The Cactus Creek Challenge

This novel is laugh out loud funny with witty comebacks in difficult situations. To balance out the funny parts Vetsch threw in some mystery, danger, love, and a whole bucket load of stretching opportunities for the challenge contestants.

I really enjoyed how this isn't your typical history nor romance novel. I was drawn into the story immediately and found myself from the beginning of the challenge, guessing who would win. In the end I wasn’t disappointed in how the story wrapped up.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Old West stories and enjoys a good laugh.

*This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.

An Amish Christmas Gift

An Amish Christmas Gift leaves me wanting more, yet happy with the little glimpses into other series. Amy Clipston's story takes us back to rub elbows with the characters in the Kauffman Amish Bakery Series and Kelly Irvin takes us back to The Amish of Bee County. After having invested time into the characters lives by reading the other books, it was exciting to go back and get another glimpse of the stories. I've never read a novel by Ruth Reid, but I enjoyed her novella here. I found myself identifying with Abigail perhaps a bit more than I care to admit. Abigail teaches us to show kindness to everyone and think before you speak.

The novellas feel like they ended short especially Kelly Irvin's. I wish her story had been made into a novel with more details of how the situation played out. Also, I was surprised to find that characters I loved in the original series, that played only small roles in this book, weren't as likable. Eventually one of the characters in A Christmas Visitor won me over by showing the same kindness as in The Beekeeper's Son.

*This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.

Macrame Fashion Accessories & Jewelry

A popular 70's craft with current day projects. Sure there are some throwbacks to the 70's, but many of the patterns are current. I love the pattern for the pretty edging on the stole. The small jewelry is simple enough my 8 year old daughter could make them with me.

I appreciate how the book not only gives me the degree of difficulty for each pattern, but they show me the techniques being used.

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to try their hand at macrame.

*This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.

Joline's Redemption

Action packed, tense, and exciting to the end. This book was entertaining to read and worth the late nights. Although the story is set in the late 1800's, Vickie McDonough did a wonderful job incorporating current lessons for us to learn. One nugget that can be taken from Joline's Redemption is how to God, sin is sin; man ranks sin as some being worse than others, but God sees them all the same. She weaves God in the story so naturally and easily it didn't feel like a random "God drop".

I really enjoyed the story and recommend it to anyone who enjoys old west stories.

*This novel was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.

The Mistress of Tall Acre

The Mistress of Tall Acre is an engaging story that is difficult to put down. We read through a whirlwind of struggles, death, legal battles and so much more. I kept thinking I had to be nearing the end of the book because so much had happened, but I would only be at 40%, 60%, ect. And my goodness the twists the book takes.

This is a novel I struggle to leave a review for that doesn't include spoilers. I absolutely loved it! I read the book until I feel asleep and woke up to read it some more. I would recommend it to anyone who loves novels about the Revolutionary War or just great stories.

*This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.

The Christmas Cradle

The cover and title of this book doesn't do the riveting story justice. This is an Amish story unlike any I have ever read. Charlotte Hubbard hit multiple big and current topics in The Christmas Cradle. She covers the consequences of premarital relations, revenge, shunning, death, love and grace. This was a book I struggled to put down. It's a mixture of sweet and intense moments all wrapped up in grace.

I would recommend this book to anyone enjoys a mystery or Amish fiction. It's definitely a great read.

*This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.

Safe In His Arms

Safe in His Arms is a late night, edge of your seat, reading till you pass out from exhaustion kind of novel. If you love action and mystery novels you should give this one a read. Colleen hits on inheritance debates, murder, bank robbers, and of course love. I could relate to Margaret's feelings on her looks. Actually I believe most women find flaws in their appearance. We can all view ourselves to tall, short, heavy, skinny, big feet, small boobs and so on. Yet, despite our shortcomings, those closest to us can see the real us.


This book was a great read that I really enjoyed to the breath holding end.

*This book was given to me years ago for an honest review by Net Galley. I downloaded the book, but somehow missed reading it. Many apologies to Colleen Coble for delaying this review. It truly is a wonderful book.

The Curiosity Keeper

The Curiosity Keeper is a riveting book that dives into strenuous family relationships, loyalty, and purpose. I found myself glued to the story while weaving through the clashes between different classes, the missing Bovey, and a host of issues. This is one mystery novel I couldn't put down until I was done and even then I found myself thinking about the characters. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good mystery book. Even my eight year old daughter was caught up in the story.

*This book was given to me by Net Galley for an honest review.

Spectacular Selection of Sea Critters

My eight year old daughter and I read this together. We enjoyed the bright colors and fun rhymes. The book was a bit difficult to read, especially on a laptop, because of the creative illustrations and how the words were woven throughout it. However, we enjoyed it. If you have a child who enjoys the sea this would be a fun addition to their reading collection.

*This book was given to me by Net Galley for an honest review.

Made With Love

Made With Love by Tricia Goyer and Sherry Gore is a different look on Amish life in Sarasota, Florida. I enjoyed reading how Lovina's family adapted to life away from a farm. One thing we can take away from this story is how to handle someone's past. Do we hold it against them or look at who they are now? This seems like an easy decision until we're faced with the choice. There are quite a few things we can learn from this book about marriage, trust in God, and community.

Although I enjoyed the story it did feel slow. I was near the end of the book when I felt the excitement pick up. Do I need excitement? I need a story that will grip me enough I can't put it down till I'm done. I read the last 20% of the book in one sitting because I HAD to know how it ended; I wish I felt that way in the first 20%.

*This book was given to me by Net Galley for an honest review.

Stay! A Top Dog Story

Fun book with great illustrations. Ben knows his dog's quirks well and leaves humors, yet helpful note on how to care for him. One thing we can learn is that a little training goes a long way with dogs.

My third grader found it inspiring on how to write a short story for school this year.

*This book was given to me by Net Galley for an honest review.

A Bride at Last

A Bride at Last is a whirlwind of hurt, troubled pasts, and a little bit of love. There's a lot of action packed into this book; enough that I thought surely I'm nearing the end when I was less than halfway through. There's so much hurt and pain that I found myself grieving for these people. I can't imagine going a lifetime without a kind word or touch. Under all the story lines we see lessons that we can take away like not judging people for who they were, but who they are.

Overall it was a great story that I would definitely recommend and possibly read again.

*The novel was given to me by Net Galley for an honest review.

The Gift

The Gift by Wanda E. Brunstetter didn't disappoint!!! We journey through love, sacrifices, loss, pain, and so much more. This is one of those books I struggle to put down because I'm always at a "good part". You seem to settle or calm one issue and suddenly find yourself building up in another area. We have unlikely meetings and chances for new beginnings. It's a whirlwind of a story that leaves me wanting to read more.

While all the relationships are growing, building and blossoming we learn of Leah's love for humming birds. This isn't just a little "I like hummers" and moving on. A lot of facts are shared about the little guys. It made me wish I had a feeder to put out so we can attract our own humming birds.

*This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.

The Promise Box

The Promise Box is a powerful book about loss, love, consequences, and your personal walk with God. We get to see the beauty of adoption after horrific circumstances and the love of a mother. We also witness the over protection of some parents and the patient love of others.

I found this book quite inspiring and at times I was moved to tears. Tricia Goyer's sprinkled wonderful life nuggets throughout the book.

*This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review. This is my second time reading it after I realized I didn't review it the first time.

The Undercover Bride

The Undercover Bride is an intriguing book about theft, deception, love, and danger. I was quickly drawn in and HAD to find out how it would end which involved some late night reading. The characters are engaging and loveable. I enjoyed reading the mystery unfold.

*This book was given to me to read by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Heart of the Amish: Life Lessons on Peacemaking and the Power of Forgiveness

I don't read book descriptions because I like the mystery so imagine my surprise that this wasn't another fictional story about an Amish family. I enjoyed the true stories of adversities and how they were overcome. The nuggets of wisdom were truly inspiring. I found myself highlighting throughout the chapters the wonderful points. One thing I loved about this book, even though it's Amish, everyone can find stories they can relate to. Actually, the story about the red coat and the advice that followed were quiet timely for me to read because of a situation with a family member.

This is definitely a book I will be recommending to anyone who wants to learn more about forgiveness and dealing with adversities overall.

*NetGalley gave me a copy of The Heart of the Amish for an honest review.

40 Fun Fables

40 Fun Fables really isn't fun. I thought my daughter would enjoy it given she won both her school and district speech meets, however her connection would only illicit mild interest. Most of the fables seem harsh with "morals" saying things like "It's good to be nice, but watch your back." Several times I would think of what I felt was a better moral to end the story with. I was excited to see fables by Aesop, but that excitement quickly fizzled when I read the quality of the stories. My daughte 40 Fun Fables really isn't fun. I thought my daughter would enjoy it given she won both her school and district speech meets, however her connection would only illicit mild interest. Most of the fables seem harsh with "morals" saying things like "It's good to be nice, but watch your back." Several times I would think of what I felt was a better moral to end the story with. I was excited to see fables by Aesop, but that excitement quickly fizzled when I read the quality of the stories. My daughter recited the Fox and the Crow by Aesop for the district speech meet; where are fables like that? *This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.

The Creole Princess

The Creole Princess is full of suspense, danger, and amazing people helping their own. We have guys who are in love with their girl, but will they ever marry? We see different social classes intermixing and clashing. The story is so engaging I was quite shocked and disappointed when I reached the end. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the characters. Beth White drew me in with her amazing portrayal of Lyse Lanier. She's a strong woman in every way.
This book was quite enjoyable.
*This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.

Empire's End

The Empire's End is a fictional take on the life of Paul with a mixture of facts that will leave you reaching for your Bible. Jerry Jenkins did a wonderful job of showing us Paul is human; he had feelings and desires just like the rest of us. Because he's a real guy and the novel is written so well, you might find yourself searching Acts to see what's Jerry's imagination and what's really in the Bible. It's definitely an inspiring read.

*This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.

Murder Freshly Baked

Murder Freshly Baked is full of mystery, love, and faith. What I loved about this book is how the love isn’t boy meets girl so much as caring for those around you. Vannetta had me guessing till the end who the perpetrator was, but I wasn’t surprised. And through it all, I appreciate how the characters try to put God first.

I loved the book. Part of me is sad to say goodbye to the characters.

Dino-Mike and the T. Rex Attack

Dino-Mike is a fast pace, action book that left my 8 year old wanting to read more. She actually said she wishes more kids could read the book. She loved Mike's special jacket and all it's cool features.
I loved how the story pulled her in and made her want to read more by this author. Just to keep up with the technology age we're in, there were futuristic devices and a well equipped jacket that had just what Mike needed, when he needed it. We'll definitely be reading more by Franco.

Side note: my daughter used this book for her book report due this Friday. =)

Uncharted Inheritance

Uncharted Inheritance by Keely Brooke Keith is as amazing as I expected it to be. I found myself reading it slowly so it would last longer, but when I wasn't reading I was wondering what was going on in the story.  Keely definitely has me hooked.

The story is about a naive 18 year old who of course knows everything. There's a fatal disease introduced into The Land.  The morals and customs of The Land are brought into question. And a promising relationship is in jeopardy because of reckless decisions. Will The Land be invaded? How many will die from the fatal disease? Will relationships be shattered? You'll have to read the story to find out the answers to these questions and more.

Once A Thief

Once A Thief by Lora Young is a moving story about love, loss, trust, and so much more. Time and time again we're shown what true love is. We're shown that a person's value isn't measured by their current circumstances. Then again, we also see those who do harshly judge others by their situation, all while missing their own faults. Through all the trials we see the thread of love winding it's way throughout the book. It's an amazing story that I couldn't put down. And before anyone thinks it's a fluffy love story, perhaps I should mention it also has it's fair share of mystery, danger and murder.

The Love Letters

The Love Letters by Beverly Lewis, shows how families cope with a handicap child; some parents don't handle it well. It also dives into death, grief, acceptance of different denominations, guardianship, dementia, and a whole lot of emotions. Yes, it's a packed book. Let's face it, life is a roller coaster. Beverly did a wonderful job capturing many different trails in life that we all face. What happens when the man you plan to marry disagrees with your current situation? Do you still associate with people who worship God, but in a different denomination? What if your first child arrives with difficulties you didn't expect? How do you handle waking up one day not knowing your name, address, or if you're still married? What happens when a family member gets hurt or dies? Who watches the deceased's children or takes care of their spouse? Beverly shows her families all walking some hard paths and through it all they're unknowingly helping each other heal from their crippling mindsets. Through the crazy roller coaster of life, true love reigns.

The Beekeeper's Son

The Beekeeper's Son is a captivating story about loss and love in a dwindling Amish community. This is one of those novels I want to read when I can't, stay up reading much later than I should, and have regrets when I'm done. It's been a long time since I've read a novel this gripping.

Kelly Irvin has a new fan.

Finley Flowers Original Recipe

Finley Flowers Original Recipe isn’t my cup of tea. The kids have fun mixing different ingredients for a cooking contest while they struggle with lack of parental supervision and not listening to each other’s ideas. I’m not a fan of teaching my daughter she can treat someone different simply because she’s jealous of them. Also, the mention of playing with a Ouija board and meditating were completely unnecessary in the story.

Alien Invasion in My Backyard: An EMU Club Adventure

I loved it and my eight year old will too. This story reminds me of Phineas and Ferb. We have three kids and a dog having a crazy adventure. Of course a problem will come up and the trio must band together to solve it. This story is full of surprises. It's a fun read that I would suggest to all young chapter book readers who love adventures.

Treasure Town

Treasure Town by Doug Wilhelm is a playful tale of three children and two accident prone stowaways who are searching for pirate treasure in a small Florida town. Some of the characters have fun names like Speedup and Bug Luck. I appreciate the playful names because they hold my daughter's interest and she can pronounce them.

For me the two men stole the show. No matter what they did or where they went, a mishap was sure to follow. And of course they couldn't do something little with small repercussions. No, they must start a little something and before you know it the whole town is living with the immediate fallout. Can you say T-R-O-U-B-L-E?

I read the book first and then had my eight year old read it to me. She quickly go into the story and read for almost 40 minutes before I realized it was past bedtime. She enjoyed it so much she begged to keep reading. She loved both the riveting story and the illustrations. We both give the book two thumbs up!

Covering Home

Covering Home is a whirlwind love story that crosses the globe. Caleb and Britt are quickly off again - on again while sharing passionate kisses and debating if what they have can even last. Now mix in careers that are pulling them different directions and you have a full blown drama on your hands.

This book took me a while to finish because I was uncomfortable with the level of intimacy shown so early on in the relationship. After knowing each other a couple days they are locking lips in what's described in such passionate detail I expected them to go back to one of their hotel rooms. Shortly after the kissing scenes the two are back to debating their relationship. Drunk driving is mentioned at one point, but it doesn't stop anyone from drinking. Thankfully they mostly have someone else driving. God, church, or anything spiritual are hardly mentioned which makes me question this book being placed in Christian fiction. There never seemed to be a spiritual awakening.

An Amish Cradle

An Amish Cradle is a four part novella made up of all the good parts of a normal Amish novel that we don't normally get to read. I really enjoyed this twist on the typical Amish story. It's not boy meets girl, but now that they're married and having a baby real life's problems are crashing in around them. The stories deal with step children, life after loss, special needs, and financial struggles. These novellas were so well written two of them were hard for me to read because they hit so close to home. The emotions portrayed were spot on.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves Amish fiction and wonders what happened after the wedding.

Murder Tightly Knit

Murder Tightly Knit is an intriguing suspense novel. First off Vannetta Chapman  leaves behind the sneaky murder in book one by outright murdering her victim in book two. Suddenly we have English and Amish people all trying to figure out who's the killer. As a side note, I love that Vannetta blends the two worlds; it's not Amish in one corner and English in the other. Both worlds may worship separately, but they work together as friends. When the blended group of friends decide to look into the murder they find themselves in danger, building new friendships, and breaking sterio types. Overall, the book is a wonderful read that at times will leaving you guessing. If you're like me there will also be times you want to pop some of the characters in the back of the head. Why do they all feel they must touch and move evidence? To the Murder Tightly Knit characters, don't touch anything just call the police!

Uncharted Redemption

Author Keely Brooke Keith, has once again delivered a riveting tale of the Colburn family that is chopped full of danger, death, and love. In this novel we learn more about the mysterious island and the link of where and when people have stumbled upon The Land. We're also reminded to take what we can from a bad situation; that might mean changing our perspective or actions.


Personally, I enjoyed the book right up till the end. I felt drawn into the characters lives and like always, I wanted to know more. Because I was no longer questioning the where, why, and how's of the island, like in book one, I enjoyed it so much more.


Come on summer 2015 so we can get the rest of the story!