A Quaint Life

Reading a novel whose setting is known to you makes the story so much more realistic – at least I think it does! Wanda E. Brunstetter’s newest novel, "Walnut Creek Wish", takes the reader to Walnut Creek, Ohio. Meet Rhonda and Jeff who feel a change of scenery may help their rocky marriage. Both have demanding jobs and Jeff likes to collect antiques much to Rhonda’s dislike. Rhonda feels they should be more frugal after purchasing a new house and she is dealing with the emotions of infertility. During one of his antique forays, Jeff meets Orley and Lois Troyer, owners of Memory Keepers. Can moving to Walnut Creek be the answer to Rhonda and Jeff’s strained marriage? Can the chance meeting with Orley and Lois lead to more than friendship? Readers will enjoy this novel for a lighthearted summer read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review

Healthy Cooking

Wanda E. Brunstetter's newest cookbook, "Amish Friends Healthy Options Cookbook," focuses on healthier recipes that many Amish and Plain people have shared using the vegetables, fruit, and herbs from their gardens. There are beautiful pictures of many of the recipes featured in the book along with scriptures that focus on food and health. Also, it was nice to have the recipes tagged as gluen-free, sugar-free, low-carb and so forth in each category. The categories include breads, breakfast, main dishes, desserts, and homemade remedies along with many more. The cookbook is spiral bound thus allowing it to lay flat while preparing a recipe which is a blessing. I am looking forward to preparing several of the recipes I have selected (Triple Chocolate Biscotti, Graham Cracker Crust, and Slow-Cooker Chicken Stir -Fry) as healthier versions to what I usually prepare. I am trying to prepare more healthier meals for my family and myself and this cookbook was the boost I needed. I think others will find it of benefit in picking healthier options for meal preparations. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Historical Crime

Historical crime becomes more real in this fictionalized story, "The Silver Shadow," from the True Colors series. Liz Tolsma takes the reader back to the early 1900's in Denver, Colorado when someone began a rash of attacks on women. Building upon sparse information the author provides a tale centered on Polly Blythe, a young woman determined to make her mark in the world by being a journalist, and Edwin Price, a Denver police officer. Together they try to solve the crime spree by finding who is behind the attacks. Do they find a suspect? Does anyone get convicted of the crimes? In the process, Polly and Edwin begin to see each other differently. This dramatized fiction has a nice a pace to it but at times it felt forced, particular the dialogue. Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and recommend it to others who like historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Haunted

In the early twentieth century, Hedda Krause, a young widow, comes to San Antonio, Texas and checks into the Menger Hotel. She has little to her name except the jewels her husband gave her prior to his death. While staying at the Menger, Hedda learns about the ghost, Sallie, then believes Sallie is haunting her. Her fear becomes real when her jewelry is taken from her room after being visited by the ghost of Sallie. This part of the story is told by Hedda from a book she wrote of her life. Fast forward to the present and Dini Blackstone is besotted with the tale of Hedda Krause. She meets a young man visiting San Antonio who is a descendent of the detective who originally investigated Hedda's robbery. Together they unravel what really happened to Hedda Krause and that particular night that altered her life. "The Lady in Residence," by Allison Pittman, is a must read for fans of mystery, drama, and romance. Once you get into the story, it is hard to put it down. I received a complimentary copy of this book to give my honest opinion from Barbour Publishing.

Leaving a Legacy

As a researcher of my own family history, I was drawn into this story, "Roots of Wood and Stone," created by Amanda Wen. Sloane Kelly was adapted at birth but as an adult has always wondered about who she is, what her birth mother was like. So when she is handed an old satchel in which she discovers a century old diary written by a nine year old girl she is intrigued. Garrett Anderson is the stranger who dropped off the old satchel at the historical museum. He is glad to just be able to cross one more item off his never ending list as he helps his sister clean out the aged family farmhouse in preparation to sell it since his grandmother has dementia. Their lives become intertwined as Sloane searches for more information about the pioneer girl named Annabelle and Garrett offers his assistance in searching the farmhouse for more information. What they discover is a life changing legacy for both of them. For a first time novel this story did not read as such. It had depth and strong characters that I could relate to so much so I was sad to read the last page. It is a modern day romance and a romance from days bygone brought to life. I look forward to reading more from Amanda Wen. I received a complimentary copy to review from Audra Jennings PR. https://www.audrajennings.com/2021/02/win-copy-of-roots-of-wood-and-stone-by.html

Amish Millionaire

Excited to read this new novel from Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter to learn what has happened in the lives of Barbara, Sadie, Mandy and Ellen since the trip to Hawaii. Three of the four Amish women have married leaving Sadie to wonder if her boyfriend, Wyman, will ever stop job hopping and eventually ask her to be his wife. In the meantime, Sadie is busy working on a new quilt blending Amish and Hawaiian traditions. When one of her friends suggests she write a book about quilts she begins to brainstorm on how she could afford to do such a big project Then her family receives a call that Sadie's mother's sister has been in an accident. Upon her death the family discovers Sadie is the main beneficiary of her aunt's will. Is this the answer to Sadie's prayer on affording the book project? Or does it create more of a divide between Sadie and her family and Wyman? How does an Amish woman remain true to her faith? So glad that the authors decided to do a sequel but the reader can read this book as a stand alone if missed reading the first book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Conspiracy Intrigue

The suspense and drama continue in Andrew Huff's newest novel, "Cross Shadow." Reporter Christine Lewis is asked to check into the arrest of her stepbrother in Texas for murder but to her surprise and indignation John Cross has followed her to Dallas. What follows is a cat and mouse game to find out why Christine's stepbrother is being framed for murder while being shot at and chased. Not only does this story explore more of the relationship between Christine and John; it explores John's life as a pastor and a former CIA agent and his relationship with God. Can he live with a foot in both worlds? How can he reconcile lying to find the truth? This is a fast paced read with endearing characters. I am secretly rooting for Christine and John to discover how to make their relationship work as the reader is left wondering at the end of the book. So I am anxiously looking forward to the third installment. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Audra Jennings PR and was under no obligation to post a review. a Rafflecopter giveaway