A Miracle of Hope

RETRO READ

GIVEAWAY

REID, RUTH
A MIRACLE OF HOPE

Lindie Wyse is pregnant out of wedlock and thinks an arranged marriage is the only way to preserve her future. Josiah Plank is certain he'll never love again, but he needs someone to care for his eight-year-old daughter, Hannah. The two take on their arrangement tentatively at first but soon realize they are each in for more than they imagined.

Lindie experiences a breakthrough with Hannah when she recognizes Hannah's special gifts, but a risky pregnancy and serious health issues threaten to demolish the foundation Josiah and Lindie are building. How far can God's mercy reach? Will their growing love survive despite their struggles, or will their hearts become as cold as the northern winter?

My Review:

published in 2014
My thanks to my public library for providing me with this amazing retro read!

Amish marriage of convenience story with heart and hope!

And so sweetly tender! It's in  the way Josiah gently pursues Lindie and how her lukewarm response slowly heats up. And in the way Lindie is able to reach her silent, withdrawn step-daughter. It's a struggle, filled with lots of mistakes and heartache but I found myself holding my breath, getting excited over the slightest breakthrough. And that sweet tenderness even comes through in the developing relationship Lindie has with her husband's former father-in-law who lives with them. He's terse and unwelcoming at first but slowly thaws as the story progresses.Such wonderful family dynamics and Reid really captures the tremulous uncertainty that comes with this kind of second chance romance.

"Warmth spread through Josiah's core. Lindie offered Hannah exactly what she needed -- a mother's embrace -- a gift of love that couldn't be bought or made." (p 291)

But there's a whole lot more going on here than romance. Both Lindie and Josiah have secrets that the author isn't in any hurry to reveal. She hints and teases, leaving lots of leeway for the reader to try and fit the pieces together and when all is revealed -- Whoa!!!!!! And the Northern Michigan Amish community is a new locale for me so that adds to the appeal as well. But what completely captured my heart is the compelling inspirational thread cleverly woven throughout. So much hope in God's mercy and trust that 'joy comes with the morning'. (Psalm 30:5)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like the chance to win a copy of A Miracle of 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 October 7 2018. 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 Christmas Love

GIVEAWAY

WISEMAN, BETH
CLIPSTON, AMY
REID, RUTH
IRVIN, KELLY
AN AMISH CHRISTMAS LOVE

A Christmas potpourri of love and romance in Amish country.

My Review:

While not technically a true retro read since this book was published in the fall of 2017, I thought I'd include it on Retro Saturday because of it's Christmas theme -- assuming a winner might choose to wait until next Christmas before reading it. Once again I have my public library to thank for providing me with a copy of this book.

Winter Kisses by Beth Wiseman -- Three generations of Stoltzfus women find romance at Christmas. Grossmammi Ruth has been widowed for a very long time, but not single by choice. She's ardently pursued every widower in their community, much to the embarrassment of her daughter-in-law and granddaughter. Love Ruth because she's funny and frank and full of mischief.

Daughter-in-law, Barbara, also a widow, has no intention of looking for love again...until an unexpected stranger won't take no for an answer.  I have to say that this mature 'forty-something' romance was my favourite. And suitor Wayne definitely wins in the toe-curling category.

And then there's twenty-year-old Naomi who has shied away from love out of fear. Having witnessed the crushing grief of both her mam and grossmammi when their husbands died she's vowed to remain safely single. But this Christmas season changes that conviction.

Wiseman does an amazing job of including three romances and multiple points of view in this Christmas novella.

The Christmas Cat by Amy Clipston -- There's nothing like a good critter story to bring added warmth to a Christmas story and Hank the Cat does just that. This sweet, heart-warming story showcases the true meaning of Christmas as recent widow Emma faces what is sure to be a bleak and lonely Christmas. At least, that's what she thinks until Hank shows up on her doorstep and somehow ends up inside her house -- even though she's never been one to encourage pets in the home. But Hank isn't an ordinary kitty and Emma soon finds herself sharing 45 years worth of marriage memories with the sympathetic feline. Loved those slips into yesteryear as Emma relives the joy of first love and newly wedded bliss. And the power in a love strong enough to survive the hardships of decades together.

And then a group of youngies from the community come to spread some Christmas cheer with Emma (and Hank) and the vibrancy of their youth and caring bring the blessing that there is hope in the future...even without her beloved at her side. A moving and heartwarming read.

Snow Angels by Kelly Irvin -- Fans of the Bee County series will be thrilled over this novella addition to the series. No worries if you haven't read any of the books, this still makes a wonderful standalone story. But it was fun to become reacquainted with some favourite characters and be part of David's chance at a happily ever after. Irvin captures the magic of Christmas miracles in this delightful holiday novella.

Home for Christmas by Ruth Reid --  Ellie's mother took her away from their Amish community when she was a little girl but now that she is grown she has come back to deal with an inheritance left to her by an aenti she doesn't remember.

Widower Ezra had a special relationship with Ellie's aunt who was also his closest neighbour. You might say Aenti Bonnie had matchmaking in mind when she bequeathed her property to Ellie. Of course it's an impossible romance -- Englisch and Amish just don't mix. But Aunt Bonnie was a powerful prayer warrior and that legacy lives long after she has passed away.

An adorably awkward and funny first meet, an intuitive champion standard poodle named Lulu and and a fragile motherless child all contribute to the read-in-one-sitting frenzy that kept me riveted until the very end.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of An Amish Christmas Love, 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 24 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Abiding Mercy

GIVEAWAY

REID, RUTH
ABIDING MERCY

Faith faces an impossible situation: Should she do the right thing and bring heartache to nearly everyone she knows or deny her true self and always wonder...what if?

Sixteen-year-old Faith has worked full-time in her parents' restaurant since she finished eighth grade. She loves her Amish community and the romantic attentions of her longtime friend, Gideon.

When her sister seems to be getting too friendly with Englischers, and her parents are in a buggy accident, Faith wants to escape into her dream of joining the church and getting married.

But then a local newspaper runs a story about a child named Adriana who was kidnapped fifteen years earlier, and everything Faith has held true comes into question.

Suddenly the community Faith has known her whole life seems unreal. Can she ever trust her own family? And how will she ever find home again if she no longer belongs in the world she knows best?

My Review:

Cultures clash in this intriguing Amish novel. It's been awhile since I've read a book by Ruth Reid but Abiding Mercy reminds me of why I need to read more by this author. A taut, tense plot that keeps a reader glued to the page. Memorable characters that reflect all the complications of real life. A mysterious stranger who is so much more than he seems. And some heart-wrenching plot twists that turn everything upside down.

Loved Faith and the way she lives up to her name during the most trying of times. She's not perfect by any means, but she clings to the hope in God's promises and in her own sweet way makes the world a brighter place for those around her. If anything, she is too eager to please at times. The exact opposite of her self-centered sister, Olivia. That difficult sibling relationship catapults the entire family into an unimaginable journey that tests them all.

A riveting sweet romance that is just a little bit different from the other Amish stories out there. Definitely a treat of a read. Perfect for fans of Amish fiction but also a great introduction to the genre for those who aren't quite sure if Amish is their thing. Awesomesauce all around!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Abiding Mercy, 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 11 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck.

An Amish Miracle

GIVEAWAY

WISEMAN, BETH
REID, RUTH
ELLIS, MARY
AN AMISH MIRACLE

Always Beautiful by Beth Wiseman

Becky Byler is eighteen and overweight. She is overwhelmed by the embarrassment she feels when comparing herself to other girls her age. Having lost all hope, she considers taking her own life. As she stands before rushing water, unable to swim, Becky begs God for a miracle. In just several months, Becky sees her prayers answered as food and temptation lose their hold over her. She’s finally pleased with how she looks, but does she like the person she has become? And has the man she has dreamed of been right beside her all along, loving her exactly as she is?

Always His Providence by Ruth Reid

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 neighbor.

Always in My Heart by Mary Ellis

Hope Bowman believes God is punishing her for giving up her firstborn son when she was a teenager. She’s hidden this secret from her husband, who is thankful for their daughters but longs for a son. Hope prays desperately, but the son God sends her isn’t a new baby but the fifteen-year-old boy she gave up years ago.

My Review:

Three novellas that share characters and community and seamlessly blend with each other. Brilliantly done. Each story is an incredible read. Though compact, the authors deliver with depth and emotion and page-turning plots. If you love Amish fiction you will adore An Amish Miracle.

Giveaway Opportunity

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of An Amish Miracle 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 January 12 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

The Promise of an Angel

GIVEAWAY!

REID, RUTH
THE PROMISE OF AN ANGEL

All Judith Fischer ever wanted is to marry within her community and raise a family. She longs for the day when her parents will allow Levi Plank to officially court her.

But on the day Judith suspects Levi will ask her parent's permission, her younger brother Samuel has an accident under her charge. Rushing to Samuel's aid, Judith spies a strange man helping him; a man she later believes was an angel.

When she shares her conviction with her family and close friends, she is shocked to find that no one believes her, including Levi. In the days following the accident, the angel visits Judith with information that may guide her down the path of faith, should she choose to follow.

As her community slowly distances themselves, only one person is willing to stand up for her -- the bishop's son, Andrew Lapp. But can he convince the settlement to listen to her? With a show of faith that flies in the face of her conservative upbringing, can Judith hold strong to the promise that there are even greater things in store for those who believe in God's miracles?

My Review:

Startling different in some aspects, The Promise of an Angel stands out from other Amish novels. I was hooked after a couple of pages by Reid's graceful writing style and captivating characters. In short order I loved Judith, wanted to wring Levi's neck and felt a special connection with Andrew. And don't get me started on Martha!!!! This book definitely catapulted me out of my humdrum existence and into something much more riveting.

For readers who might be wary of the angel angle -- don't be. It's marvelously woven into an inspiring story of faith. In fact, I'd almost call it an allegory about the importance of standing firm in your beliefs and trusting God above all else.

Add in romance, drama, some gentle humour and this is a winning read that packs an inspirational punch.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Promise of an Angel leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. Please include the book title in the subject line of your email. Draw will be held on Saturday September 17, 2011. (I'm having computer problems at home so I won't be able to post the winners on Sunday like I usually do. I'll do the announcement from work on Saturday instead.) Good luck!