"An Amish Kitchen" by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston & Kelly Long

An Amish Kitchen
Authors: Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kelly Long
Publication Date: December 18, 2012
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Length: 352 Pages
ISBN: 9781401685676

About the Book:

The Amish Kitchen is the Heart of the Home – and the Ideal Setting for Stories of Love and Hope.

Fall in Paradise, Pennsylvania, always brings a brisk change in the weather. This season also ushers in unexpected visitors, new love, and renewed hope for three women.

Fern has a green thumb for growing healing herbs, but longs for love to bloom in her life. Then the next-door neighbor’s oldest son, Abram, comes running into Fern’s kitchen seeking help for his little sister. The crisis soon leads to a promise of romance—until mistrust threatens to end the growing attraction.

Nearby, Hannah runs her parents’ bed and breakfast, Paradise Inn—but her life feels nothing like Paradise. She longs for a man of integrity to enter her life, but never expected him to knock on the front door looking for a room. Will she be able trust Stephen with her future once she discovers his mysterious past?

When a storm blows a tree onto Eve’s farmhouse, she has little choice but to temporarily move her family into her parents’ home. Outside of cooking together in the kitchen, Eve and her mother can’t agree on anything. But this may be just the recipe for hope in healing old wounds.

Three Amish stories—each celebrating love, family, and faith—all taking place in a tight-knit community where the kitchen truly is the heart of the home.

Also Includes Reading Group Guide and 45 Old Order Amish Recipes

My Thoughts:

With three quick and easy to read novellas, "An Amish Kitchen" is the perfect book for those days you just want to curl up with a nice sweet book. Each story has a strong main female character that learns a lesson about love, hope and faith.

Although quite predictable, these stories will warm your heart and make you smile. Beth Wiseman's story appealed to me most, but they were all quite enjoyable. With a nice assortment of recipes in the back of the book, one will be sure to find some recipes that have to be tried right away. Make sure to try the delicious Granola and the Sour Cream Pancakes - they are both very good!

This book will appeal to those that love Amish fiction, clean fiction, and sweet romance type stories.

I received this book through the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

"Silent Night" By Colleen Coble

Silent Night
A Rock Harbor Christmas Novella
Author: Colleen Coble
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Currently only available in eBook format

About the Book:

As Christmas day nears, Bree and her faithful search-and-rescue dog Samson follow the trail of a troubling mystery into the snowy forests of Rock Harbor.

Bree Matthews is preparing for Christmas guests, but her heart is reeling from the recent and tender loss of her unborn child. Her sister-in-law, Lauri, suddenly turns up on the doorstep of the lighthouse home Bree shares with her husband, Kade, in Rock Harbor. Secretive and withdrawn, Lauri seems curiously intent on discovering what happened to a parachuter who disappeared in the North Woods along Lake Superior's icy shore.

As Bree and Samson, her search-and-rescue dog, plunge into the search, Bree wonders if Lauri may know more than she’s admitted about the parachuter. And then the clues lead them to the trail of a young woman whose family fears the worst about her disappearance.

Will the search on this snowy, silent night lead Bree and Samson to more than clues about the missing girl? And will Bree’s prayer for a baby ever be answered?

My Thoughts:

Colleen Coble is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her books contain realistic places, characters and story lines that are guaranteed to keep you up well past your bedtime while you promise yourself just one more chapter...

"Silent Night" is one of those stories. A short novella that takes place around Christmastime, this story does not need the reader to have read the other books in the Rock Harbor series to enjoy and connect with the characters. I find it amazing that Colleen can have the reader become so involved within the span of a novella - it takes a gifted writer to accomplish that, and her gift shines with this story.

Bree Matthews is a very interesting character who's job is both heartbreaking and rewarding. She is quite realistic with her attitude towards her yearning for a special gift for her husband and her reaction to what he has asked of her. She is a character that I want to get to know much deeper. Her lovable character is responsible for me adding the Rock Harbor series to my TBR list!

This heartwarming and somewhat predictable novella is a must read for anyone who loves sappy yet mysterious Christmas stories. If you've never read a Colleen Coble story before, here's a great place to start!!

I received this book through the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

First Snow by Christine Cunningham - Review

First Snow
Willow Reed Series Vol. 1
Author: Christine Cunningham
Publisher: Eternal Beginning Publishing

About the Book:

What's the point Christmas without a family of your own? This question haunts Nell as she struggles to get into the holiday spirit. Her walking partner, Hasan seems to be the answer to her prayers until he mentions he doesn't want children. Will Christmas be a disappointment this year too?

My Thoughts:

Novellas are the type of story that will either really capture my interest or will bore me because of the lack of good character development. "First Snow" won me from the get-go. It  handed me characters that I both enjoyed and felt a connection to. Penelope (Nell) was a woman that felt real and true to life with an honest desire and fear. Hasan, Nell's friend, was not as connectable for me - at least not in the beginning, but by the end, I was adoring him.

This story is based around the Christmas holiday, but could be an anytime read. It is sweet, clean, and had a nice cozy quality that I thoroughly enjoyed. With this being the first volume in the series, I'll be anxiously awaiting the next as I really want to find out what the next chapter in Nell's life holds!

About the Author:

I write fictional stories to uplift and inspire. I am a life-long student of happiness and how to attract it. I compile what I learn and weave it into an understandable and enjoyable story.

To learn more about Christine or her work, you can visit her blog at: http://mungoisischristine.blogspot.com/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/CCNovels
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/E_B_ChristineC

I received an e-copy of this book to read and honestly review.

Cherry Blossom Capers by Gina Conroy, Cara C. Putman, Lynette Sowell, Frances Devine

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card authors are:


Featured Author:

Gina Conroy

Authors of the other novellas in the Cherry Blossom Capers are:

Cara C. Putman, Lynette Sowell, Frances Devine

and the book:

Cherry Blossom Capers

Barbour Books (January 1, 2012)

***Special thanks to Gina Conroy for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Gina Conroy:

Gina Conroy used to think she knew where her life was headed; now she's leaning on the Lord to show her the way.  She is the founder of Writer...Interrupted  where she mentors busy writers and tries to keep things in perspective, knowing God's timing is perfect, even if she doesn't agree with it! ;) She is represented by Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary, and her first novella, Buried Deception, in the Cherry Blossom Capers Collection, releases from Barbour Publishing in January 2012. On her blog Defying Gravity and twitter she chronicles her triumphs and trials as she pursues her dreams while encouraging her family and others to chase after their own passions. Gina loves to connect with readers, and when she isn’t writing, teaching, or driving kids around, you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. 


Visit the author's website.

Cara C. Putman:

Since the time I could read Nancy Drew, I have wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 I attended a book signing at my local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, is history. There I met Colleen Coble. With prompting from my husband, I shared my dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, I've been writing books.

My eleventh novel released in April 2011, and I have also written one non-fiction title (the Complete Idiots Guide to Business Law). Look for three more titles in spring 2012.

In addition to writing, I am an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women's ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, my husband and my kids. I graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!) and George Mason Law School. 

Visit the author's website.

Lynette Sowell:

Lynette Sowell is the award-winning author of four novels and six novellas for Barbour Publishing. In 2009, Lynette was voted one of the favorite new authors by Heartsong Presents book club readers. Her historical romance, All That Glitters, was a finalist in ACFW's 2010 Carol Awards. When Lynette's not writing, she divides her time between editing medical reports and chasing down news stories for the Copperas Cove Leader-Press. Lynette was born in Massachusetts, raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, but makes her home on the doorstep of the Texas hill country with her husband and a herd of cats who have them well-trained. She loves reading, cooking, watching movies, and is always up for a Texas road trip.
You can find Lynette at her Facebook author page. 

Visit the author's website.

Frances Devine:

FRANCES DEVINE is first a Christian, second a Mom, grandmother and great grandmother. After that, the most important thing in her life is books. Like most authors, she can’t remember a time when she didn’t love to read. And right from the beginning, she was crazy about mysteries. When she was in her sixties, she decided it would be fun to write them and the Miss Aggie series was born. She has also written two historical romance series and several novellas. Frances grew up in Texas and still loves her home state, but when she moved to Missouri in 1984, she fell in love with the changing seasons, the trees and hills. The Misadventures of Miss Aggie series is set in the Missouri Ozarks. Frances loves to hear from her readers at fdevine1@gmail.com. She also welcomes comments on her blog .

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Collection Summary, releasing January 2012


Four townhouse neighbors encounter romance and mystery near our nation’s capital. In State Secrets, White House assistant chef Tara Whitley and FBI agent Jack Courtland stop a plot to sabotage a State dinner—and find love still hidden in their hearts. In Dying for Love, attorneys and opponents Ciara Turner and Daniel Evans uncover love while searching for justice. In Buried Deception, archaeologist Samantha Steele and security guard Nick Porter dig up love while uncovering a forged artifact.  In Coffee, Tea and Danger, amateur sleuths Susan Holland and Vince Martini find love while investigating a string of mysterious accidents.

Featured Novella: Buried Deception by Gina Conroy


Mount Vernon archaeology intern and widow Samantha Steele wants to provide for her children without assistance from anyone. Security guard and ex-cop Nick Porter is haunted by his past and keeps his heart guarded. But when they discover an artifact at Mount Vernon is a fake, Nick and Samantha need to work together, set aside their stubbornness, and rely on each other or the results could be deadly. Will Samantha relinquish her control to a man she hardly knows? Can Nick learn to trust again? And will they both allow God to excavate their hearts so they can find new love?

Product Details:

List Price: $7.99

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books (January 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1616266465
• ISBN-13: 978-1616266462

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER OF "BURIED DECEPTION" OF CHERRY BLOSSOM CAPERS:

“Buried Deception” of Cherry Blossom Capers 

Alex, come back!” Samantha Steele’s heart jolted, and she darted after her seven-year-old son. The little renegade ignored her pleas and ran full-throttle toward the dig site behind the slave quarters at Mount Vernon Estates. She glanced at Callie, her nine-year-old, who huffed after her. Why’d her sitter get sick the first day of her archaeology internship?
      Samantha pursued Alex through the upper garden toward the archaeology pit where tourists gathered. Her chest tightened. Squatting in the dirt, her boss seemed oblivious to the runaway locomotive about to cause a train wreck.
      Samantha prayed that her first encounter with her boss wouldn’t be her last, but two years earlier, God didn’t intervene.
      Why would He now?
      “Watch out!” Her warning came late as Alex crashed into a dark-headed man in a navy uniform. God’s answer to prayer wasn’t a surprise. The God she knew remained distant, often
turning up the heat when all she wanted was to escape the fire.
Something thumped against Nick Porter’s hip. His drink blew its top, spilling Coke on his security uniform as he dropped his sack. His double cheeseburger and fries tumbled out. “Hey,
watch it!”
      The kid who’d plowed into him jumped back.
      Two weeks on the job and he’d made a mess of things.
      A petite brunette in khaki shorts scurried to his mangled meal. She stuffed it back in the sack, hunching as she offered it. “So sorry.”
      Nick’s stomach growled. Just what he wanted. A side of dirt with his burger.
      She nudged the freckle-faced kid forward.
      The boy resisted. Nick’s frown softened. So much like—
      She sighed. “My son is sorry, Officer.”
      “It’s Nick Porter, and I’m just security.” Security. He hated the sound of it.
      “What happened to the Mount Vernon police?”
      “One of many cutbacks.”
      She wrote on a business card and handed it to him. Samantha Steele.
      “Send me the dry-cleaning bill.”
      “Don’t worry about it.”
      The blond girl waved her brochure. “This says there’s no food allowed except in the designated eating areas.”
      “This one yours, too?” He pointed to the cherub-faced girl. “Charming kids, Mrs. Steele.” He couldn’t hide his sarcasm, the one emotion that remained.
      “It’s Ms. Steele. My husband died two years ago.”
      Nick spotted Samantha’s naked ring finger. Stupid. As a cop, he never missed a detail. “Sorry.” He paused. “I lost my wife, too.” Why was he confessing to a stranger?
      Her eyes sympathized as if she understood his pain.
      Impossible.
      The kid dug into his pocket. “Here.” Tiny fingers tickled Nick’s palm as the boy released the coins. “I’m really sorry, mister.” The boy’s hazel eyes pierced Nick’s soul.
      Nick fought the stirring as memories surfaced. A heaviness descended as they walked away. He should’ve thanked the kid, or at least refused his money. If he could rewind the last few moments, he would. But God didn’t give second chances.
      If He did, they certainly weren’t free.
Gripping Alex’s hand, Samantha plodded toward the mansion to catch the tour before her orientation. She inhaled the magnolia breeze, her nerves calming. Something about that security guard unsettled her. Sure, he had Cary Grant looks, but minus the cleft chin and charm he was nothing to swoon over. Besides, she wouldn’t play anyone’s leading lady again. Oh boy.
Classic-movie night with her town house neighbors at Cherry Blossom Estates was getting to her.
      The three of them followed the tour into the large mint-green dining room. Samantha admired the intricate white agricultural moldings and crystal dinnerware as the African-
American docent dressed in period attire shared the history.
      Alex looked up. “This ceiling is huge.”
      “They’re double the size of ceilings at the time.” Samantha studied the detailed carving. “Washington was a great innovator.”
      “They had elevators?” Alex whipped his head around. “Can I ride?”
      Callie rolled her eyes. “An innovator, not elevator.”
      “May I have your attention?” The guide adjusted her head scarf. “Please don’t touch anything.” Her plump figure squeezed through the crowd.
      “When my younguns misbehave, I take a switch to them.” The woman’s words grew thick as biscuit gravy. “Can’t have them disrespecting the president now, could I?”
      Samantha withdrew from the woman. But Alex pointed to her name tag. Althea Washington. “Are you related to George Washington?”
      “She can’t be related; she’s a slave, bozo.” Callie elbowed Alex.
      Samantha’s face flushed. “She’s only playing a slave.”
      “Next time I sees Masta Washington, I’ll introduce you so you can ask him yourself.” Althea returned to the front. “We’ll pass through the little parlor with the harpsichord President Washington bought for his stepdaughter, Nelly Custis.” Her Southern accent morphed to normal. She glared at Alex. “Please, keep your hands to yourself.”
      Something seemed off about Ms. Washington’s role playing. “Stay close and act civilized.” Wouldn’t want to upset her if she had some screws loose underneath that head scarf.
      Walking through the little parlor, Samantha squeezed Alex’s hand. Once inside the central passage, her grip relaxed. Marveling at the beautiful mahogany-grained walls, she imagined Washington entertaining guests with doors open as a summer breeze cooled the house.
      Callie walked into the front parlor. Samantha followed, her arms swinging, carefree and—empty. Alex?
      When did she let go? She spun. Surveyed the entryway. No Alex.
      “Where’s your brother?”
      Callie shrugged.
      “Stay with the group.” Samantha hurried across the hall into the small dining room. Footsteps echoed. She peeked out, her heart beating a warning.
      Just her luck Nick Porter’d be patrolling the mansion while Alex went AWOL.
      Samantha waited until Nick disappeared; then she jogged up the staircase and surveyed the second floor. The sign on the first door said Closed for Renovations. She checked the
other rooms. All empty.
      A door slammed. She turned. Alex scurried from the first room.
      “Alex!” she whispered, following him downstairs and through the bedchamber. The study door closed. She raced in and gasped.
      Perched on Washington’s chair, Alex reached toward the terrestrial globe.
      “Stop!” She reached for him, holding her breath as if a tiny wind would send him falling onto the antique.
      He froze.
      She lowered her voice. “I’m not mad.” Yet. “Climb down.”
      Alex eyed the globe, then jumped off and shuffled toward her like Sylvester with a mouthful of Tweety.
      Heat exploded inside her. “Do I need to buy a leash?”
      For the past two years she’d dealt with Alex’s unpredictable behavior. She understood he missed his father, so she’d been patient. “Let’s find Callie.”
      Swinging around for the door, she slammed into a human wall. Her purse fell. Nick Porter retrieved it as she scrambled after her lipstick.
      “Ma’am, you shouldn’t be in here.” He reached to help her up. Their eyes met. “You?”
      “Sorry, we’re leaving.” But before Samantha grabbed Alex’s hand, he raced toward the presidential chair.
      Climbed.
      Reached.
      Touched.
      “Don’t!” Nick ran to him.
      The globe went whirling.
      Samantha gasped as the globe’s stand wobbled, her world teetering on the edge of destruction. She fought to breathe as she reached for the antique. It was too late. Like dominoes the globe toppled, knocking against the table by the window, which sent the brass telescope on top catapulting to the ground.
Nick snatched the telescope pieces from Samantha’s hands. It didn’t take a brain surgeon to see the antique was beyond repair.
      He set the globe upright, examining it and the table that broke the globe’s fall. No scratches or nicks. Now he got his miracle?
      “Sorry, Mommy. Are they still gonna let you work here?”
      Nick stared at Samantha. “What’d he say?”
      “I—I’m doing an archaeology internship. This summer.”
      This wasn’t the last he’d see of her and Captain Chaos? “I’ll have to report this.”
      “Wait. Maybe it can be fixed.”
      As the kid crawled under the desk, remnants of Nick’s paternal heart wanted to comfort the boy. “You’d better come out.” Had he remembered to soften his tone?
      The kid scooted from under the desk. Samantha stroked his hair. “I’ll make everything okay.” She took the eyepiece and barrel from him, tried to fit them together.
      “What am I thinking? This isn’t a flea market item I can fix with glue. It’s Washington’s original brass telescope. It survived over two hundred years and millions of tourists, but it couldn’t survive my son.” Tears welled.
      Nick shifted his weight, wishing she’d dam that river. He wasn’t heartless; he just never knew how to handle women’s emotions. “I’m calling this in now.”
      “Isn’t there something we can do?” Her eyes locked on his like a deer caught in his headlights. He rushed to close the doors on either end of the room. He was insane to risk his job to help this stranger, no matter how much she needed rescuing.
      There was something about her. . .needing him. Voices echoed outside the door. “Stay here.”
      “My daughter—I need to get her.”
      “She’ll be fine.” Nick stepped out. “Room’s closed.” He shut the door.
      “Did you see Callie?”
      “She’s fine.” His gut knotted. “She won’t try a stunt like young Knievel here or turn George’s bed into a trampoline, right?”
      Color pinched Samantha’s cheeks. “Callie would never—just because Alex is curious and clumsy doesn’t make me a terrible mom.”
      “I never said that.”
      “You didn’t have to.” She crossed her arms.
      He shook his head. “We’ll stay put until the tour is finished. Then you’ll find Callie, and we’ll figure this out together.” Together? He definitely needed his head examined. “They have
insurance. I’m sure they’ll understand when we explain.” He took the eyepiece and barrel from her.
      Samantha gripped Nick’s arm. “There has to be another way.”
      An unexpected longing panged. He couldn’t abandon her now.
      With a sigh, he worked the eyepiece into the barrel and sighted toward the Potomac. What? He looked again, his pulse accelerating. A hearty laugh erupted.
      “My life’s falling apart, and you’re laughing?” Samantha’s nostrils flared.
      “It’s not what you think.”
      “Then what’s so funny?”
      “The telescope is a fake.”

My Thoughts:

"Cherry Blossom Capers" contains 4 novellas written by four fantastic authors, but today, I am going to focus on just one of the novellas - Gina Conroy's "Buried Deception". This fast paced romantic suspense will have you quickly turning the pages to see what happens next as Alex and Samantha work together to find clues to find what happened to a missing artifact.

Full of action and suspense, this novella is one that can be read in an afternoon and perfect for an afternoon of escapism.

Two Moons of Sera Blog Tour

I am very pleased and excited to be part of this tour. Pavarti K. Tyler has created an exciting new series that will appeal to teens as well as adults. During this tour, she is hosting a giveaway that you won't want to miss! Make sure to check out the information below to see the prizes and how to enter.

Two Moons of Sera
Author: Pavarti K Tyler
Publisher: Fighting Monkey Press

About the Book:

In a world where water and earth teem with life, Serafay is an anomaly. The result of genetic experiments on her mother's water-borne line Serafay will have to face the very people responsible to discover who she really is. But is she the only one?

All the Fun of YA written for Adults

Two Moons of Sera is a Fantasy/Romance and will be released in a serial format.




My Thoughts:

Being a teen is difficult enough, but when you are a misfit or considered a mistake, it makes life even harder. Add in a war between races  (of which you are a product of both races and accepted by none) and you have Serafay's life - a life of seclusion.

Pavarti created a gripping story of a young girl's struggle to survive in a world that doesn't want her. She penned a tale so engrossing that I didn't put it down until I was finished. Being the first of the series, "Two Moons of Sera" ended in a cliffhanger and it is going to be agonizing waiting for the next book to come out!

Pavarti's writing style is delightful. She creates characters you want to get to know and she gives them some very wise and usual sayings - being quite poetic and philosophical. Her storyline is well paced and keeps one interested and turning the pages.

This is a great novella for both young adult and adult audiences!

About the Author:

Pavarti K Tyler is an artist, wife, mother and number-cruncher who has been committed to causing trouble since her first moment on this Earth. Her eclectic career has flirted with Broadway, Teaching, Law Firms and the IRS. Author of many short stories, Pavarti spans genres from Horror and Erotica all the way to Fantasy. Currently Pavarti is hard at work establishing her Indie Publishing Company Fighting Monkey Press.

Pavarti K Tyler's novel Two Moons of Sera is a Fantasy/Romance and will be released in a serial format beginning this fall. Her next novel Shadow on the Wall is scheduled for release in early 2012. Shadow on the Wall is Book One of The SandStorm Chronicles, the saga of Recai Osman — businessman, philosopher, Muslim and . . . superhero.


You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter or her blog

Order Your Copy Now

As a thank you to all of my amazing readers and supporters, I am hosting a month long rafflecopter giveaway on my blog!  Enter for your chance to win:

• A Gift Bag full of fun-tastic swag
• A $15 itunes gift card
• Ebook basket including:
• Two Moons of Sera by Pavarti K Tyler
• The Dome by Nova Sparks
• Farsighted by Emlyn Chand
• The Mumbo Jumbo Circus by Jane George
• 10,000 word critique of your manuscript
• An Advanced Readers Copy of my upcoming novel Shadow on the Wall

I received an e-copy of this book to read and honestly review for this tour.