Josie Mitchell wished she could go back and change things...But life doesn't give do-overs.  Josie's Mitchell sister thinks she is home to pitch in with the apple harvest and save the family orchard.  Her Brother-in-law Nate thinks she is there to talk her sister, Laurel into selling the famly business.  Manager Grady Mackenzie thinks she is trouble with a capital T.  Why does Josie pushes herself so hard...and what is she running from?

Densie Hunter, "Sweetwater gap" drew you into the lives of these individuals in the book. The struggle of Josie Mitchell's past and present is sense in Denise Hunter's writing.  I can relate to Josie's troubled past with her father.  For a good read,  I suggest this book.

"A Widow's Hope," the first book in "The Miller Family Series." A young Amish widow, Hannah Brown makes a new life for herself in Ohio with her sister's family.  Hannah Brown, moves her sheep with her to Ohio.  Which causes her deacon brother-in-law, Simon, to find just about everything about Hannah vexing.  The deacons brother, Seth, finds Hannah interesting. Hannah is willful, and Seth has an independent streak.  Will they be able to move past their own pain to find lasting love?

I really loved this story.  At times I was frustrated at Simon, for being unfair and unruly to Hannah.  Hannah was a kind woman, who was being misunderstood.  Read this story of "A Widow's Hope" you will enjoy this book, as much as I did. 

Enjoyable reading

"Hidden," is the first book in the series "Sisters of the Heart."  A story about a young woman named Anna, who finds herself in a abusive relationship.  With no help from her family, she finds herself alone in her situation.  She plans an escaped to the only place she knows she will feel safe at an Amish Bed & Breakfast with her long time friend, Katie.  Does Anna find happiness?  Is she able to leave the past behind?  To find out, I recommend that you read this book by Shelley Shepard Gray. 

 This story grabbed my attention from the starting point.  The struggles and fear this young woman had to face alone showed that God was in the midst of the storm.  I encouraged you to go out and pick up this book to read.  You will not be disappointed. 

"Wanted" is the second book of the series "Sisters of the Heart" from Shelley Shepard Gray.  This story is based on Anna's friend, Katie.  Katie, is a young Amish woman who has dark secrets from her Rumspringa days.  Katie has fancied a widow named Jonathan Lundy with two small girls.  An opportunity has risen that she cannot pass up to get to know this man better.  But, will her secrets be exposed?  Will Katie allow herself to accept God's love, forgiveness for her past, or will she lose everything?

Like the first book, I was not disappointed with the second book.  It only took me a day to finish reading this book. The storyline captivated my attention.  I was on edge to know what dark secrets she was hiding. If she was going to be loved and accepted by the man she wanted. I was deeply satisfied at the end of the book.  I am looking forward to reading the third book in the series. Stay tuned!

Summer Days

Summer days are filled with an expectation of scorching heat, fun filled days at the beach, kids out of school, a time to be lazy, air conditioners blasting, and sitting on your porch with a nice cold ice tea.  Whatever summer days are to you, I like it best when Henry James described summer, "Summer afternoon - Summer afternoon...the two most beautiful words in the English language"  What makes summer days so different from other days?  Summer is a time of relaxation, living easy, and enjoying your surrounding.  Where in the summer afternoon, a calmness flows gently through.  Giving you a satisfaction of how good life is. 

More Books to Enjoy

There are many that have different kinds of hobbies, such as, sewing, doing puzzles, making model airplanes or cars.  But, than there are those who love to read.  That is me, I am an avid reader.  Once I get a hold of a book and it captures me from the beginning, I cannot put it down.  I created this blog to share with others what I like to read.  In hopes that I can influence those that do not read, to at least give it a chance and pickup a book.  My greatest hope is that you will find a book on this blog that you will enjoy reading. 

 "A book is like a garden carried in the pocket'   

~ Chinese proverb ~

More reading:  The Author is Beth Wiseman, she has written the "A Daughters of the Promise" novels.  Enjoy "Plain Perfect" and "Plain Pursuit."  There are two more novels in the series, "Plain Promise" and "Plain Paradise."  I have not read these two, but will shortly get to them, and will post my thoughts on my blog once I have read them.

On the rolling plains of Lancaster County, PA., Lillian Miller is searching for her grandparents house....and so much more.  After years of neglect and abuse, she is turning to a lifestyle of simplicity among the Amish to find herself.

Carley Marek experiences culture shock when she visits her friend Lillian's family on their farm deep in Amish country.  She'll get an article out of the visit---and maybe some of Lillian's newfound peace will somehow rub off on her.

I can't say enough about these two novels that were written by Author Beth Wiseman.  I was truly touched, and at times brought to tears of the struggles each one endure in the story of "Plain Perfect" and "Plain Pursuit."  I look forward in reading more novels from Beth Wiseman.  I recommend that you pickup these books and read them for yourself.  I guarantee you will be touched. 

This has been a great relaxing weekend!  I started on Friday, reading "A Cousin's Promise" by Wanda Brunstetter.  The story line was so capturing that I could not put the book down, I finished it in one day.  So, as I woke up early Saturday Morning, I decided to start on the second novel of the series called, "A Cousin's Prayer", and concluded with "A Cousin's Challenge".  In a matter, of 1 1/2 days, I was able to finish 3 books.  I enjoy days like these that I do not have anything pending, and I can just pick up a book.  Lazy days are the best to have.  I recommend these books by Wanda Brunstetter, she is an excellent writer, and an awesome storyteller.  Enjoy reading!

A group of eight cousins and friends leave their Indiana Amish community for a weekend getaway, a horrific accident brings them home forever change.

A year after her boyfriend was killed, a traumatized Katie Miller returns to her Amish community in Indiana, struggling with depression and panic attacks.  Will she ever find the courage to face her inner demons?

After a serious van accident leaves Amish schoolteacher Jolene Yoder profoundly deaf, she leaves home to learn how to read lips and communicate with sign language.  But two years later, a family with children who have been deaf since birth moves to Jolene's hometown, and she is asked to return as their teacher.  What drastic measures will God take to break the barriers?

I hope you will pickup these novels and enjoy them as much as I have.  Let us see what I will read next and share with everyone.

More Reading

"Hannah's Dream" is set an Northern Indiana, a young Amishwoman by the name of Hannah dares to dream. With choices she has made along the way in her life. She has agonized over her mistakes, and the burden of guilt. Will Hannah ever find her dream? A story filled of faith, dreams, and love. How she overcame many obstacles and disappointment to discover happiness.

"Menu For Romance" a story by Kaye Dacus, she is a great author, and funny to boot!  This story is about a Chef and a Party Planner.  Each seek the kind of love that requires no reservation.  I am a romantic, so I really liked reading this book.  The desperation of the Party planner to find a mate.  The Chef, who has sworn off relationships.  A wonderful entertaining story!

"Black Hills Blessing" three stories written by Mary Connealy, I have to say she is a wonderful, funny, entertaining author.  This books has three different stories depict in South Dakota.  Three young women facing challenges in life.  Buffy Lange, has finally realized her dream of managing a huge buffalo ranch.  Emily Johannson, faces the ultimate love-thy-neighbor concept.  Jeanie Davidson, starts getting her life together, her ex-husband shows up.  I truly enjoyed each of these stories, which took me one day to read.  I encourage you to pickup these stories by Mary Connealy, or her other books she has written.  You will not be disappointed. :D

Changes

This last month has been a month of changes. I switched positions at my current job going from a Receptionist to an Intermediate Clerk. I went from full time to part time. It has been an adjustment from having no time to now having o much time on my hands, but I look at it as it will last only for a while. My kids will eventually find things for me to do. While I find projects to occupy myself. What I like most is that I have found more time to read. Here are just several of the books I have read:

"The Secret" is a story written by Beverly Lewis. Book one of a three series book. Secrets abound in this Amish home of Grace Byler, her mother weeps and wanders the night. Her father refuses to admit something is wrong. In one instant, everything changes. Read this story, it will captivate you and draw you to share the journey that Grace Byler searches to find what secrets lie deep abound in her home.

"The Missing" is the sequel to "The Secret," Grace Byler's mother has gone missing. Meanwhile, a young Amishman has thoughts of courting Grace, while Grace main focus is to remain single and has the determination to find her mother. Continue to read this extraordinary story of a young amishwoman who is determine to find her mother.

"The Telling" is the last book in this story of Grace Byler's family secrets. Read along to the end to see how the puzzle fits in these remarkable stories written by Beverly Lewis.

"The Gladiator" by Carla Capsha
A Bloody Past....and a Dangerous Future...He won his fame---and his freedom---in the gory pits of Rome's Colosseum. Pelonia, will be executed for her Christian faith, if anyone discovers it. A story of a former gladiator and a slave. A must read book!

It has been a long while since I have posted on my blog. It has been super busy these past few months with family, work,church, and going to school. I feel like I am losing my hair, due to all the stress I am feeling. What helps me to relax? Well, as you can guess...just picking up a good read and a nice cup of hot tea, really relaxes me. How many of us have stressful lives? That we need some kind of outlet. I recommend reading a good book, and drifting to another place, at least for a while. Of course, we have to return to the mundane of everyday life. But, just for a few seconds, minutes, or maybe a few hours...enjoy a story or novel that will transport you to never, never land....At least for a while. :D

What a beautiful day it is today. The skies are overcast, the wind is blowing, and rain is beginning to fall. Curled up on my sofa with a cup of tea I anticipated with much excitement on what book I am about to choose to read on this gloomy day. Do I want to read a Romance novel, or maybe, something with a little excitement and pickup a suspense novel. I could go and read, Edgar Allen Poe....it is appropriate for this type of day. Since, his stories are dark. Whatever I decide to read, I know it will be perfect for this kind of day.

Enjoy reading. Explore the unimaginative and adventure of a story as you pick a book to read.

Happy reading,

Linda