Review: The Beginner's Quilt by:W Brunstetter

 

About the Book:

 A Lifelong Love for Quilting Starts in 1967, Arthur, Illinois

Despite the best efforts of Emma Bontrager’s mother, Emma hasn’t learned much of anything that will prepare her to be an Amish wife. Therefore, she’s sent to Arthur, Illinois, to be taught by her paternal grandmother. Though she would rather be fishing, hiking, or playing baseball, Emma finally listens to her grandmother and even finds she enjoys working on a Tree of Life quilt. Having met a nice young man, she now feels more prepared for marriage. But rumors swirl around his character, and it looks like she’ll be returning to Indiana with a broken heart. Even so, her time in Illinois has ignited a new passion for quilting that will last for years.

- A stand-alone prequel to The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club and Half-Stitched, the musical.

 

My Review: 

 What do you do when you arent like the other Amish women in your community? You dont like to cook, clean or sew. So Emma's mother is at her wits end and sends Emma to her grandmother to be put under her charge and to hopefully learn some things so that she can eventually marry and be a good Amish wife.

 Emma endures the long hours of quilting but she finally discovers she actually likes it. Its not long before a young man notices Emma. But the talk around town isnt so favorable and she is afraid that this is just another missed opportunity for marriage.  

 Ivan hasnt made the best of life and the opportunities he has had but he is trying to turn his life around. If only other people would see that. He really enjoys Emma's company. Could she be the one his heart desires?

This was a really great story and Im excited to see where it leads.

**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own. 

Review: The Bird of Bedford Manor by:M Griep

 

About the Book:

 Bedfordshire, England, 1820: Ruined by the sins of her father, Juliet Finch is cast into a life of self-reliance. Survival is a harsh taskmaster, but she is a quick learner and excels at tracking and snaring wild game to feed herself. Juliet embraces her new identity until the day Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land—a crime punishable by death. Henry, however, has other offenses on his namely, the troublesome stalker who’s making a misery of his sister’s life. To try to put a stop to her torment, Henry charges Juliet with tracking the elusive villain so he can be brought to justice. Using her skills, Juliet hunts down the rogue. . .but may just become the prey herself.
 

My Review: 

 Poor Juliet, she is thrown into a way of life that she never saw coming but due to her fathers unspeakable sins--here she is. I was actually quite surprised that she learned survival techniques so quickly. But when you have it thrust upon you, what choice did she really have? Shes doing really well in her newly found activities when she is spotted where she shouldnt be. Then it all goes downhill from there or does it?

 So Henry Russell, is the owner to the property that she is "poaching". But instead of having her killed as a punishment, he wants to make a deal. But honestly, can she really trust this guy? 

**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are mine. 

Review: Plain Jane's Secret Admirer by:A Blackburne

 

About the Book:

 Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.
 
Sweet, shy, and devoted Amish woman, Jane Bontrager secretly hates her childhood nickname of Plain Jane. She doesn’t know who started the ugly name back in her school days, but she can never forget how it has long made her feel.
 
Jane has a huge crush on Amish buggy maker Samuel Mast, but they are both so shy they are more likely to turn old and gray alone than to ever get together—especially since Samuel holds a secret or two of his own.
 
What can bridge the gap between two young people who both deserve love and happiness?

My Review: 

 First of all, cat mom here. I love cats! So I was immediately drawn into Jane's story based on that alone. The front cover is definitely working for me.  The other thought while enjoying this story is why do kids have to be so mean? Poor Jane has always been a shy girl. In school she had pinned a nickname or should I say it was pinned to her. Ever since then she struggles to fit in anywhere. Being shy doesn't help either. 

 I love the unassuming way of Jane. I didn't really care for Sam but I do like his interactions with Jane. I also loved Eliza and Ben. They are a really great add to the story. 

 Sometimes love and romance doesn't fit inside a box. It may look different than expected and that's okay. 

This story is a really good one and it captured my attention right away. Perfect by the fire kind of story. 

**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own. 

  

Review: Not Exactly Mr Darcy by:C Miller

 

About the Book:

 Pride, Pemberley, and Second Chances

When history-loving Olivia Bennett’s teaching contract isn’t renewed, she is considered her family’s logical choice to care for her ailing grandmother in a tiny English village. While there, she soon finds additional work at nearby Hartbury Hall—one of England’s great houses once used as Pemberley in a filmed production of Pride and Prejudice. The head gardener there, however, proves to be anything but the gentlemanly hero of that famous book. Little does she know that behind Liam Browne’s brusque exterior is both a family tragedy and a legacy that demands truth and honor, creating a crisis that only Liv’s vivacious determination can resolve. Along the way, she may just learn that appearances count for naught. . .and that love can be found in unexpected ways.

 

My Review: 

 There are just so many aspects to this story that's just darling. I like the book cover that's what initially drew me to the book, in the first place. The setting is based in England and the way that its described sounds so heavenly. I just love English gardens and the like. Just beautiful! 

 Olivia is a precious character that has such a sweet spirit about her. She soon realize that this garden has many things that surround it that is different than just an ordinary garden restoration. Seasons change and bring new people into our lives that can and will most literally upset and upend our thoughts and change the direction of our lives. Olivia's learned that when she met Liam Browne.

 Are you a fan of Jane Austen? Well if not you will be. This story is so reminiscent of her writings and it shows through every fiber of this endearing story. 

**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own. 

Review: The Red Cottage by:H Linder

 

About the Book:

  She forgot she loved him.
He would die to make her remember.

Meg Foxcroft has never minded the tattling village gossip or her uncle’s ill-tempered rebukes. After all, she has Tom McGwen—and one day, they will build their own cottage, paint it red, and live a wonderful life.

But then the unthinkable happens. Meg is attacked, her uncle’s apothecary shop goes up in flames, and when she wakes up in the arms of an eloquent lord, she remembers nothing. Not even her own name.

In a frantic race against time, Tom plunges into dangerous water, bent on sheltering Meg from harm and discovering who wants her dead. Even if she despises him. Even if it’s now the handsome lord she casts her smile upon.

As danger swells and truth comes crashing around them, Meg must confront the past and decide who she trusts—and loves—before the enemy makes the final strike.

My Review: 

 Great read that will remind you of those faraway movies or stories you have read or seen that are almost fantasy like but real period type history. 

 Meg has big hopes and dreams for herself and her Tom. But will it all be for naught if her uncle has no shop and everything she knows goes up in smoke with it?  After the shop burns down a Lord comes to her rescue. But somehow her Tom does too. It is just as confusing to the reader as it is to the protagonist. Having amnesia sure did mess everything up for Meg and Tom.

 Will they ever figure this all out and find their way back to each other?!

**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own. 

Review: The Daughter of Shiloh Bk 3 (Enduring Hope) by:T Haynes

 

About the Book:

 Collect a series of six historical romances. When life seems weighed down by challenges, there are always pillars of enduring hope and love to be discovered.
 
Lealie Bevard, a determined Tuskegee Institute student, attends the Shiloh Baptist Church convention in Birmingham on September 19, 1902, to request a scholarship for continued education at Harvard. But a beautiful gathering turns tragic when a stampede breaks out and Lealie is injured. While convalescing at the home of fellow Tuskegee student Milton Rafferty, Lealie’s concerns for her future are set aside to help Milton uncover a mystery revolving around missing church funds and a possible murder. Perhaps a pause in Lealie’s well-laid plans can be used for good and lead to love.

My Review: 

 First of all, if there is a historical fiction book or story sign me up!. Love history and this one ranks up there with the top choices. I am not sure I was ever aware of the stampede that took place and I don't feel much has been said or written about it. I have lived in Alabama my whole life and the only story about any churches here is the story about the bombing in 1963 so this story was very interesting to me.  

 Lealie is a very determined young lady that has set her sights high but they aren't unreachable in her eyes. Maybe in the community and those around her but not in her own. She attends a gathering where Booker T Washington will be a speaker to reach out to the community for help, in getting a scholarship to Harvard in order to continue her education. 

 While there Lealie is caught in the middle of a disaster that no one saw coming. A stampede ensues and several people are hurt and some killed. All from a misunderstanding on words. While very sad Lealie and new friend Milton discover there is a huge mystery to uncover that will require the two of them to put their heads together to find resolution.

A really good read for a crisp afternoon!

**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own. 

 

  

Review: Mistletoe and Mayhem by: J Thompson

 

About the Book:

 A Wildfire Races toward the Hadley Ranch

Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book three of a new cozy mystery series.

It’s less than a week until Christmas in Mabank, Texas, and just a few days away from RaeLyn and Mason’s wedding on Hadley ranch. Unfortunately, a wildfire with mysterious origin is rapidly traveling across several counties and headed right for the Hadley acreage. Fire fighters rush to put it out before the family homestead goes up in flames, taking the business and the old red truck with it. Their perfect wedding may be ruined, and RaeLyn and Mason are determined to find the source of the fire.

My Review: 

 I imagine that the Midwest always has wildfires or their potential on their mind. It seems in recent years that it happens a lot more than it use to. RaeLyn and Mason have that same concern probably more often than their friends and family. But these days its extra concerning because of their home and livelihood and that their wedding is only days from taking place. While I like the main characters I am always up for a good Christmas fiction story. My absolute favorite!

 This story takes place during that time. so while wedding planning is all the buzz this addition to the series the pending wildfire and the cause are causing all kinds of emotions in the main two characters and they get down to the bottom of it pronto--wedding or not. 

 **Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.