The Englisch Daughter - Cindy and Erin Woodsmall

Things are different within the marriage and Jemima Graber can't fully understand what has gone wrong. Devoted mother and wife, her life for the last ten years belonged to her family.

When an accident causes her husband and daughter to be injured, the distance starts. It was a time to be thankful as they survived yet Roy isolates himself from them, their family. When did things get so bad? Jemima hardly sees him and her desire to own a food truck, sanctioned by the Bishop, is fast becoming a pipe dream.

Roy loves his family, the horse farm he owns is successful. But, that one night with an old friend has caused so much internal turmoil. He doesn't know how to face Jemima, the love of his life. Would she understand the relationship he has with Tiffany, an Englisch woman he met before joining the Old Order faith? Not only does Roy have to find the courage to speak to his wife, he also needs to explain why she won't be able to purchase the food truck. When did things go so wrong?

Abigail loves her independence, helping out at Endless Grace (a group helping men in recovery and at risk teens), working on the horse farm. She knows something isn't right between her brother and sister-in-law but, whatever it is, she's on Jemima's side. Her opinion of men is a touch jaded. And, then she meets Chris, the newly employed farmhand.

Chris Fisher is in between the Order. He's taken on boxing, frowned upon in the Amish community, but he has to compete in one more fight. It may be his downfall, but it will help his brother. When he meets Abigail, he's not inclined to tell her the whole truth. But, if he wants to have a relationship with her he'll have to come clean - will she still accept him?

When the situation with Tiffany comes to head all four have to work together to save a life - but will it save Roy and Jemima's relationship?

Together, the lives of  Jemima, Roy, Abigail and Chris converge to create both a heartwarming and heart wrenching story. Erin and Cindy Woodsmall's story is thoughtful, sincere and scattered with touches of humor. Love and strength of family is the main theme with heavy doses of being truthful and facing the consequences of ones' actions.

Being told from a different perspective, the story shines a new light on how an Amish family deals with trouble within a marriage. It's a story that you hope turns out well if only for the sake of Jemima. The Woodsmall's have created such a strong kind and compassionate protagonist that the reader can  only wish the best for her.

Another well written and thought out novel. The authors have managed to create a story filled with so much emotion and believable characters. Capturing the nuances of children, a strained relationship, a burgeoning one as well as unconditional love and deep faith, The Englisch Daughter will be a book that can't be put down once started. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

More than Meets the Eye - Karen Witemeyer

When the train carrying orphaned children overturns, Evangeline Hamilton loses everything that was important to her. Banding together with two survivors – Seth and Zach – the three know they have to rely on each other. Families didn’t want children who were troublesome, poorly and in Evangeline’s case, cursed. Did having one brown and one blue eye mean that she wasn’t worthy?

The three become a family and with Zach leading them, they start a new life together. He would do anything to protect his new ‘siblings’. 

**

Logan Fowler has returned to Pecan Gap to seek justice. 

When his father is cheated out of their home in a card game, there is only one man to blame. Zach Hamilton. A criminal who Logan blames wholeheartedly for the demise of his father and the loss of his birthright. As he camps out on the border of Hamilton’s land, he hears a rustling. Expecting trouble, Logan is surprised to come face to face with a beautiful woman and her pet pig. 

Discovering Logan is a happy accident as far as Evie is concerned. She hardly meets anyone on account that they treat her like a leper. But despite the different colored eyes, Logan treats her well. And, despite the warning signals going off in his mind, they develop a great camaraderie.

Becoming fast friends, Logan’s conscience pricks as he realizes that Eva, as he likes to call her, will no longer like him when she discovers the real reason behind his being in Pecan Gap. 

Bu,t when on a walk home from church Evie and Logan encounter a man disposing of a suspicious bundle, they immediately rush to the rescue of what they assume to be an unwanted animal. When they discover the truth, they are shocked and know they need to do more.

Taking an unexpected twist, Logan finds that he must work with the man who expected to take revenge upon. Will they be able to solve the mystery of not only who dumped the body in the river, but why they did so? To further his consternation, Logan worries that once Zach finds out who he is, Evie will too. And, will she want to have anything to do with him?

Another classic story from Witemeyer. The author creates characters that are easily likeable and identifiable. The want to be part of a loving family is key in this story. Elements of faith, loyalty and questioning God’s choices are interspersed in the tale combining to create a story that has moments of laughter and sadness. 

Overall, a lovely take on family values with a sweet love story thrown in the mix. Recommended for all fans of Witemeyer and Christian Fiction. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House publishers as part of their blogging program. The opinion expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Holding the Fort (BK 1 The Fort Reno Series) – Regina Jennings

When Louisa Bell loses her job at the Cat-Eye saloon, as a dance hall singer, her options available as to what to do next, are few. Cimarron Ted then tells her he hears news that her brother, Bradley Willis a Calvary soldier in Indian Territory, is in trouble - again. 

Having lost her job, Louisa thought she'd visit Bradley, but this will be a problem if he’s in trouble. But Louisa is determined to set him on the straight and narrow – and hopefully ask for a job.

On her way to Fort Reno, she makes her acquaintance with Mrs. Townsend. A missionary on her way to the Fort to be a governess. Unfortunately, the dust is playing havoc with the older lady's allergies and she asks Louisa to take the books she bought with her to the girls.

Whilst waiting for the next stagecoach, and able to sing in a wide-open field, the young woman happens upon a man standing on top of a horse only for him to fall. As she rushes to help him, she not only wonders who he is, but notices his handsome features.

The last thing Major Daniel Adams expects to see is a beautiful woman in the middle of a field, singing. But the trick he’s doing, in grudging deference to Private Willis, has been on his mind. If a Private can do this, whilst drunk, surely, he can? It’s a break from everything else. Running a Fort with half an army, ensuring tensions don’t escalate between the army, cowboys and the Indian’s. And then there are his two young girls. If this new governess doesn’t work out, he knows his mother -in-law will insist on raising them away from the ravages of the fort in Galveston.  

With the exception of Lieutenant Jack Hennessey’s knowledge of the incident, when Louisa and Daniel finally meet, their recognition of who they are is a secret they have to maintain. Hoping the incident will become a distant memory for him, the Commander is somewhat surprised to discover that Louisa is to be the new governess. Not only is she a lot younger than he expected a governess to be, but she’s also quite beautiful.

Expecting to meet children, Louisa is surprised to find Caroline and Daisy a lot older and it causes concern for the young woman. Once thing Louisa prides herself on is being able to put on a show. But will these, vibrant, willful and intelligent girls see through her act?

Whilst the saloon singer’s intention is to set her brother on the right path, Louisa finds herself getting more involved with the Commanders family – something she wasn’t planning on.

Soon enough Louisa betrays her roots and slips up here and there, however, Daniel is fine to look the other way. There is something about his new governess that he likes, admires. Maybe she will work out as the new governess. Can Louisa convince her new employer that she has the makings of a governess? Or will her past come back to haunt her and ruin her life for good?

A heartwarming story of love, family and the wild west. Jennings' characters have a realistic quality to them, have depth and are well thought out. The secondary plot line of tensions between the Indians and Cowboys is a good break but works together with the main story in a climax that I didn't fully expect. Easy to read, engaging and well written. A recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House as part of their blogging program. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Gathering the Threads (The Amish of Summer Grove, Bk 3) – Cindy Woodsmall

Returning to her Amish home, was a joyful event for Ariana Brenneman. And then, sitting at the family table, listening to her father dictate what was to be done, triggered an unease in the young woman.

Forced to live in the ‘Englisch’ world, when it was discovered, she was unintentionally swapped, at her birth, along with Skylar Nash, was an eye-opening situation. Relying on Quill Schlabach wasn’t an ideal, but he was her friend, despite the strained relationship, and he helped her out when she needed it.

Isaac, Ariana’s Amish father, is in disbelief that his daughter, would defy him, his authority. At least her relationship with Rudy (the man she plans to marry) is still going strong. His wife, Lovina, is worried that the two won’t see eye-to-eye. After all, Ariana now knows what it is to live in the Englisch world. Can they truly expect her to be the same?

Now that Ariana is back in the Amish world, will the fact that she wishes to keep the phone and occasionally contact Quill be condoned by the Bishop? And, how much more understanding will Rudy be about that aspect of her life?

Finding her feet, and her place, in the Brenneman family, as well as the Amish community, Skylar is on the road to recovery from drug addiction. Just as she feels that she has control back in her life, in walks Ariana. What happened to spending a whole year outside of this community? And how come her Englisch father, Nicholas, seems so much more understanding of Ariana’s woes than he ever was of hers?

Will the two ‘sisters’ find common ground? To be able to grow together in the Amish way? Whilst Ariana questions her belief in an (almost) oligarchical system, she knows her faith in God is unwavering. How can she be a part of two different worlds, when neither seem to want to understand the other?

In the last part of theSummer Grove series, the story is focused more on Ariana, rather than Skylar, but doesn’t fail to impress. Whilst it would be easy to tie up loose ends, Woodsmall, spins a thoughtful, absorbing story, that is far from predictable. I really enjoyed how she pushed Ariana's thinking, yet being respectful of the Amish culture. There were so many emotions for the characters in this final installment - frustration, anger, disbelief, love, hope,  happiness - that, as a reader, I was experiencing them along the way. As always, Woodsmall's characters have depth, personality and traits, that make them all endearing.

An excellent series and a highly recommended read for, not only, all fans of Amish and Christian fiction, but those who enjoy a really good story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from WaterBrookMultnomah as part of their blogging program. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Angel of Forest Hill - Cindy Woodsmall

Rose Kurtz, quiet and unsure of herself, yet hard-working, has been asked by her Bishop to travel to Forest Hill to help a family. Lost in her thoughts when asked, she only half listened to the request but accepted that she had little choice.

With no fond farewell from her family, Rose arrives at the home of Joel Dienner. There she finds that she’s not helping in the way she expected. Thrust in to the role of surrogate mother to a newborn and two boisterous toddlers who constantly seek their mother, Rose must buckle down and deal with the situation before her. Her familiar prayer, “Dear God, if it’s not a bother, show me what to do, and let Your truth set me free," gives her the strength to do just that.

However, as a single woman, Rose cannot stay in the house with a widowed man. Joel’s father comes up with a solution that in his grief, Joel agrees to but not before asking Rose what her expectations are regarding their marriage of convenience. Kindness is all she requires.

Time passes and Joel finds himself in love with Rose. But can they move forward with so much of the past still surrounding them – the death of his wife, the unhappy familial home life of Rose – and now Joel’s mother-in-law has spoken to the Bishop about a personal situation.

Rose is horrified, Joel angry. Now there is talk of an annulment. Can they overcome this latest obstacle and have a happy Christmas?

A short and sweet romance with a Christmas background. I wished it were a little longer but that’s only because Cindy creates characters that have so much depth and realism. Her ability to write an absorbing, warming story is exceptional. It’s an easy read and fans of Amish fiction and/or Cindy Woodsmall will not be disappointed. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books as part of their blogger program. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Ties That Bind - Cindy Woodsmall

A firm believer in the Old Ways, as well as loving her family with fierce devotion, twenty year old Ariana Bennenman has two things to accomplish. One is to open a café and the other, prevent other Amish from leaving with Quill Schlabach.

Still hurt from when he and Ariana's good friend Frieda ran off together, she's taken aback to meet him five years later - with the intent of helping someone leave - someone from her own family. Little does Ariana know that when Quill helps a family leave, he and his brothers ensure the person leaving does so with absolute certainty.

But unbeknown to the young girl, her world is about to turn upside down.

Quill confirms the suspicions of Ariana's 'mamm', Lovina, suspicions that she's had for a long time about what happened after Ariana (and her twin brother) was born and a possible mix-up. The hardworking mother was never sure if to pursue the matter until she studies a leaflet detailing a show to be put on by local (Englisch) students. Suddenly that day comes rushing to forefront of her family life. Now Quill finds himself in an unenviable position of helping. Will he and Ariana ever be able to re-establish their friendship?

All he's ever wanted and still wants, is to protect Ariana. He knows her devotion to God and her inner strength will carry her through the inevitable unbalancing of her world but how strong is she really? Quill knows he must do everything he can to safeguard her - even help her get her café - all without  ever expressing his true feelings.

The first in a series, the Amish of Summer Grove promises to be an outstanding set of stories. Woodsmall yet again has written a book filled with such likable, strong characters each with a story to tell that combine to make an intricate and absorbing plot.

As with all of the author's novels, they are easy to read and completely engrossing from the first page to the last. Her style and language pulls you into the Amish existence easily and with this particular novel focusing on the conflict met with the Englisch, it certainly does so sympathetically and thoughtfully.

Ariana's story is so inviting and so heartbreaking. I was actually disappointed when it came to the end! I can't wait to read what happens next and am looking forward to book two. A very highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Water Press blogging program. The opinions expressed here are my own and I am not expected to give a positive critique.

The Potter's Lady - Judith Miller

Having successfully graduated from the Philadelphia School of Design, Rose McKay convinces her brother Ewan, to buy a pottery business.

Taking over from the respected owner will be a daunting prospect for Ewan as his expertise is with bricks. So when Mr. Bancock, the ill and aging proprietor requested that his loyal assistant Rylan Campbell be kept on, Ewan is happy to abide by the suggestion.

With a good business head, Ewan keeps all the staff, not just Rylan, Rose begins to make changes - cleaning work areas, schooling for the child workers - most agree but Rylan, uncomfortable with change tries to make everyone see it's best for the pottery.

When they start to lose business, Rose receives a letter from her Alma Mater's principle about a contest that she thinks the McKay pottery should consider entering. The Franklin Hotels will grant a commission where the winning entrant will create an urn and plate ware for all the Franklin Hotels. It's a chance/opportunity to get the McKay Pottery name on the map.

However, Rose's beau - Joshua Harkness, owner of Harkness Potteries - seems to be a sticking point with her design partner, Rylan. The young Irishman suspects that there is something amiss between Harkness and Beatrice, the McKay's nanny. Should he disclose his suspicions?

Will Rose and Rylan be able to set aside their differences and create an amazing work of art as well as a cost-effective design for every day? Or will Joshua succeed in claiming Rose for his own and be the downfall of McKay Pottery?

Set in the 1870s, Miller's novel is a well written, engaging drama. The story of Rose's burning ambition and desire to make her mark in the world is tempered by the slow romance building between her and Rylan. Nicely descriptive, the characters met are appealing and sometimes provocative.

I really enjoyed reading this book. There was a hint of predictability with the plot, but with appealing family members it wasn't a hard slog to read. With such a story, I knew and expected some altercation to take place, but it's handled well (and in keeping with the era). The story is a yarn gently woven with moments of intricacy. It's about trust, family loyalty, hard work and ultimately faith in God and the path that He has chosen. A recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House as part of their blogging program to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Soy Sauce for Beginners - Kirstin Chen

Gretchen Lin, thirtysomething and drifting. She leaves San Francisco with a heavy, unsure heart. Her marriage has failed and heading back to Singapore is not what she wants either. At home is a mother with an alcohol problem and her father's soy sauce business.

The young woman has tried to avoid the messy situation but when she arrives, there are more things to consider, work out and resolve. Namely, where the Lin's handcrafted soy sauce company is heading, how to work alongside a money orientated uncle and cousin and how can she repair her marriage?

When her friend from America arrives to start a new job, tensions arise between them as well as her family and feeling even more unsure with her life, the brief affair she starts with the son of a client brings out a rebellious streak. Gretchen wonders if to return back to San Francisco to complete her studies or remain in Singapore to carry on the business of her grandfather.

With emotions in turmoil and childhood memories made clearer now she's an adult, can the Gretchen find a path that suits her and will she, once she's taken that route, find peace?

Chen's debut novel is a bag full of mixed emotions. She has a lot to consider - repair a broken marriage, finish school, become the new manager of a longstanding company - a lot; but until she is clear about what she wants to achieve is she any good to anyone? Her journey to reveal the answers is arduous but is that of her own making?

Whilst the characters met are certainly fascinating as is the process of making quality soy sauce, the plot itself seems a little lack lustre. It never seemed to really take off - a gentle flowing story. But perhaps that's intentional - Gretchen is herself drifting, trying to make one place her home, find contentment. The author's writing is unobtrusive and immediately draws you in. Descriptions are minimal but Gretchen's voice is strong and carries the story along nicely.

Overall it's an enjoyable story that embraces facing the harsh realities of life such as a frail mother and ebbing friendships. The main character is likable (although I didn't gel with her as such) and I'm sure many would be able to relate to someone in this tale. A recommended read.

Bad Elephant Far Stream - Samuel Hawley

It's the around the 1860s and in the Ceylon forests, a baby elephant known as Far Stream is playing with her siblings. With a foreboding sense, her grandmother tries to steer the herd away from danger. But before they know it, they are trapped. Man and his fire have penned them in the place they call home.

Now captured, Far Stream and her sister Red Moon along with another family of elephants are on a voyage to a new land. Chained and feeling seasick, Far Stream wonders what is happening, where are they going? After several months, they land in America and Far Stream is separated from her sister. Confusion settles in as she is led away to lead a new life. Joining the Adam Forepaugh Circus in Philadelphia Far Stream is cajoled, prodded and subject to intense training.

Known as Baby Annie the young pachyderm embarks on her new career in entertainment with resignation. For thirty years she travels around North America performing as part of a dance troupe at the mercy of her trainer's temperaments. As she grows, she no longer can be called Baby Annie and becomes Topsy. The arduous journey she makes from town to town is tolerated when she reunites with her sister Red Moon. Together they make imaginary journey's to warmer climes where the food is plentiful and they can frolic in cooling waters.

However, there are times when Far Stream is forced to be back in real time. And when she out weighs 'her keepers by a factor of forty', it won't be long before she is feared and then her reputation is that of a dangerous animal. What is Far Stream's fate? And how long can she withstand her mistreatment at the hands of man.

Told through the eyes of Far Stream, the story of life in the circus is revealed. The long hours, daily training, the tiring journey's through rain and snow. Is it any wonder after prodding with bull hooks and teasing from a curious audience that something snaps? Hawley's novel explores the world of circus elephants in an intriguing and haunting way. The author's writing style and language moves the story along without inhibiting Far Stream's 'voice' and whilst many people are met, the main character is always the elephant.

The opening chapter is a warning of how this book will end and was therefore read with some trepidation. It was certainly an experience to read from an elephant's point of view, which made the story all the more poignant. The treatment of Far Stream by her keepers is confusing to her yet as a human it was easy to understand (but not condone) why they acted the way they did. A story based on some historical factual information which makes it all the more moving and thought-provoking. Seeing the world through an elephants eyes was just amazing. Hawley has seemingly captured the range of emotions and expressions to create this intense and emotional novel so real.  A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

An Ode for Orchids - James Fant

The four granddaughters of Ma Geneva were as precious to her as her orchids, if not more so. Karen, Cicley, Brooke and Dawn. They all converge at their grandmothers house each summer. As unruly as they want to be outside those four walls, inside they were attentive and did as they were told.

Each girl have their own personalities - Cicley always after a boy, twins Brook and Dawn the followers yet laid back; and Karen - introverted but still can speak her mind. Ma Geneva loves having them each summer and knows she needs to prepare them for the challenges that they will face in life.

After an incident that leaves Karen more dependent on prescription drugs, the girls drift apart. They meet again at Brooke's hen party only for Cicley to sever the friendship between her and Karen. Leading different lives - Dawn has a child from a known drug trafficker, Brooke is married and owns a successful barber shop, Cicley is promiscuous as ever but has wealth and status; while Karen still suffers from anxiety attacks and struggles to keep a boyfriend because she's made a pledge of virginity. Will Dawn be able to walk away from a bad relationship? Is Brooke's husband cheating and why does Cicley hate Karen with such passion?

From the opening pages, Fant's novel is filled with a vibrancy and charm that makes you continue reading. The four main characters are strong, mixed up girls who must each realize their own strengths to lead a happy life, but they have to go through a lot to reach that point. Written without ceremony, the author has captured four very different lives and portrayed a world where love, honesty and trust wins through.

This story has it all - addiction, hatred, attraction, love, excitement and spirit. A complex tale of failing relationships and budding love, I completely enjoyed this novel. There are a lot of names and I was a little confused in the beginning with what the relationships are e.g. whose mum was called Sue but it all slipped away as I became embroiled in the story. I found myself wanting to wake Dawn up, couldn't she see she was in a bad relationship? Cicley is not a likable at all but it dissipates when her reason for hating Karen is revealed. Overall a well written book. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive review.