Sons of Blackbird Mountain (Blackbird Mountain #1) by Joanne Bischof

Sons of Blackbird Mountain

(Blackbird Mountain #1)

by 

Joanne Bischof 

About:

When Aven Norgaard leaves Norway to serve as housekeeper to her late husband’s cousins in Appalachia, she expects lads in need of care, not three grown men—each in need of a wife and bound by a powerful brotherhood. As the men carve out a living by brewing artisan liquor, young Haakon’s pursuit tempts Aven’s lonely spirit . . . but it is his deaf brother, Thor, whose silent strength shows her the depths of real love.

Unable to speak to any woman, Thor Norgaard never anticipates Aven will befriend him, let alone treat him as her safe harbor. Though hard cider is their livelihood and his greatest talent, he fights his way to sobriety with Haakon’s help, defying the bottle for Aven’s hand—only to face a battle of the heart that tests even the strongest bonds of brotherhood.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

My Thoughts:

Joanne Bischof is a new author to me. I have never read a book by her, but Sons of Blackbird Mountain was recommended to me and this was an amazing book! Put all books aside and grab this book. It is a great, sweet romance that will have you turning the page. The characters are well developed and I love that the author chose to write about the deaf community. 

I am in awe of the writing style of Bischof and found the language of this story to be beautifully compelling. Her writing style is amazing and you will enjoy this novel. 

This book was a delight and I treasured every minute of it. The author has a way with words and her writing is amazing. I highly recommend this book. 

Connect with Joanne

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

About the Author:

An ECPA Christy Award winner and an ACFW Carol Award winner, Joanne Bischof writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the reader’s heartstrings. Joanne’s 2016 novel, THE LADY AND THE LIONHEART, received an extraordinary 5 Star TOP PICK! from Romantic Times Book Reviews among other critical acclaim. Joanne has a long-standing passion for romance and a budding fervor for theology. She is more and more awed by how wondrously the two go hand in hand. She lives in the mountains of southern California with her three children and is represented by Sandra Bishop of Transatlantic Literary Agency.

Secret at Pebble Creek (Hope Chest of Dreams #4) by Lisa Jones Baker

Secret at Pebble Creek

(Hope Chest of Dreams #4)

by 

Lisa Jones Baker

About:

Lisa Jones Baker's heartwarming series continues as a new generation inherits precious hand-carved chests that bring blessings of faith, love, and happiness . . . 

When Jessica Beachy temporarily moves into the home of her late great uncle, Sam Beachy, she merely plans to remodel, sell, and head back to the city. She's used to busy St. Louis and can't imagine how she'll spend her time in the quiet Amish countryside. But the carpenter she hires, Eli Miller, doesn't think selling Sam's home is a good idea. And while he's steadfast in his Amish faith, he's instantly drawn to Jessica's vivacity and unexpected caring--especially as peaceful country ways make her question the dream she thought she wanted . .

But a lucrative offer to turn the house into a vacation retreat confronts Jessica with a heartbreaking choice. It will take trust, perseverance--and discovering a hope chest thought forever lost--for Jessica and Eli to boldly face obstacles and embark on a joyous future together . . .

My Thoughts:

Secret at Pebble Creek is the fourth book of the Hope Chest of Dreams series by Lisa Jones Baker.While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. If you haven't read the others, this book will make you want to read the other three in the series. It is such a heart warming read. 

This story line and its characters just pulled at my heartstrings as we read about Sam, Esther, and the Miller's in Pebble Creek. I love visiting Pebble Creek and reading about the house that Jessica inherited. With the story of romance, faith and hope, this book is truly a wonderful read! I highly recommend this book! 

About the Author 

Lisa Jones Baker grew up near a small Amish town in Illinois that she frequented with her family on weekends. She's also a dog lover and a fan of Scottsdale, Arizona, where she spent nearly two decades. Lisa graduated from Illinois State University with a French major, has been on 5 out of 7 continents, and considers her parents the best in the world. Raised in a Christian home, Lisa has always been blessed with love and support.

Not the Boss of Us: Putting Overwhelmed in Its Place in a Do-All, Be-All World by Kay Wills Wyma

Not the Boss of Us: Putting Overwhelmed in Its Place in a Do-All, Be-All World

by 

Kay Wills Wyma

About:

Too much to manage and not enough time or energy to do it? Join the club. Life is a pressure cooker and, more and more, being overwhelmed is just considered normal. But, truth be told, life's stresses and circumstances aren't the boss of us. What if we could take Overwhelmed and diffuse it--or, better yet, reframe it to good?

Author, blogger, and mother of five Kay Wills Wyma has learned that if we're going to be overwhelmed by anything, let's have it be Truth with all its grace, hope, peace, and love. In this freeing book, she shares how to confront life's pressures we face--at home, online, at work, in our relationships, on our calendars--and replace all those heavy expectations with the liberating truth that we were made for something better. Through her inspiring personal stories sprinkled with a dash of humor, she gives readers permission to step back, let go, and find fulfillment and freedom in a life lived in light of eternity. 

My Thoughts:

This book is perfect for the season of life I am in. The world and life can be very overwhelming, but we need to see our circumstances in the lens through the word of God and how He view sit. The chapters in book are so great in helping me to put my life into perspective, especially an eternal perspective.  

This book has great insight and wisdom to glean from in each chapter. Ultimately, the author wants the reader to understand not to be pressured, frustrated or overwhelmed in life by the expectations or circumstances of life, but to keep our eyes fixed on the the Lord and His plan for us. This book is super helpful and I plan to read it again.

About the Author:

Kay Wills Wyma has five kids, ages four to fourteen, and one SUV with a lot of carpool miles. Before she transitioned to stay-at-home mom, she earned an MBA, worked at the White House, and dabbled in international finance. Happily married to Jon, this self-described recovering enabler is committed to equipping the next generation to achieve great things in the future by piling on the responsibility today.

A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano

A Rumored Fortune

by 

Joanna Davidson Politano 

About:

Tressa Harlowe's father did not trust banks, but neither did he trust his greedy extended family. He kept his vast fortune hidden somewhere on his estate in the south of England and died suddenly, without telling anyone where he had concealed it. Tressa and her ailing mother are left with a mansion and an immense vineyard and no money to run it. It doesn't take long for a bevy of opportunists to flock to the estate under the guise of offering condolences. Tressa knows what they're really up to. She'll have to work with the rough and rusticated vineyard manager to keep the laborers content without pay and discover the key to finding her father's fortune--before someone else finds it first.

My Thoughts:

Since reading Lady Jane Disappears, I was excited to read A Rumored Fortune. This book is one that will keep your attention and you will surely find it difficult to put down. 

As a reader, you will get to see Tressa, as a naive girl grow into a confident women. The characters are well developed and enjoyable. I found the storyline captivating and the themes of forgiveness, love and trust as great truths to wrap up the story.

 If you enjoy the Victorian Era, this book is a great read! You'll love the backdrop of the vineyards, a mystery, money and a treasure hunt. Give this book a read! You won't be disappointed! 

About the Author:

Joanna Davidson Politano freelances for a small nonfiction publisher but spends much of her time spinning tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives. Her manuscript for Lady Jayne Disappears was a finalist for several contests, including the 2016 Genesis Award from ACFW, and won the OCW Cascade Award and the Maggie Award for Excellence. She is always on the hunt for random acts of kindness, people willing to share their deepest secrets with a stranger, and hidden stashes of sweets. She lives with her husband and their two babies in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan and shares stories that move her at www.jdpstories.com.

Crack Yourself Up Jokes for Kids by Sandy Silverthorne

Crack Yourself Up Jokes for Kids

by 

Sandy Silverthorne 

About:

Any kid can be a comedian with a little help from award-winning author/illustrator Sandy Silverthorne's Crack Yourself Up Jokes for Kids. Perfect for kids ages 6-12, this zany collection of one-liners (Did you hear about the missing barber? Police are combing the city.), knock-knock jokes (Knock, Knock. Who's there? Pizza. Pizza who? Pizza nice guy, don't you think?), riddles (What's red and goes up and down? A tomato in an elevator.), puns, and funny lists represents some of the world's best clean humor. Add in the author's hilarious illustrations and cartoons, and kids will get hours of fun with the kind of laughs that make milk come out your nose--that is, if you're drinking milk while you read!

My Thoughts:

Crack Yourself Up is a joke book for kids by Sandy Silverthorne. This joke book is filled with jokes, stories, riddles, knock-knock jokes, etc. My husband & I were laughing at several of them. I love the size of this book, which is perfect for a backpack or a lunch pail for your child to bring to school. Younger children will enjoy this book too.

I recommend this book to fans of jokes, riddles, knock-knock jokes, etc.

Let Me Be Like Water by S.K. Perry

Let Me Be Like Water

by 

S.K. Perry

About:

A beautifully poignant and poetic debut about love, loss, friendship, and ultimately, starting over.

Twenty-something Holly has moved to Brighton to escape. But now she’s here, sitting on a bench, listening to the sea sway… How is she supposed to fill the void her boyfriend left when he died, leaving her behind?

She had thought she’d want to be on her own, but when she meets Frank, a retired magician who has experienced his own loss, the tide begins to shift. A moving and powerful debut, Let Me Be Like Water is a book about the humdrum and extraordinariness of everyday life; of lost and new connections; of loneliness and friendship

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

My Thoughts:

Let Me Be Like Water by S.K. Perry is a book that will get ahold of your emotions. With grief, loss, love this book is beautifully written and has a important message of hope through. Friends are the family members we choose, but sometimes it can be difficult to leg them go. This book can be a very emotional read, especially if you have recently experienced loss or are dealing with grief.  The way this book is very different as a fiction book, but enjoyable. Le Me Be Like Water is written with poetic symmetry to a narrative that is very therapeutic. This book is a different read then I have read before. I will warn you that this isn't a book I would recommend for you youth or children because of the content in it. 

Connect with S. K. Perry

Website | Twitter

About the Author:

S. K. PERRY was longlisted for London’s Young Poet Laureate in 2013 and is the author of the poetry collection Curious Hands: 24 Hours in Soho. She lives in London and Let Me Be Like Water is her first novel.

Desired by God: Discover a Strong, Soul-Satisfying Relationship with God by Understanding Who He Is and How Much He Loves You by Van Moody

Desired by God: Discover a Strong, Soul-Satisfying Relationship with God by Understanding Who He Is and How Much He Loves You

by 

Van Moody

About:

We were made to be in relationship with God, wired to love and be loved by Him. We feel truly whole and complete only when we have a vital, passionate relationship with Him. And that relationship can occur only with a deep understanding of who God is and how much He loves us.

As the story of the Bible makes clear, God’s earnest love for His people is continually given and rejected. To understand how God can keep pursuing us like this, we must see Him as He is: overflowing with desire for, and relentlessly in pursuit of, His people. Desired by God gives a refreshing, eye-opening picture of this God, who wants with all His heart for us to know Him. And when we see Him clearly and fall in love with Him, we will find ourselves more grounded, satisfied, and cared for than we ever dreamed possible. 

My Thoughts:

Desired by God is a great book that reminds the reader that people were created for relationship with God. Not only were we created for relationship with Him, but we are completely loved by Him and called to love Him. 

Throughout several of the chapters, the author gives examples of how God's people reject him and how people received His love. The author uses examples from the Bible and shows the reader how God is LOVE. This book reminded me again and again how I do not deserve Gods love, but He gives so freely and I need to accept it regardless of how I might feel on a particular day. I think we need to be careful not to get into a works based mentality, but just to receive God's love regardless of the situation that we might find ourselves in from day to day and this book reminded of that.  Overall, the author made some great points, some receptive, but great for someone who really struggles with believing God loves them. 

About the Author:

Field expert Van Moody is an author, motivational speaker, pastor, and media expert source who advises on matters related to relationships as they pertain to friends, family, significant others and the workplace.

Moody has lectured in the classrooms of Harvard and Oxford Universities where he, himself, has also studied to further his quest for knowledge. Among his numerous affiliations, Moody is an associate trainer in Japan for EQUIP, the world's largest and most comprehensive grassroots leadership, personal growth and development organization founded by Dr. John C. Maxwell. He also serves on the board of directors for Joel Osteen's Champions Network.

The Patriot Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower #4)

The Patriot Bride

(Daughters of the Mayflower #4)

About:

Faith Jackson and Matthew Weber are both working covertly to aid the Patriot cause. But will they be willing to sacrifice all for their fledgling country?
A brand new series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.

Spies Work Together for the Patriot Cause
Faith Jackson is a wealthy widow, friend of George Washington, and staunch supporter of the Patriot cause. Matthew Weber is friends with both Ben Franklin and his son William, who increasingly differ in their political views; and Matthew finds himself privy to information on both sides of the conflict. When a message needs to get to a spy among the Loyalists, Faith bravely steps up and in turn meets Matthew Weber. Suddenly she believes she could love again. But someone else has his eye on the Faith she portrays in elite social circles. What will Matthew and Faith have to sacrifice for the sake of their fledgling country?

My Thoughts:
Kimberly Woodhouse does an excellent job in The Patriot Bride, which is the 4th book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. It is a great read and an interesting story line. I love how as a reader we are taken back into history and learn to lean into God. 

This story is a great read with suspense, romance, history and faith. The Patriot Bride can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading the author four books in this series.

About the Author:

Kim is a devoted wife and mother, and a third generation Liszt student. She has passed down her love of the arts to hundreds of students over the years, recorded three albums, and appeared at over 700 venues.

Her quick wit, enthusiasm, and positive outlook through difficult circumstances have gained her audiences at conferences, retreats, churches, military functions, and seminars all over the country.

The Woodhouse family’s story has been on the front page of newspapers, in magazines, articles, medical journals, and most recently featured on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. They were also asked to share their story on The Montel Williams Show and Discovery Health Channel’s Mystery ER.

Kim has been writing seriously for fifteen years. Songs, plays, short stories, novels, picture books, articles, newsletters – you name it – she’s written it. It wasn’t until a dear friend challenged her to “do something with it”, that she pursued publication. She now has multiple books to her credit, with more on the way.

Through the Autumn Air By Kelly Irvin

Through the Autumn Air

By Kelly Irvin 

About:

"Kelly Irvin’s Through the Autumn Air is a poignant journey of friendship and second chances that will illustrate for readers that God blesses us with a true love for all seasons." —Amy Clipston, bestselling author of Room on the Porch Swing

The past filled her mind even as her heart yearned for stories yet to be told . . .

The mother of ten and a widow of seven years, Mary Katherine is a bundle of energy, always willing to step in and help her friends around her Amish community. Now that her last child is married, she pours her abundant creative spirit into writing stories, even as she speaks aloud to her late husband every day. Her dream is to open a bookstore with an English friend, but the church elders want this wayward widow to work in an Amish-owned store instead. When her old school friend, Ezekiel, offers her a position as a cook in the restaurant he opened after his wife died, she knows she should accept. But does she really want to spend her time working over a hot stove?

When a mysterious English stranger breaks into her house to make himself a sandwich one autumn night, Mary Katherine doesn’t call the sheriff. She turns to Ezekiel. They both see that Burke is need of more than a meal, and Ezekiel offers him the job at the restaurant.

As they set out to care for their new friend, Mary Katherine and Ezekiel find themselves often working together. Mary Katherine is drawn to Ezekiel, but she remembers the terrible risk of giving her heart to someone. Can two people in the autumns of their lives and so well-versed in the pain of loss put the past behind them and trust in the hope that comes with each new season?

My Thoughts:

The Every Amish Season Series is about a group of women who are all in different seasons of life, which is something that I have really enjoyed and loved about this series. Each woman differs by the number of children they have or their age, but the common thread is that they each have lost their husbands. 

Through the Autumn Air, has been my favorite book so far out of the series. With tender moments and laugh out loud moments, this Amish Fiction novel tells the story of a 60 year old woman who loves books. It made me wish that I knew Mary Katherine in real life. Her character is very compelling. This is a story you don't want to miss in the Every Amish Season Series! Make sure you pick up a copy today! I highly recommend it!

About the Author:

Kelly Irvin's newest series, Every Amish Series, began with the debut of Upon a Spring Breeze, in April. The second book, Beneath the Summer Sun, will debut in January 2018. It is a four-book series published by Zondervan/HarperCollins Christian Publishing. This follows the Amish of Bee County series, The Saddle Maker's Son, released in June 2016. It is an ECPA bestseller. It follows The Bishop's Son, and the critically acclaimed bestseller, The Beekeeper's Son, which earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly. The reviewer called it "a beautifully woven masterpiece." The Beekeeper's Son was a finalist in the romance category of the 2016 ACFW Carol Awards Contest. 

Kelly has novellas in The Amish Christmas Gift and The Amish Marketplace, both of which were also ECPA bestsellers. She is also the author of the Bliss Creek Amish series and the New Amish Amish series. The first series includes To Love and To Cherish, A Heart Made New, and Love’s Journey Home, published by Harvest House. The New Hope Amish series includes Love Still Stands, followed by Love Redeemed, which was an ACFW Carol Award finalist, and A Plain Love Song.

Her Fear (The Amish of Hart County #5) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Her Fear (The Amish of Hart County #5)

by 

Shelley Shepard Gray

About:

In New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray’s latest novel of suspense in her Amish of Hart County series, an EMT falls for a woman with ties to an Amish community where people are dying similar, suspicious deaths

Sadie Detweiler never imagined she’d move to Kentucky, yet here she is: a pregnant, unmarried Amish girl banished by unforgiving parents to live with kin she barely knows. The men are gruff and her cousins are secretive. Worst of all, elderly matriarch Verba becomes mysteriously ill shortly after Sadie moves in. When EMT Noah Freeman arrives, Sadie immediately notices he’s unlike any other Amish man she’s met. Noah is warm, confident, and has an easy way with practically everyone in the community, both Amish and English. Though Sadie is drawn to him, she has little hope he will reciprocate her feelings once he learns she’s with child.

Noah can’t understand how a girl as sweet and lovely as Sadie ended up sleeping on a cot in Verba Stauffer’s kitchen. He also senses Sadie is terrified of something. Concerned, he checks up on her. Eventually they strike up a friendship and soon their attraction is undeniable. When Verba later dies at the hospital and her death is followed by two others, Noah’s boss wants him to dig around the Amish community for clues. He agrees—for Sadie’s sake—because only the truth will keep her safe and by his side.

My Thoughts:

Her Fear by Shelley Shepard Gray is not a typical amish read, but better. I love this entire series and this is the 5th book in the The Amish of Hart County series. While it can be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend reading the entire series. You will enjoy each book and the characters. Shelley Shepard does a fantastic job at bringing the characters to life and bringing the reader into the story. 

Her Fear deals with subject matters that are delicate and emotional, an unplanned pregnancy, abandonment, family difficulties, lies and so much more. This book is such a great read. The writing is phenomenal with the plot twists and turns, which made reading this book go rather quickly I could not put this book down because of how my emotions took over when reading this book. 

I highly recommend grabbing a copy today and reading it! You won't be able to put it down. I give this book 5/5 stars.  This was such a great read, make sure you pick up the entire series.

About the Author:

I live in southern Ohio with my husband, two teenagers, and two dogs. My days are filled with busy activities like most any other mom and housewife. But I also love to write books.

Each morning, after my kids go off to school, I sit at my desk, look out my window, and dream of other places. The hours fly by as I make up people and places and drink way too much coffee.

Writing for Avon Inspire has truly been a dream come true. Being able to spend my days in my make-believe world of the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast is a true blessing. I have enjoyed getting to know more about the Amish culture and tapping into my faith as I show each character’s progression toward a personal relationship with our Lord.

The Hope Jar (The Prayer Jars #1) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

The Hope Jar (The Prayer Jars #1)

by 

Wanda E. Brunstetter

About:

What happens when making an elderly Amish couple very happy means going along with a lie that gets bigger by the day?

Michelle Taylor is not who her new family in Lancaster County believes her to be. The Lapps were looking for their long-lost granddaughter when they met Michelle and she assumed the identity of Sara Murray. Once homeless and hopeless, Michelle has come to love her new Amish friends and even considers the idea of romance among them.

Finding an old blue jar in the barn that is filled with slips of paper containing thoughts, quotes, and prayers by an unknown author becomes a boost to Michelle’s budding faith— but also convicting. How can she tell the truth without hurting the ones she has truly come to love?

My Thoughts:

The Hope Jar by Wanda is a delight! I thought this book was a perfect read for a day at the beach. In fact, I read it from cover to cover while on vacation. I found the story of Michelle and Sara Murray to be one of hope, redemption, forgiveness and love. This story is very inviting and the characters are intriguing.  The plot was well thought out and The Hope Jar is another favorite of mine by Wanda. Aside from the Hawaiian series and the Christmas Quilt Novellas, I think this is going to be an excellent series and I cannot wait to read the next one in the book. Oh, and you'll need to read the next one because the reader is left with a cliff hanger at the end. So, does the case of Michelle and Sara ever get resolved? Grab the book to find out! I give this book 5/5 stars! The Hope Jar is definitely a favorite of mine!

About the Author:

 New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

The Hundred Story Home A Memoir of Finding Faith in Ourselves and Something Bigger By Kathy Izard

The Hundred Story HomeA Memoir of Finding Faith in Ourselves and Something Bigger

By Kathy Izard 

About:

Kathy Izard was a graphic designer, wife, mother of four daughters, and volunteer at Charlotte’s Urban Ministry Center when an unlikely meeting with formerly homeless author Denver Moore changed the course of her life. Inspired by Denver’s challenge to do more than serve in this soup kitchen, Kathy quit her job to take on what seemed like an unimaginable task in her second half of life—to build housing for Charlotte’s homeless.

Woven together in this motivational story of a call to social action is Kathy’s personal journey to define the meaning of home and her own struggle with faith, family, and fulfillment. Reading this book will not only make you believe you can change the world, it will also end up changing you.

My Thoughts:

Kathy Izard begins a journey when she was asked the question "where are the beds?" She discovers that her life has a huge sense of purpose and meaning when she decides to step out of her comfort zone and answer that question for her city of Charlotte, North Carolina. With patience, dedication and diligence, Kathy created a place for homeless people to thrive. Of course, there are several amazing people behind the story of these homes and of those who lived on the streets. Their stories will make your life better and this memoir will make you take a look at your life asking the question how can you make a positive impact on the world? 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it made me think a lot about my life. I really think Kathy is an inspiration for us all and reminds us to step out and take a leap of faith. I read this book cover to cover in one sitting. I give this book 4.5/ 5 stars.

About the Author:

I grew up a little off the grid in El Paso, Texas. My father always believed my sisters and I could change the world. I don't know that I really believed him, but his message imprinted on me. I became a Longhorn (University of Texas at Austin) graduating with a B.S. in Advertising and took my first job out of college in Charlotte, N.C. where I have lived most of the last thirty years. Being an art director for ad agencies meant long hours so I started my own graphic design business in order to be home for carpools and naptime for my four daughters. While I loved helping clients and nonprofits communicate their mission, I kept feeling I was missing my own.