"A Season Of Change" by Lynette Sowell

Amish widower Jacob Miller believes it was a mistake to visit the Amish village of Pinecraft for winter vacation, especially after his daughter is struck by a car. Stranded in Sarasota until his daughter recovers, Jacob grows increasingly wary of events that unfold in his unfamiliar surroundings—including the strange curiosity of Englischer Natalie Bennett.

Natalie never thought her circus career as an aerial silks artist would end with a blown-out knee at the age of 25. She also never knew her late mother had a secret—that she was once Amish.

When Natalie meets the Millers at the Sarasota hospital, she is attracted to their warm hospitality and simple ways—and soon wonders if they can help her find her mother’s family. As Jacob and Natalie fall in love, their worlds collide. Will their differences tear them apart? Or will their love be strong enough to blend their clashing cultures?

Author Info: Lynette Sowell is the award-winning author of twenty titles for Barbour, Heartsong Presents, and Abingdon Press. Her work has finaled and won ACFW's Carol Award and has appeared on the ECPA best-seller list. When Lynette's not writing, she spends her time chasing down news stories for her local newspaper. Lynette was born in Massachusetts, raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, but makes her home on the doorstep of the Texas hill country with her husband, C.J., a zany Aussie-blue heeler mix, and a duo of cats who have them well-trained. She loves reading, cooking, watching movies, and is always up for a Texas road trip.
You can find Lynette at her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/lynettesowellauthor

My Review: "A Season Of Change" by Lynette Sowell is a really really good book.

"A Season Of Change" by Lynette Sowell kept me turning the pages to see if Englischer Natalie Bennett and Amish widower Jacob Miller could somehow overcome their different worlds and be a couple. The attraction was there from the begining.

"A Season Of Change" by Lynette Sowell is the first book in the "Seasons in Pinecraft" series. 

Jacob  Miller and his children are on vacation in the village of Pinecraft in Sarasota, Florida,a real place. While there an accident happens that puts Jacob's daughter in the hospital and there they meet Natalie who is a teacher for circus performers.

But Natalie learns that her mom has kept a secret from her. It is this secret that changes Natalie's life.

This book has many life lessons that we can learn, like how is the two sides of  a coin like God? If you want to know you have to read the book.  Have I convinced you to read it yet?

This book has characters that you want to hug, and characters you want to yell at.  It has you questioning some things and makes you think am I like this or would I do it the same way that the character in the story did?

 I have to admit that I am happy the story ended the way I did but I honestly didn't see it ending that way but it was a perfect ending!

This book was a book that was chosen for an online book chat and the book was brought more alive and personalized because the author Lynette Sowell joined the discussion.

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review by Abingdon Press . I have given"A Season Of Change" by Lynette Sowell five stars.

"Second Chances: An Amish Retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion (The Amish Classics)" by Sarah Price

Book Description

Publication Date: May 5, 2015

At twenty-five years of age, Anna Eicher has never married. When she was seventeen, her parents convinced her to break off her courtship with Freman Whittmore, the youngest son in the Whittmore family and her best friend. Afterward, a distraught Freman moved away from Lancaster County.

 

Eight years later Freman has returned to visit his sister, who is renting the Eichers’ house for the winter. Now the owner of the largest dairy farm in his church district, Freman has neither married—nor forgiven Anna.

 

Although he begins courting someone else, Anna hopes to convince him that she has never stopped loving him. Will Freman be persuaded to forgive Anna and open his heart again?

My Review: "Second Chances" is a story about what happens when you don't stand up for yourself and let others persuade you to make wrong choices. It is the story of heartache and regrets. "Second Chances" is God's way of showing us His mercy! I encourage you to read "Second Chances" and fall in love with life all over again as God has a plan for each of us. Sarah Price has a way of making her readers love the Amish and the classics! How much better can it get than that!

"Second Chances" is a five star novel.

I was given a copy of "Second Chances" by the publisher for an honest review.

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 because 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.

"The Prodigal's Path" (Paths of Hope Book 2) by Hope Kesler

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 2015 

For independent-minded Amish woman Birdie Troyer, moving with her husband Caleb to his home community of Twin Oaks is taking some getting used to.

Caleb has only told his parents, Hannah and John, part of the story about his new wife. They know she joined the church after leaving for rumpsringa, but Caleb has decided that they not be told that his wife joined under duress. To him it doesn't matter; he knows Birdie to be faithful. But would his conservative parents - especially is overbearing mother - understand.

Then a painful crisis for the couple coincides with another surprise - the unexpected homecoming of Caleb's brother, Benjamin, whose rejection of the faith had left him a shunned outsider.

Now Benjamin wants to come back, and as the community prepares to pave the way for his repentance, Caleb finds himself dealing with deep resentment towards a brother he does not believe is sincere. And as Birdie struggles to come to terms with a personal loss, she must also unravel the true source of her husband's hostility towards his younger brother.

Can a fractured family dealing with hurt and old secrets find its way back to unity? Or will unspoken hurts build a wall that threatens to divide Birdie from the man she loves?

My Review : "The Prodigal's Path" (Paths of Hope Book 2) by Hope Kesler is just as great as the first book in the series " The Journey Home" 

This book is a lesson in forgiveness and love and trust. It also tells us that you have to be true to yourself in order to be the person God intended you to be and if you are true to yourself it also helps others become the person God intended them to be.

When a crisis happens to Caleb and Birdie, Caleb's mother writes and tells Benjamin, Caleb's shunned brother and then he comes back and wants to be treated like he never left the faith. But Caleb is angry and wants no part of Benjamin. Birdie is tired of Caleb's mother putting her down and befriends Benjamin. 

Will Benjamin and Birdie's love stand the test and is Birdie to independent to be a true Amish wife. 

Is Caleb really just angry because Benjamin left or because Martha turned to another man after Caleb became too stern after Benjamin left?

I couldn't wait to see how it would all end up and I wasn't disappointment. 

I can honestly say I want a third book.

These two books are definitely books any lover of the Amish fiction would love. I am sure that any reader that likes love stories that deal with couples that have to struggle to make their love work will also enjoy them!

I am giving "The Prodigal's Path" five stars.

I was given a pdf file for my honest review.

"Sins of the Mothers" by Caryl McAdoo

Caryl McAdoo/ Sins of the Mothers

ISBN-13: 978-1503-1975-4-1 | ISBN-10: 1503-1975-4-9 | 
Release Date May 3, 2015

Persistent faith brings redemption and reconciliation.
Propelled by blind love, Mary Rachel Buckmeyer defies her father to elope with Caleb Wheeler. The newlyweds run off to California then partner with his cousin in his dry goods business.

Unbeknownst to the young bride, her new husband sends his kissing cousin ahead. He wants his love and his new wife’s money, too. Betrayal and murder drive Mary, soon a young mother, to the depths of despair. But she hates the man who loves her enough to cover her sins and deliver her out of the horrible pit she’s dug for herself in. Or does she?

Mary Rachel travels from frontier Texas to the raw bone boomtown of 1850’s San Francisco gold rush days, then all the way to genteel New York to find redemption for the sins of her
mothers.

---

Author Bio:
Christian, hybrid (Simon & Schuster & Indie) author Caryl McAdoo is currently three series, all from a perspective of faith: her historical Texas Romances; the contemporary Red River Romances; and The Generations, her Biblical fiction. The novelist loves singing new songs the Lord gives her, and she paints. In 2008, she and her high school sweetheart-husband Ron moved from the DFW area—home for fifty-five years—to the woods of Red River County. Caryl counts four children and fourteen grandsugars life’s biggest blessings believing all good things come from God. Praying each story gives God glory, she hopes it will also minister His love, mercy, and grace to its readers. Caryl and Ron live in Clarksville, the county seat, in the far
northeast corner of the Lone Star State.


To learn more about Caryl and her writing, visit her website:
http://carylmcadoo.com/
Subscribe to The Caryler while you're there and receive a FREE e'book every quarter!

You can also find Caryl on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Goodreads and Google+.

My Review:                                                                          "Sins of the Mothers" by Caryl McAdoo is the fourth book in the "Texas Romance Series" and like the other three in the series, this reader couldn't put the book down till I read the last page and then I wanted it to continue. Hope I am not speaking to soon but I believe Book 5 is coming in September. I was so glad to read that at the book of the book.

Sometimes after reading some many volumes in a series that has all the same characters the series gets tiresome. I haven't found that in this series and there isn't a overabearance of repeating the story, like there are in other series.

"Sins of the Mothers" by Caryl McAdoo is a story of family and trust and love and forgiveness and faith. This book isn't a story that is filled with complete happiness but it is a story that is true to life.  

My heart really felt heavy when reading the troubles that Mary had, regardless that she choose her own path. 

This book has alcohol abuse as well as affairs but it is written in clean language. 

The books are written in different time eras, "Sins of the Mothers" is  written about 1850’s San Francisco gold rush days. This book shows that when you really let God lead you, the best happens. 

I am eagerly awaiting the next book and I have several other books that Caryl McAdoo wrote on my to be read list. I highly recommend this series to anyone that likes Historical Romance and Christian Romance.

I give "Sins of the Mothers"by Caryl McAdoo five stars. 

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.
http://www.amazon.com/Sins-Mothers-Texas-Romances-4/dp/1503197549/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437280633&sr=8-1&keywords=sins+of+the+mothers+caryl+mcadoo

"The I Finally Quit Movement: Recruiting an Army of Quitters"by Dave "The Quitter" Ross

Book Description:

Have you ever wanted to quit something? For more than two decades, David Ross, founder of I Finally Quit, Inc., struggled with addictions to cigarettes, alcohol, making excuses, and more. The loss of his income, fiancé, friends, being homeless for five years, and nearly dying inspired him to put bad decisions in the past, and become known as Dave “The Quitter” Ross. As you Read Dave’s compelling story, you may wonder, “Could I do this, too?” “The I Finally Quit Movement: Recruiting an Army of Quitters” is about making better decisions and creating a safe, fun environment for people to gather; uniting to fight against vices and addictions that hold them back. Join the army of like-minded individuals who courageously battle and defeat addiction! “Drugs, alcohol, and other unhealthy habits consume the lives of millions of people all over the world. But, I believe that David’s book and the I Finally Quit website will be practical tools to help people like him to connect and get support.” —H. K. Tabrizi, MD Ready to BREAK FREE from ‘bad’ habits and pick up ‘better’ ones? Then it’s time to JOIN the I Finally Quit Movement and CONNECT with others doing the same! www.ifinallyquit.com This book is for anyone who has ever wanted to break free from making excuses, procrastinating and putting things off, smoking, drinking, being mean, etc. Anyone who wants to be…better!

Author Bio:
David Ross had a successful, 15-year career advising some of the nation’s top executives, and leading seminars in all fifty states on healthcare industry topics. He was engaged, earning a great income, and had many friends. But due to serious addictions, by 2006, and for the next five years, he was homeless, scared, and alone. Nearly dying due to alcoholism turned his life around – out of addiction and into a life driven by a strong passion to help others. Dave (AKA "The Quitter") is the founder and CEO of “I Finally Quit” and leads a growing and vibrant movement to support others who want to end bad habits and addictions once and for all. Join us today at www.ifinallyquit.com.

To learn more about Dave and his writing, visit him at . . .Author Website: www.ifinallyquit.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IFinallyQuitfref=ts
Check out Dave's radio interview with CWA Radio host, Terilee Harrison:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2014/12/03/shameless-life-radio-david-ross-of-i-finally-quit
Please watch the video below to learn about the I finally Quit Community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=V0kKOiWG69k

Order your copy of The I Finally Quit Movement: Recruiting an Army of Quitters at Dave's Website or on Amazon or Barnes&Noble.

My Review:
Want to quit any of these things

Making Excuses
Waiting on Others
Complaining
Smoking and Tobacco
Alcohol
Nail Biting
Gambling
Bad Relationships
Avoidance
Low Self-Worth
Worrying
Abusing Drugs
Being a Downer
Overeating
Sweets & Sugar

I have a few things on this list I want to quit so I am reading "I Finally Quit Movement: Recruiting An Army Of Quitters" by David Ross.  The book is really a close and honest look at the author's struggles with cigarettes and alcohol.
I recommend this book to anyone that has a bad habit, and who doesn't, so that means I would recommend this book to Everyone! Yes the author credits God for saving his life in a car wreck with fire, but this book to me isn't a religious book but more an autobiography.
This book was an easy read, I read it in one day, and even through I don't struggle with alcohol and cigarettes this book helped me see how the struggle with these vices are not an easy thing to overcome, I do have a problem with overeating and some of the issues he talked about I struggles with like ( wanting to be liked and feeling lonely).
The book also described how the https://ifinallyquit.com came to be. This site is a helpful site you can join to help you to be a quitter also.
I do have to say this book isn't what I thought it was going to be when I requested it from Christian Women Affliate.  I thought it was going to be a step by step manuel but I was not disappointed through and I have joined the website but haven't checked it out thoroughly yet! I am giving this book five stars.

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

"Heir Of Hope" by Stephenia H. MCGee

My Review: 

"Heir Of Hope"is the second book of the Ironwood Plantation series but can be a stand alone also.

"Heir Of Hope" continues where "The Whistle Walk" left off, well it is 150 years later, but that doesn't affect the story at all, in fact it enhances the story. 

I was drawn into Emily's story from the first paragraph and had to finish the book to see how it was going to end! Of course I had the advantage of reading "The Whistle Walk" so I knew what was in the diary! 

Ok I am getting ahead of the story, Emily inherits this madison and discovers a diary and must decide on what to do with them both! This is not a spoil alert as it is the book description.I know what I want her to do but does she make the right choice, you must read the book and find out. 

This book has a little mystery and romance within it pages and while I really liked this book I liked "The Whistle Walk" better. " The Whistle Walk" takes place during the Civil War and " Heir Of Hope" is present day".

The details and scenes are written so well I actually believed I was seeing this story as well as reading it!

I was given an pfd copy by the author for my honest opinion. I am given " Heir Of Hope" five stars.

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2015

My dear one,
You come to me in my dreams and we talk of things that cannot be explained in this life. How we have been brought together is a great mystery, but I wish to someday see you again….

A Mississippi Plantation: 150 years after the Civil War nearly tore a nation asunder, the battle for freedom still rages in the heart of Ironwood's newest mistress. 

Emily Burns grew up an orphan, so she never expected to inherit a southern plantation. When she discovers an old diary hidden in the attic, her life becomes strangely entwined with her Civil War ancestor and she soon begins to wonder how a woman long dead can keep showing up in her dreams.

Torn between her strange desire to honor Lydia's wishes and practicality, Emily cannot decide if she will keep Ironwood. Yet the house calls to her like a melancholy siren, and Emily cannot resist its tune. Resolving to stay only for a little while, and telling herself her decision has nothing at all to do with the handsome handyman helping with restorations, Emily begins to unravel the history of Ironwood – A tale of love and loss, hope and redemption. When the story seeps into her heart, Emily finds that two women separated by centuries can share the unique bonds of family ties, and that both her past and her future reside in the soul of Ironwood.


Heir of Hope is book two in the Ironwood Plantation Family Saga, but it and The Whistle Walk can be read in either order. 

Author Info: 

Stephenia McGee is a wife, mother of two very active little boys, author, and chairman of Spirit Horse Ministries. A portion of all her book sales go to help the ministry provide spiritual and emotional growth and a quality education to at-risk young girls. Stephenia currently lives in Mississippi with her husband and sons where she writes stories of faith, redemption and life steeped in southern culture.