Wanda E Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Life Hacks written by Wanda Brunstetter, extraordinary author of all thing Amish, is a must have for everyone. This helpful book is a collection of hundreds of tips for cooking, cleaning, gardening, health, and much more. Every house needs this book.
Besides all of the useful life hacks, there is a lot of information on the Amish presented in this lovely book. Readers will learn about Amish and Mennonite communities, values, and lifestyle. Woven throughout the entire book are bits of wisdom. I really enjoyed reading those. A variety of beautiful pictures are sprinkled among the information. There is a listing of each person who submitted a hack and where they live.
It was a nice surprise to see that the majority of information in this book was new to me. I was able to glean a lot from it. The book was well organized and easy to navigate. I could find certain subjects without issue.
I highly recommend this pretty, helpful book. It would make a great addition to any home library and a perfect birthday, Valentine’s, Easter, Mother’s Day, or shower gift. I rate it five out of five stars. A copy was provided by the publisher, but these are my honest words.
About Author Wanda E. Brunstetter
New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.
Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
The Seamstress of Acadie by author Laura Frantz is a Christian historical romance novel. For me, it is the best book this author has written. I was absolutely captivated from the very beginning until the end. It is certainly a page turner.
Set in 1750s this is the story of Silvie Galant. She lives with her family in Canadian Acadia. Silvie is strong, gentle, caring, selfless, and everything you want in a heroine. Her character has been carefully crafted to perfection. I adored her. William Blackburn is equally heroic. Handsome, smart, rugged, caring, gallant, and basically as close to a perfect man as one could imagine. The chemistry between these two sizzles.
The writing in this book is extraordinary. I was able to feel so many emotions as I read what the characters lived. The vivid descriptions and prose swept me up and took me back in time to Canada and Virginia. Scenes played out in my mind like a blockbuster movie.
I gleaned so much knowledge of the time and places just by reading this book. Some of the things were heartbreaking and others heartwarming. Lovers of French, British, and early American history will adore this beautiful tale. The story has stuck with me long after finishing the book. There are good Christian and life lessons to be found in this mesmerizing book.
It gets a 5 out of 5 stars from this reader. I highly recommend it to all historical fiction lovers. A copy was provided by Revell Publishing, but these are my honest words.
About the Book
As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada’s Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family–French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral–are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America’s borderlands.
As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William’s, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future.
About the Author, Laura Frantz
Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Frantz lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.According to Publishers Weekly, “Frantz has done her historical homework.” With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California.Readers can find Laura Frantz at www.laurafrantz.net.
Settlers & Toffs by the wonderful storyteller Caryl McAdoo is a Christian historical romance. This book is Book Two in her New Beginnings Family Saga. It could be read as a stand-alone without having first read Book One.
Filled with many characters, story lines, and sweet romance there is a lot of inspiration tucked inside this story. As I read I found heroes, good guys, villains, and everything in between. There were surprises, twists, and some humor. Set in early Texas and England, it was a fun, interesting book that included a lot of history.
A few times I thought the story slowed down a bit, but basically the pace was nice. The conversations sounded authentic. I loved getting to know the various characters, but sometimes had a little trouble keeping them straight. The message of faith shines brightly in this book.
I highly recommend this novel. It receives a 4 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy of Settlers and Toffs was provided by the publisher, but these are my honest words.
Settlers & Toffs
About the Book
Book: Settlers & Toffs
Author: Caryl McAdoo
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: August 23, 2023
New and old collide in SETTLERS & TOFFS as Ambrose Lee and Blaire build a hotel and a new life together with a remnant from the wagon train he captained in ’49. Settling in Auburn, California, they deal with the gold rush boom town’s growing pangs while the next Earl of Farnsworth, William Cromwell, voyages home to England with his intended Clara and her family. Though separated by a country and an ocean, troubles and trials plague them all. Revisit old friends from Book One WAGONS WEST and meet new ones in this second novel of the New Beginnings Family Saga! This story has been previously published on Kindle Vella with the same title as episodes for Season Two. Season Three, ANSWERING THE CALL episodes are now available at Kindle Vella now.Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling tales—coming up on seventy titles now published—delight readers all around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her; you may listen to those at her YouTube channel.
She loves working in the yard at The Peaceable, her home tucked away on twenty acres, mowing and planting flowers. She lives there with Ron, her high school sweetheart and husband of fifty-five years, five dogs, two dairy goats she milks daily, a flock of chickens, and a plethora of barn cats.
The couple shares four children and twenty-seven grandsugars, six are greats. Caryl and Ron love their quiet, country life in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas and wait expectantly for God to open the next door so they may do His will.
More from Caryl
I started writing “episodes” for Kindle Vella the first month they opened the new format with WAGONS WEST, season one in the New Beginnings Family Saga Season One. For those who don’t read at Kindle Vella, after the ”season” has been up thirty days, the author can create a book!
The episodes become chapters and WAGONS WEST debuted last November 2022! The SETTLERS & TOFFS story is “Season Two” and I’m tickled pink with it! Book One in the series was an epic wagon train story that ended when they got to the gold fields around Auburn California.
In Book Two, the characters spread out across the globe, and we follow them all. Some of those who arrived in covered wagons began to build the pioneer town of Auburn, making a new home for themselves. Some panning for gold and others building hotels and businesses the miners need.
Some travel to merry old England where one of the wagon train sojourners has been called home after his older brother’s death to be the future Earl of Farnsworth. Having fallen in love, he couldn’t bear to leave Clara behind, so arranges for her family to accompany him. So many of the main characters sail away cross the seas.
The third storyline in SETTLERS & TOFFS becomes another wagon train when the scout in book one decides with his wife to go and bring another group of settlers to the new land—a very lucrative business venture for the captains who knew the way.
There are plenty of characters who come in and out as the story progresses. I’ve come to love the primary ones. There are struggles at every turn. Trials and tribulations fill many of their days, but there are those joyous ones as well!
Through it all, the Lord—still on the throne and in control in 1850—helps His children overcome and blesses them beyond measure . . . just as He does today. He is the Rewarder of those who diligently seek him and obey His commandments—then and now.
My author’s motto is “Praying my story gives God glory!” I also pray that its readers will be drawn into a closer walk with the Almighty as they walk alongside these awesome, stalwart folks who settled the West! They had it rough, but God . . . PRAISE HIM!
Author: Paula Peckham Genre: Historical Christian romance
Against the backdrop of the Civil War, spirited Quenby Martin despises the monotony and restrictions imposed on women. Then San Antonio’s most respectable widow befriends her. Unbeknownst to Quenby, her genteel companion harbors a life-risking secret. Soon after, Quenby meets Jonathan Campbell, a Texan farmer struggling to make ends meet, and eagerly offers her help. Despite Jonathan’s reservations about trusting his future livelihood to the pretty young know-it-all, he accepts. As their relationship develops, Quenby’s confidence and knowledge lures Jonathan in.
Quen draws the attention of a bounty hunter, whose charms cannot hide his evil intentions. Danger puts Quen’s wavering belief in God to the test. With the hunter on her heels, she embarks on an important mission that inadvertently involves
Jonathan in a web of kidnapping and murder. His efforts to keep her safe expose his growing feelings. Will Quenby have enough courage to face the perils of standing up for what she believes in? And at what cost? Immerse yourself in the Texas frontier in book three of the San Antonio series that vividly depicts love, faith, and bravery amid shifting societal times.
Ready to buy your own copy? Click here.
My Review
Accepted by author Paula Peckham is Book 3 in her San Antonio Series. Even though it is the third in a series, it may be read as a standalone without any problems. This Christian historical romance is filled with suspense, adventure, danger, kidnapping, murder, and romance.
Paula Peckham is a new author to me. I enjoyed her style of writing, it flowed nicely. Her characters were easy to engage and believable. Her deft pen brought them to life on the pages.
This is the story of feisty Quenby Martin. Raised in Nigeria by missionary parents, she is now living in San Antonio, Texas just as the Civil War has begun. It is a bit of an adjustment for her, especially the prejudice in Texas. This is also the tale of Jonathan Campbell, a struggling farmer who Quenby offers to help.
The author has researched the era and area of her story well as is evidenced in the details she provides. I was able to glean some information about the Civil War and Texas from reading this. My emotions were all over as I immersed myself in Accepted. There were so light-hearted moments and Christian messages, too.
I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. Lovers of historical, Civil War, and Texas fiction will be fans of it. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by the publisher, but these are my honest words.
Meet the Author:
A fifth-generation Texan, Paula Peckham graduated from the University of Texas in Arlington. She worked at Burleson High School for 19 years as a math teacher. She divides her time between her home in Burleson, Texas, and her casita in Rio Bravo, Mexico. She is married to John, and they have four children and nine grandchildren.
Her debut novel, Protected, book one in the San Antonio series, placed in the semi-finalist round of the 2020 ACFW Genesis contest and won the gold medal in the Global Book awards. Protected was followed by book two in the series, A Father’s Gift, a Christmas novella that continues the saga of Abby and Manny from book one and was a finalist in the 2023 Selah Award contest. Paula has an online presence on Facebook (Paula Babb Peckham), Twitter, Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/paulajopeckham/), TikTok, and her website, UnaPAULAgetically Texan.
Enter for a chance to win a copy of the book! Enter your email address for a chance to win a copy of any of the three books in the San Antonio series: Protected, or A Father’s Gift, or Accepted. By entering your email address, you agree to let the author subscribe you to her website/blog. You may unsubscribe at any time.
“The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch” by author Kurt Brouwer is Book Two in his Biblical Fiction Series “The Last Disciple.” Set some fifty years after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, this continues the story of the youngest disciple, John, son of Zebedee. If you have not yet read Book One, you should be able to follow the story without issue.
I appreciate well researched Biblical Fiction that coincides with scripture. This one did and added much more. The author’s perspective of what might have been makes sense. His detailed research shows in the descriptive prose of the people, places, and activities of that era. I was able to put more details of understanding to the Bible verses. Yes, I kept my Bible handy while reading the novel to make certain things were aligned.
In the beginning of this book, John is in deep grief over the death of Mary. From the cross, Jesus had told Mary that John would now be her son and she his mother. They lived as such and worked at spreading the teachings of Jesus.
I had a harder time becoming invested in this book than the last one. There are so many details and names that I felt lost at times and needed to reread a section. All in all it is a good novel. There are two more books to come in this series. I am eagerly awaiting them.
This would make a nice Biblical Fiction reading group choice. I found some things I wanted to discuss with fellow readers. It gets a 4 out of 5 star rating. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.
About the Book
Book: The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch
Author: Kurt Brouwer
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Release Date: June 15, 2023
He was the Beloved Disciple… …and he would be the last. The burden to tell the whole story now rests on his shoulders.
He was the Beloved Disciple, chosen by Jesus and destined to be the last to carry the divine message. Devastated by the loss of his adopted mother Mary, John has no time to mourn. The streets of Jerusalem teem with danger, as Roman rulers engage in fierce conflict with Jewish rebels, all vying for control.
While his allegiance lies with his people, John is at odds with the rebels’ passion for earthly power. His quest is to preserve and share the legacy of Jesus.
Will he succeed in spreading the gospel?
Or has he waited too long?
As Jerusalem descends into chaos, John escapes to Antioch. He finds rest, renewal, and purpose among the devoted Christians there and begins sharing his account of the life and teachings of Christ.
Yet even within this refuge, the old conflicts descend on Antioch too, and the dangers ignited in Jerusalem draw near.
Set against a backdrop of actual events, The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch is the second novel in a series woven from the Bible and Christian history.
Join John as he embarks on an extraordinary journey, discovering the true essence of faith, love, and divine purpose.
Your heart will embrace The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch because John’s story is the story of our hope and promise.Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Kurt Brouwer is a Christian and a member of a vibrant Christian church in Hawaii. He also loves to write.
A few years back, Kurt did a study at his church on the Apostle John. If you’ve ever been obsessed by anything, you’ll understand that Kurt couldn’t stop researching, digging, diving into the life of John and other first century Christians. The result is a series of Christian historical novels.
The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem was published on Amazon in November 2022. It has been in the top five for Inspirational Religious Fiction and Religious Historical Fiction in 2023.
More from Kurt
Right now I’m living in two worlds: writing and researching the first century world of the early Christians while also tackling the technical demands of self-publishing and online book promotion in the 21st century.
LIVING IN TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS
Writing a book and publishing it have become almost polar opposites, at least for me. Research and writing require a focus on history, places, people, and then the work of creating a written narrative that brings all these to life. With my books, I focus on the first century Biblical world of John, the disciple of Christ. So I have to study, imagine, and then describe the life of first century Christians like John, Timothy, Priscilla and many more.
But publishing has to be done in the modern world of software, online apps, book cover graphic design, and navigating sites like Amazon.com. I actually enjoy this, but I definitely find it frustrating too.
GRAPHIC DESIGN FOR BOOK TWO
For example, I had my book cover designer create a graphic I wanted to use as a part of the book detail page on Amazon. But when I go through the step-by-step instructions on Amazon, I get an error message. Eventually, I’ll figure it out, but there’s a steep learning curve in the publishing and promotion side of writing. Here is the design. It may not be on Amazon yet, but you can see it now.
This is the description for book two:
He was the Beloved Disciple… …and he would be the last. The burden to tell the whole story now rests on his shoulders.
He was the Beloved Disciple, chosen by Jesus and destined to be the last to carry the divine message. Devastated by the loss of his adopted mother Mary, John has no time to mourn. The streets of Jerusalem teem with danger, as Roman rulers engage in fierce conflict with Jewish rebels, all vying for control.
While his allegiance lies with his people, John is at odds with the rebels’ passion for earthly power. His quest is to preserve and share the legacy of Jesus.
Will he succeed in spreading the gospel?
Or has he waited too long?
As Jerusalem descends into chaos, John escapes to Antioch. He finds rest, renewal, and purpose among the devoted Christians there and begins sharing his account of the life and teachings of Christ.
Yet even within this refuge, the old conflicts descend on Antioch too, and the dangers ignited in Jerusalem draw near.
Set against a backdrop of actual events, The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch is the second novel in a series woven from the Bible and Christian history.
Join John as he embarks on an extraordinary journey, discovering the true essence of faith, love, and divine purpose.
Your heart will embrace The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch because John’s story is the story of our hope and promise.
But now I’m heading back to what I really love, writing and research. I’m about half way through with the first draft of book three in the series. The title will be, The Last Disciple: Exile to Ephesus.
Path to Grace by talented wordsmith Cheri Swalwell is a Contemporary Women’s Christian novel ripe with life and Christian lessons. This is Book 5 in the author’s The Redemption of Green Pines series. It could be read as a standalone, but the entire series is so amazing, I would encourage the books be read in order.
This is the story of Ariana. She has been the favored daughter and always manages to get her way. When she finds herself in a situation, her father gets irate. This is a new feeling to Ariana, having his anger directed towards her.
Matt is a fledgling Christian, new in his relationship with Christ. He has some past issues he is working on healing. One of those happens to be his mother. Since Ariana reminds him of her, he works to stay away. However, he can see she needs help so he is in a dilemma.
I find myself thinking about this book often even though I have finished it days ago. The author has a way of crafting characters so that they feel real. They are flawed and believable. It took just a few pages to become invested in this book and its group of wonderfully designed characters. There were times that my emotions matched what I read. The father was flat out a bully to his family. Unfortunately, this also happens in real life.
There is so much to love about this thought provoking book. The Christian message is heavily woven throughout the entire novel. Lessons of redemption, hope, forgiveness, grace, and love offer a lot to ponder from this story. I love finding a Christian book and author that blatantly tells about God and His love. Cheri Swalwell is definitely one of those authors and this is one of those books.
I highly recommend this emotionally packed book and series. It would make a lively book club choice. There are so many discussion opportunities. I highly recommend this for lovers of contemporary Christian fiction. It will leave a lasting impression on you. I rate this powerful lifelike story 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.
About the Book
Book: Path to Grace
Author: Cheri Swalwell
Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction
Release Date: October 20, 2022
Everyone knows that Ariana does not get rejected.
Used to getting her own way, Ariana grew up having her daddy wrapped around her little finger—and he still is. As an adult, she goes through life expecting that all men will give into her whims. When the one man she sets her sights on won’t give her the time of day, Ariana is truly baffled.
Matt avoids Ariana whenever possible. The young woman has no way of knowing that she reminds Matt of his mother and the heartbreaking memories that he worked hard to bury. If Matt has his way, there won’t ever be a reason to discuss the issue. But when Ariana’s life is turned upside down, and rumors about Matt could destroy everything that he’s worked so hard to achieve, it will take a heavenly amount of grace to prevent history from repeating itself. Will Matt and Ariana accept God’s plan for their lives?
If you like wholesome fiction with a faith-filled message, explore the Path to Grace, the fifth book in the heartwarming Redemption of Green Pines series today. Each book can be read on its own, but they’re best enjoyed when you read them as a full series!Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Cheri Swalwell is a Christ follower who thoroughly enjoys her calling to be a wife, mother, writer, podcaster, and speaker, in that order. Cheri loves to encourage people through her fiction series and many nonfiction books including devotionals, Bible studies, and compilation books. Interested in receiving encouragement 365 days a year right in your inbox? Then the JESUS in the EVERYDAY monthly membership is for you! For a full list of books visit www.cheriswalwell.com. Do you like YouTube? Head to JESUS in the EVERYDAY for 5 to 7 minutes of encouragement weekly.
More from Cheri
Have you ever thought about how different two siblings’ lives could turn out, even though they were raised by the same parents in the same household? Two sisters, one the middle child and one the baby of the family. One always considered “less than,” the other the golden child … until she’s not.
Book 5 in The Redemption of Green Pines series, Path to Grace, shows us what happens when one sister has been favored her whole life, until she falls off the pedestal due to one mistake.
Join the community of Green Pines as life unravels for Ariana. Will her siblings rally around her despite how she treated them her whole life, or will she be left on her own to figure out what to do now?
If you’d like to read the whole story, I’d suggest you start with Book 1, Adventure’s Invitation, but if you’re simply curious about the differences Wynn and Ariana face, I invite you to start with Book 4, Road to Freedom, and get introduced to Wynn and what her life is like living in the same household as Ariana, her baby sister, and Randy, her big brother. I’m pretty sure it’s nothing like you imagined it would be.
Bold and Brave is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by K.A. Cummins. On the first page it has a sweet dedication and scripture Philippians 4:13. It is a great book on encouragement and overcoming fears.
This is a story about Lily. She is a young autistic girl with big dreams about singing a solo on the big stage. Unfortunately, she gets nervous around people and noises because of her autism. Lily has tremendous support from her parents and teacher. She also prays for help from God.
The author has written a lovely book depicting how to be brave and overcome fear. She has tucked in some facts about what groups of certain animals are called. Kids will love learning that. The illustrations show how sensitive some children can be to noises and crowds. I loved how it reinforced what can be done to support someone who is afraid. It should help children understand those with sensitivity issues better.
I highly recommend this book for children aged three to eight. Even though this has a scripture reference before the story, there is only one mention of praying and nothing else religious mentioned. It would make a great addition to a children’s school or church library. It gets a 4 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.
About the Book
Book: Bold and Brave
Author: K.A. Cummins
Genre: Picture Book
Release Date: August 31, 2023
Sometimes courage is loud like an elephant, and sometimes it’s quiet like a llama.
Lily, a young autistic girl with a vivid imagination, wants to sing the solo in the school’s choir show. However, the thought of standing at center stage turns her heart a gloomy grey. School is overwhelming enough when no one is watching. Now all eyes will be on her. Will she overcome her fear and be bold and brave?
Bold and Brave is a whimsical picture book showcasing the heartwarming bond of family while visually drawing readers into Lily’s experience and inspiring them to be bold and brave. It’s aimed at readers aged 3 to 8.Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
K.A. Cummins is an author and an artist. She explores storytelling in a variety of mediums, blending the wonders of science with the possibilities of what if. When not crafting stories, Cummins loves spending time with her family, collecting fun socks, and venturing outside her comfort zone to try new things—at least once!
Connect with her through her website at https://authorkacummins.com, where you can sign up for emails about upcoming releases.
More from K.A. Cummins
“Bold and Brave” is about a young autistic girl who wants to sing a solo in the school’s choir show. While a colorful pair of socks initially inspired the fiction story, it was my personal experiences as a woman and as a mother that most influenced it.
Stories often use words to draw readers into what a character experiences, but I wanted to do something different for this story. I wanted the illustrations to show readers the parts of the young girl’s experience that are often harder to explain.
For some, the smallest actions can take effort and courage, and their boldness and bravery doesn’t always show on the outside.
I hope “Bold and Brave” inspires readers, and provides an accessible insight into one autistic experience.
The Laws of Attraction is Book Two in the Wyoming Sunrise Series by author Mary Connealy. This is a Christian historical western adventure with a mystery and romance. Even though it is Book Two, the author has written it in such a way that it contains enough background information that it may be read as a stand-alone.
Set in 1870s Wyoming, this is the story of Nell Armstrong. She is a sweet, feminine widow that owns a dress shop in town. Not only is Nell a strong, independent lady, but she is great at detective work. One thing she loves to do is make dresses, but unfortunately she gets orders for chaps from all of the local cowboys.
Brandon Nolte is a widower with three daughters. He is a homesteader and struggling to raise the three girls by himself. When they wander into Nell’s shop, she decides that the girls need a little female help.
The Dead Eye Gang comes back and hits another stage. Nell begins to investigate and the Gang makes her their next target. They add a lot of action, mystery, and adventure to the tale.
The characters are wonderfully crafted. They are believable and easy to engage. Nell is one of my favorites. I especially enjoyed her rapport with the girls and sweet relationship with their father.
The author has created an interesting page-turner that begs to be read in one sitting. There are twists, heartfelt moments, giggles, and some scenes that made me shake my head. I was invested in this brilliant story from page one. There are beautiful life lessons on family, friendship, faith, and relationships.
I highly recommend this captivating book. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from this reader. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.
The Laws of Attraction
About the Book
Book: The Laws of Attraction
Author: Mary Connealy
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: June 20, 2023
Can they risk giving in to the attraction between them while their lives are on the line?
If widowed seamstress Nell Armstrong has to make one more pair of boring chaps for the cowboys in her tiny Wyoming town, she might just quit the business altogether! So meeting Brand Nolte, a widower struggling to raise three girls on his own, seems like her dream come true. Brand has no idea how to dress the girls properly, and Nell finally has a chance to create beautiful outfits while also teaching the girls to sew.
But Nell is much more than a seamstress, and the investigative skills and knowledge she picked up alongside her late lawman husband soon become critical when a wounded stagecoach-robbery survivor is brought to town. As danger closes in from all sides, Nell and Brand must discover who has a target trained on them before it’s too late. Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books. She is the author of the popular series Brothers in Arms, Brides of Hope Mountain, High Sierra Sweethearts, The Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.
More from Mary
The Laws of Attraction, the idea of it, was what kicked off the whole Wyoming Sunrise series.
A woman justice of the peace.
Wyoming, oddly enough, was the first state in the union to give women the right to vote. And it wasn’t just voting, it was suffrage. That meant so much more than just voting. There were property rights involved, the right to serve on juries, and the right to run for office or be appointed to political offices.
Wyoming was the first state to have a woman justice of the peace. I read about Esther Hobart Morris and thought, hey, my heroine could be the second justice of the peace.
My heroine is a seamstress. Of the three heroines in the Wyoming Sunrise series, Nell, the heroine of book #2, is the one who is not in a traditionally masculine role. In book #1 Mariah is a blacksmith. In book #3 Becky is a lady rancher.
Nell just wants to sew pretty dresses and make beautiful bonnets. She likes to tat her own lace. She likes flowery fabric and lots of ruffles.
And then she moved to Wyoming. Nine thousand total residence and five men for every one woman. And the few women who are there all sew their own dresses.
To add to that, Nell, a widow, didn’t have a happy first marriage. She has no interest in marrying again. Staying single in a state like Wyoming isn’t easy, but she’s managed it. Her first husband was a lawman, and when a band of stagecoach robbers are plaguing the area, Nell finds she’s got skills to investigate these crimes that far exceed the local sheriff.
The sheriff is impressed, and when the town’s justice of the peace resigns, the sheriff appoints Nell.
I just had so much fun with this book. Nell is frustrated because she isn’t getting to make dresses. She does discover a talent for working with leather and making chaps. She hates it, but the orders just keep pouring in and she’s making a tidy living. Not having a lot of fun but definitely prospering.
And then a local homesteader with three half-grown daughters, all of whom desperately need a new dress, runs across Nell, and she wheels and deals him into letting her make them in exchange for his daughters working for her, making chaps.
Nell’s talent for investigating crimes soon puts her in danger. And Brandon Nolte, her best customer, finds himself, Nell, and his girls all surrounded by danger.
The Laws of Attraction—fun, fast-paced, and love is the most fundamental law of all.
Rescued in the Wilderness is a Christian historical romance novel set in 1779 by author Andrea Byrd. From the moment I started reading, I was drawn into this beautifully written novel.
This is the story of Lucinda and William. They have each had hard lives and bear scars, both physically and mentally. While at a gathering place, William overhears Lucinda’s mean-spirited father selling her to a man, and William rushes to save her. They set off on an adventure that is filled with danger, trials, faith, and trust.
The author does a fabulous job describing the beauty of the scenery from Virginia to Kentucky. Her characters are unique and realistic. I was invested in their lives and stories. My heart hurt for the past that caused them so much heartache. Both main characters were strong and kind-hearted. I enjoyed many of the secondary characters, too.
There is a beautiful message of faith woven throughout this entire book. The author does an exemplary job illustrating how God is always with us. He provides peace, joy, and healing while encouraging us to forgive those who have wronged us.
I loved the love story element. It was sweet watching walls slowly break down. There were a few twists and turns. I found it to be so interesting that I could not stop reading it until I made it to the end all in one sitting. A real page-turner!
This is a wonderful Christian historical fiction. I highly recommend it and am eagerly awaiting Book 2. It gets a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided from CelebrateLit, but these are my honest words.
About the Book
Book: Rescue in the Wilderness
Author: Andrea Byrd
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: June 27, 2023
William Cole cannot forget the cruel burden he carries, not with the pock marks that serve as an outward reminder. Riddled with guilt, he assumed the solitary life of a long hunter, traveling into the wilds of Kentucky each year. But his quiet existence is changed in an instant when, sitting in a tavern, he overhears a man offering his daughter—and her virtue—to the winner of the next round of cards. William’s integrity and desire for redemption will not allow him to sit idly by while such an injustice occurs.
Lucinda Gillespie has suffered from an inexplicable illness her entire life. Her father, embarrassed by her condition, has subjected her to a lonely existence of abuse and confinement. But faced with the ultimate betrayal on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Lucinda quickly realizes her trust is better placed in his hands of the mysterious man who appears at her door. Especially when he offers her the one thing she never thought would be within her grasp—freedom.
In the blink of an eye, both lives change as they begin the difficult, danger-fraught journey westward on the Wilderness Trail. But can they overcome their own perceptions of themselves to find love and the life God created them for?
Andrea Byrd is a Christian wife and mom located in rural Kentucky, who loves to spend time with her family in the great outdoors, one with nature. Often described as having been born outside her time, she has a deep affinity for an old-fashioned, natural lifestyle.
With a degree in Equine Health & Rehabilitation gathering dust and a full-time job tethering her to a desk eight hours a day, Andrea decided it was time to show both herself and her children that it is truly possible to make your dreams come true. Now with over 1,000 contemporary Christian romance novellas sold, Andrea is pursuing her passion of writing faith-filled romance woven with a thread of true history.
More form Andrea
There is so much inspiration that fed into the creation of Rescue in the Wilderness.
Not only was the Good Lord’s guiding hand ever-present, but so was the influence of those that came before me. This story was inspired by my own ancestors, as well as the countless others, that made the arduous journey through Cumberland Gap to settle in Kentucky. Those brave souls opened up a whole new world, and for some of us, established the area in which their families would preside for centuries to come.
As a lover of books that integrate history into fiction myself, I also wished to shed light on the “Hard Winter” of 1779-1780. This was a winter that came early, and with great intensity. While it caused hardships for many across the country, it made the journey through the Cumberland Gap all the more perilous.
Beyond these historical facts, I also wished to pay tribute to those who suffer from chronic pain conditions. I will never forget the day a friend of mine, whom the Lord called home all too soon, told me of her childhood rheumatoid arthritis and how there were days she was in too much pain to leave her bed. In this book, I wished to explore what pioneer life might have been for someone who suffered from such a condition.
Tomorrow is Father’s Day. The history of its origin is rather vague. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge recommended that Father’s Day become a national holiday, but nothing was done. Years later in 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson designated the third Sunday in June as the official day to celebrate Father’s Day. However, it wasn’t until 1972, during the Nixon administration, that Father’s Day was officially recognized as a national holiday.
I am one lucky girl to have had two amazing fathers. My dad, whom I had for forty years, was compassionate, intelligent, loving, faithful, generous, respected, and so much more than words could ever describe. A giant in faith he was a true son of God. Best of all, he came into our lives about a decade after my daddy was called home to be with the Lord. God, our Heavenly Father, is so good and knows what we need, when we need it. He put Dad in our lives to help heal that broken spot that was ripped open when Daddy died. Dad was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. God used a bad situation for good. I am forever grateful.
Sure there are times I still miss my Daddy. He was in my life for a short twelve years. He, too, was a son of God, kind, compassionate, and giving. I have cherished memories of him.
I was blessed by both of my grandfathers, too. My paternal grandfather, Granddaddy, and I were particularly close. I was the first born on that side, and yes, spoiled rotten. My maternal grandfather, Pappaw, eleven grandchildren and loved each one of us. He always carried pieces of butterscotch candy or Juicy Fruit gum to give out. Today isn’t about tears and missing them. It is about the good memories of the time we had together. The promise of seeing them again in Heaven. It is a time to be thankful.
So, I am. Thankful for all of the men in my family. For the grandfathers, fathers, hubby, uncles, son, son-in-law, brother, brothers-in-law, nephews, and cousins. You are appreciated and loved even though you may not hear the words. Happy Father’s Day! I love you and am grateful you are in my life. To the other patriarch in our family, Uncle Gale, thank you for your Christian leadership and your love.
If you think you are alone without a father this year like I am, you are so wrong. We have our Abba that created us. Don’t forget to spend time with our Heavenly Father today. He knows us better and loves us more than anyone else ever will. Reflect on all the blessings He has given to you and your family. He is waiting to welcome us home when our time here is finished. Tell Him how much you appreciate Him.
P.S. This fudge recipe was a favorite of Dad’s and my husband, Dennis. They both wanted me to scrape the pan and give them the little bits.
Sure there are times I still miss my Daddy. He was in my life for a short twelve years. He, too, was a son of God, kind, compassionate, and giving. I have cherished memories of him.
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 