Softly Blows the Bugle by Jan Drexler

 This unusual and delightful Amish book took me into a new area of Amish life.  Young Jonas joined the army because of his convictions about slavery being wrong.  Yet the Amish make no exceptions for military service.  When he returns home three years later his love Katie has been faithfully waiting for him.  But now he has to convince the Bishop and the bretheren that he is worthy to take vows for the church and as Katie's husband.  Meanwhile he brings home a non-Amish friend Aaron who has suffered severe injuries inccured in battle.  Katie's best friend Elizabeth finds this unsettling as she is drawn to him despite her resolve to ignore him.  As Aaron heals physically he begins to understand how truly deep his emotional and spiritual wounds are.  As these four young people search for what it means to follow God a beautiful story is told of friendship, courage, faithfulness and devotion.

I received this book from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review.

The Key to Love by Betsy St. Amant

 This book has all the wondrous things we all enjoy about a good, clean love story.  But added into the mix is a healthy dose of reality that for me makes the love story all the sweeter and more tender.  The heorine of this book has dream like fantasy of the perfect love story for her life.  The problem is that no man can meet up to those fairytale like expectations.  When Bri finds out that her "perfect" parents maybe didn't have the "perfect" marriage after all it sets her into a tailspin.  But not one to flounder, Bri begins to piece together a puzzle that just might help put her heart back together the way it should be.  Ready for authentic relationship and committed love.  

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Until I Met You by Tari Faris

This is the second book in the series Restoring Heritage by Tari Faris.  Faris doesn’t shy away from tackling the difficult concept of reconciliation.  She plunges right into the emotional havoc a broken family relationship causes.  Through the love story of Libby and Austin we are introduced to facets of Austin’s life that are tinged with bitterness and jealousy.  As Austin comes to grips with his true feelings and his motives he sees things in himself that he has tried not to face.  This is a great book with a lot of emotionally charged, authentic soul searching. 

 I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review

The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox

 

This is as debut novel but Amanda Cox has a flare that makes her appear as a seasoned author.  She tackles an age-old problem of Christians lying for a “good” cause.  When is it right to tell a lie?  Is there ever a reason strong enough to counter a deceit?  The reader will follow Ivy Rose in the aftermath of a life-long deception.  The emotional reactions and relationship consequences are dealt with in a realistic manner.  The author tells an amazing story while also giving worthwhile insights into what is truth and what the deeper meaning of family is.

 

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

An Appalachian Summer by Ann H. Gabhart

This was a fun and interesting read.  This book combines two pieces of American history.  The “coming out” parties that introduced young women into society and established their official courting phase.  And the rich heritage of the Appalachian people and the specifically the midwives sent to help during the 1930s.  Piper battles with duty and longing to seek her own destiny.  When the opportunity comes to serve others by volunteering in the Appalachian Mountains she snatches the chance for one last adventure before settling down.   Through a rich tapestry of relationships Ann Gabhart shows the heart of the Appalachian people.  The author also gives a look into the heart of young debutante who longs to make a real difference in the world and not just become a show piece for her future husband.  The reader will explore the culture of the Appalachian people as they wait to see if Piper will be true to her familial duty or true to her heart’s longing.

I received this book from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

What Momma Left Behind By Cindy K. Sproles

Set in the late 1890s in the Appalacian Mountains this story shows what determined love can do.  Worie becomes an orphan at 19 years of age with two estranged older brothers.  One brother is a drunk and the other brother brutal.  Worie sets out to carry on her mother's legacy of tending to orphaned children.  The author does a remarkable job of helping the reader become immersed in the culture of the Appalacian people.  She stays true to their traditions as she tells Worie's story.  Historical facts, psychological themes, family drama, Biblical truths and controversial decisions are found in this book.  In one book the author has given much to ponder even after the last page is read and the book is closed. 

I was given this book by the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Stay with Me by Becky Wade

Truly magnificient in every way this latest book by Becky Wade has me in awe. Author Becky Wade takes a very sensitive, timely and difficult subject of opioid addiction and turns it into a story of hope and redemption. The love story is tender, amazing and fun as you would expect from Becky Wade. The mysteries found pocketed in the story are so compelling I could hardly turn the pages fast enough. This book is packed with flashbacks, unresolved relationship issues, suspense, drama ... you name it. But it all comes together in a neat package that blends into a beautiful picture of God's grace. The character's dialogue truly speaks to the heart.