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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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.

An Uncommon Courtship Review

Life for Lady Adelaide Bell was easier if she hid in her older sister's shadow--which worked until her sister got married. Even with thepressure of her socially ambitious mother, the last thing she expected was a marriage of convenience to save her previously spotless reputation.

Lord Trent Hawthorne couldn't be happier that he is not the duke in the family. He's free to manage his small estate and take his time discovering the life he wants to lead, which includes grand plans of wooing and falling in love with the woman of his choice. When he finds himself honor bound to marry a woman he doesn't know, his dream of a marriage like his parents' seems lost forever. 

Already starting their marriage on shaky ground, can Adelaide and Trent's relationship survive the pressures of London society?

An Uncommon Courtship by Kristi Ann Hunter was a wonderful read once I got into it. At first I felt a little disconnected with the characters and felt like I got dropped into the middle of something (that might be because its the third book in the series, which I didn't realize until after I finished it). But after about half way through, and I admit to skimming a few chapters, I was hooked on these two people and their troubles. They both start off as flawed characters who are not inherently bad just so unsure as to what to do about their circumstance.As they start to grow and learn more about each other and their feelings I fell in love with them both. Once I finished this book I did go back to reread what I had previously skimmed over and ended up rereading the whole thing! All that being said I ended up loving this book and plan on going back to read the first books in the series. 

4.5 out of 5. 

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

Storm Review

Now That Glade, Selah's Protecting Force, Is Gone, the Hunt Is On to Capture Her
Selah has survived the forces of both man and nature to reunite her family. But her happiness is short-lived as they are forced into a barren world of volcanic ash that conceals the storm boiling beneath. The clock is ticking and Selah's abilities are growing--along with the list of those out for her blood. 

Selah feels unworthy of her status as a novarium and is tortured by the knowledge of lives lost to protect her. Her physical and mental abilities will tempt her to be reckless, but she must learn to wield such power responsibly. Time is running out as more lives are tragically cut short and the search for the Third Protocol takes Selah into lands that have fallen into legend. Can Selah follow the trail of ancient artifacts and finish the quest? Or have she and her companions pinned their hopes on nothing more than a fanciful story?

Storm by Bonnie Calhoun is a good conclusion to the Stone Braide Chronicles. These book are so stocked full of details and intricate story lines that some times I struggled to keep up with what was going on. (Partly my fault, it's been awhile since I read the first two books.) Other than that I really enjoyed this conclusion to Selah's story and would recommend this book and series to anyone who loves a good science fiction/fantasy read.

5 out of 5.

I received a copy of this book from Revell for a honest review.

Newton and Polly Review

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Amazing grace! How sweet the sound 
that saved a wretch like me. 
I once was lost, but now am found…

Now remembered as the author of the world’s most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty is to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father—until the night he hears Polly Catlett’s enchanting voice, caroling. He’s immediately smitten and determined to win her affection.

An intense connection quickly forms between the two, but John’s reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life are concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern leaves John imprisoned and bound, Polly must choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves?

Newton and Polly by Jody Hedlund is a wonderfully written fictionalization of the life and romance of the author of one of the most famous hymns in history. Jody Hedlund has out done herself with this book, it has to be one of my favorites from her. Everything from the historical details that are perfectly weaved into the story to the characters that pull you in with their heart-rending journeys make this a must read book. This is a story full of adventure, faith, romance, and God's truly amazing grace.

5 out of 5.

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

Where Two Hearts Meet Review

In her kitchen at Rose's Red Door Inn, executive chef Caden Holt is calm, collected, and competent. But when her boss asks her to show off their beautiful island to impress a visiting travel writer and save the inn, Caden is forced to face a world much bigger than her kitchen--and a man who makes her wish she was beautiful.

Journalist Adam Jacobs is on a forced sabbatical on Prince Edward Island. He's also on assignment to uncover a story. Instead he's falling in love with the island's red shores and Caden's sweets. 

When Caden discovers Adam isn't who she thought he was, she realizes that the article he's writing could do more than ruin the inn's chances for survival--it might also break her heart.

Where Two Hearts Meet by Liz Johnson is a fantastic read! I loved Caden's character, I saw so much of myself in her and I couldn't help but feel for Adam and his past. These two characters along with the other secondary characters will quickly worm their way into your heart with their storied pasts and present troubles. This book is full of everything your sure to love, romance, faith, and delicious sweets. I strongly suggest you read Where Two Hearts Meet, you will in no way be disappointed.

5 out of 5.

I received a copy of this book from Revell for a honest review.