The Hope Jar by Wanda Brunstetter

The Hope Jar

(The Prayer Jars #1)

by 

Wanda E. Brunstetter 

A Brand-New 3-Book Series from New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter.
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 Take:  I have loved everything I have read by Wanda Brunstetter and this book is no exception. I really liked all the characters both the Amish ones and the Englishers. There is a major deception that happens and is continued throughout the whole book till the very end when the deceptor comes clean. I eagerly look forward to reading the next book in the series to see what happens with all the characters.

I received a review copy of this book from Amazon Vine and Barbour and was not required to write a positive review. 

Seeds of Hope by Barbara Cameron

Seeds of Hope (Gilead, November 2017)

A heartwarming tale of discovering love right in front of you

Miriam Troyer has had a secret crush on Mark Byler since she was a teenager, but she knows they can never have a relationship: Mark is a big-city attorney and an Englischer. Her Amish community is too far removed from all he knows–and she loves her quiet way of life.

Mark has always loved his visits to his grandfather’s farm, but he’s convinced the Amish life isn’t for him. There’s so much of the world to see and experience, and the excitement of his successful law practice can’t be matched by the slow pace of life found back home in the country.

But when things go wrong and his firm distances itself from him to try to save themselves, Mark finds himself back at his grandfather’s farm. Could life in this simple world be worth living after all? Especially when the teenager he remembers has grown into a woman that could be his future. Suddenly, these two people whose lives seem so far apart may get a chance to really see each other for the first time.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

{MORE ABOUT BARBARA CAMERON}

Barbara Cameron has a heart for writing about the spiritual values and simple joys of the Amish. She is the best-selling author of more than 40 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies, and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Her books have been nominated for Carol Awards and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award from RWA’s Faith, Hope, and Love chapter. Barbara resides in Jacksonville, Florida.

Find out more about Barbara at http://barbaracameron

My Take : This was a typical Amish and English falling in love story.  I enjoyed it and will be looking forward to other in this series.  I enjoy reading Amish book that are set in Lancaster County as I live in Lancaster County and like to see if I recognize any of the landmarks.  I found it interesting that the Englischer in this book is a lawyer as they usually don't have such a lucrative job.  I enjoy by luxuries but I also enjoy the simpler life.  I liked how the author made the romance to seem to be plausible.  This was a bit predicable but still enjoyable.  Recommended if you enjoy Amish love stories.  

I received a review copy from Litfuse in exchange for honest review. 

Book Spotlight of Fraying at the Edge by Cindy Woodsmall

"Family, community, faith, and love. These "quilt blocks" sewn together made Ariana's beautiful life. When they are pulled to pieces, will anything familiar remain? The Old Order Amish life Ariana Brenneman loved vanished virtually overnight with the discovery that she was switched at birth twenty years ago. Now she's immersed in the Englischer world, getting to know her mother, and under the authority of her biological father, an atheist intellectual with resolute plans to expand Ariana's worldview. Only Quill Schlabach, a childhood friend living Englisch, can help steady Ariana's tilting ground between the two worlds, but can she trust him after so many betrayals? At the same time, Skylar Nash is forced to choose rehab or spend several months with her true relatives, the large Brenneman family and their seemingly backward life--no electricity, no technology, no fun. What the young woman can't leave behind is her addiction to illegal prescription drugs and deep emptiness from the belief that she doesn't belong in either family. New ties are binding Ariana and Skylar to the lives they were meant to have. Can they pray for the wisdom and strength they'll need to follow God's threads into unexpected futures? Fraying at the Edge is the second novel in The Amish of Summer Grove series"

Book Spotlight of Ties That Bind by Cindy Woodsmall

Ariana’s comfortable Old Order Amish world is about to unravel. Will holding tightly to the cords of family keep them together—or simply tear them apart?

Twenty-year-old Ariana Brenneman loves her family and the Old Ways. She has two aspirations: open a café in historic Summer Grove to help support her family’s ever-expanding brood and to keep any other Amish from being lured into the Englisch life by Quill Schlabach. 

Five years ago Quill, along with her dear friend Frieda, ran off together, and Ariana still carries the wounds of that betrayal. When she unexpectedly encounters him, she soon realizes he has plans to help someone else she loves leave the Amish. 
*
Despite how things look, Quill’s goal has always been to protect Ariana from anything that may hurt her, including the reasons he left. After returning to Summer Grove on another matter, he unearths secrets about Ariana and her family that she is unaware of. His love and loyalty to her beckons him to try to win her trust and help her find a way to buy the café—because when she learns the truth that connects her and a stranger named Skylar Nash, Quill knows it may upend her life forever. 

Ties That Bind is the first novel in the Amish of Summer Grove series.

Gathering the Threads (The Amish of Summer Grove #3) by Cindy Woodsmall

Gathering the Threads(WaterBrook, August 2017)

Finally back in the Old Order Amish world she loves, will Ariana’s new perspectives draw her family closer together—or completely rip them apart?

After months away in the Englisch world, Ariana Brenneman is overjoyed to be in the Old Order Amish home where she was raised. Yet her excitement is mixed with an unexpected apprehension as she reconciles all she’s learned from her biological parents with the uncompromising teachings of her Plain community. Although her childhood friend, ex-Amish Quill Schlabach, hopes to help her navigate her new role amongst her people, Ariana’s Daed doesn’t understand why his sweet daughter is suddenly questioning his authority. What will happen if she sows seeds of unrest and rebellion in the entire family?

Meanwhile, Skylar Nash has finally found her place among the large Brenneman family, but Ariana’s arrival threatens to unravel Skylar’s new identity—and her sobriety. Both Ariana and Skylar must discover the true cords that bind a family and community together and grasp tight the One who holds their authentic identities close to His heart.

Gathering the Threads is the third and final novel in The Amish of Summer Grove series.

Learn more, read an excerpt, and purchase a copy.

{MORE ABOUT CINDY WOODSMALL}

Cindy Woodsmall is the “New York Times” and CBA best-selling author of nineteen works of fiction and non-fiction with more than a million copies sold. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured in national media outlets such as ABC’s “Nightline,” the “Wall Street Journal,” and a National Geographic documentary on Amish life. Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains.

Find out more about Cindy at http://www.cindywoodsmall.com.






My Take:  This is the third and final book in the Series The Amish of Summer Grove,  I have enjoyed all of the books that I have read by Cindy Woodsmall.  She writes the Amish as real people not some goody goody people who don't do any wrong.  Any way This book has Ariana and Skylar both displaying what they have earned in their time with their respective biological families.  I would recommend reading the first books in the series so you can see what transpired.  Recommended for people who like their Amish Fiction with realism.  I really enjoyed this series.  

I received a review copy from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.  

The Gift by Shelley Shepard Gray

The Gift: The Amish of Hart County (Avon Inspire, November 2017)

A special Christmas story about love and blessings in the next book in the Amish of Hart County series

The Schwartz family is happy to be spending Christmas on their new farm in Hart County. But when Susanna Schwartz hears gunshots that causes her buggy to overturn, and then her little sister falls through a wooden bridge into the icy creek, it becomes clear from these dangerous “accidents” that someone wants them gone.

Neil Vance has been heartbroken ever since his parents lost their family farm. He knows it’s not the Schwartz family’s fault, but he can’t help but be resentful. Until he meets Susanna. She is kind-hearted and bold, and Neil can’t stop thinking about her pretty green eyes.

Neil thinks the accidents are just that, but Susanna’s father is convinced the Vance family is responsible. Susanna refuses to believe Neil would do anything to harm her. She’s fallen in love with him and knows he is a good man. But her family is ready to pack up and move, and time is running out to uncover the truth before someone gets hurt . . . or worse.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

{MORE ABOUT SHELLEY SHEPARD GRAY}

Shelley Shepard Gray is a “New York Times” and “USA Today” bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.







My take:  I have really been enjoying this series.  This is the third book in the series but they don't have to be read in order as each book deals with mostly new characters and situations.  This book deals with Neal and Susanna.  Neil's family have lost their farm and are forced to live with Neil's uncle.  They also blame Susanna's family because her family bought the Vance's farm.  Strange things start to happen around the farm and Neil and Susanna set out to find the culprit.  A very nice story with a good mystery and a bit of romance.  Highly recommend if you like Amish fiction.

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

His Guilt by Shelley Shepard Grey

{MORE ABOUT HIS GUILT}

His Guilt: The Amish of Hart County (Avon Inspire, July 2017)

A suspenseful tale of an Amish man who will risk all to protect the woman he loves

Mark Fisher has returned home to Hart County, determined to put the past behind him. Two years ago, after being wrongly accused of assault, he left the Amish community, though never forgot his home. When the one person who had helped him through his rough times asks for help, Mark returns. But it is pretty Waneta Cain who makes him want to stay…

Neeta is one of the few people in Hart County who doesn’t believe Mark is guilty of hurting anyone. However, his worldliness and tough exterior do make her uneasy. As she begins to see the real man behind all the gossip and prejudice, she wonders if he is the man for her.

Just when Mark starts to believe a new life is possible, a close friend of Neeta’s is attacked. Once again, everyone in the community seems to believe he is guilty. But what hurts most is Neeta’s sudden wariness around him. When another woman is hurt, a woman who is close to both Neeta and himself, Mark fears he knows the real culprit. And time is running out. Will Mark be able to find him before Neeta becomes his next victim?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

{MORE ABOUT SHELLEY SHEPARD GRAY}

Shelley Shepard Gray is a “New York Times” and “USA Today” bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.

My Take:  This book is the second in a series but it definitely can be read alone. This book is about believing in someone even when events seem stacked against them.  Mark is accused of an attack on a local woman.  He is cleared but not before the damage is done to his reputation.  Seems as if most people in the Amish community believe he was guilty.  So he moves away until his parents die and he inherits the family home.  There are really nothing but bad memories there but he is determined to remodel the house and make it a home.  He gets a job at the local nursery where the owner believes in his innocence.  There he starts to work with Waneta who has misgivings at first but decides to give him the benefit of the doubt and starts to get to know him.  Things start to get scary when there are attacks on other women and people believe that Mark is responsible.  This book was good as it kept me guessing and had me wondering if Mark really was the culprit.  A good clean mysery/suspense book.  

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

Her Secret by Shelley Shepard Gray

Her Secret (Avon Inspire, March 2017)

A suspenseful tale of a young Amish woman who is forced to move to a new town to escape a threatening stalker

After a stalker went too far, Hannah Hilty and her family had no choice but to leave the bustling Amish community where she grew up. Now she’s getting a fresh start in Hart County, Kentucky…if only she wasn’t too scared to take it. Hannah has become afraid to trust anyone—even Isaac, the friendly Amish man who lives next door. She wonders if she’ll ever return to the trusting, easy-going woman she once was.

For Isaac Troyer, the beautiful girl he teasingly called “The Recluse” confuses him like no other. When he learns of her past, he knows he’s misjudged her. However, he also understands the importance of being grateful for God’s gifts, and wonders if they will ever have anything in common. But as Hannah and Isaac slowly grow closer, they realize that there’s always more to someone than meets the eye.

Just as Hannah is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding a new love, more secrets are revealed and tragedy strikes. Now Hannah must decide if she should run again or dare to fight for the future she has found in Hart County.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

{MORE ABOUT SHELLEY SHEPARD GRAY}

Shelley Shepard Gray is the “New York Times” and “USA Today” bestselling author of the Seasons of Sugarcreek series, the Sisters of the Heart series, and the Families of Honor series. She lives with her family in southern Ohio, where she writes full time. Before her work in the inspirational market, Gray wrote several novels as Shelley Galloway. During this time her books appeared on the Waldenbooks bestseller list, and she won “RT Book Reviews'” prestigious Reviewers’ Choice Award.

Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.

My Take:  I found this book to be a very edge of your set type of book that you don't always find in amish Fiction.  This book showed that the adversion that the Amish have to asking for help not only from the English but from other Amish isn't always the best as sometimes the problem just gets bigger and bigger.  The problem in this book was not solved by not asking for help but made worse and the victim just felt worse and was made to feel like it was their fault.  Later in the book it was shown how other people in the victims family felt like they were being a bother when they asked for help.  This definately is not your run of the mill Amish book.  

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

Home to Paradise by Barbara Cameron

Home to Paradise (Abingdon, February 2017)

Highly anticipated final book in The Coming Home Series from best-selling Amish author Barbara Cameron.

Rose Anna Zook has watched her two older sisters marry two Stoltzfus men and has always thought she and John, the third Stoltzfus brother, would marry, make a home together, and have children. But John has other ideas. He’s enjoying his Rumschpringe in the Englisch world a little too much and isn’t interested in returning to the Amish community—especially to marry.

Rose Anna is determined to bring her man back into the Amish fold. John is equally determined to live his life free and unencumbered. Who will win this battle of wills? Will love prevail?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

{MORE ABOUT BARBARA CAMERON}

Barbara Cameron has a heart for writing about the spiritual values and simple joys of the Amish. She is the best-selling author of more than 40 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies, and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Her books have been nominated for Carol Awards and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award from RWA’s Faith, Hope, and Love chapter. Barbara resides in Jacksonville, Florida.

Find out more about Barbara at http://barbaracameron.com.

My Take;  Even though this is the third book in this triology I was able to read it with no problem and I hadn't read either of the first two books.  I liked reading this book as it seemed to shed a little light on the practice of the Amish young folks taking some time to run around before they join the Amish Church.   It also showed the Amish doing volunteer work in the community which you don't read about very much.  I will probably go back and read the other two books in this series because I found this book to be very good.  

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

The Revealing by Suzanne Woods Fisher

About the book: 

Naomi King, soft spoken, loyal, and easily overlooked, has a gift. She sees what others can't see. Intuition, she calls it. Others in Stoney Ridge don't know what to make of it and dismiss her hunches and inklings altogether.

When a young woman arrives at the Inn at Eagle Hill with a shocking secret about Tobe Schrock, Naomi fears the worst. She can't ignore the feeling that something sinister is at work--- something more than a threat to the tenuous love begun between her and Tobe.

As signs mount, they begin to point to Jake Hertzler, the elusive mastermind behind Schrock Investments' downfall. Soon, events spiral hopelessly out of control and Naomi must decide whether to listen to her head or her heart.

In this riveting conclusion to The Inn at Eagle Hill series, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher pulls out all the stops with a fast-paced tale of deception, revelation, and just the right dose of romance.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/ywEHT 

About the author: 

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Inn at Eagle Hill series, Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California.

Download Suzanne's free app! http://bit.ly/10Tygyi

Find Suzanne online: website, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest

My Take:  This is another great installment in the series The Inn at Eagle Hill.  I enjoyed revisiting the characters that live in and around The Inn.  This is the third book in the series and the final book.  Although you don't have to read the other two books to enjoy this book you will want to read them just so you can enjoy these characters that much more.  There are many twists and turns in this book and many of the issues are resolved in ways that you will find enjoyable.  I was kept guessing about alot of the situations that I had no idea how they were going to be resolved but was happen with the resolutions.  I did not want to see this series end as I have grown to love these characters.  A must read for anyone who enjoys Amish fiction. 

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