A Promise for Miriam, the first book in a brand-new romantic series from popular author Vannetta Chapman, introduces the Amish community of Pebble Creek and some of the kind, caring people there. As they face challenges to their community from the English world, they come together to reach out to their non-Amish neighbors while still preserving their cherished Plain ways.

Amish schoolteacher Miriam King loves her students. At 26, most women her age are married with children of their own, but she hasn’t yet met anyone who can convince her to give up the Plain school that sits along the banks of Pebble Creek. Then newcomer Gabriel Yoder steps into her life, bringing his daughter, an air of mystery, and challenges Miriam has never faced before.

Will Gabe be able to let go of the past that haunts him? He thinks he just wants to be left alone, but the loving and warm community he and his daughter have moved to has other plans for him. After a near tragedy is averted, he hesitantly returns offers of help and friendship, and he discovers he can make a difference to the people of Pebble Creek—and maybe find love again.

My Comments:  This book includes several sub plots and just when one is completed another begins.  I loved it!  Instead of several short novels, A Promise for Miriam is one meaty book (over 300 pages).  The Amish in this story are quite conservative.  They utilize outhouses and do not have indoor plumbing.  Yet they survive and thrive in this environment.  Gabe and Grace come to Pebble Creek and quickly adjust after being in a more liberal group in Indiana.  Miracles seem to abound in this quiet community.  Friends and family are extremely supportive, which Gabe quickly discovers.  Amish romances seem especially sweet to me – no pretense, just sincere, hard-working people.  I’ll add this to my list of favorite Amish novels!

Book Description

Shortly after burying her unfaithful husband, Georgia Peyton unexpectedly inherits the derelict Stardust motel from a distant relative. Despite doubts from the community and the aunt who raised her, she is determined to breathe new life into it. But the guests who arrive aren’t what Georgia expects: Her gin-loving mother-in-law; her dead husband’s mistress; an attractive but down-on-his-luck drifter who’s tired of the endless road; and an aging Vaudeville entertainer with a disturbing link to Georgia’s past.

Can Georgia find the courage to forgive those who’ve betrayed her, the grace to shelter those who need her, and the moxy to face the future? And will her dream of a new life under the flickering neon of the STARDUST ever come true?

My Comments:  This is such a great book!   The setting, Louisianna in the 1950s, represents a time when polio was somewhat of an epidemic.  Georgia, the main character, continues to withstand surprise after surprise with a great attitude.  I liked her more and more as the story progressed.  Single mom and newly widowed, Georgia inherits a old, broken-down motel and decided to make it her dream come true.  She faces opposition and a ton of hard work to make it a go.  Of course, romance plays a part, but not huge, just right.  The whole story includes romance, but doesn’t revolve around it.  If you want to read a great book, a book that is different than the norm, I recommend this!

This book will be out the middle of May.  I received an advance e-copy from NetGalley.

Unearthing a lost memory may cause her to lose everything she holds dear… but could it also set her free?

Bryn Hennesey, a volunteer at the Grove Street Homeless Shelter, was there the night the shelter burned to the ground and five heroic firefighters died at the scene. Among them was her husband, Adam. Like the rest of the surviving spouses, Bryn must find a way to begin again. But Bryn must do so living with a horrible secret.…

Garrett Edmonds’s wife, Molly, was the only female firefighter to perish in the blaze. As her husband, it was his job to protect the woman he loved.… How can he go on in the face of such unbearable loss and guilt?

And what started the fire that destroyed the dreams and futures of so many? Investigators are stumped. But someone knows the answer….

A fire killed his best friend and his lifelong dream of being a firefighter. The same fire killed her husband and hopes for a family. Can new dreams replace old?

Lucas Vermontez was a proud firefighter like his father. Now, not only has he lost his father and his best friend, Zach, in the fire at the Grove Street homeless shelter, but the devoted rookie can no longer do the work he loves after being crippled in the tragic event. When friendship with his buddy’s beautiful widow turns into more, he wonders, what could he possibly offer Jenna? Jenna Morgan is trying to grieve her husband’s death like a proper widow, but the truth is, she never really loved Zach. His death feels more like a relief to her. But that relief is short-lived when she loses her home and the financial support of her in-laws. Now the secrets of her past threaten to destroy her future.

Can the two forget the painful past and discover new reasons to live and love?

My Comments: I bought both of these books in preparation for the new book in the series, After All.  I read these during the last weekend of my spring break, and I couldn’t put either down until I had finished them.  I loved them!  The stories kept me totally engaged and emotionally involved.  I can’t wait for After All.  These books are quite different from anything I had read in a while.  The characters are real and the Christian message is clear without being overly didactic.  If you want a great read with entertainment and escape value, I would highly recommend this set of books!

Sax Henry left home at seventeen to escape his father’s abuse, leaving his mother and younger sister, Shelby, to fend for themselves. Now, twenty-eight years later, both parents are dead, and guilt compels him to find his sister and make peace.  His quest takes him to the south Louisiana town of Les Barbes where he hopes to find Adele Woodmore, the wealthy woman Shelby once worked for.

Les Barbes is in crisis as a number of people have collapsed and have been taken to the emergency room.  Health officials determine that someone has put cyanide in the food bar and bottled water at Marcotte’s Market. Ten victims are expected to recover. Six others are dead. Sax wonders if he made a mistake coming here, but his fear of dying isn’t nearly as strong as his desire to find peace. Mrs. Woodmore turns out to be his most formidable obstacle. Or is she? Little does he know that he has a divine appointment awaiting him that will propel him toward the God he bitterly resents. A God who has also been in relentless pursuit—of him.

Based on Psalm 34:14, “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it,” this final book in the series is rich with the Cajun flavors of south Louisiana and illustrates what it means to find true peace in an uncertain world.

Rich with the Cajun flavors of south Louisiana, this final book in the Secrets of Roux River Bayou Series is a story of what it means to find true peace in an uncertain world.

My Comments:  I am taking a short break from reading Amish fiction and remembered I enjoyed reading books by Kathy Herman in the past, so I requested this e-book from NetGalley.  I read this book out of sequence in the story, but it can definitely stand alone.  Some of the plot was predictable, but there were also some unexpected twists making the book quite engaging.  Zoe, one of the main characters, deals with some very real un”Christ-like” emotions throughout, making the story believable.  Another character, Emily, frustrated the living daylights out of me with her altruistic behavior.  Overall all, I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it for those who enjoy mystery, suspense, and a strong Christian message.

The year is 1777. America is in turmoil.  And Amish life is far different than today.

Pennsylvania in the late 18th century, once called William Penn’s Woods, was an assortment of different faiths living together for the first time in American history. Included in this tapestry was a small and struggling population called Amish.

Surrounding this peaceful people were unavoidable threats: both Patriots and the British were pillaging land and goods for the sake of the war, young Amishmen were leaving the faith to take up arms and defend freedom. A simple walk in the untamed forests could result in death, if not from bullet or arrow, then from an encounter with a wild animal.

Amid this time of tumult, Adam Wyse is fighting a personal battle. To possibly join the war efforts and leave his faith, which would mean walking away from the only woman he’s ever loved: Lena Yoder. But for that love he’s made a promise that may keep them apart permanently.

When Adam withdraws from Lena, she’s forced to turn to his brother, Isaac, for support. Must Lena deny her heart’s desire to save Adam’s soul? And will life in this feral and primitive New World be more than this peace-keeping people can withstand?

My Comments:  Since I began reading Amish books many years ago, I have yet to come across a book like this one!  Going back to historical Amish in our country was fascinating!  The “rules” were the same, the struggles were the same, yet they seemed to be lived out somewhat differently.  They were surrounded by the Revolutionary War.  Although pacifist, severe physical abuse occurred in the home – and members of the family ignored it or tried to pretend it didn’t exist.  This book had most everything – romance, suspense, mystery, and tension.  I loved it and look forward to more books in this series.

This book will be published the end of April.  I received a e-copy from my great friends at NetGalley.

Book Description:
With dreams of marrying an Old Order Amish man, Leah Yoder plans on raising children in the peaceful Delaware community. But when Mennonite missionary Daniel Brown arrives to share his story with their church, Leah is fascinated by him. She spends time with Daniel in a forbidden courtship to learn how she truly feels about him. Before long, Leah has a choice to make. Should she stay with her community…or leave with the man she believes God has placed in her life’s path?

My Comments:  I loved this whole series written by Ms. Miller.  This book explains some of the differences between the Old Order Amish and the Mennonite.  The struggles that Leah goes through seem very real.    I like this family of mostly women.  They are far from perfect.  One of my favorite sisters is Susannah, who has downs syndrome.  The family has a great relationship with good communication.  I also love the fact that we are introduced to a man called to full-time missions by God, and that priorities seem solid.  I admired and respected Leah and the choices she made.  I look forward to more books in this series!

Thank you NetGalley for introducing me to such great books!  This book will be published the beginning of May, 2012.

Could you forgive someone who killed your child? Jeannie must, to preserve her family. Sisters Emma and Jeannie are best friends, and so are their teenage daughters Sadie and Tessa. But when a tragic accident results in Tess’s death—and Sadie is responsible—both families are devastated. Each sister must find a way from heartbreak and anguish to solace and forgiveness—but is there anything to be salvaged from a world that lies in ruins?

My Comments: This book kept me riveted throughout.  I can’t imagine anything so horrible happening to a family as what this family faced.  I don’t know how anyone could completely get over what happened but I guess if anyone could it would be someone of the Amish or Mennonite faith.  They inspire me and make me want to be a better person/Christian.  I do believe Anna Schmidt is one of my new favorite authors.  Her books differ in style and content than most others in the Christian genre that I read.  Redemption is a strong element and the characters dwell on things other than romance.  These characters face real-life problems and struggles.  I recommend this series, The Women of Pinecraft).

Thank you NetGalley for my advanced copy!  May 1, 2012 is the publication date.

He doesn’t plan to stay Amish. She doesn’t have a plan.

Then an angel draws their hearts toward God . . . and each other.

A buggy-racing champion, a hardworking field-hand, and a terrible cook, Rachel Hartzler does not fit her Amish community’s standards for an eligible bride. Hurt by their rejection and still grieving the loss of her brother, Rachel is ready for change.

She’s not, however, ready for Jordan Engles. Rachel’s father hired him to help tend the fields so Rachel can learn to cook and sew, thus increasing her chances of finding a husband. She can’t understand why her father doesn’t want her help and blames Jordan for trying to replace her beloved brother.

Jordan plans for his time on the Michigan farm to be short. Before his mother passed away, he promised her he’d give her Amish roots a chance. Upon her death, uncertain about what else to do, he came to stay with his Uncle Isaac in Hope Falls. He’s curious why his mother left the community she obviously loved. But it doesn’t take Jordan long to conclude that the strict lifestyle and the three hour church services are not for him.

But there isn’t just human interaction at play. Nathaniel, an angel of God, sees the potential in Jordan and Rachel’s hearts from heaven’s perspective. His goal is to shepherd them toward the path of healing and love.

When tragedy strikes, then strikes again, this angelic being is sent to guide them toward the healing and abundant life promised in God’s Word – if only they will listen.

My Comments:  I enjoyed this book,   I loved the story and the characters.  Rachel and Jordan seemed realistic and believable.  I loved that they weren’t perfect and had quite a bit of sparkle and personality.  Emotions rang true.  The book includes happiness and great sadness.  Portions of the story were left a mystery, which I hope will be answered in a future book.

I  found the whole angel portion somewhat difficult, however,  and I skipped over much of it.  This  could be because it doesn’t completely match my theology.   The story would have been fine without it.

I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

I received this e-book from NetGalley.

Mary Katherine is caught between the traditions of her faith and the pull of a different life. When Daniel, an Amish man living in Florida, arrives and shares her restlessness, Mary Katherine feels drawn to him and curious about the life he leads away from Lancaster County.
But her longtime friend Jacob has been in love with her for years. He’s discouraged that she’s never viewed him as anything but a friend and despairs that he is about to lose Mary Katherine to this outsider.
Will the conflicted Mary Katherine be lost to the Englisch world, or to Daniel, who might take her away to Florida? Or will she embrace her Amish faith and recognize Jacob as the man she should marry and build a life with?

My Comments: Barbara Cameron is fast becoming one of my favorite Amish authors. I read this book quickly (thank you NetGalley!) and enjoyed it quite a bit.  The struggle Mary Katherine goes through seems believable.  She doesn’t quite know who she is yet.  Daniel offers a way out of her Amish lifestyle, yet is that what she truly wants and needs?  She has a sketchy relationship with her parents and especially her father which keeps her from wanting to marry or trust men in general.  Getting away seems appealing.  This book truly shows the relationship between out earthy father and our Heavenly Father.

Thankfully, Mary Katherine has a loving and vibrant grandmother who takes her in to work in her shop along with her two cousins Anna and Naomi.  Mary Katherine uses art to express herself – not traditional art but art with cloth.  Again legalism gets in the way when the bishop disapproves.

This is a great book.  If you like Amish fiction, I recommend any of Barbara Cameron’s books.  I have read them all.  I give this a 4.5 out of 5!  Thank you NetGalley for making this book available!

My Comments: