Saturday, March 21, 2015

Katie's Way


GIVEAWAY
 
PERRY, MARTA
KATIE'S WAY

A quilt shop brings Amish and Englisch together, and trouble follows...

Hoping for a distraction after a personal heartbreak, new arrival Katie Miller sets up her quilt shop on Pleasant Valley’s Main Street, where Amish and Englisch intermingle. It’s not long before a quilting circle forms and women from both worlds are crafting together and sharing their secrets, turning the store into a lively spot for socializing…much to the consternation of the furniture craftsman next door. Caleb Brand has kept to himself since he lost his betrothed under scandalous circumstances, and he could do without all the feminine chatter—and Katie Miller’s carefree attitude.

When Katie becomes involved in promoting Pennsylvania Dutch Days, some in town appreciate the new business it brings. But others are upset about the flood of outsiders it attracts. Katie turns to Caleb for comfort, and despite his resistance, a fragile friendship forms. Then, when acts of vandalism suddenly threaten Katie’s shop—and the peace of Pleasant Valley—Caleb must decide whether to stand by the young woman who has brought a spring thaw to his frozen heart, and Katie must question whether her cherished independence may deprive her of one more chance at love…

My Review:

Published in 2011 and part of the Pleasant Valley series. This one is Book Five but you (thankfully) don't need to read them in order, though I imagine certain character overlap will be more rewarding for readers who have.

Love all the minute details of Amish life that Perry puts into her stories. Text is peppered with Pennsylvania Dutch words easy to understand in context, but she also includes a glossary of words and phrases as well as some mouth-watering Amish recipes at the end of the book. Definitely a read to tease all the senses!

It wasn't long before I became totally engrossed in this character-driven story. Both Katie and Caleb are independent people with a clear view of what the future holds for them...and that's not each other! Their relationship begins with barely suppressed animosity on Caleb's part that makes their eventual wary friendship hard won. But the possibility of 'like' turning into 'love'? Not possible...at least that's what they both tell themselves. Meanwhile their hearts are following along an entirely different path. Such rich romantic development! Thrilled me to my toes.

But there's enough angst to keep a reader on edge too, between a malicious bit of gossip traveling along the Amish grapevine and the sometimes complicated interactions between Amish and Englisch. Lots of fodder for turmoil and Perry doesn't spare her characters (or her readers) until the very end. I'll definitely be catching up on the rest of the Pleasant Valley series so stay tuned.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Katie's Way please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 22 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

11 comments:

  1. Sounds interesting - mainly because the Amish life seems being portrayed more realistically (gossip and all) and nor sugar-coatedly :) As we all are humans :)
    Thanks for great review, Kavm, and count me in, please :)

    janka(dot)halcinova(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. You'd be surprised at how realistic Amish life can be, portrayed in novels, Janka. We'll convert you yet. Good luck.

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    2. Ready to be converted. Really.

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  2. Thank you for a great review, Kav! I would love to read more about Katie and Caleb's story.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  3. Thanks for the review, Kav. This sounds like a very interesting book and I haven't read this one. I have read some of Marta Perry's books and she is a great author.

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    1. And a prolific one. I have lots to catch up on. Good luck, Karen.

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  4. Katie's Way sounds like a great story! Thanks so much for sharing, Kav.

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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  5. Ohhh this sounds like another great book by Marta. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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  6. We have the first book in this series in the church library. Thanks for giving me the chance to win this one.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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