Grace Blauch is happily running a story with her friend Sarah
349128
Grace Blauch is happily running a story with her friend Sarah, as well as being a midwife in the community. Her hopes for a husband is pretty much gone because of a harsh birthmark on her hand, clearly were everyone can see. No Amish man wants a woman with something so noticeable on her hand, or who he? When Mark King comes to the Amish community, things may be different for Grace.

I enjoyed Graces story very much. Grace was a gentle sweet Amish young lady that would make any young Amish man a wonderful wife. My heart went out to her because no man would look past her birthmark. And I was certainly cheering own a relationship between Grace and Mark. Mark had problems of his own, and understood Grace more than any man ever had. I really liked Marks personality, and the fact that he was so caring for Grace, and for his brother, who was shunned by the Amish. Of course this shunning was a problem for Mark and Grace, another thing to come between their relationship. Now can their relationship survive the problems with Marks brothers jumping the fence? Well you will need to read this wonderful book for the answer to this. You are truly in for hours of entertainment when you read Molly Jebbers Graces Forgiveness.

I received this book from Celebration Lit Blog Tours to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 55.
4521325
I really enjoyed this story by Grace Livingston Hill and now one of my favorites, so I am glad I found and purchased it.  The hero and heroine meet for a brief time in the beginning, and then are separated for most of the book, although they correspond.  They each have different issues and problems to overcome, but their journeys hold the reader's interest throughout.  Even though the book was written long ago, their struggles are up-to-date, and the period details just make the story more interesting.  The reactions to each other as they correspond, hurt feelings or doubt, are authentic.  Grace Livingstone Hill had an understanding of people and what they go through in life and this book reads true-to-life.  A happy ending is guaranteed and the reader will root for this hero and heroine to resolve their difficulties and come together at the end.
2391109
I really enjoyed this book.  It was a fun story, the main character Evan was hilarious, and I loved that Grace was a romance author.

We got the story from both  points of view. Sometimes from Grace and sometimes from Evan.  Grace is a romance author, but for her "day job" she manages some properties where she takes care of the houses and the people who move in.  At the beginning of the book she goes to one of the new resident's place because there is a plumbing emergency.  She has to leave in the middle of her own book signing, and when she gets there, it turns out not to be something that is technically an emergency, or that she can really take care of at that moment.  The person who answers the door when she gets there is movie star Evan Matthews.  Evan is immediately intrigued by this woman who can fix things and seems so much different from the women he usually meets.  What's even more intriguing is that she doesn't seem to be interested in him at all.  Or at least that's what she says.  Evan is sure that he can convince her otherwise, and he sets out to do that.  First he makes a bet over a game of cards, and he loses on purpose so that she has to go out on dates with him, AND go back to his hometown with him.

Grace lost her brother in a terrible accident, and because it had something to do with a boy from back then, she is very much cautious about getting into a new relationship, or any relationship for that matter.  Slowly Evan works his way into her life, of course as friends first, followed by giving into the physical feelings later.  But of course Grace's past is between them, including her not wanting to reconnect with her parents, who she feels deserted her because they always blamed her for what happened to her brother.

Grace's friends are all fun, and they all like Evan and think the two of them belong together.  In the end it takes a very scary event to force Grace to face  how she really feels about Evan and decide that she can be with him, and still keep that promise she made her brother so long ago.

I had a few issues with some of the dialogue, such as characters constantly saying the other person's name almost every time they said something to each other.  It seemed a bit much to me.  A few grammatical errors, such as "sewing oats" as opposed to "sowing oats" like it should be.

Other than that, the story was pretty addictive, I had trouble stopping to go back to work or sleep when I was working.  Great characters, great story.
4398312
This is a delightful story with rich characters, several different settings painted with vivid details, and themes which explore the depth of love and grace. Humor is sprinkled lightly throughout as is the subtle theme of uncovering a mystery. Thankfully the ending isn't tied up with a neat bow, although much of the themes are resolved. It left me as the reader wondering what new stories might develop from this family that I fell in love with as well.

The main character, Emily, is seeking to learn to bring her paintings to life; a vivid life, especially in the eyes, the windows to the soul. In the same way, the author of this novel places layers and layers of character insights, storylines, and themes which bring life to the characters and shows us vivid insights into their souls.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and its development of the main character. Watching her transform from a gal who is uncertain of her value in life, both in work and in love, into a blossoming wife who is able to accept the love and grace that has been given her and then is able to use it to transform her perspective and gifts to others is absolutely beautiful.

The themes of love, grace, and redemption are all too tempting by many authors to be preached to the reader but Katherine Reay Gently weaves them into the story and allows the reader to pick the fruit in their own way. Im thankful she didn't just explain it as if I was an ignorant observer.

Besides the themes of love and grace and all the good stuff, this novel was enjoyable simply on the merit of being a great story. I enjoyed the romance, great cooking, the rich tones of Tuscany, and the uncomfortable extended family. I will never forget the scenes of truffle hunting or of art restoration. I also enjoyed many of the characters and their varied personalities. The author did a good job of bringing many to life and allowing us to see their growth and change. All made for a very enjoyable read.
472907
Finding Sarah had a smooth flow. I always feel good when there's a happy ending. I'm looking forward to the next book.
3422305
Eleven-year-old April Grace Reilly is starting Jr. High. She thinks that all will be the same. She is mistaken. One of her best friends is now the leader of a Clique of girls and won't even speak to April Grace.

At home April Grace notices that her mother is not looking the same. She instantly starts worrying about her. But all of the adults in her life tell her that there is nothing to worry about.

Circumstances prevent April Grace's mother from directing the church pageant this year. So April Grace recommends Isabel to be the director. Isabel is not a church member and she also has a demanding spirit about her that concerns the pastor. But April Grace and her sister volunteer to help Isabel direct so that she won't go too overboard.

The story is being told by April Grace who happens to be a hoot! I love the way April Grace just tells it like it is. She is outspoken as only an 11 year old can be. Yet her character has a love for family and friends and a diplomacy about her that seems mature beyond her years. I really enjoyed this story.
3950537
Just Grace got her nickname because there are other girls named Grace in her class. They go by their first name, last initial, such as Grace F. The main character told her teacher she wanted to be called just Grace and so "Just Grace" it was. Just Grace also has a female dog named Mr. Scruffers. There are several such charming little quirks and plenty of wit to make this an enjoyable book.

I've read a couple of other Just Grace books and I liked this one as much as the others. In this story, Just Grace's class is getting ready for the school fair by coming up with a theme and related games to invent and play. There is also a big challenge related to the theme. In addition, Just Grace's Grandma is coming for a visit and gets to meet Mr. Scruffers for the first time.

Just Grace and her best friend, Mimi, come up with ideas for the theme to present to the class. They agree that their ideas will be different from each other's so they don't compete for votes. But, when Just Grace's Grandma is there, she makes amazing cupcakes and they are all Just Grace can think about. When it comes time to suggest themes at school, Just Grace blurts out "cupcakes," which is in direct competition with Mimi's candy idea and Mimi gets mad at Grace. The girls eventually work out their differences and learn some things about being a good friend. The fair is a success and everyone has a good time.

My daughter enjoys Just Grace books with me and she really liked this latest installment. It's easy for readers that are new to chapter books because there are a lot of headings, lists, and comic book type illustrations to explain the story. The only thing I didn't like about this book was that the story seemed disjointed to read. Just Grace's teacher talks to them about the fair and then that line of thought seems to be abandoned for many pages of the book while Grandma visits. Then we come back to the fair and suggesting a theme. While Grandma's visit was needed to get the cupcake idea in Just Grace's head and make her inadvertently break her promise to Mimi, it would have flowed better if the fair had a bigger presence during the time Just Grace spent with her Grandma. It's a minor thing, but it read like it was two different stories instead of one. Overall though, this was another really fun Just Grace tale.
2761431
What makes this book so much fun is that the story is told from the perspective of the match-making angel, Sarah. She's not the staid, stern angelic presence you might expect.  No, Sarah is full of fun, and her zany exploits add a dimension of humor to the mystery and romance of "Sarah and the Widow's Mate."  Beth Marsh's predicament clearly demonstrates that money isn't everything.  This young widow has plenty of living left to do, and Sarah's mission is to help Beth make the right choice of a husband.  The images of Beth's palatial home and the Christmas decorations add richness to the narrative.  Although this is one of the "Sarah" series of Gay Lewis's books, this one--like the others--can be enjoyed as a stand-alone work.  I loved Sarah's third trip to earth!
995687
We're back planning weddings in Grace Haven. This is the second book in the series and I'm thrilled to be back in the quaint New York village. Herne knows how to write small towns with heart and I always come away yearning to find a small town experience of my own. Love the wedding planner theme in this series. Three sisters running the family company. It's only natural for some of that marital bliss to rub off on the Gallagher girls.

 Have to confess that the stars of this story are Timmy and Dolly. A-d-o-r-a-b-l-e. And there's something so endearing about a single dad struggling to get things right. Grant does a great job...except for a tendency to be a tad overprotective of his special needs daughter. Emily's not afraid to call him on it and, oh my, his internal righteous indignation is quite entertaining.

 Emily's had to fight hard to prove there is substance behind her beauty queen status. She's made some mistakes but what I love about her is that she refuses to let them define her. She knows she is a work in progress and by the grace of God she will continue to grow. So it really irks her when Grant makes some snap judgements about her. Makes for a rocky road to romance but such a fun read. And Grant has his reasons for being wary of Emily. He hasn't recovered from past betrayals. In fact he's letting them fester and skew his present relationships. And I have to admit I was righteously indignant on his behalf and then Herne turns everything around and I'm left eating humble pie! A lesson well learned.

  Faith, love and laughter -- perfect ingredients for romance.
1273654
The Sisters of the quilt books all center around a young Amish girl named Hannah and the Mennonite boy she loves named Paul. In book one, Hannah faces a tragic circumstance that not only devastates her entire family, but separates her from Paul just as they begin to dream of a future together.  Book two picks up the story when Hannah is rejected by Paul and shunned by her family and friends. She flees her home and all she knows to go live with an estranged aunt and tries to put her life back together. Then book three shows us an older, more mature Hannah who has found peace with her circumstances and has settled into a satisfying life in the English world that includes a new love in her life. Just when Hannah thinks she has it all together she is thrown back into the path of her first love and must acknowledge that she still has deep feelings for him.

I was immediately drawn into these stories and amazed that these are the author's first books. The characters are very realistic and multi-faceted. I felt deeply for Hannah and her struggles as she tried to survive a horrible situation not of her making and without the support of her family. I have read a lot of Amish fiction as I am fascinated by the Amish lifestyle. What I like the most about Cindy Woodsmall's work is the fact that her books are entirely different from other Amish stories. Her characters are more involved with the Englischers instead of the story being exclusively centered on the Amish community. This adds another element to the plots of the stories as the characters interact with a way of life that is quite foreign to them. It also makes me think about what it would be like if I ever had the opportunity to be friends with an Amish person.

Cindy did a fantastic job in making Hannah a real person and that is the success of this trilogy. The fact that all three books now come in one compact volume is an added bonus. If you like Amish fiction you are sure to love these stories.

I received this complimentary copy from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group through their Blogging for Books program. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.
4851736
I recently finished reading Trusting Grace, Book three of the Virtues and Vices series by Maggie Brendan.  It is a story of one man's journey to let go of the past and learn to trust again.  It is also a story of a young widow who has all but giving up her dream of becoming a wife once more with the children she longs for. But more than this, it is also the story of second chances at life, love and happiness.
Grace Bidwell's lot in life shifted dramatically when her husband died and her father became disabled.  The farm her husband left behind is her livelihood. She has a potato crop to get in the ground and she can't do it alone.  Posting a help wanted notice in the mercantile seems like her best option to hire a suitable farm  hand.  Taking a chance like this could backfire and net a scoundrel for an employee but Grace had very few options to draw from.

Trusting Grace (Virtues and Vices of the Old West Book #3): A Novel by [Brendan, Maggie]Robert Frasier is stranger in town looking for work.  He needs to support the three children his late wife left behind.  She never told him about the children, nor her illness.  Saddled with this responsibility after losing his wife and then his farm, he and the children roamed the countryside together, living off the land until stopping in the Gallatin Valley in Montana.  His luck begins to change when hires on to help Grace with the crop. Robert promised to stay only until the crop was in but what he found on the farm was much more than he bargained for.

The setting for this book is richly described and the reader can almost reach up and touch the forever blue skies of Montana.  The characters are well developed with thoughts and concerns befitting of a time when the west was getting settled and communities began growing.  From hoeing the fields to unpacking merchandise at the mercantile it feels like you are right there planting the potatoes with Robert or watching Grace bake rhubarb pies with the girls.  Maggie Brendan is a very descriptive writer who keeps the reader interested in her books with colorful narrative and lively characters.

I enjoyed reading Trusting Grace for many reasons. It is set at a time when there were so many possibilities.  Montana was an exciting place to be after the Civil War. There was an air of being in a modern town with cultural experiences and a dashing hoodlum who causes havoc one can expect from the wild west!  Times could be rough when folks relied on the weather for their livelihood but the rewarding ending to this story are encouraging.
989926
The people in book are great,they are  best friends, they pull together. They enjoy their time together. Enjoyed the support they have to each other.
943385
The writer gives you hope with the love of family and new friends and starting over. There are smiles and laughter and even a few tears.
I love that the book is written in terms a person actually uses when talking. It's as if you're actually taking with s friend. The characters are funny and real and they make you want to be adopted into the group.
If love to find a quilt reader like Brandy. I'd love it even more to have the same courage as Carly.
3859033
This was a delightful short story that can act as an introduction to the Sarah series, and it can be read in a matter of minutes. I have to admit that I laughed at Sarahs disguise! The Sarah books always make me smile!
4395480
This book is just alot of fun.  Definitely the best of Bly that I have read.  The plot is interesting and keeps you guessing.  From the mischievous ten-year-old Paco to the mysterious, smooth talking Delnorte, Bly's characters are original and real. You can't help liking them. This book has a sweet love story that doesn't take over the book, as in most christian fictions, but is just enough for you romantics. This book also has amazing dialogue!  Bly has a way of making you feel like you are sitting there right beside the character during a conversation.  The heroine, Julianna, manages to weave the gospel message into her conversations without making it sound like a sermon. It was a pleasant surprise to read a christian fiction book and not get that deja veu feeling like you had read it before under a different name.  In a world of christian fiction dominated by authors like Gilbert Morris this book is a breath of fresh air.
730969
The book was delightful. I feel like Sarah Booth is my friend.
3815647
Tanya Eby's "Blunder Woman" is a refreshing, stream-of-conscious style telling of the (mis)adventures of Chloe Knaggs as she stumbles her way through life, love, and friendship.  I found this novel to be hilarious and sweet, with Chloe playing the part of a Midwestern version of Bridget Jones.  Ms. Eby's storytelling kept me wondering what pickle her protagonist would get into next!

It is a great light read.  Highly recommended!!!