Personal Reading
The Healer's Secret
by Given Hoffman
This is the third book in the author's "Marked" series. It's been a long time coming, but well worth the wait! I thought it would be the last in the series, but the story definitely isn't finished yet. But I'm grateful the author didn't end it on quite the horrible cliffhangers as the first two books (See my reviews of "The Tournament's Price" and "The Rebel's Mark.") This book hasn't officially released, but I got an early copy by supporting the Kickstarter campaign.
This is a medieval fiction/adventure story set in a fictional kingdom, using a historical medieval background. This continues the story of Prince Gage and others as they are caught up in tumultuous and chaotic events in the three kingdoms of Edelmar, Keric, and Delkara. The author does a masterful job of creating and maintaining suspense and bringing the reader into the minds and emotions of the characters as they wrestle with who can they trust, who is an enemy, who is an ally, what is right, what is wrong, do the ends justify the means, and how can God be good when there is so much evil in the world. In the acknowledgements, the author says, "many of the hardest sections to write were the parts that talked about God." In my opinion, these were the very best parts of the book. I HIGHLY recommend this series. Content considerations: there is a lot of sword and knife fighting & treacherous murder; it is not gory, but sensitive readers should exercise caution. If you've made it through The Green Ember or The Wingfeather Saga, you'll probably do fine with this.
Marianne: A Sense and Sensibility Sequel
by Alice McVeigh
A delightful sequel to "Sense and Sensibility," imagining Marianne's life 3 years after the events of Austen's original story. I loved how the author brought together many side characters from several Austen books into intimate acquaintance with each other. In this story, Marianne has been widowed for 2 years, after a very short, but happy, marriage to Colonel Brandon. Now she is in London, being pursued by 3 men (Rushworth, Willoughby, and Crawford). I figured she must end of with one of them, but for most of the book, I couldn't imagine which of the three would reform and prove worthy of her. I was delighted by the redemptive reformation of the one who eventually won her heart and hand.
I laughed out loud at the younger sister, Margaret, who is an aspiring authoress of Gothic-style novels. "What's the point of having an expansive vocabulary if you never use it?" And, upon being reminded to practice piano, "I had been hoping to be spared the tragedy of being lamentably over-prepared for my lesson."
If you have read and enjoyed all of Jane Austen's novels (including Lady Susan), you will likely enjoy this clean, sweet story.
The Road Unveiled
by Tim Bishop
Amazon blurb: Lauren Baumgartner pedals toward Yellowstone National Park, anticipating a grand celebration when she reaches the Atlantic Ocean. But when her wedding plans collapse, old wounds resurface—and a haunting secret still holds her heart hostage. Traveling alone with bear spray and a one-woman tent, she shares the highway with motorcyclists bound for a massive rally, including gang members who eye her as theirs for the taking. Doug Zimmer, another lone cyclist, is grappling with loss and wondering if anyone will be alongside him when he figures out what’s next. He isn’t the only one drawn to Lauren’s vitality and spirit. But Lauren may already be in too deep. What she faces on the Golden Prairie Indian Reservation tests her courage—and her faith—more than anything she encountered as a missionary in Uganda.
I enjoyed this book for two main reasons: the descriptions of the countryside and the Christian faith of the characters. I could relate to the descriptions of Yellowstone, Wyoming, and South Dakota because my family and I took a road trip (driving, not biking) through many of the areas described. I admired the main female character praying for the various people she encountered, even the creepy ones. I appreciated the compassionate and Biblical way she talked to a man struggling with homosexuality. She did not water down the Biblical position, but she did not speak in a judgmental or condemning way. The ending was kind of odd and surprising to me, but I can't say why or it would be a spoiler. I didn't read the first book "The Persistent Road" before reading this one, so I felt a little lost about some context and background, but it didn't significantly interfere with understanding and enjoying this book. Content considerations: Lauren experiences many instances of men leering and ogling her and making suggestive comments; also an attempted gang rape.
The Cider Maker's Secret
by Matida Lockwood
This story takes place in Herefordshire, England, 1763. Parliament has implemented a oppressive new cider tax on England’s orchard keepers. Elizabeth Whitcombe is a widow with a talent and passion for managing her apple trees and producing cider of exceptional quality. But those who run society deem that a woman is not competent to manage her business without a man in charge. Nathaniel Carter has come to England from the Virginia colony with secrets and schemes to clear his family's name and save his family's land. But when he meets Elizabeth, he comes to admire and respect her and desire to help her protect her land and legacy from those who would try to steal from her by one means or another.
I enjoyed this book, for the most part. It was an interesting glimpse into the life of an orchard owner and cider maker and exposed the difficulties widows (and women in general) had in a time period when men did not think them capable of running a business. I enjoyed the way the two main characters slowly developed trust and love. Things that were confusing for me were the timeline and some of the double-meanings in many of the conversations. It was hard to follow the progression of time in this story. At times it seemed that only a short time had passed, but then it seemed like it had been weeks or months. I'm still not sure how much time the whole story spans. The characters seem to often be using cider-making and/or orchard terms to describe things other than the literal meaning. Since the terms and concepts were new to me, I could not always be sure I understood either their literal or figurative meaning. Content consideration: several uses of damn and hell; one sensual scene (but not explicit).
Recipe for Love
by Penny Zeller
Amazon blurb: Nothing interesting ever happens in Cloverdale Falls, which suits Maisie Carpenter just fine. Small-town drama keeps her entertained until that small-town drama brings news Maisie never imagined. Main Street has sold, and with it, the building housing her bakery. Ask any resident, and they’ll readily provide a dismal answer as to what will become of the friendly town founded by chicken farmers in the 1800s. What happens when she discovers the man connected with purchasing the businesses is the very same man she’s recently fallen in love with? Hudson Tressler is content working for his uncle's company, helping to revitalize struggling towns. Cloverdale Falls is his next mission, and he quickly discovers the residents are as quirky as the town itself, with its famous Henrietta the chicken mascot. Hudson finds himself drawn to one such resident—the clumsy, but cute baker who makes the best chocolate cookies he's ever tasted. With the residents fearing for Cloverdale Falls's future, Hudson finds himself navigating chickens, self-appointed geriatric investigators, and falling head over heels for Maisie.
This is the first book I've read by this author. I'm a fan!! It's funny (I smiled, chuckled, and laughed through the whole book). It's full of family and quirky, loveable small-town characters. It's full of realistic Christian faith. Noble, chivalrous men (who were homeschooled!)
Under the Mistletoe
by Penny Zeller
Amazon blurb: Introvert Braxton Wertz needs a vacation, but his trip to the small town of Cloverdale Falls is anything but restful when he finds himself not only falling for the sweet and bubbly Gracely, but also in the crosshairs of geriatric private investigators...and their numerous shenanigans. Recovering from a painful breakup, extrovert Gracely Eklund needs a vacation. Where better to spend her Christmas than her aunt and uncle's charming bed and breakfast? Her time managing the business comes with a few surprises, one of those being the nerdy and lovable Braxton. He's from Florida. She's from the Rocky Mountain West. Can Christmastime, an incomplete photo album, and a quirky town with its equally quirky residents bring two unsuspecting hearts together?Just like the first book in this series, it's funny, faith-filled, and full of family and quirky, loveable characters. The author does a great job of describing how an introvert gets "peopled-out". I love how the adult characters are close to their families and seek out their parents' counsel when considering a mate.
Heart of Courage
by Penny Zeller
A sweet story of a young widow with a two-year old son barely two coins to her name who sets out to make a new life for herself in Hilltop, Montana. It was nice, but not as funny and engaging as the author's modern rom-coms such as "Recipe for Love" and "Under the Mistletoe."
A Christmas to Remember
by Penny Zeller
Otis (grown up from the 2-year-old he was in Heart of Courage) and Belinda were once great friends, but when she turned down his marriage proposal, both their hearts were broken. Over a year later, they meet again as they battle an epidemic that threatens her family and town. Sweet reconciliation, strong family & faith themes.
The Bartered Bride
The Marriage Masquerade
The Engineered Engagement
by Erica Vetsch
I totally loved this series about the three Kennebrae brothers and their scheming grandfather who arranged marriages for each of them to benefit his own business. I especially enjoyed the faith in God that each of the men and their prospective brides exhibits and grows in throughout the book. And the wonderful banter and friendship between the brothers. It might be a bit unrealistic how quickly the characters fall in love, but still an enjoyable story. 
Clara and the Cowboy
Lily and the Lawman
Maggie and the Maverick
by Erica Vetsch
I totally loved this series about the three McConnell brothers as they live out their Christian faith and try to overcome the prejudice against them because of their past. I especially enjoyed the wonderful banter and friendship between the brothers. It might be a bit unrealistic how quickly the characters fall in love, but still an enjoyable story.
His Prairie Sweetheart
by Erica Vetsch
Savannah is from a rich, socialite family in North Carolina, but when she is jilted at the altar, she responds to an advertisement for a teacher in a small town in Minnesota. She is ill-prepared for the culture and climate shock and the fact that her students speak little to no English. Elias is the sheriff of the small town, hurt by the sudden departure of the last teacher, whom he fancied he was in love with. Although he is attracted to Savannah, he has no desire to be hurt again, so he hides behind a wall of criticism and disdain for this Southern belle and makes no effort to hide it.
I enjoyed this sweet romance set in late 1880s Minnesota, in a mostly Norwegian settlement. The ending seemed a bit rushed and unrealistic, but overall, it's an enjoyable read.
A Child's Christmas Wish
by Erica Vetsch
A reclusive widower with a young child reluctantly opens his home to a neighboring family (a pregnant widow and her grandparents-in-law) after their home burns down. Though he resolves to keep his emotional distance, the young widow's plight rouses his protective instincts, and her joy and cheerfulness reawaken his heart. A sweet, clean, enjoyable Christmas love story.
Some Like it Scot
by Pepper Basham
This book had me actually guffawing at all the misadventures the female protagonist falls into (literally!). And the puns! Oh, my! Yet the story also explores how people grapple with devasting loss in healthy and unhealthy ways. Content considerations: there is some ogling and passionate kissing, but nothing explicit.
Authentically, Izzy
by Pepper Basham
The tale of two book lovers, on opposite sides of the ocean, told mostly through emails and texts between them and their families. Wow! This was SO good! Delightful dialog, beautiful banter, charming characters. Laugh out loud funny! I read the ebook free from Kindle Unlimited, but decided this is definitely worth purchasing a physical copy (even if I don't have room on my shelves). The perfect book for any true bibliophile! I can't wait to get the next two books in this series.
Sense & Suitability
by Pepper Basham
The story of two friends almost engaged two years prior, both pressured to find a "suitable" match (but not with each other) before the social season ends. Another delightfully humorous story by Pepper Basham. Love the characters, the dialog, the banter, the love of family.
Everything's Coming Up Rosie
by Courtney Walsh
Rosie has been pursuing her dream of becoming an actor for years... with nothing to show for it but a heart full of rejection. She's afraid to tell her friends and family that she's a failure, so she pretends everything's fine. After a desperate spree of job applications, she gets an offer to be part of the creative team putting on a summer musical in Wisconsin (far from her dream job in New York and her family in Illinois). It's not until after she arrives that she finds out that she is not just a part of the creative team; she is the creative team, i.e. the director, for the theater at an upscale retirement community. As she works through the challenges of working on this show and develops a relationship with a handsome physical therapist, she learns that it's ok to rethink her dreams if they are not working out for her.
A delightful story, full of humor, relatable characters, and deep themes. Content consideration: a lot of kissing and some innuendos.
Falling Between the Pages
by A. M. Heath
This is a delightful blend of modern rom-com with western fiction. Two Christian fiction writers who seem to be opposites in every way -- from their approach to writing (planner vs panster) to the way they deal with life and loss -- are assigned to work on a project together (writing a serial novel, alternating chapters). They reveal their changing feelings for one another through the pages of their story. Funny, sweet, inspiring. The time travel aspect of the story they write together was interesting -- bringing in the details of life a hundred years ago that modern people would find very difficult to adjust to and don't normally think about.
The Heart of Bennet Hollow
by Joanne Bischof DeWitt
I was intrigued by the idea of retelling Pride and Prejudice in an Appalachian setting, but for some reason, I just couldn't connect with the characters. The story just felt flat to me; it didn't grab me and keep me riveted. I think the author tried to overlay plot points from the original onto this story, but it didn't make sense why the characters should act as they did. I made it halfway before setting it aside.
