Simple Amish story -- The Farmers' Market Mishap

The Farmers' Market Mishap is Wanda and Jean Brunstetter's sequel to The Lopsided Christmas Cake.  Twins Elma and Thelma return in this simple story of life's ups and downs in their small Amish community.

This book is quick to read and pretty predictable in most elements of the story.  Elma's concerns about whether or not she will every find love and how difficult it would be to move away from her sister are somewhat overplayed for my interest, which makes the story rather sluggish at times.  Die-hard fans of Amish fiction, though, should enjoy this sweet story.

Thanks to Wanda and her publisher for providing a copy of the book.  The thoughts provided in this review are my own.

About the Book:

New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter and Daughter-in-Law, Jean, Weave a Lighthearted Romance from Indiana’s Amish Country

Living alone for the first time in her life is lonely for Elma Hochstetler, whose twin sister Thelma recently married. Though they share the running of a general store, more and more of Thelma’s time is taken up by her growing family. Elma has dated some, but she wonders if she is just too picky to find love.

Through a mishap at the farmers’ market, Elma meets Ben Wagler and instantly likes him. But there is a problem. He lives in Grabill—50 miles away! But Elma has tried long-distance dating before, and it won’t work for her.  Besides the store needs her. Her sister needs her. Elma feels love will forever remain beyond her grasp.

Elma has a habit of putting others before her own needs. Can she learn to take a risk at following the desires of her heart?

About the Authors:

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of nearly 70 books with more than 8 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine, USA Today, Newsweek, Good Housekeeping, and Country Woman. Wanda’s books have been translated into four foreign languages.  For the writing of The Farmers' Market Mishap, Wanda is joined by her daughter-in-law Jean.

Romance and Intrigue -- Dangerous Illusions

Irene Hannon is off to a great start on another series of romance and intrigue in Dangerous Illusions, book one of her Code of Honor series.

At the beginning, this story seems to move at a a slower pace than some of Irene's books.  The main characters come onto the scene, and the pieces of their stories begin to fit together, carefully drawing the reader in and building a comfortable level of intrigue.  Then, just when you least expect it -- well, no spoilers, but there are startling twists that push the suspense to a greater level.  And the romance is a very enjoyable and important element throughout the story.

I highly recommend Dangerous Illusions to fans of great inspirational fiction.

Thanks to Revell Publishing for providing a copy of the book.  I am pleased to share my own thoughts in this review.

About the Book:

Trish Bailey is on overload trying to deal with a demanding job, an ailing mother, and a healing heart. When a series of unsettling memory lapses leads to a tragic death--and puts Trish under police scrutiny--her world is once again thrown into turmoil.

Detective Colin Flynn isn't certain what to think of the facts he uncovers during his investigation. Did Trish simply make a terrible mistake or is there more to the case than meets the eye? As he searches for answers, disturbing information begins to emerge--and if the forces at work are as evil as he suspects, the situation isn't just dangerous . . . it's deadly.

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon will capture your imagination with a mind-bending story that will have you doubling back to retrace your steps--and figure out what you missed!

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.

Excellent contemporary fiction -- The Gift of Christmas Past

In The Gift of Christmas Past Cindy Woodsmall and her daughter-in-law Erin worked together to coauthor a very well-written story that deals with a variety of themes.

The characters pulled me in to their stories from the beginning and kept me very engaged throughout.  The experiences of Hadley, Monroe, Elliott, little Chloe, and the other characters provided a very pleasing pace and interest level.  The issues of foster care and elements of speech therapy, along with the problems resulting from parental pressure and misunderstandings, all fit together into a very interesting story.  And the romantic element is just right to round things out.

Despite the title of the book, the Christmas element really plays a very small role in the story.  But it does represent an important part of Hadley's life.

I highly recommend The Gift of Christmas Past as a very enjoyable read for anyone who enjoys good contemporary Christian fiction.

Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for providing a copy of the book.  I am happy to share my own thoughts in this review.

About the Book:

Young love…
Promises made.
Lies spoken.
She was arrested.
He returned to the safety of his wealthy parents.

Almost ten years later, Hadley and Monroe are both specialists in the field of speech therapy. They meet again . . . thrown together to help a four-year-old-girl rendered mute after being rescued from a fire.

Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized child and her family.

Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all?

About the Authors:

Cindy Woodsmall is the New York Times and CBA best-selling author of eighteen works of fiction. She's been featured in national media outlets such as ABC's Nightline and the Wall Street Journal. Cindy has won numerous awards and has been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards. Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains. She can be found online at cindywoodsmall.com

Erin Woodsmall is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of three. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade. She is very excited about their first coauthored book.  How could a Southern gal not enjoy research time in Asheville, North Carolina, as part of the job?