Book Spotlight: Not by Sight

Her Sister Couldn’t Be Alive … Could She?

It had to be Riley Jo. She was certain. . .wasn’t she? But when Abby Cummings tells her mother she thought she saw her sister at the store, her mother quickly dismisses the idea. After all, Riley Jo and their father had been missing for years. Presumably dead.

Yet Abby cannot ignore her intuition.

Telling her friend J. D., they investigate. But J. D. may know more about the disappearance than he’s telling, or even realizes. And as they work to uncover what happened, all they have to go on is blind faith. Will it be enough. . .especially considering what the truth might be?

402 pages. Available in print and ebook. May 2013.
ISBN: 978-0781408042

Link to buy: http://www.amazon.com/Not-Sight-Novel-Mountain-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00BLVGPTC/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1421776885&sr=1-1&keywords=not+by+sight+kathy+herman

About the Author

Best-selling suspense novelist Kathy Herman has written nineteen novels—including the Sophie Trace series, the Secrets of the Roux River Bayou series, the Seaport Suspense series, and the Phantom Hollow series—since retiring from her family’s Christian bookstore business. She and her husband, Paul, have three grown children and live in Tyler, Texas.

A Woodland Miracle

Title: A WOODLAND MIRACLE

Author: Ruth Reid

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

January 2015

ISBN:  978-1401688301

Genre: Amish romance

For a disadvantaged young woman and a displaced young man, a lasting love is going to take more than chance—it’s going to take a miracle.

Muscle weakness has left Grace Wagler with a broken body—and her childhood best friend has left her with a broken heart. She can hold her own in the timber camp (and do everything else the other women in Badger Creek can do), but in an Amish district where women outnumber men three to one, marriage is an unlikely prospect for a girl with bad legs.

Ben Eicher just arrived in Michigan from Pinecraft, Florida. When his most recent shenanigans proved too much for his daed’s patience, Ben was sent to the Upper Peninsula to work in the lumber camp—and he’s neither proud of his behavior nor thrilled about his new home.

But when Ben meets Grace, the struggling young woman quickly piques his curiosity. Of course, the last thing Grace wants is another friendship with a man who pities her. Tired of physical pain and romantic dead ends, Grace is ready to leave Badger Creek for the muscle specialist in Ohio, even if it contradicts her father’s wishes . . . and Ben’s.

Meanwhile, two dangerous men have found their way into the district. It isn’t long before their unsavory plans ensnare Grace and Ben in a chase that will not only endanger their lives . . . but test their love.

A WOODLAND MIRACLE is the second book in the Amish Wonders series (the first is A Miracle of Hope), but it easily stands alone.

Ben is a free-spirit and very determined to get his way. He wants to do the right thing. He is loving and compassionate, but sometimes he goes about it in the wrong way. Grace is judgmental and unforgiving; unwilling to give Ben a chance. She wants to go to Ohio to get over her “lover” who plans to marry another girl—and also to find out if her muscle weakness is caused by the same disease her mother died from.

I enjoyed reading A WOODLAND MIRACLE and getting to know Ben and Grace. There were some unexpected twists, and Ms. Reid’s signature miracles make an appearance. If you like Amish fiction, you’ll want to read A WOODLAND MIRACLE.

Loved the raccoon.  Loved Ben. 

Ruth Reid is my daughter's favorite Amish author (one of mine, too.) There are some moments that may not be appropriate for tween reading though. 

Available in ebook, paperback and audio. 352 pages. 

Love Still Stands

Title: LOVE STILL STANDS

Author: Kelly Irwin

Publisher: Harvest House

September 2013

ISBN 978-0-7369-5493-8

Genre: Amish romance

Readers of Kelly Irvin’s Bliss Creek Amish novels will be overjoyed to discover her new series for lovers of Amish fiction: The New Hope Amish. In the first installment, Love Still Stands, a group of dedicated families leaves Bliss Creek to establish a new community in Missouri. Among them is Bethel Graber, a beautiful young woman with a passion for teaching. But after being disabled in a terrible accident, overseeing a classroom is out of the question…and romance seems a long-lost dream.

Bethel begins physical therapy, determined to make a fresh start. But that won’t be easy in the town of New Hope, where the locals seem anything but eager to welcome their new Amish neighbors. Amid growing intimidation from the community, Bethel must find the strength to face her many challenges and the faith to believe that God still has a plan—and a love—for her life. 

LOVE STILL STANDS is the first book in Ms. Irwin’s Amish of New Hope series. As another reviewer said, this is a depressing book. The Amish have relocated to an imaginary community in Missouri and are not welcomed by the Englisch. The Englisch seem determined to run the Amish off or kill them off, whichever comes first. Very sad.

Bethel (lovely name) is recovering from another accident and needs the therapy she gets in New Hope to regain her strength—and hopefully she’ll someday teach school again.  Elijah is a caregiver, having cared for both his parents. When he volunteers to help with Bethel, she pushes him away, not wanting his pity. Bethel’s sister is bitter and depressed from the move, her husband is the new bishop and stressed and other Amish are struggling, too.

A look at what it might be like to live in a non-welcoming community if you are Amish. Very well written. Full of action. Engaging. But sad.

3.5 stars. Available in ebook and paperback. 354 pages.

A Glimpse into Susan May Warren's World

It’s January.

This is what my town looks like in January.

Do you see the cold pallor? The icy streets? Right now, I am currently sitting under a blankie, with little half-gloves on to keep my fingers warm.

I know, I know. WHY do we live here?

Because it’s a gorgeous place to set a story. Located on the rocky shores of Lake Superior, it’s a little touch of Lake Woebegone – all the men are good-looking, all the women heroic. And it has the overtones of small town Cheers, where everyone knows your name. Which means that when you get into trouble, the entire town knows about it. Ack!

Welcome to Deep Haven, the home of the Christiansen family!

Their resort…Evergreen Outfitters and Cabin Rentals is located on an inland lake in the woods, nestled among the pines, serenaded by the call of the loons and the waves against the shore.

And if you haven’t met the Christiansens, they’re a crazy, love big and live life out loud family who might be a little like my family. (And one that might feel like yours, too!) The six adult children and two parents run a resort and try to figure out faith while living life (that often goes wrong). They make mistakes, but they love each other through them.

Not unlike our family. (That’s us, not the Christiansens. Just in case you might be confused.)

The Christiansen family series follows each one of the adult children through their trials and triumphs of falling in love and finding their way in the world. The next book hits the shelves in the next month – Always on My Mind, a story about Casper, brother #2, who just can’t get the wrong girl off his mind…

Right now, I’m hunkered down writing book #6…The Day After Forever, the last story in the series, a story that asks…can Prodigals come home? (Um, I sure hope so!)

I wanted to write a series about a family with adult children, learning what it meant to carry on the legacy of faith into their lives. And I wanted to write a series that would really let readers dig into the family, feel like they were a part of their journey. The first two books ignite the series not only by introducing us to Darek and Eden, the two oldest children, but also set up the series with the loss of the family resort to a forest fire. Book 3, When I Fall in Love, brings us to Hawaii and back home and sends our prodigal on his way, and scatters the family.

Book 4 picks up the pieces of the prodigal’s actions and brings home the family peace-maker, Casper, in Always on My Mind, and Book 5 adds in a new twist, when daughter Amelia has to choose between a hometown boy and a rich European she met while overseas. (And hello – have you see the hunk on THAT cover? The Wonder of You, baby!)

And then there’s Owen. Troublemaker Owen who just might surprise them all when he comes home…just in time to save the day. Or not… (Cover still pending!)

As the Christiansens rebuild their resort, the kids need to decide whether they want to carry on the family legacy…or if life and faith might bring them somewhere else.

And, did I mention romance? Oh yeah – we have to have something to keep us warm up here during the chilly months.

It’s a series full of family drama, community and…some really great food.

And cookies. (Seriously – check out:http://www.susanmaywarren.com/blog/2014/11/11/tuesdays-tasty-treat-eden-graces-lucky-kiss-peanut-butter-cookies/ )

That’s the news from Lake, um, Superior.

Have a great January…and try to keep warm – Susie May the Siberian

A Stitch in Crime

Book Info and Review

About Quilts of Love: Quilts tell stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings. The Quilts of Love series focuses on the women who quilted all of these things into their family histories. A new book releases each month and features contemporary and historical romances as well as women's fiction and the occasional light mystery. You will be drawn into the endearing characters of this series and be touched by their stories. About the book:  Thea's first quilt show is coming apart at the seams! Thea James has accepted an assignment as co-chairperson for Larkindale's first quilt show extravaganza. Juggling the new assignment with running her antique business, she's already feeling frayed when things start to unravel. Mary-Alice Wentworth, a much-loved town matriarch, respected quilt judge, and Thea's dear friend, is covertly conked on the head during the kick-off Quilt Show Soiree, throwing suspicion on her guests. It also appears that a valuable diamond brooch has been stolen during the attack. The family is furious. But is it because of their mugged mother or the missing diamonds? When a renowned textile expert goes MIA and the famous Wentworth heritage quilt disappears, Larkindale's reputation as a tourist haven is at risk. Thea attempts to piece the mystery together and save the town's investment in the quilt show before Mary-Alice is attacked again . . . with far worse results. My thoughts: A STITCH IN CRIME kind of has a feel of a Clue game when it begins. My kids love to play that… the crime has been committed and you have to figure out who-dun-it. With a houseful of guests and no witnesses—anyone could’ve.   I didn’t understand why the police felt the need to warn Thea off in the beginning of the book. She found the victim. Why warn her off? Did she have a reputation from one of Ms. Elliott’s previous books? I also never really cared about these characters. The book didn't grab my attention and hold on the way I like.  Ms. Elliott is a very talented author with a great imagination. If you love mystery/suspense (especially of the investigative type) you might love A STITCH IN CRIME.  It isn’t the scary sort, and the heroine isn’t running for her life, but there is a crime to solve and someone who did it. I guessed early on who did it—but then kept second-guessing myself.  Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website. About the Author:  Author and speaker Cathy Elliot nourishes her night-owl habit by creating cozy mysteries and more on her trusty laptop in Anderson, California. Like the protagonist in her new mystery, Cathy is an avid quilter. Besides collecting (too much) cool fabric, she also enjoys hunting for antique treasures. Connect with Cathy online: website, Facebook

Blog Tour Schedule
Landing page:  http://litfusegroup.com/author/celliott

Sisters of Mercy Flats

Title: SISTERS OF MERCY FLATS

Author: Lori Copeland

Publisher: Harvest House

June 2013

ISBN:    978-0-7369-3022-2

Genre: Historical romance

From noted author Lori Copeland (more than 3 million books in print) comes a romantic new story of God’s faithfulness when hope seems lost.

The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man faster than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they’re about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is picked up by a different man.

Unfortunately for Abigail, she’s grabbed by a twit of a shoe salesman, Mr. Hershall Digman. She steals his horse and rides off to the nearest town, not giving him another thought…until she discovers those secret papers in his saddlebags. Could Mr. Digman be a Confederate spy?

As if to prove it, the man who comes storming after her is no shoe salesman, but a handsome captain who wants his papers back…at any cost. And Abigail wants a ride back home. Together they embark on his mission, determined not to trust each other…or the God who won’t seem to let them go.

SISTERS OF MERCY FLATS is the first book in a series by Ms. Copeland. All three sisters were assisted in different directions by different men and  they hope to meet at a cemetery—but will they?

I didn’t like either Hershall Digman or Abigail, sadly. She was a thief masquerading as a nun, he was a masquerading as a shoe salesman. Both of them went out of their way to be as disagreeable to the other as they possibly could be.

I have loved some of Lori Copeland’s books. This one was a miss.

Available in ebook and paperback. 356 pages.

Always On My Mind

Title: ALWAYS ON MY MIND

Author: Susan May Warren

Publisher: Tyndale

December 2014

ISBN:    978-1414378442

Genre: Contemporary romance

Come home to the Christiansens’, where faith and family meet real life.

After a failed dig in Honduras, aspiring archaeologist Casper Christiansen heads home to Minnesota to face his unresolved feelings for Raina Beaumont, the woman of his dreams. But when he arrives unannounced on her doorstep, he receives the shock of a lifetime: Raina is pregnant with someone else’s baby.

Heartbroken, especially when he discovers the identity of the baby’s father, Casper tables his dreams and determines to be dependable for once, helping his older brother, Darek, prepare the family resort for its grand reopening. Casper longs to be the hero of at least one family story, but a never-ending Deep Haven winter and costly repairs threaten their efforts—and the future of the resort.

Worse, one of Casper’s new jobs constantly brings him into contact with Raina, whom he can’t seem to forget. A tentative friendship begins to heal fresh wounds, but can they possibly overcome past mistakes and current choices to discover a future together?

ALWAYS ON MY MIND is the fourth book in Ms. Warren’s A Christianson Family series. While it easily stands alone, readers will want to read the first three books in the series (plus the Christmas one) to be brought up to speed with all the siblings and the parents.  The books are:  It Had to Be You, Take a Chance on Me, When I Fall in Love, Evergreen, and ALWAYS ON MY MIND.

Sigh. I absolutely love Ms. Warren’s books, and ALWAYS ON MY MIND was just as good as I imagined. I picked it up, dove  in, and except for what I had to put the book down to do (like going to church Wednesday night) I didn’t put it down. It was that good. I immersed myself in this story. I felt Raina’s pain. Casper’s heartbreak and pride. And the faith message…. I love the way Ms. Warren’s books always minister to the hurting soul. So much truth in there.

I am absolutely waiting impatiently for the next book in this series The Wonder of You coming in July 2015.  There is a great hook leading into the next book at the end….

If you love contemporary romance, Ms. Warren is the absolute best. Don’t miss ALWAYS ON MY MIND.

Available in ebook and paperback. 400 pages.

Star Wars Workbooks

Star Wars Workbooks

Preschool/early elementary. Price $8.95

Workman Publishing

Star Wars Workbooks are workbooks designed especially for preschool and early elementary students featuring the popular Star Wars characters.

Star Wars Workbooks introduce young students to number recognition, reading and writing skills and more. Designed so students can write directly into the workbook. Includes colorful pictures and engaging text, so students interest is piqued.

In addition to introducing preschoolers to numbers, letters, and shapes, Star Wars Workbooks will also grow with the child, as they enter kindergarten, first grade, and then second grade.

Star Wars Workbooks teach students how to write letters and numbers, how to identify them, how to read sentences or words and figure out what is missing. It also teaches the necessary skills for future reading and math, such as identifying shapes, colors, and patterns.

The books in the Star Wars Workbooks series that I was sent to review were: Preschool Number Fun, Preschool ABC Fun, Kindergarten Math Skills, First Grade Reading, First Grade Writing Skills, and Second Grade Reading. My daughter called these her “fun” pages. She enjoyed interacting with the Star Wars characters as she worked with numbers, letters, and words. My only complaint about the series is that if you don’t know the characters well enough (as I didn't) it is difficult to identify who they are to match them up with the letter they start with. My Star Wars fan son had to help with that section.

If you or someone you know prepares to start school, or needs additional help with beginning reading and math skills then Star Wars Workbooks would be a good series to consider. Recommended for homeschool, public schools, preschools, and tutors. 

The Bachelor

Title: THE BACHELOR

Author: Stephanie Reed

Publisher: Kregel

October 2014

ISBN:    978-0825442162

Genre: Amish / Women’s fiction

In this sequel to The Bargain, Betsie Troyer is back home in her Amish community where she knows she belongs, free from the confusing Englisher way of life. She and Charley Yoder have made promises to each other, and her life is back on track--until Gerald Sullivan shows up with his young daughter, asking for Betsie's help. He’s on his way to find his estranged wife, and begs Betsie to take young Sheila in.

When she agrees, Betsie's carefully planned life is shaken up again. Sheila's newfound faith is troubling to Charley--and his attraction to another girl is beginning to be a problem. But how can Betsie confront him when she is still trying to confront her own feelings about Sheila's brother, Michael?

Keeping the peace between the Amish man she's always loved, a twelve-year-old Englisher girl, and a draft-dodging hippie is more than she ever thought she’d have to deal with in her simple, orderly life. Still, Betsie is convinced she can keep things from falling apart completely.

Then during her best friend's wedding, tragedy strikes and her world is upended. She has to make a decision: does she love Charley or Michael . . . or is she craving a deeper love that only God can give?

The compelling second novel of the Plain City Peace series, THE BACHELOR deftly weaves together the strands of a solid, simpler time with the turmoil of an era of change, revealing the strengths of both in its powerful narrative.

It has been a long time since I read the first book in this series, and I had some trouble remembering what had happened. It would help if there was a blurb reminding readers what happened The Bargain in this book so readers would remember the story better. Either that or read the books together. I was hopelessly lost at first.

The Amish district in this book is very strict, very harsh. I didn’t connect with the characters in this book at all. Looking back I did enjoy The Bargain. Betsie had no problems lying and there is a lot of discord among her family, future in-laws, and the community. But that may be realistic since it is based on a real life Amish community that the Englisch world is swallowing up. In fact, in the author’s notes, she says there are only four Amish families living there at the time this was published.

THE BACHELOR is well written, and I loved the diary entries and quotes at the tops of the chapters. The third book in the series, The Bride, will be coming in winter 2016.

Available in ebook and paperback. 256 pages.

Stephanie Reed lives on the outskirts of Plain City, Ohio, site of a once-thriving Amish community. She gleans ideas for her novels from signs glimpsed along the byways of Ohio, as she did for her previous books,Across the Wide River and The Light Across the River. 

The Case of the Jewel Covered Cat Statues

link to giveaway:   http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/case-jewel-covered-cat-statues-cindy-vincent

Book info and review

About the book:  Buckley and Bogey, Cat Detectives, find their next big case with the Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Agency to be their most complicated ever! It all starts when someone hides a mysterious package in their Mom's antique store --- in the middle of the night! Of course, the boys find it, and put it in a nice, safe place, until they can open it . . . and, find the rightful owner. But that's when a whole bunch of suspicious people show up in St. Gertrude, and every single one of them seems to be after that package! Holy Catnip! Plus, everything happens just when a priceless, jeweled statue collection goes on display at the St. Gertrude Museum. Missing from that collection are two jewel covered cat statues that disappeared almost a hundred and fifty years ago. But soon Buckley and Bogey wonder how long those statues will stay missing. Because this is one case that really keeps them on their paws! From a trip to the Museum, and to an old church for the Blessing of the Animals; and from dinosaurs to diamonds, they end up dodging shady suspects the whole time. It sure helps to have their friends with them, especially when the bad guys make a beeline for boys. That's because it becomes very clear, very quick --- the priceless cat statues aren't the only cats those crooks are after! Holy Mackerel! Thoughts by Jenna:  This is a very good book. It is a great suspense. I didn't figure out who did it until about the middle of the book and usually with kid-suspense I figure it out at the very beginning.  The repeat of Holy Mackerel and Holy Catnip at the beginning and end of every chapter were kind of weird. Kind of like cat swear words. The action was intense. I really liked it.  5 stars. Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1xrwgJb  About the author: Cindy Vincent was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and has lived all around the US and Canada. She holds an M.A.Ed, and is the creator of the Mysteries by Vincent murder mystery party games and the Daisy Diamond Detective Series games for girls. She is also the award-winning author of the Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Caper books, the Daisy Diamond Detective book series, and the Cats are Part of His Kingdom, Too: 33 Daily Devotions to Understanding God's Love. She lives with her husband and the real, live Buckley and Bogey, who run surveillance on her house each and every night. Find Cindy, Buckley, and Bogey online: website

Blog Tour Schedule
Landing page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/cvincent

Broom and Gloom

Title: BROOM AND GLOOM

Author: Christy Barritt

Publisher: self published

December 2014

ISBN:    978-1505434491

Genre: Cozy mystery

Gabby St. Claire is determined to get back in the saddle again. While in Oklahoma for a forensic conference, she meets her soon-to-be stepbrother Trace Ryan, an up-and-coming country singer. Trace shares that a woman he was dating went missing a month ago, and he suspects a crazy fan girl may be behind her disappearance. Gabby can’t pass up the opportunity to investigate. But her schedule is tricky as she tries to juggle her conference, navigate being alone in a new place, and locate a woman who may not want to be found. She discovers that sometimes taking life by the horns means staring danger in the face, no matter the consequences.

BROOM AND GLOOM is the 9^th book in Ms. Barritt’s Squeaky Clean Mystery series. I am so glad that Ms. Barritt decided to go Indie for these books after the traditional publisher decided there was no market for them. I think her avid readers will testify there definitely is.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this latest book. I had missed many of the books in the series, but even so I easily kept up with what was happening. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Spooky suspense guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Couldn’t put it down. Must read mystery with a great faith message.

Available in ebook and paperback. 274 pages.

Special Birthday Deal from Odyssey Adventure Club!

     

Praise for the Odyssey Adventure Club:

"AIO has been such a blessing to me and my family. They were able to help me re-connect with my 6-year-old, especially on our way to school. It's something we can listen to and have those special moments together. I'm so appreciative of what you all do and what you allow God to do in our lives."

~ Christine, Mom from Fla.

"Today I am getting baptized because I want to show God that I love God and it will bring me closer to Him. When I accepted Jesus in my heart I was listening to Adventures in Odyssey in my basement. Adventures in Odyssey was a big part of my decision to be baptized."

~ Claire Bivens, age 8

Members of the Odyssey Adventure Club receive:

• 24/7 streaming access to more than 750 Adventures in Odyssey episodes (a $1500 retail value).

• A new, members-only Adventures in Odyssey episode every month.

• A subscription to Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse Magazine.

• A web quest of video stories and online activities reflecting the biblical theme of that month's episode.

• On-the-go access with the OAClub mobile iOS app.

• Growing access to Odyssey books, a daily devotion, access to select Radio Theatre dramas and more.

In the coming months, members will also be able to look forward to:

• An exclusive, downloadable, cut-and-fold Odyssey character craft.
•  In February, members can sneak a peek at the second Candid Conversations with Connie book.

Additionally, a portion of each Odyssey Adventure Club membership benefits Focus on the Family partner organizations, such as Carry the Cure and Mission Aviation Fellowship, providing parents with an opportunity to teach children about the value of serving others. The Odyssey Adventure Club hopes to spend another 25 years hand-in-hand with parents seeking to teach biblical truth to their children while inspiring the theater of their imagination.

Huckleberry Spring

Title: HUCKLEBERRY SPRING

Author: Jennifer Beckstrand

Publisher: Zebra

January 2015

ISBN:    978-1420136494

Genre: Amish romance

Nothing gives Anna and Felty Helmuth greater satisfaction than seeing their grandchildren happily married--except for planning their next matchmaking venture. And as springtime comes to Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, the air is filled with promise. . .

Ever since the Helmuths' grandson, Ben, abruptly broke his engagement and moved to Florida, Emma Nelson has kept busy tending her vegetable garden and raising award-winning pumpkins. She can put her heartache aside to help Ben's Mammi with her own pumpkin patch. At least until Ben shows up to lend support to his ailing Dawdi. . .

Gardening side by side with pretty, nurturing Emma is a sweet kind of torture for Ben. She could have her pick of suitors who can offer what he can't, and he cares too much to burden her with his secret. Leaving once more is the only option. Yet Emma's courage is daring him to accept the grace that flourishes here, and the love that has been calling him back to Huckleberry Hill. . .

HUCKLEBERRY SPRING is the fourth book in the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. I haven’t had the privilege of reading the other books, but its okay as this one easily stood alone.

I have to admit that I love Ms. Beckstrand’s voice. Her sense of humor is top-notch and shines through her writing. The events in Emma’s life were way over-the-top, but while not exactly believable at times, it was an enjoyable read for the most part.  The characters were very immature for most of the book, Emma spending a lot of it in tears, but when she needed to be strong the most, she was.  Both Ben and Emma were super kind, going out of their way to serve others.  Ben especially wanted to take care of Emma—keeping a guard-like eye on her—but yet he left her for a year without any protection so it seemed odd that when he was home he didn’t trust her to be careful. The faith message was weak, but again, the humor and the romance were great. I’m giving it four stars.

Available in ebook and paperback as well as large print. 352 pages.

Jennifer Beckstrand Bio:

I grew up with a steady diet of William Shakespeare and Jane Austen. After all that literary immersion, I naturally decided to get a degree in mathematics, which came in handy when one of my six children needed help with homework. After my fourth daughter was born, I started writing. By juggling diaper changes, soccer games, music lessons, laundry, and two more children, I finished my first manuscript—a Western—in just under fourteen years.

I have always been fascinated by the Amish way of life and now write
Inspirational Amish Romance. I am drawn to the strong faith of the Plain people and admire the importance they put on enduring family ties. I have visited and studied Amish communities in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin where I met with a bishop and a minister as well as several Amish mamms, dats, and children. It has always impressed me at what salt-of-the-earth people they are. My interactions with these kind people have been some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have a dear Amish friend with whom I correspond in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She helps me keep my facts straight and gives me inspiration for my stories.

My goal is to write uplifting, inspiring stories with happy endings and hopeful messages. If my books make readers want to give themselves a big hug or jump up and down for joy, I’ve done my job. I am a member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers and am represented by Mary Sue Seymour of The Seymour Agency.

There are three Amish romances in the Forever After in Apple Lake Series

(Summerside/Guideposts). Kate’s Song, Rebecca’s Rose, and Miriam’s Quilt are all now available.

I have six Amish Roamish buggymances in the works with Kensington Books. The first and second books, Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Summer, are now available in stores and online. The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill is set in northern Wisconsin Amish country.

The series, The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, is about an elderly Amish couple who try to find suitable mates for their grandchildren. What could be more fun than throwing two young people together to see if sparks ignite? No one would ever suspect two octogenarian Amish folks of mischief.Romantic Times gave Huckleberry Hill 4 1/2 stars and chose Huckleberry Summer as a TOP PICK.

I have four daughters, two sons, three sons-in-law, and two adorable grandsons. I live in the foothills of the Wasatch Front with my husband and one son still left at
home.



Links:

Website  http://www.jenniferbeckstrand.com/

Twitter https://twitter.com/JenniferBeckst1

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jenniferbeckstrandfans?fref=ts

Goodreads  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5362202.Jennifer_Beckstrand