The Second Christmas by Marta Perry

 Book Excerpt:

"The warmth of the Christmas season and a woman's return home to the charming Amish community of Promise Glen opens the door to a second chance at love.

When Leah Beiler pictured returning to Promise Glen, she imagined taking everything she learned from her aunt's business in Upstate New York and starting up a quaint herbal tea shop of her own. What she didn't expect was for Josiah Burkhalter to insist on helping her. Josiah might have been her childhood sweetheart, but they've changed a lot since then, and Leah's not sure she can trust the man who once broke her heart.
 
Josiah is determined to make the most of this unexpected second chance. So when he hears of Leah's plans to open her own shop, he resolves to help in any way he can—beginning his gentle campaign to win her back by renovating the small cottage on her family's farm.
 
During her time away, Leah looked forward to spending the holiday with her family again, especially the Second Christmas, December 26, a time of celebrating with extended family and close neighbors like the Burkhalters. But as Christmas nears, her feelings for Josiah grow more confused, strengthened by their time of working together. Now it will take all the magic of the season for Leah to confront her fears and reach for the love she deserves."

Title: The Second Christmas
Author: Marta Perry
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Series: The Promise Glen # 4
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Second Christmas" by Marta Perry

My Assessment:

Leah Beiler had left home in Promise Glen to live with her Aunt Miriam from Upstate New York, working in her herb business. However, after being accused of being a thief, she returns home to open up her herb business. Being back home, will she be able to pick up her life of an old boyfriend, Josiah Burkhalter, a childhood sweetheart, during this Christmas season and clear up this mess with her aunt, who had accused her of stealing? Will Josiah be able to get a second chance while he is helping her work on her shop, and how with this 'Second Christmas, December 26, come into play during this time? Will there be 'magic for Leah to confront her fears and reach for the love that she so deserves, and will Josiah be able to grow up and get what he wants finally?' To find out, pick up "The Second Christmas' and see how this story will all come together, giving the reader a beautiful read.

The Angel of Forest Hill By: Cindy Woodsmall

Book Description...

"A time of anticipation. A season of miracles.

Because of Joel s impossible situation, twenty-one-year-old Rose must sacrifice everything. As days pass into years in the midst of the beautiful hills, the laughter of children, and God's providence is it too much for Rose to hope for love in return?

An amazing journey toward love and belonging, filled with the wonder of the season of Christ s birth.

When Old Order Amish Rose Kurtz is asked to leave her family, travel deep into West Virginia, and help Joel Dienner with his children in the wake of tragedy, the quiet young woman recognizes a home where she might find kindness instead of criticism and hope replacing harsh words. She agrees to stay in Forest Hill and become Joel s wife for the sake of his family needs, but their marriage is to be a partnership, one built from need, not love and affection.
As the years pass, Rose continues to beckon Joel to join life again, to take joy in his growing children, and to awaken his heart to the possibility of new love. Joel hopes that Rose can move beyond deep-rooted hurts to see the beautiful Christmas ahead, their season. But will the arrival of a beautiful widow and a series of misunderstandings reverse how far Rose and Joel have come?"

Title:  The Angel of Forest Hill

Author:  Cindy Woodsmall

Publisher:  WaterBrook

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Angel of Forest Hill" by Cindy Woodsmall

My Thoughts...

What a interesting read that will keep your attention all the way to the end.  What a job that was
presented to Rose Kurtz by Nat Eash who was her bishop. Rose was leaving Perry County, Pennsylvania to go to Forest Hill to help out this situation.  However, Rose would have never known what all would be involved for her upon her arrival.

As I read this story I couldn't imagine what all Rose went through as as she was put into this predicament of becoming a caretaker of this grieving  Joel Dienner family and then onto a marriage that was in name only. But I must say her home life wasn't something great to talk about either.

How will this turn out for Rose?  Will Rose be able to get pass all that had happened to her from her family and a certain member of the Dienner family?   What will happen when the 'beautiful widow' arrives that will bring on "a series of misunderstandings?"  I will say at a certain part in the read I really enjoyed the forgiveness that was presented to Rose  from her mamm.  I will stop her and just say you will just have to pick up this good read to see how well it is presented to the reader.  It will definitely be one of those read that will be with you long after the read. If you are looking for a good light read this would be one for you to read.  

I received this from Bloggingforbooks in exchange for review.

The Restoration [Prairie State Friends #3] By: Wanda Brunstetter

Book Description....

"Dive into an Amish country love triangle in this third book of the Prairie State Friends series. Priscilla Herschberger finds herself pursued by Elam, a childhood friend from her community, and David, an outsider raised in the modern world. Elam would do almost anything to convince Priscilla that David would never fit into the Amish way. Will flames of jealousy rage out of control and ruin lives? Can forgiveness allow love and trust to grow?"

Title:  The Restoration
Author:  Wanda Brunstetter
Publisher:  Shiloh Run Press
Series:  Prairie State Friends #3
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"The Restoration" by Wanda Brunstetter

My Thoughts...

This was another Amish series of the 'Prairie State of Friends #3' that continues on from this author's last novel...'The Gift.'  To really get the full understanding of what all has gone on in earlier series, I would suggest you read the other two series.  Now with this series we find this author deals with Priscilla, Elam and David as the main characters. Then you will have a lots of secondary characters
Cora, Jared, Adam, Elaine, Ben, Jonah to many others from the earlier series that will blend in as questions will be answered in this story.  I found these characters well defined, developed, portrayed and oh so believable giving the readers a good read that will keep your attention.  It seems that there are two young men wanting Priscilla's attention.  How will she handle all of this? "Will flames of jealousy rage out of control and ruin lives? Can forgiveness allow love and trust to grow? "  To get these answers and so much more the reader will have to pick up "The Restoration" to find out!

I thought this author  gives the readers one interesting Amish read that will bring in many other characters [from earlier series] that will make this story very intriguing  and well written.  Be ready for some inspirational verses that will be presented that will speak to your heart and also such details [in the story] that makes the story flow so very well as one reads chapter to chapter.  I did feel that toward the end the story seemed somewhat rushed a little but I know all good reads must come to a end.  I did like as always this author adding  at the end of the story a recipe that was talked about during the read [Priscilla's Friendship Salad] along with some good discussion questions that will give the readers something to think about long after the read.

I received a free copy of this book through NOR from NetGalley, in return for an honest review.

The Christmas Cradle By Charlotte Hubbard

Book Description....

"For the peaceful town of Willow Ridge, November presents an early holiday surprise. Stranded in the snow, 18-year-old Lena Esh and her boyfriend Josiah Witmer need more than a place to stay for the night. Lena defied her strict family and their judgmental beliefs to run away with Josiah and have his baby. But she's starting to wonder if he can prove as responsible as he is passionate. And she isn't sure how—or if—they can ever find a place to truly call home.

Expecting their own miracle baby, Miriam and Ben Hooley rally the town to help the young couple, and Lena draws strength from their unexpected support. Though trouble may come calling, in this season of joyous rebirth, a little child will lead them. And two couples will see their dreams of forever family come true . . ."

Title:  The Christmas Cradle

Author:  Charlotte Hubbard

Publisher:  Zebra
Series:  Seasons of the Heart Book 6
Reviewed by:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  5

Review:

"The Christmas Cradle" by Charlotte Hubbard

What I liked about this novel...

This was indeed a wonderful Christian Amish Fiction read that will hold your attention till the very end.  I loved how the characters [mainly... Miriam, Been, Lena and Josiah] to name a few were so well developed, defined, portrayed and believable giving the reader one remarkable read. I loved seeing how even through there were many up and downs in this read that in the end 'God' really showed just that He was their when needed the most.'  Truly for many of the people of Willow Ridge will have their faith tested and in the end will they be able to rise above it and rebuild what they once had?  To get the answer to that question...and more you will have to pick up this good read to see how it will be presented to so well to the readers.    I loved how this author was able to bring out the forgiveness as the reader will see as one reads through the novel. As I read through this novel I was able to see these people's  every day 'trials, disappointments and their joys.' To see this Christian community come together to help each other was not only beautiful but well done which definitely gives the 'true meaning of Christmas.'   I don't want to fail to mention that this author will included some wonderful mouth watering recipes shared at the end of the novel.

I felt that "The Christmas Cradle" ...[The Season of the Heart Book 6] was indeed a wonderful Christmas story and would recommend to all as a good read.

I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Gift By: Wanda E. Brunstetter

Book Description....

"Follow the heart-wrenching story of Adam Beachy, whose mother walked out on him and his family—and away from the Amish faith. Now he balks at the idea of ever marrying and having a family of his own. But when tragedy strikes, Adam is suddenly a father figure to his three nieces and finds himself needing a wife. Despite their differences over her practice of reflexology, Leah Mast seems the best option to fill that role. Can they make it work in a modern-day marriage of convenience? "


Title:  The Gift
Author:  Wanda E. Brunstetter
Publisher:  Shiloh Run Press
Series:  Prairie State Friends #2
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Gift" by Wanda Brunstetter

My Thoughts....

I found 'The Gift' a second in this series  was a good read as we get a well written story that will keep your attention as you will be kept turning the pages.  We are presented with a Amish story where we find Adam Beachy needing help after a tragedy not that he hadn't already had one with the way his mom had left his family.  What happens as he becomes caretaker of his three nieces will really be some read.  And the fact that he needs a wife to help him...a marriage of convenience...well this is where Leah Mast comes into the picture as she cared for Adams' nieces during the day and did her reflexology in the evening until she decided to marry Adam for the sake of the children.  Now, what will come of this...was there any love?  What was up with Adam not believing in reflexology?    I liked the way this author was able to present these characters life's to the reader where we find hope, love, disappointments, tragedy, struggles as well as longing through all  the emotional parts of this storyline that flowed very well to  even bringing in the hummingbirds and the other animals were a perfect fit into this story.  Also the topic of reflexology was a great interesting part of this wonderful story as the reader will see Adam's past as well as Leah's.  Be ready for many twist that you keep you alert because the author seems to do this so often in this novels.  You will be definitely be kept wondering what will be coming next as the reader sees how well this author will bring it all out ...'love, loss and family issues.'  Will Adams find forgiveness and peace that he needs in his life?  Will he ever be able to 'trust, obey, love and forgive?  There will be a lots going on in "The Gift" that will tie together toward the end, so you will have to keep up with this story [that is presented to the reader in third person point of view].  Even though this novel is a standalone read ... to understand a little more about some of the characters from the pass, I would suggest you read the first series...'The Decision' first. And as always...the author gives us a recipes ...this time  from Leah...'a chocolate chip cheeseball.'

My final thoughts....

By the end  of this story the reader will be left only wanting more of this inspirational  read as we wait for the next series as we will be left with a cliffhanger with many unanswered questions as the reader will be left wondering .... will Adam be able to put aside the pass?  I guess we will have to wait for this answer and more when the next series...'The Revelation' is ready to read.

 I received a copy through NOR  in exchange for an honest review.  

The Lopsided Christmas Cake By: Wanda E. Brunstetter & Jean Brunstetter

  Book Description....

Join the Hochstetler twin sisters on stage as they bumble their way through baking a cake for a charity auction in front of a live audience. The take-charge Elma and the klutzy optimist Thelma manage to entertain their audience—and attract the admiration of two bachelors, an outspoken woodworker and a shy harness maker from a neighboring Amish community. As fall leads into the Christmas season, could romance be blossoming for one or more of the Hochstetler twins? Find out in this brand new romance from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, writing with her daughter-in-law Jean Brunstetter.

Title:  The Lopsided Christmas Cake
Authors:  Wanda and Jean Brunstetter
Publisher:  Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"The Lopsided Christmas Cake"  By: Wanda E. Brunstetter &  Jean Brunstetter

What I liked about this novel...

I found this a interesting short,enjoyable fun  novel about Thelma and Elma Hochstetler who were Amish Girls...identical twins...with a promise that they made to each other...Now, what will happen after they inherit their grandparents house and shop...hours .away from the area that they grew up?  
What will happen when one of the twins [Thelma] gets involved in a charity cake auction and starts dating Joseph?  What will happen between Elma and Delbert[who was a friend of Joseph]?  What problems will this caused between the twins as they are so set in their ways?   I will say the twins really had me laughing when they cooked!  I did find this read rather predictable but still a good and quick read that will all work out in the end.  Plus the reader will get the recipe for Grandma's Christmas Cake which does seems like a good one.   Would I recommend this novel?  Yes!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.