BOOK REVIEW: Dark Deception by Nancy Mehl

Kate O'Brien has been leading a quiet life in small-town Shelter Cove, Arkansas, for the past four years when her past suddenly comes roaring back to life. Four years ago, she and her twin sister were attacked by an elusive serial killer. Only Kate survived, and it was her drawing of the attacker--along with some last-minute evidence--that convicted the suspect.

She's been in witness protection ever since, but new evidence suggests the convicted man isn't the murderer and she's been subpoenaed to testify in the new trial. Nervous about the risk, she'll only agree if the same marshal who protected her during the original trial escorts her to St. Louis.

Deputy U.S. Marshal Tony DeLuca accepts the assignment to bring Kate to the trial, remembering how her strength impressed him. While in Shelter Cove, however, he gets a call from his chief, advising them to stay in Shelter Cove until a new development in the case can be straightened out. But when Kate's safety is threatened, Tony must race against the clock to keep her alive and put this ugly case to rest before anyone else gets killed.

There's something to be said for a book that keeps me guessing right up to the very end.  Even when I thought I knew what was what I was only partially right and so way wrong at the same time.  I was drawn to this book when I saw it on my Bethany House list and jumped because I had to read it.  I didn't care that it was second in a series, I was confident that if it didn't read well without the first under my belt that I could grab it from the library.  We are talking mystery, intrigue, a touch of romance, and faith all set in my own backyard.  I mean, we all know a mystery is the way to my heart.  Closely followed by basically almost every other genre there is.  

I got a bit caught up in the conundrum of all the characters.  I had to go back and re-read a paragraph or page a couple of times like 'who was what?'.  Once I had that down it was better sailing through.  There were also all the aliases to be contended with.  While it was somewhat overwhelming with my lack of ability to remember names the story flowed through with so many twists and turns that I was kept guessing at every one.  All in a good way.

Mehl did such an amazing job creating well rounded characters with an intricate story line that drew me in and kept me guessing.   Seriously, one thing that is rare is for me to be 100% in the dark about the 'who did what with which weapon in what room' of a book.  I had ideas that were partly right.  Right person in the wrong roll doing a different thing.  I managed to read this in one setting in just a few hours time, I was so drawn in to the story.  That, is the hallmark of an amazing book.  

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House and NetGalley.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

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About Nancy Mehl

Nancy Mehl lives in Crystal City, Missouri with her husband Norman and her very active puggle, Watson. She’s authored over twenty-six books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing and Guidepost Books.
All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”

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BOOK REVIEW: Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette

In the Depth of the Storm's Shadow, Only Truth Can Light Her Way

Having escaped Egypt with the other Hebrews during the Exodus, Shira is now living in freedom at the foot of Mt. Sinai, upon which rests the fiery glowing Cloud containing the shekinah glory of God. When the people disobey Yahweh and build a golden idol, the ensuing chaos gives Shira an unexpected opportunity to learn the arts of midwifery. Although her mother wishes for her to continue in the family weaving trade, Shira's gifts shine brightest when she assists with deliveries. In defiance of her mother, Shira pursues her heart's calling to become an apprentice midwife.

When a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira finds herself bound to a man who betrayed her, the caretaker of three young children, and the target of a vengeful woman whose husband was killed by Shira's people, the Levites. As contention between the Hebrew tribes and the foreigners fans the flames of another dangerous rebellion, Shira will come face-to-face with the heartbreak of her past that she has kept hidden for so long. How can she let go of all that has defined her to accept the love she's denied herself and embrace who she truly is?

A continuation of the Out of Egypt series, Cossette takes us back to Mount Sinai and the story of Shira.  Shira was pivotal in the first book (Counted with the Stars) in bring Kiya, an Egyptian slave, and her family with them as they left Egypt.   As Shira deals with the extended time at the Mount and deals with her own history, her desires for her own future, and the influences of her family onto all of those things, she also learns to trust herself, her family and Yahweh.  A fictional account of the exodus from Egypt and the Israelites time in the desert Shira's story is one of faith, redemption, and holds so much value for even today's world.  It's not cushy feel good faith, it's gritty in it's honesty and redemptive in it's progression.  

Shira feels called to midwifery but her mother wants her to continue with the tradition of weaving.  Shira not only does not enjoy weaving but also has little patience or talent for it.  Approached by an honored midwife within the tribe, Shira feels as though her calling is to follow that path.  In defiance of her mother she chooses to apprentice herself under Reva (the midwife) and knows in her heart that it's where she belongs.  Despite the fact that she has not and will not ever have children of her own, which is considered a detriment as a midwife since there can be no personal understanding, Shira thrives on this path.  Until she is present for a birth that the mother does not survive.  Dvorah, also apprenticing under Reva, helps to push Shira away with her accusations that Shira is to blame.  Dvorah was an enigma for me in this story.  I didn't understand why she mattered to the whole when she was introduced.  She frustrated me with her attitude, her seeming ability to win despite the less than honorable things she did and thought, and her ultimate betrayal to Shira.  Perhaps that was her point but good gravy did I despise her as I'm certain I was intended to do.  

Shira's story could only be completed by Ayal.  Shira's history in Egypt was not for the faint of heart.  Taken advantage of as a young girl by an Egyptian overseerer she was not only emotionally very scarred but also physically.  Things done to her at so precious an age left her barren.  Something she was shamed by, knowing she would never have children of her own and fearing it would ever prevent her from marrying.  After leaving midwifery behind and returning to weaving after the death Shira is forced to deal with her own actions and reactions to what happened.  Ayal wants to marry Shira, wants to have her be the full-time mother to his children after their mother passes away.  His background is not all sunshine and roses either and their friendship to romance path has more switchbacks than a donkey trail through the Grand Canyon.  

There's a lot of about, a lot of history and not a lot of me thus far.  All of the history is so vital to my feelings about this book.  I was so drawn into the characters I'd already met, emotions so engaged with each new character as well.  I loved, I despised, I felt apathy, I felt frustration.  This book lead me exactly where I needed to go with a story line that was well crafted and characters that I engaged with.  This book hit every mark for me and I cannot wait to begin the third and final book of the series.

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 About Connilyn Cossette

Connilyn Cossette is the CBA-Bestselling author of the Out from Egypt Series from Bethany House Publishers. There is not much she likes better than digging into the rich, ancient world of the Bible, discovering new gems of grace that point to Jesus, and weaving them into an immersive fiction experience.

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BOOK REVIEW: An Amish Summer by Shelley Shepard Gray, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Irvin

A new novella collection of sweet, summer romances from some of our favorite Amish authors!
A Reunion in Pinecraft by Shelley Shepard Gray
When sisters Sharon and Sherilyn Kramer attend a wedding in Shipshewana, one of them returns with a new penpal while the other returns to her job at the bakery. After sending weekly letters back and forth, Sherry and Graham Holland arrange a reunion in Pinecraft. Upon Graham s arrival, however, he realizes he s been writing to the wrong sister. He decides to use the reunion as a way to get to know both sisters, but can he sort through the confusion in time to turn the worst vacation ever into something truly wonderful?

Novella's are so hard for me.  I miss out on things that simply can't be accomplished in such a short span.  The author did a really good job of taking a previous event and making it real through the letters and interactions of the participants.  She set the scene of the mix-up so well that you don't feel like you missed a terrible lot.  It did bothered me that he seemed so clueless and wasn't able to separate what was in his eyes from what was in his heart and head from the letters. I feel like opportunities to develop more into these characters was lacking and there were a few phrasings that seemed awkward and off.  Gaa, to review a short novella in a short paragraph is hard!  This was a great first story to this compilation and I'd definitely be interested in seeing these characters in a full length novel.


Summer Storm by Amy Clipston
Arianna is counting down the days until her wedding to Jesse. They have been friends longer than Arianna can remember, and that friendship turned into love over the past couple of years. But when Arianna s brother Isaac, who happens to be Jesse s best friend, gets them both into trouble, Arianna's father puts an end to her engagement to Jesse. Some summer storms pass quickly, but Arianna is afraid the damage from this one may be too much to repair.


I feel like I just read the Amish version of an After School Special.  Only better.  And not cheesy.  The author managed to build characters, a plot, and a cohesive story in a novella package that leaves you feeling like you almost read a short full-length novel.  An emotionally abuse father, poor choices as teens that affect how other's view you as an adult, and using alcohol as a coping mechanism.  Any of that feel like it would easily describe any English family on any street in America?  It's not just any English family in America, it's the Smucker family in Amish country.  It's real and gritty and engaging and I don't think I'd want it any other way.


Lakeside Love by Kathleen Fuller
Esther has always lived in the shadow of her beautiful younger sister Sarah. Even the boy she has known and loved her entire life, Judah, only has eyes for Sarah. But when a handsome young Englischer comes to live with the family for a summer, everything begins to change.

How do I begin to review this novella.  I really liked the story in that it pulled everything together in such a sweet way without resorting too much into cliche.  However, there were a few near pet peevy things that my mind keeps wandering back to.  Not soap box material but well...I don't know.  What bothered me the most is the way Judah and Ester's feelings changed so quickly.  While it's more realistic to think that Judah did realize quickly what he had been missing with Ester, how Ester's change in thought and belief I just can't buy.  When you feel backseat your entire life and someone that you care for suddenly professes their love it's not an 'oh really, I love you too' moment.  It's more a are you pulling my leg, what do you want, why do you tease me sort of moment.  It's a taking time to show over and over again that it's real and developing trust in new feelings. This story was sweet and engaging.  The characters were well developed for such a short time span though with the 'one year later' after part I feel like so very much was lost.  These characters would do better as a full length novel where their whole story could come to life.  

One Sweet Kiss by Kelly Irvin
Everybody in little Bee County, Texas, can see the obvious: Jacob King and Martha Byler are meant to be together. Everyone, that is, but Martha. Ever since her mother died when Martha was a young girl, she has taken over the role of caregiver to her large family. And reckless Jacob, who has had a little too much fun on his rumspringa, only seems to add to the list of people to manage. But one summer changes everything, and these two may just find a way to meet in the middle and share one sweet kiss.

 What could have been an incredible story lost something at the edges.  First, it was hard to truly get into sync with the characters as they seem to have ties into an ongoing story-line elsewhere so there was history and development that are lost.  I feel like Martha uses her mother as a crutch to not make changes for herself and move forward.  Don't get me wrong, I can't begin to imagine the long term effects of such an event happening at such a tender age, but she brings it up as an 'excuse' at such awkward moments that don't blend well to the story and leave me a little bamboozled.  Like the first story in this book, some of the phrasing was off and read awkwardly.  There were some rough scene transitions as well.  I loved the side story of Simon and Amanda.  This story would have greatly benefited from my knowledge of events that played out here but are obviously referenced in other books.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Kathleen Fuller and NetGalley.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

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About Shelley Shepard Gray

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two children in college, and is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and currently leads a Bible study group, and she looks forward to the opportunity to continue to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.
When she’s not writing, Shelley often attends conferences and reader retreats in order to give workshops and publicize her work. She’s attended RWA’s national conference six times, the ACFW conference and Romantic Times Magazine’s annual conference as well as traveled to New Jersey, Birmingham, and Tennessee to attend local conferences.

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About Amy Cliptson
I enjoy spending time with my family, including my hubby, my two wonderful sons, my mom, and my four spoiled-rotten cats. I love reading.
I'm an advocate for organ and blood donation. I donated a kidney on June 14, 2011, at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Through my donation, my husband received a second kidney transplant. My husband and I matched another couple and we swapped kidneys with them. I gave a kidney to my husband's donor's wife. Feel free to email me and ask me what it was like to be a kidney donor. It was one of the most amazing experiences in my life. If you're healthy, please donate blood! Also, become an organ donor.

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 About Kathleen Fuller

Kathleen Fuller is the best-selling author of over thirty books, including the Hearts of Middlefield series.

1. I started writing January 1, 2000. New year, new millenium, new career.
2. I’m a former special education teacher, specializing in teaching the blind and visually impaired.
3. I was born in New Orleans, LA, raised in Little Rock, AR, and call Geneva, OH my home.
4. On June 12, 2013, my husband and I will celebrate twenty years of marriage.
5. We have three awesome kids.
6. I love chocolate. ‘Nuff said.
7. I’ve written and published over twenty-five novels and novellas.
8. I also write nonfiction–interviews, devotionals, Bible studies, essays, blog posts…
9. We have three dogs–Biscuit, Mollie, and Chief. And one cat, creatively named Kitty.
10. If I could go anywhere in the world I would go to Ireland.
 
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About Kelly Irvin

The Kansas native is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Journalism. She has been writing nonfiction professionally for more than thirty years, including ten years as a newspaper reporter. She recently retired after working 22 years in public relations for the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Alamo City Christian Fiction Writers.
Kelly is married to photographer Tim Irvin.  They make their home in San Antonio, Texas. They have two young adult children, two grandchildren, and two ornery cats. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories and read books by her favorite authors, especially mysteries and romantic suspense novels.

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BOOK REVIEW: With You Always by Jody Hedlund

When a financial crisis in 1850s New York leaves three orphaned sisters nearly destitute, the oldest, Elise Neumann, knows she must take action. She's had experience as a seamstress, and the New York Children's Aid Society has established a special service: placing out seamstresses and trade girls. Even though Elise doesn't want to leave her sisters for a job in Illinois, she realizes this may be their last chance.

The son of one of New York City's wealthiest entrepreneurs, Thornton Quincy faces a dilemma. His father is dying, and in order to decide which of his sons will inherit everything, he is requiring them to do two things in six months: build a sustainable town along the Illinois Central Railroad, and get married. Thornton is tired of standing in his twin brother's shadow and is determined to win his father's challenge. He doesn't plan on meeting a feisty young woman on his way west, though.

Before I even begin this review I am just gonna say it:  I love this book.  If you haven't read the prequel 'An Awakened Heart', available for free download from Amazon and Barnes & Noble, then get it now.  This story follows Elise (you meet her in the prequel) as the financial crisis hits New York City.  Businesses close, job opportunities dry up and even the Seventh Street Mission is affected.  Elise does what she can to protect her sisters and the children they were left in care of.  She's given an opportunity to relocate to the west (Illinois) via the New York Children's Aide Society.  They helped secure transportation via the train to her new opportunities and ensured a job once she arrived.  What they fail to mention is that the working conditions and the pay are just as bad, if not worse than New York.  They also fail to mention how long it will take to pay back travel expenses.  They actually fail to mention a lot.  We'll address that later.  En route to her destination she meets Thornton.  And with many twists and turns history is made.  In more ways than one.  

I've said it before and I'll keep saying it.  Hedlund is a powerhouse for setting a scene that draws you in.  She engages your entire being into the world she creates.  You can smell the stench of unwashed bodies and filth, you can see the haze of coal smoke from the buildings and trains.  You can envision the flat nothingness that is Illinois over the stacked hustle and bustle of people on top of people that was New York.  You may be wrapped up in your cozy reading spot but you are 'there' in the moment that Hedlund takes you too.  You have to look again at your hands to make sure they aren't covered in soot or chapped by manual labor.  When she first introduced the Quincy family I wasn't sure why they mattered a chapter.  But when Elise met up with Thornton on the streets of New York I knew there were important things to come.  

Another thing that Hedlund excels at is her knowledge (read I'm sure days upon days of research) of the time period she is writing and the social and moral issues of the time.  She takes on the plight of poor immigrant families in Lower Manhattan (and the Illinois prairie) as though she was one.  She takes on the inequality of the rich and poor, male and female, adult and child as though she actually experienced all of those things personally.  She does so in a way that is appropriate to the time without coming across as a social injustice warrior attacking where we have come from.  When Elise stands up for what she thinks and gets fired for what she says, well you know that good things are coming.  And like Thornton I am confident there were other's like him that when confronted with things that needed changed made the hard decisions to buck 'tradition' and make those changes.  They weren't many, they weren't common, and they aren't necessarily documented and lauded by history.  Change is slow. Even necessary change.  

Honestly, there's nothing I did not like about this book. The characters spoke to me, the spent hours engaged in their lives.  The story spoke to me and for a small fraction I can almost imagine I was there.  I am ever so grateful to the author, Jody Hedlund, and her publisher Bethany house (via NetGalley) for allowing me the opportunity to pre-review this book.  I know my life is different and I cannot wait for future installments in this series.


I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Jody Hedlund, Bethany House, and NetGalley.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

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 About Jody Hedlund 

Winner of the 2016 Christian Book Award for fiction and Christy Award for historical romance, best-selling author Jody Hedlund writes inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

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Goodreads Monday

Goodreads Monday is a weekly meme hosted by Lauren's Page Turners. To take part, you simply choose a random book from your TBR and show it off. Don’t forget to check out her blog and link back to Lauren’s Page Turners.

I feel like maybe, perhaps I might have read this some years ago.  Maybe.  It's been in my Kindle library since May of 2013.  It sounds so interesting to me!

Fifteen-year-old April Somerfield is a shy, self-loathing misfit who would blend in with the wallpaper, if only the wallpaper were a little less attractive. In a family line of gorgeous, successful women, April’s a fluke. At Prescott High School, she’s a walking punch line.

A school project sends April on the hunt for her mother’s mysteriously missing yearbooks, and upon finding them she uncovers a big secret. It turns out that being “hit with an ugly stick” is a surprisingly literal occurrence in April’s family tree—a curse has been passed down from mother to daughter for centuries. But when April sees a chance to finally ditch the family curse, she must decide if becoming beautiful on the outside is worth giving up the person she is meant to be.

What's been siting on your eReader list for entirely too long?  Share in the comments below!

RECIPE: Jacked Up Potatoes

I remember growing up my aunt frequently made some hash brown and cheese something that was called Party Potatoes.  I frequently made my own version thereof with shredded potatoes instead of frozen hash browns and just did my own thing with it.  It morphed a few times over the years but really settled when I made a mistake at the store one day.  Teach me not to pay attention when grabbing sour cream from the dairy case.  I got home with sour cream and chive dip.  The rest is history.  It has replaced sour cream in all the savory dishes and replaced French Onion dip for most chip dipping as well.  It's fresh and light with flavor.  Who needs the other?  but I got sidetracked.  The reason I was buying sour cream to begin with is to make my potatoes.  I wasn't going back to the store, one trip was enough, so I just made do.  And they never tasted better.  It's comfort food, fairly easy to make, and just plain yummy in a pinch.  So, since it's a stormy day in the neighborhood and I was craving something with comfort written on it I whipped up a pan. 

Again, this is from my own personal archive (meaning never written down, never measured, just pulled from my head) so there's not real need for measuring instruments.  Just go based on your flavor choices and how many servings you want.

Ingredients:
Frozen hash browns
Sour cream and chive dip
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Minced onions
Cheese (I prefer cheddar mixed with something a bit milder as well)

Directions:
Really simple placed the frozen hash browns in just enough water to cover and boil.  I know, I know the old recipes doesn't call for this but trust me, it makes a difference in the end product.  I mix in some of the minced onion as well because well, flavor.  Meanwhile I take a bit more minced onion and the powders and mix it into the dip.  The onion softens and the flavors get started with their bonding process. 
When the potatoes boil remove from heat and drain.  Drain thoroughly as you don't want a ton of extra liquid floating around your final dish. Add to the potatoes the dip mix and cheese.  Mix thoroughly and then pop into a preheated 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Before the oven!

Once finished serve and enjoy!

Golden and Bubbly!

BOOK REVIEW: The Farmers' Market Mishap by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter

Return to Amish Country in Topeka, Indiana, and the Hochstetler twin sisters who are pulled apart by lifes changes. Elma is living alone for the first time in her life after Thelma married. Elma has dated some, but she wonders if she is just too picky to find love. Will she remain alone while Thelma moves on to build a family? Find out in this brand new romance from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, writing with her daughter-in-law Jean Brunstetter.

Thelma and Joe have settled in across the street from Elma and are expecting their first child.  Elma has adjusted to a cat in the house and actually kinda maybe likes said cat. Things at the store are going well, well as well as they can with the hired help being who they are.  But...Elma is lonely.  She's bored and lonely.  And a chance encounter, nee mishap at the twin's booth at the farmer's market begins a new adventure for Elma.  Difficult decisions must be made, huge changes happen to both girls, and life carries forth as it must.

I was very excited to be able to get this book via NetGalley and from the author.  I loved the first book "The Lopsided Christmas Cake" and couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. And I hate to admit it but this one didn't quite live up to the first one.  Kristin (you know blogging partner in crime at A Simply Enchanted Life) liked this one better.  I feel the opposite.  Don't get me wrong, I really like the book.   I loved jumping back in with the twins.  My heart went out to Elma and her loneliness and the stress of having all the household responsibilities herself as well as most of the store responsibility as well.  I loved that the 'mishap' at the farmer's market started her down a path of courtship so similar to the path her sister took after the cake fiasco in the first book.  I loved the parallels and continuations.  I loved that they were also so different.  The ending though, well I can't give it away.  Let's just say I appreciate the fact that it didn't follow a preset pattern of romance tales while also leaving even me guessing up to the last little bit.  I don't get lead down a winding path easily.

I'm doing things a bit out of order and backward and not the way I like to do them.  I prefer to touch on the drawbacks in a book in the middle paragraph so that I can end on a bright spot.  Though I don't have truly overly negative things to say but there are a couple of things to address.  Characters.  The newer characters introduced in this book didn't feel as dimensional and fleshed out as the others.  They were missing true depth which made it hard for me to really care about them.  Ben felt like a flannel cutout of what he could have been.  The other drawback for me was unnecessary story lines that never went anywhere or that didn't hold up to what they could have been.  The bees in the store.  That could have had so much more to it than just 'I see bees, I see bees and the help gets stung, I get new screens, the end of bees'.  The car accident had potential to truly draw more for the story.  The same for the storm.  They had potential to grow characters and grow the story line deeper and didn't go there.  

Let's face it, the fact that the love story drew me down the shadowed winding path outweighs the misses of the book.  Hence the bump to 4 star review.


I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley and Wanda Brunstetter via Barbour Publishing.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

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About Wanda E. Brunstetter

Wanda E. Brunstetter is an award-winning, New York Times best-selling author of Amish and historical fiction. She's also written Amish cookbooks, Amish-themed devotionals, and several children's books with Amish characters.
Wanda E. Brunstetter writes about the Amish because they live a simple life, which she feels we all need in this day and age.
Wanda and her husband Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, have Amish friends in several Amish communities.
Besides writing books, Wanda's a professional ventriloquist. In her spare time she photography, gardening, knitting, looking for shells and agates on the beach, and spending time with her family.

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About Jean Brunstetter

Jean Brunstetter enjoys writing about the Amish and takes every opportunity to visit her Amish friends in many communities.

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