The Sisters of Sugarcreek Review

Many lives were changed the day a fire burned down Faith Community Church, devastating the small town of Sugarcreek, Ohio.

Now a young Amish widow, Lydia Gruber faces an uncertain future. Her husband, a craftsman and volunteer firefighter, always took care of everything, keeping her isolated from others in their community. Without anyone or any skills, how will she survive?

With the death of her beloved aunt Rose in the fire, single mom Jessica Holtz inherits Rose’s Knit One Quilt Too cottage. Though determined to keep the shop open in her aunt’s memory, she doesn’t know the first thing about knitting and quilting and begins to see her aunt’s dream slip through her fingers.

When Liz Cannon lost her dear friend Rose, she also lost her partner in the Secret Stitches Society―the name they gave themselves while delivering gifts of hope to troubled folks in the dark of night. Liz convinces Jessica to keep the anonymous society going, despite the younger women’s inadequacy with knitting and sewing needles. But soon Liz has problems of her own as the life she has rebuilt for herself begins to crumble again.

When Liz and Jessica choose Lydia for their first mission, the three women cross paths and form an unlikely friendship in the aftermath of tragedy. As they walk together through triumph and heartbreak―through grief and new chances at love―they begin to discover that with friends by your side, a stitch of hope can be found anywhere

The Sisters of Sugarcreek by Cathy Liggett was such a sweet read. I loved all three of these women's stories and really hope that the author lets us dive into their world again. The mixture of these three women's sweet friendship is woven perfectly with the more serious topics that this book covers. Liz, Jessica, and Lydia all come from different backgrounds that might make there friendship seem unlikely but through one town tragedy they come together and find out they aren't too different.

 5 outof 5.

 I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House in exchange for an honest review.

Also check out these fun resources I received from the publisher! Yummy recipes as well as random acts of kindness cards that might encourage you to maybe make your own secret stitches society!

         Random Acts of Kindness Cards
     Amish Friendship Bread Recipe
         Lemon Bars Recipe
         Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
        White Chocolate Chex Crunch Recipe
Stitching-hope-through-random-acts-of-kindness

The Angel of Forest Hill Review

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Author Bio

A time of anticipation. A season of miracles.
Because of Joel’s impossible situation, twenty-one-year-old Rose must sacrifice everything. As days pass into years in the midst of the beautiful hills, the laughter of children, and God’s providence—is it too much for Rose to hope for love in return?

An amazing journey toward love and belonging, filled with the wonder of the season of Christ’s birth.

When Old Order Amish Rose Kurtz is asked to leave her family, travel deep into West Vir­ginia, and help Joel Dienner with his children in the wake of tragedy, the quiet young woman recognizes a home where she might find kindness instead of criticism and hope replacing harsh words. She agrees to stay in Forest Hill and become Joel’s wife for the sake of his family needs, but their marriage is to be a partnership, one built from need, not love and affection.

As the years pass, Rose continues to beckon Joel to join life again, to take joy in his growing children, and to awaken his heart to the possibility of new love. Joel hopes that Rose can move beyond deep-rooted hurts to see the beautiful Christmas ahead, their season. But will the arrival of a beautiful widow and a series of misunderstandings reverse how far Rose and Joel have come?

The Angel of Forest Hill by Cindy Woodsmall is a great short story. Sweet and perfect for Christmastime. (As well as anytime after if your like me and wouldn't mind Christmas all year long!) The story of Rose and Joel is sure to be one that tug on your heartstrings. Being a Novella The Angel of Forest Hill is a really quick read and sadly over sooner than you want it to be because the characters are so enticing. I recommend this to anyone who loves Amish fiction or just Christmas (who doesn't?!).

5 out of 5

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Because You're Mine Review

Amid the beauty of Charleston, not all is as it seems.

When her husband Liam is killed by a car bomb while their Celtic band is on tour in Charleston, singer and Irish beauty Alanna doesn’t quite know where to turn. Her father-in-law is threatening to take custody of the baby she carries, but Alanna knows she can’t lose the only piece of Liam she has left.

Alanna’s manager offers her a marriage of convenience to obtain U.S. citizenship and allow her to escape her father-in-law’s control. It seems like the perfect solution until she arrives at the family home of her new husband—a decaying mansion with more questions than answers.

Strange things begin happening that threaten Alanna’s life and the life of her child. Are they merely coincidences? Or is something more sinister at work?

A mysterious painting, a haunting melody, and a love stronger than death leave Alanna questioning where darkness ends and light begins.

First off let me say that this cover is gorgeous! The coloring and style is perfect! Okay, I'm done gushing....

Because You're Mine by Colleen Coble was a very gripping read. Once you pick it up you have to keep turning the pages to find out the answers. This book is unlike any of the other Colleen Coble books I have picked up and read and I enjoyed Gothic feeling. Because You're Mine is much more of a psychological thriller than a mystery, at least to me because I very quickly caught on to the mystery aspect of the plot. A good read if you don't mind books that give you that chill down your back as you read.

4 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from BookLook in exchange for my honest review.