Undercover Bride by Margaret Brownley (review by Kristi)

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I can’t quite put my finger on what it was but at first I didn’t think I was going to enjoy this book. That soon changed though and I couldn’t read fast enough. This book combines romance, action, suspense and mystery.

The story is well written and told at just the right pace. There is enough buildup of the relationship between Maggie and Garrett that it seems genuine and not rushed at all. The interactions between the characters are authentic and sincere. This all added to the believability of the story.

The characters seemed well developed and real. I soon thought of these as real people and not fictional characters in a book.

This book is the second in the Undercover Ladies series but can be read as a standalone. This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I will be looking for more of her work.

This is a great read for those looking for a bit of suspense along with their romance.

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

Huckleberry Harvest by Jennifer Beckstrand (Review by Cathy)

A different take on the matchmakers! This time around it may be Felty at the helm, but of course, Anna still provides the fun, food and knitted gifts that are such a huge part of this wonderful series by Jennifer Beckstrand.

There are potential suitors lined up to meet Mandy Helmuth, who like all of the other grandchildren, take it in stride.

This story has a serious undertone which was a bit different then the other books in this series. The character Noah Mischler was so of well written and unexpected that I became very engrossed in his family and the challanges they faced.

The storyline moves along smoothly and as always still manages to be laugh out loud funny.

I was provided a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.

 

A Blessing for Miriam by Jerry S. Eicher (review by Kristi)

From Amazon:

In the second book of bestselling author Jerry S. Eicher’s new Land of Promise series, Miriam Yoder is looking forward to her wedding day with Wayne Yutzy. But when beautiful Esther Swartz arrives to care for her ailing grandmother, Miriam is wary of Wayne’s past relationship with Esther.

When storms rip through the small Amish community in Oklahoma, Miriam’s daett arrives to help in the rebuilding efforts. Under pressure from Miriam’s daett the relationship with Wayne is upended, leaving Miriam to wonder if she must now build her new life as a single Amish woman.

Book two in the Land of Promise series

My review: This was the first book by Jerry S. Eicher I have read. This book was quite different from other Amish fiction I have read. Different in a good way though. In a genre that could be considered limited as to storylines, this book had unique and interesting qualities.

First, the characters in this book weren’t like the Amish I normally read about. They were not perfect and, in fact, had several flaws. One of the female characters was overly concerned about her looks. Two of the other characters were almost scheming in the way they were trying to get the attention of a man. I found these qualities to be more “Englisch” instead of Amish. The characters in this book also showed their affection to the opposite sex more than in other books. All of these things are not bad though as they made the characters seem real and the book interesting to read.

The storyline of this book was believable. Even though this was the second book in the series and I haven’t read the first I didn’t feel lost. There is enough of the backstory to get the reader up-to-date. The book is well written and easy to read.

If you are looking for an Amish fiction book that is different than most I think you will enjoy this one.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.

To buy from Amazon click here.

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J.E.B. Spredemann Contest Winner

Andrea (aka rokinrev)

Thank you to all who entered the giveaway.  Keep checking in often (or follow our blog by clicking on the button on our homepage) for more giveaways and fun from

Two Girls and a Book

A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer (review by Kristi)

With some books as soon as you start reading you think you will like them. Others, you KNOW you will like. A Worthy Pursuit definitely falls into this category. Karen Witemeyer has found the perfect recipe for romance and has created yet another masterpiece.

I thought this book has just the right mix of action and romance. I immediately felt connected to the characters, especially Charlotte, the main character. I liked her spunk and wit and the fact that she didn’t let much get her down (or in her way). Her interaction with the kids, Dobson and Stone all seemed believable.

I enjoyed the plot of this story and thought it moved at just the right pace. There was never a dull or boring moment. I found myself wanting to find out what happened while not wanting the story to end.

I recommend this book for anyone looking for a good, clean read. This book would be appropriate for teens to adults.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

To purchase from Amazon click here.

To purchase from Barnes and Noble click here.

Visit Karen’s website by clicking here

An Undeniable Secret by J.E.B. Spredemann (Review by Cathy)

The story of Saloma,”Sally” and Will is very compelling and certainly complex.

They are drawn to each other and have an unusual obstacle to overcome before they can be together.

The other character’s are equally important to the story and just as engaging.

It’s also one of the best storylines that J.E.B. Spredemann has written in my opinion.

In this book,Ms. Spredemann takes the reader on a journey that is both tender and riveting.

If you’re looking for a book that holds your attention from beginning to end, look no further, this is the one!

An Undeniable Secret by J.E.B. Spredemann (review by Kristi)

If you like a book with a lot of twists and turns and surprises this is the book for you! William “Will” and Saloma “Sally” meet and soon become boyfriend/girlfriend. The problem is Will is Englisch and Saloma is Amish. They keep their relationship a secret but when Will’s Uncle George finds out he does everything in his power to keep them apart. Will his plan work? And what does he know that makes him try so hard to keep the two apart?

This book was so easy to read. There are twists and turns throughout the book making it hard to put down. I had to keep reading to find out what happened next. The characters are so well developed that I soon quit thinking of them as fictional and more as people I knew. This is a fast-paced read that will keep you reading until the end. While this is the fourth book in the Amish Secrets series it is easy to read without having read the others.

If you are looking for Amish fiction that is different than this book is for you. I definitely recommend this to fans of Amish fiction or anyone who likes a book filled with twists and turns.

A Conversation With J.E.B. Spredemann and Giveaway!!!!!!

J.E.B. Spredemann just released their new book, An Undeniable Secret, the fourth book in their Amish Secrets series.  To help celebrate we are shining the spotlight on Jennifer, Emily, and Brandi, the three ladies that make up J.E.B. Spredemann.  We hope you enjoy learning about these three ladies and their writing process as much as we did.

Two Girls:  Are people surprised that “J.E.B.” is not one person but three? 

J.E.B.: First of all, we’d like to thank you for interviewing us today! Now to answer your question…  I think so.  I think people are also surprised when they find out that we are female.  (Note: The Amish Girls Series and A Christmas of Mercy were penned by all three; the others were penned solely by J. Spredemann.)

Two Girls:  What is the process with three of you writing?  Do you think it’s more difficult to write together than separate?

J.E.B.: Basically, we switch off at certain scenes, or we’ll determine who would like to write which part.  I (Jennifer) do several read-throughs during and after writing to make sure the story flows seamlessly.  We unanimously agree that writing together is much easier than writing separately.

Two Girls: What inspired you to write Amish fiction and why do you think people are so drawn to this genre?

J.E.B.: I (Jennifer) loved reading Amish fiction before I ever considered writing it.  I think many are drawn to Amish fiction because we find their seemingly simple lives intriguing.

Two Girls:  How long did it take from the idea of writing a book to becoming published?  What advice would you give to someone who wants to write?

J.E.B.: We began writing in January of 2012, and we published in November of the same year.  My advice to aspiring writers is to just do it.  Write what you’re called to write about, have others (who’ve read similar books in your genre) read the book and give their honest opinion, get a hold of some good writing books to hone your craft. And don’t give up.

Two Girls: What is your favorite part of the writing process and which is your least favorite?

J.E.B.: My favorite part is discovering who my characters are. I’m seldom aware of this at the onset of the story.  Bit by bit, my characters reveal who they are, what their weaknesses/strengths are, and what they’d like to accomplish in life.

As far as the least favorite part, that would be waiting-for the editing, for the formatting, for the production of the audiobooks.  Waiting=not good.   Perhaps I need to learn patience? 😉  LOL!

Kristi from Two Girls is right there with you on the waiting part J.E.B.  Waiting is the worst. 😉

Two Girls: Have there been any differences of opinion on how a storyline should go?

J.E.B.:  Not really.  We tend to think alike on a lot of things, and we usually don’t know how the plot will play out until we actually write it.

Two Girls: Do you have a particular time of day or night when you prefer to work on a new book you’re writing?

J.E.B.: When we write together, it’s usually during the day.  I, Jennifer, typically write at night when the house is silent. 

Two Girls: If so, can one person work on something then bring it to the other’s attention for approval?

J.E.B.: That’s usually about what we do.

Two Girls: Is it difficult to go from “mom mode” to “coauthor mode”, Jennifer?

Jennifer: Not especially.  The girls are really good sports. 

Two Girls: Do any of the other children in your family aspire to write? If so, do they lean towards Amish fiction or another genre?

J.E.B.: No. They have other interests.  Pilot, horse trainer, pastry chef, singer/comedian, etc. 

Two Girls: How crazy do things get when the three of you are writing, but school and family activities go on?

J.E.B.: We try not to have too many things going on at once.  When it’s time to write, we just knuckle down and do it.

Two Girls: Do any of you have a favorite book that you’ve written?  Do any of you have a favorite character that you’ve created?

J.E.B.: Choosing a favorite book is too difficult a task.  As for a favorite character, Jonathan Fisher is the favorite for all of us, hands down.  We had such a fun time writing about his antics. 

Thank you, ladies, for taking the time to answer all of our questions.  We can’t wait for your next book!  Now, when is that????  (The waiting thing you know…lol.)

Be sure to check out all of the books in the Amish Secrets series:

      

(Click on the book cover to go to its page on Amazon)

At the time of this blog posting An Unforgivable Secret is FREE on Amazon and there is special pricing on An Undeniable Secret.  Please check pricing before purchasing as prices can change without notice.

Connect with J.E.B Spredemann on Facebook, Twitter (@amishjeb), and Pinterest.  You can also visit their website for all things J.E.B. Spredemann by clicking here.

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We are giving away a signed copy of Learning to Love~Saul’s Story by JEB Spredemann.  Winner will be announced Sunday May 24.  Just comment on this post to be entered.  Good luck to all!!!!!!

The Summer’s End (Lowcountry Summer #3) by Mary Alice Monroe (review by Kristi)

The Summer’s End, book three in the Lowcountry Summer trilogy, picks up where the second book left off. We are still following the lives of three sisters staying one last summer with their grandmother on Sullivan’s Island. The sisters face tough choices in their lives and look to their grandmother and each other for guidance. This book focuses on Harper, the youngest of the three sisters. Harper is at a crossroads and is wondering what she should do at the end of the summer when everyone will go their separate ways.

I fell in love with Mary Alice Monroe’s writing when I read The Girl in the Mirror years ago. I have found her writing style today is just as good was it was back then. She creates complex and realistic characters who are easy to relate to. The descriptions of the setting of the book are so detailed that you can almost feel the sand under your feet and the sun blazing down on you.

The Summer’s End was easy to get into and hard to put down. While it is the third book in the trilogy I think it can be read as a standalone. There is enough information to get the reader up-to-date without being repetitive and boring.

This is a great weekend read or vacation read.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. The views expressed in this review are entirely mine.

The Plain Choice: A True Story of Choosing to Live an Amish Life by Sherry Gore (Review by Cathy

I’d known of Sherry Gore as a single mother that embraced the Plain life, raised three children and loved to bake. That is all very true.
However, in this book written by Ms. Gore, I discovered much more. She shares the hard times, the good times and the many obstacles she had to overcome.

She’s brutally honest about what she went through to become the woman she is today. That woman loves God, her family and her community. She’s suffered the loss of loved ones, including the greatest loss of all, her precious daughter but through it all by faith she persevered.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exhange for my honest review.