Wednesday, March 25, 2015

An Amish Spring "(Amish Seasons Book 1) by Sarah Price

Author Info:

ECPA Christian Fiction Bestseller (June 2014, July 2014)
Amazon Top 100 Author for Books & eBooks ( December 2012, January 2013, February 2013, April 2013, May 2013, August 2013, September 2013, February 2015)
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Sarah Price self-published her first book, Fields of Corn, in 2009, a book she wrote thirty years earlier while studying anthropology and writing at Drew University (Madison, NJ). With her Anabaptist upbringing, she was drawn to the amazing culture of the Amish of Lancaster County where Ms. Price is heavily involved with numerous Amish communities where she is considered family by some and friend by most others. Fields of Corn became an Amazon bestseller and fans began asking her for more books.  

In 2013, she signed with Realms, a division of Charisma House, to publish the Amish Classics series. Initially focusing on the retelling of Jane Austen's timeless classics from within an Amish setting, her first traditionally published book, First Impressions, A Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, debuted on the ECPA bestseller list. She intends to continue retelling classics, including the Bronte sisters and Victor Hugo, as she enjoys "raising the bar" on her own intellectual stimulation as well as that of her expansive base of loyal readers. 

In 2014, she signed with Waterfall Press and published An Amish Buggy Ride which became the #1 bestseller in Religious Romance. 

In 2015, she also began writing Young Adult fiction with her first book, Diehard Fangirl launching on April 17, 2015. Her focus is on helping young teenagers with self-esteem issues as well as educating parents about the good and the bad impact of social media on their daughters

Follow her on social media: 
Blog:http://www.sarahpriceauthor.com. 
Facebook: http://facebook.com/fansofsarahprice.
Twitter: @SarahPriceAuthr
Instagram: @SarahPriceAuthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/SarahPrice

FAMILY HERITAGE

During the early 1700s, the Preiss family arrived in America aboard an old sailing vessel called the Patience. The family left Europe, escaping Catholic persecution for their Anabaptist beliefs. Sarah Price comes from a long line of devout Mennonites, including numerous church leaders and ministers throughout the years.

In 1969, Sarah Price was born in Pennsylvania and lived on the land of her ancestors, Johannes Preiss and "King Tammany", otherwise known as Tamanend, a chief of the Lenni Lenape nation in the Delaware Valley. 

In the early 1970s, her family moved to Morristown, New Jersey where she still resides with her husband, two children, and assortment of animals.

Ms. Price has advanced degrees in Communication (MA), Marketing (MBA), and Educational Leadership (A.B.D.).

Ms. Price was a former full-time college professor. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, she now writes full-time. 

 March 21, 2015
FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMTED

It’s springtime in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Drusilla Riehl has just turned eighteen. While she’s attended youth gatherings and singings in the past, something feels just a little bit different now. As the eldest child, she has a lot of responsibilities, especially with her aging grandparents living in the smaller house attached to the Riehls’ farmhouse and with Drusilla's mother expecting a baby soon. Follow the story of this young Amish woman as she comes of age in the springtime of her life, balancing her commitment to faith, family, and friends.

The Amish Seasons Series, a four-part series, follows the story of Drusilla Riehl as she passes through the seasons of life. The first of a four book series, An Amish Spring introduces readers to the Riehl family and their Amish community, both Amish and Mennonite, and will be sure to delight as you learn more about the Amish religion and culture from Sarah Price, one of the leading bestselling authors of Amish Christian fiction who bases her stories and books on authentic experience growing up Mennonite and living among the Amish. 

My Review:

 "An Amish Spring "(Amish Seasons Book 1) by Sarah Price  the first short story (only 72 pages ) in the 4 books of the (Amish Season). 


It is about Drusilla Riehl in the four seasons of the year. In this book she helps her mother, who is pregnant, take care of her other siblings and meet a young man while she is at a barn raising.

What is it about Caleb that makes Drusilla feel embrassed every time she is around him?

I read this story in one hour and didnt want to close it because I wanted to read more about Drusilla and Caleb.

This book is wonderful to read at this time as we are waiting for the rebirth of flowers and green grass and the wonderful smell of Spring that is just around the corner in our own English world because winter is just ending.

I am anxiously waiting for emails and Facebook posts for the next story in this series! Yes the ending was a cliff hanger but only because the reader knows that there are more coming, if we didn't know that there are more stories coming, the ending would be a good ending! Have I peaked your interest? If so I have accomplished my goal! Hope you read and enjoy this book as much as I did!

I received a PDF copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. 

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Blog Tour and Giveaway of "The Tomb" by Stephanie Landsem

Book Description                                                                                                            In this captivating retelling of a classic biblical story, Jesus shocks the town of Bethany with Lazarus’s resurrection from the dead, leading Martha—a seemingly perfect woman trapped by the secrets of her past—to hope and a new life.                         
Everyone in Bethany admires Martha—the perfect Jewish woman. She feeds and clothes her loved ones, looks after the family farm, and meticulously follows every precept of the Pharisees’ strict laws. But Martha is hiding a secret. At her sister’s marriage feast, she gave her heart and her innocence to a young musician who promised to return and marry her, but instead betrayed her love and abandoned her.                                                                                                                              Seven years later, only two people in Bethany know of Martha’s secret sin: her brother, Lazarus, and Simon, the righteous Pharisee to whom Martha is betrothed. When Lazarus falls ill, Martha is faced with a choice: send for Jesus to save her dying brother—risking the wrath of Simon who threatens to betray her—or deny Jesus’ healing power and remain trapped in her tomb of secrecy and lies.

Meanwhile, on the shores of Galilee, Isa roams the wilderness, tortured by demons and knowing only that someone is waiting for him. When he is healed by Jesus, he finds that seven years have passed since his descent into madness. Isa journeys home to Bethany only to find he is too late to win back Martha’s love. 

When Martha risks all to heal Lazarus, will Jesus arrive in time, or will he—like Isa—come too late?

Author Bio:Stephanie Landsem writes historical fiction because she loves adventure in far-off times and places. In real life, she's explored ancient ruins, medieval castles, and majestic cathedrals around the world. Stephanie is equally happy at home in Minnesota with her husband, four children, and three fat cats. When she's not writing, she's feeding the ravenous horde, avoiding housework, and dreaming about her next adventure - whether it be in person or on the page.
My Review:
I have to start this review with saying that I have enjoyed reading all three books of the "Living Water Series". I will be reading any future books written by Stephanie Landsem as well.

"The Tomb" is a well know story about Mary and Martha and Lazarus and their friendship with Jesus, but Stephanie Landsem has put a twist on the story. 
She has her readers see these Biblical characters as real as you and me,( which they are but she makes them more easily to understand, characters that you want to meet.) 

In this story Mary is married and Martha is in love with a musician and has a secret. She is the Martha that we all know from the Biblical story, always worrying about others and wanting to do the right thing even if it breaks her heart and leaves her no peace. 

I couldn't put "The Tomb"done until I had read the last page. While reading "The Tomb" I felt Martha pain and the descriptions are well written and not overdone with unnecessary details to make the reader want to skip over parts like some books that I have read.

I encourage you to read "The Tomb" and look at the story of Mary and Martha and Lazarus in a new way!

I was given a copy of the tomb by the author and the publisher for an honest review!

If you want to check out more about "The Tomb" here is the link to the blog tour and giveaway!
http://www.stephanielandsem.com/2015/03/blog-tour-giveaway/
 And just for extra fun here is one of Martha's recipes from " The Tomb"

Martha’s Honey Cakes
1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup milk (cow milk is fine, although Martha would have used goat milk)
1 Tablespoon dry yeast (Martha would have used fermented dough, but since we don’t tend to have that handy, we’ll go with yeast)
2 – 3 cups white flour plus more for rolling (feel free to grind your own :) or just use some from the store)
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter (although butter was known in ancient Israel, it wouldn’t have been used for this type of recipe. Given our modern tastes, butter is our best option. I don’t think Martha would mind)
1/4 cup honey
a big pinch of salt
2 large eggs plus 1 more for egg wash
1/2 cup honey for drizzling
Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Mix together the water and milk, it should be slightly warmer than tepid. Add the yeast and stir to dissolve. Set the mixture aside for a few minutes to start working.

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Now measure 2 cups flour into a large bowl (I used a stand mixer with a paddle attachment) and add the 2 tablespoons of cold butter. Mix until the texture is that of breadcrumbs. Mix in the honey, salt, and egg.

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Add the yeast and milk solution, mixing until well-combined.

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I found that this was still a very runny dough so I added flour until it held together enough to form a soft, pliable ball. Cover with a dishtowel and let rise for 1 hour in a warmish spot.
Now, for the fun part. When the dough has risen, turn it out onto a well-floured countertop and roll and press it into a rectangle about 1/2 and inch thick, using only enough flour that it doesn’t stick to your rolling pin. Caution: don’t use so much flour that the dough becomes tough. Slice the remaining cold butter into thin squares and scatter it in the center of the rectangle.

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Now, fold the dough into thirds by folding each end over the center like you’re wrapping up a baby.

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Then fold the top and bottom over the center again so you have a neat little square of folded dough.

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Crimp the edges together and use your floured rolling pin to roll the package out into a flat rectangle again. Repeat the folding process, without the butter this time, then set the square of dough aside to rise again for 1 hour. Then (you guessed it!) repeat the rolling and folding process again (without the butter).
Now it’s time to make the cakes. Cut the square of dough into 12 equal pieces. My method is to cut it into quarters, then each quarter into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth, round ball and place on a buttered baking tray or cake pan.



Cover loosely with a clean towel and let rise one more time until doubled – it will take 30 to 60 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

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Beat an egg and add a dash of water to it. Brush the egg wash over the risen cakes and bake for 20 – 30 minutes until golden brown. As soon as you remove them from the oven, drizzle liberally with honey.

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I added the garnish of pomegranate seeds to make them look even more festive. I think Martha would approve.

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And one other special treat one person commenting on this blog will get a copy of "The Tomb"

Monday, March 16, 2015

" Marshall's Bride" by Susette Williams

                                                                                                                                                            Is Marshall Kincaid getting married? Maybe someone should have told him. 

Lizzie Neuman came to America filled with hopes and dreams for her and her husband. His unexpected death left her stranded in a new country. Not having anywhere to turn, she reluctantly responds to an ad for a mail order bride. 

Marshall never planned to marry. In his line of work, he had to worry about people he arrested in the past coming after him. He accepted the path he’d chosen when he agreed to become the sheriff. He never intended to put a wife or children in harm’s way. So when Lizzie shows up in town, claiming to be his fiancée, and holding some letters supposedly from him, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out something isn’t right. 

Who knew enough about Marshall to write such personal letters? Could this be an elaborate scheme to get revenge? Or is Lizzie the realization of a dream he never dared have? 





 Susette Williams is the mother of six, and has been married to her husband for 31 years. She loves writing various genres; anything from romance, mystery, and suspense to name a few. She usually can't resist the urge to let her ornery sense of humor shine through in one of her characters and has always believed that laughter helps you deal with the obstacles life puts in your way



" Marshall's Bride" by Susette Williams is the Fourth novelette in the (Mail Order Brides series:). I have really enjoyed all four of these novelettes. They are complete and can be read while waiting in a dr's office or when a person wants to escape reality for a short period of time! I love how they all connect to each other! After reading these stories I have changed my mind on mail order brides. I used to think how can people really find happiness by marrying someone they don't know but at least you really don't have ideals about your spouse that doesn't measure up to your ideal of what they are really like!

 So do yourself a favor and get these four stories and make sure to read them in order.  

The only thing I dislike about these novelettes and others are even if the stories are complete, they leave you wanting more but then doesn't really good full length novels? But if Susette Williams reads this review I am hoping she is thinking about adding stories to this series so we can read about the brother's offspring!

I know I just typed all of the same in my review of "Caleb's Bride" but it is all true!

Marshall arrives home from a business trip and is surprised to find that his finance is in town! Wait a minute, he doesn't even know he has one!  

I think this novelette was my favorite one of the four!  Who has answered Lizzie's post and sent her letters pretending to be Marshall? The answer is good and the reason even better! 

Marshall gains something extra as well as a new bride, but to find out what , Read these fact paced stories and heart warming stories and you will be saying I want to know more about the Kincaid brothers!

I am giving  " Marshall Bride's" five stars. I was given a pfd file by the author for a honest review! 

If you have Kindle Unlimited you can read all four for free or if you don't have Kindle Unlimited you can buy them for 99 cents each or you can buy all 4 in a set for $2.99
here is the link for the collection
http://www.amazon.com/Mail-Order-Brides-Collection-historical-ebook/dp/B00UPVHTSA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1426527366&sr=1-1&keywords=A+historical+western+romance+novelette+series

"Caleb's Bride" by Susette Williams


An Inspirational Romantic Novelette 
Caleb’s Bride ~ Book 3 

Caleb Kincaid only planned on having a night on the town—playing poker. Ma never liked him gambling, and he was starting to understand why. Especially when he ends up winning a hand that will change his life. 

Naomi Hudson had hoped to become a mail order bride in order to get away from having to care for her family—namely her pa and two older brothers. But one night when Pa is drunk, he gambles away her hand in marriage. It seems that even an older fiancé isn’t totally interested in her, since he soon loses her to someone else. Doesn’t anyone want to marry her for who she is? Can Naomi find it in her heart to care for a man out of love, especially when he needs her most? 

Mail Order Brides series: 
Jessie’s Bride 
Montana’s Bride 
Caleb’s Bride 
Marshall’s Bride 

Susette Williams is the mother of six, and has been married to her husband for 31 years. She loves writing various genres; anything from romance, mystery, and suspense to name a few. She usually can't resist the urge to let her ornery sense of humor shine through in one of her characters and has always believed that laughter helps you deal with the obstacles life puts in your way






My Review
"Caleb's Bride" by Susette Williams is the third novelette in the (Mail Order Brides series:). I have really enjoyed all four of these novelettes. They are complete and can be read while waiting in a dr's office or when a person wants to escape reality for a short period of time! I love how they all connect to each other! After reading these stories I have changed my mind on mail order brides. I used to think how can people really find happiness by marrying someone they don't know but at least you really don't have ideals about your spouse that doesn't measure up to your ideal of what they are really like!

Caleb only wanted a night of fun but got more than he gambled for! Not only did he get a wife, he had to spend his wedding night in the hospital! Why, you ask I cannot tell you that as that would be a spoiler alert but I know you want to know why. So do yourself a favor and get these four stories and make sure to read them in order.  

The only thing I dislike about these novelettes and others are even if the stories are complete, they leave you wanting more but then doesn't really good full length novels? But if Susette Williams reads this review I am hoping she is thinking about adding stories to this series so we can read about the brother's offspring!

I am giving "Caleb's Bride" five stars. I was given a pfd file by the author for a honest review! 


Tuesday, March 3, 2015

"Tears In A Bottle" by Sylvia Bambola

Book Description

 December 15, 2010
Becky Taylor, a young woman burdened by great expectations, is lying on a cold recovery table in an abortion clinic when she hears a man's voice, then gunshots. She holds her breath and lies perfectly still behind the curtain. When the gunman is finished, Becky is the only one left alive in the clinic. This act brings together two strangers who both seek answers to life's most wrenching questions, mainly: Are God's love and mercy big enough for every sin? The answer transforms multiple lives.

Author Info

Born in Romania in 1945, Sylvia Bambola lived her early years in Germany. At seven she relocated with her adopted family and saw the Statue of Liberty and America for the first time. But the memory of those years in Germany inspired her to write Refiner's Fire, which won a Silver Angel Award, and was a Christy Finalist. Her frequent moves as an "army brat" gave her an opportunity to see America and fall in love with her new country. Bambola has authored six novels, has two grown children, teaches women's Bible studies, loves gardening and is learning the guitar.

My Review: 
"Tears In A Bottle" by Sylvia Bambola is an honest look at abortion and the people affected by it. It not only deals with the young girl having the abortion but the parents and even the people who own the clinic and the ones who are against the clinics. It also has a little bit of mystery, not for the readers but for the characters in the story. It is a story of forgiveness and healing. It is a lot of stories in one. 

"Tears In A Bottle" kept me involved in the story from the first chapter as I really had no idea what the story was about as I really liked the other two novels that I had read by Sylvia Bambola that I went on a hunt to find all of her books and got everyone of them either through Amazon or the library and wanted to read them all. I loved this story and am glad that I didn't know the story line because if I had it might have clouded my mind and I might not have been so involved in the story!

I really think the descriptions in the book shows that Sylvia Bambola has done research for this book and that is why the story is more believeable.

All I can say is "Tears In A Bottle" is a great read and the characters will stay with the reader for a long time! 

This is definitely a five star book!