The Amish Widow’s Rescue Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on June 3, 2019June 3, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Today my blog is a stop on “The Amish Widow’s Rescue” book tour by Celebrate Lit. This is a Christian Amish fiction by author Rachel J. Good. Read all about it, the author, the other stops, and the generous giveaway. Wish I could win it!

My Thoughts

This is a Christian Amish romance by author Rachel J. Good. It is Book 3 in her Love and Promises series but can easily be read as a stand alone. The author knows her way around an Amish story, and this one drew me in quickly.

I enjoy Ms. Good’s style of writing. The vivid descriptions of Amish Country and Pennsylvania Dutch language make me feel as though I am in Amish Country visiting with friends. Apparently that is where the author compiles information and story ideas.

Conversation is plentiful and flows without a hitch in her latest book. I love learning a new Amish word or two. In this book the Amish District was more lenient or progressive than in other Amish novels I have read. However, I have also read each district is unique.

The characters are well rounded and very relatable. They are easy to like and engage with early on in the book. Many times my heart hurt for a person or situation. The children are show stealers in this.

This is the story of Grace. She is a pregnant mother of two with a jam business and recently widowed. Immediately I wanted to hug her and help. It is also the tale of Elijah, her extremely handsome, helpful, generous neighbor who has built a wall around his heart. Oh, Elijah! My heart went out to him, too.

The author has been an exceptional job tugging on heartstrings and allowing readers to become emotionally involved in her story. It has some twist and turns, inspiration, life lessons on trusting a God, hope, and letting go of the past. The book deals with the death of a parent with children. They each deal with it differently and tears rolled as I read. They also were regular children so I chuckled in a few places, too.

I would recommend this to anyone that likes Amish fiction or would like to give it a try. The book moves along at a nice even pace without dragging. I sat down to read a little bit and that was it! I read it all.

A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but I was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own, honest thoughts. I rate this a 4 out of 5 stars.

About the Book

Book: The Amish Widow’s Rescue

Author: Rachel J Good

Genre: Amish Romance

Release Date: May 28, 2019

The perfect family awaits…if only he’ll risk his heart.

Pregnant and recently widowed, Grace Fisher is determined to provide for her family on her own. Thankfully, her jam business is popular in her Amish community. But it’s difficult keeping up with her work, her farm chores, and her two mischievous children. Especially now that they’ve taken to idolizing their neighbor Elijah. While the handsome farmer is kind and generous, he seems intent on holding Grace and her little ones at a distance…

Elijah Beiler has always admired his neighbor Grace. So standing by while she struggles to support her family isn’t an option. Offering to take over her farm duties, Elijah is determined to help while remaining detached. He knows all too well that love only leads to heartbreak. Yet the more time he spends with Grace and her children, the harder he finds it to leave each day. But can Elijah overcome past hurts and open his heart to this ready-made family?

“A beautiful story of forgiveness and second chances.” -Shelley Shepard Gray, New York Timesbestselling author, on The Amish Teacher’s Gift

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Inspirational author Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. The bestselling author of several Amish romance series, she grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for many of her stories. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farms and attending family events. Rachel has more than 40 books in print or forthcoming for both children and adults under several pen names. Find out more about Rachel and her books at her website and by signing up for her newsletter.

Rachel’s Amish series include Sisters & Friends (Charisma House & Harlequin), Love & Promises (Hachette/Grand Central), Hearts of Amish Country (Annie’s Book Club), and the forthcoming Unexpected Amish Blessings and Surprised by Love series (Kensington). She also has several anthologies in print as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Book.

More from Rachel

The story idea for The Amish Widow’s Secret came to me after I’d just finished reading stories to my Amish friend’s children to give her a little break. She was expecting a new baby, and while we sat in their kitchen enjoying a snack, her husband came in.

The tenderness in his eyes as they talked made my eyes well with tears. It was obvious how much they loved each other, and they both supported each other. A perfect companionship. Not everyone gets to experience that bond, that caring.

It made me wonder what she’d do without him, and the seeds of a story was born. I decided to explore how a widow would cope with a pregnancy and two children alone. In the Amish community, of course, no one is ever left on their own. Everyone chips in to help.

So, what if the handsome and reclusive bachelor next door felt obligated to help, but wanted to avoid getting involved? Would he eventually soften his heart toward children and love?

As I wrote, I wondered if Elijah Beiler could get over a previous heartbreak. He needed to face his past before he moved forward, so I gave him that opportunity. A surprise visit and unwelcome news force Elijah to rethink everything he believes about parenting and love. And about the person who destroyed his world. He also needs to face the bitterness he’s been harboring.

Sometimes learning more about the circumstances or reasons of the person who has hurt us causes us to see the whole situation in a new light, making it easier to let go of the hurt. That’s what happens to Elijah.

I hope his journey will encourage readers to consider the places in their lives where they’ve been holding onto pain and reevaluate those experiences in the light of God’s forgiveness and love. To write this story, I needed to do that too.

Blog Stops

Quiet Quilter, May 28

A Reader’s Brain, May 28

Maureen’s Musings, May 29

Through the Lens of Scripture, May 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 29

Among the Reads, May 30

The Avid Reader, May 30

janicesbookreviews, May 30

Emily Yager, May 31

Lighthouse Academy, May 31

Bigreadersite, June 1

THE BECCA FILES, June 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 1

Carla Loves To Read, June 2

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, June 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 3

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, June 3

Vicky Sluiter, June 3

For Him and My Family, June 4

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 4

Inspiration Clothesline, June 4

Miss Tina’s Amish Book Review, June 5

For the Love of Literature, June 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 6

Retrospective Spines, June 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 7

Mary Hake, June 8

Inklings and notions, June 8

Pause for Tales, June 8

EmpowerMoms, June 9

Texas Book-aholic, June 9

Genesis 5020, June 10

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, June 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a grand prize of autographed copies of The Amish Midwife’s Secret and Big-City Amish, a copy of an Amish cookbook, and an authentic Amish headscarf!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e2ab/the-amish-widow-s-rescue-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Amish Candy Maker Book Tour & Giveaway by Celebrate Lit

Posted on February 11, 2019February 10, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Hello! Welcome to my stop on the tour. I am very excited about this one. You are in for a treat with this Amish book by author Laura V. Hilton and today’s tour. In here you will read my review, information on the book and author, a recipe from the book, get a listing of all tour stops, and have a chance to enter the giveaway at the end. Let’s get started!

My thoughts

In a few words, The Amish Candy Maker is fantastic! Author Laura V. Hilton has outdone herself with this novel. It is the second in her “The Amish of Mackinac County” series, but can be read as a stand alone. I had not read the first one yet and found myself wishing I had because this one is so good.

This is a contemporary Amish tale of Agnes Zook, the Amish Candy Maker. It also is the story of Isaac Mast, uncle to three three young children needing his help. Circumstances throw Agnes and Isaac together and sparks begin to fly. Bishop Nehemiah is always close by diligently watching.

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This story has been well planned, organized, and researched. The characters are delightful from children to grandparents. Mixing Pennsylvania Deutsch and English made the Amish dialogue seem realistic. The author wrote the words in such a way that they were defined in the next sentence so readers are able to learn as they read.

It took a few, well very few, pages to become invested in this story. I loved both main characters, Agnes and Isaac. They became fast friends of mine. Author Hilton knows how to write a great romance. Wow, just wow! It is one you want to discuss with your girlfriends.

Life lessons and scripture are woven heavily throughout this story. There is no doubt it is a Christian fiction book. Forgiveness of others and self, judging, gossiping, and respect are all touched on. Each one a relevant topic. Trusting God and prayer is discussed, too. The only thing I did not agree with in the book, and it is a personal belief, is that it is okay to get mad and yell at God. Certainly He knows our thoughts and feelings, but I think honor and respect for Him demands we treat Him better.

I definitely recommend this page turning, captivating Amish romance. There are twists, adventure, danger, humor, and even candy recipes at the end. It gets 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was not required to write a review. These are my own, honest thoughts.

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About the Book

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Title: The Amish Candy Maker

Author: Laura V. Hilton

Genre: Amish Christian Fiction

Release date: February 5, 2019

Publisher: WhitakerHouse

Agnes Zook finds herself on her own in a small Amish community in Mackinac County after a tragedy kills her family. Most of the Amish call her “off in den Kopf” (strange) since she’s starting her own business and forging her own way in the community instead of relying on the bishop to take care of her. Since she’s viewed as non-submissive and too-forward for an Amish woman, she’s not courted by young men in the area.
Isaac Mast is on the verge of leaving the Amish church. He’s become a sought-after auctioneer and has a thriving business, but he feels confined by the strict rules. When his brother is severely injured in a wild fire, Isaac receives a letter from his sister-in-law, begging him to come to Mackinac County to help out while his brother is hospitalized. Isaac agrees but is unsure how to manage their young children when he has weekend auctions he’s expected to attend.
Agnes may be the answer to a prayer. Sparks fly when she and Isaac meet. But could their differences help them form a deeper connection to their faith…and each other?

About the Author

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Laura Hilton is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews published on the web. Her first series with Whitaker was The Amish of Seymour, comprising Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (2012 Laurel Award winner, first place in the Amish Genre Clash), and Promised to Another; and her second was The Amish of Webster County, comprising Healing Love, Awakened Love, and Surrendered Love. Her next series was The Amish of Jamesport, featuring The Post Card, Snow Globe, and The Birdhouse. Her latest books include The Amish Firefighter, The Amish Wanderer, and Love By the Numbers. Laura and her husband, Steve, live in Arkansas with their five children, whom Laura homeschools.

Guest Post from Laura

RECIPE FOR FUDGE À LA AGNES ZOOK

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Fudge

Courtesy of Laura V. Hilton

1 bag (12 ounces) milk chocolate chips

1 bag (10 ounces) peanut butter chips

2 cans sweetened condensed milk, divided

6 tablespoons butter, divided

20 to 30 miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or six regular-size ones broken into four or five pieces each

For the chocolate layer: Line a greased 8-by-11.5-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

In a double boiler or metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, combine milk chocolate chips, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, and 4 tablespoons butter. Stir until melted and smooth.

Pour into prepared baking dish and allow to cool to room temperature, then move to the refrigerator while preparing next layer.

For the peanut butter layer: In a double boiler or metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, combine peanut butter chips, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons butter. Stir until melted and smooth.

Pour on to the milk chocolate fudge layer and press pieces of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the surface. If desired, group candy pieces in a grid-like fashion for easier cutting later.

Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight or until set.

Remove from refrigerator, lift out of the pan by the edges of the parchment paper, and cut into squares, with roughly one miniature peanut butter cup or piece of a cup per square.

Store in the refrigerator.

Blog Stops

Christian Author, J. E. Grace, February 5

My Devotional Thoughts, February 5

Carla Loves To Read, February 5

Among the Reads, February 6

Girl’s In White Dresses, February 6

Britt Reads Fiction, February 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 7

The Avid Reader, February 7

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, February 7

Emily Yager, February 8

Quiet quilter, February 8

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 9

Maureen’s Musings, February 9

Bibliophile Reviews, February 10

Vicky Sluiter, February 10

Through the Fire Blogs, February 11

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 11

Daysong Reflections, February 11

Texas Book-aholic, February 12

Janices book reviews, February 12

Carpe Diem, February 13

A Baker’s Perspective, February 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14

SusanLovesBooks, February 14

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 14

Blossoms and Blessings, February 15

Stephanie’s Life of Perseverance, February 15

Inspiration Clothesline, February 15

Inklings and Notions, February 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 16

Pause for Tales, February 16

Have A Wonderful Day, February 17

For the Love of Books, February 17

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 17

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 18

Bigreadersite, February 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Laura is giving away a grand prize of a large and small spatula set and a $10 Starbucks gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d9a6/the-amish-candy-maker-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Tour & Giveaway, The Amish Midwife’s Secret by Rachel J. Good

Posted on December 3, 2018December 1, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Review of The Amish Midwife’s Secret:

It is no secret I like to read Amish fiction. Lately there have been books in various genres about midwives and healing. I enjoy those also. This book was especially enjoyable because it had all of those.

Author Rachel J. Good knows about the Amish culture. She has researched it and has friends that are Amish. That is one reason her books are authentic to their way of life. This author has an easy way with words. Her characters are well rounded and described. I felt as if I knew Leah, Kyle, and the old doctor. I was invested in the story early.

The story was organized written, organized, and planned so that there were a few twists. I wanted to keep reading and longed to visit Amish country again after finishing this delightful book. Christian inspiration was sprinkled throughout along with life lessons. It is a sweet romance.

I would recommend it. It earned a 4.5 out of 5 stars from me. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own, honest ones.

About the Book

Book: The Amish Midwife’s Secret

Author: Rachel J. Good

Genre: Inspirational Amish Romance

Release Date: November 27, 2018

“A beautiful story of forgiveness and second chances.” -Shelley Shepard Gray, New York Times bestselling author

They won’t see eye-to-eye until they meet heart-to-heart…

Kyle Miller never planned on becoming a country doctor. But when he’s offered a medical practice in his sleepy hometown, Kyle knows he must return… and face the painful past he left behind. Except the Amish community isn’t quite ready for Kyle. Especially the pretty midwife who refuses to compromise her herbal cures and Amish traditions with his modern medicine…

The more Leah Stoltzfus works with the handsome Englisch doctor, the more she finds herself caught between the expectations of her family and her own hopes for the future. It will take one surprising revelation and one helpless baby in need of love to show Leah and Kyle that their bond may be greater than their differences… if Leah can find the courage to follow her heart.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

rachel good Inspirational author Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. The author of several Amish romance series, she grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for many of her stories. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel’s Amish series include Sisters & Friends (Charisma House/Harlequin), Love & Promises (Grand Central), Hearts of Amish Country (Annie’s Book Club), and Surprised by Love as well as several anthologies—Springs of Love, Love’s Thankful Heart, Plain Everyday Heroes—and the Amish Quilts Coloring Books.

Guest Post from Rachel

The Amish and Herbal Remedies

As many of you know, my Amish novels are based on real life. I get ideas from hanging around Amish friends, hearing their stories and observing their lives. I’d never invade their privacy by telling their stories exactly as they happen, but the things I learn trigger plot ideas.

I’ve always been fascinated by the way the Amish approach healing. Once thing I’ve learned is that, although they’re usually willing to visit doctors, they don’t always take the medicines that are prescribed. Instead, they often substitute herbal remedies. That, and several visits to one of my favorite Amish natural products stores, gave me an idea for one of the conflicts in The Amish Midwife’s Secret.

Leah, an Amish midwife, prefers herbal remedies. Of course, that puts her in direct conflict with Kyle, the new Englisch doctor in town, who only believes in science and traditional medicine. Put the two together and lots of sparks fly. Of course, some of those sparks are also of a romantic nature.

Leah is not only a midwife, but her family owns a natural products store. She knows the best herbs for healing. Rather than sending a small boy to the hospital for pneumonia, Leah covers the baby’s chest with a warm mixture of onions and other herbs and spices (some Amish friends prefer raw onion for congestion), and she feds the baby fresh pineapple juice for his cough.

As a doctor, Kyle is horrified. He wants to admit the baby to a hospital at once. And he expects the old country doctor he’s replacing to back him up. Instead, Dr. Hess informs Kyle that many of the Amish go to doctors for a diagnosis, but then rely on herbal treatments rather than prescriptions.

Kyle, who’s been debating about whether to stay in Amish country or move to a big-city hospital, decides to remain in Lancaster and make it his mission to prevent the Amish midwife from harming newborns and their mothers. He certainly doesn’t expect to have his eyes opened to other ways to handle illnesses. But he has to admit, Leah’s methods do seem to work. When a crisis comes, they soon discover that it takes both of them to save a baby.

***

A extra little secret: Those of you who get my newsletter already know this, but Kyle in The Amish Midwife’s Secret appeared in two earlier books. The Midwife story stands alone, but if you want to know more about Kyle and Emma’s past, you can find it in the Sisters & Friends series, Book 1, Change of Heart, and Book 2, Buried Secrets.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, November 27

Christian Bookaholic, November 27

KarenSueHadley, November 27

The Avid Reader, November 28

A Baker’s Perspective, November 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 28

Genesis 5020, November 29

Reading Is My SuperPower, November 29

cherylbbookblog, November 29

Because I said so- adventures in parenting, November 30

Bigreadersite, November 30

Quiet Quilter , December 1

Blossoms and Blessings, December 1

Bibliophile Reviews, December 2

Britt Reads Fiction, December 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 3

Captive Dreams Window, December 3

Cafinated Reads, December 4

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, December 4

Carpe Diem, December 4

Maureen’s Musings, December 5

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, December 5

Janices book reviews, December 6

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, December 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 7

For the Love of Literature, December 7

Inklings and notions, December 8

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 8

Moments, December 9

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, December 9

Texas Book-aholic, December 9

Miss Tinas Amish Book Review, December 10

The Becca Files, December 10

Vicky Sluiter, December 10

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a grand prize package of two faceless Amish dolls and an autographed copy of The Amish Midwife’s Secret and Plain Everyday Heroes!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d66f/the-amish-midwife-s-secret-celebration-tour-giveaway

Giveaway Book Tour Love’s Christmas Blessing

Posted on November 16, 2018November 11, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Review:

Are you an Amish fan like I am? Reading about their lifestyle takes me away to a world I wish I could live in but know I cannot. I am too much of a modern conveniences girl. The family and friendship bonds are enticing to me as are many other things.

These two novellas were charming. In the first one, Winter’s Treasure by Laura Hilton, we meet birthday girl Paris, her friend Sarah, and newcomer Quil. I loved the way Paris’ father celebrates her birthday. It was a new one for me and I wish I had known about something like this when my kids were growing up.

This story is about true friendship, jealousy, and forgiveness. It has a nice message which anyone will appreciate.

The second novella is Mistletoe and Miracles by Rachel J. Good. It is the story of Daniel Graber and his father, who is recovering from a broken hip. We meet Fern and her young daughter Lyddie. The characters are relatable and likable. In this tale it shows how a young girl can make friends and overcome sadness. We also see how her mom might love again.

I enjoyed both of those novellas. They were short reads and very charming. I preferred the second just a little bit more. This gets a 4 out of 5 star rating and definite recommendation from me.

I received a copy of this book from CelebrateLit. These are my own honest opinions.

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About the Book

Book: Love’s Christmas Blessings

Author: Laura V Hilton, Rachel J Good

Genre: Christian Fiction, Amish, Christmas

Release Date: November, 2018

Publisher: Celebrate Lit Publishing

Winter’s Treasure

Paris Kauffman believes she is about to embark on her family-tradition birthday treasure hunt, but for the first time ever, her daed is sending her to various businesses and homes in the community. Little does Paris expect that when she enters the bakery to collect her gift, the bus will drop off none other than her old crush, Aquila Stutzman, the man she’d done everything except cartwheels and handstands to get his attention. And failed. Of course, Quil doesn’t remember her.

Quil was offered employment working on his grandparents’ new tree farm in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Since he’s recovering from a broken heart when his longtime girlfriend Priscilla up and married his cousin, a move Quil never saw coming, he decides to take the job. This will give him time to separate himself from the hurt and maybe, eventually, move on.

Paris and Quil have sparks from the beginning, especially since his appearance causes a vicious rivalry between friends. But who can resist when a chance meeting beginning with donuts and coffee ends with a missing person, puppies, a skunk, and a sleigh ride—not to mention a trip the Amish young people plan to Niagara Falls. Could it also involve falling in love?

Mistletoe and Miracles

Daniel Graber has spent years caring for his aging parents. Now Daed’s in rehab with a broken hip and a bad case of irritability. He snaps at the workers and complains about doing physical therapy, so Daniel is grateful for the new aide, Fern Chupp, who uses her sweetness and charm to convince Daed to cooperate. Turns out, Daed isn’t the only one she charms.

As a widow, Fern is grateful for her new job at Fairview Rehab Center, even though it meant relocating to Ephrata, Pennsylvania, with her nine-year-old daughter, Lyddie. But Lyddie is grieving the recent death of her grandfather and dislikes leaving her Ohio home. Lyddie’s shyness also makes it difficult to make friends orh recite school lessons.

When her class goes to the rehab center to interview patients, Lyddie’s too scared to do her assignment, so she runs away. During the hunt for her missing daughter, independent Fern learns to accept and appreciate Daniel’s help and support. By the time they discover Lyddie, she’s made a very unusual friend, and Fern and Daniel have developed a friendship. Can four lonely heart create special bonds to make it a Christmas to remember?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Authors

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with over twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.

When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.

rachel good Inspirational author Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. The author of several Amish romance series, she grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for many of her stories. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel’s Amish series include Sisters & Friends (Charisma House & Harlequin), Love & Promises (Hachette/Grand Central), Hearts of Amish Country (Annie’s Book Club), and the forthcoming Surprised by Love (Kensington). She also has several anthologies in print as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Book.

To learn more about Rachel, visit her at www.racheljgood.com.

Coconut Potato Fudge Recipe:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup plain, mashed potatoes, either instant or one medium potato, cooked

1/8 cup finely chopped (or crushed) almonds (optional)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 cup shredded coconut
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate
give3 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

Beat powdered sugar and coconut into warm potatoes; then add the vanilla extract and almonds.

Press into a lightly-greased 8-inch square pan; set aside.

In a saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate and butter, stirring occasionally. When melted, pour over top of the potato mixture.

Refrigerate until set and then cut into squares.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, November 11

The Avid Reader, November 11

Bigreadersite, November 11

Among the Reads, November 12

Wishful Endings, November 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 13

Britt Reads Fiction, November 13

Reading Is My SuperPower, November 14

Maureen’s Musings, November 14

Quiet Quilter, November 15

Blossoms and Blessings, November 15

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 16

Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 16

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, November 17

Through the Lens of Scripture, November 17

Bibliophile Reviews, November 18

Splashes of Joy, November 18

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 19

Mary Hake, November 19

Miss Tina’s Amish Book Reviews, November 20

Just the Write Escape, November 20

Moments, November 21

Bukwurmzzz, November 21

Blogging With Carol, November 22

Texas Book-aholic, November 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 23

Janices book reviews, November 23

Carpe Diem, November 24

A Baker’s Perspective, November 24

Giveaway

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To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away

Grand prize of $25 Amazon gift card

1st place: Paperback copy of Love’s Christmas Blessings

2-4th place: eBook copy of Love’s Christmas Blessings!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d8a0/love-s-christmas-blessing-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review: The Christmas Remedy by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall

Posted on October 10, 2018October 5, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Christmas Remedy by rauthors Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall is a charming 198 page Amish Christmas book. The Woodsmall authors do a wonderful job of mixing contemporary Amish and what they call Englisch (us) cultures in this story. The sweet romance is a also a mystery. So we have a contemporary Christian Amish romantic mystery. What a great combination!

Their writing style is like opening the door into another place. I gladly glide on in and stay, making many friends while I am there. It was easy to become invested in this book. I did within the first few pages. It was difficult to put the book down until I had finished it. I felt like a kid wanting to stay on vacation a few more days. The characters were too likable to just leave.

This is the tale of Amish young woman Holly Zook. She works in the town pharmacy. After a medical issue her boss’ son, Brandon, comes home. These two characters are well defined and true to life. I met Brandon’s father, Lyle, the beloved pharmacist. A helpful chicken farmer, Josh Smucker. There were too many characters to name. All distinct and likable or perhaps not.

This book taught me some things I did not know. One of my three favorite things in a book. Teach me something. It also had a God glorifying message. Check. I wasn’t sure about that one, but good things come to those that wait. The last is I want to feel like I am there. I did. Obviously these wordsmiths know what they are doing and do it quite well.

The Christmas Remedy was a tad predictable but that did not make it any less enjoyable. There were issues touched that effect most all of us. Family, forgiveness, loving others as ourself, helping, healthcare awareness, and envy are a few of those topics.

I truly enjoyed this Christmas book. There were friendship, blossoming love, caroling, health fair, smores, family gatherings, and good Amish food. It received 5 out of 5 stars from me, especially for the strong closing message. This would be a great stocking stuffer for the reader on your list. Buy one for yourself. You will enjoy traveling to Amish country during the holidays while sipping cider in front of your fireplace.

I received a copy of this from Waterbrook and the authors. All opinions are my own, honest ones.

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Read a Book Monday: The Hope Jar, a 5 Star Read

Posted on July 23, 2018July 22, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Do you read to feed your mind just as you eat to feed your body? Most people read but like we often eat we don’t consider the “nutritional contents” in reading. Today I have a book that will nourish your mind. No junk food in it at all. It is a clean Christian Amish novel that is engaging, thought provoking, provides information, inspiration, and even recipes. Are you interested? Great, I will tell you more.

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New York Times Best Selling author Wanda Brunstetter has penned a new series entitles The Prayer Jars. Book One, The Hope Jar, is a delightful 311 pages that will transport readers between the modern Englisch world and modern Amish world. The book is much different than any other I have read by author Brunstetter. Her writing style hasn’t changed but the story and information given has. This book was extremely well thought, planned, and organized as well as well written.

The book centers around an elderly Amish couple, two twenty something young women, and two young men. Many tough topics are tackled in this fiction work. Things in which we can all relate are presented in these pages such as family issues, parental rules, teenage and young adult disobedience, death, deceit, lies, abuse, dishonesty, betrayal, and someone struggling with faith. It would be an injustice to divulge much about the plot. Reading it and discovering this delightful story on one’s own is much better.

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The characters are lovely and some despicable. The author does a great job defining them and rounding them so that we come to love or really dislike them. I became invested in their lives and emotions. Certain situations were relatable either first hand or through a friend. Dialog flows smoothly and some Amish words are slipped in with definition. Readers will learn a few Amish or Pennsylvania Deutsch words by the end of this book. Much information on the Amish is provided. It would be the perfect book for someone wanting to know the what’s and why’s of Amish life.

After the story, readers will be delighted to find recipes that were mentioned in the story. As a bonus there are discussion questions for book clubs or if you want to dig a bit deeper yourself. Author information, a listing of all of the author’s works and a sneak peak at the cover of Book Two, The Forgiving Jar close out this book.

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Definitely I recommend for a variety of reasons. It provides information some readers may not currently know about Amish, farm life, and scripture. Topics broached are tough, real life issues, and someone might need help with their situation. Recipes used or discussed in a book and then given are a favorite thing of mine, and this book follows through with that. Don’t tease me. If you are going to tempt me with making a delicious dish, then please share the recipe. The life lessons and inspirational lessons are phenomenal. Rating this book a 5 out of 5 star is warranted. This reader is eagerly awaiting Book Two. A few of author Brunstetter’s works have been turned into plays. I for one am hoping for a movie next.

A copy of The Hope Jar was provided by Barbour Publishing for my honest opinion. I can and will give no other.

Read a Book Monday: The Hawaiian Discovery by Wanda & Jean Brunstetter

Posted on June 18, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

If you like tropical locations, Hawaii, and Amish then I have a fabulous novel for you. Tropical Amish sounds like I misspoke, but no, this is accurate. The Hawaiian Discovery is the second in author Wanda and Jean Brunstetter’s Hawaiian quilt series. Even though it is Book Two, you could read it as a stand alone book. However, I would encourage you to read book one because of the back story and just how great it was!

This is the tale of best friends Mandy and Ellen. It is set a few years after Book One, Amish Quilt. 97BD31E8-CD38-41F1-BEC9-3B8E00A801FA

We find Mandy and hubby running a Bed and Breakfast in Indiana. Her best friend, Ellen works there along side her. One day Mandy and her family receive word of a family emergency which causes them to need to quickly pick up and relocate to Hawaii. Ellen jumps in requesting permission to go and help, too, when another crisis hits. She receives permission and flies, on a plane, to Hawaii. Oh the places you’ll go, Ellen! Who could imagine Hawaiian Amish? Wanda and Jean, of course!

The girls and Ken, Mandy’s husband, all work on his family’s chicken farm. There they meet Rob. Immediately sparks start to fly between Amish Ellen and Englischer Rob. Rob carries a secret he does not want to share. However, Mandy warns Ellen about Rob’s background.

The authors do a lovely job with their descriptions. The soft sounds and sights of Hawaii drew me in and I was ready to pack my bags right now. Noises and unpleasant smells from the chicken farm descriptions were on point. Yuck! That would not be the job for this city girl. My point is these authors know how to grab readers and transport them into a story. I felt like I was there. The characters were very authentic, well redescribed with flaws and all. The storyline was well planned and flowed. A few parts were predictable and some had twists and turns. I was not disappointed.

This book gave me a page or two to gently ease into to it and then, bam! I could not put it down. Yep, it is a definite page turner where you want to hurry and see what happens, but don’t want the book to end. Oh, the problems we readers have with a good book.

Many lessons can be gleaned from this sweet romance and the Amish. It teaches readers to cast our cares on God, 4ED194A7-3C82-4201-AAFB-CFCD9494603C

to trust Him, and have faith. Friendship is shown throughout this book. Giving readers pause to reflect upon what kind of friend they are? What would they do for a friend? Do we pray with our friends? Also, family and religious dynamics are explored. What happens when you are away from the guidance of family? How does it effect the family if you marry outside your (their) cultural beliefs?

I enjoyed this book overall, but liked the Indiana more traditional Amish part of it better. It is not your typical Amish novel which is reason enough to give it a try. Just remember to go into it with an open mind. Don’t expect the old Amish things in everything. Expect some surprises. See things through Ellen’s eyes and you will love it. I rated this 5 out of 5 stars. Certainly I would highly recommend it. Anyone who loves Christian fiction, romance, or Hawaii will enjoy this book. I. received a complimentary copy of it from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

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