A Christmas Visitor | Kelly Irvin

Even though I’ve already posted a review of Blueberry Cupcake Mystery… I’m posting another book review below, to continue the 25 Days of Christmas!

Today I am posting my review of A Christmas Visitor by Kelly Irvin.

Here is a brief synopsis:

Frannie Mast returns to Bee County for Christmas, but her heart stays back in Missouri with an Englisch farm boy.

Frannie knows her parents have the best of intentions when they send her back to Bee County, Texas, to live with her aunt Abigail and her husband Mordecai.

After all, she knows nothing can come of a relationship with Rocky, the handsome but Englisch farmer boy back in Missouri.

It’s best to put those feelings aside, no matter how hard it is. But all bets are off when Rocky follows Frannie to Texas to plead his case.

Could he be the Christmas gift to end all gifts?”

 

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Frannie Mast returns to Bee County for Christmas – with some tough decisions ahead of her.

And like most Amish stories, her well-meaning, but interfering family do everything they can make sure Frannie makes the right choices – the right decisions (well, what they consider the right decisions).

I’d rather be reading about a cold, snowy Christmas, but this story takes place in the blazing heat of Texas . . . for those of you who don’t like cold, snowy days, you might enjoy reading this at Christmas time.

As a matter of fact, Frannie would rather be in Missouri, too, until she gets a visitor…

Now you know I can’t say anymore, but read it… you’re gonna love it!

Happy Reading!

And Merry Christmas!

 

God bless you!

Review © 2016 DJ Mynatt

 

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Sweeter Than Honey | Kelly Irvin Marathon

Today I am reviewing Sweeter Than Honey, one of four Amish novellas found in An Amish Market, by Kelly Irvin.

Here is a brief synopsis:

Shattering a jar of pickled beets wasn’t the impression Isabella hoped to make on her first trip to the local Combination Store of Bee County, Texas.

But as embarrassed as she was by the accident, she didn’t think it warranted the frosty reaction from the handsome manager of the store, Will Glick.

As she soon learns, though, Will’s heart has been broken one too many times.

And now, for some reason, Isabella finds herself determined to be the one to repair that broken heart and renew his faith in love.

 

 

AN AMISH MARKET — Great stories by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin and Vannetta Chapman. – Tweet this!

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Kelly Irvin’s Sweeter Than Honey is my favorite story in this compilation.

Grumpy, fussy old Will is as prickly as a cactus. When Isabella makes a mess – that Will cleans up – the first time she meets him, she’s certain he wants nothing to do with her.

I was cheering her on, and hoping she would learn from her mistakes. After all, the small community of Bee County has already lost too many families – and young adults.

Will Isabella be able to find a home in Bee County? Read the story and find out…

Don’t stop reading until you’ve finished this story!

God bless you!

 

Review © 2016 DJ Mynatt

A Christmas Visitor | Kelly Irvin Marathon

Today I am reviewing A Christmas Visitor, one of three Amish novellas found in An Amish Christmas Gift, by Kelly Irvin.

Here is a brief synopsis:

Frannie Mast returns to Bee County for Christmas, but her heart stays back in Missouri with an Englisch farm boy.

Frannie knows her parents have the best of intentions when they send her back to Bee County, Texas, to live with her aunt Abigail and her husband Mordecai.

After all, she knows nothing can come of a relationship with Rocky, the handsome but Englisch farmer boy back in Missouri.

It’s best to put those feelings aside, no matter how hard it is. But all bets are off when Rocky follows Frannie to Texas to plead his case.

Could he be the Christmas gift to end all gifts?”

 

Experience the joy and wonder of God’s greatest gift: His Son, Jesus. – Tweet this!

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Frannie Mast returns to Bee County for Christmas – with some tough decisions ahead of her.

And like most Amish stories, her well-meaning, but interfering family do everything they can make sure Frannie makes the right choices – the right decisions (well, what they consider the right decisions).

I’d rather be reading about a cold, snowy Christmas, but this story takes place in the blazing heat of Texas . . . for those of you who don’t like cold, snowy days, you might enjoy reading this at Christmas time.

As a matter of fact, Frannie would rather be in Missouri, too, until she gets a visitor…

Now you know I can’t say anymore, but read it… you’re gonna love it!

Happy Reading!

And Merry Christmas!

 

God bless you!

Review © 2016 DJ Mynatt

 

An Amish Christmas Gift | Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid, Kelly Irvin

 

Today I am reviewing An Amish Christmas Gift, three Amish novellas, by Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid, and Kelly Irvin.

Here is a brief synopsis:

Naomi’s Gift by Amy Clipston

Naomi has started to think that she isn’t meant to find love, but she might receive more than she ever hoped for this Christmas.

Twenty-four-year-old Naomi King, who has been burned twice by love, has all but given up on marriage and children. As Christmas approaches a time of family, faith, and hope for many others Naomi is more certain than ever her life will be spent as an old maid, helping with the family s quilting business and taking care of her eight siblings. Then she meets Caleb, a young widower with a 7-year-old daughter, and her world is once again turned upside-down.

An Unexpected Joy by Ruth Reid

Abigail has driven other suitors away, but can Micah find a way to show her he cares?

Abigail Kemp has managed to frighten off every bu who s ever driven her home from a singing. Sure she will live to be an old maid, Abigail starts saving her money to buy a horse so she can at least have some independence.

Micah Zook is looking for a caregiver for his grandmother, and Abigail needs a new job. He never expected that Abigail would talk so much . . . or that his grandmother would keep finding ways to set the two of them up.

Despite Abigail s constant chatter, she and Micah become friends until Micah makes a decision that leaves Abigail feeling betrayed. With Christmas in their midst, can Micah find a way to reconcile with Abigail and to reveal what s on his heart?

A Christmas Visitor by Kelly Irvin

Frannie Mast returns to Bee County for Christmas, but her heart stays back in Missouri with an Englisch farm boy.

Frannie knows her parents have the best of intentions when they send her back to Bee County, Texas, to live with her aunt Abigail and her husband Mordecai. After all, she knows nothing can come of a relationship with Rocky, the handsome but Englisch farmer boy back in Missouri. It’s best to put those feelings aside, no matter how hard it is. But all bets are off when Rocky follows Frannie to Texas to plead his case. Could he be the Christmas gift to end all gifts?”

3 wonderful stories of CHRISTMAS… Stories that celebrate God’s Greatest Gift – Tweet this!

MY THOUGHTS:

Naomi’s Gift by Amy Clipston

If you’ve read Amy’s books, you’ve met Naomi…who has done everything to try to gain a boyfriend (or husband) but it never works out… finally she stops trying altogether!
And then she meets Caleb. I like Naomi so much in Naomi’s Gift… and when Caleb and Susie begin to care for her, I cheered!

If you’re like me, you expect this story to have a happy ending – after all, it’s about Christmas! I won’t spoil it for you, but there are a few twists and turns!

An Unexpected Joy by Ruth Reid

WOW! I picked up this story and COULD NOT put it down! Abby and Micah continually rub each other the wrong way. I loved it!

Abigail is certain she’s not destined for love or marriage. She has an idea that she can gain some independence at least and make some sort of happiness for herself with her own horse.

Like every other guy in the district, Micah has no patience for Abigail’s endless babbling… I could say more, but I just can’t spoil it for you! Just trust me. Read it!

A Christmas Visitor by Kelly Irvin

Frannie Mast returns to Bee County for Christmas – with some tough decisions ahead of her. And like most Amish stories, her well-meaning, but interfering family do everything they can make sure Frannie makes the right choices – the right decisions (well, what they consider the right decisions).

I’d rather be reading about a cold, snowy Christmas, but this story takes place in the blazing heat of Texas… Frannie would rather be in Missouri, until she gets a visitor…

Now you know I can’t say anymore, but read it… you’re gonna love it!

Read them… Read them all… YOU’LL LOVE THEM!

Experience the joy and wonder of God’s greatest gift: His Son, Jesus. – Tweet this!

God bless you!

Review © 2015 DJ Mynatt

 

The New Beginnings (series) | Mary Ellis Marathon

Introducing . . .

The New Beginnings

 Living in Harmony

 

Living in Harmony is the first book in bestselling author Mary Ellis’s New Beginnings series. It’s about fresh starts and love…and how faith in God and His perfect plan for our lives provides us with the peace and joy we desire.

Amy King—young, engaged, and Amish—faces difficult challenges in her life when she suddenly loses both of her parents in a house fire.

Her fiancé, John Detweiler, persuades her and her sister Nora to leave Lancaster County and make a new beginning with him in Harmony, Maine, where he has relatives who can help the women in their time of need.

John’s brother Thomas and sister-in-law Sally readily open their home to the three newcomers. Wise beyond his years, Thomas, a minister in the district, refuses to marry Amy and John upon their arrival, suggesting instead a period of adjustment and counseling.

During this time Amy discovers an aunt who was shunned. She wishes to reconnect with her, but this puts a strain on her relationship with John. Can John and Amy find a way to live in happily in Harmony before making a lifetime commitment to one another?

 

 

Love Comes to Paradise

 

Love Comes to Paradise is the second book in bestselling author Mary Ellis’s New Beginnings series. It’s about fresh starts…and how faith in God and His perfect plans provide the peace and joy all long for.

Nora King believes she is a woman in love. When Elam Detweiler leaves the ultraconservative Amish district of Harmony, Maine, and moves to Paradise, Missouri, Nora follows soon after.

But does she love the man or the independence and freethinking he represents? Although she finds good work in her new town, Nora can’t seem to capture Elam’s Englisch-leaning heart, no matter how hard she tries.

And then, unexpectedly, Lewis Miller comes from Harmony to offer Nora what every woman needs—a lifetime of unconditional love. As Lewis attempts to claim her heart, Elam’s interest piques. Will Nora come to her senses before Elam’s thoughtless choices ruin her reputation beyond repair?

 

 

 A Little Bit of Charm

 

A Little Bit of Charm, the third book in bestselling author Mary Ellis’s New Beginnings series, is about fresh starts…and how faith in God and His perfect plans provide the peace and joy all long for.

After the death of her parents and then watching both of her older sisters find happiness in homes of their own with husbands who adore them, Rachel King yearns for a new beginning.

Her cousin Sarah lives near a thoroughbred stable in Kentucky, and working around beautiful horses is Rachel’s dream come true. She leaves Lancaster County to find a job at Twelve Elms Stables and believes God has answered her prayers.

And then she meets Jake, an attractive and charming Englischman. At first she refuses to go out with him, but he eventually convinces her to give him a chance.

When Amish men who also wish to date Rachel start encountering strange mishaps, she wonders if Jake is really who he seems to be.

What does a young woman do when her heart is pulled in two directions?

 

 
 

Always in My Heart – a novella in the book:

An Amish Miracle

(Not part of the New Beginnings series)

 

 

 

Hope fears her past will continue to threaten her future.

Hope Bowman believes God is punishing her for giving up her firstborn son when she was a teenager. She’s hidden this past from her husband, who is thankful for their daughters but longs for a son. Hope prays desperately, but the son God sends isn’t a new pregnancy. It’s the fifteen-year-old boy she gave away years ago.

 

 

 

And don’t forget to click below to find out how you can enter Mary’s GIVEAWAY contest!

Mary Ellis Marathon | Giveaway!

God bless you!

 

Copyright © 2013-2015 DJ Mynatt.

Where Healing Blooms | Vannetta Chapman Marathon

Today I am reviewing Where Healing Blooms, an Amish Garden novella by Vanetta Chapman.

Here is a brief synopsis from Goodreads:

Gardens are a place to rest, to draw near, and to heal.

When Widow Emma Hochstetter discovers a run-away teenager in her barn, and the bishop asks her to provide a haven for a local woman and her two children she finds her quiet life has been interrupted.

Then, her mother-in-law, Mary Ann, reveals one of her garden’s hidden secrets, something very unexpected. Will she continue alone or will she accept the gifts God has given her?

MY THOUGHTS:

When I began reading this novella, I expected a short, simple romance, obviously involving Emma Hochstetter.

Shame on me!

How on earth could I not expect Vannetta to shine – even in a novella!

I love the relationship between Emma and her mother-in-law. It’s truly a blessing – for both ladies.

From there the story really takes off, with one surprise after another…

If you’re a follower, you know I don’t write spoilers ( at least none that haven’t been revealed in the synopsis) so I can’t say more, except to tell you if you get the chance, buy The Amish Garden and read the wonderful stories for yourself!

And don’t forget to click below to find out how you can enter the BIG contest!

Vannetta Chapman Marathon | GIVEAWAY!

You can read more reviews and more about the book on Goodreads HERE

You can find more about Vanetta Chapman on her website… HERE

God bless you!

©Donna J. Mynatt 2014

* BONUS* A Spoonful of Love | Amy Clipston Marathon

Today I am reviewing…

A Spoonful of Love, a novella contained in the Anthology – An Amish Kitchen by Amy Clipston.

This anthology also includes stories from Beth Wiseman and Kelly Long.

This is what GoodReads has to say about A Spoonful of Love:

Hannah runs her parents’ bed and breakfast, Paradise Inn–but her life feels nothing like Paradise.

She longs for a man of integrity to enter her life, but never expected him to knock on the front door looking for a room.

Will she be able trust Stephen with her future once she discovers his mysterious past?

 
 

My thoughts:

This is my first taste of anthologies… and I like it!

Amy Clipston consented to write a novella for An Amish Kitchen; she joins Beth Wiseman and Kelly Long – both well-known authors – in this endeavor.

This is such a great story… I have to admit, I totally identified with Hannah’s mother, who was worried about Hannah and Stephen being alone together – in the Inn, as well as anywhere else.

And when Jason shows interest and asks her if he can take her to the next singing, it seemed to me that Jason’s and Hannah’s mothers had probably had a hand in it; although it was fun to watch Jason and Stephen’s reactions to one another.

I really liked Stephen from the start. And it was so refreshing to see that Hannah, although she didn’t agree with her mother, was duly respectful and thoughtful of her.

Amy Clipston writes such great stories! I’m never bored – usually I can’t put them down until I’m done! And she has done an amazing job on this novella… in such a short time, she puts everything together perfectly and I was delighted with it (especially the end, with Stephen’s being able to let go of the past).

Now – there! I hope I haven’t given away too much, but you really should read this – especially if you’re an Amy Clipston fan (as I am), you will NOT be disappointed!

 

Happy Reading!

And don’t forget to click below to find out how you can enter the BIG contest!

Amy Clipston Marathon | GIVEAWAY!

 

Click HERE for more about Amy’s books from Zondervan.

You can click HERE to read more reviews and find other info on GoodReads.

Click HERE to purchase the book on ChristianBooks and HERE for Amazon

Click HERE to visit Amy Clipston’s website.

God bless you!

 

©Donna J. Mynatt 2014

The Rescue by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Inn at Eagle Hill novella)

He’s taking a chance on love… and there’s no plan B.

Today I am reviewing The Rescue, an Inn at Eagle Hill novella by Suzanne Woods Fisher but technically the third to be read in the series.

The following is from Suzanne’s website:

Will Stoltz has returned to Stoney Ridge with a clear plan. He’s opening a wild bird rescue center and is determined to rekindle his fizzled romance with Jackie Colombo, the veterinarian who stole his heart.

But nothing is working out as Will planned. The leased building for the rescue center is a disaster, his funding is rapidly dwindling, and Jackie Colombo has disappeared without a trace.

When an injured eagle is found in a pasture near the Inn at Eagle Hill, Will is desperate to prove to himself, to his skeptical father, and to everyone else that his mission has not been in vain.

But even the best laid plans are no match for fate.

MY THOUGHTS:

This story was so great… I really wished it was a full-size novel. I’m sure Suzanne could have done it. But it was fun reading about Will Stoltz… at Stoney Ridge.

Poor Will… he soon realizes he made his decision to settle in Stoney Ridge based on the idea of finding the young vet he had connected with before, but she wasn’t to be found. Then young Luke hears that she’s been shot in the stomach 15 times!

I won’t go on so I don’t spoil the story for you (but the above paragraph is absolutely true)! Since this is an ebook, you can read it immediately if you buy it and download it to your iPhone, tablet or computer. I know you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

 

Click HERE for the page on GoodReads

Click HERE for the book page on ChristianBook.com

Click HERE to buy the eBook on Amazon. It’s only $1.99. GREAT DEAL!

Click HERE to visit Suzanne Woods Fisher’s website.