#romance – Page 2 – Simple Harvest Reads

Love’s Rescue Review

Love’s Rescue by Christine Johnson is a 352 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre. It is the first book in the Keys of Promise series. Love’s Rescue was published by Revell and was released on June 2, 2015. To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes & Noble, click here.

Overview

When her mother dies, Elizabeth Benjamin heads home to Key West, determined to transform herself into the perfect Southern belle her parents always wished her to be. But nothing goes according to plan. Her crippled brother resents her, the servants do not obey her, and Rourke O’Malley, the dashing man she vowed to forget, refuses to relinquish his hold on her heart. Worst of all, it becomes painfully obvious that her father is not the upright man he appears to be.

As family secrets come to light, Elizabeth is faced with a difficult choice: to do her duty and abandon her dreams, or to leave her life of privilege behind to chase the man her father sees as little better than a pirate.

From the first emotional page, author Christine Johnson throws readers into a world of impossible choices, hidden desires, and heart-melting romance in the steamy south. Readers will cheer for Elizabeth and Rourke as they battle the odds and the elements to secure their future.

My Two Cents

Have you ever done something you know you will regret forever? Have you ever wanted to please someone but doing so will break your heart? Meet Elizabeth Benjamin, the protagonist of Love’s Rescue who deals with these issues to find she needs to trust in God for answers. This book has everything you can want in a novel: Love, family, friendships, suspense, sacrifice, secrets, tension and much more. There are parts where the tension is palatable and you want to reach into the book to strangle a character. I loved it from the beginning, turning page after page and finished in one sitting.

This was my first experience reading Christine Johnson and it was very enjoyable. It was apparent the amount of research and knowledge that was poured into the novel. The setting of Key West, Florida during the 1850s was a perfect setting for this novel and Christine’s love for the area was evident. The storyline included the occupation of wreckers which I was not familiar with, however, Christine integrated her historical knowledge into the story wonderfully and it was easy to follow.

The theme of forgiveness is strong in this novel. It shines marvelously through the characters Christine creates and is very encouraging to the reader. It makes the reader reflect on matters that need forgiveness in their own lives and remember how much forgiveness God has given them. It is enjoyable to read a well-written book, yet is even more enjoyable when the reader can walk away with something worthy to apply to their own lives. Christine does this with her debut novel, Love’s Rescue, and I am looking forward to reading more from her in the future.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. Come take an adventure on the seas as well as in the historical Key West with a book that will leave you feeling encouraged at the finish!
Thank you to Revell Publishers for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.

About the Author

Christine Johnson is the author of several books for Steeple Hill and Love Inspired and has been twice named a finalist for Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart award. When not writing, she loves to hike and explore God’s majestic creation. She and her husband, a Great Lakes ship pilot, split their time between northern Michigan and the Florida Keys. Learn more at www.christineelizabethjohnson.com.

Giveaway

To enter to win your copy of Love’s Rescue, click “Entry-Form” below:

Entry -Form

This giveaway ends on June 9 at 11:59pm.

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.

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.

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:

Entry -Form

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

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.

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!

Every Bride Needs A Groom Review

Congratulations to Ellen who won the giveaway for Every Bride Needs a Groom.

Every Bride Needs a Groom by Janice Thompson is a 368 page novel in the Christian romance genre. Published by Revell, it is the first novel in the Brides With Style collection and was released on April 21, 2015. To purchase your copy of Every Bride Needs a Groom from Amazon, click here or from Barnes and Noble, click here.

Overview

Small-town girl Katie Fisher is busy planning her fairy-tale wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn’t managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn’t mean she shouldn’t enter a contest in Texas Bride magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? Anyway, she’s sure he’ll be getting down on one knee any time now. And a one-of-a-kind designer dress doesn’t just fall out of the sky right when you need it.

But when Katie’s boyfriend takes a job in another town and breaks up with her–on the very same day she wins her dream dress–her world is turned upside down. Dare she go to Dallas to claim her prize? And will the hunky pro basketball player who runs the beyond-swanky bridal shop–yeah, you read that right–discover her humiliating secret if she does?

My Two Cents

Every Bride Needs A Groom is a fun and charming book that is a fast paced read. Cute titles for each chapter and a quote from a famous person sets the theme for each chapter. The southern nuances add to the charm and makes the storyline believable.

The characters are quite the characters which makes the book an interesting read. The family dynamic casts tension throughout the book but reminds you of southern values where love and family are cherished. Thompson weaves humor into the story as well and some places had me laughing until I cried.

Every Bride Needs A Groom makes you yearn for small town life where you can meet at the local Dairy Queen on Friday nights. If you enjoy reading Christian romance, you will love this sweet story. I rate this book a 5 out of 5.

About the Author

Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the hugely popular Weddings by Bella series, the Backstage Pass series, and the Weddings by Design series. She lives in Texas. Learn more at www.janiceathompson.com.

Thank you to Revell Publishers for a free copy of Every Bride Needs a Groom in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was given and all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Giveaway

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Janice Thompson’s new book Every Bride Needs A Groom by clicking “Entry From” below.

Entry -Form

Contest ends Sunday, May 3 at midnight PST.

To Win Her Favor Review

To Win Her Favor is a 384 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre. It was published by Zondervan and will be released on May 12, 2015. To pre-order your copy, click here.

Overview

A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who could help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing forever.

An Irishman far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He’s come to Nashville for a fresh start, hoping to buy land and begin farming, all while determined to stay as far away from thoroughbred racing as possible. But starting over proves harder than he’d wagered, especially when Maggie Linden’s father makes him an offer he shouldn’t accept yet cannot possibly refuse.

Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance—and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder—Maggie’s father, aging, yet wily as ever, makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail—Maggie must marry a man she’s never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.

My Two Cents

To Win Her Favor is a lovely fast paced novel that has its setting right after the Civil War. The plotline pulled me in right away and Alexander kept me engaged with suspense, romance, and a bit mystery. The research completed for this book is thorough, accurate, and gives the story authenticity. The novel includes difficult historical topics both truthfully and respectfully. The reader can gain an understanding of how life could be during this time.

The characters of To Win Her Favor have personality, grit and a realness that makes you empathize with them even though we do not live in the same time period. For example, Maggie has worked hard for her dream and it would break her heart to lose it all so she makes a desperate decision. I think many of us can relate to how Maggie feels. Alexander does an incredible job of making a story authentic to the time period, yet relatable to today.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. This amazing romance will sweep you back in time and leave you wanting more when you are finished.

About the Author

Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville, Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don’t forget Jack, their precious—and precocious—silky terrier.

Find Tamera online: website, Facebook, Twitter

A big thank you to Litfuse chicks and Zondervan for a free copy of To Win Her Favor in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation has been received and all opinions expressed are my own.

Celebrate the release of To Win Her Favor with a Kindle Fire and book giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

A Kindle Fire HD 6
A copy of To Win Her Favor

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 10th. Winner will be announced May 11th on Tamera’s blog. Plus stay tuned for more opportunities to win after May 11 with a special Pinterest contest—more details coming soon!

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

The Creole Princess Book Review

The Creole Princess by Beth White is a 352 page novel in the historical Christian fiction genre. It is published by Revell on April 7, 2015. Click here to purchase from Amazon or here to purchase from Barnes and Noble.

Overview

All along the eastern seaboard, the American struggle for independence rages. In the British-held southern port of Mobile, Alabama, the conflict brewing is quieter–though no less deadly. The lovely Frenchwoman Lyse Lanier is best friends with the daughter of the British commander. Rafael Gonzalez is a charming young Spanish merchant with a secret mission and a shipment of gold to support General Washington. As their paths cross and their destinies become increasingly tangled, Lyse and Rafael must decide where their true loyalties lie–and somehow keep Lyse’s family from being executed as traitors to the British Crown.

My Two Cents

The Creole Princess is a fast-paced novel that keeps you on your toes. It is very apparent that White did a lot of research on both the history of the time period as well as the setting in which the novel takes place; this shines through in her writing. There are several cultures represented throughout The Creole Princess and the nuances added to her characters from each culture make them very authentic. Added to all of this, the history represented is not very well known so you learn something new.

There are many solid characters in The Creole Princess; some you love and some you hate. They come to life and give you a small glimpse of what it would have been like to live during this time period. White excels at creating tension through her characters and their situations which makes it hard to put her book down. You can not wait to see what happens next. The main protagonist, Lyse, illuminates love, grace and forgiveness. She makes you want to be a better daughter, sibling, wife, and friend.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It will definitely be one I will read again!

About the Author

Beth White is the award-winning author of The Pelican Bride. A native Mississippian, she teaches music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama. Her novels have won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers’ Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. Learn more at www.bethwhite.net.

Thank you to Revell and Beth White for a free copy of The Creole Princess in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received for my opinions expressed in this review.

Double Cross Review

Double Cross by DiAnn Mills is a 400 page novel in the mystery suspense genre. It is published by Tyndale House Publishers on March 20, 2015. To purchase your copy through Amazon, click here or from Barnes and Noble, click here.

Overview

FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington—and what she sacrificed to put him away—he is now her best lead.

Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family—even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to Laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon.

As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross.

My Two Cents

Double Cross is the second book in the FBI: Houston series but it can be read as a stand alone. It was easy to read and to follow. The intrigue made the novel fast paced once the scene was set and I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next.

This is my first experience with DiAnn Mills novels and it was not a disappointment. Although the book was slow at the beginning, Mills’ characters are well written with flaws that finds the reader feeling empathy for them. Mills uses her characters to show the reader how we can overcome our flaws with the help of our faith which was highly encouraging. I enjoyed how she interwove romance into the novel which made it very believable and not sappy. The relationship Daniel has with his grandparents is very sweet and endearing.

The research behind Double Cross is evident to the reader and it makes the plotline credible. Mills keeps you guessing who is on the side of the good and on the side of the bad and if everyone will make it out safe throughout the novel. I was not able to guess the truth until the author wanted it revealed.

I give this book 4 out 5 stars. If you enjoy reading suspense mysteries with a side of romance, you will enjoy DiAnn Mills’ Double Cross.

About the Author

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for a free copy of Double Cross in exchange for my honest review. No compensation has been received for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Huckleberry Spring

Huckleberry Spring by Jennifer Beckstrand is a 352 page novel in the Christian Amish genre, published by Zebra on January 27, 2015. To purchase your own copy from Amazon, click here or to order from Barnes and Noble, click here.

Overview

Ever since the Helmuths’ grandson, Ben, abruptly broke his engagement and moved to Florida, Emma Nelson has kept busy tending her vegetable garden and raising award-winning pumpkins. She can put her heartache aside to help Ben’s Mammi with her own pumpkin patch. At least until Ben shows up to lend support to his ailing Dawdi. . .

Gardening side by side with pretty, nurturing Emma is a sweet kind of torture for Ben. She could have her pick of suitors who can offer what he can’t, and he cares too much to burden her with his secret. Leaving once more is the only option. Yet Emma’s courage is daring him to accept the grace that flourishes here, and the love that has been calling him back to Huckleberry Hill. . .

My Two Cents

Huckleberry Spring is my first experience with author Jennifer Beckstrand and I was not disappointed. Even though I had not read the previous books, I was able to follow the storyline with ease. I was drawn in and read the book in one sitting. I could not put it down!

Beckstrand did a fantastic job in bringing her characters to life. I love the relationship of Anna and Felty (Mammi and Dawdi). They are such a cute couple who bring humor to the story which I haven’t found in many Amish stories. The tension between Emma and Ben drives the plotline of the story and keeps you reading. Anna’s brother and Ben’s sister also add tension and humor to the story.

Huckleberry Spring will make you experience a whirlwind of emotions. It was an encouragement to me to remember that it is important to trust God, to not let pride get in the way of the plans God has for us and the consequences of what can happen when we do.

I can not wait to read the next installment in this series and I want to go to read the first three. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

About the Author

Jennifer Beckstrand is the bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer has been nominated for the RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award, and Huckleberry Hill won the 2014 LIME Award for Inspirational fiction. Both Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Christmas appeared in Examiner.com list of top ten inspirational books for 2014.

Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a background in editing. She and her husband have been married for thirty years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and three adorable grandsons, whom she spoils rotten.

A huge thankful to Perspectives By Nancee and Jennifer Beckstrand for the giveaway in which I won a copy of Huckleberry Spring. I have received no monetary compensation for my opinions nor my review.