"The Bridesmaid," by Beverly Lewis

"The Bridesmaid," by Beverly Lewis

Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The young Amishwoman is a closet writer whose stories aren't her only secret.

Eben Troyer hopes to make Joanna his bride--if he can ever leave his parents' farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet Eben's hopes to build a life with Joanna hinge on his brother's return from the English world....

 

Have to say I enjoyed this book and read it over a couple of weeks, which is very unusual for me, as I normally read books in a day or two.  We were busy though, and I did find I was able to pick up where I left off no problem.  It did want me to spend more time reading it to see what happened next, again a good point.

 

It pushes the point that you have to believe in God's will and you will end up doing the right thing, but not before being tested first.

 

If you have read any of Beverly Lewis' books, you will recognise some of the names in the book as characters from other books.  The lead characters were perfect for one another and you only want the best for them both.

 

Stars out of 5 : 3.5  Funnily I am not a huge fan of Beverly Lewis books........I know a bit strange.  It was a good book and I am looking forward to the third in the series, "The Guardian" which will be published in March of 2013.

 

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"With Every Letter" by Sarah Sundin

"With Every Letter" by Sarah Sundin

Lt. Mellie Blake is looking forward to beginning her training as a flight nurse. She is not looking forward to writing a letter to a man she's never met--even if it is anonymous and part of a morale-building program. Lt. Tom MacGilliver, an officer stationed in North Africa, welcomes the idea of an anonymous correspondence--he's been trying to escape his infamous name for years.

As their letters crisscross the Atlantic, Tom and Mellie develop a unique friendship despite not knowing the other's true identity. When both are transferred to Algeria, the two are poised to meet face-to-face for the first time. Will they overcome their fears and reveal who they are, or will their future be held hostage by their pasts?

Combining a flair for romance with excellent research and attention to detail, Sarah Sundin vividly brings to life the perilous challenges of WWII aviation, nursing--and true love. 

I am not a huge fan of World War 1 or 2 novels normally, so I must admit I was surprised I chose this book to review, but the excerpt for the book had me intrigued.  This book didn't hook me right away, but it peaked my interest, so that made me read more and I am so glad I did.

The two main characters were so different but so much the same in their own way.  I was glad that Sarah didn't throw the characters together right away, and built up their relationship and eventual meeting gradually throughout the book.  In fact even I wasn't sure what would happen at one point.

On a side note it was interesting to hear how the in flight nurses helped so much during the transportation of injured servicemen, and how much a boost they were for morale as well.

Stars out of 5 : 4 not my usual genre of book, but enjoyable all the same.  Not familiar with this author, but will look for more of her books.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"Love's Reckoning," by Laura Frantz

"Love's Reckoning," by Laura Frantz

On a bitter December day in 1784, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of blacksmith Liege Lee in York County, Pennsylvania. Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship quickly and move west. But because he is a fast worker and a superb craftsman, Liege endeavors to keep him in York by appealing to an old tradition: the apprentice shall marry one of his master's beautiful daughters.

Eden is as gentle and fresh as Elspeth is high-spirited and cunning. But are they truly who they appear to be? In a house laced with secrets, each sister seeks to secure her future. Which one will claim Silas's heart--and will he agree to Liege's arrangement?

In this sweeping family saga, one man's choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. This is the Ballantyne Legacy.

This is the first book in the Ballantyne Legacy and what a great book to start the series.  This story reminded me a bit of Cinderella but instead of two wicked step-sisters there was a wicked father and sister.  Silas is a great lead character as is Eden.  I have to say I fell in love with the name Eden; will have to drop hints at dd that if she ever has a daughter she should call her Eden!!!

Anyhow, the way the book finished left you wanting more, and there was a sneak peek of the next book in the series and have to say I was caught up in the story within the first few pages.  The down side, it will not be released until Fall of 2013.

Stars out of 5 : 5 just loved everything about this book.  Can't wait to read the next one in the series.  You should read this book, it's well worth your time.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"A Hidden Truth," by Judith Miller

"A Hidden Truth," by Judith Miller

East Amana, Iowa
1892

When Karlina Richter discovers that a new shepherd will be sent to her village, she fears she'll no longer be allowed to help her father with the sheep. She'll be relegated back to kitchen work, stuck inside all day. Her fears increase when the new shepherd shows little interest in the flock--or in divulging why he's suddenly been sent to East. Is he keeping secrets that will impact Karlina's family?

Dovie Cates visits the Amana Colonies to learn more about the place where her mother grew up. But when Dovie begins to ask questions about her mother's past, no one seems willing to reveal anything, so she decides to take matters into her own hands. Will the answers she finds spell disaster for her future plans and the longings of her heart?

I loved this book.  It's easy to get caught up in the story.  Love the two main characters and how different they are but how much they care about one another.  The secrets and the questions about the past do lead to interesting conclusions.

I had never heard of the Amana colonies until I started reading Judith's books.  For further info about them clink on the link.

Stars out of 5 : 4.5  Great book, well worth reading, will recommend it.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".