and she is still single. She feels like is destined to be alone when she met a charming young Amish man who promised to write her but never did. Stung by his broken promise and her lack of prospects, she is delighted when a quirky older woman asks for Ivy's help. However, the task comes with one eccentric requirement; both she and Cevilla's nephews must do the chore together.

Noah Schlabach is Cevilla's beloved nephew and is dedicated to his family. When, his aunt asks him for help, he doesn't hesitate to agree even with the weird requirement of working with Ivy. He works as an auctioneer and is also excited to see if can unearth any antique items. The duo comes across a pile of mysterious love letters written during the Korean War. They find themselves entranced by the couple even when they both believe they are destined to be alone. Will Ivy and Noah learn to put the past behind them and fall in love? Why did Cevilla ask them to work together? Why were the letters hidden away?

If you are a fan of Kathleen Fuller or Amish romances, you will enjoy this novel. Fans might notice characters from her previous novels. I found the story an engaging and delightful read while eager for the couple to find their path. A definite treat and I can't wait to read her other novels.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - A Place at Our Table (Amish Homestead #1) by Amy Clipston

 

Photo Credit - Amazon

Kayla Dienner vowed to protect  her heart after seeing the heartache her sister-in-law, Eva, faced when Kayla's brother, Simeon died while firefighting. Less than two months after her brother's death, Kayla's boyfriend, Abram, also breaks up with her. She felt abandoned and hurt, so she closed off her heart to love.

James Riehl tries to juggle the volunteer work at the fire department and running his farm. James finds he barely has any time for himself, let alone to find the time to date someone. However, when an accident calls him to the Dienner's family, James can't deny the attraction he feels for Kayla. Will Kayla and James be able to put their past behind them and love again?

I have read a few other books from Amy Clipston and felt they were enjoyable. However, I felt that Kayla was a bit demanding. James is reeling from a tragedy and Kayla wants him to put her first, when they only just started dating. She tries to be understanding,  but once they start dating, she puts most of the burden on James. She used to go visit James at work, but after they start dating, she expects him to plan all the dates along with seeing him everyday. When James tries to make the effort, she is constantly pushing him away and then wonders why he doesn't make the effort. However, he is always the one coming back and asking for another chance, even when Kayla broke up with James just when he needed her the most. Kayla came across as needy and demanding when they became a couple instead of the caring and understanding person, she was portrayed to be.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - The Gift (The Amish of Hart County #3) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Photo Credit - Amazon

When the Schwartz family inherited a small fortune, they couldn't wait to start their new life on a farm instead of their duplex. The family hired a real estate who found them a beautiful and affordable farm in Hart County. However, strange and deadly things start to occur once the family arrived.  Susanna hears gunshots that frighten her horse and topples over her buggy while her little sister, Traci falls through a wooden bridge into a creek. At first, the incidents seem like accidents, but eventually it starts to become clear, someone wants them gone. Who is targeting the Schwartz family? Why are they targeting them and will they be able to survive?

I have read a few of Mrs. Gray's novels and been a fan of most of them. This novel is no different, it offered a lot of suspense and questionable characters on who could be the culprit. However, I felt something was missing as the novel wasn't as exciting as her other "Hart County" novels. As the culprit became very clear midway through the novel. That isn't to say that I won't read her other novels.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - An Amish Christmas Love: Four Novellas by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin and Ruth Reid

Photo Credit - Amazon

The "novel" is composed of four novellas of Amish Christmas Love. Each of the mini stories is how a person experiences the beloved holiday a different way. Whether it was spending a widow spending her first Christmas alone, a young woman finally finding the right person for her, a young man who has to choose between his new girlfriend or an old flame, and an unlikely pair being the perfect match.

Each story was a fun and heartwarming read, especially when the temperatures start to drop. It made me appreciate the small things in life and to remember what is really important during the holidays. As a person speaking from experience, it's very easy to get overwhelmed and take things for granted, especially when the to do list keeps getting longer and longer. Each novel took a two to three hours to complete, but some were more detailed while others felt there could have been more details.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall

Photo Credit - Amazon

The final novel in the "Amish of Summer Grove" series, shows the hardship Ariana Brenneman faces after she returns from the Englisch world.  After she experienced the outside world, Ariana is now questioning the old ways she was bought up and it causes chaos among her family and friends. Her Amish family is unsure why their sweet daughter now questions their authority while her Englisch family wonders why she blindly follows the faith. Will Ariana be able to restore peace among her family and herself?

While, I have not read the other two novels in the series, the author includes a few page summary of what happened in the two prior books. I am not sure if it's because I didn't read the other two books or the author's writing style, but I just couldn't get into the book. I like how this book had a different take on the Amish lifestyle and drama, but it felt like torture reading this book. It was slow and kept going on and on without adding to the story.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - A Letter from Lancaster County by Kate Lloyd

Photo Credit - Amazon

A tale of two different sisters who face sibling rivalry but only one pair of sisters get a second chance at life and love. 

Angela and Rose might be sisters but they are completely opposite. Rose is insecure dominant business owner who is dating someone who is constantly cheating on her but she still follows him around. She longs for a husband and children which is everything Angela already has. However, Angela is unhappy in her relationship with her husband, Frederick and feels like her children are taking her for granted. Unlike her businesswoman sister, Angela is a stay at home mom that doesn't even know what her finances look like and relies on her husband to support the family. Angela is submissive to Frederick and she is annoyed she gave up her dream to become a dancer when she married Frederick. Rose believes that Angela allows Frederick to treat her cruelly just like their father treated their mother.

When they received a letter from their estranged Aunt Silvia, the two sisters decide to go visit their aunt. While there, Angela hopes the two of them can repair their strained relationship. However, they learn that not everything they knew about their family is what they should believe and that they are not the only two sisters who couldn't get along.

The novel seemed like it would be an interesting read with very lively characters. However, I found both Angela and Rose to be very annoying and over-the-top. They act very selfish and harsh towards each other but expect the other sister to love them back in return. I also wish the story between Juliana and Silvia was developed a bit more instead of being filled with fluff pieces of Rose and Angela going to the antique store and playing with horses. 

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - His Guilt: The Amish of Hart County by Shelley Shepard Gray

Photo Credit : Amazon

Two years ago, Mark Fisher was accused of a crime he didn't commit. He left the Amish community, in hopes to start over but he could never forget his home. Mark returns to Hart County when his mentor reaches out to him for help at his store. At the store, is where he meets the innocent Waneta or Neeta Cain. At first, Neeta is afraid of Mark but she decides the Amish way is to forgive people and decides to befriend Mark. As their friendship buds, Neeta is one of the few people in Hart County who knows Mark isn't capable of hurting anyone despite his rough exteriors. When their friendship starts to bloom romantically, one of Neeta's close friends was attacked just when Mark begins to feel at home. Then another woman who knows both Neeta and himself is attacked, Mark is scared for Neeta's safety. Who is the culprit behind these crimes? Why are they targeting these women?

I have read a couple of the author's books and have enjoyed them. This one is no exception; I love how it has a darker and grittier side to Amish romances. The novel was suspenseful and kept me guessing but like many of her books, you are given clues to the culprit's identity. A thrilling read for anyone who likes Amish romance novels.

**Disclosure - I received an uncorrected copy of this book for review**

Book Review - Her Secret (The Amish of Hart County #1) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Photo Source - Amazon

Hannah Hilty was like every other young Amish woman, she  yearned to find her soul mate and start a family. However, Hannah's life takes an unexpected turn when she gains the unwanted affections of an Englisher. After receiving photos of herself, Hannah and her family flee from their home to Hart, County, KY for a new start.  When Hannah arrives she is terrified to leave her home without company fearing that her stalker is lurking in the bushes. Hannah's neighbor Isaac Troyer is confused by the beautiful Hannah and her eccentric behaviors. He calls her "The Recluse", but once he learns of her past he changes his mind. Will Hannah be able to love again? Will Isaac be able to look past Hannah's past and be friends? Will Hannah's stalker finally leave her alone?

While, this is the first book in Gray's new series, I have read some of other her other books. I have enjoyed her other novels, but I was completely in love this one. It has a darker edge than other Amish novels I have read. The novel is beautifully written and shows the horrors victims face from being afraid on a daily basis to the stigma of being stalked. A wonderful read for anyone who likes Gray's work or is an Amish romance fan!

**Disclosure - I received a free uncorrected copy of this novel in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Home to Paradise by Barbara Cameron

Photo Credit - Amazon

The third book in the "Coming Home" series, is about the youngest Zook daughter wanting to marry the third Stolzfus brother. Rose Anna and John had dated before John left their Amish settlement for rumschringe. John unwillingly returns to their Amish settlement but still keeps some of his English ways. Will Rose Anna be able to change John's mind about marriage? What is preventing John from settling down?

I have read a few Amish romance novels and nothing in this book sets it apart from other books in the genre. Like many of the novels, it has a brief translation guide, recipes and gives a brief glimpse of the Amish life. Personally, I didn't care much about the characters but I did enjoy the interactions with John and his employer. John short live bond with short lived and although, took a backseat to the main story, it served as a perfect vehicle to move the story between John and Rose Anna. The book is an easy read and is a good book for those who like the genre.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - The Cherished Quilt (An Amish Heirloom Novel) by Amy Clipston

Photo Credit - Amazon

Christopher Hochstetler leaves Ohio after a family tragedy. He is heartbroken and overwhelmed with grief and guilt. When he arrives in Bird-in-Hand, he puts up a cold exterior and tries to keep to himself as he tries to work in his uncle's leather shop. However, that doesn't stop Emily Fisher from trying to befriend him. Their budding friendship slowly turns to love when Emily and Chris share their secrets with each other.  Emily decides to make a quilt as a token of their friendship, however Chris leaves for Ohio after a family emergency without telling Emily.  When Emily sends Chris the complete quilt, would Chris be able to accept the token of her love? Will Chris join the church so  they can be together?

The third novel in the series was beautifully written and fun to read.  I like that the author included a family tree and a dictionary for Amish translation. My only qualm with the novel is that I felt like the quilt was an afterthought and not much of the story revolved around it. A good read  for anyone who likes happy light reading Amish novels.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - A Love Made New (Amish of Birch Creek #3) by Kathleen Fuller

Photo Credit - Amazon

Abigail Schrock has been through enough heartache for a lifetime. Her mother and father were taken from her after a tragic accident while her sister is still recovering. She is hopeful that her current boyfriend will make everything better by marrying her. Unfortunately, he breaks up with her and tells her there is someone else. Asa Bontrager leaves his home and moves to Birch Creek because he believes it's God's purpose. He doesn't understand why God is telling him to follow Abigail when she wants nothing to do with him. Will the two be able to find true love?

The novel was an interesting and quick read. While, it read like almost every Amish romance novel, I like how they included back stories for the support characters. On a side note, there is a lot of characters which might make the novel confusing at first especially if you didn't read the other novels. However, the novels each can be read standalone.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - An Amish Family Christmas: A Charmed Amish Life Christmas Novel by Shelley Shepard Gray

Photo Credit - Amazon

The fourth book in Shelley Shepard Gary's Charmed Amish Life series is about two unlikely people who weren't looking for love but found it anyways. Levi Kinsinger recently returned to Charm, Ohio after trying to find himself when his beloved father perished in a tragic factory fire.  Julia Kemp is a single mother who is on the run from a dangerous past. With both Levi and Julia running from their past, will they be able to learn to let go and trust each other?

A cozy read for anyone who is a fan of Amish love romance. The novel was a very quick and fun read. However, there wasn't much of a story and seemed more like a fluff novel and a bit boring towards the middle of the book. This is the final book in the Charm Amish Life series but each book can be read separately. 

**Disclosure - I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Christian's Hope (Return to Northkill #3) by Ervin R. Stutzman

Photo Credit - Amazon

Christian Hochstetler returns home to his Amish family after spending the last seven years in captivity among Native Americans. As being captured as a child, Christian spent most of his life among his captors who taught him their ways and treated him like family. As Christian tried to settle back into his old Amish life of farming, he realizes he misses his adoptive family. He struggles to decide whether he should stay with his Amish or Native American family. Will Christian be able to join the Amish like his father wants? Will he able to give up his old Native American ways?

I have not read the other books in the series but it seems each book can be read as a standalone novel.  The historical novel is based on a true story which made it very interesting to read. However, it seemed to take Christian a very long time to decide what he wanted to do and it made the book very boring in the middle.  A decent read but I am in no rush to read the other novels in the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

Book Review - A Sister's Wish (The Charmed Amish Life, #3) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Photo Source - Amazon

"A Sister's Wish", is the third book in Shelley Shepard Gray's Charmed Amish Life series. The story starts off with two childhood friends who see each other before one of them runs away from home.  Amelia Kinsinger is from a tight knitted family who values strong family traditions.  Simon Hochstetler is from an abusive home and after following the wrong crowd ends up in prison. Both Simon and Amelia have loved each other for years but they are from different backgrounds. With Simon's past haunting him, will they be able to make a future together?

The book was an fun, quick, and interesting read. The novel offered an glimpse into two young adults lives and if they are able to let go of the past for the one they love. It also showed how to forgive and forget about the past while still learning from it. Although, the novel felt a bit fluffy and no major plot or twist occurring. A very cozy read if you love Amish novels.

*Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion*

Book Review - A Dream of Miracles by Ruth Reid

Photo Source - Amazon

After Mattie Diener's husband died a little under 2 years ago, Mattie is unable to move on and find love again. The young widow is the mother of two young children in a tight Amish community. Mattie crosses path with an outsider when her son becomes mysteriously ill.  Bo Lambright works in the child social services who has a secret past. Bo crosses path with Mattie when her children become hospitalized. Is he able to put his differences aside and do whats best for Mattie and her children? Is Mattie to blame for her son's illness? Will Bo and Mattie be able to find love?

The heartwarming story shows what people are willing to do to protect their children and loved ones. It also shows how our parents have an impact on our lives whether we like it or not. And how love heals even our darkest scars. The book was very interesting read and kept me entertained until the end. However, the author mixed in Amish Dutch English, while it was a cute novelty, it got annoying after a bit to constantly turning the page to utilize the dictionary. A good read for anyone interested in stories with Amish themes.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**