The Mennonite Queen by Patrick E. Craig (review by Kristi)

About the book:  Isabella, Princess of Poland, is raised to a life of great wealth and leisure in the Polish Royal Court, destined to marry a king. But fate or divine providence intervenes when she meets Johan Hirschberg, a young Anabaptist who works in her father’s stable. This chance meeting leads the young couple into a forbidden love. Together they flee Poland and embark on a dangerous journey that brings them, after great peril, to the small parish of a troubled priest named Menno Simons. Catholic Bishop, Franz von Waldek, paid by King Sigismund, Isabella’s father to find the princess at all costs, pursues them across Europe. Isabella does not know it, but if von Waldek captures her, she will have to make a choice that will change the course of European history forever.

Publication Date:  April 15, 2019

Publisher:  P&J Publishing

Genre:  Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction

Series:  The Paradise Chronicles #3

 

My thoughts:  I love picking up a book by Patrick E. Craig. I know I’m going to read a story that’s rich in character and detail. I know I’m going to read a story that will stay with me long after the last word is read. The Mennonite Queen is a powerful story told by a master storyteller.

Now with the above being said when I first started this book I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. It takes place in the 1500s and that’s not really a time period I enjoy reading about. Yet, I was soon absorbed in the stories of Isabella and Johan, two opposites who quickly became one of my favorite fictional couples. Their stories are powerful and ones that I think everyone can relate to on some level. It was just impossible for me to not like these characters.

The author did a wonderful job of keeping my interest in the story. His descriptions made me feel as if I had been whisked away to 1500s Poland, Germany, and Hungary and was a part of Isabella and Johan’s journey. I loved all the historical detail he put into the book because it made the story so much richer.

This isn’t your typical Amish fiction-style read. It’s much meatier, edgier, and grittier. It’s a book that I’m sure men and women alike will enjoy and one that will find its way to your keeper shelf. I know it will be on mine!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

 

About the author: Best-selling Author Patrick E. Craig is a lifelong writer and musician who left a successful career in the music industry after two albums on Warner Brothers Records and years of live performances in one of San Francisco’s most popular music groups to follow Christ in 1984. He spent the next twenty-six years as a worship leader, seminar speaker, and pastor in churches, retreats, seminars and conferences in the Western United States. In 2013 Harvest House published the first of his Apple Creek Dreams series, A Quilt For Jenna, followed by The Road Home and Jenny’s Choice. A Quilt For Jenna recently moved into the #1 bestseller in Amish Fiction on Amazon. His new book, The Amish Heiress is the first in his new series, The Paradise Chronicles.

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Hearts in Harmony (An Amish Journey #1) by Beth Wiseman (review by Cathy)

About the book:

They both love music. Will God deny what brings them such joy?  

Musical prodigy Levi Shetler hasn’t touched a piano since he secretly played one years ago. His strict Amish community forbids instruments or the singing of any music not in their approved songbook. Levi asks God often why music tempts him when playing an instrument isn’t allowed in his world.

One person knows Levi’s talents: Mary Hershberger, the girl who promised years ago to keep his secret. Mary comes from a more liberal district than Levi, but she’s facing family troubles of her own. The mutual care for an aging Englischer, Adeline, reunites Mary and Levi as young adults. They realize that, despite their differences, they have a shared love of music—and a shared confusion about whether their talents are God-given gifts or temptations luring them into the Englisch world.

The couple realizes they must compromise or part ways, but a tragic accident shakes their decision. Both Mary and Levi will need to reconcile what they love with what their hearts say is right—because even as their passion for music brings them together, it could be what tears them apart.

The first novel in the new Amish Journeys series by bestselling author Beth Wiseman, Hearts in Harmony explores how far the heart will travel for the melody of love.

 

My thoughts:

Beth Wiseman begins her latest series, An Amish Journey with the beautifully crafted and aptly titled Hearts in Harmony. What a selfless journey Mary, Levi and Natalie take as they form an unlikely friendship that is built on compassion and respect for their elderly friend Adeline. I absolutely loved the different ages, faiths and backgrounds of the main characters and the bond they formed while giving so much of themselves to one who really needed them.

I became emotionally attached to the characters but Levi was my favorite and the one I wanted a lifetime of happiness for most of all. I loved the way Mary and Levi are reunited as young adults after a chance meeting when they were children and yet very little has changed because they both still love music which is forbidden in their strict districts. The author portrays them as respectful talented people who want to play music and sing Christian songs but yet want to remain true to their values and beliefs which is a very fine line for them.

The storyline is an emotional one that at times had me smiling and at times in tears and most importantly made me realize that the author clearly writes quality Amish fiction. This is one of my favorite books penned by Beth Wiseman and I cannot wait to read the second book in the series. I highly recommend this 5-star book.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.

Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin (review by Kristi)

About the book:  In spring 1918, Lieutenant Colin Mabry, a British soldier working with MI8 after suffering injuries on the front, receives a message by carrier pigeon. It is from Jewel Reyer, the woman he once loved and who saved his life–a woman he believed to be dead. Traveling to France to answer her urgent summons, he desperately hopes this mission will ease his guilt and restore the courage he lost on the battlefield.

Colin is stunned, however, to discover the message came from Jewel’s half sister, Johanna. Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence, found Jewel’s diary and believes her sister is alive in the custody of a German agent. With spies everywhere, Colin is skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust begins to grow between them.

When their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot, danger and deception turn their search for answers into a battle for their lives.

Publication Date:  March 5, 2019

Publisher:  Bethany House Publishers

Genre:  Historical Fiction, WWI

 

My thoughts:   Oh. My. Goodness. This book! It makes me wonder where Kate Breslin has been all my life and why I’m just now reading one of her books. This story was fascinating and one that I wanted to read as fast as I could and yet read slowly to savor every moment with these characters. This is a story I won’t soon forget.

This story grabbed me from the beginning and kept my attention until the very last page. The characters were very realistic and the storyline was intriguing. The pace of the book was excellent with twists and turns perfectly placed to keep my interest. The author’s writing style made the story so easy to read and the descriptions made me feel as if I were there. I have to say I enjoyed learning about the role pigeons played in WWI. This was an interesting part of the story.

I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and WWI-related fiction. It’s a book that once you pick up you won’t want to put down. I’ll definitely be looking for more books penned by this author as she is a new favorite!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

 

About the author:  Former bookseller-turned-author Kate Breslin enjoys life in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and family. A writer of travel articles and award-winning poetry, Kate received Christian Retailing’s 2015 Best Award for First Time Author and her first novel, For Such A Time, won American Christian Fiction Writers 2015 Carol Award. Kate’s third novel, High As The Heavens, released in June, 2017. When she’s not writing inspirational fiction, Kate enjoys reading or taking long walks in Washington’s beautiful woodlands. She also likes traveling to new places, both within the U.S. and abroad, having toured Greece, Rome, and much of Western Europe. New destinations make for fresh story ideas.

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Hearts in Harmony by Beth Wiseman (review by Kristi)

About the book:  They both love music. Will God deny what brings them such joy?  

Musical prodigy Levi Shetler hasn’t touched a piano since he secretly played one years ago. His strict Amish community forbids instruments or the singing of any music not in their approved songbook. Levi asks God often why music tempts him when playing an instrument isn’t allowed in his world.

One person knows Levi’s talents: Mary Hershberger, the girl who promised years ago to keep his secret. Mary comes from a more liberal district than Levi, but she’s facing family troubles of her own. The mutual care for an aging Englischer, Adeline, reunites Mary and Levi as young adults. They realize that, despite their differences, they have a shared love of music—and a shared confusion about whether their talents are God-given gifts or temptations luring them into the Englisch world.

The couple realizes they must compromise or part ways, but a tragic accident shakes their decision. Both Mary and Levi will need to reconcile what they love with what their hearts say is right—because even as their passion for music brings them together, it could be what tears them apart.

Publication Date:  March 12, 2019

Publisher:  Zondervan

Genre:  Amish fiction

Series:  An Amish Journey #1

 

My thoughts:  This is a great beginning to a new series from Beth Wiseman, one of my favorite Amish fiction authors. She brings together two young Amish people in a unique way with a story that is both fun and heartbreaking. This emotional story is one you won’t want to miss.

In a genre that can easily become stale, Wiseman tells a story that is unique. I liked the way that she highlighted the differences between two Old Order Amish districts. There was also the uniqueness of the relationship between Adeline, an elderly English widow, and Mary and Levi. These aspects of the storyline were like nothing I’ve read in the genre and I really enjoyed them.

Another thing I really liked was that the story takes place in Indiana but not Shipshewana, which is the most well-known Amish community. This story takes place in southern Indiana Amish communities which were nice to read about. Wiseman does a wonderful job of bringing the area to life on the pages of the book.

From the likable and believable characters to the unique storyline there was nothing about this book I disliked. It’s a great start to a new series and one I’m excited to read. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to see what happens. This book is definitely a must-read for Amish fiction fans!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

 

About the author:  Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Having sold almost two million books, her novels have held spots on the Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller List, the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) Bestseller List and the CBA (Christian Book Association) Bestseller List. She was the recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013. She is a three-time winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and an INSPY Award winner. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series—Seek Me With All Your Heart—was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth and her husband are empty nesters enjoying country life in Texas.

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Trials and Trails: Adventures and Unexpected Discoveries of Life by Jim Halverson (review by Cathy)

Book Details:

Book Title:  Trials and Trails by Jim Halverson
Category:  Adult Fiction,  276 pages
Genre:  Western, Historical Fiction
Publisher:  Gail Force Publishing
Release date:  January 2019

Book Description:

With a past of slavery and compliance, LeRoy has learned to pick his battles carefully. Johnny B, a quick-tempered Sioux, is still learning to control his anger. When dangerous circumstances bond them together, the pair learn to navigate Reconstruction Era America and all its prejudices. They save an innocent man from hanging, reunite two old friends, assist in an honorable death for an elder Indian, and discover their worth as they steadily assimilate self-respect into their lives.

From Jim Halverson’s debut novel comes a tale of adventure, purpose, and the pursuit of self-actualization. Cowboys and psychology ride hand in hand, traveling a journey from living life on the edge to finding a place of belonging, joy, vulnerability, and distinction. Through trials along their trails, LeRoy and Johnny B transform people they meet, brand the world a better place, and reap the benefits.

My thoughts:

I was intrigued by the description of this book so I decided to read it and was pleasantly surprised to discover that I enjoyed the writing of Mr. Halverson very much. It did take a while for me to get interested in the book but after a few chapters I quickly started to like Le Roy and Johnny B.    They led interesting lives as they traveled and met different characters along the way.

The other character who I liked was a woman named Alice and as they spent time with her the storyline became interesting since both men had feelings for her.  She is widowed and asks them to stay to help her which in that time period was considered tabu because people talk and can be judgmental.  The relationship between the three characters was my favorite part of the story and I wondered what would happen once they left Alice to set out on more adventures.  I liked that they stayed in touch no matter where they were or what was going on in their lives.

Overall I thought this debut novel by the author gave a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the well crafted characters he placed in a well crafted story.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was under no oblition to write a review.  All opinions are my own.

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Meet the Author:

Jim Halverson grew up in the rural, gold-mining town of Mokelumne Hill, CA and received his MBA from Golden Gate University. He spent part of his life on a ranch and is an avid student of psychology. He recognizes the struggles of all men and women seeking equality and respect. Jim and his wife, Gail, spend their time traveling from their small farm in Forestville, CA.

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BOOK TOUR SCHEDULE:

March 4   – Working Mommy Journal  – review / giveaway
March 5   – Literary Flits – review / giveaway
March 6   – Viviana MacKade – book spotlight / guest post
March 6   – Books for Books – review
March 7   – JB’s Bookworms with Brandy Mulder – book spotlight / guest post
March 7   – Svetlana’s Reads and Views – review
March 8   – A Mama’s Corner of the World – review / giveaway
March 11 – Fountain of Books – review / author interview / giveaway
March 12 – T’s Stuff – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
March 13 – Library of Clean Reads – review / giveaway
March 13  – Rockin’ Book Reviews – review / guest post / giveaway
March 14 – Two Girls and a Book – review
March 15 – The Legal Duchess – review / giveaway
March 18 – Paulette’s Papers – book spotlight / giveaway
March 19 – Locks, Hooks and Books – review / giveaway
March 20 – Cheryl’s Book Nook – review / giveaway
March 21 – #redhead.with.book – book spotlight / giveaway
March 22 – Nighttime Reading Center – review / giveaway
March 25 – Read and Review – book spotlight
March 25 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – review
March 26 – Truly Trendy – review
March 27 – StoreyBook Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
March 28 – My Devotional Thoughts – book spotlight / author interview
March 29 – Christine’s Book Corner – review

A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh by Carolyn Miller (review by Kristi)

About the book:  Can a proper noble lady find a future with a fossil-hunting man of faith?

As the daughter of Viscount Aynsley, Caroline Hatherleigh knows every rule of society–and she’s always followed them precisely. But when she visits south Devonshire and encounters a fossil-hunting scientist and his sister, her assumptions about what is right are shaken. Questions she has never considered about the importance of friendship and faith suddenly confront her–and her comfortable understanding about how the world works is thrown off balance. What if God wants to be the center of her life, rather than merely a social obligation?

Gideon Kirby loves science, and hunting down proof of past lives is a joy he won’t willingly give up. But his scientific leanings are being challenged both by his personal beliefs and by local smugglers in the Devonshire countryside. And every day his sister’s illness becomes more desperate, her care growing more demanding. Adding a viscount’s daughter to the mix is a complication Gideon never expected–especially since he must stay far away from this young woman he’s falling for in order to protect his beloved sister’s secret.

When a mysterious stranger visits the village, that secret will be exposed, no matter how Gideon fights. Then tragedy strikes in a smugglers’ cave. And the threat of scandal may lead to broken hearts and passionless propriety. Will the shaky bond these two have nurtured be strong enough to overcome their differences–or will the trust they’ve withheld from each other tear three lives apart?

Publication Date:  March 19, 2019

Publisher: Kregel Publications

Genre:  Historical Fiction, Regency Romance

Series:  Regency Brides:  Daughters of Anysley #1

 

My thoughts:   While I enjoyed this story I have to admit it isn’t my favorite from this author. I’m not a fan of science, fossils, and the like so that aspect of the story I found to be a bit boring. Not the fault of the author at all, it’s just not my cup of tea. But I did enjoy the rest of the story and the buildup to a breathtaking climax. Miss Hatherleigh was a very likable character and I loved the relationship she had with Emma, Gideon’s sister. The way the two became friends and the bond they had was so nice to read about. I also liked the chemistry between Caroline and Gideon. It was so natural and I’m so glad the author went with an attraction between the two instead of them not liking each other. I liked the way their feelings toward each other progressed. I can’t wait to read more about these two and Emma and Lord Kenmore in future books in the series.

The story itself is nice and I liked the faith theme that ran throughout. I liked the way Caroline questioned things instead of automatically believing everything she read or heard. It made the character and the story seem more authentic. As always the author has a way of using words and descriptions to transport readers to the time period. I always feel like I’m stepping back in time when reading one of her books.

A new series from Carolyn Miller is cause for celebration and readers won’t be disappointed in A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh. This story has characters to love and despise and a story that I found to be unique to the genre. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and to see what’s in store for these characters and their friends!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

 

About the author:   Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn’s previous novels have won several contests, including the 2014 RWA “Touched by Love” and 2014 ACFW Gensis contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and My Book Therapy.

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