Sweet, faith-filled love story
923049
Curl up for a couple hours with Barrett and Audra to live inside their story of love, trust and faith. You will be glad you did.
322265
Sadie Fisher lives a simple live in Lancaster County Pennsylvania. An Amish widow, she supports herself by selling handmade goods in a small shop and occasionally renting out a small cottage on her property. She seems to have found another chance for love and companionship through letters with a good Amish man living in Texas. They hope to eventually marry and start a life together near his family, but their courtship has been a slow one and they have never met in person. Everything changes when a rich Englisher rents her cottage for a few months. He is single with a young autistic son, and is seeking answers to life's difficult questions. Sadie is instantly drawn to this man and his young son. What will become of their friendship? You will have to read Plain Promise by Beth Wiseman to find out more.

I truly enjoyed this sweet story of love and friendship. The characters were likeable and well developed and the plot was well developed making aspects of the story that might seem a bit unlikely, believable. I am finding that I enjoy books about the Amish, and hope to find more at my local bookstore, particularly by this author. I recommend this book to those looking for a quick, enjoyable, uplifting story filled with love, friendship and faith.
1404216
I had the pleasure of reading Cathy Jackson's 'As You Wish.'  I found it to be a fast-paced and faith-based tale of romance the second time around (that being after separation or being widowed, which both main characters were.)  Squeaky clean and centered around the hope that falling in love brings, her story maneuvers its cast of characters through a series of tragic obstacles before they ultimately find redemption in being saved.  It's flecked with secular humor (the main characters share a great many interests, including superhero movies) that keep it accessible and fresh.  It would be perfect to share with a church sister or indeed, a younger sister with questions about the reality of remaining virtuous and the rewards it can bring.
1915133
I enjoyed this book very much.  It's inspirational to read a love story about Christians who have a strong faith.  The book exhibits so much of the struggle people face in coming to know and appreciate God's love and what it can do in our lives.  I have passed my copy of the book on to some less spiritual friends in hopes that they will enjoy it as much as I did, and I appreciate it's message of how pure love can be.  I notice the ending is perfect for a sequel, and I hope Mrs. Fliedner will grace us with that soon.
1236927
I couldn't ask for more in a novel...I loved this book! Sixteen Brides is a beautiful historical romance, with a mail order bride type story. Ultimately, this book focuses on just a few of these lovely woman who wanted nothing to do with the marriage scheme they were thrown into. They came looking to claim land, and that's exactly what they do. Although they came from such different backgrounds, they quickly build friendships, trust, and faith. They are determined to make it, depending on God and eachother. They find hope in a barren land, and love finds their barren hearts.

At first the story was a bit slow, and with the abundance of characters it was hard to focus on who was who. But plugging along, I quickly got caught up in the old-west life and loved every page! Although all throughout and even the end was quite predictable, it didn't ruin a moment of it. The storyline was solid and intriguing, and made the book hard to put down.

I loved the spunkiness and personality of each of the ladies, and their bond with eachother was heartwarming. The new beginning they were each searching to find, made their discovery of God's plans all the more promising. This optimistic novel by Whitson made me feel right at home on the frontier life. Filled with redemption, faith, hope, and forgiveness, the bold statement of hard work, and trust in God and eachother were a breath of fresh air in a heartfelt and charming book.

(Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for sending me a copy to review.)
3712734
The Bridge Of Sighs is a sweet, romantic little story based in gorgeous Tuscany. The main character, Faith is in a warm relationship. It's not passionate, it's not an all consuming sort of love, but she's happy enough. She and her fiancee are both lawyers and comfortable in their relationship. That all changes when she finds that there is another woman in his life and he dumps Faith.

Faith begins a journey soon after that she never would have dreamed of taking before. She ends up in Italy, finds herself engaged again and rushing to get married, even though she is plagued with doubts. She is given an enormous responsibility that leaves her questioning her life, her love, and her future. Buried in all of the craziness she is going through, is a beautiful photograph of the Bridge Of Sighs that leads her back to Italy and a discovery she never would have seen coming. I know I didn't.

A light, fluffy read, this was a really great book to read.
1950726
With Passion, Love, History, Family, and Church - "The Winds of Change" -- Unveils the Most Heartwarming Love Story to Date!

"A Heart Revealed" provides the perfect fusion of an abiding faith and romantic passion. The heroine, Emma Malloy, is a most sympathetic and lovable heroine. The reader may even come to think that Emma is 'too good to be true'...but she's not. She's real. She's worthy. She's someone a man could love without reservations. Yet, she's all too human.

"A Heart Revealed" tells a heartwarming love story which is central focus of this romance novel. Yet, "A Heart Revealed", is much more than a love story. It's a family history. It's a small slice of American history. And while it may rightly be called Christian Fiction, it could just as well be classified as historical fiction about an Irish Catholic family in Boston at the turn of the century and beyond.

I must say, that this series of books, "The Daughters of Boston" and "The Winds of Change", is very personal to me. I come from an Irish Catholic family that lived in the area during the years covered in this O'Connor family saga. A lot of my family still lives in the Boston area. Everything in the book is so real to me. The Catholic Church, the priests, the beliefs, practices and attitudes are all vividly real to me. I knew priests like Father Mack. I looked up to good men like the heroes in this saga. I don't think I've enjoyed a family series any more than I have this one by Julie Lessman. There's love and respect for her work found on every page. This whole Lessman series has the imprimatur of a life work.

Over 100 Reviews & Counting

As of today, "A Heart Revealed" , has been reviewed 114 times on Amazon alone. So I won't say too much about the story itself except that it's really four stories in one.

There is Luke & Katie's story. There's Mitch & Charity's story. (Charity is more 'Charity' than ever before!) There's Sean & Emma's story. (We get to see the real Emma at last). There's Patrick & Marcy's story. (Complete with Gabe's story). As expected, all these threads are woven together into a narrative that is greater than the sum of its parts. The reading enjoyment begins on the first page and continues right up to the dramatic conclusion.

The story:

The fifth O'Connor to face love and marriage, Sean O'Connor, is the hero in this story. Emma Malloy is the heroine. She is married but estranged from her husband who lives back in Ireland. He abused her often and finally when he scared her face with hot oil, she left him. Emma is a saint to all who know her but she is much more than meets the eye. Even the people who know her best don't really know her. This is a very complicated story which surprised me again and again. I loved it pure and simple.

I believe that each book read in this "O'Connor Family" series leverages the reading enjoyment gained from reading the next book. I highly recommend reading the books in order; however, "A Heart Revealed" stands on its own and will provide a wonderful reading experience. I also think it would be enjoyable to read "A Heart Revealed" first and then go back and read the rest of the books in order. I often do this when I have not read the early books in a series.

To make it easy to learn about and find the other books in the series, I am listing them below.

Book One: "A Passion Most Pure"
Book Two: "A Passion Redeemed"
Book Three: "A Passion Denied"
Book Four: "A Heart Undaunted"
Book Five: "A Heart Revealed"

"A Heart Revealed" - The Best Book Yet!
3700484
If I could give this 6 stars, I would.  This is a story of love, hope, faith and redemption.

When kind-hearted Shay makes a bad decision to help her desperate brother, she ends up serving three years in prison.  After being released from prison, she has little money, no job and nowhere to go.  Her bus drops her off in front of a church where she goes in mainly to get out of the cold.  Little did she know at that time that her life would be forever changed.  She meets Pastor Drew Douglas, who was dealing with the death of his wife three years earlier, and with raising his two children alone.  Although their relationship started as a friendship, Drew offers Shay the hope she needs to survive... in the form of Hope Center.

As Shay completes her commitment with Hope Center, her bond with Drew and his children deepens and the joy and love both Drew and Shay had not experienced for a long time grows stronger.  Shay begins to show her true self when she befriends two homeless men with steaming cups of coffee each morning and kind words.  It doesn't take long before more people begin to put her past where it belonged... in the past.  But when that past flares up in the form of her old boyfriend, things get heated.  And later, a matter of trust threatens to pull Shay and Drew apart.

Once again, Debbie Macomber created a heartwarming story with lovable characters and the ability to bring me to tears.

Disclosure:  A complimentary ARC was provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
4918501
I enjoyed the first person POVs, alternating between the H and h. The kids in the story were darling, and I liked the main characters. A sweet love story between people of faith.
454713
Absence of Grace is a beautiful love story that has both a human aspect and a spiritual application. This is a story of platonic friendships, mentors and those they advise, the love of man and woman, and the love of God for mankind.  I enjoyed the author's back and forth between "then" and "now", telling the stories of Clen, her family, and Gerrum, the man with whom she falls in love. It is the story of life as a sheltered child in post-World War II Middle America and the experiences that caused her to question, lose faith, examine and find grace. Through this, Clen  finds peace, contentment, happiness, and joy.

Always hard on myself and having unrealistic expectations for myself made it easy to relate to Clen, the main character in Absence of Grace. As I read her story, I saw myself and gained insight into some of my life challenges. In doing so, I learned with Clen that grace abounds when we open up to letting go, forgiving ourselves and others, and accepting the possibilities of a life of love.
4893949
I love romance and this story stirred my core.  I'm single and loving it, but it's nice to read a love story that is realistic.  I found myself reading it in a Jamaican accent and had to laugh once I realized what I was doing.  Romance and Christianity can go hand in hand.  Romance isn't about sex.  It's about connecting with someone, getting to know them and sharing emotions, glances and little touches that stir you, but because of your faith you know how far to let things go.  This story is refreshing to me because it gives you a glimpse of being in love with someone who has the same Christian mindset, values and a desire to love and please God.
1603599
This story is so sweet. It's a mix of both adventure and heart-warming moments. And I have to admit that I probably teared up about five times. The protagonist is a female who you immediately root for and feel connected to as she overcomes some serious losses and her own thinking. It contains some very strong Biblical allusions, which make it all the more meaningful and beautiful. I hope to read more from Diana Anderson-Tyler.
1356161
Loni Moore has written a positive story with an uplifting conclusion - my favorite kind. The main character is an honest, kind person who encounters others of varying degrees of honorability on her journey through life. She remains steadfast in spite of that. For a season, like most of us, she questions God until someone of utmost patience and gentle understanding crosses her path.  Even after this, in realistic fashion, although all in her life doesn't suddenly come up roses,  there is evidence of a better and more meaningful life with God than without him. Christians who have experienced doubt and survived loss will be able to relate. There is a sweet romance, as well. This book is aptly named - "Hope Travels Through"
3910977
Within My Heart is as simple as it is deep.
 No high action, no drama....just a pure romantic storyline full of faith, love, loss, and living again.  This book comes full circle.  And putting trust in God and overcoming fear with His grace is abundant throughout.

The characters were lovable and fleshed out realistically, and the descriptions of the beautiful Colorado settlement are vivid.  I love historical romances that blossom slowly, and this book was one of them.

I was somewhat expecting this to be your typical "new man in town", old-fashioned love-story, but it surprised me!  The story was rich and easy to follow.  And despite the fact that this is book #3 in the series, I wasn't lost in the least.

And if you like what you see, make sure to add this heart-felt novel to your Christmas wish list!

(Thank you Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book to review!)
1788554
Looking at the front cover of The Matchup, by Laura L. Walker, I was expecting a simple and cheesy love story without a lot of depth. Well, to my delight and satisfaction, that couldn't have been further from the truth.

This book portrays the pain, low self-confidence, loneliness, sometimes recklessness, and lack of hope that can stem from poor choices, divorces, family disputes, and even raising an autistic child.

Two very different people, Gage Logan and Valerie Hall, who did not get along as youth, come together again by chance (or was it?) one night in a store. Their paths continue to cross, and they come to see how they can help each other in all the ways they really need it  spiritually, socially, emotionally, temporally

The connection they form, and the relationship their kids make with each other, bring them closer and closer together. But, will he change his life and come back to church, and will she overcome her fears and insecurities about her children?

This is written as an LDS love story, so it is most suited to LDS adults, or adults who are really familiar with LDS beliefs and practices. Because it is an LDS romance, there is much more at stake with the couple, and also many opportunities to feel the Spirit as gospel truths are reiterated beautifully.

I got chills multiple times while reading this book. It is a pretty easy read, and doesnt include a lot of description, but oh, is it profound as it enters the minds and hearts of the characters! It pierced my heart over and over. The first time I got chills was during Valeries and Gages second encounter when she is really distraught over an outburst her son, Justin, had just had:

Pushing himself off against the post, he came closer and crouched down in front of her. Is there anything I can do to help? he asked softly.

She shook her head, keeping her gaze down. Something about the way she rubbed Justins back while simultaneously cradling his head in her arms touched a place in Gages heart that had long been dead.

Valerie, he said softly.

She lifted her eyes to him. Gages heart constricted at the sorrow he found there. Who would have imagined when they were young that theyd both be single parents? Hed always teased her so that he could see a flare of indignation light her gaze. That fire had apparently been extinguished a long time ago.

Hed have to see if he could reignite it.

Chills came to me at least three other times, and that does not often happen to me while reading a book. I felt that the story was so authentic, that these events could really happen in individuals lives. I myself have endured divorce, single parenting, and dating again after divorce. I could relate to Valerie some, though not completely. The inner struggles both Valerie and Gage, and even some of their family members, go through, are definitely on point.

The main message of the book is, the Lord loves each and every one of us. We have trials that help us grow and develop if we keep our faith in Jesus Christ. Hope is never lost, and everyone can change. We can be happy again after difficult times. We can forgive, move forward, and find joy again by keeping the commandments and praying for guidance. I loved the gospel message found throughout The Matchup, and recommend it as an uplifting romance and message of love.
536432
Oh my, what a sweet, sweet story! Kim Vogel Sawyer chooses tough topics and turns them into grace filled masterpieces. Dinah's story is no exception. From the first pages of the story to the end, I was captured in the emotions. The story flowed smoothly over the pages. It's been a while since a book has moved me to tears, but this story did that and more.

The characters, especially Dinah, were flawlessly written. I've read several stories about girls with Dinah's background, but I can't remember one that has faced the same turmoil and degradation as Dinah. Watching her struggle through life afterwards was heartbreaking and at times I wanted to shake her! That, to me, made the story more realistic. Amos Ackerman was also a refreshing character. He wasn't the "perfect" male character that a lot of romance novels contain. He had a physical imperfection, and was also starkly human. He had his flaws. Ruthie was a breath of fresh air at some points, and also a great supporting character for Dinah. Even though she was written very human, she exemplified the Christian faith and how a Christian should act.

All of the characters, Dinah, Amos, and Ruthie, had to struggle to accept the message God had for them. Dinah struggles to accept the fact that she is not worthless in God's eyes. Amos struggles to come to grips with the fact that God knows what's best for him and keeping his eyes on God's will for his life. Ruthie struggles to understand God's will for her life might not be her own and she needs to pray and listen for her answer.

Overall, the story was sweet and refreshing. It provides an overwhelming sense of God's grace and love for all of us. I thoroughly enjoyed the story.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace: whose mind is stayed on thee..." Isaiah 26:3

**I received this book for free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.**
3177728
A heartwarming tale set along the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan in the fall, a perfect place for a holiday story! My heart was definitely full and satisfied after reading this lovely novella.
Fans of home restoration shows will really enjoy this, as the main characters come together to complete a house project in time for a Christmas special, hoping to win a competition. The stakes are high, especially for Alexis, the designer who hopes to succeed and further her fledgling career. Nothing seems to go smoothly, but God has other plans in store.

The three main characters, Alexis, Gabe and Elsie, each had their own backstory, and a need for some personal restoration. As each one was revealed, it added a lot of depth to the plot and led neatly into spiritual themes, like forgiveness, restoring faith, peace and hope in their lives, and learning to genuinely love others, particularly the unlovable. A good reminder that everyone has a story, and seeing them through God's "eyes" helps us to be compassionate. Love how this author uses word pictures to describe scenes, connecting them with spiritual truths, like the backdrop of a peaceful snowy landscape while Alexis is struggling for inner peace. She realizes that "God wasn't commanding her to be at peace. He was offering it as a gift." The writing flows so well, with just enough detail, making it easy to picture everything; felt like I was actually there. Could almost smell the coffee and cherry strudel!

Highly recommend this touching inspirational Christmas story, with a little brushing of romance!

(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-book provided in exchange for my honest review.)