An Amish Barn Raising

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CLIPSTON, AMY

IRVIN, KELLY

FULLER, KATHLEEN

An Amish Barn Raising

Three sweet stories entered around Amish traditions and the possibility of romance.

Building a Dream by Amy Clipston -- Though they've known each other a long time, Kathryn and Anthony have decided to becoming more than friends -- but they are devastated when Kathryn's father won't allow them to date. He wants his daughter to marry a man with a more respectable job than building gazebos for Englishers. But when Kathryn's father's dairy barn burns down during a thunderstorm, Anthony is the one to arrange a barn raising. Will Kathryn's father realize he has misjudged Anthony?

To Raise a Home by Kelly Irvin -- A year after the wildfires, life has returned to normal for the West Kootenai Amish community. Evan Eicher, son of Deacon Tobias Either, has done his best to move on too. Helping his neighbours and friends rebuild has helped soothe a heart broken when Delilah Mast -- the woman he loves but never had the courage to approach -- moved with her family back to Kansas. At his father's urging, he courts Anna Burkholder, a sweet woman who adores him. But when Delilah moves back to teach school, Evan must wrestle with feelings he's tried so hard to put in the past. And an accident at a barn raising will force Anna, Delilah, and Evan to face their truth about their hearts.

Love's Solid Foundation by Kathleen Fuller -- Devon Bontrager only returned to his old hometown to make good on a past misdeed. He hadn't counted on reconnecting with Nettie Miller, especially since she strung along his younger twin brothers some years ago. Nettie knows she made some mistakes in the past, but she's determined to be an asset to her community from now on. But just as she's making headway, her family's barn burns to the ground. Why does it seem like God is punishing her family when she's finally starting to turn her life around? Can she convince Devon that she has changed? Can Devon trust the woman who toyed with his brothers' hearts?

My Review:

Love the way these three authors have put their own unique spin on a common theme and there's nothing as iconic to the Amish as a barn raising! Each novella delivers depth in both character and plot, providing the kind of sigh-worthy happily-ever-after this reader loves. Times three!

And -- bonus (to this reader, at least, who might just have worn her eyeballs out from a life time of reading) -- this collection comes in the larger paperback format (traditional Christian Fiction paperback vs mass market pocket size!) so it was a real pleasure to read!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook -- reader's choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of An Amish Barn Raising, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday January 15 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

An Amish Christmas Bakeshop

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

CLIPSTON, AMY

WISEMAN, BETH

FULLER, KATHLEEN

IRVIN, KELLY

AN AMISH CHRSTMAS BAKERY

From bestselling authors in the Amish genre come four delicious stories perfect for celebrating love, joy, and the holiday season.

Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston -- As Christmas draws near, Alyssa Byler decides to build a sugar cookie nativity scene for the window display of the bakery where she works. She just needs the right cookie cutters -- and handsome blacksmith Kyle Smoker can help. The striking display brings more tourists to the bakery than she can handle, and when shoppers request handmade cookie cutters of their own, Kyle finds himself overwhelmed by the demand. Together, they must put aside the holiday rush and spend time celebrating the season that has brought them together.

Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman -- Katie Swartzentruber has been left in charge of her family's bakery, but she soon finds herself overwhelmed with orders during the holiday season. She is tempted to move her Old Order family into the modern world of using a propane oven to help with the world. Meanwhile, her childhood friend Henry Hershberger is trying to find the courage to tell Katie he's harboured a secret crush on her for years. As the demands of the bakery grown more intense, both Katie and Henry have to decide what really matters...and find the courage within themselves to go after it.

Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller -- Mattie Shetler is an expert baker, so when her aunt Carolyn begs for help during the busy Christmas rush, Mattie eagerly packs her bags and heads to Birch Creek. What she doesn't know is that her uncle has also asked for help with the bakery's new expansion, and he's asked none other than Peter Kaufman, Mattie's sworn enemy. With Christmas just around the corner, Mattie and Peter must open their hearts to the greatest gifts of the season; forgiveness and maybe even love.

Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin -- Martha Ropp works hard at her family's bakery, making cakes and pies in preparation not only for Christmas but the many community weddings, including her sister's. Before Martha's mother passed away, she hired Ambrose Hershberger to make deliveries during their busy season. Martha remembers Ambrose as a gentle giant from her school days but soon discovers that still waters run deep. The more they work together, the more they want to spend time together outside of the bakery, but both Martha and Ambrose are too timid to make the first move. That's when the town matchmakers step in.

My Review:

published in 2019

There's something about Amish novella collections at Christmas that make me all warm and cozy inside. I actually start craving them in September and by the time the snow flies I'm eager to curl up with the kind of classic, timeless, heartwarming stories that you'll find in this collection. I mean, you can't go wrong with this line-up of all-star Amish Fiction authors, right? And do they ever deliver! 

Love the common thread of the bakery setting (is there anything more Christmas-y than a bakeshop?) And I'm amazed at how each author uses her unique voice to create four distinctive stories. There's humour, angst,  and the simple pleasure of enjoying the true meaning of Christmas...and romance...through the eyes of these delightful characters.

A stellar collection.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

*please note -- I attempted to take a nasty price sticker off the  front cover of this book and, while I succeeded, it lifted off some of the border garland in the upper right hand corner of the cover. It's not ripped or hole-y or anything though -- phew!!!. 

If you would like a chance to win a copy of An Amish Christmas Bakeshop, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday December 4 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

Hooked On You

GIVEAWAY

FULLER, KATHLEEN

HOOKED ON YOU

When her grandmother injures herself sliding into third base, Riley McAllister must return to her small hometown to help run the family yarn store in this sweet, lighthearted romantic comedy.

Riley McAllister left the small Arkansas town of Maple Falls after graduating high school, hoping to make it big in New York as a mixed media artist. She's still pursuing her dream when her grandmother begs her to come home and help her manage the store while she recovers from a broken leg she got after sliding into third base during a church softball game (she was safe, by the way.) Riley agrees, planning to convince her grandmother to sell the old shop and retire so Riley can get back to the big city. New York is where she belongs, not some hick town that doesn't even have a decent coffee shop.

Hayden Price's life hasn't turned out as he expected either. He still works in the hardware store his family has owned for several generations after his chance to make it out of Maple Falls ended when he blew out his pitching arm during a minor league game. Stuck with debt from college and a broken engagement, he decides to make the best of things when he comes back to Maple Falls and puts together the town's first church softball team -- with him as coach, of course.

Riley and Hayden went to high school together but ran in totally different circles. In fact, it's safe to say they hated each other. Will that change when the softball team unexpectedly brings them together? Or will the pain and disappointment of their past failures keep them from discovering love in Maple Falls?

My Review:

I'm always excited to follow an author into a new genre since I dabble in pretty much everything but science fiction so I was thrilled to see Kathleen Fuller with a new contemporary romance series starting up. 

Absolutely love the small town setting -- with a twist. This tired old town with stores on the verge of collapse isn't the usual feel-good backdrop...and I love it! The possibilities for future books are endless and the unique challenges reviving Maple Falls presents to this next generation is so relatable. Lots of story fodder here.

Hayden has always known he has Maple Falls in his genes. He's never wanted to live anywhere else so when his baseball career tanks going home is his soft place to land. His solid family background and hometown hero status makes it easy for him to slip back into town life.

Unlike Riley, whose rough upbringing has her hackles permanently up. It's amazing the girl can walk upright with the weight of that chip on her shoulder! I'm going to warn you right now, be ready to extend some grace to this prickly heroine. She's going to need a large dose before she worms her way into your heart...but she'll do that by the end. Guaranteed. 

So we have Hayden who has pretty much sailed through life, admittedly with a few bumps along the way, but he's had the blessing of a secure childhood where all his needs were provided for, from temporal to spiritual all wrapped up in love. Those kinds of deep roots keep a person grounded no matter what life throws at them.

Then we have Riley, whose foundation was built on insecurity and neglect which isn't any foundation at all, really. It's left her with a driving need to prove herself. She's forever waiting to be noticed. To be good enough. Worthy. Successful. Only her idea of success is skewed and she's her own worst enemy with her stand offish behavior and grimly guarded heart.

So, yes, this is an emotional story. The romance stems from a bit of unrequited teenage love and a whole lot of wary stops and starts along the way to the very hard won happily-every after. But there are delightfully funny moments as well, often courtesy of Riley's grandmother and her BBs (Bosom Buddies) who aren't above a little matchmaking manipulations. 

I love the way the author has set the stage for future books as we are introduced to a host of appealing secondary characters who definitely need their chance to shine in their own stories! And I want to stick around for Maple Fall's revitalization!

I listened to the audible edition of this book narrated by Lauren Berst and really enjoyed her interpretation of these characters as she brought them to life.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Hooked On You, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday July 3 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

An Amish Christmas Wedding

GIVEAWAY

CLIPSTON, AMY

FULLER, KATHLEEN

IRVIN, KELLY

CHAPMAN, VANNETTA

AN AMISH CHRISTMAS WEDDING

From bestselling authors of Amish fiction comes four delightful stories perfect for celebrating love, joy, and the everyday miracles Christmas brings.

Evergreen Love by Amy Clipston -- Ryan Lapp had promised to marry Lorene Bontrager as soon as he was able to build them a house, but the day never came. Ryan moved away. Five years later, Lorene has settled in to her old mail role, and she's shocked when her younger sister announces her quick engagement to Ryan's younger brother. As they rush to plan the wedding, Lorene is constantly around the family she almost joined. Worse, she's forced to face Ryan himself, who has returned to town. As both Ryand and Lorene examine their own feelings, they must decided if they can find grace with each other -- and the young people they once were -- this Christmas season. There just might still be love in their future.

Wreathed in Joy by Kathleen Fuller -- Mary Wengerd and Jakob Mullet have been best friends since childhood. Pressured by friends and family, they decided to date -- with disastrous results. When they break up, their friendship is ruined. A year later, Mary is baking her Englisch friend's wedding and groom cakes for a Christmas Eve wedding. Mary loves the Christmas season, and had always dreamed of marrying during that time. Now she wonders if she'll ever marry. After she and Jakob form a tenuous new friendship, Mary breaks her arm. As he steps in to help her with the cakes, Mary is inexplicably and suddenly falling for him. But they've already dated, and that ended so horribly. Could it be better this time?

Holiday of Hope by Kelly Irvin -- Henry Lufkin is one of four bachelors who lived in the West Kootenai, Montana cabins that were destroyed by wildfires. He's the only one of them who hasn't since married, but he likes his solitude. Then an old friend asks him to care for his son, and Henry has to share his small cabin and his life with bewildered and rebellious ten-year-old Tommy. When the child encounters trouble at school, Henry reaches out to Tommy's teacher. Leesa Yoder never expected to find herself single and teaching sixteen young scholars, and she certainly didn't anticipate an inexperienced bachelor telling her how to do her job. Amid the flying sparks, can Henry and Leesa see that there might be hope and love in this unexpected situation?

A Christmas Prayer by Vannetta Chapman -- Widower Micah Miller runs the Amish Tour Company, offering Englischers a glimpse of a simpler life as well as tea at Rachel King's. Rachel has never married and has recently lost her parents. When Micah comes across an abandoned and injured dog, he gives it to Rachel for company. As Rachel is charmed by the dog and shocked by news of the existence of family she never expected, her heart and mind bend toward the possibilities of change in her life -- even toward the possibility of love.

My Review:

What a fantastic collection! How could it not be, given the authors who contributed to it. All four novellas are expertly developed so that they deliver all the heart-stirring, angst-anxious romance you'd find in a full-length novel. 

Amy Clipston's Evergreen Love bears all the mixed emotions that come with a reunion romance. I could feel both Lorene and Ryan's confusion and hurt. A classic case of how not talking things out resulted in a five year estrangement and now they are thrown together amidst the flurry of wedding preparations for their younger siblings. Loved the way they warily mended fences and then finally had that long overdue discussion. Clipston draws out the mystery behind their rift with page-turning perfection. A sigh-worthy holiday romance.

In Holiday of Hope by Kelly Irvin, a troubled orphan becomes the unlikely catalyst that draws widower and now confirmed bachelor Henry to disappointed-in-love teacher Leesa. There's a beautiful message about trusting God even in the hard times that resonates with all three characters. A second chance love story with lots of heart and few toe-curls!

I do so love a friends-to-lovers romance but in Kathleen Fuller's Wreath of Joy, things go terribly awry. Besties since childhood, Mary and Jakob allowed themselves to be swayed by friends and family into pursing something more. Six months of courting proved they were better friends than romantic partners. A year later and they still haven't managed to recapture that besties mojo...or shake the feeling that something more might still be a possibility. Their confusion and longing is palpable and creates the kind of angsty/tender ambiance that's perfect for a holiday romance.

Vannetta Chapman delivers a sweet and heartwarming later-in-life romance between Micah and Rachel in A Christmas Prayer. I'm still grinning over the surprise star of their story -- an injured stray dog that teaches Rachel something about love and acceptance and living fully in each moment. There's even a bit of a family history mystery to add to the festive holiday spirit. A timeless love story filled with the magic of Christmas.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice

If you would like a chance to win a copy An Amish Christmas Wedding, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 7 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

An Amish Summer

GIVEAWAY

GRAY, SHELLEY SHEPARD
CLIPSTON, AMY
FULLER, KATHLEEN
IRVIN, KELLY
AN AMISH SUMMER

Four Amish stories about summer romance.

A Reunion in Pinecraft by Shelley Shepard Gray

When sisters Sharon and Sherrilyn Kramer attend a wedding in Shipshewana, one of them returns with a new penpal while the other returns to her job at the bakery. After sending weekly letters back and forth, Sherry and Graham Holland arrange a reunion in Pinecraft. Upon Graham's arrival, however, he realizes he's been writing to the wrong sister. Can he sort through the confusion in time to turn the worst vacation ever into something truly wonderful?

Summer Storms by Amy Clipston

Ariana is counting down the days until her wedding to Jesse. They had been friends longer than Ariana could remember, and that friendship had turned into love over the past couple of years. But when Ariana's brother, Tobias, who happens to be Jesse's best friend, gets them both in trouble, Ariana's puts an end to her engagement to Jesse. Some summer storms pass quickly, but Ariana is afraid the damage from this one may be too much to repair.

Lakeside Love by Kathleen Fuller

Esther has always lived in the shadow of her beautiful younger sister Sarah. Even the boy she has known -- and loved -- her entire life, Judah, only has eyes for Sarah. But when a handsome young Englischer cmes to live with the family for a summer, everything begins to change.

One Sweet Kiss by Kelly Irvin

Everybody in Little Bee county, Texas, can see the obvious: Jacob King and Martha Byler are meant to be together. Everyone, that is, except Martha. Ever since her mother died when Martha was a young girl, she has taken over the role of caregiver to her large family. And restless Jacob, who has had a little too much fun on his rumspringa, only seems to add to the list of people to manage. But one summer changes everything, and these two may just find a way to meet in the middle and share one sweet kiss.

My Review:

Love me a summertime read chock-full of summer romance. Add in the fact that they are all Amish novellas by some of the best authors in the biz and my bibliophile euphoria is complete. These compact stories deliver a satisfying punch of angst along with the sweet bliss of romance. There's a great mix in this collection -- humour, drama, emotional highs and lows and, of course, the sublime hope of not one but four happily-ever-afters! Absolutely perfect for some lazy, hazy summer days of reading.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of An Amish Summer, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday June 29 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Teacher's Bride

GIVEAWAY

FULLER, KATHLEEN
THE TEACHER'S BRIDE

If there is one thing Christian Ropp will not allow in his classroom -- or his life -- it is chaos. So why is he drawn to Ruby Glick, a woman who brings mayhem wherever he goes?

Christian Ropp moves to Birch Creek to accept a teaching position in the rapidly growing Amish community. He's determined to put the rambunctious school in order as well as check another task off his list: find a wife. Of course, that would be easier if women were like textbooks, straightforward and logical.

When an accident puts Christian out of commission, a new community member named Ruby Glick takes over his classroom. But Ruby's exuberant teaching style clashes with Christian's careful methods, and he worries his students will never be the same.

With a track record of catastrophe, Ruby always feels too clumsy, too distracted, too...much. Desperate for a chance to prove that she can do more than make mistakes in her life, she throws herself into her new teaching position. But when Christian can't seem to stay out of her way, she finds herself slipping into old, chaotic tendencies.

What she doesn't anticipate is that Christian's heart is slowly catching up with his mind -- and she, too, must decide whether to follow logic or love.

My Review:

A funny and tender and awkward romance guaranteed to make you squirm and blush and giggle. Christian's linear thinking tendencies lend to some hearty guffaw moments as he bumbles his way through various social situations. But then he's kindhearted and can be unexpectedly empathetic at times. Ruby is all wild impulses and outgoing enthusiasm that often leaves her in hot water. He's pragmatic. She's idealistic. And yet they become unlikely allies and then friends and then....well, it's complicated!

Fuller brings her readers back to Birch Creek, Ohio in this brand new series -- Amish Brides of Birch Creek. I've enjoyed books from the previous series -- Amish Letters of Birch Creek and Amish of Birch Creek -- so it's going to be fun spotting familiar characters as well as getting to know new ones in these books.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Teacher's Bride, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 23 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

An Amish Hope

GIVEAWAY

WISEMAN, BETH
REID, RUTH
RULLER, KATHLEEN
An Amish Hope

Three novellas:

A Choice to Forgive by Beth Wiseman (also published in An Amish Christmas) -- After Daniel disappeared that long ago Christams Eve, Lydia built a life with his brother. But now she's a widow and Daniel has reappeared, asking for forgiveness. Can she go back to her normal life with her long-lost love as her neighbour?

Always His Providence by Ruth Reid (also published in An Amish Miracle) -- Widow Rosa Hostetler has one month to pay her delinquent taxes before the county auctions her farm. She's prepared to sell whatever is necessary to pay the lien, but she isn't willing to request money from the community's widow fund. She's embarrassed and refuses to admit she needs help. Rosa depends on income from selling eggs, but when that income is threatened, only a miracle can help Rosa accept the kindness of a neighbour.

A Gift for Anne Marie by Kathleen Fuller (also published in An Amish Second Christmas) -- Anne Marie and Nathaniel have been best friends since they were kids. Now things are evolving...in ways everyone else predicted long ago. But when her mother suddenly decides to remarry in another state, Anne Marie's new chapter with Nathaniel looks doomed to end before it begins.

My Review:

A Choice to Forgive first published in 2009
Always His Providence first published in 2013
A Gift for Anne Marie first published in 2014
Thanks to my public library for providing me with an array of retro reads.

I have to admit to being utterly confused and a tad miffed by Zondervan's decision to republish novellas in different collections. It's so frustrating trying to figure out whether you have read them before. As it happens, I had read two out of the three in this collection. Thankfully I got the book from my library so I'm not out of pocket for it but still....Gah!!!! (strangled befuddled groan.)

And it seems like they are all coming from the same collections only mixed up instead of just re-releasing the novellas in the original collections so it would be easier for a reader to know if she has them already. I get that they are appealing to the regular market (aka not Christian) with the smaller trade paperback size in the hopes of cashing in on the popularity of Amish fiction and I'm all for our Christian publishers being innovative to compete with the mass market industry but...I dunno...this feels kinda sneaky somehow.

So -- BUYER BEWARE -- you may have these novellas already in your collection under different titles so I suggest doing your research before buying.

Even though I'm wee bit disgruntled at the publisher, that's no reflection on the authors or the quality of their work. This is an excellent collection -- I mean, how can it not be with contributions from Beth Wiseman, Ruth Reid and Kathleen Fuller?! Each novella has the depth and characterization associated with longer works. The plots are rich, the writing polished and each story is a joy to read....or re-read as the case may be. :-) These writers know how to deliver heartwarming and faith infused love stories that will always leave me coming back for more.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of An Amish Hope, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca.  If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday July 22 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

An Amish Cradle

GIVEAWAY

WISEMAN, BETH
CLIPSTON, AMY
FULLER, KATHLEEN
CHAPMAN, VANNETTA
AN AMISH CRADLE

Tiny fingers, tiny toes, and lives that will never be the same. Journey with four families as their lives are about to change forever.

In His Father's Arms by Beth Wiseman -- Ruth Anne has been dreaming about motherhood her entire life. Now she is doubly excited that she and her best friend are due with their children the same week. But when Ruth Anne's baby is born with Down syndrome, she and her husband struggle to understand God's plan.

A Son for Always by Amy Clipston -- Carolyn and Joshua are thrilled to be pregnant with their first child together. Carolyn was just a teenager when she had her son, Benjamin, and she still feels solely responsible to secure his future. As Joshua watches Carolyn struggle to accept his support, he knows he has to find some way to convince her that she -- and Ben -- will always be taken care of.

A Heart Full of Love by Kathleen Fuller -- Ellie's mother hasn't stopped meddling in her personal life since Ellie lost her sight -- and she's taken it up a notch now that Ellie's pregnant. When Ellie gives birth to twins, her mother insists on moving in to care for them. But when her mother's behavior becomes unbearable, Ellie is forced to take a stand...and finally find out why Mamm can't let go.

An Unexpected Blessing by Vannetta Chapman -- At 42, Etta thought she was finished having children, but she's pregnant again. After a frightening labor, Etta finally gives birth, but her constant worry over her estranged grown son, David, haunts her still. As a new mother again, Etta must hold tightly to the promise that God will watch over her children -- and that one day David will return.

My Review:

Published in 2015
As always, I am grateful to my public library for keeping me in retro reads!

What a captivating collection by some favourite Amish fiction authors! Amazing how you can give four authors a theme like new motherhood and they come up with four amazingly distinct stories! I'm not sure I can pick a favourite but I really liked the way this collection is bookended by nineteen-year-old first-time mom, Ruth Anne's challenging story about coping with the additional stress of giving birth to a Down syndrome baby and 42 year-old Etta's surprise addition to her nearly grown family. And, of course, the two novellas sandwiched in between are just as good. A heartwarming collection that celebrates the unexpected challenges and abundant joy families bring to our lives.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of An Amish Cradle, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . so it's easy to spot your entry. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday July 1 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Words from the Heart

GIVEAWAY

FULLER, KATHLEEN
WORDS FROM THE HEART

Her fingertips brushed against something else in the box of doilies. She lifted a bundle of letters, neatly tied with a thin red ribbon.

Ivy Yoder hasn't heard from John King in over a year. She knows it's time to let go of the idea that they will one day marry, but it means she'll be one of the oldest single women in her Amish community of Birch Creek. When quirky Cevilla Schlabach asks her to help clean out an attic, Ivy gratefully agrees to the distraction.

Noah Schlabach isn't from Birch Creek or even Ohio. His job as an auctioneer takes him around the country and away from a typical Amish life, but he still remains devoted to his family. So when his aging aunt asks him to help clean out her attic, he agrees. Plus, who knows what curious itmes he might find up there?

As Noah and Ivy work side by side, they come across a different kind of treasure: a packet of letters written during the Korean War. Soon they are swept up in the story of two young people falling in love -- even as they remain determined not to fall in love themselves.

Words from the Heart is a moving story of lost love letters, fragile fears, and the beauty of taking another step forward.

My Review:

A sweet, gentle love story with unexpected twists that had me doing a double take. The author seriously surprised me! And because of that, writing a review is kind of tricky because I don't want to let any cats out of any bags. :-)

Fuller has created some intriguing characters -- the kind of folks you'd want as neighbours and friends. Aenti Cevilla is a hoot! Sweetly sly but not very subtle about sums her up. But she's also a woman of mystery. And I like the way Noah and Ivy take her matchmaking digs in stride. You can't help but love Cevilla no matter how outlandish she behaves!

In many ways Noah and Ivy are opposites. He's tall, she's short. He's a traveler, she's a homebody. Ivy longs for a husband and family. Noah can't see how family life could fit into his nomadic lifestyle. So they are both good with just being friends...or so they tell themselves. But friendship has a way of deepening even though romance doesn't come easy.

Not with so many challenges and obstacles stacked in their way! Not the least of which is their own fear. Noah because he suddenly can't envision what his future might hold and Ivy because, having been badly hurt once, she's wary of venturing into the unknown. Oh, but these two could be infuriating! I wanted to shake them and hug them and shake them again!

And then there's the letters, deliciously tying past and present together to create a hope for the future -- if Noah and Ivy only have the courage to grab onto it!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Words from the Heart, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it/s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday July 1 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Promise of a Letter

GIVEAWAY

FULLER, KATHLEEN
THE PROMISE OF A LETTER

A letter brings him back to his Amish family. But it will take someone truly extraordinary to make him stay.

Roman is on the verge of leaving the Amish ways. Feeling confined by the strict rules, he longs to do something more with his life. But when things don't go as planned, Roman's prospects outside of the community dwindle. Upon learning that his beloved grandmother has died and left a letter urging him to reconcile with his brother in Birch Creek, Roman decides to return home. But he doesn't plan to stay for long.

Leanna Chupp has always made her own way in her small community of Birch Creek.Though some may call her unconventional -- strange even -- Leanna is happy. Especially since Roman Raber moved away, and she no longer has to work with him. Her unique outlook on life has meant she's never had many suitors pursuing courtship, which Leanna doesn't mind. She is content being single.

But when Roman and Leanna find themselves working together again everything changes. Though neither fit squarely within the strictures of the Amish faith, their differences could be the very thing to help them form a deeper connection to their community and to each other. The question remains: will this strengthening bond be enough to make Roman stay for good?

My Review:

"Roman was a mystery wrapped up in an enigma and tied with a baffling bow." (p 44) And so begins an unusual courtship...well, more like a hesitant alliance that grows into a wary friendship that finally develops into something much more fulfilling.

I absolutely loved these unorthodox characters. Both way too individual for their Amish roots. Leanna -- tall, athletic and a hopeless cook and housekeeper who has a gift for fixing mechanical things. She works in a repair shop and roller-blades are her chosen mode of transportation. Definitely not your typical Amish heroine!

Which makes Roman her perfect match because he doesn't fit into the standard Amish hero mode either. He's made mistakes in the past -- chosen to run from them rather than face them head on and the ensuing fallout is substantial. He's questioning his standing in the community and place in his family. Striving to earn the trust of his only brother. What a complicated family! And, honestly, Roman isn't the only one stubbornly clinging to past behaviours! Gah -- these brothers are teeth-grindingly infuriating!

Fuller weaves a riveting tale of forgiveness and grace. It's tender and funny and exasperating in turn! The kind of read to relish with sublime bibliophile glee.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Promise of a Letter, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 4 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Written in Love

GIVEAWAY

FULLER, KATHLEEN
WRITTEN IN LOVE

"Dear Mr. Chupp" - with those three words a pen-pal relationship is ignited and two lives are changed forever.

Jalon Chupp has a past he isn't proud to claim. He's worked hard to overcome his youthful mistakes, and he has recommitted himself to his Amish faith. When he receives a sweet note included in a piece of misdirected mail, he can't help but write back. Soon, the letters he receives from Phoebe are the highlights of his days, and with a hopeful heart, he suggests they meet in person.

Phoebe, too, looks forward to every one of Jalon's letters. Living with her overbearing aunt, Phoebe doesn't have much to look forward to. Then Jalon suggests they meet, and she panics -- although she has shared some of the deepest longings of her heart with him, she hasn't been enitrely truthful about her past. But when Jalon shows up at her aunt's doorstep, everything is revealed. And she can only pray he'll forgive her for holding back the truth.

My Review:

I am quite captivated by novels that include letter writing so this series really appeals to me. Written in Love is the first book in An Amish Letters Novel series and I love the way the author has set the stage for future novels. (At least I hope I'm right in making that assumption.) Because this story is filled with engaging characters and now that I have a feel for this close knit Amish community I can't wait to learn more.

Jalon and Phoebe's love story is sandwiched between a series of fast and furious letter writing. Loved the way the letters morphed into something so much more and yet for all that is said, even more is left unsaid and that leads to no end of complications.

Fuller has crafted an emotional tale of  love and longing and the desperate need to be accepted. Both hero and heroine have made mistakes in their past that not only shadow their present but threaten to destroy their future. Finding their happily ever after involves digging deeper into their faith. Actually allowing the peace that comes from fully accepting God's mercy to work a change in their lives so that a relationship based on faith and love can flourish.

A compulsive kind of read that inspires and delights with promise of more to come in future novels.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Written in Love, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and reader announced on Sunday August 13 2017. Good luck!

A Reluctant Bride

GIVEAWAY

FULLER, KATHLEEN
A RELUCTANT BRIDE

Sadie Schrock swore she would never marry. All of her other Amish friends could court and marry -- she was content to manage the family business and eventually take it over when her parents are ready to retire. But all of that changes when a reckless driver kills both of her parents and seriously injures her younger sister. With mounting hospital bills adding to the pile of debt her parents left behind, Sadie is left with no choice: she must marry. And not just any man -- the man who saw her at her weakest and walked away.

Aden knows what his brother did to Sadie years ago was inexcusable. And every day since that incident, Aden has lived with the guilt for not intervening sooner. When he is faced with the chance to protect Sadie once again, he can't let her down -- even if it means living with the scorn of the woman he loves for the rest of his life.

Working alongside Aden at the store, Sadie realizes he isn't the same boy who once betrayed her. Just when Sadie starts to let her guard down and perhaps develop feelings for her new husband, dangerous secrets are revealed. Now everything Sadie has worked so hard to protect is threatened, and she must find a way to have her family -- and herself.

My Review:

An Amish marriage of convenience story is a rare thing -- and oh so compelling when it comes within the pages of a book like A Reluctant Bride. Rife with emotion, this novel deals with difficult subject matters -- abuse, greed, misuse of power. I couldn't help but think about 'the sins of the fathers' as I read about Aden's family life. He appears weak at times, but there is an inner core of strength that comes to light as the story progresses.

And poor Sadie -- reeling with grief and worry only to find herself faced with an impossible choice that will alter her life, and the lives of her sisters, forever. She doesn't trust her new husband and he doesn't blame her. They establish a wary truce that is tested time and time again. And just when the first stirrings of fledgling trust begin to surface, evil secrets stir up even more trouble. A stirring story of faith and forgiveness and the healing power of love.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  A Reluctant Bride 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 June 5  2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

An Unbroken Heart

GIVEAWAY

FULLER, KATHLEEN
AN UNBROKEN HEART

One minute, Joanna Schrock was arguing with her parents, and the next, her parents' lives were claimed in a hit-and-run buggy accident. Her body is broken, but her heart is in even deeper pain-after all, how do you cope with your parents' deaths when your last words were spoken in anger?After an extended stint in a physical rehabilitation center, she re-enters her Amish life. But nothing is the same-not even her feelings for Andrew Beiler. Joanna has loved Andrew since the age of twelve. She is thrilled when Andrew wants to get married, but she wonders whether it's love he's feeling, or pity. As the couple's wedding date approaches, Joanna isn't overcome with the deep joy she was hoping to find; instead, she's wracked with anxiety and guilt. Joanna hears God whispering to her, Be strong and courageous, but she's afraid that courage looks a lot like walking away from her dreams and into the plan of her Heavenly Father. If Joanna takes the first step toward healing, will it cost her everything she's ever wanted? Or could God be changing the desires of her heart?

My Review:

 The second book in the Amish of Birch Creek series but it works well as a standalone. I haven't read A Reluctant Bride (though I intend to!) and had no problem diving into this one. Fans of the first book will be thrilled to know that Sadie and Aden play a central role in An Unbroken Heart. They beguiled me enough to ensure that I will be reading their story very soon.

Though the book is told from multiple points of view, Joanna is very much at the centre of it all. Diverse personal narratives connect like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Lives combine...and clash...and deliver a powerful tale of hope for a future even in the midst of the most trying times. Both Andrew and Joanna can either turn away from God or lean into Him when troubles strike. And they do a little of both which really makes for a riveting and all too realistic read.

A rich romance filled with enticing scenes and complicated characters and the promise of more of the same when the concluding book releases later this year.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  An Unbroken Heart 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 May 22 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

An Amish Wedding

 FULLER, KATHLEEN
 LONG, KELLY
WISEMAN, BETH
AN AMISH WEDDING

Priscilla King has dreamed of being married to Chester Lapp since she was sixteen. With the help of her sister Naomi's matchmaking skills, Chester proposes to Priscilla on her nineteenth birthday. As the wedding day approaches, problems emerge: an attendant with poison ivy, a failed celery crop, and a torn wedding dress.
At the same time, Priscilla's best friend Rose is convinced her fiance is hiding something and she is intent on discovering the truth at any cost.

Naomi remains hopeful that she, too, will soon find her perfect match. When Chester's cousin shows up, there's an immediate attraction between him and Naomi-as well as an obstacle that may just as immediately derail their blossoming love.

Is God sending a message to stop the wedding? What is certain is that the hearts of these three women will be forever transformed by this touching Amish wedding.

My Review:

A brilliant job was done by each author to make their individual work flow seamlessly into the others. Each story was skillfully interwoven so that it was hard to tell where one left off and another began. Each novella makes a satisfying read on its own, but together they make the perfect escape read. Funny, dramatic, romantic -- triple threats for a triple-authored book.  A definite winner for Amish fiction lovers.

Treasuring Emma



GIVEAWAY!!!



FULLER, KATHLEEN
TREASURING EMMA

Emma always puts the needs of others ahead of her own. When will it be her turn to be treasured?

Adam was her first love and best friend. But then he went away. Determined to experience the freedom of living in the Englisch world, he left Emma heart-broken. How could he have chosen the world over her?

Now Adam is back in Middlefield and Emma can't seem to keep him away from her family's farm. But this time she's determined to guard her heart. It might be love that keeps him there...or perhaps just guilt.

When a newcomer arrives in town and shows an interest in Emma, she dismisses Adam's insistence that she be cautious. All this attention is new to her and she doesn't know quite how to accept it. Emma knows her Heavenly Father treasures her. But will her new beau?

My Review:

It's no secret that I love a good Amish story and Treasuring Emma is definitely that. If you love Amish fiction like I do, you will love this book. But, if you aren't a fan of the Amish, I bet you'll love this book too. Why? Because there's nothing typecast in Fuller's characters. Many people think that Amish stories are sweet little ditties about forgiving characters who love the Lord and want nothing more in life than to be obedient.

Nuh-uh!

Not in Treasuring Emma. Let's see, we have a heroine who is just a tad bitter about her lot in life and isn't above being a bit snarky on occasion. And unreasonable. Especially with her sister.

And the sister -- oh my -- she's not your cliche Amish frau, that's for sure. The woman is stressed to the gills and not handling it well at all. Her poor husband!!! But then if he says "God will provide" one more time I might have rebelled as well.

And then there's Adam -- stalwart hero material finding out that 'you can't go home again'...or can you?  Maybe with a little maturity and lowered expectations you can. See, Adam comes from a dysfunctional home...a dysfunctional Amish home. His dad is taciturn and difficult. His mother...struggling. He's caught in the middle and feeling like he's the problem.

Then there's the newcomer sweet on Emma! Oy! Don't get me started!!!!

Thank goodness for Leona. She's kind, compassionate, understanding, non-judgemental, loving and forgiving. Everything a good Amish grandmother should be. Hopefully her example rubs off on the rest of them! :-)

Fuller throws these poor, tortured characters into a plot full of surprises, adds a good dose of suspense and action and voila...a-not-your-typical-Amish-story is born. I couldn't put it down and I bet you won't be able to either. What to find out? Then keep reading...

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like to win a copy of Treasuring Emma by Kathleen Fuller please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTcom. Please put Treasuring Emma in the subject line. Draw will be held on Sunday August 21. Good luck!

An Amish Love

WISEMAN, BETH

LONG, KELLY

FULLER, KATHLEEN

AN AMISH LOVE

HEALING HEARTS by Beth Wiseman

He left to find himself. She found her way without him. Now Levina and Naaman Lapp are together again, feeling miles apart. Although coming home was the right thing to do, Naaman must regain the trust and respect of his wife who, in his absence, has learned to trust God like never before. Could it be that their prior years together have simply been a preface to a greater love than they have ever known?

VERY CLEVERLY DONE. I WAS CAPTURED FROM THE VERY FIRST PAGE -- FIRST BECAUSE I WAS FUMING AT NAAMAN AND ACHING FOR LEVINA BUT NAAMAN EVENTUALLY WON ME OVER. THEN I WAS CELEBRATING RIGHT ALONG WITH THE LAPPS AS THEY REDISCOVERED THEIR LOVE.

WISEMAN HAS ADDED AN INTERESTING SECONDARY THREAD TO THE PLOT LINE WHICH IS BY TURNS INTRIGUING AND FUNNY AND CULMINATES INTO A SURPRISE ENDING.

A MARRIAGE OF THE HEART by Kelly Long

Abigail Kauffman is looking for a way out; Joseph Lambert is seeking a way in. Since her mother's death, Abby has lived alone with her father and longs to escape the emptiness of the farmhouse that has never felt like home. Joseph Lambert is a newcomer in their close-knit community. Only after they find themselves suddenly married to each other do they begin to understand the tender truths of life-long love.

I'VE FOUND A NEW FAVOURITE AUTHOR! I LOVE LONG'S WRITING VOICE -- HER ROMANTIC DEVELOPMENT IS STELLAR AS IS HER CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. ABBY IS AN UNLIKELY AMISH HEROINE. WE MEET HER IN THE MIDDLE OF A DECEITFUL PLOT OF HER OWN MAKING. SHE EMBELLISHES THE TRUTH AND RISKS RUINING ANOTHER'S REPUTATION. WHAT WOULD DRIVE HER TO DO SUCH A THING? AND STICK TO IT WHEN THINGS GET SO OUT OF HAND? I HAD TO KEEP READING TO FIND OUT.

LONG HAS TAKEN AN OVERUSED PLOT DEVICE (MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE/ARRANGED MARRIAGE) AND WORKED IT INTO SOMETHING FRESH, CAPTIVATING AND BELIEVABLE. I ENJOYED WATCHING ABBY'S TRUE CHARACTER SHINE THROUGH ALL THE EMOTIONAL LAYERS IT HAD BEEN HIDDEN BENEATH. I LOVED JOSPEPH'S WIT, HIS STRUGGLE, HIS INNATE DESIRE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT AND RELY ON HIS GOD TO SEE HIM THROUGH.

WHAT THE HEART SEES by Kathleen Fuller

When Ellie Chupp loses her sight in an accident -- and then her boyfriend shortly after that -- she believes love will never be in her future. But Christopher Miller has returned home, five years after fleeing from the tragedy that broke his heart. When Ellie and Chris meet again, sparks fly. Could true love be a matter of seeing with new eyes?

THIS IS A POWERFUL TALE OF FORGIVENESS -- ON SO MANY LEVELS. FORGIVENESS BECAUSE IT IS WHAT GOD REQUIRES OF US. FORGIVENESS OF THOSE WE PERCEIVE TO HAVE WRONGED US IN SOME WAY. NOT TO MENTION THE IMPORTANCE OF FORGIVING OURSELVES.

FULLER HAS DUG DEEP TO REVEAL SOME OF THE EMOTIONS THAT KEEP INDIVIDUALS SHACKLED BY UNFORGIVENESS. AND IN THE MIDST OF THIS EMOTIONAL ANGST, SHE MANAGES TO WEAVE A TENDER LOVE STORY.

An Amish Christmas : December in Lancaster County

CAMERON, BARBARA

FULLER, KATHLEEN

WISEMAN, BETH

AN AMISH CHRISTMAS : DECEMBER IN LANCASTER COUNTY

December in Paradise - a time of hope, redemption and new life.

A Choice To Forgive by Beth Wiseman.

After Daniel disappeared that long-ago Christmas Eve, Lydia built a life with his brother. But now she's a widow and Daniel has reappeared, asking for forgiveness. But can she go back to her normal life with her long-lost love as her neighbor?

A Miracle for Miriam by Kathleen Fuller.

Seth is no longer the arrogant young man who shattered Miriam's confidence and broke her heart. But can he convince "plain" Miriam that she is truly beautiful to him?

One Child by Barbara Cameron.

The birth of one child forever changed the world two thousand years ago. On a snowy Christmas night in Lancaster County, another child changes the world for two very different couples.

THIS IS A GREAT SET OF NOVELLAS TO BRING THE SIMPLICITY OF THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE INTO YOUR HEART THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. EACH STORY CONNECTS WITH THE OTHERS, SHARING CHARACTERS AND SETTING BUT DELIVERED IN EACH AUTHORS' UNIQUE STYLE. A PERFECT BLEND THAT MAKES A VERY SATISFYING READ. I WAS ESPECIALLY IMPRESSED BY HOW COMPLETE AND ENTHRALLING EACH INDIVIDUAL NOVELLA WAS. AN AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT GIVEN THE SHORTER WORD COUNT. THIS WAS DEFINITELY A FEEL GOOD BOOK (THOUGH IT DIDN'T LACK ANGST) AND A GREAT WAY TO USHER IN THIS SACRED SEASON.