"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".

"Precisely Terminated," by Amanda L. Davis

"Precisely Terminated," by Amanda L. Davis

With microchips implanted in their skulls at birth, the slaves of Cantral and Cillineese have labored under the tyrannical rule of the Nobles and their computers for decades. Monica, a Noble who avoided the implanting and escaped a death sentence at the age of four, is now sixteen and is in hiding. She lives with the slaves inside the walls of the Cantral palace, pretending to be one of them while the slave council plots a way to use her chip-less state to destroy the all-powerful computers that strike down any hint of rebellion.

 

The Nobles hear of Monica’s survival and try to exterminate her before she ruins their upper-class utopia. The rebels send her to find a missing paper bearing instructions on how to shut down the computers that control the chips in Cillineese, a major city-state. The Nobles are alerted to the plan and prepare to seal Cillineese in a giant dome to gas the inhabitants, including Monica.

The fate of millions rides on Monica’s shoulders. As the only chip-less person in the world, she must find the paper, destroy the computers, and free Cillineese from the Nobles’ iron fist before they strike with the ultimate punishment—death for everyone inside the city walls.

 

First let me say this is not my normal genre of book.  Even the cover of the book is off putting if you ask me.  However I am so glad I decided to read this book, it was great, I couldn't put it down.  Honestly, I had to know what was going to happen next.  It hooked you from the first few pages.

 

Now reading what other people said, if you're a fan of The Hunger Games, you will love this book.  As I have never read nor seen The Hunger Games I have no idea.  Also someone said  "the story begins with gloom (which it does), which is perfect for the dystopian setting."  As you can see I have put a link for the word dystopian as I had no idea what it meant. 

 

I will say this book left me with a lot of questions unanswered; for instance - how did the Nobles come into power?  Where did the "Seens" come from?  What happened to our modern ways?

 

I am looking forward to the second book in the series, as the story left off with much more to tell.

Stars out of 5 : A resounding 5, loved the book despite it not being a book I would normally read.  I think it is aimed at young adults, but even though I am not young, I am an adult, so I felt qualified to read it!!!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Foundation Distributing, Inc and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from AMG Publishers". 

"The Haven," by Suzanne Woods Fisher

"The Haven," by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Spring brings new life, young love, and second chances to Stoney Ridge.
On a warm spring day, Sadie Lapp returns home to her quiet, unassertive life in Stoney Ridge after spending the winter in Ohio.
Gideon Smucker, an awkward schoolteacher, has been in love with Sadie since childhood and eagerly awaits her return. But does Sadie feel the same about him?
Will Stoltz, a charming and impetuous college student, has been banished for a semester and sent to babysit endangered peregrine falcons nesting at the Lapp farm. He'd rather be anywhere else . . . until he befriends Sadie.
As the hopes and ambitions of these three young people converge, life in Stoney Ridge may never be the same.

This is the second book in the Stoney Ridge Series, and it was really good.  The story kept going and kept you interested all the way through.  I thought the story was going one way and it went another.  I like how you read about situations that you can learn from and apply to your own life.

The lead characters of Sadie, Gideon, and Will were well thought out, but for me M.K. is the best character ever and I'm pleased to say the next book in the series will focus on her.  What she gets up too makes you laugh out loud and there is plenty more to tell as far as her character goes.

Stars out of 5 : 5 Great book, kept me wanting more and wanting to know what happens next.  Super read and would recommend it to you all.

"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".

"To Love and Cherish," by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

"To Love and Cherish," by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

Melinda Colson has been waiting months for Evan, the assistant gamekeeper at the Bridal Veil Island resort, to propose. Without an offer of marriage, she must return to Cleveland with the family she works for as a lady's maid.

Evan isn't afraid of hard work, and he hopes to be promoted soon. He wants to marry Melinda--but not until he's sure he can support her and a family.

Letters strengthen their romance until a devastating storm strikes the island. With no word from Evan, Melinda knows she must journey back to Bridal Veil in search of her beloved.

But the hurricane isn't the last calamity to shake up Bridal Veil. Melinda finds a new job on the island, but still no offer of marriage comes her way. Has she given her heart to the wrong person? Will she ever find a man to love and cherish?

Confession first.  The only reason I got this book is I read the first one in the series; this one is the second.  It didn't really appeal too me, but I figured as I had read the first I should keep on with the series.  So I was in no rush to read this book, but when I picked it up I couldn't put it down, as I loved the book.

It has so many twists and turns in it, it keeps you wanting to read more and more.  Then you think you know "who dun it," only to discover you're wrong. 

One of the lessons to be learned in this book is whatever sort of relationship you are in, you both must make your wishes known what you want out of your lives together and what plans you have, so it doesn't cause confusion.  One thing that would have helped in Melinda's and Evan's relationship.

Stars out of 5 : 5  I really enjoyed this book despite me not being that keen on reading 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".