#netgalley – Simple Harvest Reads

Mindwar Guest Review by Denise Barela

MindWar by Andrew Klavan is a 336 page novel in the Young Adult Science Fiction genre. It is published by Thomas Nelson Publishers and was released on March 17, 2015. To purchase your copy, click here.

Overview

New High Score! New Record Time!

Rick nodded with grim satisfaction. He laid the game controller aside on the sofa and reached for his crutches.

Rick Dial was the best quarterback Putnam Hills High School had ever seen. Unflappable. Unstoppable. Number 12. But when a car accident left him crippled, Rick’s life as he knew it ended. He disavowed his triumphant past. He ignored his girlfriend. He disappeared into his bedroom—and into the glowing video screen.

But Rick’s uncanny gaming skills have attracted attention. Dangerous attention. Government agents have uncovered a potentially devastating cyber-threat: a Russian genius has created a digital reality called the Realm, from which he can enter, control, and disrupt American computer systems . . . from transportation to defense. The agents want Rick, quick-thinking quarterback and gaming master, to enter the Realm and stop the madman—before he sends America into chaos.

Entering the Realm will give Rick what he thought he’d never have again: a body as strong and fast as it was before the accident. But this is no game, there are no extra lives, and what happens to Rick in the Realm happens to Rick’s body in reality.

Even after Rick agrees to help, he can’t shake the sense that he’s being kept in the dark. Why would a government agency act so aggressively? Can anyone inside the Realm be trusted? How many others have entered before him . . . and failed to return?

In the tradition of Ender’s Game and The Matrix, MindWar is a complex thriller about a seemingly ordinary teenager who discovers a hidden gift—a gift that could make him a hero . . . or cost him everything.

My Two Cents

MindWar focused on themes of family, faith, and hope. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the characters in this novel evolve as the plot unfolded. The main character, Rick, shows reader how important it is to never give up, though he had to learn this lesson the hard way. Despite the danger it brought to his own life, he did tried with all his might to save those he calls friends.

The focus shift between the good guys and the bad guys made the storyline easier to follow. Although this book started off slowly, it picked up towards the end of the novel. Overall, this book had an interesting concept and was a good read.

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars. I give it this rating only because it took some time for the story to pick up. This book had great characters that can teach us important lessons.

About the Author

Andrew Klavan is a bestselling, award-winning thriller novelist whose books have been made into major motion pictures. He broke into the YA scene with the best-selling Homelanders series, starting with The Last Thing I Remember. He is also a screenwriter and scripted the innovative movie-in-an-app Haunting Melissa.

Hearts Made whole Review

Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund is a 383 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre. It is the second book in the Beacons of Hope series but can be read as a stand alone. Hearts Made Whole is published by Bethany House Publishers and was released on June 2. To purchase your copy, click here.

Overview

Can she forgive the hurting man who costs her the role she loves?

After her father’s death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren’t supposed to have such roles, so it’s only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper—even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.

Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He’s secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation—the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He’s not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who’s angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he’s unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Caroline feels drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope…and possibly love?

My Two Cents

I was immediately drawn into Hearts Made Whole and was easily able to connect to the characters. Jody paints a picture of a beautiful setting in historical Massachusetts and the life of a lighthouse keeper. The story she weaves exposes the plight of women and the difficult choices they faced during this era. Jody also exposes the harsh realities of war veterans trying to assimilate back into everyday life and the scars they carry.

Jody creates very strong, well-developed characters in Hearts Made Whole. Caroline is a strong woman who is taking care of her siblings after they were orphaned. During an age where women struggled for equality, she struggles to keep her job, provide a roof over their heads, and be both mother and father to her siblings. Caroline faces tough choices but handles them with love and grace.

Hearts Made Whole has a storyline that is gripping. Jody uses her characters to unfold mystery, jealousy, and tenacity. She also uses those characters to inspire trust in the Lord, love, forgiveness and second chances. Some characters you can not help but love while others you make you so mad you want to scream.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. Hearts Made Whole is a story that fills your heart and gives you a wonderful reminder of how important it is to trust in the Lord.

Thank you to the Litfuse Chicks for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling historical fiction author. She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog.

Find Jody online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Two Giveaways

Simple Harvest Reads Giveaway:

To enter Simple Harvest Reads giveaway, click on the words “Entry-Form” below:

Entry -Form

This giveaway ends on June 11, 2015 at 11:59pm PDT.

Jody Hedlund’s Giveaway

Don’t miss Jody Hedlund’s new book, Hearts Made Whole, a story of loss, forgiveness, hope, and true love set in 1865 Michigan. When Ryan’s failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he’s unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Can Caroline forgive the hurting man who costs her the role she loves?

Celebrate the release of Hearts Made Whole by entering to win an Afternoon at the Beach prize pack and RSVPing to Jody’s June 23rd author chat party!

One grand prize winner will receive:

A copy of Hearts Made Whole
A picnic basket set
A beach bag
Flip flops
A beach towel

One second-place winner will receive:

A copy of Hearts Made Whole
A lighthouse journal

One third-place winner will receive:

A copy of Hearts Made Whole
A lighthouse necklace

A Simple Prayer Review

A Simple Prayer, written by Amy Clipston and publish by Zondervan, is a 320 page Amish novel in the Christian romance genre. To pre-order your copy now through Amazon click here or through Barnes and Noble, click here. The release date is May 5, 2015.

Overview

Linda is no stranger to hardship. Now she dares to hope for a chance at love and a new beginning.

As the sole survivor of a buggy accident that left her orphaned at age four, Linda Zook was reluctantly raised by her Uncle Reuben. She longs to be worthy of someone, but the lasting trauma of her injuries and embittered upbringing have destroyed her self-worth. When Hannah Peterson asks her to work at the Heart of Paradise Bed & Breakfast, she’s finally able to realize some confidence.

Aaron Ebersol left the Amish community seventeen years ago when he could no longer bear the restrictions or the constant tension with his father. Despite years of unanswered letters to his parents, and the roots he’s put down in Missouri, Aaron rushes back to the Amish community of Paradise, Pennsylvania, after receiving word of his mother’s stroke. Hesitant to get too close to the family he was once a part of, he decides to stay at the Heart of Paradise Bed & Breakfast. Talking with Linda allows him to explore his feelings about his family and his position in the Amish community.

As Linda and Aaron open up to each other, their feelings for one another turn into more than friendship, and Aaron must make a decision about his future as an Amish man.

Can Linda and Aaron forgive the family members who have deceived and forsaken them? And will Aaron be able to convince Linda that she is worthy of his love?

My Two Cents

Amy creates a heart-warming story in her fourth and last installment of her Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series. Her storyline is wonderful. It draws you in from the beginning and you want to see what happens to each of these characters. A Simple Prayer can be read in order of the series but can also be read as a stand alone.

Amy’s A Simple Prayer cuts to the heart of what many of us struggle with: acceptance. All of us want to be accepted by our family or find forgiveness when we have done wrong. It is also a story of differing family dynamics; how our choices, both good and bad, affect those we love. There is a character that every reader can relate too in this story.

In a genre with many authors and many books being released each month, A Simple Prayer is a book that is memorable. It has characters that make you want to yell, ones that make you want to cry, ones that make you want to cheer. Amy captivates your heart with her character’s realism and strength you can draw from.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

A special thank you to netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

About the Author

Amy Clipston is the award-winning and best-selling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery series. Her novels have hit multiple best-seller lists including CBD, CBA, and ECPA. Amy holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan College and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and four spoiled rotten cats. Visit her online at www.amyclipston.com Facebook: AmyClipstonBooks Twitter: @AmyClipston

Giveaway

In honor of Amy’s new release and Mother’s Day, I am giving away one copy of An Amish Cradle. Click on “Entry-Form” below to enter.

Entry -Form

The giveaway ends on Sunday, May 10 at 11:59 PST.

The Inn at Ocean’s Edge Review

The Inn at Ocean’s Edge by Colleen Coble is a 336 page novel in the Christian suspense genre. It is published by Thomas Nelson and was released on April 14, 2015. To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes and Noble, click here.

Overview

Claire’s visit to a luxury hotel in Maine awakens repressed memories, threatening all she holds dear.

In 1989, Claire Dellamare disappeared from her own fourth birthday party at the Hotel Tourmaline on the island of Folly Shoals, Maine. She showed up a year later at the same hotel, with a note pinned to her dress but no explanation. Nobody knows where Claire spent that year—and until now, Claire didn’t even know she had ever been missing.

But when Claire returns to the Hotel Tourmaline for a business meeting with her CEO father, disturbing memories begin to surface . . . despite her parents’ best efforts to keep them forgotten.

Luke Rocco lost his mother under equally mysterious circumstances—at the same time Claire disappeared. After a chance encounter reveals the unlikely link between them, Claire and Luke set out together to uncover the truth about what happened that fateful year.

With flashbacks swimming just beneath her consciousness and a murderer threatening her safety, Claire’s very life depends on unscrambling her past . . . even if her family refuses to acknowledge it. Someone-maybe everyone-is hiding something from Claire Dellamare, and it will cost her everything to drag the truth out into the light.

My Two Cents

The Inn at Ocean’s Edge is an edge of your seat thriller that keeps you guessing until the author wants you to know. The plot is edgy and full of twists and turns that keeps this novel moving at a fast pace. From the very first chapter, the reader understands that something is amiss and with each chapter, a new layer is added that makes the reader want to keep reading until the end.

Coble’s characters are varied and interesting. She uses them to make you rethink what constitutes a family. Coble also creates tension between the characters to make the plotline interesting and suspenseful. The only drawback to this novel is keeping track of the different settings and where they are in relation to each other. I found myself wishing I had a map of the area to look at as I followed the plotline.

If you like suspenseful thrillers, you will love The Inn at Ocean’s Edge. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including Tidewater Inn, Rosemary Cottage, and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com Twitter: @colleencoble Facebook: colleencoblebooks.

Thank you to Netgalley and Litfuse Publicity Group for the complimentary copy of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge in exchange for my honest review. All opinions in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was given for them.

Celebrate the release of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge by entering to win a Kindle Fire and RSVPing to her May 5th author chat party!

One grand prize winner will receive:

A Kindle Fire
A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
A copy of A Heart’s Obsession
A copy of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced May 8th on Colleen’s website. Plus be sure to clear your calendar on the evening of May 5th because Colleen is hosting an author chat party on Facebook to celebrate her A Journey of the Heart series and the release of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge! RSVP here!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on May 5th!

The Love Letters

The Love Letters by Beverly Lewis is a 352 page book in the Christian Amish fiction genre. It is published by Bethany House Publishers and releases on March 24, 2015. To Order your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes and Noble, click here.

Overview

Marlena needed time to let things sink in. It was beyond her how all this could possibly work out–adding the care of an infant to her daily routine. Fortunately, it would just be until Luella returned home from the hospital and was stronger.

No more than a couple weeks, surely.

Marlena Wenger’s life takes an unexpected turn on the day she learns she must care for her estranged sister’s baby. Spending the summer in Brownstown, Pennsylvania, to assist her Mennonite grandmother, and miles from Marlena’s Old Order Amish beau, she feels out of her element in nearly every respect. Yet Marlena determines to do her best and stay focused on her future, even as those hopes become drastically altered.

My Two Cents

I have not found a Beverly Lewis book I did not enjoy and The Love Letters is no different. I enjoyed the The Love Letters because it dealt with so many different issues which kept the story moving at a fast pace. Disabilities, disappointment, death, love, judgmentalism, fear were just some of the issued faced by the characters in Lewis’ book. I found encouragement through the main characters trust in God and looking to him in difficult circumstances.

There were a few characters stories interwoven in the pages of The Love Letters yet it read fluidly and easily. Sweet Small Jay, a boy with disabilities wants nothing more than to be accepted and seen for the talents he has. He is a sweet character that I loved from the beginning. Marlena dealt with death, taking care of her sisters baby and judgement from others. Her caring relationship with her grandmother showed that we can learn many things if we take the time to invest. Boston, a hobo who faced judgmentalism from the community, brings to light that we should not judge a book by its cover. There are several side characters who brought both encouragement and tension to the story. You will love some of the characters and want to strangle others!

The Love Letters is a wonderful book. I give it a full five stars and would recommend it to the TBR pile of anyone who enjoys Amish fiction.

About the Author

Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 17 million books in print. Her stories have been published in eleven languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today. Beverly and her husband, David, live in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, making music, and spending time with their family. Learn more at www.beverlylewis.com.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for an advance copy of The Love Letters in exchange for my honest review.

Remember the Lilies Review

Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma is a 369 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre. It was published by Thomas Nelson on February 3, 2015. To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes and Noble, click here.

Overview

Interred by the Japanese, missionary Irene Reynolds comes across a mysterious note while working at the censor’s office. She memorizes the parts she must blackout and delivers it to wealthy nightclub owner Rand Sterling. Before she knows what’s happening, she’s drawn into a web of secrets and danger.

Rand Sterling wants nothing more than to reopen his nightclubs once the war ends. But slimy Frank Covey wants his hand in the till—and has news that could threaten Rand’s reputation if it became public. More importantly, beautiful and intriguing Irene Reynolds cannot discover this information if he expects to persuade her to become his wife.

When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, they must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.

My Two Cents

Remember the Lilies took me back in time to World War II and dealt with issues experienced by civilians. I had never heard of internment camps in the Philippines and the story makes you appreciate what you have today. Remember the Lilies also teaches about forgiveness for others and for yourself.

I loved the character of Anita. She is the person I would aspire to be if I was in a difficult situation. She was an encouragement to others around her and invested in her niece as well as those around her. Her life touched many and I was inspired to be more like her.

It is very important when writing that the author not have inconsistencies in their writing for the story to make sense to the reader. Unfortunately, there were a few inconsistencies in Remember the Lilies that made some aspects hard to believe. Also, the personality shifts with Rand and Irene were a little hard to swallow. For example, some of the behavior from Irene did not seem to jive with the mature christian she seemed to portray at the beginning. Even with these few negative aspects, I am glad I read this book and would recommend to anyone who like historical fiction.

I would give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

About the Author

Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband, their son, and their two daughters. Add a dog and a cat to that mix and there’s always something going on at their house. She’s spent time teaching second grade, writing advertising for a real estate company, and working as a church secretary, but she always dreamed of becoming an author. When not busy putting words to paper, she enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family. She’d love to have you visit her at www.liztolsma.com or at www.liztolsma.blogspot.com.

A huge thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson publishers for the free copy of Remember the Lilies in exchange for my honest review.

After a Fashion

After a fashion written by Jen Turano is a 352 page book in the Christian romance genre. It was published by Bethany House Publishers on March 3, 2015. To order your copy from Amazon, click here or to order from Barnes and Noble, click here.

Overview

Miss Harriet Peabody dreams of the day she can open up a shop selling refashioned gowns to independent working women like herself. Unfortunately, when an errand for her millinery shop job goes sadly awry due to a difficult customer, she finds herself out of an income.

Mr. Oliver Addleshaw is on the verge of his biggest business deal yet when he learns his potential partner prefers to deal with men who are settled down and wed. When Oliver witnesses his ex not-quite-fiance cause the hapless Harriet to lose her job, he tries to make it up to her by enlisting her help in making a good impression on his business partner.

Harriet quickly finds her love of fashion can’t make her fashionable. She’ll never truly fit into Oliver’s world, but just as she’s ready to call off the fake relationship, fancy dinners, and elegant balls, a threat from her past forces both Oliver and Harriet to discover that love can come in the most surprising packages.

My Two Cents

After a Fashion is one of the most delightful books I have read recently. It is a lighthearted, easy read. I laughed until I had tears, I cried, I yelled at some of the characters. I sat on the edge of my seat waiting to know more.

The main protagonist Miss Peabody is my kind of girl. She knows what she wants, she has backbone, she has morals, and she cares about others. Even though she has had a rough life, she doesn’t pity herself but has a way of applying those hardships to make her an even better person. My favorite part about her: I don’t know what she is going to do next. I couldn’t wait to find out!

Jen did a sensational job interweaving different aspects of life into her novel. There is romance, friendship, strength, perseverance, hope, love, compassion. All of these elements are intertwined with comedy and a bit of mystery.

This is my first time reading one of Jen’s books, but I will be coming back for more! I give After a Fashion five out of five stars.

About the Author

Jen Turano, author of five books, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in clothing and textiles. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.

My thanks to #Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers for a copy of After a Fashion in exchange for my honest review.

A Harvest of Hope

A Harvest of Hope is a 352 page fiction novel in the Christian fiction genre. It was written by Lauraine Snelling and published by Bethany House Publishers with a release date of March 3, 2015. To order your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes and Noble, click here.

Overview

Just a few short weeks into her year-long training at the Blessing Hospital, Miriam Hastings is called home to Chicago, where her mother is gravely ill. With siblings to care for, Miriam pleads to be allowed to finish her training in Chicago. Her nursing supervisor grants her a brief reprieve but extracts a promise that Miriam will return to Blessing and fulfill her one-year commitment.

While in Chicago, Miriam has tried to get Trygve Knutson and Blessing out of her mind, but his letters make that impossible. Trygve is busy building a house, hoping he can convince Miriam to return to North Dakota and marry him. Torn between Trygve’s love and her family’s needs, she doesn’t know what to do.

When Miriam finally returns to Blessing, she buries herself in her work. But no matter how hard she tries to put it off, she has some life-changing decisions to make about her future, her family… and the man who is never far from her thoughts.

What will it take to convince her to stay?

My Two Cents

It is always fun to catch up with characters you are invested in and it was a joy to travel back to Blessing to catch up with Lauraine’s characters in A Harvest of Hope. Although the book started out slow, once I was in the book, I could not put it down. I wanted to see what happened to each of the characters in the town of Blessing.

Hope, loss, love, anger, forgiveness are all themes woven into this heartwarming story. There is a character you would love to punch, ones you would love to hug, and ones you would love to send an encouraging word too. It is lovely to see how the town struggles but come together to support each other. My favorite theme from A Harvest of Hope is trusting in God and knowing He is in control of our future. This book will encourage you and leave you looking forward to the next installment.

I give this book this book a 5 star review.

About the Author

Lauraine Snelling is the award-winning author of over 70 books, fiction and nonfiction, for adults and young adults. Her books have sold over 2 million copies. Besides writing books and articles, she teaches at writers’ conferences across the country. She and her husband make their home in Tehachapi, California. Learn more at www.laurainesnelling.com.

Thank you to #netgalley for my free copy of A Harvest of Hope in exchange for my honest review.

Where Trust Lies Review

Where Trust Lies is a 337 page book in the Christian romance genre written by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan and published by Bethany House Publisher. If you would like to purchase Where Trust Lies through Amazon, click here or to purchase it through Barnes & Noble, click here.

Synopsis

Beth loves her friends and students in the West, but family obligations have called her home. Where does she truly belong?

After a year of teaching in the Canadian West, Beth Thatcher returns home to her family. She barely has time to settle in before her mother announces plans for a family holiday–a luxurious steamship tour along the eastern coast of Canada and the United States. Hoping to reconnect with her mother and her sisters, Beth agrees to join them, but she quickly realizes that things have changed since she went away, and renewing their close bond is going to be more challenging than she expected.

There’s one special thing to look forward to–letters and telephone calls from Jarrick, the Mountie who has stolen her heart. The distance between them is almost too much to bear. But can she give her heart to Jarrick when it will mean saying good-bye to her family once again–and possibly forever? And will she still want to live in the western wilds after the steamship tour opens up a world of people and places she never imagined?

Then comes a great test of Beth’s faith. Someone in her family has trusted the wrong person, and suddenly everything Beth knows and loves is toppled. Torn between her family and her dreams, will Beth finally discover where her heart truly belongs?

A companion story to Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart TV series!

My Two Cents

What is very interesting about Where Trust Lies is that it takes place with Elizabeth’s family and not in Coal Valley. It is a story that reveals the true complexity of families – the good and the bad. It shows love, forgiveness and acceptance even when we might not understand each other. The reader also gets a glimpse of where Elizabeth gets her steel and resolve.

Where Trust Lies kept me guessing throughout the story. Also the faith element in the story was very uplifting.

My disappointment with the book was it does move slowly and I was not engaged throughout the book. I have read all of Janette Oke’s books and have loved them all. This did not seem like a typical book of hers. However, I am glad I read it.

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

About The Authors

Bestselling author Janette Oke is celebrated for her significant contribution to the Christian book industry. Her novels have sold more than 30 million copies, and she is the recipient of the ECPA President’s Award, the CBA Life Impact Award, the Gold Medallion, and the Christy Award. Janette and her husband, Edward, live in Alberta, Canada.

Laurel Oke Logan, daughter of Edward and Janette Oke, is the author of Janette Oke: A Heart for the Prairie, as well as the novels Dana’s Valley and Where Courage Calls, co-written with her mom. Laurel and her husband have six children and live near Indianapolis, Indiana.

A special thank you to netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

The Amish Clockmaker Review

The Amish Clockmaker is 354 page Christian Amish fiction novel written by Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner and published by Harvest House Publishers. To purchase a copy of the book through Amazon, click here. To purchase a copy through Barnes and Noble, click here.

Synopsis

From bestselling authors Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner, The Amish Clockmaker (Book 3 in the Men of Lancaster County series) explores the men of an Amish community in Lancaster County, how their Amish beliefs play out in their unique roles, and the women who change their lives.

Newlywed Matthew Zook is expanding his family’s tack and feed store when a surprising property dispute puts the remodel on hold—and raises new questions about the location’s mysterious past.

Decades earlier, the same building housed a clock shop run by a young Amish clockmaker named Clayton Raber. Known for his hot temper, Clayton was arrested for the murder of his beloved wife, a crime almost everyone—including his own family members—believed he’d committed, even after charges were dropped. Isolated and feeling condemned by all, Clayton eventually broke from the church, left Lancaster County, and was never heard from again.

Now the only way Matthew can solve the boundary issue and save his family’s business is to track down the clockmaker. But does this put Matthew on the trail of a murderer?

A timeless novel of truth, commitment, and the power of enduring love, where secrets of the past give way to hope for the future.

Review

The Amish Clockmaker captivates you from the beginning and keeps your attention to the end. Mindy and Susan create characters that are only authentic and real. Having the book written from men’s points of view gives this book a unique look on Amish life.

MIndy and Susan beautifully combine a family today with a flashback to a story from yesteryear. By doing this, the reader follows the life of Clayton Raber knowing it is intertwined with Matthew’s family. This technique takes this book to a higher level and it is a wonderful experience for the reader.

The Amish Clockmaker is a story of forgiveness and love but also shows how to trust God’s sovereignty even when we do not fully understand his plan. It is a story that allows you to reflect on your own life to see where you can trust, love and/or forgive more. The reader can see themselves reflected in the characters of this book. It is a book that you can not wait for someone else to read so you can talk about it.

I give this book five stars. It is a must read.

About The Authors

Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of more than 20 books, both fiction and nonfiction (more than 800,000 sold) including co-authoring the Christy Award-winning The Amish Midwife. Mindy and her husband, John, have two adult children and live in Pennsylvania. www.mindystarnsclark.com.

Susan Meissner is a multi-published author, speaker, and writing workshop leader with a background in community journalism. Her novels include The Shape of Mercy, named by Publishers Weekly as one of the 100 Best Novels of 2008 and a Carol Award winner. She is a pastor’s wife and the mother of four young adults. When she’s not writing, Susan writes small group curriculum for her San Diego church. Visit Susan at her website: www.susanmeissner.com, on Twitter at @SusanMeissner, or at www.facebook.com/susan.meissner.

A special thank you to netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.