Jenny's Choice (Apple Creek Dreams Book 3)

Jenny's Choice 

(Apple Creek Dreams Book 3) 

ebook, paperback

by Patrick E. Craig (Author)

• Print Length: 338 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1732322457
• Publisher: P&J Publishing; 2 edition 
• Publication Date: December 15, 2018
• ASIN: B07KNYCGD4

This is the third book in the Apple Creek Dreams Series. Jonathan and Jenny Hershberger are happily settled in Paradise, Pennsylvania on the farm Jenny inherited from her grandfather. But when Jonathan disappears in a terrible boating accident, Jenny and her young daughter, Rachel, return home to Apple Creek, Ohio to live with her adoptive parents, Reuben and Jerusha Springer.

As Jenny works through her grief and despair, she discovers she has a gift for writing. A handsome young publisher discovers her work and, after the publication of her first book, Jenny is on the verge of worldly success and possible romance.

Then conflict arises with the elders of her church, and Jenny must ask herself if she’s willing to go outside her faith to pursue her dreams. At the same time, the budding romance is at odds with Jenny’s hope that Jonathan might someday be found alive. Jenny must choose and Jenny’s Choice leads her to the surprising and heart-warming conclusion of the Apple Creek Dreams series

My thoughts (Reviewed by Marilyn); The new cover of the new edition of Jenny’s Choice is stunning as it portrays the vibrant yet heartbreaking continuation of Jenny and Jonathan Hershberger’s life. The loss of Jonathan caused Jenny to return to Apple Creek with her parents and young daughter, Rachel. With her love for research and writing Jenny returned to her journals. When she met a publisher she had a choice to make in regards to her writing. There are multiple twists and turns with the dimensional characters that faced life with fortitude, faith and persistence with their inner feelings. Even though this was a reread with the new release, I was reeled into the story from the beginning and didn’t want the book to end with it being the last one in this tremendous series. Patrick E. Craig is one gifted author weaving a faith message into his books that are filled with multiple facets of dimensional characters, action, history and God’s amazing love. 

I purchased this new edition directly from the author at an author event. I was under no obligation to post a review but have expressed my own sincere thoughts. 

No Ocean Too Wide

No Ocean Too Wide: A Novel 

Paperback – ebook, audible, audio CD

June 25, 2019

by Carrie Turansky  ( Author)

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah
• ISBN-13: 978-0525652939

Between the years of 1869 to 1939 more than 100,000 poor British children were sent across the ocean to Canada with the promise of a better life. Those who took them in to work as farm laborers or household servants were told they were orphans--but was that the truth?

After the tragic loss of their father, the McAlister family is living at the edge of the poorhouse in London in 1908, leaving their mother to scrape by for her three younger children, while oldest daughter, Laura, works on a large estate more than an hour away. When Edna McAlister falls gravely ill and is hospitalized, twins Katie and Garth and eight-year-old Grace are forced into an orphans' home before Laura is notified about her family's unfortunate turn of events in London. With hundreds of British children sent on ships to Canada, whether truly orphans or not, Laura knows she must act quickly. But finding her siblings and taking care of her family may cost her everything.

Fraser, a wealthy young British lawyer and heir to the estate where Laura is in service, discovers that this common practice of finding new homes for penniless children might not be all that it seems. Together Laura and Andrew form an unlikely partnership. Will they arrive in time? Will their friendship blossom into something more?

Inspired by true events, this moving novel follows Laura as she seeks to reunite her family and her siblings who, in their darkest hours, must cling to the words from Isaiah: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God"

My thoughts: NO OCEAN TOO WIDE is the first book I read by Carrie Turansky. Historical fiction isn't my genre of choice, especially when they start with the seemingly formula and mandatory death as this one does. That aside, Ms. Turansky writes vividly, welcoming  the reader into the characters' world with all the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes.

This is not a historical romance though there are some romantic moments, and the book ends without resolution so readers will want to read the second  book in the series (coming in January 2020, I think.)  There are some disturbing accounts of abuse... sensitive  readers beware.

Fans of historical fiction (especially ones based on a true story) will want to read NO OCEAN TOO WIDE. Ms. Turansky is most definitely a talented writer who will draw the reader in and leave them wanting  more.

I was given copy free. All opinions are my own.

Just in Case You Ever Wonder 

Hardcover – ebook, audible

August 6, 2019

by Max Lucado (Author), 

Eve Tharlet (Illustrator)

• Age Range: 3 - 7 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 2
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• ISBN-13: 978-0718075385

This book assures children of God's love through all their experiences—including during hard times such as being afraid of the dark or being bullied—and gives assurance that the parent was there when they were first born and will be with them even in heaven.

From New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado comes Just in Case You Ever Wonder, the classic children’s book that has made its way into hearts and story times around the world. This award-winning book about the love between a parent and child

• has sold 1.7 million copies, touching lives for more than 25 years;
• now includes new, breathtaking art from Eve Tharlet;
• is perfect for children ages 3–7; and
• reminds children of Jesus’ unconditional love.

Whether you have treasured this classic book for years or are reading it for the first time with your little ones, this timeless reminder of the love between a parent and a child—and ultimately, between God the Father and us—will come to hold a special place in your heart and home. Children long to hear they’re special and loved. Just in Case You Ever Wonder assures them that as they grow and change, in both good and bad times, you—and their heavenly Father—will always be on their side . . . just in case they ever wonder.

My thoughts: JUST IN CASE YOU EVER WONDER is a much loved children's book by acclaimed author Max Lucado. I was given a copy by my grandmother of the first printing when my oldest son was a baby and it was a much loved and often read book to both my sons and my oldest daughter (then it got lost in a move).

This new version of JUST IN CASE YOU EVER WONDER features adorable bears and not at all scary artwork, plus a valuable message for children and adults alike. It reminds children of a parents or grandparents love and reminds an adult of God's love.

Make sure you grab a copy of JUST IN CASE YOU EVER WONDER for your  favorite child or as a baby shower gift.   Recommended.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

The Timepiece 

Paperback – hardcover, ebook, audible

September 17, 2019

by Beverly Lewis (Author)

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
• ISBN-13: 978-0764233074

As the only daughter, Sylvia Miller of The Tinderbox has always held a special place in her Old Order family, one Adeline Pelham jeopardizes when she shows up at the Millers' Hickory Hollow farm. It isn't that Adeline means to be a threat, but her very existence is a reminder of the painful secret that has so recently upended the Miller household. And with Sylvia and her mother still struggling to come to terms with that news, this is a challenging time to welcome an Englisher--especially this Englisher--into their midst.

Despite the Millers' unexpected hospitality, Adeline is well aware that she's treading on Sylvia's turf, and she feels guilty about doing so when Sylvia is grappling with issues of her own. Not only is Sylvia trying to rebuild her trust in her father, but she's uncertain what to make of her once-promising engagement to Titus Kauffman, who hasn't pursued her since she confronted him. Adeline wishes she could help Sylvia, but she's not sure that either she or Sylvia is ready for that level of closeness in their relationship.

Can God make something good come out of the mistakes of the past? Or does Adeline's 
arrival mark one too many surprises for the Millers and their Amish community?

My thoughts (Reviewed by Marilyn):  Beverly Lewis penned a beautiful story with The Timepiece, the conclusion to The Tinderbox story. This tale is one of acceptance, forgiveness, and new beginnings. The Miller family welcome of the young Adeline Pelham into their home when she arrived in Hickory Hollow might have been a rough in the beginning but time is a healer as well as acceptance, prayers and openness. As the past came out how Adeline wanted to meet her biological father, Earnest Miller, not only a bond forms but the Miller family instills a deeper longing in her heart. This is one worthy read to see how God’s amazing love can reach hearts no matter where they are. The closeness that Sylvia and Adeline formed over time brought tears along with applause how the bond connected them as sisters. There are some unexpected twists, a new romance and a surprise for Earnest and Rhoda with Biblical references for characters to stand on as their faith and relationships grew.

I highly recommend readers read The Tinderbox before reading The Timepiece to gain the full story of the Earnest Miller and his family and all they had endured before Adeline Pelham arrived at their home. .

I borrowed this book from the library, thus a review was not required. I have expressed my own opinion. 

Tender Care by Heidi Dru Kortman

Text: Jeremiah 31:7-9

“This is what the Lord says: ‘Sing with joy for Jacob, shout for the greatest of the nations. Make your praises heard, and say, “Oh Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel.” See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind, and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor; a great throng will return. They will come with weeping, they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel’s father and Ephraim is my firstborn son.’”

Here’s a challenge for every day. How often is our attitude joyous? I am not overlooking the fact that much of every day is plain hard work, but do we do more grumbling than singing? According to this verse, we should be consistently full of joy, and expressing it, because of our identity as God’s remnant people.

In our eyes, a remnant seems unimportant, perhaps something to be discarded, but God has a much different perspective. His remnant is composed of people with true faith in his promises. No matter where we are on the earth, he knows us and provides what we need.

Although sadness and frustration of daily events can bring us to tears, the prayers that follow only enrich our relationship with God. As we live the days until we join God in heaven, he provides our physical necessities and the refreshing presence of his Holy Spirit, like a running stream. Our “path” to heaven is Christ, direct and smooth. If we remain on track with God’s will, our destination is a permanent home in his presence.

So how much praise do we express? Do the people who see us have any idea who we really are? Let’s not force the stones and dust to take over the work of praise we should be doing.

Heidi Dru Kortman DTM

God's gifts and call are irrevocable.

heididrukortman.com.

Heidi Dru Kortman, a CWG Apprentice graduate, ACFW member since 2004, and Word Weaver member has published devotionals in various newsletters, and a collected volume of devotionals. Her poetry, flash fiction, and short stories have appeared in small magazines, and a website. She is applying herself to the task of writing smoothly polished fiction.

Winds of Danger 

(Lantern Beach Romantic Suspense #4) 

Paperback – ebook

August 13, 2019

by Christy Barritt (Author)

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Independently published
• ISBN-13: 978-1686169212

Wes O’Neill is perfectly content to hang with his friends and enjoy island life on Lantern Beach. Something begins to change inside him when Paige Henderson sweeps into his life. But the beautiful newcomer is hiding painful secrets beneath her cheerful facade.

Police dispatcher Paige Henderson came to Lantern Beach riddled with guilt and uncertainties after the fallout of a bad relationship. When she meets Wes, she begins to open up to the possibility of love again. But there’s something Wes isn’t telling her—something that could change everything.

As the winds shift, doubts seep into Paige’s mind. Can Paige and Wes trust each other, even as the currents work against them? Or is trouble from the past too much to overcome?

My thoughts: WINDS OF DANGER is the fourth book in the Lantern Beach romantic suspense series and it easily stands alone. Fans will want to read Tides of Deception, Shadow of Intrigue and Storms of Doubt as well as  other Lantern Beach mysteries by Christy Barritt.

I've been anxious to read Wes's s story since he was introduced in an earlier book and when Paige came on the scene i knew his story would be coming soon. WINDS OF DANGER is written in Ms. Barritt's fast paced style that makes it hard to put the books down. I'm sorry to say goodbye (maybe--for now at least) to this cast of characters.

If you love romantic suspense (or cozy mysteries) you'll want to read WINDS OF DANGER. A good read with a very slight faith message.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own. 

Stay tuned for these reviews coming soon

Stitches in Time (The Deacon's Family #2)

Stitches in Time 

(The Deacon's Family #2) 

Paperback – ebook, audio, hardcover

October 1, 2019

by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Author)

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Revell 
• ISBN-13: 978-0800727529

Keeping people at arm's length had worked well as a life strategy for Sam Schrock.
Until he met Mollie Graber.
Schoolteacher Mollie Graber has come to Stoney Ridge for a fresh start. Aware of how fleeting and fragile life is, she wants to live it boldly and bravely. When Luke Schrock, new to his role as deacon, asks the church to take in foster girls from a group home, she's the first to raise her hand. The power of love, she believes, can pick up the dropped stitches in a child's heart and knit them back together. Mollie envisions sleepovers and pillow fights. What she gets are sleepless nights and police at the door.

There's only one thing that breaks through the girls' hard shells--an interest in horses. Reluctantly and skeptically, horse trainer Sam Schrock gets drawn into Mollie's chaotic life. What he didn't expect was for love to knit together the dropped stitches in his own heart . . . just in time.

Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to the little Amish community of Stoney Ridge for a touching story of the power of love.

My thoughts (Reviewed by Marilyn):   Readers will find a poignant and heartfelt story within the pages of Stitches in Time. Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of my top favorite authors and this series, The Deacon’s Family, is becoming one of my favorite by her. I recommend readers read Mending Fences, book one, first; although, Stitches in Time can be read as a standalone. They’ll just appreciate knowing all the flaws, struggles and how faith has developed the cast of characters.

This book is Mollie and Sam’s story but it also focuses upon Luke, Izzy and others within in the community of Stoney Ridge. Luke was in disbelief that he had been given the lot to serve as deacon as he felt so inadequate with his past. As he gained insight and the wisdom of Bishop David Stoltzfus his perspective and confidence grew that God was truly caring for all. Just like Izzy was the shepherdess for her “woolies” God was the Great Shepherd no matter the trial someone was facing.

I appreciate the interweaving of Psalm 23 that Fisher wove into this phenomenal story. It was amazing to see how different characters claimed a portion of this Psalm for their life’s situations that were difficult and challenging. The Stoney Ridge community coming together to provide respite care for the group home of foster girls in an emergency situation was right on. Fisher’s research of the foster care system shined through. I could identify with the descriptive realism of the challenges the foster children and their foster families faced with my history of working with foster children, parents and their bio parents. I’m thankful in her author’s note she included myths and truths of our current foster care system. 

I didn’t want this story to end as I want to know how the characters are progressing from overcoming their past from childhood abuse, fighting cancer, low self esteem, infertility, sorrow, and other aspect of life. The journey of life is difficult but Fisher’s woven words from Biblical truths in this book will be gems to hang on to. The Amish lifestyle is just like any walk of life even though many think their lives are exempt and this tale is true to life in every aspect.  

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group. I was under no obligation to post a review but have expressed my sincere thoughts. I look forward to reading book three Two Steps Forward, when it is released.  

Recovered Secrets 

(Love Inspired Suspense) 

Mass Market Paperback – ebook

September 3, 2019

by Jessica R. Patch  (Author)

Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages

• Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense; Original edition
• ISBN-13: 978-1335232359

A blank memory. A new life.

But her borrowed time just ran out

Two years after Grace Thackery washed up on a small-town Mississippi riverbank, she has the first clue about the life she doesn’t remember: someone wants her dead. And while search-and-rescue director Hollis Montgomery’s determined to protect her, the secrets of her past are darker than they expected. Can the bond between Grace and Hollis survive her true identity…and an assassin?

My thoughts:  RECOVERED SECRETS is a formula Love Inspired Suspense where the bad guys know every move the heroine makes before she does.

She's a Ninja. No. She's a doctor. No. She's an assassin. No. She's a sniper...  

Grace doesn't know who she is, except the ones who are trying to kill her call her "Mad Max" and she has strange and unusual skills stored in her memory bank.

Hollis is a different sort of hero. Search and rescue and not a Navy Seal, an Army Green Beret or a Marine. Nor is he a police officer. He is an ordinary guy, overwhelmed by Grace and who or what she might be. And that scares him, because what if she's a criminal?

RECOVERED SECRETS is implausible, unrealistic, and contrived, but very well-written,  a quick pace, and nonstop action that will have romantic suspense readers fumbling at the pages in a well-lit room to find out what happens next and who or what memories Grace is suppressing. You will not want to miss this story by Jessica R. Patch. It is truly an edge-of-your-seat read.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

The Road Home (Apple Creek Dreams Book 2)

The Road Home 

(Apple Creek Dreams Book 2) 

ebook, paperback

by Patrick E. Craig  (Author)

• Print Length: 364 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1732322422
• Publisher: P&J Publishing; 2 edition 
• Publication Date: December 15, 2018
• ASIN: B07KM9SH46

This is the second book in the Apple Creek Dreams series. Jenny Springer is the local historian for the Amish community in Apple Creek, Ohio. When Jenny was a child, Jerusha Hershberger Springer rescued her from a terrible snowstorm, and when no trace of Jenny’s parents could be found, the Springer family adopted her. Since then, the burning desire in Jenny’s heart is to find out who she really is.

Then Jenny meets Jonathan Hershberger, a drifter from San Francisco who lands in Apple Creek fleeing a drug deal gone wrong. Intrigued by an Englischer with an Amish name, Jenny offers to help him discover his Amish roots. When together they dig into Jonathan’s past, Jenny gets serious in her own search for her long-lost parents. And as they travel The Road Home together, Jenny finds the truly surprising answer to her deepest questions, while Jonathan discovers his need for a home, a family, and a relationship with God.

My thoughts (Reviewed by Marilyn):  Rereading the Road Home by Craig was enthralling and kept me spellbound, even as it was  when I read the original published addition. The journey of Jerusha and Jonathan was a true adventure as they discovered their ancestry roots even though they faced setbacks, disappointments and unforeseen action their resilience, faith and God’s grace kept them. 

Patrick Craig is an exceptional author with his storytelling that is filled with vivid, descriptive, action packed, history and faith message interwoven. I look forward to reading many more books by Craig as they are released. 

Interview with Kathy McKinsey about Millie's Christmas

Today we welcome Kathy McKinsey to my blog. Thanks for stopping by, Kathy. Tell us about the book – a brief blurb:

Millie’s Christmas

Ruthie says Millie will love Christmas. Ruthie is Millie’s best friend, so she’s sure Ruthie’s right, but why does Millie keep finding Ruthie and her brother Jake crying?

Millie, an orange kitten, shares about her first Christmas. Her best friend Ruthie, six years old, teaches Millie about Christmas—food, decorations, music, presents, and Jesus!

Millie’s friend Bruce, the family dog, also helps her celebrate Christmas, and sometimes gets her in trouble.

When Ruthie’s big brother Jake breaks his ankle, Millie learns about sad things, like divorce, when Jake can’t visit his mommy for Christmas. Millie watches Ruthie’s family love each other through the sadness, and find joy in Christmas.

Are any experiences in Millie’s Christmas based on personal experiences? Did you draw upon any stories or movies for inspiration for the novel?

I normally write women’s fiction, so this was new for me. When my kids were little, however, I loved reading to them and telling them stories. I once wrote a story where the main characters were dogs, and my daughter Rebecca liked that. That probably helped encourage me to write this in a kitten’s POV.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in Millie’s Christmas?

Trying to get dog and cat facts accurate. For example, can cats see colors?

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learned that I can write a children’s story. I enjoyed it a lot, and I may try my hand at it again. I also do believe this story can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Did you have to travel much for research for Millie’s Christmas?

No, not at all.

(If a series) What was it like coming back to the [certain characters] for the [numeral] novel in the series? Do you foresee any more stories for this family of characters?

This is not a series. However, it might be fun to tell another story about this family. Maybe from the point of view of the dog.

Who was your favorite character in Millie’s Christmas?

That’s tough. Probably Millie, but I also had a lot of fun with Ruthie, the little girl.

Was there anything in Millie’s Christmas that you did not enjoy writing about?

No. It started out as just an exercise, to get me writing every day. I had no plan in mind to start out with. But God gave this story to me as a surprise gift. It’s one of my favorite of all my stories.

Share your bio and links for social media and to buy:

Kathy McKinsey grew up on a pig farm in Missouri, and although she’s lived in cities for nearly 40 years, she still considers herself a farm girl.

She’s been married to Murray for 32 years, and they have five adult children.

She’s had two careers before writing—stay-at-home-Mom and rehabilitation teacher for the blind.

She lives in Lakewood, Ohio with her husband and two of her children. Besides writing, she enjoys activities with her church, editing for other writers, braille transcribing, crocheting, knitting, and playing with the cat and dog.

Kathy.mckinsey@gmail.com

https://www.kathymckinsey.com

https://www.facebook.com/kathy.brinkmann.mckinsey

https://twitter.com/kathymckinsey

https://www.amazon.com/All-My-Tears-Kathy-McKinsey-ebook/dp/B07P92QZPJ