Captivating Amish story -- The Ebb Tide

Beverly Lewis's latest is another great Amish novel from one of the masters of the genre.  The Ebb Tide is a captivating story of a young Amish woman whose dreams have boundaries farther away than her community's lifestyle is likely to allow her to reach.

The characters and the challenges they face are complex and realistic.  The conflicts that Sallie face both within and without keep the story moving at a very engaging pace.  And there are real-life issues faced by other characters that add to the flow and  enjoyment of the story.

Beverly's descriptions of the setting are fantastic.  I found myself feeling like I was right there enjoying the sights and sounds of the ocean.

Thanks to Bethany House for providing a copy of the book.  I was delighted to voluntarily share my own thoughts in this review.

About the Book:

Oh, to see the ocean, Sallie thought. And to spend the summer as a nanny. She shook her head in amazement. This seemed too good to be true, but she really must talk it over with Dat and Mamm, especially since she'd be gone so long. 

And after I promised Mamm I'd take baptism classes this summer . . .

Sallie Riehl has dreamed of traveling at least once before settling down to join church, so she is thrilled at an unexpected summer opportunity to nanny in Cape May for a well-to-do family. However, saying even a temporary good-bye to Paradise Township means forgoing baptism another year, as well as leaving behind a would-be beau. Yet the weeks in Cape May soon prove unforgettable as Sallie meets a Mennonite young man whose friendship she quickly begins to cherish. Has she been too hasty with her promises, or will she only find what her heart is longing for back home?

About the Author:

Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 17 million books in print. Her stories have been published in twelve languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today. Beverly and her husband, David, live in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, making music, and spending time with their family. Learn more at www.beverlylewis.com.

Moving love story -- You'll Think of Me

Robin Lee Hatcher's You'll Think of Me is a moving love story, but it is also so much more. 

Brooklyn and Derek each have many challenges from their past to overcome.  Brooklyn must learn to trust, not an easy thing for her after a history of multiple rejections.  She is primarily focused on providing a better life for her young daughter, mostly in her own strength, leaving little room in her future for any romantic involvement.  Derek has to overcome some past perceptions and present disappointments that threaten his plans for the future before opening himself to the possibility of a serious relationship.

Robin has created characters with real-life issues that many readers can identify with.  Loss, rejection, and emptiness are dealt with through kindness, love, and faith to make a beautiful story that was a joy to read.

At the end of the book, the author adds a note and an excerpt from a paper she wrote a few years ago relative to one of the important themes of the story -- "daddyless daughters."  Her personal story and informative message add an element that takes your thinking past just the pleasure of another good story.

I highly recommend this story to anyone interested in a heartwarming story of what can be when love is given a chance.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers for providing a copy of You'll Think of Me.  I was delighted to express my own thoughts through this review.


About the Book:

Her mother abandoned her, her father disowned her, and her husband left her. Can Brooklyn be convinced that it is possible to forgive the greatest of betrayals?

Brooklyn Myers escaped her broken home and her embittered, unloving father by eloping to Reno at the age of 17. But when she was pregnant with their first child, her husband abandoned her as well. Not welcome back home in Thunder Creek, Brooklyn stayed in Reno and raised her daughter Alycia on her own, doing her best to make sure Alycia never knew the heartache and rejection Brooklyn herself had known.

When her estranged husband Chad Hallston dies, he leaves the family home in Thunder Creek to his daughter. Believing it is the best way to give her daughter a stable home, Brooklyn does what she thought she would never do. She goes home to the orchard and wine country of Southwest Idaho. There, she encounters Chad’s best friend, Derek Johnson, a part time sheriff's deputy who also owns an organic produce farm next door. Derek was never a fan of former bad girl Brooklyn Myers, but he made a promise to his dying friend that he would be the father to Alycia that Chad had never been.

Although Derek and Brooklyn get off to a bumpy start, he and Alycia quickly form a bond. And soon, Derek realizes that he wants Brooklyn to trust him too . . . even knowing that her trust won’t come easily. And then he realizes he wants even more than her trust. He wants to win her love.

While Brooklyn may be tempted to give her heart to Derek, risking her daughter’s happiness is another story. Will Brooklyn hold onto her self-reliance for dear life, or will she come to understand that the greatest gift she can give her daughter is showing her how to love and trust others?

 About the Author:

Bestselling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards from both RWA and ACFW and winner of the Christy, RITA, and numerous other awards, Robin has authored over 75 books. She and her husband make their home in Idaho where she enjoys spending time with her family, her high-maintenance Papillon, Poppet, and Princess Pinky, the DC (demon cat). For more information, visit www.robinleehatcher.com, Facebook: robinleehatcher, Twitter: @robinleehatcher

Excellent contemporary romance -- Sandpiper Cove

Irene Hannon won me over in the very first pages of the very first romantic suspense novel I read of hers.  But as I have discovered through her Hope Harbor series, she also writes excellent contemporary romance.  Sandpiper Cove is her best yet in that genre.

There is delightful romance and a touch of mystery. The beautiful underlying theme has to do with broken lives and the second chances that are available for putting those lives back together.  Several of the characters are given opportunities that they never expected to have, and the results make for a very engaging story. 
Lexie and Adam are the main characters and love interests in the story.  A delightful cast of other characters -- like Charley, the taco guy (one of my favorites) -- helps to weave together an extremely enjoyable story.

Fans of great inspirational fiction should enjoy this and the other books in the series.  Sandpiper Cove would work as a stand-alone, but I would definitely recommend reading the entire series in order to get to know all the characters who carry through the stories.

Thanks to Revell Books for providing a copy of this book.  I was delighted to share my own personal thoughts in this review.

About the Book:

Hope Harbor police chief Lexie Graham has plenty on her plate raising her son alone and dealing with a sudden rash of petty theft and vandalism in her Oregon coast hometown. She has zero time for extracurricular activities—including romance. Ex-con Adam Stone isn’t looking for love either—but how ironic is it that the first woman to catch his eye is a police chief? Yet wishing for things that can never be is foolish. However, when Lexie enlists his help to keep a young man from falling into a life of crime, sparks begin to fly. And as they work together, it soon becomes apparent that God may have a different…and better…future planned for them than either could have imagined.

About the Author:

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty novels, including Buried Secrets, Thin Ice, and Tangled Webs, as well as the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. In addition to many other honors, she is a seven-time finalist for and three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA's elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

Charming Amish story -- A Mother's Love (with an Excerpt and a Scavenger Hunt GIVEAWAY)

Charlotte Hubbard has given us a charming Amish stand-alone in time for Mother's Day.  A Mother's Love is the perfect title for multiple generations in this engaging story.  

As she often does, Charlotte drives her story through the lives of strong female characters who deal with complex struggles.  Some of those challenges that Rose works through involve the handsome and helpful Matthias.  And all choices must be made with consideration of her adorable daughter Gracie.  These and other characters fit together in a very entertaining story.

Fans of great Amish fiction should enjoy A Mother's Love. 

Thanks to Charlotte and her publisher for providing a copy of this book.  I was happy to write this honest review based on my own thoughts.  

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Charlotte will be giving away a $15 gift card to Amazon or Barnes and Noble at the end of this blog tour.  Follow the tour and comment often to increase your chances of winning.  You can enter the rafflecopter giveaway at the end of this post.

About the Book:

It’s been a year of tragic loss and difficult decisions for widow Rose Raber. She thought providing for her young daughter was the greatest challenge she faced. Until her dying mother revealed Rose was adopted—and her birth mother is someone with much to lose if the secret comes out. As Rose struggles to reconcile the truth with her faith—and her troubling curiosity—outgoing newcomer Matthias Wagler is another surprise she didn’t expect. His optimism and easy understanding inspire her. And his prospective partnership with wealthy deacon Saul Hartzler promises a possible new life for them—together. But with this second chance comes yet another revelation for all involved.

When Saul’s wife unexpectedly turns up at Rose’s new job, their bond as mother and daughter is instant and unmistakable. It isn’t long before an unforgiving Saul discovers the truth, threatening Matthias’s livelihood and Rose’s future. Now with more than just their happiness at stake, Rose and Matthias must find the strength and courage to stand strong—and trust God’s enduring miracles of motherhood, forgiveness, and love.

Book Excerpt: 

“How was your morning with Jerusalem and Vernon?” Rose asked as she managed a smile for the bishop’s wife. “I hope you were a gut little guest?” 

“The best company we could’ve asked for,” Jerusalem replied. “We gathered the eggs, and Gracie counted the new chicks in the barn—” 

“Thirty-eight!” Gracie exclaimed.

“—and then we made French toast—”

“And I ate two whole pieces!” Gracie crowed. “With maple surple and fried apples.”

Jerusalem stopped at the edge of the tilled garden spot, and when she held out her hand, Gracie raced over to grab it. “And we played hide-and-seek with Vernon, too, didn’t we, dear?”

“Jah, but I found him every time!” Gracie replied. “He thought I wouldn’t see him under that tarp, but his big butt was stickin’ out!”

“Gracie,” Rose chided. “This is our bishop you’re talking about. Be polite.”

Jerusalem chuckled. “She speaks the truth. Hiding isn’t Vernon’s best talent, I’m afraid. But he was a gut sport about it when Gracie found him right off.”

 “See, ‘Rusalem?” the little girl said, pointing to the mounded rows in the garden. “We put the lettuce on this end, and the peas down this way. Mamma said we could plant an extra long row of those, coz they’re my favorite.” 

About the Author:

Many moons ago—like, in 1983 while she was still a school librarian—Charlotte Hubbard sold her first story to True Story. This launched her into writing around seventy of those “true confessions” stories over the years, and she’s been a slave to her overactive imagination ever since. Over the course of her writing career, she has sold nearly 50 books—most recently, Amish romance series she’s written as Charlotte Hubbard or Naomi King. Charlotte lived in Missouri for most of her life, so her Amish stories are set in imaginary Missouri towns. These days she lives in St. Paul, MN with her husband of 40+ years and their Border collie, Vera.  Charlotte can be contacted at www.CharlotteHubbard.com or www.Facebook.com/Charlotte.Hubbard1 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Race for Survival -- Raging Storm

Raging Storm is Vannetta Chapman's second chapter of her Remnant series, a rather frightening look at an all too realistic possibility in our technology reliant world.

This story picks up right where the first left off with characters doing their best to survive in a situation where survival is questionable at best.  The interactions between the main characters and those who are introduced in the second book bring even more life and interest to the story.  Vannetta develops diverse scenarios and characters to add multiple levels of intrigue to her story, all of which kept me highly engaged as a reader.

Fans of great fiction should enjoy Raging Storm, especially those with any interest in the dystopian genre.  Reading this series in order is important to follow the story line.  The author left a perfect set-up for the next installment, Light of Dawn, due to be released later this year.  She also has written a prequel, available in the form of a free ebook novella, Overshadowed.

About the Book: 

In the Darkness,
 Anarchy Awakens

When a massive solar flare wiped out all modern technology across the globe, the small town of Abney, Texas, was thrown into chaos. Shelby Sparks and her teenage son, Carter, have found refuge, but Shelby knows she can’t simply remain hidden forever. Carter is a type 1 diabetic in need of insulin—and Shelby will risk her life traveling to Austin to make sure he gets it.

Shelby’s best friend and high school sweetheart, Max Berkman, won’t even consider letting her make the perilous journey alone. Together, they manage to get to the capital—only to discover that while things are desperate in Abney, Austin has turned into an urban nightmare on the brink of anarchy.
Shelby and Max’s search for medical supplies will lead them into terrifying territory, where the only thing more uncertain than finding what they need is the hope of making it out of the city alive.

About the Author:

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace, including romantic suspense and Amish romance novels. Chapman was a teacher for 15 years and currently writes full-time. She lives in the Texas hill country with her husband, pets, and a herd of deer.
www.VannettaChapman.com

New Amish series -- The Seekers

If you have been a fan of Wanda Brunstetter's books for any time, you may have run across her Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club series.  The Seekers is the beginning of The Amish Cooking Class series, reminiscent of those earlier books.

In The Seekers, Heidi (who is a niece of the quilting instructor) decides to give cooking lessons to help fill up her days as a childless Amish wife.  The students who sign up for her classes come from quite a range of circumstances and needs and offer a much larger challenge than Heidi could have expected.  It quickly becomes apparent that there are much bigger issues at play than just learning to follow a recipe.

The story is pretty formulaic and predictable, especially with the connection to the previous series.  The unique characters, though, each add their own element of interest to the story.  Fans of Wanda's writing and other Amish fiction should find The Seekers worth their time.

Thanks to the author and her publisher for providing me a copy of this book.  I am happy to share my own thoughts in this review.

About the Book:

Will Heidi's cooking lessons turn into life lessons for five unlikely students?

Heidi Troyer cooks up the idea of teaching classes in the art of Amish cuisine in her Holmes County, Ohio, home. But is it a recipe for drama when five very different men and women answer the advertisement?

Join a class of unlikely Ohioans who take cooking lessons at Lyle and Heidi Troyer’s Amish farm. A woman engaged to marry, an expectant mother estranged from her family, a widowed mom seeking to simplify, a Vietnam vet who camps on the Troyer’s farm, and an Amish widower make up the mismatched lot of students.

Class members share details of their disappointing lives, work to solve a mystery, and stir some romance into the pot. Soon Heidi’s cooking lessons turn into life lessons as they each share their challenges. . .and their souls are healed one meal at a time. Is this what God had in mind when Heidi got the idea for cooking classes?

About the Author:

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs. When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties.

Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.

Edge-of-your-seat thrills -- Moving Target

Talk about gripping from page one!  Lynette Eason has you on the edge of your seat from the very first page of Moving Target and keeps the thrills going throughout. 

Characters from the previous books in the Elite Guardians play important roles again in this book.  There is enough danger and suspense to go around for everyone -- as well as a nice touch of romance.  While there are references to the previous stories, you should be able to easily follow the story as a stand-alone.  If you are a fan of great romantic suspense, though, I would highly recommend that you read the entire series in order to get to know Lynette's characters well.

Thanks to the author and her publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.  I am happy to share my own thoughts in this review.

About the Book:

Intensity. Skill. Tenacity.
The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have it all.

When Maddy McKay and Quinn Holcombe don't show up for Quinn's birthday party, his friends know that something is very wrong. Their search turns up little beyond evidence that Quinn and Maddy have vanished. And it soon becomes apparent that they did not leave of their own accord.

Maddy awakens in a cement room with no idea where she is. But it's not long before she realizes she's in the clutches of a madman who exacts revenge through games--hunting games. His prey of choice? Humans. Now Maddy and Quinn must run for their lives and outwit their killer when their game begins.

Because if they don't win this game . . . they die.

About the Author:

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, and the Hidden Identity series, as well as Always Watching and Without Warning in the Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of an ACFW Carol Award, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Readers' Choice Award. She has a master's degree in education from Converse College and lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

Unintentional Amish pen pals -- Written in Love

Kathleen Fuller bases her Written in Love on a somewhat unusual premise -- unintentional Amish pen pals.  The result is a captivating story.

The cast of characters for this story is quite an interesting group.  The main characters, Jalon and Phoebe, both have big issues from their past to deal with individually and as a couple.  The friends and family who play important parts in their lives certainly help keep the story moving.  Although this is the first book in a new series, those of you familiar with Kathleen's Amish of Birch Creek series will  notice some familiar "faces."

I highly recommend Written in Love to fans of great Amish fiction.

Thanks to Booklook Bloggers for providing a copy of the book.  I was happy to share my own personal thoughts in this review.

About the Book: 

When a postal error creates pen pals of two young Amish people, can they put behind their past mistakes to see the bright future God has written for them?

Jalon Chupp has a past he isn’t proud to claim. He’s worked hard to overcome his youthful mistakes, and he has recommitted himself to his faith. When he receives a sweet note included in a piece of misdirected mail, he can’t help but write back. Soon, the letters he receives from Phoebe are the highlights of his days, and with a hopeful heart, he suggests they meet in person.

Phoebe, too, looks forward to every single one of Jalon’s letters. Living with her overbearing aunt, Phoebe doesn’t have too much to look forward to. But when Jalon suggests they meet, she panics—although she has shared some of the deepest longings of her heart with him, she hasn’t been entirely truthful about her past. But when Jalon shows up at her aunt’s doorstep, everything is revealed. And she can only pray he’ll forgive her for holding back the truth.

In order to reach beyond the errors of their pasts, both Phoebe and Jalon must put their faith in something—or Someone—bigger than either of them could pen.

About the Author: 

Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including the Hearts of Middlefield novels, the Middlefield Family novels, and the Amish of Birch Creek series, as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield. Visit her online at www.kathleenfuller.com, Twitter: @TheKatJam, and Facebook: Kathleen Fuller.

A "love"ly conclusion -- A Love Made New

All three books in the Amish of Birch Creek series have been some of my favorites of Kathleen Fuller's writing.  A Love Made New is an awesome conclusion to the series.

The characters have been well-developed throughout, and getting to know them and their struggles has been much like the experience of making good friends.  Love and care of friends and family form important elements in the story, but healing and finding the courage to make difficult choices play big roles as well.

This book, as well as the others in the series, could be read as a stand-alone.  However, some elements of the story would be more meaningful and enjoyable if the series is read in order.  I highly recommend A Love Made New (as well as A Reluctant Bride and An Unbroken Heart) to fans of great Amish fiction. 

About the Book: 

Abigail Schrock knows God can make all things new, but does that include her broken heart?

It seems as if everyone is falling in love in Birch Creek, including Abigail Schrock. But when heartbreak descends on her already fragile world, she can’t help but feel that if she’d only been a little prettier, she could be on her way down the aisle. To make matters worse, Abigail’s two sisters have found love, and all Abigail can seem to find is the chocolate she has stashed away in the pantry.

Asa Bontrager has never had trouble with the ladies in his Amish community—his good looks have always gotten him far. Which is why he’s baffled by the call he’s received from God to pursue Abigail, a woman who seems determined to turn him away.

Can Abigail find the peace and joy she so desperately desires? Will she allow herself to stop running and melt into the embrace of unforeseen comfort? If she does, she may discover a love powerful enough to restore her hope in a promising future.

About the Author:

Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including the Hearts of Middlefield novels, the Middlefield Family novels, and the Amish of Birch Creek series, as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield. Visit her online at www.kathleenfuller.com, Twitter: @TheKatJam, and Facebook: Kathleen Fuller.

Sentimental story -- The One True Love of Alice-Ann

Eva Marie Everson's The One True Love of Alice-Ann is not your typical WWII novel, although that is the setting for this touching story.

When I finished the book -- which, by the way, was very hard to put down -- my heart was full.   Alice-Ann's journey from her sixteenth birthday on the day Japan attacked Pearl Harbor to the same date three years later was a sentimental story of love, loss, and longing.  Eva Marie Everson transports her readers to rural Georgia into the lives of people real enough to be their neighbors.

Fans of great inspirational fiction, with a nice dash of southern flavor, should enjoy The One True Love of Alice-Ann.

Thanks to Tyndale Publishers for providing a copy of this book.  I am delighted to share my own thoughts for this review.

About the Book:

Living in rural Georgia in 1941, sixteen-year-old Alice-Ann has her heart set on her brother’s friend Mack; despite their five-year age gap, Alice-Ann knows she can make Mack see her for the woman she’ll become. But when they receive news of the attack on Pearl Harbor and Mack decides to enlist, Alice-Ann realizes she must declare her love before he leaves.

Though promising to write, Mack leaves without confirmation that her love is returned. But Alice-Ann is determined to wear the wedding dress her maiden aunt never had a chance to wear—having lost her fiancé in the Great War. As their correspondence continues over the next three years, Mack and Alice-Ann are drawn closer together. But then Mack’s letters cease altogether, leaving Alice-Ann to fear history repeating itself.

Dreading the war will leave her with a beautiful dress and no happily ever after, Alice-Ann fills her days with work and caring for her best friend’s war-torn brother, Carlton. As time passes and their friendship develops into something more, Alice-Ann wonders if she’ll ever be prepared to say good-bye to her one true love and embrace the future God has in store with a newfound love. Or will a sudden call from overseas change everything?

About the Author:

Eva Marie Everson is an award-winning, best-selling author of over 30 fiction and nonfiction titles, including Five Brides, The Road to Testament, The Cedar Key series, The Potluck Club series (with Linda Evans Shepherd), God Bless Us Every One, Reflections of God's Holy Land (with Miriam Feinberg Vamosh), and others. She is the president of Word Weavers International, the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference, and a member of a number of writers organizations. She and her husband make their home in Central Florida where they are owned by a small black doxie. 

Fascinating WWII story -- A Secret Courage

Duty Brought Them Together Will Secrets Destroy Their Love? American Emma Hanson came to England to study at Oxford, but joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force at the height of World War II. She is stationed at beautiful and historic Danesfield House west of London as part of the highly secretive Photographic Reconnaissance Unit.

Englishman Will Fleming is a handsome young artist who has been commissioned by the British government to record the changing landscape in paintings. His path intersects with Emma’s when his real mission—tracking Nazi spies—leads him to Danesfield House, the target of a sinister plot.

Emma and Will become friends, but neither can reveal the true nature of their assignment. Can their relationship grow amid such secrecy? And can Will save Danesfield House—and Emma and her coworkers—before it’s too late?

Meet the author

- See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/secret-courage-9780736965125#sthash.QN1o8GE7.dpuf

American Emma Hanson came to England to study at Oxford, but joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force at the height of World War II. She is stationed at beautiful and historic Danesfield House west of London as part of the highly secretive Photographic Reconnaissance Unit.

Englishman Will Fleming is a handsome young artist who has been commissioned by the British government to record the changing landscape in paintings. His path intersects with Emma’s when his real mission—tracking Nazi spies—leads him to Danesfield House, the target of a sinister plot.

Emma and Will become friends, but neither can reveal the true nature of their assignment. Can their relationship grow amid such secrecy? And can Will save Danesfield House—and Emma and her coworkers—before it’s too late? - See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/secret-courage-9780736965125#sthash.QN1o8GE7.dpuf

American Emma Hanson came to England to study at Oxford, but joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force at the height of World War II. She is stationed at beautiful and historic Danesfield House west of London as part of the highly secretive Photographic Reconnaissance Unit.

Englishman Will Fleming is a handsome young artist who has been commissioned by the British government to record the changing landscape in paintings. His path intersects with Emma’s when his real mission—tracking Nazi spies—leads him to Danesfield House, the target of a sinister plot.

Emma and Will become friends, but neither can reveal the true nature of their assignment. Can their relationship grow amid such secrecy? And can Will save Danesfield House—and Emma and her coworkers—before it’s too late? - See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/secret-courage-9780736965125#sthash.QN1o8GE7.dpuf

World War II is a very interesting time in our history to read about.  Tricia Goyer's A Secret Courage is a fascinating story set during that time.

This intriguing story is a great mix of war-time strategy, spy activity, and romance.  The characters are complex and realistic and interact well to keep the story moving at an engaging pace.  There are plenty of twists and turns mixed in with a well-developed story to make this book a hard one to put down.

One of the perks of reading from an author like Tricia who does awesome research and mixes fact with fiction is the chance to learn some details of history.  This story was my introduction to the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit and their important work during WWII.

Fans of great WWII stories and inspirational romance should enjoy A Secret Courage.  I'm looking forward to what comes next in The London Chronicles series.

Thanks to Tricia Goyer and her publisher for providing a copy of this book.  I am happy to share my personal thoughts in this review.

About the Book:

Duty Brought Them Together Will Secrets Destroy Their Love? American Emma Hanson came to England to study at Oxford, but joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force at the height of World War II. She is stationed at beautiful and historic Danesfield House west of London as part of the highly secretive Photographic Reconnaissance Unit.

Englishman Will Fleming is a handsome young artist who has been commissioned by the British government to record the changing landscape in paintings. His path intersects with Emma’s when his real mission—tracking Nazi spies—leads him to Danesfield House, the target of a sinister plot.

Emma and Will become friends, but neither can reveal the true nature of their assignment. Can their relationship grow amid such secrecy? And can Will save Danesfield House—and Emma and her coworkers—before it’s too late?

Meet the author

- See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/secret-courage-9780736965125#sthash.QN1o8GE7.dpuf

Duty Brought Them Together 
Will Secrets Destroy Their Love?
  
American Emma Hanson came to England to study at Oxford, but joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force at the height of World War II. She is stationed at beautiful and historic Danesfield House west of London as part of the highly secretive Photographic Reconnaissance Unit.

Englishman Will Fleming is a handsome young artist who has been commissioned by the British government to record the changing landscape in paintings. His path intersects with Emma's when his real mission—tracking Nazi spies—leads him to Danesfield House, the target of a sinister plot.

Emma and Will become friends, but neither can reveal the true nature of their assignment. Can their relationship grow amid such secrecy? And can Will save Danesfield House—and Emma and her coworkers—before it's too late?

About the Author:

Duty Brought Them Together Will Secrets Destroy Their Love? American Emma Hanson came to England to study at Oxford, but joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force at the height of World War II. She is stationed at beautiful and historic Danesfield House west of London as part of the highly secretive Photographic Reconnaissance Unit.

Englishman Will Fleming is a handsome young artist who has been commissioned by the British government to record the changing landscape in paintings. His path intersects with Emma’s when his real mission—tracking Nazi spies—leads him to Danesfield House, the target of a sinister plot.

Emma and Will become friends, but neither can reveal the true nature of their assignment. Can their relationship grow amid such secrecy? And can Will save Danesfield House—and Emma and her coworkers—before it’s too late?
- See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/secret-courage-9780736965125#sthash.GEk9HMM7.dpuf

Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of ten, grandmother of two, and wife to John. A USA Today bestselling author, Tricia has published over 60 books and has written more than 500 articles. She's well-known for her Big Sky and Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors Amish series. For more information visit Tricia at www.TriciaGoyer.com. Tricia, along with a group of friends, also runs www.NotQuiteAmishLiving.com, sharing ideas about simplifying life.

Duty Brought Them Together Will Secrets Destroy Their Love? American Emma Hanson came to England to study at Oxford, but joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force at the height of World War II. She is stationed at beautiful and historic Danesfield House west of London as part of the highly secretive Photographic Reconnaissance Unit.

Englishman Will Fleming is a handsome young artist who has been commissioned by the British government to record the changing landscape in paintings. His path intersects with Emma’s when his real mission—tracking Nazi spies—leads him to Danesfield House, the target of a sinister plot.

Emma and Will become friends, but neither can reveal the true nature of their assignment. Can their relationship grow amid such secrecy? And can Will save Danesfield House—and Emma and her coworkers—before it’s too late?
- See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/secret-courage-9780736965125#sthash.GEk9HMM7.dpuf

Duty Brought Them Together Will Secrets Destroy Their Love? American Emma Hanson came to England to study at Oxford, but joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force at the height of World War II. She is stationed at beautiful and historic Danesfield House west of London as part of the highly secretive Photographic Reconnaissance Unit.

Englishman Will Fleming is a handsome young artist who has been commissioned by the British government to record the changing landscape in paintings. His path intersects with Emma’s when his real mission—tracking Nazi spies—leads him to Danesfield House, the target of a sinister plot.

Emma and Will become friends, but neither can reveal the true nature of their assignment. Can their relationship grow amid such secrecy? And can Will save Danesfield House—and Emma and her coworkers—before it’s too late?
- See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/secret-courage-9780736965125#sthash.GEk9HMM7.dpuf

Duty Brought Them Together Will Secrets Destroy Their Love? American Emma Hanson came to England to study at Oxford, but joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force at the height of World War II. She is stationed at beautiful and historic Danesfield House west of London as part of the highly secretive Photographic Reconnaissance Unit.

Englishman Will Fleming is a handsome young artist who has been commissioned by the British government to record the changing landscape in paintings. His path intersects with Emma’s when his real mission—tracking Nazi spies—leads him to Danesfield House, the target of a sinister plot.

Emma and Will become friends, but neither can reveal the true nature of their assignment. Can their relationship grow amid such secrecy? And can Will save Danesfield House—and Emma and her coworkers—before it’s too late?
- See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/secret-courage-9780736965125#sthash.GEk9HMM7.dpuf

Duty Brought Them Together Will Secrets Destroy Their Love? American Emma Hanson came to England to study at Oxford, but joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force at the height of World War II. She is stationed at beautiful and historic Danesfield House west of London as part of the highly secretive Photographic Reconnaissance Unit.

Englishman Will Fleming is a handsome young artist who has been commissioned by the British government to record the changing landscape in paintings. His path intersects with Emma’s when his real mission—tracking Nazi spies—leads him to Danesfield House, the target of a sinister plot.

Emma and Will become friends, but neither can reveal the true nature of their assignment. Can their relationship grow amid such secrecy? And can Will save Danesfield House—and Emma and her coworkers—before it’s too late?
- See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/secret-courage-9780736965125#sthash.GEk9HMM7.dpuf

Touching story of hope -- A Fragile Hope

"Hope is relentless . . . unless we get in its way."

A Fragile Hope is another great story by Cynthia Ruchti, a story that is guaranteed to tug at your heart strings.

As I have found with every book I've read by Cynthia Ruchti, this story runs through a wide range of emotions and feelings -- hurt, anger, distrust, uncertainty for starters.  But what is needed to hold it all together are two things -- love and hope, no matter how faltering and fragile . . . or how strong . . . they may be.  In this captivating story Cynthia gives us a character whose love and hope are tested in ways that will touch a reader's heart.

Fans of great inspirational fiction should enjoy this story as they share in Josiah's journey of hope.

"When you slide to the edge of 'I can't do this anymore,'

open your eyes.

A handhold of hope is waiting in front of you."

Thanks to the author and her publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.  I am delighted to share my own thoughts in this review.

About the Book:

Hope grows when seeds are planted—even in the muddy middle of life.

Josiah Chamberlain's life's work revolves around repairing other people's marriages. When his own is threatened by his wife's unexplained distance, and then threatened further when she's unexpectedly plunged into an unending fog, Josiah finds his expertise, quick wit and clever quips are no match for a relationship that is clearly broken.

Feeling betrayed, confused, and ill-equipped for a crisis this crippling, he reexamines everything he knows about the fragility of hope and the strength of his faith and love. Love seems to have failed him. Will what’s left of his faith fail him, too? Or will it be the one thing that holds him together and sears through the impenetrable wall that separates them?

 About the Author:

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hope. She’s the award-winning author of 16 books and a frequent speaker for women’s ministry events. She serves as the Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, where she helps retailers, libraries, and book clubs connect with the authors and books they love. She lives with her husband in Central Wisconsin. Visit her online at CynthiaRuchti.com.