Joyful by Shelley Shepard Gray

Joyful || Return to Sugarcreek series

A young Amish couple gets a second chance at love in New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray’s final book in her Return to Sugarcreek series.

Randall Beiler is doing his best to put his family and the farm’s needs first, even forsaking love. But though he tries, Randall knows he needs help caring for his younger siblings and keeping the house together.

When his brother offers pretty Elizabeth Nolt a job taking care of the house and cooking for the family, Randall is furious—and guilty about the way he once broke Elizabeth’s heart. But when he learns that Elizabeth and her grandmother are struggling to make ends meet, he knows the offer, no matter how painful, is the right thing for everyone.

Elizabeth wants to refuse—to stay far away from the man who hurt her—but she needs the money. Though she vows to protect her heart, spending time in the Beiler household makes Elizabeth realize that, while she’s older and wiser, her love for Randall still burns strong.

Randal, too, seems to want something more. But does he want Elizabeth because he truly loves her—or because he needs a housekeeper? If Randall sincerely wants something more, he must find a way to show Elizabeth—or risk losing his chance at love forever.

My opinion: I have read some of Ms. Gray's previous works and have enjoyed them so I was excited to receive this book and I was not disappointed. Once again Ms. Gray did a great job at writing an engaging book with enjoyable characters and enough going on to keep one intrigued. I look forward to reading more books in the series in the future. Such a good, easy read!

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Sweet

I was beyond excited to get a copy of this book as I have always loved the Food Network and this book certainly did not disappoint. This book is filled to the brim with delicious looking recipes that are perfect for anyone who has a sweet tooth. I was delighted by how many of the recipes were made from items you would very well have on hand. Some of the items were very unique though and I cannot wait to give them all a try!
I highly recommend this book for anyone as the recipes are easy to understand, the photography is exquisite and everything looks delicious.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

All's fair in love and cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant

{MORE ABOUT ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND CUPCAKES}

All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes || (Zondervan, September 2014)

Kat inspected rows of the same old cupcakes. They seemed to blink back at her, as if they knew she was capable of so much more.

Kat Varland has had enough of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggie’s bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.

But when Lucas Brannen, Kat’s best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.

As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself—her—is suddenly in danger of slipping away.

The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Kat’s senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana.

My opinion: I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I am a huge fan of books where best friends fall in love (probably because my husband and I started off as friends before falling in love) so I was very excited to receive this book and it certainly did not disappoint! This was the first book by Betsy St. Amant that I have read and I totally fell in love with her style of writing! I found it very engaging and the characters were realistic and very likable, quirks and all! 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Love Story by Nichole Nordeman

I was intrigued with the idea of this book, having been a huge fan of Nichole Nordeman's music I was interested in reading a book by her. Overall the book was pretty good, but for some reason her style of writing did not do too much for me. I am sure others would find it more to their liking but overall I really did not get into the book as much as I expected to.  It was more like personal musings of Nichole's over various scriptures and Biblical characters than anything.


I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Home to Chicory Lane by Deborah Raney

Home to Chicory Lane || Book 1, A Chicory Inn Novel

Landyn longs for home, but her mother may have other plans.

Audrey Whitman’s dreams are coming true. Now that their five kids are grown, she and her husband, Grant, are turning their beloved family home into a cozy bed and breakfast just a mile outside of Langhorne, Missouri.

Opening weekend makes Audrey anxious, with family and friends coming from all over to help celebrate the occasion. But when Audrey’s daughter, Landyn, arrives, the U-Haul she’s pulling makes it clear she’s not just here for a few days. Audrey immediately has questions. What happened in New York that sent Landyn running home? Where was Landyn’s husband, Chase? And what else was her daughter not telling her? One thing was for sure, the Chicory Inn was off to a rocky start. Can Audrey still realize her dream and at the same time provide the comfort of home her daughter so desperately needs?

My opinion: This was a sweet read that I really enjoyed. It is great book about faith and family that sticks with you long after finishing it. There was quite a bit going on and I found the book very engaging.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Bend your brain

Bend your brain is an excellent book. I know that I was excited about giving my brain a work out and this book certainly did it!! I found this book to be very interesting and good for your brain all at the same time.
I think this book would be great to take with one on the go as you can do it here or there and it is super interesting.

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thief of Glory by Sigmund Brouwer

What a wonderful book! Written by master storyteller Sigmund Brouwer this book is a fascinating story woven around a lesser known bit of history. This book tells the coming of age story of young Jeremiah who went through unspeakable hardship as a young man. This book is heart wrenching and shows the cruelty of man  and will stick with you long after you have put it down.
This book is an excellent read for men and women alike and it really draws one in. I highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.