The Kissing Bridge by Tricia Goyer

The Kissing Bridge by Tricia Goyer

from Goodreads.com
Rebecca is an Amish woman whose pained past compels her to leave everything to become a nurse---abandoning her family and community. Caleb is an Amish man who is counting down the days until hunting season. At a crossroads in his own life, the excitement of hunting game is all he looks forward to. All the while he wonders what to do with the rest of his life. Even though he likes the Amish lifestyle, what good is an Amish man without faith in God?An unexpected meeting pushes them together, and they embark with friends on a two-week-long wilderness wagon journey. Hardship tears down the flimsy walls of protection they've placed around their hearts, and as their friendship grows they open up to each other and eventually reveal their deepest secrets. While  on the outside they appear to be traditional Amish people, inside they both know they are anything but that. Will their secrets pull them together or draw them apart? And will their faith in God grow? There is a bridge to cross at the end of the journey. Will true love take them across?

My Take:  I enjoyed revisiting  West Kootenai, Montana.  This book focused on a new group of people and their secrets.  I liked Caleb from the start.  He is a take charge kind of guy and holds no punches.  It felt like the relationship between Rebecca and Caleb was natural and not a forced thing as sometimes authors try to make two characters fit.  I like Rebecca's reason for her secret and I was routing for her the whole time.  Will they end up together or will their secrets keep them apart?  Tricia Goyer weaves a fascinating tale that kept me going to find out what will happen next.  

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

A Christmas Gift For Rose by Tricia Goyer

Book Info

About the book: Rose turned her back on the man she loves after he assisted the Englisch during World War II---only to discover she's an Englischer herself. Born in the midst of the hardships of The Great Depression, Rose grew up in Berlin, Ohio, in the arms of a loving Amish family. But she is overwhelmed by self-doubt when she learns that she was born Englisch and abandoned when her family moved West in search of work. Was she meant to be Amish or would she have been better off growing up with her own kind---Englischers? When the man she loves leaves her behind, Rose is certain he left for good. Yet Rose discovers sometimes our greatest gifts are the ones we fear. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/pfhBl About Tricia: USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and "Lead Your Family Like Jesus," (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children. You can find out more about Tricia at www.TriciaGoyer.com. My Take:  I always look forward to this time of year because that is when the new crop of Christmas books start popping up.  I especially enjoy Amish Christmas books.  There is just something about enjoying the Christmas season sitting back and enjoying the simpleness of the season. As is true in many of the Amish fiction books all is not as it seems in the lives of these seemingly innocent people.  But just like every human being on this planet you cannot live your life without some complication arising.  I have enjoyed many books written by Tricia Goyer and this one will take a place in my Christmas pile of books to be read again and again. I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer

About The Promise Box:

With her heart - and her loyalty - on the line, can she let true love in her life?

Every year, young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive 'resident' status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! Lydia Wyse, a book editor from Seattle who grew up Amish, returns to the small community of West Kootenai, Montana to give comfort to her father after her mother's death.

She is drawn back to the familiar Amish ways after finding her mother's most precious possession, a Promise Box of prayers and scripture. What her publisher sees, though, is an opportunity for a sensational 'tell-all' book about the Amish. Lydia soon finds herself falling in love with Amish bachelor Gideon Hooley. She wants nothing more than to forget her past and look forward to a future as an Amish bride. 

Will the pain of her childhood-and her potential betrayal of her community-keep her from committing her whole heart?

Purchase your copy: http://ow.ly/l6QH1

Meet Tricia: 

Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of six, grandmother of one, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites. In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Tricia, along with a group of friends, recently launched NotQuiteAmishLiving.com, sharing ideas about simplifying life. She also hosts the weekly radio podcast, Living Inspired. 

Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.

My Take:  I was enthralled by this book from the very beginning scenes between  Lydia and Gideon.  I enjoyed this book as I have all of Tricia's books.  It was interesting reading about a young Amish woman who had become English and how she struggled with the decision of staying and helping her father or going back to her life working at a publishing company.  Both Lydia and Gideon had issues that they needed to come to grips with before they could go on with their lives.  I enjoyed reading about how they each worked through their issues.  I enjoyed the romance in the story.  A Very Good Book. 

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

Enter Today - 5/22 - 6/12!

The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer

Celebrate with Tricia by entering her Amish Kindle Gift Pack Giveaway and RSVPing to her Facebook party on November 7th. (And be sure to catch the fun video trailer or try your hand at one of the simple, keepsake crafts Tricia has put together on her website.)

One fortunate winners will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• Custom-made Memory Jar Kindle Cover
• Amish-made decorative items {Wall hanging, horse/buggy and Amish houses}
• The Memory Jar {Be swept away by this captivating series.}

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 6th. Winner will be announced at the ”Memory Jar Author Chat Party on 11/7. Connect with Tricia for an evening of book chat, Amish trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of The Memory Jar and join Tricia on the evening of the November 7th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don’t miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 7th!

Book Info

About The Memory Jar:    Book One in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series Every year, 30-40 young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive 'resident' status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love. Since the tragic death of her best friend, she carries her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she's also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart. Now she's met a kind and gentle man who may be able to break down the wall. But can Sarah risk her heart to finally achieve her dreams?   Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/esMtx     Meet Tricia: Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of over thirty books includingBeside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. Find out more about Tricia at http://triciagoyer.com.   My Take:  In this start to a new series by Tricia Goyer, we meet Sarah Shelter who has recently lost her best friend and holds memories of her in a jar with the objects that represent the memories.  When she meets Jathan she starts to open up a bit to him. She learns that his mother owns a bakery, which is a dream she has had for herself.  But he needs to return home because of a family illness.  Is this where it all ends or will they find a way to continue their relationship?  You will have to read the book to find out.  I am looking forward to the next installments in this series.  I liked that there was a glossary of Amish words in the front of the book.  I have read many Amish books so I knew what the words meant but I had to figure them out for myself, this will be a help to someone who is not very familiar to the vocabulary.  I received a review copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest opinion.

By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer

By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer

from Goodreads.com
Remember the Titanic 100 years after its doomed voyage with Tricia Goyer’s fictional portrayal of one woman’s journey. To Amelia Gladstone, this ship means promise of seeing family again. To Quentin Walpole, the Titanic represents a new start in America…if he can get onboard. All seems lost until Amelia offers him a ticket, securing his passage—and bringing him face-to-face with his railroad tycoon father and older brother, Damian. As Amelia works to reconcile father and son, she finds herself the object of both brothers’ affection. Can she choose between two brothers? Or will she lose everything to the icy waters of the Atlantic?

My Take:  I have always been interested in the sinking of the Titanic.  I have read a reviewed several non fiction books on the topic this year and when I saw this book I thought it would be interesting to read a fiction book set on the Unsinkable Ship.  At it's core this story is the prodigal son story from start to finish.   Quentin is the prodigal who is trying to run away from a tragic accident that happened when he was a small boy.  Damien is the brother who has stood by his father no matter what.  Amelia is the woman who tries to reconcile the two brothers for the sake of their father.  Amelia has been sent passage on the great ship by a gentleman in America with whom she has been corresponding.  She is going to America with the possibility of marriage when she lands in America.  But she meets the Walpole brothers and finds  both of them attractive in their own way.  What will happen?  Will any of them survive that fateful night?  Most of the book is spent prior to the sinking and really not alot of time is spent on the actual sinking.  I felt like that this part of the story seemed a bit rushed like it was a detail that needed to be dealt with quickly and gotten over with.  
I think you would like this book if you are looking for a nice clean romance with a boat sinking thrown in for good measure.  

I received an e-galley from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.  

Beyond Hope's Valley by Tricia Goyer review and Contest

Enter Today - 5/2-5/20!

Celebrate with Tricia and enter to win a custom-made Amish Wall hanging in the colors of your choice ... and much more!

One fortunate winner will receive: 

•  Custom Amish Wall Hanging {You choose the colors!} 
• An Amish Doll {Sweet.} 
• Amish-made basket {It’s picnic season!} 
• Doilies, potholder and an Amish cookbook {All items form Bird-in-Hand, PA!} 
• Three book Big Sky Amish series {Be swept away by this captivating series.} 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 20th. Winner will be announced at "All Things Amish" Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/21. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and more! 

So grab your copy of Beyond Hope's Valley and join Tricia on the evening of the May 21st for a fun chat, trivia contest (How much do you know about the Amish?) and lots of giveaways. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 21st!

About the book: Beyond Hope's Valley – Book Three in the Big Sky series After an extended stay in Montana, where Amish traditions are different than in her home state, Marianna Sommer returns to Indiana for two reasons, first to help her brother and his girlfriend prepare for a baby and their wedding. Second, to plan her own wedding to Aaron Zook -- a marriage she’s been dreaming about ever since childhood. And yet, although she had missed the idyllic farms and families of her upbringing, Marianna is surprised that Indiana is somehow making her long now for Montana. As months pass, secrets that were hidden in winter’s frozen grasp thaw and take on a life of their own. The truths about a child, about a past relationship, and about God’s plans are being revealed. Walking through a valley of questions, Marianna must hold on to hope as she decides where and with whom her heart truly belongs. About Tricia: Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of thirty-two books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. More info: Living Inspired and www.triciagoyer.com. Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/azust To see what others think of this book go here to follow the tour. My Take: I have read the other books in this series and really enjoyed them. It was interesting to see Marianna return to Indiana and how she felt considering how she felt when she first moved to Montana. All I can say that for living such simple lives the Amish do find themselves in some pretty difficult circumstances sometimes (in these types of books anyway). I think that if you enjoy Amish fiction you will enjoy this book. You don't need to read the first two books to enjoy this one but I think you will want to see how the story starts out. The whole series has been enjoyable and I have liked this series better than some I have read. I received a review copy from Litfuse in exchange for an honest review.

Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey

About the book: It is August 1944 and Paris is on the cusp of liberation. As the soldiers of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, they ravage the country, stealing countless pieces of art. Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring will stop at nothing to claim the most valuable one of all, the Mona Lisa, as a post-war bargaining chip to get him to South America. Can Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler rescue DaVinci's masterpiece before it falls into German hands? With nonstop action, Chasing Mona Lisa is sure to get readers' adrenaline pumping as they join the chase to save the most famous painting in the world. From war-ravaged Paris to a posh country chateau, the race is on--and the runners are playing for keeps.

Read an excerpt, watch a video and find out more here. http://www.triciagoyer.com/historicalfiction.html#ChasingMonaLisa


About the authors:

 Tricia Goyer is the coauthor of The Swiss Courier as well as the author of many other books, including Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights, both past winners of the ACFW's Book of the Year Award for Long Historical Romance. Goyer lives with her family in Arkansas. For more about Tricia and her other books visitwww.triciagoyer.com

 Mike Yorkey is the author or coauthor of dozens of books, including The Swiss Courier and the bestselling Every Man's Battle series. Married to a Swiss native, Yorkey lived in Switzerland for 18 months. He and his family currently reside in California. For more about Mike and his other books visit http://www.mikeyorkey.com/

Link to buy the book: ow.ly/8sRzd

My Take:  I really like Historical fiction and one of my favorite time periods to read about is World War II.  I had read before of how the Nazi's would take valuables and spirit them away. This book takes that and gives you a exciting thrilling ride to save one of the most recognized pieces of art of all time.  Even though this is fiction you feel like it was real and that it really happened.  Excellent book.

Win an iTouch SPY Pack in the Chasing Mona Lisa Giveaway from @triciagoyer @mikeyorkey! Chasing Mona Lisa is the continuing tale of Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler (first introduced in The Swiss Courier). This time the due are on a relentless quest to save the most famous painting in the world  - the Mona Lisa. You can help Gabi and Eric with your very own spy pack when you enter The Chasing Mona Lisa Giveaway!

One passionate protector will receive:

• iTouch (The must-have device for any spy. Camera, Maps & Music.)
• Starbucks Gift Card (For all those late nights.)
• Moleskin Notebook (For those important notes.)
• Invisible Ink Pen (Don’t want anyone reading those important notes.)
• Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey (Great handbook and intriguing tale for any spy-in-training!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on January 31st. The winner will be announced at the Chasing Mona Lisa Facebook Party on 1/31. Tricia and Mike will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from Tricia's website) and giving away their books and a Book Club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club AND a LIVE Author Chat for your group with Tricia and Mike.)

So grab your copy of Chasing Mona Lisa and join Tricia and Mike on the evening of the 31st for an author chat, spy training (do you know how to pick a lock?) and lots of giveaways. 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 31st!

Remembering You by Tricia Goyer and Kindle giveaway

Win a Kindle Touch for YOU and a Friend from Tricia Goyer! Enter 11/16 - 11/29. RSVP for Facebook Party on 11/29!

About the book:

35-year-old Ava Andrews' dream job is interrupted by an unusual request--fulfill her 84-year-old grandfather's last wish by joining him on a battle site tour of Europe. Ava is sure her boss will refuse her request. But, instead, he gives her a directive of his own--to videotape the tour and send it back as mini-segments for the show she produces.

As if juggling these two things isn't hard enough, Ava is soon surprised again ... twice. First, Ava and Grandpa Jack arrive in Europe, only to discover the tour is cancelled. Unwilling to let down her grandfather or her boss, Ava and Grandpa Jack head out on their own. Then, while they're on their way, the pair soon meet up with Paul, her grandpa's best friend, and his grandson Dennis. The same Dennis who just happens to be Ava's first love.

Before she knows it, Ava and Dennis are swept down memory lane as they visit the sites that are discussed in the history books. And even though Ava's videotaping old soldiers, she can see their youth, their hopes and fears, and their pride in their eyes. Soon Ava learns the trip isn't just for them ... it's for her too--especially for her heart.

Read an excerpt, watch a video and find out more here. http://www.triciagoyer.com/contemporaryfiction.html#RememberingYou 

About Tricia:

Tricia Goyer is the author of thirty books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. On Tricia's weekly radio show, Living Inspired, she shares stories of inspiration and encouragement. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

For more about Tricia and her other books visitwww.triciagoyer.com 

Link to buy the book: http://www.triciagoyer.com/contemporaryfiction.html#RememberingYou

My Take:  I really enjoyed this book alot more than I thought I would.  At first I didn't really think that I would like the main character because I felt that her motives were a bit selfish.  But that changed as the story went on.  I did get a bit annoyed with Dennis.  I thought that he was a bit jusdgemental and was to quick to find fault.  I fell in love with the Grandpas and really enjoyed learning more about them and their experience during World War  II .  This book is for you if you find that time period interesting and alittle modern romance thrown in. 

Win a Kindle Touch for YOU and a Friend from Tricia Goyer! Tricia Goyer is celebrating the release of her novel, Remembering You, with a KINDLE Touch Giveaway for you ... and for the friend of your choice. Then on 11/29 she'll be wrapping up the release of Remembering You with a Book Chat Party!

During the first half of the party Tricia will be chatting, sharing a sneak peek of her next book, and giving away a ton of great stuff. Then she'll head over to her website for a Live Chat! Readers will be able to chat with Tricia via video or text.

Don't miss your chance to win a Kindle Touch for yourself ... and to "remember" a friend this holiday with a Kindle Touch for them!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Brand New Kindle Touch and a Kindle Touch for a Friend (winner's choice!) 
• A copy of Remembering You by Tricia Goyer for each

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on November 29th. Winner will be announced at Remembering You Facebook Party on 11/29. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away copies of her other WWII books and gift certificates to Starbucks and Amazon.com. So grab your copy of Remembering You and join Tricia on the evening of the 29th for an author chat, a trivia contest (How much do you know about WWII?) and lots of giveaways.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 15th!

 

Book Review - Along Wooded Paths by Tricia Goyer

Along Wooded Paths by Tricia Goyer

from Goodreads.com:

Although proud of living apart from the world, Marianna Sommer's newly relocated Amish family is discovering that life in the remote mountains of Montana requires working together with the Englisch. As Marianna pours her life into helping those around her-and receiving their help-her heart further considers two directions. She's torn between the Amish man from Indiana whom she has long planned on marrying and the friendly Englischer who models a close walk with God like she’s never seen before.

Who should have young Marianna's heart? What is God asking of her through ongoing family struggles and this romantic and spiritual tension? The answer is found along the wooded paths


My Take:  This book is a second in a series and I have read the first one(Beside Still Waters) but I am sad to report that I didn't remember that much about the first book (sometimes Amish fiction blends together for me).  That being said I did enjoy this book.  It would have helped a bit if I remembered some of the plot points of the first book but I was able to enjoy this book despite that. 

Marianna is having a crisis of faith.  She is trying to decide if she should return home to Indiana and marry Aaron or stay in Montana and maybe go with the Englisch man that she has grown fond of and who she sees has a wonderful relationship with God.  Her decision is further complicated when Aaron shows up from Indiana something happens that affect all their lives.  This was a good book.  You can enjoy it without reading the first one but I would highly recommend that you read the first one. 

I received a complementary copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley for review purposes. 

Love finds you in Victory Heights, Washington by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss

Love finds you in Victory Heights, Washington by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss

About Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington: The war has stolen Rosalie’s fiancé, Vic, from her forever. But rather than wallow, Rosalie distracts herself by cramming her days full of activity—mainly by shooting rivets into the B-17 bombers that will destroy the enemy.

When a reporter dubs her “Seattle's Own Rosie the Riveter,” even more responsibility piles up. Her strong arms bear all this, but when intense feelings surface for Kenny, the handsome, kind-hearted, and spiritually unwavering reporter, the fear of losing another love propels Rosalie to leave.

It’s only when Rosalie realizes that God has brought her to this place—and this person—for a reason, the sparkling grace of God compels her to let go of her own strength and lean on His, as well as open her heart to love.

My Take:  I have never read anything by either of these authors but will be looking out for other books by them.  I loved reading about a woman who stepped up during a trying time in our country's history to do what needed to be done.  I don't think enough has been said about these women during that time in history.  Of the course the added romance was a bonus.  A Great book that teaches us to rely on God. 

About Tricia Goyer: Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-four books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. For more on Tricia visit http://www.triciagoyer.com/

About Ocieanna Fleiss: Ocieanna Fleiss is a published writer and has edited six of Tricia Goyer’s historical novels. She lives with her husband and their four children in the Seattle area. For more about Ocieanna visit her blog

Link to buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Finds-Victory-Heights-Washington/dp/1609360001/ref=sprightly-20


Tricia is giving away 5 Victory Prize pacts here.  Head over there to find out what the giveaway is all about.