Category Archives: Romance

August 2, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: An Unexpected Amish Courtship by Rachel J. Good

Title: An Unexpected Amish Courtship by Rachel J. Good
Surprised by Love Series Book Two
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The luscious scent of fresh-picked peaches and summer apples . . . the warming promise of grilled corn, sweet and savory baked goods . . . and love. In Rachel J. Good’s uplifting Amish romance series, blessed hearts come together in a bustling Pennsylvania community and farmer’s market . . .

Jilted by her first love, Sovilla Mast fled her hometown to live in Pennsylvania with an aunt she’s never met. Only after she arrives does she realize that the cantankerous woman has left the faith and alienated everyone around her. To take her mind off her sadness, Sovilla turns to baking homemade pet food and treats to sell at the Valley Green Farmer’s Market. It’s there she meets dog breeder Isaac Lantz . . .

Shy and kind-hearted, Isaac breeds Labrador retrievers and works as a puppy raiser for assistance dogs. When he and Sovilla bond at the market, he is immediately drawn to her. And when he tells her he needs a new puppy raiser, Sovilla jumps at the chance. But as their friendship deepens, Isaac can’t help but notice that Sovilla keeps herself at a safe distance. Gaining a puppy’s trust and affection has been easy for Isaac, yet he has no idea how to win the heart of the woman he’s fallen in love with—until Sovilla needs advice in dealing with her aunt. Soon, Isaac is putting his lessons from man’s best friend, and his faith, to work for the good of all involved . . .

Review:

An Unexpected Amish Courtship by Rachel J. Good is a charming Amish romance. Although this newest release is the second book in the Surprised by Love series, it can be read as a standalone.

After nineteen-year-old Sovilla Mast’s controlling uncle sells the house she lives with her Mamm and sisters, her mother sends her to live with her Aunt Wilma. Dismayed to leave her family behind, Sovilla tries to make the best of her new situation. Unfortunately, Wilma has been deeply hurt in the past and she is extremely unpleasant to everyone around her. Sovilla’s deep faith serves her well as he exercises patience and forgiveness with her crotchety aunt.

One of the few truly bright spots in her day comes when she spends time with Isaac Lantz. Wilma is very strict so Isaac and Sovila must make the most of their moments together. Sovilla also guilt over how drawn she is to Isaac since left behind a boyfriend when she moved. When she discovers why she has not heard from him, will Sovilla and Isaac have any chance for a future together?

Sovilla is a sweet young woman with a kind heart. Although Wilma is verbally abusive, Sovilla remains pleasant and understanding of her aunt’s obvious deep-seated pain. She enjoys spending time in Isaac’s calming presence. Sovilla is also welcomed by his family and she is thrilled when they invite her to their home.

Isaac has difficulty speaking and fortunately for him, Liesl Vandenberg, the owner of the Green Valley Farmer’s Market offers advice that helps him with his speech. He is a quiet man with who lacks confidence especially when he is around Sovilla. Isaac is very thoughtful and he would never to anything to hurt Sovilla.

Wilma has never gotten over a traumatic event that occurred during her teenage years. She has made her own way and she supports herself with her pickle sales at the farmer’s market. Facing an upcoming hip replacement, Wilma gets her affairs in order. Very fearful about her surgery, she tells Sovilla enough about her past that explains her deep unhappiness. What will Sovilla do with this shocking information?

An Unexpected Amish Courtship is a sweet Amish romance that is well-written and engaging. Sovilla and Isaac are wonderful characters whose deep faith guides them through life’s difficulties. Wilma is a thoroughly disagreeable woman whose emotional barriers are no match for Soviall’s kind-hearted presence. With unexpected twists and turns, Rachel J. Good brings this delightful romance to a wonderful conclusion. Old and new fans of the Surprised by Love series are sure to enjoy this latest installment.

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Filed under Amish, An Unexpected Amish Romance, Contemporary, Rachel J Good, Rated B, Review, Romance, Surprised by Love Series, Zebra Books

July 20, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: Make You Feel My Love by Robin Lee Hatcher

Title: Make You Feel My Love by Robin Lee Hatcher
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Christian, Romance, Women’s Fiction
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

One broken woman. One lost man. And the long-buried secrets tying them together.

After escaping an abusive relationship, Chelsea Spencer flees to Chickadee Creek—the town where her great aunt Rosemary owns a quaint little antique shop. There, Chelsea plans to help with the shop as her aunt heals from an accident—and perhaps find some healing of her own.

Liam Chandler was one film away from a leading role when his brother Jacob was stricken with cancer. After spending the last months of Jacob’s life with him in Boise, Liam heads to the vacation home he built outside of Chickadee Creek to get his life and his faith back on track.

While working to clean out a storage room in the antique shop, Chelsea finds an old violin. Aunt Rosemary says she may have the instrument, but they soon learn it is very valuable and once belonged to Cora Chandler, Liam’s great-great-grandmother.

Drawn together by the old violin and stories from the past, Chelsea and Liam begin to find answers for their present and the future God has in store for them.

Review:

Make You Feel My Love by Robin Lee Hatcher is a faith-based romance with dual timelines.

In the present, Chelsea Spencer recently relocated to Chickadee Creek to help her Great-Aunt Rosemary Townsend while she recuperates from a broken leg. She is also reorganizing Rosemary’s antique shop and preparing the store for re-opening. One of her discoveries while sorting through the treasures in the store is a beautiful violin which Chelsea is excited to learn to play. She is a perceptive young woman but Chelsea is very reluctant to talk about her past.

Liam Chandler is still grieving the death of his younger brother and he finds solace in his secluded cabin. He is also trying to understand his parents recent split and he is a little at odds with both of them. Liam is also at a crossroads professionally as he waits for God to guide him to a decision. He is quite introspective and has discovered putting his thoughts to paper is very beneficial. Liam is charmed by Chelsea and together they research his family’s history in Chickadee Creek.

Chelsea and Liam are grounded in their faith as they look to the future. Chelsea is a likable character but she is harder to get to know. Liam’s journal entries provide insight into his relationship with his brother and his parents. He is outgoing, friendly and more open to acting on his growing feelings. Chelsea’s newfound faith is extremely helpful as she attempts to overcome the emotional wounds from her past.

In 1895, Cora Anderson is the pampered daughter of a nouveau riche couple who expect her to make an advantageous marriage. She has no say in deciding her perspective groom and she is dreading the future that is planned for her. After her engagement, Cora clearly sees what her life will be like after the wedding. Taking her fate in her own hands, Cora leaves behind everything she knows and sets her own course. She eventually meets Preston Chandler who is also starting over as he claims his inheritance in Chickadee Creek.

Make You Feel My Love is beautiful novel that touches on difficult subject matter with sensitivity. Chickadee Creek is an idyllic setting with a welcoming atmosphere. The storyline is interesting and moves at a leisurely pace. The correlation between Chelsea and Cora’s lives are linked by an unexpected discovery in the present.  The characters are well-drawn with realistic issues to overcome.  With most of the threads neatly woven together, Robin Lee Hatcher brings this sweet novel to a heartwarming conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Historical, Make You Feel My Love, Rated B+, Review, Robin Lee Hatcher, Romance, Thomas Nelson Publishing, Women's Fiction

July 15, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: It’s Better This Way by Debbie Macomber

Title: It’s Better This Way by Debbie Macomber
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

After her marriage ends, one woman’s struggle to pick up the pieces finally leads to a new beginning but is the past truly behind her? #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber explores the powerful intersections of love and family in this poignant novel.

It’s been nearly six years since Julia Jones had her heart broken. After her husband became involved with another woman, she did everything she could to save their marriage, to no avail. Their two daughters continue to stand by Julia in the wake of their father’s behavior—and they’ve had a tough time getting along with the “other woman” who became their stepmother. Distraught after selling the family home, Julia moves into a condominium complex that offers the warmth and charm of a fresh start. Now, having settled into her new community and sold her successful interior design business, she’s embraced a fulfilling new life, one that doesn’t seem to need a man in it. Her beloved father’s trusty saying is ringing truer than ever: It’s better this way.

But when Julia meets a handsome new resident in the building’s exercise room, she can’t help but be drawn to him. Heath Johnson is a welcome change from the men she’s encountered on the occasional—mostly disastrous—dates her sister has eagerly planned for her over the years. As she and Heath, a divorcé himself, begin to grow close, their friendship blossoms into an unexpected love. However, they soon realize that combining families proves to be a challenge, even though their four children are adults.

When a dramatic revelation threatens the happiness they’ve found, Julia and Heath must reconcile their love for their children with their love for each other. If they can’t, their bright future together may be nothing but a dream.

Review:

It’s Better This Way by Debbie Macomber is a multi-layered novel about love, family and forgiveness.

Six years post-divorce, Julia Jones is content with her life. She lives in a condo she loves and she is semi-retired. Julia and her adult daughters, Hillary and Marie are very close.  It has taken Julia a long time to come to terms with the unexpected end to her marriage and after disastrous dates, she is not looking for a man.

Heath Wilson is also divorced and has given up on relationships. He is semi-retired and he enjoys his downtime.  Heath and his adult sons Michael and Adam get along well and they want nothing more than for their dad to be happy.

Julia and Heath meet under the most innocuous circumstances and they gradually fall into a fun friendship. Both are honest about their horrible dating experiences so they are in agreement to keep things between them platonic.  As they begin spending more and more time together, they are both soon forced to admit they are starting to fall for one another. Deciding to see where their budding romance leads, Julia and Heath delight in their increasingly frequent dates.

As much as Julia enjoys her new relationship, she cannot help but feel it is a matter of time before something goes wrong. And as she soon discovers, a ticking timebomb is about to explode after a shocking revelation. Julia and Heath are dismayed by this unexpected turn of events and they must consider how their relationship will affect their children.

It’s Better This Way is a thought-provoking novel that offers a refreshing peek into the joys and pitfalls of middle-age dating. The characters are vibrantly developed with positive and negative traits that are relatable.  The storyline is engaging with conflict that arises from unanticipated sources. Julia and Heath’s relationship is an absolute joy to watch evolve and grow from friendship to love. With realistic issues to overcome, Debbie Macomber brings this sweet romance to a heartwarming conclusion.

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Filed under Ballantine Books, Contemporary, Debbie Macomber, It's Better This Way, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Women's Fiction

July 13, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: Love’s Dwelling by Kelly Irvin

Title: Love’s Dwelling by Kelly Irvin+*
Amish Blessings Series Book One
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

God always had a plan. But how could falling in love with an Englischer be God’s plan for one young Amish woman?

Young Cassie Weaver only wants what is expected of an Amish woman: a good Amish husband and a large family. But she’s happy as Job and Dinah Keim’s housekeeper, helping Dinah, who is losing her sight due to diabetes. For two decades the Keims have prayed for the salvation of their two children who left the community in a cloud of shame and mystery.

Mason knew there was more to his mother’s past than she let on, but nothing could have prepared him for learning about his Amish roots upon his mother’s sudden death. Even more surprising, his mother named her Amish parents, Job and Dinah, as guardians to her five children. Now Mason has to trust that this couple, and their pretty housekeeper, can take care of his younger siblings, even when all he wants is to take care of them himself.

As the children adjust to this new lifestyle, Mason finds himself pulled back to the Keims’ home. Yes, he wants to see his siblings, but it’s the conversations with Cassie that keep him coming back for more. Is there more to this Amish faith and how does it play into his own past? Cassie guards against her growing feelings for Mason, because there can be no happy ending for a Plain girl in love with an Englisch man . . . right?

Bestselling and award-winning Amish romance novelist Kelly Irvin is back with a heartwarming tale of the power of love to heal all wounds.

Review:

Love’s Dwelling by Kelly Irvin is a heartfelt Amish novel of family, healing and love.

Twenty-two-year-old Cassie Weaver is a housekeeper for Job and Dinah Keim. Despite his advanced years, Job is still hard-working and takes care of his farm work on his own. Dinah’s diabetes has worsened over the years and while she has lost her sight, she remains thankful for her blessings.  When their grandchildren unexpectedly arrive, their happiness is mixed with sorrow because their estranged daughter has passed away. With grandchildren ranging in age from four-year-old Jennie to twenty-two-year-old Mason, they open their hearts and their home to the grieving children. Cassie moves in full-time to assist with the care of the younger kids while Mason continues living and working in the city. With his visits to his grandparents’ farm filling a void within him, Mason considers converting to the Amish faith. He is also beginning to fall in love with Cassie who also falls for him, but until he has decided what life he wants, she knows they have no future together.

Cassie is an absolutely delightful young woman who years for a family of her own. She easily settles into helping with the younger children.  She is charmed by young Jennie who thrives in her new home and basks in her grandmother’s care. Eight-year-old Kathy is very responsible for her age and she loves life on the farm. The two youngest boys enjoy working the farm with Job but sixteen-year-old Bobby chafes at the new rules and expectations. Cassie tries her best to assist the kids as they transition from their old way of life to their new one.

Mason has been raising  his younger siblings for so long it is difficult for him to relinquish them into their grandparents’ care. With bills to pay, he keeps his old job but he is exhausted from driving back and forth to see his brothers and sisters. Mason soon grows to appreciate the slower pace and simpler life he enjoys at his grandparents’ farm. But does he want to become Amish?

With a lovely undercurrent of faith, Love’s Dwelling is a truly captivating novel with a serene setting and multi-dimensional characters. Dinah and Job are loving grandparents whose pain over their daughter’s death and their son’s continued absence is palpable.  Cassie’s joy is contagious as she cares for the children and gently assists Dinah with daily tasks. Mason is a wonderful young man whose confusion about his future is easy to relate to. The storyline is engaging and Kelly Irvin brings this charming Amish novel to an uplifting conclusion. This first novel in the Amish Blessings series will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment.

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Filed under Amish Blessings Series, Contemporary, Kelly Irvin, Love's Dwelling, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Zondervan

July 6, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: A Duke in Time by Janna MacGregor

Title: A Duke in Time by Janna MacGregor
The Widow Rules Series Book One
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperback
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A Duke in Time is the first book in a three-story arc that will have you rooting for leading heroines, searching for lost dowries, and falling for swoon-worthy heroes.

Katherine Vareck is in for the shock of her life when she learns upon her husband Meri’s accidental death that he had married two other women. Her entire business, along with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be a royal supplier, is everything she’s been working for and now could be destroyed if word leaks about the three wives.

Meri’s far more upstanding brother, Christian, Duke of Randford has no earthly clue how to be of assistance. He spent the better part of his adult years avoiding Meri and the rest of his good-for-nothing family, so to be dragged back into the fold is…problematic. Even more so is the intrepid and beautiful Katherine, whom he cannot be falling for because she’s Meri’s widow. Or can he?

With a textile business to run and a strong friendship forming with Meri’s two other wives, Katherine doesn’t have time for much else. But there’s something about the warm, but compellingly taciturn Christian that draws her to him. When an opportunity to partner in a business venture brings them even closer, they’ll have to face their pasts if they want to share each other’s hearts and futures.

Review:

Taking place in 1815, A Duke in Time by Janna MacGregor is an enjoyable historical romance with a unique premise.

Katherine Vareck is stunned to discover her late husband Meriweather “Meri” Vareck has two other wives. Theirs was a short courtship with a whirlwind marriage and she has not seen Meri since their wedding day. Needless to say, she is not exactly a grieving widow since her biggest concern is getting her dowry back. Katherine is also very concerned that a scandal about Meri’s polygamy would destroy her growing business. Discussing her plight with Meri’s brother, Christian, who is  a duke, Katherine agrees to assist him in a charity he would like to set up for men who have recently returned from war. As they spend more time together, a mutual attraction grows between them. Will the well-respected war hero convince the from the other of the sheets Katherine to give their relationship a chance?

Katherine has a very scandalous past that she would prefer no one uncovers. She is a very intelligent woman with a keen business sense. She has a thriving business that employs several people who need their jobs to survive. Katherine is very well-liked and respected by those around her but she lives in fear of her secrets being discovered. As her relationship with Christian becomes more serious, will Katherine reveal the truth about her past?

Christian finally gave up on Meri several years earlier and he is not exactly pleased with the mess his half-brother left for him to clean up.  Initially, he has no intention of dealing with Meri’s three wives. But after Katherine forces him to listen to her, he cannot walk away from them without helping. Underneath his gruff exterior, Christian is very kind and quite determined to assist the men who gave up everything to protect their country. With Katherine’s input, his goal of setting up his charity business is within his grasp.

A Duke in Time is a delightful historical romance with a strong female lead.  Katherine and Christian are from very different backgrounds but they are surprisingly compatible. Their fledgling romance is fun, flirty and sexy and features some very steamy love scenes. Despite a predictable conflict, Janna MacGregor brings this first installment in The Widow Rules series to a sigh-worthy conclusion.

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Filed under A Duke in Time, Historical, Janna MacGregor, Rated B, Review, Romance, St Martin's Paperbacks

July 5, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: Finding Hope by Janice Kay Johnson

Title: Finding Hope by Janice Kay Johnson
Tompkins Mill Series Book Three
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In this heartwarming and affecting Amish romance, a young woman has the chance to begin a new life in the Amish community after old betrayals come to light.

Hannah Prescott was used to the transitory life—her mother had always been a wild child, and throughout her life, Hannah became used to taking care of someone who never settled down. But everything changes when Hannah receives the startling news that her mother stole her away from her biological father and the Amish community at a young age.

Although heartbroken and confused, Hannah decides that in order to find out who she is, she needs to find out who she could have been. This includes not only a relationship with her father, but also the chance to make a connection with a young widower who recently moved to the settlement with his children. While her mother still disdains the Amish, and her new community is wary of outsiders, only Hannah can know if she’s brave enough to commit to a fresh start and a real home.

Review:

Finding Hope by Janice Kay Johnson is a delightful Amish romance that tugs on the heartstrings. Although this newest release is the third novel in the Tompkins Mill series, it can be read as a standalone. But I highly recommend the previous books as well.

Twenty-seven-year-old Hannah Prescott is shocked to learn her mother has lied to her for her entire life. Instead of having no other family, she is stunned to discover her mom stole her away from her father, grandparents and other family members. Wanting to get to know her grandmother, grandfather and her dad, she puts her regular life on hold to travel to Tompkins Mill, Missouri.

Upon her arrival, Hannah is shocked to learn that her dad is Amish and she has step-siblings. Incredibly angry with her mom, Hannah lives with her father and starts working for Amish farmer Gideon Lantz. She takes care of household duties and cares for his two children, eight-year-old Zeb and six-year-old Rebekah. While trying to come to terms with her mother’s deception, Hannah finds peace within the Amish community as she explores her deepening faith and growing feels for Gideon.

Hannah’s childhood was rather nomadic since her mom moved quite frequently. She was forced to grow up very fast since her mom is always outrunning her mistakes. Hannah is a trained chef and although she likes her job, she feels like something is missing. She has always had a strong faith but complete spiritual satisfaction is elusive. Hannah settles very easily into Amish life but is she ready to leave behind modern conveniences for a simpler, more faithful life?

Gideon moved to Tompkins Mill following the death of his wife. He is very happy with the decision and he and his children are much liked members of the community. Without family nearby, Gideon is struggling a bit with finding a reliable person to work for him. He is somewhat taken aback at how quickly Hannah settles into taking care of the house and the easy affection between her and his children. Gideon is troubled by how much her presence is affecting him and he has to continually remind himself she is not Amish. As her time in town draws to a close, is there any chance for a future for Gideon and Hannah?

Finding Hope is a marvelous Amish romance with a wonderful cast of characters and a realistic storyline. Hannah is struggling to forgive her mother’s deception and making a decision about whether or not to return to her previous life. Meanwhile, Gideon’s past collides with his present and he is reluctant to reveal the complete truth to his children. At the same time, Hannah and Gideon are uncertain about what to do about their growing feelings for one another. With their future hanging in the balance, Janice Kay Johnson brings this charming novel to an uplifting conclusion. Old and new fans of the Tompkins Mill series are sure to love this newest installment in this wonderful series.

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Filed under Amish, Berkley, Contemporary, Finding Hope, Janice Kay Johnson, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Tompkins Mill Series