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Amish Promises Review

Amish Promises by Leslie Gould is a 368 page novel in the Amish fiction genre. It is the first book in the Neighbors of Lancaster Series. Amish Promises is published by Bethany House Publishers and was released on May 5, 2015. To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes & Noble, click here.

Overview

Journey Down a Quiet Lane in Lancaster County Where Love and Heartache and Friendship and Healing Meet.

When Joel and Shani Beck arrive at their new home, they’re looking for peace. Shani is thrilled to have Joel back from Iraq, but he needs time to heal, and the quiet of Lancaster seems just the place. They can’t imagine any trouble with their Amish neighbors, the Lehmans, but things get off to a rocky start when their son is involved in an accident that injures one of the Lehman boys.

Eve Lehman has run her brother’s household ever since the death of his wife, but Tim’s a stern patriarch. Despite his protests, she’s drawn to the new neighbor, Shani, and the two begin to form a strong friendship forged on faith and family. Things seem like they’ve quieted down until Joel’s single and handsome army friend Charlie catches Eve’s attention–a man unlike any Eve has ever met. Suddenly life for both families becomes more complicated than any of them could have ever imagined.

My Two Cents

Amish Promises was a realistic, heart-warming read. The storyline of Amish and English neighbors made the book very interesting and the conflict between the two kept the pace going. Amish Promises also offers a look into soldiers who suffer from PTSD and the effects it has on them and their family. The theme of friendship and loving your neighbor shined throughout the book.

Though it was difficult to keep account of all the characters at the beginning of the story, the characters were extremely well-written. The characters are real with real issues in both the Amish and English families. The storyline of the relationship between the two families is different from most Amish novels.

Amish Promises discusses many difficult issues yet it is not a heavy read; they were handled with respect and grace. I finished the book feeling encouraged and can not wait for the next book in the series.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers 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

Leslie Gould is the author of the bestselling Courtships of Lancaster County series and coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 bestselling The Amish Midwife. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She resides with her family in Portland, Oregon.

Giveaway

To enter to win a copy of Leslie’s Amish Promises click on the words, “Entry-Form” below:

Entry -Form

This giveaway ends on June 7th at 11:59 PDT.

Hutterite Diaries

The Hutterite Diaries by Linda Maendel is a 150 page memoir about the Hutterite people. It is published by MennoMedia and was released on May 18, 2015. To purchase your own copy, click here.

Overview

What would it be like to share all your possessions and live in Christian community?

In Hutterite Diaries, Linda Maendel offers a rare glimpse into the daily routines and communal faith of her people, the Hutterian Brethren. From stories of working together to bring in the fall potato harvest to laugh-out-loud tales of sisterly love laced with revenge, Maendel invites readers into her Bruderhof, or colony, nestled on the prairie of western Canada. Here children and adults work, play, eat, and worship together, crafting a community of goods and living out an alternative to the individualism and consumerism of mainstream society.

Few outsiders know anything about the Hutterites, a Plain Christian group related to the Amish and Mennonites. Maendel’s story invites readers into deeper understanding of this community of faith, calling us to take seriously the example of Jesus and the early church in our daily living.

My Two Cents

The Hutterite Diaries is a delightful and interesting read. The book is written like you are sitting and talking to your friend over a cup of coffee. Hutterite Diaries flowed easily and it only took a couple of hours to read. What was different about this memoir compared to others I have read is that it is divided into sections. Each chapter has an applicable quote at the beginning which gives the reader a preview of what is to come.

Linda shares a lot of her culture and herself. Her love of her people shines deeply though her words. She is honest and caring. The humor and stories she adds to the book make the book fun and joyful. The way Linda uses description makes you draw mental pictures in your mind; it is as if you are right there with her in her community.

Linda includes some of the history of the Hutterite people. This really gives the reader a bird’s eye view of what their people have gone through, yet survived. Linda also discusses some threats to her culture. Her honesty is refreshing.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

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

About the Author

Linda Maendel is a Hutterite author, blogger, and educator who lives in Elm River Colony outside of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Find Linda online: website, Twitter

Giveaway

To enter to win a copy of Linda’s book, click “Entry-Form” below:

Entry -Form

This giveaway ends on June 4, 2015 at 11:59 PDT.

The Proposal at Siesta Key

The Proposal at Siesta Key by Shelley Shepard Grey is a 288 page novel in the Amish fiction genre. It is the second book in The Pinecraft Brides series but can be read as a stand alone. The Proposal at Siesta Key is published by Avon Inspire and was released on May 15, 2015. To purchase your copy, click here.

Overview

A young Amish woman, yearning for freedom, crosses paths with a handsome Mennonite celebrity in a deeply moving tale of friendship and self-discovery—the second installment in the unforgettable New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.

Penny Troyer rarely disobeys her parents. In the years since her sister’s tragic death, they’ve wanted nothing more than to keep her safe…even if it means never leaving the house.

But tonight, she’s bending the rules because Michael Knoxx, the most famous member of The Knoxx Family Singers, a traveling Mennonite Evangelical family —is scheduled to speak. Penny has heard of Michael—how he lost part of his leg in a terrible accident and uses the experience to inspire others—and knows she must meet him. So, for the first time ever, Penny stands up to her parents and goes out on her own.

Though he speaks about living life to the fullest, Michael knows he needs to take his own advice. Life on the road is grueling and Michael wants to slow down, to rest…to perhaps meet someone who sees him as a man, not just a celebrity. So when a twist of fate allows him the chance to stay a little longer in Pinecraft, Michael knows God is showing him a new path, especially when he discovers how much he and Penny Troyer have in common.

But new friendships can’t stop time. Soon, Michael’s time in Pinecraft will be over and he’ll be back on the road. Her time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she’s sure she’ll never have the courage to do?

My Two Cents

The Proposal at Siesta Key is a sweet, easy story that I could read over and over again. Shelley drew me in right from the start and I wanted to keep flipping page after page to see how the story unfolds. I can not wait for the next installment of the series.

The relationships built throughout this book really draw you in. As a parent, I can relate to Penny Troyer’s parents who want to keep her safe and close. Yet, you can understand Penny’s desire to be free and make relationships of her own. I can also relate to Michael and his disability. He struggles with the desire to please his family, who have been through so much, and his desire to be free. Michael wants to please God as well and it is sometimes difficult to know what plan God has for you. Shelley does a wonderful job creating depth in these characters and the tension she adds makes you want to keep reading.

The Proposal at Siesta Key is very encouraging and full of wisdom. Shelley has a phenomenal way of interweaving the truth of “life is not easy” while also reminding us to cherish each moment we have because we can never get that moment back.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. Grab your coffee and banana nut muffin and join me in Florida at the Orange Blossom Inn! This is one book you will want to read again!

Thank you to Litfuse Chicks for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the Author

Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Find Shelley online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Two Giveaways

Simple Harvest Reads Giveaway

There are two giveaways you can enter to receive a copy of Shelley’s new book, The Proposal at Siesta Key. To enter my giveaway, Click “Entry-Form” below:

Entry -Form

This giveaway ends on June 3, 2015 at 11:59 PDT.

Small print: This giveaway is sponsored by Simple Harvest Reads. The winner will be contacted via e-mail and will have 30 days to claim their prize. Simple Harvest Reads is not responsible for prizes lost or damaged by the post office.

To enter Shelley’s giveaway, click below:

As Love Blooms Review

As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad is a 320 page novel in the Christian historical romance genre. It is the third installment in The Gregory Sisters series but can be read as a stand alone. As Love Blooms is published by Revell Publishers and was released on May 19. To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes & Noble, click here.

Overview

Tessa Gregory is nothing if not tenacious. Denied a position as a horticulturalist at prestigious Como Park in Saint Paul, she is not above a little benevolent deception in order to get the park superintendent to change his mind and hire her. She plans to infiltrate the world of wealthy and influential people in hopes of drumming up financial support for a world-class conservatory. But before she can put those plans into action, she meets Reese King, a handsome gardener at Como Park–and a major distraction. Still, Reese might be the key to achieving her dream. But is his goal to help her . . . or to capture her heart?

Against a lush backdrop of early twentieth century Saint Paul, Minnesota, Lorna Seilstad weaves a sweet and sassy story that is sure to please. Tessa’s young romance opens like a rose, stealing readers’ hearts and filling their senses with the intoxicating fragrance of dreams come true.

My Two Cents

As Love Blooms is a sweet story about a girl who finds love while struggling to fulfill her dreams and struggling to find who she is during a time in history that was redefining women. The relationship between the sisters is wonderfully constructed and the reader can see their strengths, weaknesses, struggles and support of each other throughout the story. The girls relationship with their Aunt Sam is different than most relationships but you can see how much love they have for each other.

The book also focuses on Reece and his struggle to step out of his father’s spotlight. I enjoyed his relationship with is friend, Erik and his wife as well as his landlady. This relationship gave insight into his character making it a pleasure to read a book that toggles between two main characters.

In the background of As Love Blooms is the focus on horticulture. The story reflects the knowledge and research completed by the author regarding this subject. There was a lot of interesting information given and the nuances about what was popular at the time or going on in horticulture during that time in history added to the story. Added to this is the question of women being involved professionally in the horticulture industry or just in private homes makes the story line interesting.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to Revell Publishers for a free copy of As Love Blooms in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation has be received and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

A history buff, antique collector, and former high school English teacher, fan favorite Lorna Seilstad is the author of When Love Calls, While Love Stirs, and the Lake Manawa Summers series. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Lorna lives in Iowa with her husband. Learn more at www.lornaseilstad.com.

Giveaway

To win a copy of As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad, click on “Entry-Form” below:

Entry -Form

This giveaway ends on Tuesday, May 26 at 11:59pm PDT.

The Choosing Review

The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker is a 448 page dystopian novel. It is published by Tyndale and released on May 19, 2015. To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes & Noble, click here.

Overview

Like all citizens since the Ruining, Carrington Hale knows the importance of this day. But she never expected the moment she’d spent a lifetime preparing for―her Choosing ceremony―to end in disaster. Ripped from her family, she’ll spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. She knows it’s her duty to follow the true way of the Authority.

But as Carrington begins this nightmare, rumors of rebellion rattle her beliefs. Though the whispers contradict everything she’s been told, they resonate deep within.

Then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, yet she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her.

My Two Cents

I have to admit when I received this book I was a little nervous about reading it. Ted Dekker’s books are great and I was concerned I would be disappointed. I wasn’t! Rachelle drew me in from the beginning and I was hooked until the last page. The Choosing leaves a good impression on the reader and makes you want more. She has stepped out of her father’s shadow and is creating an amazing one of her own.

The writing in The Choosing is excellent. Rachelle uses such detailed descriptions you feel as if you are right there with the characters. Where some dystopian novels feel disjointed and are hard to follow, The Choosing flowed well and was easy to understand. I loved how Rachelle addresses the issue of worthlessness in her novel. Most everyone has dealt with this issue at some point in their life and she does a marvelous job of pointing to who we should be getting our self-worth from: God. Where most dystopian novels leave you feeling bleak, The Choosing leaves you feeling hope.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. After reading many dystopian novels, this one was new and had a refreshing take.

Thank you to Tyndale Publishers for a free copy of The Choosing in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through the avenue of storytelling. She writes full time from her home in Nashville, where she lives with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat Blair.

CALLED TO BE AMISH REVIEW

Called to Be Amish by Marlene Miller is a 256 page novel Amish Memoir. It was published by MennoMedia and released on February 9, 2015. To purchase your own copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes & Noble, click here.

Overview

Fewer than one hundred outsiders have joined the Old-Order Amish—and stayed—since 1950. Marlene C. Miller is one of them.

In this rare memoir, Marlene recounts her unhappy and abusive childhood, how she throws herself into cheerleading and marching band, and how she falls in love with Johnny, the gentle young Amish man who helps her lace her ice skates.

Against the wishes of both sets of parents, Marlene and Johnny get married and begin a family. Follow the author on this unusual journey to find out how God’s love called her out of bitterness and depression and into the warm embrace of her new Amish community.

Accompany her as she dons an Amish dress and prayer covering and gets baptized. Learn how she endures the strain of ten children, a hundred-acre farm, and accidents and tragedy, and find out how she comes close to walking away from it all. Turning Amish has proven to be anything but plain and simple for this former majorette. But nearly fifty years later, Marlene is still living out God’s call as an Old Order Amish woman.

My Two Cents

Called to Be Amish gives a rare glimpse into the life of the Old-Order Amish. Reading this memoir was like sitting down with a cup of coffee and talking to an old friend who you are eager to catch up with. Marlene opens up and deeply shares about her life: The good, the bad, and sometimes the ugly. The questions to the author at the end are a must read – very interesting and informative. There are yummy, must try recipes included as well.

Marlene shares and explains many of the Amish traditions in Called to Be Amish. Her writing is not polished like other authors, however, this gives the memoir authenticity. The reader feels as if they are right in the midst of Marlene’s life watching the events as the unfold. She shares her beliefs as if she was having a conversation with you; she is not preachy or trying to convert you to her way of thinking. Marlene is just sharing her story with you. It felt like a privilege to get to read her story.

What shines through in Called to Be Amish is the love of Christ shown by Marlene, her husband, and most of her husband’s family. The sacrifices Marlene made to show her love for Christ and how her life changed after her conversion really makes is inspiring and very encouraging. This book inspired me to take a hard look at my life; at what is important and what I am willing to sacrifice for Christ.

I give Called to Be Amish 5 out of 5 stars. With so many television shows and authors who are neither true to the Amish nor their culture, it was refreshing to read a book that accomplished both. You will walk away from this book knowing your life has been enriched by reading it.

Thank you to the Litfuse Chicks for a free copy of Called to Be Amish in return for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all opinions stated are my own.

About the Author

Marlene C. Miller joined the Amish as an adult and has been a member of the Old Order Amish for almost 50 years. She and her husband of 48 years live on a farm in Ohio surrounded by their nine children, more than 40 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Giveaway

To enter to win your own copy of Called to Be Amish, click on “Entry-Form” below:

Entry -Form

This contest ends Sunday, May 24, 11:59 PST.

When Grace Sings Review

When Grace Sings is a 352 page novel in the Amish/Mennonite fiction genre. It is published by WaterBrook Press and released on March 17, 2015. To purchase your copy through Amazon, click here or through Barnes & Noble, click here.

Overview

Alexa Zimmerman wonders if the Old Order Mennonite community in Arborville, Kansas will ever fully accept her. Her family roots here aren’t what anyone thought when she first arrived, but she is hopeful that her culinary and hospitality skills will win the skeptics over. The bed-and-breakfast she’s operating needs to succeed so Alexa agrees to allow Briley Forrester, the hotshot reporter from Chicago, to stay as a long-term boarder not knowing his real motives for being amongst the Plain folk.

But when Alexa agrees to host her cousin Anna-Grace Braun, the presence of extended family brings out Alexa’s insecurities and sets Briley on the trail to uncovering a web of hidden truths.

Plans for a secure future and the sweetness of young romance hang in the balance when Alexa and Anna-Grace have to face that their secrets are interconnected, binding the two in ways they could not have imagined. They must trust in a loving, heavenly Father and His plan for their futures.

My Two Cents

When Grace Sings is a fast paced novel that gives interesting insight into the lives of the Mennonite peoples. It is the second book in The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy, but can be read as a stand alone. While I did not read the first book, I was able to easily follow the storyline of this book.

This story drew me in right from the beginning. There was romance; there were secrets; there were surprises! It is amazing when an author writes a great story, but to do so with two story lines running simultaneously is phenomenal. I was not able to put it down and read it in one sitting.

The characters were very well developed, interesting and real. You can relate to the struggles they are facing and want to see them succeed. The soul-searching of the characters makes you want to reflect on your own life. One question that really comes to mind while reading is, “Is success worth destroying the lives of others?”

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. My only complaint is the cliffhanger! I want to know what happens and can’t wait for the next book.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity and Blogging for Books for a free copy of When Grace Sings in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation has been received for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

In 1966, Kim Vogel Sawyer told her kindergarten teacher that someday people would check out her book in libraries. That little-girl dream came true in 2006 with the release of Waiting for Summer’s Return. Since then, Kim has watched God expand her dream beyond her childhood imaginings. With over 30 titles on library shelves and more than a 1.5 copies of her books in print, she enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Empty-nesters, Kim and her retired military husband, Don, enjoy a quiet existence in small-town Kansas, the setting for many of her novels. When she isn’t writing, Kim stays active serving in her church’s women’s and music ministries, traveling with “The Hubs,” and spoiling her quiver full of grand-darlings.

Find Kim online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Giveaway

I am very excited to give away a copy of Kim’s wonderful book, When Grace Sings. To enter click on “Entry-Form” below:

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This giveaway ends May 21st at 11:59 EST.

No Place to Hide Review

No Place to Hide by Lynette Eason is a 336 page novel in the Christian romantic suspense genre. It is published by Revell and released on May 5, 2015. To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes & Noble, click here.

Overview

It’s not every day you see your childhood friend and one-time crush on national news. Jackie Sellers just wishes it were under different circumstances. She can’t believe that Ian Lockwood is wanted in connection with a terrorist plot, and she’s determined to find him and help him clear his name. But she’s not the only one looking. The FBI wants him captured. The bad guys want him dead. Ian just wants to stay alive long enough to save thousands of innocent lives.

My Two Cents

From the first page of No Place to Hide, I was hooked! Although slow in certain places, there were many surprises and the suspense made you want to keep reading. It is obvious that Eason has done her research and the storyline was very believable. Friendship is an overall theme in this novel and it inspires the reader to contemplate the friendships in their lives as well as how much you would sacrifice for them.

The characters in No Place to Hide were interesting and well developed. I really enjoyed how Eason weaved in Jack Sellers faith into the storyline. The interactions between all the characters helps to draw the reader into the story and although there is romance, it takes a backseat to the suspense which made the book even more enjoyable.

This is my first experience with Eason’s books however, I was able to follow the story like a stand alone. I am looking forward to reading more of her books.

I give No Place to Hide 4 out of 5 stars. Christian suspense readers will really enjoy this book!

Thank you to Revell Publishers for a free copy of No Place to Hide in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series and the Deadly Reunions series, as well as No One to Trust and Nowhere to Turn. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She has a master’s degree in education from Converse College, and she lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

Giveaway

To enter to win a copy of Lynette Eason’s No Place to Hide, click on the words “Entry-form” and fill out the information.

Entry -Form

This giveaway ends on Monday, May 18 at 11:59am.

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.

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

A Love Like Ours Review

A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade is a 368 page novel in the Christian Contemporary Romance genre. Although it is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. It is published by Bethany House Publishers and released on May 5, 2015. To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes and Noble, click here.

Overview

Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.

When Lyndie James, Jake’s childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion’s reluctance to run.

Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake’s will, Lyndie’s sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he’s built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he’d thought he’d lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?

My Two Cents

A Love Like Ours is a sweet romantic novel full of wonderful characters and imagery. Where most romances focus on two main characters, A Love Like Ours includes many characters which adds richness and balance to the story. The inspiration and hope portrayed throughout this novel is an encouragement to anyone but especially those trying to overcome the struggles in their life.

I love the relationships that are revealed and created throughout A Love Like Ours. Lyndie, one of the main protagonists, has a sister who is disabled. Wade weaves both the difficulty of having a disabled family member and the joy a disabled family member can bring into the story beautifully. She also gives an eye opening account of what servicemen suffer when coming home and trying to adapt to everyday life.

The plotline of A Love Like Ours centers around horse racing, something I have never had much exposure too. Wade does a magnificent job of making it easy for the reader to follow this plotline by including pertinent information regarding horse racing in an interesting way. The storyline does drag a little in the middle, however, the horse racing plotline helps to move the story along.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It is an encouraging read.

Thank you to the Litfuse Chicks and Bethany House Publishers for a free copy of A Love Like Ours in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market, took time off to raise her children, then felt God nudging her to pursue contemporary Christian fiction. Becky’s work has been a finalist for both a RITA and an INSPY Award.

Giveaway

To enter to win a copy of Becky Wade’s new book A Love Like Ours, click “Entry-Form” below.

Entry -Form

This giveaway ends on May 8 at 11:59 PST.

Becky Wade’s Giveaway

To celebrate the release of her new book, Becky is giving away a $100 cash card and a book-inspired prize pack!

One grand prize winner will receive:

A $100 cash card
A copy of A Love Like Ours
A copy of the Secretariat DVD
A scarf
A dog-tag/cross keychain
A pair of earrings
A Scarf
A Texas-shaped cutting board
A Jake Porter mug

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 26th. Winner will be announced May 27th on Becky’s site.